William Maley

The effects of the on-going trade spat between the U.S. and China are beginning to be felt. According to Reuters, BMW is increasing the pricing on the U.S.-built X5 and X6 crossovers for the Chinese market. In a statement, BMW said the price increases will range from four to seven percent. This will only make a small dent in the 40 percent tariff being slapped on U.S. made vehicles entering China. BMW will be absorbing the remainder of the tariff for the time being. “BMW stands for free (trade) but can’t stand still without taking actions to respond to the market changes,” said a BMW spokeswoman. The German automaker isn't the only one to raise prices on vehicles destined to China. Reuters has learned from dealers that Mercedes-Bena has raised the price of the GLE-Class, which is built in Alabama. Source: Reuters View full article

Porsche has been hard at work on their first electric vehicle, the Taycan (formally known as Mission E). With just under a a year to go before Porsche unveils the final product, the German automaker decided to release some technical information. Beginning with the powertrain, the Taycan will use two permanently synchronous motors (one mounted on each axle). This will produce a combined output of 600-plus horsepower. Porsche claims a 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) time of under 3.5 seconds. The large lithium-ion battery pack provides overall range of 600 kilometers (about 310 miles). When the battery does become depleted, it will only take 15 minutes for an 80 percent charge when plugged into an 800-volt charger. The Taycan will also support 400V chargers, though Porsche hasn't revealed how long it will take for a recharge. Porsche is looking to build 20,000 Taycans per year at their Zuffenhausen facility in Germany when production kicks off next year. Source: Porsche View full article

A new report from Autocar says that Land Rover has filed a trademark application for "Road Rover". It could be that Land Rover is keeping prospective or like-sounding names under their umbrella, not leading to a new model. But in the case of the Road Rover, there might be more to this. Back in September, we brought to the light the Road Rover project. This model is being aimed at the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and is reportedly being developed alongside the next-generation Jaguar XJ. As the name suggests, the Road Rover will focus primarily on on-road performance but still have some off-road chops. Power is expected to come from a set of electric motors. Autocar says the model could debut at next year's LA Auto Show. Source: Autocar View full article

Ford truck lineup will be growing by one with the introduction of the Ranger early next year. But a new report from Automobile says there's another truck in the cards, one that is smaller than the Ranger. Ford is working on a replacement for the Brazilian market Courier subcompact pickup truck, last sold in the 2013 model year. The model is expected to move from an old Fiesta platform to the platform underpinning the new Focus. This has caught the eye of Ford's product planners in the U.S. and there are plans to possibly bring it here by 2022. Production is expected to take place in Ford's Cuautitlan, Mexico plant. Currently home to the Fiesta, the plant will switch over to producing a new Focus-based crossover sometime in 2020, followed by the new truck. The elephant in the room deals with the NAFTA negotiations. Currently, trucks built in Mexico aren't subject to the 25 percent 'Chicken Tax'. But who knows what could change in next year or so considering not much progress has been in the talks. Source: Automobile View full article

The talk about whether any of the major auto shows still matter has been going on for few years as a number of automakers pulling out has been increasing. But what you haven't heard is a major head of automaker questioning them, until now. “Motor shows are dead,” said Herbert Diess, chairman of the Volkswagen Group. “They are a product of the 1960s and they are not as relevant anymore. They’re not delivering what we want and they’re not delivering what car buyers want.” The Detroit Auto show is a poster child of this as automakers in the past few years have been pulling out. Reasons are numerous: Automakers are holding their own events as they can control the message and not fight with others for attention in the spotlight. It's also quite expensive as an automaker needs to design the exhibit, bring in labor to build and tear down, getting the vehicles to the show, and much more. Diess believes the likes of the Goodwood Festival of Speed could be one way for the auto show to evolve. “People need to see more interaction with the product. They expect it. Those days of relying on tradition are gone. It’s events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed that are showing us the modern way to show cars to people.” Organizers of the Detroit Auto Show are taking note. Earlier this week, organizers announced the show would be moving to June in 2020 and feature such things as rides and drives of new vehicles. Source: Motoring View full article

Ford is making their high-line F-150 Limited a bit more special for the 2019 model year by dropping in the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 from the Raptor. The high-output version of the 3.5 makes 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This makes the F-150 Limited the most powerful light-duty pickup on sale - outgunning the 6.2L V8 found in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500. The only visual clue to the high-performance motor under the hood is the dual exhaust pipes out back. Other changes for the 2019 Limited include a new two-tone leather option and a massaging function for the front seats. No word on pricing, but the F-150 Limited goes on sale later in year. Source: Ford 2019 F-150 Limited Gains High-Output EcoBoost V6 Making It The Most Powerful, Advanced And Luxurious F-150 Ever Powerful: Thanks to the addition of a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine, the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited is the most powerful light-duty pickup in America Advanced: New F-150 Limited offers a showcase of Ford technologies ranging from optional Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ to standard 360-degree camera system; FordPass™ Connect 4G LTE modem provides Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices Luxurious: Updated interior incorporating new Camel Back two-tone color also includes heated, ventilated and massaging leather front seats, genuine ash swirl wood trim, premium aluminum-wrapped bezels and tasteful detailing to create a luxurious cabin DEARBORN, Mich., July 26, 2018 – For Ford pickup fans who love Raptor power but want a more upscale package, America’s truck leader is delivering with the new 2019 F-150 Limited. “F-150 Limited customers create their own success. The truck is their reward,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “They wanted more power, so we combined Raptor’s engine with Limited’s business-class features to deliver Baja fierceness, boardroom style and the grit to tackle tough jobs.” Rated at 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, the new Ford F-150 Limited leads the competition, offering more power than any light-duty pickup on the road. F-150 Limited sports a new dual exhaust system with exhaust tips smoothly integrated into new rear bumper cutouts. Only the best In addition to improved performance, F-150 Limited’s refined cabin delivers an elegant, purposeful interior that is also Built Ford Tough. Customers are treated to a luxurious cabin that features the best of the best in terms of Ford craftsmanship, material quality and head-turning design. “It was important for us to get this interior just right as we continue to raise the bar for premium pickup trucks,” said Aileen Barraza, Ford color and materials manager. “The materials we chose to incorporate are authentic, distinctive and durable.” Luxurious materials used throughout include a Miko® suede headliner and leather-topped instrument panel and door panels. “The gradated ash swirl trim is like something you see in a fine instrument,” said Barraza. “Each piece is hand-finished, and a halo around the edges with a heavily polished center really brings out the natural beauty of this wood.” New Camel Back two-tone leather is soft to the touch and multicontour front seats feature Active Motion® for lumbar support and a soothing massage to help reduce lower back and leg fatigue. A heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated captain’s chairs provide additional comfort in the front. Each new F-150 Limited includes a laser-etched plaque on the center console armrest bearing its serial number. Every aspect of the truck’s interior has been scrutinized down to the smallest detail – even the holes in the microperforated leather are enlarged to improve cooling performance. Signature design elements include raised Limited lettering on the hood, polished aluminum 22-inch wheels, unique satin-finish grille and tailgate applique, and satin-finish window trim and door handles. Standard power-deployable running boards, remote start, tailgate release and a twin-panel moonroof helps make the new F-150 Limited a premium choice. Technology to enhance F-150 Limited customers expect purposeful technology in a premium pickup truck. An integrated trailer brake controller is standard, as is a 360-degree camera with split-view display with dynamic hitch assist to simplify the hitching process. Class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ is optional to make maneuvering easier by letting drivers rotate a knob to control its direction, with the truck automatically steering to follow the course selected. F-150 Limited’s driver-assist technology works to reduce daily stress. Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality allows drivers to set a cruising speed, and then uses radar and camera technology to monitor traffic ahead to maintain a set distance between vehicles – even following one down to a complete stop. Standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking helps drivers avoid or mitigate collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. Active park assist to aid in parallel parking, plus a Lane-Keeping System that provides alerts and assistance with lane drift are standard as well. F-150 Limited features SYNC® 3 with AppLink™, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, and a FordPass™ Connect 4G LTE modem that provides Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices. Audiophiles will appreciate the standard B&O PLAY™ audio system by HARMAN. Ford offers a light-duty pickup for every truck customer – from the work-ready Ford F-150 XL to the top-of-the-line Ford F-150 Limited. Look for the 2019 F-150 Limited, the most powerful, advanced and luxurious F-150 ever in dealer showrooms later this year. View full article

As we reported earlier this week, Avenir has proven to be a success for Buick. The trim makes up about 25 percent of Enclaves sold and has raised the average transaction price by $5,000. It should come as a no surprise that the Buick is planning to expand Avenir to another model. The Truth About Cars stumbled across General Motors’ fleet order guide for 2019 and found that the Regal Sportback will be offered with the Avenir trim. It will only be available with the 2.0L turbo-four with front-wheel drive - meaning 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet (down 35 lb-ft when compared to the AWD variant), but coming with a nine-speed automatic. The Regal Avenir will come loaded with standard equipment. For the exterior, a set 19-inch wheels come finished in what Buick calls Pearl Nickel, LED headlights, and a set of cornering lights The interior gets an 8-inch infotainment system with a Bose audio system. Also standard is the Driver Confidence Package 1 that brings four-way lumbar adjustment, heated mirrors, wireless charging pad, rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, and lane change alert with blind spot monitoring. Optional is the Driver Confidence Package 2 that brings adaptive cruise control, Lane Keep Assist, automatic emergency braking, and front pedestrian braking. TTAC expects the Regal Avenir sometime towards the end of summer. We're expecting it sometime later in the year. Source: The Truth About Cars, GM Fleet Order Guide View full article

We have seen the A-Class hatchback and the stretched A-Class sedan. Last night, Mercedes-Benz finally revealed the 2019 A-Class sedan for the U.S. This will take the place of the CLA as the entry point for Mercedes-Benz. The regular A-Class sedan is the same as the long-wheelbase variant in terms of design; large grille, trapezoidal headlights, and bold lines along the side. Overall length is 2.3-inches shorter than the LWB variant (179.1 vs. 181.4 inches). Interestingly, the new A-Class sedan is very close in size to the current CLA - slightly shorter in overall length (179.1 vs. 182.3 inches) but having a longer wheelbase (107.4 inches vs. 106.3 inches). Wheels range in size from 17 to 19-inches. The interior matches up with its overseas brethren with a modern dash design, and a pair of screens (either 7 or 10.25-inches) featuring the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder producing 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and the choice of front or Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. An torsion-beam rear axle is standard on the front-wheel drive A-Class when equipped with 17-inch wheels. Opt for either the larger wheels or AWD and the rear suspension changes to a four-link independent setup. No word on pricing, but the 2019 A-Class sedan will be arriving at Mercedes-Benz dealers towards the end of the year. Source: Mercedes-Benz The all-new A-Class Sedan Compact entry into the world of Mercedes-Benz premium sedans Jul 26, 2018 – Brooklyn: The family of compact cars from Mercedes-Benz continues to grow: the all-new A-Class Sedan will launch at the end of the year. The four-door sedan has a wheelbase of 107.4 inches and the proportions of a dynamic and simultaneously compact sedan with short front and rear overhangs and boasts impressive space in the interior. In addition, the sedan model has A-Class virtues familiar to the rest of the world. These include a new and efficient engine and high levels of safety thanks to the available state-of-the-art driving assistance systems on par with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The new A-Class is also the first vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup to introduce the intuitively operated MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system. The all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan will celebrate its World Premiere in Brooklyn, NY in July 2018 and will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2018. "Following the successful start of the A-Class, things at Mercedes-Benz are happening in quick succession with regard to the new family of compacts. In response to the wish of many customers, we now offer the A-Class for the first time as a sedan," says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. "Anyone looking for a compact, sporty sedan with a separate trunk now has a new, attractive alternative. It will attract new customers for Mercedes-Benz." The new generation of compacts has made a key contribution to the rejuvenation and image-change of the Mercedes-Benz brand. The launch of the four-door CLA Coupe in 2013 was the first time a compact car from Mercedes-Benz was sold in the U.S. market. In 2017, nearly one in two buyers of a Mercedes-Benz compact car in the U.S. had previously driven a competitor vehicle, and more than 50-percent of the CLA custome rs were new to Mercedes-Benz (first-time buyers and conquests). The 1997 A-Class originally established the compact car segment of Mercedes-Benz that exists today. Since then, more than six million models have been delivered worldwide. As the seventh model, the A-Class Sedan further expands the range of Mercedes-Benz compact cars. A logical addition, because with the C, E and S-Class, Mercedes-Benz continues to hold its position as a top-manufacturer of premium sedans. The key dimensions of the new A-Class Sedan: Length: 179.1 in Width: 70.7 in Height: 56.9 in Wheelbase: 107.4 in The A-Class Sedan offers great utility with roomy shoulder, elbow and headroom and easy access to the rear. The improvement to rear headroom space is particularly exceptional and the trunk was designed for practical usability with a large trunk opening that allows for comfortable loading and unloading of larger luggage items. Engine & Performance The A-Class Sedan will be available as an A 220 and as an A 220 4MATIC, both equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine that produces 188 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. Equipment & Appointments: KEYLESS-GO® with HANDS-FREE ACCESS Available The standard equipment for the A 220 and A 220 4MATIC is extensive and includes the revolutionary MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system with touchscreen) with Voice Control. As with every Mercedes-Benz, safety is also a top priority, so sophisticated safety systems including Active Brake Assist and adaptive braking technology with Hill Start Assist and the HOLD function are standard. In addition, the A-Class Sedan can be customized with unique design and equipment lines including Progressive (standard) and the optional AMG Line. A Night Package is also available as an option. KEYLESS-GO with HANDS-FREE ACCESS will also be one of the available options. The HANDS-FREE ACCESS function conveniently enables the hands-free and fully automatic opening of the trunk lid with a kicking motion of the foot under the rear bumper. Design: Superior Sportiness and Modernity The A-Class Sedan seamlessly embodies the design idiom of Sensual Purity with its purist design that emphasizes distinct yet harmonious surfaces. Clear, formal shapes emphasize surface areas with reduced lines and precise gaps. The new A-Class Sedan has the proportions of a dynamic and compact sedan with short front and rear overhangs. The deep greenhouse and compact rear-end contribute to the vehicle's dynamic boost. The 17 to 19-inch wheels and pronounced wheel arches give the A-Class Sedan a sporty stance on the road. The design of the front-end looks very progressive. This impression is enhanced by the low, elongated hood, the chrome slim-line headlamps, the torch-like daytime driving lights, the optional single-louvre diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and, of course, the central star. A precisely characterized line runs along the muscular and sensual shoulder to emphasize the perfectly contoured side volume, while the side mirrors sit on the beltline. The two-part taillamps emphasize the width of the rear end. The rear reflectors were relocated to the modular two-part rear bumper. Depending on the selected equipment, the rear bumper is available with a black diffuser or with a chrome trim strip and chrome tailpipe tips. Interior Design: Revolution from Within The interior of the new A-Class is completely redefined with a modern, avant-garde look. Mercedes-Benz has taken a completely new approach, revolutionizing the compact class from the inside to create a new feeling of spaciousness. The unique interior architecture is predominantly reformed by the avant-garde design of the dashboard. The designers completely dispensed with the cowl above the cockpit. As a result, the wing-shaped main body of the dashboard extends from one front door to the other with no visual discontinuity--the widescreen display is completely free-standing. The sporty turbine look of the new air vents is another highlight. Below the main body is a low-lying section with fenders that appear to float, as there are no connections or shape transitions to the surrounding area. The ambient lighting accentuates the free-floating impression of the substructure. The 64 colors of the optional ambient lighting make five times as many colors available than before. It is not just the variety that has increased, as the emotional presentation also sets new standards in this segment. The different colors are composed into ten color themes to create a lighting display with spectacular color changes. The fully free-standing cockpit is available in two configurations: Two 7-inch displays (standard) Two 10.25-inch displays (optional) MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience: Unrivalled Experience The new A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the completely new MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system -- ushering in a new era for connectivity. A unique feature of this system is its ability to learn thanks to Artificial Intelligence. MBUX is customizable and adapts to the user, creating an emotional connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers. Depending on the specification, further strengths include the high-resolution widescreen cockpit concept with a touchscreen media display with Augmented Reality capabilities, a digital instrument cluster display, Intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition - activated with the keyword "Hey Mercedes." The touchscreen is part of the comprehensive MBUX touch-control concept – a triad consisting of the Touchscreen, Touchpad on the center console and Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel. A head-up display is also optionally available. MBUX revolutionizes the user experience in the car. Emotionally appealing features underline the comprehensibility of the control structure through brilliant 3D maximum-resolution graphics which are calculated and displayed in real time. New and improved connected services are being launched with the new multimedia generation MBUX. These include the functions based on Car-to-X Communication (information from vehicle to vehicle on events recorded by sensors, e.g. emergency braking, ESP® intervention, or a manual system message from the driver, e.g. about an accident) and vehicle tracking, which makes it easier to find the parked car. INTELLIGENT DRIVE: Functions from the S-Class The A-Class is optionally available with the very latest driver assistance systems with functions adopted from the S-Class. For the first time, the A-Class is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain conditions. To do this, it keeps a close eye on the traffic situation with improved camera and radar systems that allow it to see more than 1,500 feet ahead (up to 500 meters). The A-Class also uses map and navigation data for certain assistance functions. For example, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® is able to provide route-based support to the driver in numerous situations and predictively adjust the speed when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts. Active Emergency Stop Assist and the intuitive Active Lane Change Assist are also included as part of the Driver Assistance Package. Active Brake Assist is standard for the new A-Class. Depending on the situation, it can help to effectively mitigate or avoid the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead. The system can even recognize crossing pedestrians and cyclists, and can intervene or support the driver in possible collision scenarios. Active Lane Keeping Assist is able to warn the driver by means of pulsed vibrations in the steering wheel when the vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane at speeds between approximately 37 and 125 mph. If the vehicle passes over a solid line, it can pull the vehicle back into the lane by applying the brakes on one side. In the case of a dotted line, such intervention takes place only when there is a danger of collision with a vehicle in the adjacent lane (including danger from oncoming traffic). PRE-SAFE® PLUS can recognize an imminent rear-end collision. If the vehicle is stationary and the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the brakes, thus minimizing the risk of a secondary collision and of injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear. Passive Safety: Highly Stable Passenger Compartment and Modern Restraint Systems The new A-Class is also the first Mercedes-Benz model to be developed at the new Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety (TFS). The design of the vehicle structures incorporates findings from research into real accidents. Every single body shell component was developed according to loads and stresses encountered, with respect to geometry, material thickness, joining technology and material quality (increased proportion of high-strength and ultra-high-strength sheet steel). The centerpiece of the body's safety concept is the highly rigid passenger compartment. A greater use of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and press-hardened sheet steel results in an impressive rigidity when subjected to accident-induced stress – for example, in frontal, lateral or rear-end collisions and roll-overs. The driver and front passenger seats each have a three-point seat belt with a belt force limiter and belt tensioner. As standard, the new A-Class is equipped with driver and front passenger airbags, a driver's knee airbag and window airbags. Unlike in many competing models, the window airbags cover the A-pillar for more complete passenger protection. Thorax-pelvis side airbags are also standard in the front and available as an optional addition for the rear. LED Intelligent Light System: Optimum Visibility in All Conditions The optional LED Intelligent Light System is another example of the technology transfer from the luxury to the compact class. It allows for the extremely quick, precise and electronically controlled adjustment of the headlamps to suit the given traffic situation. Each headlamp features multiple individually actuated LEDs. The daylight-color of the LEDs is easy on the eyes and positively effects concentration. The road ahead is precisely and brightly illuminated. As standard, the new A-Class is equipped with LED Headlamps with integrated LED Daytime Running Lamps. Suspension: Agile and Comfortable There is a choice of suspension systems for the A-Class depending on driver preference. The line-up of wheels ranges from 17 to 19 inches. The front axle of the new A‑Class features a McPherson design. For models with 4MATIC, adaptive damping or larger wheels are fitted with a complex four-link rear axle. All other models have a weight-optimized torsion-beam rear axle. Production: Aguascalientes, Mexico and Rastatt, Germany Production of the new A-Class Sedan will begin this year in Aguascalientes. The COMPAS (Cooperation Manufacturing Plant Aguascalientes) joint-venture production plant in Central Mexico will expand the Mercedes-Benz Cars compact-car production network to five locations on three continents. COMPAS is a cooperative project with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Daimler and Nissan each hold 50% of the shares in COMPAS. Production of the new A-Class Sedan at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt Plant in Germany will start in 2019. Rastatt is the leading plant for compact cars in the global production network. The plant is responsible for the global production control as well as quality and supplier management. In addition, it supports smooth start-ups at the other plants by training their employees and offering other services. In April, the new generation of A-Class compacts already began coming off the line in Rastatt. The all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan will celebrate its World Premiere in Brooklyn, NY in July 2018 and will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2018. 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