William Maley

FORD SALES UP 6.7 PERCENT IN NOVEMBER; F-SERIES ACHIEVES BEST SALES IN 16 YEARS, WHILE FORD SUVS POST BRAND’S BEST NOVEMBER SALES IN 17 YEARS Highlights: Ford Motor Company’s U.S. sales totaled 210,771 vehicles for November, a 6.7 percent gain over 2016 Retail performance was up 1.3 percent compared to a year ago, with sales of 156,064 vehicles F-Series saw its best November results since 2001 with 72,769 pickups sold – a 0.9 percent gain; customer demand for high series trucks remains strong Ford Transit sales totaled 10,852 vehicles for November, a 47.1 percent gain. Overall Ford van sales, including Transit Connect and E-Series, posted their best November results since 1984 Ford brand SUVs gained 13.4 percent on 68,139 vehicles sold, while retail advanced 11.6 percent for the month; We are seeing strong interest in the all new Expedition which recorded its first sales in November Explorer sales totaled 21,520 vehicles, representing a 24.8 percent gain for the month and 24.2 percent at retail – the SUV’s best November in 13 years Edge sales were up 22.5 percent, establishing a new November record; Edge retail sales were up 25.5 percent, while total Escape sales gained 9.1 percent Focus sales were up 44.9 percent, for the fifth straight month of gains, with 13,226 cars sold Lincoln MKX sales increased 6.9 percent in November, Interest is strong for the all-new Navigator which recorded its first sales for the month

FCA US Reports November 2017 Sales FCA US retail sales up 2 percent, compared with same month a year ago A 25 percent year-over-year decline in fleet sales is in line with the FCA US strategy to reduce sales to the daily rental segment Chrysler brand sales up 14 percent; Chrysler Pacifica minivan posts best sales month ever Sales of all-new Jeep® Compass up 34 percent; best ever November sales December 1, 2017 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC today reported sales of 154,919 units, a 4 percent decrease compared with sales in November 2016 (160,827 units). In November, retail sales of 129,539 units were up 2 percent compared with the same month in 2016 and represented 84 percent of total sales. In line with FCA’s strategy to reduce sales to the daily rental segment, fleet sales of 25,380 units were down, as expected, 25 percent year over year. The largest planned volume reduction in November fleet sales came from the Jeep® brand, which reduced its fleet sales number by 75 percent year over year. Fleet sales represented 16 percent of total FCA US November sales. The Chrysler Pacifica minivan and the all-new Jeep Compass each posted record sales in November. Pacifica sales were up 51 percent for its best sales month ever, while Compass sales increased 34 percent for its best November sales ever. The Jeep Grand Cherokee recorded its best November sales since 2003. Other FCA US vehicles posting year-over-year sales increases in the month of November were the Chrysler 300, Fiat 500L, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Durango and Ram ProMaster City. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 14 percent in November, compared with the same month a year ago. Both the Chrysler Pacifica minivan and the Chrysler 300 full-size sedan posted sales increases in November. Pacifica sales were up 51 percent, the minivan’s best sales month ever. Green Car Reports named the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid as the 2018 Best Car to Buy. Its sister publication, The Car Connection, named the Pacifica as the 2018 Best Minivan to Buy. Sales of the 300 were up 15 percent in November, its best November sales since 2015. The 300 won the Large Car segment in Edmunds’ Most Wanted awards last month. This recognition honors the most in-demand vehicles based on sales, days-to-turn and shopper interest data on the Edmunds website. Jeep Brand Sales of the all-new Jeep Compass increased 34 percent for its best November sales ever. The Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee each posted year-over-year sales increases. The Grand Cherokee turned in its best November sales since 2003. In addition, Jeep brand retail sales were up 13 percent in November, compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand earlier this week introduced the next-generation 2018 Jeep Wrangler at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – builds on its legendary history with an unmatched combination of off-road capability, open-air freedom, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, authentic Jeep design, superior on- and off-road dynamics, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology features. Dodge Brand Sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Dodge Durango SUV were up year over year in November. Grand Caravan sales increased 28 percent last month, while the Durango posted a 9 percent increase, compared with the same month a year ago. The Dodge brand announced last month that it has begun shipping the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon – the most powerful muscle car in history – to its Dodge dealers in the U.S. Ram Truck Brand Sales of the Ram ProMaster City van were up 21 percent in November, compared with the same month a year ago. In addition, Ram Truck brand retail sales were up 3 percent in November. The Ram Truck brand last month unveiled its new, special-edition 2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport. The Hydro Blue Sport will be the final special-edition Sport the brand will offer in the 2017 calendar year. Previously, Ram launched Sublime (Green) and Copper Sport limited-edition trucks earlier this year and an Ignition Orange edition in late 2016. FIAT Brand Sales of the Fiat 500L increased 32 percent last month for its best November sales since 2015. Alfa Romeo Brand Alfa Romeo brand sales of 1,440 units were up significantly compared with the same month a year ago as the launch of the all-new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV continues in U.S. dealerships. Earlier this week, the editors of Motor Trend named the Alfa Romeo Giulia as its 2018 Car of the Year, best representing exceptional value, superiority in its class and impact on the automotive scene. FCA US LLC Sales Summary November 2017 Month Sales Vol % CYTD Sales Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Compass 9,368 6,984 34% 74,510 86,107 -13% Patriot 384 8,568 -96% 40,495 114,117 -65% Wrangler 13,289 12,957 3% 176,822 176,053 0% Cherokee 16,551 11,479 44% 150,524 183,356 -18% Grand Cherokee 18,614 17,230 8% 217,074 189,023 15% Renegade 7,795 10,067 -23% 95,892 94,561 1% JEEP BRAND 66,001 67,285 -2% 755,317 843,217 -10% 200 359 2,849 -87% 18,125 54,651 -67% 300 2,951 2,566 15% 45,511 49,657 -8% Town & Country 5 350 -99% 571 58,805 -99% Pacifica 13,195 8,753 51% 107,130 52,083 106% CHRYSLER BRAND 16,510 14,518 14% 171,337 215,196 -20% Dart 128 2,203 -94% 9,943 41,877 -76% Avenger 0 1 -100% 12 45 -73% Charger 6,047 9,138 -34% 81,521 88,200 -8% Challenger 3,860 3,908 -1% 60,029 59,176 1% Viper 7 62 -89% 576 571 1% Journey 4,868 7,133 -32% 85,243 96,991 -12% Caravan 8,550 6,696 28% 118,573 120,991 -2% Durango 5,385 4,934 9% 63,214 62,678 1% DODGE BRAND 28,845 34,075 -15% 419,111 470,529 -11% Ram P/U 36,714 36,885 0% 455,816 441,862 3% Cargo Van 0 0 0% 0 21 -100% ProMaster Van 2,555 4,702 -46% 37,131 35,746 4% ProMaster City 1,121 924 21% 13,967 14,625 -4% RAM BRAND 40,390 42,511 -5% 506,914 492,254 3% 500 782 1,147 -32% 12,018 14,026 -14% 500L 127 96 32% 1,553 3,016 -49% 500X 556 822 -32% 6,992 10,869 -36% Spider 268 350 -23% 4,191 2,225 88% FIAT BRAND 1,733 2,415 -28% 24,754 30,136 -18% Giulia 756 0 New 7,892 7 New Alfa 4C 27 23 17% 381 457 -17% Stelvio 657 0 New 1,724 0 New ALFA ROMEO 1,440 23 6161% 9,997 464 2055% FCA US LLC 154,919 160,827 -4% 1,887,430 2,051,796 -8%

BMW Group U.S. Reports November 2017 Sales BMW Group sales total 32,087 vehicles in November BMW brand sales increase 7.1 percent MINI brand sales decrease 10.4 percent BMW Group Electrified Vehicles Sales total 18,416 YTD Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 1, 2017… Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 7.1 percent in November for a total of 28,049 compared to 26,189 vehicles sold in November 2016. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is down 3.2 percent in the U.S. on sales of 271,432 vehicles compared to 280,339 sold in the first 11 months of 2016. Notable vehicle sales in November included the BMW 5 Series, which maintained its momentum and showed strong gains for the fifth straight month, selling 4,002 vehicles. November was also a particularly good month for Sports Activity Vehicles, specifically the BMW X5 and the all-new BMW X3. Sales of the BMW X5 increased 17.5 percent to 5,515 vehicles, while the BMW X3 sold 3,087 vehicles in its first half-month of availability. “November ended in a strong way for us at BMW. This week at the LA Auto Show, we gave everyone a view of what’s to come and now the November sales result has given us the perfect lead-in to what is always the most important sales month of the year, December,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “The indicators for the coming months give us optimism especially as the popular new X3 is now launching across the U.S., the new 5 Series continues building momentum, and BMW Group electrified vehicles accounted for nearly 6% of sales in November.” MINI Brand Sales For November, MINI USA reported 4,038 vehicles sold, a decrease of 10.4 percent from the 4,507 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA reported a total of 42,494 vehicles sold, a decrease of 10.3 percent from 47,372 vehicles sold in the first 11 months of 2016. BMW Group Sales In total, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 32,087 vehicles, an increase of 4.5 percent from the 30,696 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are down 4.2 percent on sales of 313,926 vehicles in the first 11 months of 2017 compared to 327,711 in the same period in 2016. BMW Group Electrified Vehicle Sales Sales of BMW Group electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles increased 27.8 percent to 18,416 through November 2017 (YTD), accounting for 5.9 percent of total BMW Group sales in the U.S. BMW offers six electrified vehicle models in the U.S., including the BMW i3 and BMW i8, as well as the BMW i Performance models: BMW 330e, BMW 530e, BMW 740e and the BMW X5 xDrive 40e. MINI offers the MINI Countryman plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle, which launched in June 2017.

Audi of America marks November sales increase as the new Q5, new-to-the U.S. A5 Sportback and Q7 lead consumer demand Q7 sales rose 26 percent; Q5 increased sales by 31 percent Sales of the new A5 Sportback totaled 1,130 SUV sales increased 23 percent HERNDON, Virginia, December 1, 2017 – Audi of America reported a November sales increase of 12 percent to 19,195 deliveries, as the Q7, new Q5 and the new-to-the U.S. A5 Sportback, lead consumer demand. November was the 83rd straight record sales month for Audi of America. The previous November record was set last year with 17,118 deliveries. Audi has now sold 199,534 vehicles in the U.S. this year. Year-to-date, Audi sales have increased 6.7 percent. "Positive consumer response to the Q7, new Q5 and new-to-the U.S. A5 Sportback shows that Audi's award-winning engineering and technology can succeed in a highly competitive market," said Cian O'Brien, chief operating officer, Audi of America. "Encouraged by robust consumer demand and our annual Season of Audi Sales event, we're positioned for a strong finish to 2017." Consumer demand for the new Q5 and Q7 helped drive November's sales increase. Deliveries of the Q5 were up 31 percent to 5,467. The Q7 deliveries increased to 3,292, and have now increased 23 percent year-to-date. SUV sales for Audi increased 23 percent to 10,351. The addition of the A5 Sportback to the A5 Cabriolet and Coupe lineup has brought total sales to 2,243 over last November. Sales of the A5 Cabriolet and Coupe more than doubled to 1,113. AUDI US SNAPSHOT --MTD-- --YTD-- Model Line Nov '17 Actual Nov '16 Actual Yr/Yr % change Nov '17 YTD Actual Nov '16 YTD Actual Yr/Yr % change A3 1,336 1,669 -20.0% 18,979 24,943 -23.9% A3 e-tron 38 394 -90.4% 2,607 3,691 -29.4% A4 2,690 3,143 -14.4% 30,518 30,678 -0.5% A5 2,243 482 365.4% 18,343 7,763 136.3% A6 1,340 1,532 -12.5% 14,334 16,670 -14.0% A7 453 576 -21.4% 4,357 5,747 -24.2% A8 217 343 -36.7% 2,861 3,648 -21.6% allroad 297 271 9.6% 2,879 1,989 44.7% Q3 1,592 1,613 -1.3% 18,266 18,001 1.5% Q5 5,467 4,187 30.6% 50,109 43,154 16.1% Q7 3,292 2,605 26.4% 33,508 27,288 22.8% R8 39 63 -38.1% 716 654 9.5% TT 191 240 -20.4% 2,057 2,792 -26.3% Total Audi Sales 19,195 17,118 12.1% 199,534 187,018 6.7% Total CPO Sales 3,480 3,705 -6.1% 43,244 41,923 3.2%

New Sales Records Set as Honda and Acura Make Substantial Gains in November Dec 1, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif. Total American Honda sales rise 8.3% for a new November record; trucks also set record with 14.9% gain Honda Division sets new November sales mark, gaining 8.2% Honda Trucks have best-ever November sales with 15.8% increase Honda Civic nets new November record as sales jump 23.2% Honda Pilot with increased supply smashes previous November best with 57.2% gain Acura Division sales rise a robust 9.5% for the month, as both cars & trucks gain Acura RDX gets new record with all-time best November Acura TLX sales climb 12.4% in November American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported November sales of 133,156 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 8.3 percent over November 2016 and a new November record for the company. Honda Division reported an increase of 8.2 percent on total sales of 120,440 for a best-ever November, with cars rising 0.9 percent on sales of 57,459, and Honda trucks up 15.8 percent on sales of 62,981 for yet another new record. Acura Division sales climbed 9.5 percent in November, with cars gaining 11 percent on sales of 3,600 and trucks rising 8.9 percent on sales of 9,116 units. Honda With major competitors clinging to heavy incentives and financing deals to compete, Honda Division gained again in November with a balanced portfolio of strong-performing vehicles. Civic and CR-V each gained more than 23 percent, while Pilot jumped 57.2 percent as higher production volume continues to improve model availability. Accord sales remained strong at nearly 23,000 units, even as supplies of the all-new 2018 model continue to ramp up and reach dealerships nationwide. The all-new Accord received numerous accolades earlier in the week at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, securing a spot on Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list an unprecedented 32nd time, as well as being named a finalist for the 2017 North American Car of the Year award. Honda brand sales gained 8.2 percent on sales of 120,440 units for a new November record. Honda trucks also set a new record, rising 15.8 percent on sales of 62,981 Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the year, the CR-V recorded a 25 percent gain on sales of 32,206 vehicles. Civic also gained substantially, setting a new November sales record of 31,181 vehicles, up 23.2 percent for the month. With production of an entire assembly line now dedicated to Pilot, the mid-size SUV broke through with a 57.2 percent leap on sales of 14,189, also a new November mark. "We remain committed to our long-term strategic plans built around steady and sustainable growth," said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of the Automobile Division & general manager of Honda Sales. "Honda is committed to competing with a focus on creating value for the customer through outstanding products and sales practices that protect the investment they make in the Honda brand." Acura Rising across virtually the entire lineup, Acura sales gained a solid 9.5 percent in November. MDX sales were up substantially with the move to the East Liberty, Ohio plant alongside stablemate RDX. NSX made big strides, while TLX gained 12.4 percent over November 2016. MDX sales gained 15.6 percent for the month, with 5,341 units sold. RDX set a new November record, rising 0.7 percent on sales of 3,775 vehicles. NSX notched sales of 83 units, a gain of 62.7 percent over November 2016. TLX sales were up 12.4 percent on sales of 2,564 in November. "The Acura brand continued its market resurgence at a steady pace benefitting from product, marketing and sales efforts, all aligned behind our Precision Crafted Performance brand direction," said Jon Ikeda, vice president & general manager of Acura Sales. "Our focus for the remainder of the year is to continue to build momentum we can take into 2018." American Honda Vehicle Sales for November 2017 Month-to-Date Year-to-Date November 2017 November 2016 DSR** % Change MoM % Change November 2017 November 2016 DSR** % Change YoY % Change American Honda Total 133,156 122,924 8.3% 8.3% 1,492,112 1,477,465 1.0% 1.0% Total Car Sales 61,059 60,187 1.4% 1.4% 738,402 749,790 -1.5% -1.5% Total Truck Sales 72,097 62,737 14.9% 14.9% 753,710 727,675 3.6% 3.6% Honda Total Car Sales 57,459 56,943 0.9% 0.9% 694,159 701,246 -1.0% -1.0% Honda Total Truck Sales 62,981 54,365 15.8% 15.8% 658,413 632,007 4.2% 4.2% Acura Total Car Sales 3,600 3,244 11.0% 11.0% 44,243 48,544 -8.9% -8.9% Acura Total Truck Sales 9,116 8,372 8.9% 8.9% 95,297 95,668 -0.4% -0.4% Total Domestic Car Sales 55,033 50,531 8.9% 8.9% 627,661 686,399 -8.6% -8.6% Honda Division 51,562 47,427 8.7% 8.7% 584,469 639,145 -8.6% -8.6% Acura Division 3,471 3,104 11.8% 11.8% 43,192 47,254 -8.6% -8.6% Total Domestic Truck Sales 72,097 62,737 14.9% 14.9% 753,710 727,675 3.6% 3.6% Honda Division 62,981 54,365 15.8% 15.8% 658,413 632,007 4.2% 4.2% Acura Division 9,116 8,372 8.9% 8.9% 95,297 95,668 -0.4% -0.4% Total Import Car Sales 6,026 9,656 -37.6% -37.6% 110,741 63,391 74.7% 74.7% Honda Division 5,897 9,516 -38.0% -38.0% 109,690 62,101 76.6% 76.6% Acura Division 129 140 -7.9% -7.9% 1,051 1,290 -18.5% -18.5% Total Import Truck Sales 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 0 0.0% 0.0% Honda Division 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 0 0.0% 0.0% Acura Division 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 0 0.0% 0.0% MODEL BREAKOUT BY DIVISION Honda Division Total 120,440 111,308 8.2% 8.2% 1,352,572 1,333,253 1.4% 1.4% * ACCORD 22,998 27,182 -15.4% -15.4% 300,540 311,352 -3.5% -3.5% * CIVIC 31,181 25,303 23.2% 23.2% 345,880 335,445 3.1% 3.1% CLARITY 464 0 0.0% 0.0% 1,030 0 0.0% 0.0% CR-Z 17 146 -88.4% -88.4% 686 2,178 -68.5% -68.5% * FIT 2,799 4,309 -35.0% -35.0% 46,020 52,205 -11.8% -11.8% INSIGHT 0 3 -100.0% -100.0% 3 66 -95.5% -95.5% CROSSTOUR 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 5 726 -99.3% -99.3% * CR-V 32,206 25,758 25.0% 25.0% 340,912 319,557 6.7% 6.7% HR-V 6,153 8,141 -24.4% -24.4% 86,491 73,007 18.5% 18.5% ODYSSEY 7,823 7,978 -1.9% -1.9% 90,433 110,435 -18.1% -18.1% PILOT 14,189 9,024 57.2% 57.2% 108,677 108,700 -0.0% -0.0% RIDGELINE 2,610 3,464 -24.7% -24.7% 31,895 19,582 62.9% 62.9% *** Memo: Accord FHEV 1,586 1,879 -15.6% -15.6% 20,848 6,055 244.3% 244.3% Memo: Civic Hybrid 1 15 -93.3% -93.3% 63 884 -92.9% -92.9% Acura Division Total 12,716 11,616 9.5% 9.5% 139,540 144,212 -3.2% -3.2% ILX 824 772 6.7% 6.7% 10,922 13,518 -19.2% -19.2% NSX 83 51 62.7% 62.7% 525 201 161.2% 161.2% RLX / RL 129 140 -7.9% -7.9% 1,051 1,286 -18.3% -18.3% TLX 2,564 2,281 12.4% 12.4% 31,745 33,535 -5.3% -5.3% TSX 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 4 -100.0% -100.0% MDX 5,341 4,622 15.6% 15.6% 48,810 49,252 -0.9% -0.9% RDX 3,775 3,750 0.7% 0.7% 46,487 46,416 0.2% 0.2% *** Memo: ILX Hybrid 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 1 -100.0% -100.0% Memo: RLX Hybrid 36 33 9.1% 9.1% 223 204 9.3% 9.3% Memo: TSX Wagon 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 0 0.0% 0.0% Memo: MDX Hybrid 301 0 0.0% 0.0% 1,579 0 0.0% 0.0% Selling Days 25 25 280 280 **** Hybrid 2,024 2,127 -4.8% -4.8% 23,927 9,589 149.5% 149.5% * Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic & global sourced parts ** Daily Selling Rate *** Memo line items are included in the respective model total **** Hybrid includes FHEV, PHEV, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Insight, ILX Hybrid, RLX Hybrid, RLX Sport Hybrid, MDX Sport Hybrid and NSX

More than 90 percent of Tesla Model S and X models that roll off the assembly line require fixes before they are shipped. This figure comes from nine former and current Tesla employees that spoke to Reuters this week citing data from the company's internal tracking system. At Tesla “so much goes into rework after the car is done ... that’s where their money is being spent,” said a former supervisor. Industry experts say it is critical for an automaker to get the quality right before initial production as repairs waste time and money. Other automakers such as Toyota only have an average of "fewer than 10 percent of their cars" requiring some sort of fix. Some of this can be attributed to Tesla's pressure to keep the production line moving, even when there was some sort of issue. This caused certain batches of vehicles to not have various parts such as windshields or bumpers. The understanding according to the workers is they would be fixed later. Other issues such as doors not closing or missing trim pieces show Tesla is still struggling with getting the basics right. Defects included “doors not closing, material trim, missing parts, all kinds of stuff. Loose objects, water leaks, you name it,” another former supervisor said. “We’ve been building a Model S since 2012. How do we still have water leaks?” Tesla calls models with quality issues “kickbacks” and are either fixed on the production line or head to one of Tesla’s outdoor parking lots for repair. According to the workers, one of the lots "has exceeded 2,000 vehicles at times". “Our goal is to produce perfect cars for every customer. Therefore, we review every vehicle for even the smallest refinement. Most customers would never notice the work that is done post production, but we care about even a fraction of a millimeter body gap difference or a slight paint gloss texture. We then feed these improvements back to production in a pursuit of perfection,” Tesla said in a statement to Reuters. The company declined to provide any post-assembly defect rates and denied those repair lots exist. Source: Reuters View full article

Kia rolled out an updated 2019 Sorento today at the LA Auto Show. The exterior features revised fascias front and rear, new grille, LED headlights on higher trims, updated taillights, and new wheel choices. Move inside to see all trims get a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with three-row seating. The big change of note deals with the Sorento's Engine lineup. The turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that was launched with this current-generation Sorento has been dropped. As we found in our review back in 2016, the turbo engine had a fair amount of lag and fuel economy was worse than the V6 engine. The 2.4L four-cylinder and 3.3L V6 will continue on. Kia mentioned that a diesel engine would be available for the Sorento in the future. No more details were given about it. Source: Kia Press Release is on Page 2 2019 Kia Sorento Refreshed And Ready For Los Angeles Auto Show World-Class SUV Introduces Smart and Subtle Changes Sorento enjoys numerous exterior and interior enhancements to achieve a more refined and sophisticated look Utility’s performance elevated with available new 8-speed automatic transmission and revised 6-speed gearbox 7-passenger 3-row seating now standard on all trims Newly-added Driver Assistance Systems, Harman Kardon-audio with QuantumLogic™ and wireless charging expand Sorento’s tech roster LOS ANGELES, November 30, 2017 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the refreshed 2019 Sorento SUV at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Refined, rugged and roomy, the Sorento remains as capable as ever, but touts a number of visual and feature enhancements, inside and out. Aside from new front and rear fascias, which help achieve a more sophisticated appearance, the cabin is now decidedly more upscale and integrates newly-added technology, including Driver Attention Warning,4 Lane Keep Assist1 and QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound. In addition, the Sorento now pairs its available 3.3-liter V6 with a new 8-speed automatic transmission for an even smoother and more seamless driving experience. “In the highly-competitive crossover category, the Sorento is a clear example of how world-class design and craftsmanship are executed,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “Our popular utility now ups its game even further with enhancements in styling, packaging and content, making it even more attractive to shoppers seeking a premium level 3-row SUV.” Standard luxury features and amenities continue to be available across five trim levels – L, LX, EX, SX and SXL. Eye-Catching Exterior Beautifully proportioned, the Sorento retains its refined and rugged exterior look, which was established when the vehicle underwent a complete redesign for the 2016 model year, and was in many ways inspired by the highly regarded Cross GT concept unveiled in 2013. But a subtle facelift now gives Kia's popular crossover a tighter, sharper appearance. The revised front-end is headlined by a more artfully detailed radiator grille flanked by a new headlamp configuration, which offers full-LED lighting on upper trims – SX and SXL. The crossover's familiar ice cube-style foglamps have also been redesigned featuring projection bulbs for EX and SX trims while SXL enjoys the more distinctive LEDs. The Sorento's front fascia wears a newly sculpted bumper design to achieve a more aggressive overall expression. The rear fascia of the crossover has also been enhanced with a new bumper design, sleeker taillamps (LED bulbs for EX trim and higher), revised liftgate and a sportier muffler tip. And the Sorento's muscular body rides atop three newly designed wheels, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, depending on trim level. Enhanced Cabin Spacious and sophisticated, the Sorento's cabin maintains a premium look and feel thanks to an array of upgrades and enhancements, including a new, more tactile steering wheel, new shifter knob and a revised instrument cluster with improved graphics. The makeover also includes alterations to the air vents and the center console design. Although these are minor changes individually, the cumulative effect is a more attractive interior space to be seen, felt and experienced. In terms of versatility, Sorento offers standard 40/20/40 second-row folding seats and 50/50 third-row folding seats now comes standard on all trims, providing space for up to seven passengers. The seating system is designed to offer optimum comfort and ideal seating positions to fulfill the needs of every occupant. For added luxury, also available are heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 14-way power driver and 8-way power passenger seats, driver's seat thigh extension and a 4-way headrest with one-button adjustment. And for 2019, Sorento now offers 2-way powered lumbar support for the front passenger on SX and SXL trims. The Sorento interior also offers available dual-zone HVAC and panoramic sunroof, as well as available premium Nappa leather trim seating surfaces, similar to those found in Kia's exciting new sports sedan, the Stinger. Newly available interior/seat colors are Mahogany and Terracotta for the SX and SXL trims, respectively. And updated interior accent trims are standard visual enhancements across all trim levels. Overall cargo volume accessed through the new rear liftgate is voluminous at 74 cu.-ft., providing an abundance of space for essentials and active-lifestyle equipment without sacrificing rear-passenger room. In addition, an easy-folding lever allows various seating arrangements, flexible luggage space and greater overall versatility. Tech Savvy SUV The 2019 Kia Sorento is loaded with technology, including an upgraded AVN 5.0 navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offered with higher level trims. The base level L trim gets a standard 7-inch user interface, also equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And to eliminate the need for a charging cord, there's now an available wireless charging tray for compatible Android6 devices, as well as Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X. When it comes to audio technology, the available premium sound system is well suited to Sorento's upscale atmosphere. The 630-watt, 10-speaker new Harman Kardon® branded stereo system with an 11-channel amplifier features Clari-Fi technology and newly integrated QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound technology. Clari–Fi works in real-time to rebuild audio details lost in digitally compressed music, while QuantumLogic™ extracts signals from the original recording and redistributes them into an authentic, multidimensional soundstage for playback that is clear, refined and full of detail. Ultimately, the result is a more robust and enjoyable on-road listening experience. With the Kia App store, select apps can be downloaded from iTunes® or Google PlaySM. The Kia App connector is available for partnership with the content community for downloading apps such as Yelp®, while Soundhound, Pandora® and iHeart® Radio come preloaded. On the Road The spirited front- or all-wheel drive experience is brought to life with a choice of two proven engines, including a 2.4-liter inline-4 GDI or a 3.3-liter V6 GDI. For MY19, the 2.0-liter turbo I-4 will no longer be offered as part of Sorento's powertrain strategy. However, a new diesel engine with the latest emission controls is currently under development and more information is forthcoming. The carryover 2.4-liter engine is mated to a revised and more efficient electronically controlled six-speed automatic gearbox featuring Sportmatic® shifting and delivers a capable 185 horsepower. The Sorento's familiar V6 brings with it a stampede of 290 horses while connecting to a new 8-speed automatic transmission shared with the brand's Cadenza premium sedan. The result is a noticeably smoother and more seamless interaction between engine and transmission. This pairing also maintains Sorento's towing capacity at 5,000 lbs when equipped with AWD. To achieve a more intuitive driving experience, Sorento replaces the former Drive Mode Select setup with the new Smart Shift & Drive feature across all trim levels. This enhancement automatically activates the optimum drive mode – Eco, Sport or Smart – based on driving style or may be set by driver preference. Kia's suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is now standard on Sorento EX trims and higher. In addition to Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Surround View Monitor (SVM), Sorento now offers Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). DAW is designed to detect when driver concentration has waned by monitoring vehicle and driving behavior and, then, if it detects driver fatigue or inattentive driving practices, issues visual and audible warnings, including a coffee cup icon in the instrument cluster, to encourage the driver to take a break." LKA helps alerts the driver and can even steer the vehicle back to its original position should the system detect the vehicle drifting out of its lane. In addition, all Sorento models continue to offer standard active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)15, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Antilock Braking System (ABS). Additional technologies such as Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) on AWD models are standard equipment for improved dynamic control. The core of the 2019 Sorento remains its rigid structure, with 53 percent of the unit-body consisting of advanced high-strength steel. Liberal application of industrial strength adhesives, the use of dual-seal lip joints as well as laser and large diameter welding techniques combine to make the Sorento solid and strong. The Sorento's well-proven suspension geometry and responsive steering system provide a quick and nimble behind-the-wheel feel. Ride and handling are optimized with the application of an "H" shaped subframe, four-point bushing mountings, and Hydraulic Rebound Stopper-type shock absorbers. And vertically mounted rear shocks contribute to a comfortable ride no matter what the driving conditions. The available Rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) features direct mounting of the electric motor on the steering rack, enhancing steering response and improving handling. Sorento continues to offer an advanced AWD system designed to automatically route power to the wheel with the most traction. When conditions call for more sure-footed capability, the 4WD Lock Mode splits engine power evenly between the front and rear drive shafts. The system also provides drivers the added stability of Torque Vector Cornering Control (TVCC). The TVCC system is activated when yaw and steering sensors detect unwanted understeer. View full article

Toyota's recent run of concepts have been showing more adventurous side; the FT-4X in New York and the TJ Cruiser in Tokyo. This trend continues at LA with the introduction of the FT-AC. The Future Toyota Adventure Concept “is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways.” It certainly looks the part with an aggressive front end featuring a chunky front bumper with tow hooks, sculpted grill surround, narrow headlights, and foglights that double as detachable portable lights. The side features a mostly clean profile. A set of black fender protectors have a set of chunky tires with 20-inch wheels. For the back, an integrated bike rack extends from the bumper. In terms of tech, the FT-AC comes with a set of infrared cameras on the side mirrors that you can record your various adventures. A dedicated Wi-Fi hotspot can upload clips to a cloud-based storage system where you can make various edits and put them on various social sites. Toyota doesn't provide many details on the FT-AC's powertrain, only stating that it could be powered by either a gas or hybrid powertrain. A torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system will provide the off-road traction. Source: Toyota Press Release is on Page 2 Future Toyota Adventure Concept (FT-AC) Takes Outdoor Fun to New Levels at 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show FT-AC Has All the Ingredients for Your Next Adventure LOS ANGELES (Nov. 30, 2017) – Long live new adventures! With the Future Toyota Adventure Concept, or FT-AC, comes the ideal versatility for living an active lifestyle, allowing deeper exploration to take life’s journeys even further. FT-AC is a catalyst – it’s both the invitation and the medium for breaking day-to-day routines and embracing the unexpected. It’s no coincidence then that FT-AC makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, in a city where much of the population escapes to the hills, deserts, or beaches for their much-needed weekend recharges after a long week of work. “FT-AC is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways,” said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division. “No matter the roads, the activities, or the people, FT-AC sparks authentic fun and conversation.” Representing the next level in Toyota’s adventure-loving lineup of concept vehicles, FT-AC provides the right instrument for a wide mix of excursions, be they on paved roads or not. Fun on the Journey FT-AC reminds adventurers of all skill levels how remarkable the trip – not just the destination – can be. Going for a paddle on the river. Climbing a favorite rock face. Hitting a trail on a mountain bike. FT-AC is experience-centric. It compels. Any wheel time in FT-AC brings genuine facetime with the friends aboard. It puts versatility at the forefront of its ethos and, in doing so, invites passengers to personalize - and accentuate - each trip. Acknowledging that adventures vary in scope and scale, FT-AC’s innate versatility is a strength that caters to various lifestyles, preferences, and even generations. One-of-a-Kind Adventure At first glance, it is evident that FT-AC’s bold and daring design reflects the confident spirit of Toyota’s existing SUVs and trucks. The pronounced, wide, black, front grille is flanked with bright LED headlights. Fog lights brighten the road ahead during foul weather or poor conditions and can even be taken out from their pods and used as portable lights. The fog lights can be attached to a mountain bike for occasional night rides. Below, FT-AC has twin hooks for vehicle recovery. Skid plates help protect the short front and rear overhangs, so rocks, ruts, and just about anything else will have trouble slowing down the rig. FT-AC was designed around a long wheelbase and wide track to help emphasize its powerful stance. Extra wide fender flares provide body shielding and look as if they float above the 20-inch wheels and beefier all-terrain tires, both of which help accentuate its commanding look. Its impressive footwear and generous ground clearance provide drivers with more options as to where FT-AC can go and play. The safari-style cargo roof rack system can haul all types of adventure gear. LED marker lights at its front corners can provide ambient lighting around the vehicle, brighten the trail ahead or, if desired, act as a flash for the side mirrors’ embedded cameras. The infrared cameras on the side mirrors can record trail runs and, like the fog lights, can be removed and mounted off-vehicle so that no fun goes undocumented. An integrated Wi-Fi hotspot automatically uploads footage to cloud-based storage where real-time editing and posting can be accessed via mobile device. The Wi-Fi connectivity even gives adventure-goers the ability to livestream the fun to fans and followers. The roof rack’s rear-facing LED lights also aid nighttime visibility and can be controlled via mobile device as well. Also at the rear is an innovative integrated bike rack that retracts, making for a highly useful feature that can be securely hidden in only a few seconds. Lastly, drivers and passengers can utilize FT-AC’s geolocation capabilities for directions back to basecamp. FT-AC’s contrasting colors combine Prospect Green with Fortress Gray accents to highlight its go-anywhere brashness. Envisioned Capabilities Although currently a design experiment, FT-AC has been imagined as a thoroughly capable gasoline-powered vehicle with an advanced torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. This enables power to be routed, as needed, for excellent controllability and maximum traction. Variable terrain-response settings and 4-wheel lock functionality build on its capability by managing traction control and throttle response to maximize grip at each wheel for a more dynamic driving experience. And who says a hybrid vehicle can only play on pavement? FT-AC could offer a next-generation hybrid powertrain that blends fuel efficiency with rugged all-wheel-drive grunt, giving drivers better power, responsiveness, and impressive fuel economy – all without compromise. View full article