William Maley

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS NOVEMBER 2018 SALES RESULTS Sales totaled 26,789 units, a decrease of 8 percent compared to November 2017 Year-to-date sales totaled 322,017 units, an increase of 4 percent over 2017 SUV sales totaled 12,385, making up 46 percent of sales Sales of the all-new Tiguan totaled 6,794 units Best November ever for total Tiguan with 7,067 units Jetta sales totaled 9,207 units Atlas sales totaled 5,233 units CPO sales totaled 7,553 units, an increase of 18 percent over 2017 Herndon, VA — (Dec. 3, 2018) Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 26,789 deliveries in November, a decrease of 8 percent over November 2017. Sales have now risen 4 percent this year to date, to 322,017. Led by Atlas and Tiguan, SUVs made up 46 percent of VWoA’s November sales. All-new Tiguan sales lead the brand for the year with 81,123 units sold year to date. Jetta sales led the brand in November with 9,207 sold for the month. Atlas and all-new Tiguan sales rounded out the top three volume leaders for the brand in November with 5,233 and 6,794 units sold respectively. November sales were impacted by delays in the certification process caused by a backlog in meeting new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure standards. Certification delays pushed back the arrival of some model year 2019 Golf models. “Our SUV momentum continued despite a difficult month for the industry,” said Derrick Hatami, executive vice president of sales, marketing and after sales for VWoA. “Our top three volume leaders were all up year-over-year and our SUV portfolio percentage has grown steadily thanks to the Atlas and Tiguan.” November 2018 Sales Nov. 18 Nov. 17 Yr/Yr% change Nov. 18 YTD Nov. 17 YTD Yr/Yr% change Golf 300 783 -62% 6,361 12,777 -50% GTI 1,045 1,754 -40% 15,639 20,574 -24% Golf R 116 14 729% 3,380 2,700 25% e-Golf 230 289 -20% 1,132 3,191 -65% Golf SportWagen 797 1,436 -45% 13,334 25,207 -47% Total Golf Family 2,488 4,276 -42% 39,846 64,449 -38% Jetta Sedan 9,207 8,362 10% 80,473 108,575 -26% Jetta SportWagen (now Golf SportWagen) N/A N/A N/A 71 N/A N/A Total Jetta 9,207 8,362 10% 80,544 108,574 -26% Beetle Coupe 338 684 -51% 8,181 8,045 2% Beetle Convertible 210 382 -45% 5,313 6,286 -16% Total Beetle 548 1,066 -49% 13,494 14,331 -6% EOS* N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 N/A Passat 2,156 3,140 -31% 38,285 57,707 -34% CC 5 61 -92% 444 1,301 -66% Tiguan Limited 273 1,726 -84% 13,357 23,669 -44% All-new Tiguan 6,794 5,221 30% 81,123 15,253 432% Total Tiguan 7,067 6,947 2% 94,480 38,922 143% Touareg 85 201 -58% 1,964 3,061 -36% Atlas 5,233 5,154 2% 52,960 21,049 152% Total Car 14,404 16,905 -15% 172,613 246,363 -30% Total SUV 12,385 12,302 1% 149,404 63,032 137% TOTAL 26,789 29,207 -8 % 322,017 309,395 4% *Eos production ended in July 2015

Nissan Group reports November 2018 U.S. sales NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Group today announced total U.S. sales for November 2018 of 110,513 units, a decrease of 19 percent compared to the previous year. Nissan highlights: Several key models have shown gains in 2018: Murano (+13%), Frontier (+5%) and Rogue (+2%). Nissan sold 1,128 LEAF all-electric vehicles in November, and for the calendar year to date LEAF sales were up 17% compared to the prior year. INFINITI highlights: INFINITI today reported its best November sales in the U.S. of 14,086 vehicles, up eight percent. The all-new 2019 INFINITI QX50 luxury crossover had its fourth-straight record month with 3,009 deliveries, up 86 percent. With sales of 5,151 vehicles, an increase of 37 percent, the QX60 7-passenger premium SUV had its best month ever. The QX80 premium full-size SUV with 1,737 deliveries had an increase of 35 percent. In all crossovers and SUVs were up 37 percent for the month. NISSAN DIVISION NOV NOV Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2018 2017 % chg 2018 2017 % chg Nissan Division Total 96,427 122,959 -21.6 1,213,942 1,318,202 -7.9 Versa 5,122 7,274 -29.6 69,074 99,647 -30.7 Sentra 12,721 17,565 -27.6 195,479 201,617 -3.0 Altima 12,077 19,073 -36.7 192,082 236,797 -18.9 Maxima 2,530 6,193 -59.1 36,737 62,611 -41.3 LEAF 1,128 175 544.6 13,048 11,128 17.3 Juke 4 351 -98.9 726 9,912 -92.7 370Z 271 320 -15.3 3,266 4,310 -24.2 GT-R 23 39 -41.0 513 542 -5.4 Total Car 33,876 50,990 -33.6 510,925 626,564 -18.5 Kicks 4,032 0 n/a 17,608 0 n/a Frontier 6,278 7,053 -11.0 72,154 68,480 5.4 Titan 3,845 7,679 -49.9 45,798 47,342 -3.3 Xterra 0 0 n/a 0 1 -100.0 Pathfinder 5,404 6,585 -17.9 60,751 75,012 -19.0 Armada 2,044 3,293 -37.9 29,776 32,299 -7.8 Rogue 31,860 36,080 -11.7 369,587 363,293 1.7 Murano 6,552 8,393 -21.9 75,514 67,014 12.7 Quest 0 5 -100.0 3 4,949 -99.9 NV 1,321 1,422 -7.1 14,889 16,220 -8.2 NV200 1,215 1,459 -16.7 16,937 17,028 -0.5 Total Truck 62,551 71,969 -13.1 703,017 691,638 1.6 INFINITI NOV NOV Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2018 2017 % chg 2018 2017 % chg Infiniti Total 14,086 13,026 8.1 131,215 137,036 -4.2 Infiniti Q50 2,819 4,289 -34.3 31,073 35,156 -11.6 Infiniti Q60 590 817 -27.8 8,355 9,882 -15.5 Infiniti Q70 372 380 -2.1 4,150 5,366 -22.7 Infiniti QX30 416 611 -31.9 7,454 13,263 -43.8 Infiniti QX50 3,009 1,622 85.5 22,060 15,072 46.4 Infiniti QX60 5,151 3,759 37.0 40,338 36,346 11.0 Infiniti QX70 8 268 -97.0 950 6,586 -85.6 Infiniti QX80 1,721 1,280 34.5 16,835 15,365 9.6 Total Car 3,781 5,486 -31.1 43,578 50,404 -13.5 Total Truck 10,305 7,540 36.7 87,637 86,632 1.2 NISSAN GROUP NOV NOV Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2018 2017 % chg 2018 2017 % chg TOTAL VEHICLE 110,513 135,985 -18.7 1,345,157 1,455,238 -7.6 Total Car 37,657 56,476 -33.3 554,503 676,968 -18.1 Total Truck 72,856 79,509 -8.4 790,654 778,270 1.6 Selling days 25 25 281 280 # # #

Acura Brand Nets Double-Digit Sales Gain for American Honda in November Dec 3, 2018 Acura car and truck sales continue momentum, with the brand gaining 10.5% for the month Acura trucks and RDX set new November sales records—the 6th straight monthly mark for RDX Honda Accord sales remain strong with 1.6% increase in November Sales of Honda electrified vehicles surpass 5,000 units for 5th straight month "We are thrilled to have the Honda Insight and Acura RDX named as finalists for the 2019 North American Car- and Utility- of the Year awards, an honor that reinforces the success each vehicle is enjoying with a record number of new customers," said Henio Arcangeli Jr., senior vice president of the American Honda Automobile Division. "With the RDX setting new sales records each month and the Insight helping Honda set a new sales mark for electrified vehicles, we are pleased to have each vehicle in contention for these prestigious awards." Honda Brand Report Honda sedans drew strength in November from notably improved Accord sales while electrified vehicles surpassed 5,000 in sales for the fifth straight month—further enhancing a record year for electrified vehicle sales. Accord remained strong in a challenging segment, gaining 1.6% on sales of 23,367 for the month. Insight, Accord Hybrid and Clarity again combined for over 5,000 sales in November, while Insight was honored as Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year. Honda truck sales worked to overcome inventory issues, with Odyssey continuing its retail dominance and gaining 3.8% on sales of 8,123 units, while Pilot topped 10,000 in sales for the 13th straight month. Acura Brand Report The 2019 RDX scored its 6th straight monthly sales record, combining with rising sales of the newly refreshed ILX to push Acura to across-the-board increases for brand, passenger cars and trucks in November. Acura trucks also gained a new record for the month. Acura brand sales gained a total of 10.5% in November, with cars up 2.2% and trucks rising 13.8%. The award-winning 2019 RDX jumped 57.6% on sales of 5,951 units for its best-ever November. ILX, fresh from its 2019 redesign, gained 27.5% on sales of 1,051 units, even as production of the new model continues to ramp up.

General Motors' announcement to idle and possibly close five plants next year comes around the same time that the company begins their negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW). Already, the UAW has said they would go "through every legal, contractual and collective bargaining avenue open to our membership," to try and keep the plants. GM's rationale for the move is to improve profitability and help reduce the underutilization of its plants. As we reported last week, GM represents 1 million of the 3.2 million units of underutilized capacity in the U.S. through October. We should note that GM did not say they were going to close down the plants. They used the word "unallocated". We'll let The Detroit News explain why. Emphasis mine. Under the current contract, GM cannot close or idle any plant unless it is done through the collective bargaining process. By not providing any future products, GM may have found a loophole they can use in the negotiations. But it may have opened up a Pandora's box. "This was long planned through intentional strategic investment decisions and product movement over our objections. They may have kept the news about it quiet, but this was planned and had to be gradually executed long before sales numbers were known,” the UAW said in a statement to the News. "GM and the UAW will talk about numerous topics that affect our employees and our business during 2019 negotiations. As always, our intent is to work with the UAW constructively to address our business challenges in a way that keeps the company competitive in these changing market conditions," GM said in a statement. Source: The Detroit News View full article

Porsche has been hemming and hawing on whether or not to move forward with hybridizing the 911. Previously, Porsche said they would be bringing out a hybrid option for the 911 in 2022. But now, Porsche is putting those plans on hold until battery technology gets to a point where they see it as beneficial for the model. “Today the battery technology wouldn’t be satisfying for us, and if it doesn’t satisfy us then we won’t offer it. It doesn’t make sense to offer a hybrid version which will just stay in the showroom, ” said August Achleitner, product-line director for the 911. “It will be the next evolution of this car, that means at least four years from today.” Some of the key issues deal with the additional weight that would come from adding a hybrid system, along with making sure the hybrid powertrain is able to help with overall performance. Here is how Auto Express describes it, There is talk about Porsche possibly offering two hybrid variants of 911 - a middle of the range model to serve as an alternative to the Carrera and one to serve as the performance flagship, something akin to the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. But it's going to be some time before we see any hybrid arrive on the 911. Source: Auto Express, Drive View full article

Developing autonomous vehicles in sunny, dry locales like Phoenix, Arizona has proven to be difficult due to numerous variables such as traffic and human behavior. But an upcoming study from Michigan State University reveals that autonomous technologies still have a number of hurdles as testing begins in areas with changing conditions. Automotive News had the chance to speak with Hayder Radha, an MSU professor of electrical and computer engineering who oversaw the upcoming study. The findings reveal that the algorithms that are used to distill the various bits of information coming from the cameras and radar/lidar sensors have issues when it lightly rains. "When we run these algorithms, we see very noticeable, tangible degradation in detection. Even low-intensity rain can really create some serious problems, and as you increase the intensity, the performance of what we consider state-of-the-art mechanisms can almost become paralyzed," said Radha. "Once you throw in a few drops of rain, they get confused. It's like putting eyedrops in your eye and expecting to see right away." Researchers looked at various parameters in their study, including the size of the raindrops and the effect of wind. Using a scale that ranged from a clear day to a major downpour, the study revealed that algorithms failed to detect as much "as 20 percent of objects when the rain intensity was 10 percent of the worst-case scenario." This increased to 40 percent when the intensity of the rain increased to 30 percent. Other weather-related issues that were revealed in MSU's study, The high-resolution maps that autonomous systems to determine their location may need to be updated due to the changing seasons. "You can imagine in environments where there are a lot of leaves on trees or on shrubs close to the road, they are an essential part of the map. So summer and winter are completely different. When they fall down in winter, you have nothing to work with. So that tells you that for this technology to be robust, it needs to be developed in different conditions than you see only in Arizona and Silicon Valley," explained Radha. Cold temperatures play havoc with lidar sensors. The study reveals that the amount of "poor-quality or irrelevant returns from lidar sensors" increased as if the temperature was at 10 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Some of these issues can be addressed by getting more information from radar and lidar as engineers develop various ways to use them to classify objects. But Radha explains the big improvements will come when self-driving tech is tested in other locations such as Michigan and Pittsburgh to name a couple. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

I would assume that is a safe guess.

Back at the New York Auto Show, Cadillac unveiled an all-new twin-turbo 4.2L V8 that produces 550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This engine was destined for upcoming CT6 V-Sport. But with the CT6 lineup destined to go away in the near future, what will happen to the new V8. Roadshow has learned from a source that Cadillac will be using this engine in the next-generation Escalade and CTS-V (don't you mean CT5-V?!). Let's begin with the next-generation Escalade. The current model uses a 6.2L V8 engine that makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. We know that Cadillac was planning to offer a slightly detuned version of the 4.2L V8 on the regular CT6, producing somewhere in the range of 500 horsepower. Whether Cadillac decides to go with this or push power down a bit further remains to be seen. Now to the CTS-V, or CT5-V. This is where we begin to question the source. We know that Cadillac will be retiring the CTS and ATS in the next couple of years for the upcoming CT5. Why the source said, "next-generation CTS-V sedan" has us scratching our heads. Maybe the source misspoke or GM is thinking about continuing forward the CTS-V nameplate. We're likely putting too much thought into this. Nevertheless, we would expect Cadillac to bump up horsepower to 600 or so to keep up with the likes of the Germans. Source: Roadshow View full article

Ford has been banking on China to help revive sales of Lincoln and made plans to start building models in late 2019. But the on-going trade war between the U.S. and China has caused the company to reconsider their plans. “What we want to do is accelerate that. We will look for opportunities, but it’s a big undertaking and I think it won’t be a significant change in our plans,” said Joy Falotico, head of Lincoln and Ford’s chief marketing officer to Bloomberg. Currently, Lincoln doesn't have any local production in China. Instead, the brand has been importing vehicles from the U.S. which has meant getting hit with a 40 percent tariff by the Chinese government. This has caused sales of Lincoln vehicles to slow to a crawl. Last year, Lincoln sales rose 66 percent in China. But in October, sales are up just 3 percent. Ford is trying to move the timing of Lincoln production to sometime before late 2019. According to Falotico, moving the timing slightly would be a big help. The first model that would be part of this plan is the recently introduced Aviator. Also under consideration is Lincoln plans to export some Chinese-built models to the U.S. Falotico said the brand would likely build the same models in both countries. Source: Bloomberg (Subscription Required) View full article

Hyundai’s attempts at building a three-row full-size crossover has been quite difficult. Previous attempts either were slightly too small or didn’t sell. The company is hoping their upcoming Palisade will be able to change their fortunes. The Palisade is the largest crossover Hyundai has ever offered with an overall length of 196.1 inches, width of 77.8 inches, and a wheelbase of 114.2 inches. That puts it right in the middle of other three-row full-size crossovers like the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango, and Volkswagen Atlas. It certainly looks much better than the outgoing Santa Fe it replaces due it part to a large front grille and squared off rear. I really liked the rear window treatment on the side as it reminds me of GM’s full-size SUVs. For the interior, Hyundai’s designers went for something that was quite airy and premium. This is shown through the use of high-quality plastics, soft-touch materials, and a floating console. It reminded of the Nexo hydrogen crossover which Hyundai had sitting alongside the Palisade at their technical center. Getting the chance to sit in the crossover, I really liked how the controls were laid out and the amount of technology on offer, including a 12.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The Palisade comes with seating for eight as standard with second-row captain chairs as an option. The second-row provides very good head and legroom. The third-row is a bit of a different story. Getting into the third-row is slightly tough due to the narrow opening provided when the second-row seat is moved. Once you get into the rear-most seat, headroom is decent. But legroom can vary from adequate to non-existent depending how far back the second-row seat is set. I’m 5’8” and found my legs were pressed against the backside of the seat. Powering the Palisade is a new 3.8L Atkinson-Cycle V6 with 271 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This will be paired with an eight-speed automatic and the choice of front or HTRAC all-wheel drive. Maximum towing is rated at 5,000 pounds which Hyundai says is perfect for towing small boats or weekend toys. For safety, the Palisade comes well-equipped with Hyundai’s Smartsense suite of active-safety features. This includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, high beam assist, adaptive cruise control, safe exit assist (lets passengers know if a vehicle is passing by when exiting), and rear occupant alert. The Palisade will be available at dealers next summer. Gallery: 2020 Hyundai Palisade Source: Hyundai All-New 2020 Hyundai Palisade Mid-size SUV Makes its Global Debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show All-New 2020 Hyundai Palisade Flagship SUV Brings Exceptional Comfort, Technology and Safety in a Bold Midsize SUV Palisade offers seating for up to eight and commodious cargo space with convenient features like power third-row seats and One-Touch second-row seats for ease of use As Hyundai’s flagship SUV, Palisade offers a host of technology features ideal for family road trips including a 10-inch navigation display, wireless charging, seven USB outlets, second-row ventilated seats, shift-by-wire and innovative roof-based diffuser vents Hyundai SmartSense technology comes standard on every Palisade LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28, 2018 – Hyundai today introduced its new flagship premium three-row Palisade SUV to global media at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2020 Palisade rides on an all-new SUV chassis with exceptional second- and third-row roominess coupled with generous cargo area and reconfiguration flexibility. The Palisade will be produced in Ulsan, Korea and will be available at dealerships across the U.S. in the summer of 2019. “The new 2020 Hyundai Palisade clearly evokes design imagery worthy of Hyundai’s flagship SUV, with new levels of all-road, all-weather capability, technology, safety, roominess and efficiency, all packaged in cutting-edge design,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “This new Hyundai SUV is the ultimate family vehicle for practical, comfortable daily use and memory-making road trips whenever the appeal of the open road should beckon.” FLAGSHIP SUV DESIGN “Hyundai Palisade’s exterior and interior design clearly reflect its unique flagship identity with a premium, distinctive and bold road presence,” said SangYup Lee, head of Hyundai’s Design Center. “As the lead for Palisade design, it was a pleasure to work with our global design teams throughout its development and ultimately present this phenomenal product before you today.” Palisade’s styling conveys dignity with style in an understated theme that demonstrates clear differentiation worthy of a flagship SUV. From the front, a dominant, bold and wide cascading grille clearly represents a premium SUV. Separated composite headlamps and a vertically-connected forward lighting signature create a strong and distinctive front demeanor, with available LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED turn-signal mirrors. A powerful, extended hood profile creates an impressive road presence, while bold C-pillars and a panoramic glass side graphic convey generous third-row spaciousness. Full volume over-fenders and body sides offer muscular detailing. The rear view emphasizes a wide and stable stance via sinuous detailing and a vertical LED rear taillamp design. Panoramic rear glass coupled with a cutaway roof provides a generous sense of spaciousness to passengers. Available oversized 20-inch alloy wheels further fill out the Palisade flagship presence. This design has aerodynamic benefits as well, with a 0.33 coefficient of drag (Cd). Palisade achieves this low drag coefficient with specific design cues that include a fast A-pillar angle, a rear spoiler side garnish, an optimized front cooling area with an extended internal air guide, aero underside panels, and rear wheel aero deflectors. INTUITIVE UTILITY The interior design combines a sense of relaxation and comfort creating a serene environment with eight-passenger seating standard for family adventures. Leather-equipped models offer a premium, quilted Nappa leather, while on the instrument panel, smooth woodgrain trim in a wraparound interior design create a spacious, comfortable ambience. The One-Touch second row seat allows for one-touch operation of the seat forward and out of the way for easy access into and out of the third-row seat. For more convenience, the third row offers power-folding/unfolding and reclining seats. Second-row captain’s chairs are also available with ventilated seating surfaces. Every Palisade seating row offers USB outlets for convenience for all passengers, for a total of seven available USB outlets. Even more, a conversation mirror allows the driver to clearly see passengers in the rear. Palisade also offers a class-exclusive Blind View Monitor that complements the standard Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, which provides easy-to-see body-side views whenever the turn signal is activated. The audio and navigation display is a generous 10.25 inch touchscreen in widescreen format, coupled with a 12.3-inch fully-digital TFT center instrument cluster offering various view modes and differentiated drive mode illumination. Two Bluetooth® devices can be connected simultaneously, with one for a mobile phone connection and the other for audio streaming. The single IP gauge cluster integrated with navigation offers exceptional legibility and ease of use, coupled with an available head-up display feature. Center console innovations such as shift-by-wire controls free up valuable control space for the features drivers use most. The shift-by-wire system also includes automatic park logic that shifts the vehicle into park when the engine is off and the driver opens the door. Palisade’s center console bridge design also frees up convenient storage space underneath the center console control area with convenient driver and passenger access. The interior features seven available USB outlets, including front-seatback-based USB outlets for the second row occupants and mini-pockets for digital devices of all kinds. A generous 16 cupholders means there’s always a place to stow a beverage at any seating position. Seatbelt connection notification to the driver is active in every seating position. Palisade also features an industry-first, innovative new roof vent diffuser design that can provide a focused, partially-diffused or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers. This new diffuser vent design provides quieter rear air conditioning airflow, draft-free operation, more uniform distribution of air and the capability for a focused stream of air whenever desired. Palisade offers abundant technology, including Hyundai’s latest navigation system with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™. To eliminate the need for a charging cord, there’s an available Qi wireless charging pad for compatible Android devices as well as recent Apple iPhones. When it comes to audio technology, the available premium sound system is well-suited to the Palisade’s upscale interior. The audio system features Clari-Fi and 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. The result is a more robust and enjoyable on-road listening experience. HEADS-UP DISPLAY Taking inspiration from aircraft technology, Palisade’s available Heads-Up Display (HUD) projects a virtual image onto the windshield, helping the driver to better keep his or her eyes on the road. The feature uses a system of mirrors combined with a full-color TFT LCD display and features adjustable brightness to ensure both excellent daytime and nighttime visibility. Driving information such as speed, Smart Cruise Control status, navigation, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, speed limits, Lane Following Assist and audio system data is projected at an ideal virtual distance for maximum legibility. Palisade also offers a sophisticated Driver Talk in-car intercom system with rear seat conversation and sleep modes. This system allows the driver to communicate separately with the second and/or third rows of the vehicle via the Palisade audio system in a conversation mode. The system also includes a Rear Sleep Mode that allows the driver’s row to listen to their selected audio without that same audio being transmitted to the second- and third-row audio speakers, so that potentially sleeping passengers will not be disturbed. Palisade design seeks a very high perception of openness and exceptional visibility with a large, fixed-glass rear sunroof opening, wide rear seating rows and a generous, reconfigurable rear cargo area. All rear access areas have been ergonomically designed for ease of family access, with an available power rear-folding, unfolding and reclining third-row seatback. Palisade is larger in every exterior dimension than Santa Fe XL and Toyota Highlander. On the inside, Palisade has more interior first and second row legroom than Pilot, Pathfinder, and Explorer. It also has more cargo room behind the third row than Highlander, Pilot and Pathfinder. POWERTRAIN Palisade power comes from an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine, for excellent power and efficiency. This 3.8-liter powerplant produces an estimated 291 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and an estimated 262 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5,000 rpm. Palisade offers more standard horsepower than any other SUV in its competitive set and an unsurpassed level of torque. Palisade delivers that power to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter and offers both two-wheel and HTRAC® four-wheel-drive configurations, with a final drive ratio of 3.648 for confident acceleration. Special efforts were made to reduce Palisade NVH, with generous under-hood insulation, special sound-deadening carpets and powertrain tuning that delivers a smooth, linear response. In addition, Palisade offers drivers the ability to start the vehicle via remote key fob or via the Blue Link app. SUSPENSION GEOMETRY AND TUNING Front and rear suspension width was maximized on Palisade, for enhanced roll stiffness and stability. Tires are a generous 245/60R18 standard or an optional 245/50R20 size for stability, style and smooth ride comfort. Palisade front steering knuckles and rear carriers are made of aluminum, while front lower arms have been optimized and lightened via a new engineering design, resulting in reduced unsprung weight and improved responsiveness. Palisade also achieves best-in-class body torsional rigidity through a variety of methods, including a multiple ring-shaped structure and hot-stamped door-ring parts that provide greater strength and rigidity. In addition, its torsional rigidity, when equipped with a sunroof, is nearly identical to versions without a sunroof. HTRAC® WITH SNOW MODE The Palisade offers Hyundai’s HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system. The HTRAC AWD system was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The driver-selectable HTRAC Normal, Sport and Smart modes help provide confident control in all weather conditions. The Sport setting gives a more agile feel by sending more available torque to the rear wheels, for a sporty dynamic feel when desired. This system has a wider range of torque distribution variability than many competitive systems and has been tuned to conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- or high-speed cornering, and hill starts. Palisade also offers a newly-developed Snow Mode on its advanced HTRAC® AWD system, with special traction tuning for snow, optimizing available traction and driver control in adverse conditions. The Drive Mode System’s Snow Mode adjusts front and rear torque distribution, left and right wheel slip control, engine torque and shift patterns according to available traction levels. In addition, Palisade’s AWD HTRAC system includes an AWD locking differential function for challenging traction situations. SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES Palisade offers a number of advanced safety technologies standard, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go. Hyundai’s standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) enhances driver awareness to the rear of the Palisade. Using the Blind Spot Detection system’s radar sensors when backing up, the system can not only warn the driver if vehicles approach from the rear side, it also applies the brakes automatically. Available safety features include Rear Occupant Alert (ROA). The system monitors the rear seats using an ultrasonic sensor that helps to detect the movements of children and pets. The system first reminds drivers to check the rear seats when exiting the vehicle with a message on the center instrument cluster display. If the system detects movement in the rear seats after the driver leaves the vehicle and locks the doors it will honk the horn and send a Blue Link alert to the driver’s smartphone via Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car system. The system is designed to prevent children and pets from being forgotten in the car, but it also helps in case children accidentally lock themselves in. The Palisade also features a standard Safe Exit Assist system. To enhance the safety of Hyundai’s passengers, Safe Exit Assist uses radar to detect cars approaching from the rear and cautions passengers looking to exit the vehicle. If a passenger attempts to open the door when a car is approaching from behind, a visual and acoustic warning on the center cluster will alert the driver. In addition, if the driver attempts to deactivate the Electronic Child Safety Lock feature, Safe Exit Assist will override the driver and ensure the rear doors remain locked until the approaching vehicle has passed. Once the road is clear, the driver can then deactivate the Electronic Child Safety Lock and successfully unlock the rear passenger doors. In addition, Palisade has seven standard airbags: dual front, dual side, driver’s knee, and roll-over-sensing side curtain airbags. Palisade uses a full-length large side curtain airbag that includes third-row seating coverage for enhanced rear occupant protection in the event of a collision. Tire pressure monitoring with individual position display, anti-theft security, three LATCH anchors in the second row and two LATCH anchors in the third row and a rearview camera are also standard on Palisade. Palisade has a very rigid structure, with strategic use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) in key suspension and crash areas to provide increased tensile-strength. Use of Advanced High Strength Steel has several benefits: lighter overall vehicle weight, greater vehicle strength and rigidity without the excessive costs of more exotic lightweight materials. Palisade is expected to achieve TSP+ from the IIHS and a 5-star NHTSA rating. Robust underbody and side structures are designed to increase energy absorption and cabin intrusion in a severe collision, especially in the small overlap test. Further, its underbody uses multiple load paths to better disperse potential crash energy in the event of a collision. BLUE LINK® CONNECTED CAR SYSTEM Palisade Blue Link equipped models include three years of complimentary Blue Link services, with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and voice guidance services. Blue Link brings connectivity directly into the car with technologies like Remote Start with Climate Control, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Blue Link features can be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror, the MyHyundai.com web portal, the MyHyundai with Blue Link smartphone app, the Amazon® Alexa Blue Link skill and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features can also be controlled via Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatch apps. The latest release of the Blue Link smartphone app includes: Widgets for easy access to remote features Ability to send Point-of-Interest data to vehicle navigation system (if so equipped) Access to Blue Link notification settings More details on specific Blue Link-equipped vehicles available at www.hyundaibluelink.com. COLOR Palisade will be available in a number of exterior colors, including: Beckets Black, White Cream, Lagoon Silver, Steel Graphite, Sierra Burgundy, Moonlight Cloud and Forest Rain. Interior combinations include unique molding accent colors tailored to the exterior combination. View full article