Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Semi-Automated Driving Aids Receive Dismal Results From National Safety Group (Video)

As more automakers add co-driving assist features to today's highly automated vehicles, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found in their first partial study the industry has a long road ahead to perfect these systems and reduce accidents. 

To learn more about the study and its results, click here

Friday, March 8, 2024

Women's History Month: How Two Black-Women Are Driving Two Of Mercedes-Benz Black-Owned Dealerships

With less than 6 percent of today’s nearly 17,000 new-vehicle dealerships being minority-owned, its literally like finding a needle in a haystack to come across a mother-daughter dealership team. More specifically, a mother-daughter squad who have a financial stake (and hold key positions) in 2 out of 7 of Mercedes-Benz’s black-owned dealerships. The family-owned stores are located in Atlanta, Georgia and Covington, Louisiana.

According to the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), 95 percent of today’s minority owned dealerships are first-generation dealerships. However, when it comes to minority dealers, especially Black dealers, the numbers are grave. One means of creating general wealth is through owning dealerships. They are literally cash cows, if run properly. This prominent Atlanta family has made provisions to hand the keys off to one of their daughters, when the time becomes appropriate, as opposed to allowing the business to slip outside of their hands (into other communities). 


Thursday, March 7, 2024

2024 Lexus RX 450h AWD: The Brand’s All-New Midsize Plug-In Crossover


Highlight: When parking on the street, the RX can detect if a vehicle or bicycle is approaching from the rear, preventing the occupants from operating the door.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $76,765 

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; back up camera; a stability control system; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection system; a radar activated cruise control system; lane tracing assist system; lane departure with steering assist; intelligent high beam headlamps; a front collision warning system; a road sign assist; an automatic braking system; blind spot electronic monitor with a rear traffic alert system; a daytime cyclist detection system;  rain-sensing windshield wipers; side mirrors with integrated turn lamps; and a first aid kit

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

2024 Genesis Electrified G80 AWD: The Brand’s Flagship All-Electric Sedan


Highlight: The G80 Electrified is only available in select states.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $81,525 (Base Model): $75,500

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; a vehicle stability system; a hill-start assist control system; a forward collision assist system; a lane following assist system; a lane keep assist system; an electronic blind spot system; a blind spot view monitor; a rear cross traffic avoidance system; a high beam assist system; a driver warning attention system; an automatic brake hold feature; a hill start assist control system; a rear camera; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment Test Model: 19-inch wheels; power front seats; power driver’s seats with power cushion extension, power bolster and a massaging seat; heated and ventilated front seats;  heated power tilt/telescopic steering wheel;  power rear and manual sunshade; a three zone automatic climate control system; a heads up display system; power door closure; power hands free trunk; power outside mirrors with Genesis logo puddle lamps; Nappa leather seats; Matte wood trim; microfiber suede headliner; a wireless device charging system; a remote parking steering assist system;  and a vehicle to load charging system

Monday, March 4, 2024

Its Shop Time Mondays: Chevy, Ford, GMC, Hyundai And Toyota Are Recalling Over 586,000 Vehicles


Unexpected vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V125000

Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Components POWER TRAIN

Potential Number of Units Affected 280,663

Summary

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Lexus LX600, and 2023-2024 Sequoia Hybrid vehicles. Unexpected vehicle movement may occur when the vehicle is in neutral and the brakes are not applied.

Sunday, March 3, 2024

2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line AWD: The Brand’s Flagship Three-Row Vehicle

Highlight: The Atlas is being assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 54, 315 (Base SE Model): $39,420

Seating Capacity: 6 or 7 (depending on trim)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; daytime running lights; a stability control system; rear camera; a forward collision braking system; an emergency braking system for pedestrian and cyclist; a lane changing assist system; a rear traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness AWD: An Alternative To A Jeep 4x4


Highlight: The compact crossover is capable of offering up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $35,560 (Base Model: $26,540)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a tire pressure sensor system; an incline start assist system; a rear-view camera; hill descent control system; a traction control system; and automatic pre collision braking

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

2024 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD: The Brand's Three-Row Crossover

Highlight: The vehicle can be outfitted with a co-pilot assist steering system.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $69,445 (Base Model Pure): $50,845

Seating Capacity: 6 or 7, depending on trim

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection; predictive forward collision warning system; rear automatic braking; rear view camera; an electronic blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system with a haptic steering wheel; a hillstart assist system with a brake hold feature; a tire pressure monitor system; and a spare tire

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

2024 Chicago Auto Show EVs And More: 2025 Ford Mustang GTD, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Prologue, Kia EV9 And Acura ZDX

 

With an estimated starting price of $300,000, the all-new 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is a street legal 
beast. Ford has yet to release the horsepower.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata drops its oval headlights and egg crate grille for a more modern and stylish fascia.

Honda introduces its first all-electric vehicle, the 2024 Honda Prologue.

Saturday, February 10, 2024

2024 Chicago Auto Show EVs And More: 2025 Kia Carnival, 2024 GMC Acadia, 2025 Toyota Camry And 2025 VW ID.7

The 2025 Kia Carnival gets an update, looking less like a minivan, but more like a Ford Expedition SUV from the side profile.

 

The 2025 Kia Carnival offers an optional 242-horsepower turbo engine.



The 2024 GMC Acadia grows in size. It's now on par with its siblings from Buick and GMC.
 

2024 Chicago Auto Show EVs And More: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2024 Tesla Cybertruck, 2024 Z NISMO And 2024 Chevy Silverado EV

 

With a retail price starting in the $55k range, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser makes its return. 

Telsa's massive looking all-new angular Cybertruck is only available in one color.
                                    
 
Tesla's massive looking Cybertruck infuses the brand's simple design theme. 

Semi-Automated Driving Aids Receive Dismal Results From National Safety Group (Video)

As more automakers add co-driving assist features to today's highly automated vehicles, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has f...