Category: Industry News & Effects

As government policy, world events, and scandal develops – what does this mean for the rest of the industry?

Factory-Built Extreme Off-Roaders

I really enjoy off-roading. It’s my bag. But what I don’t like is compromise. I want a vehicle that is able to confidently explore the beauty of the Rockies, as well as navigate through town. I don’t want clumsiness at 75 mph or tipsy handling around the mountain curves. I want to be assured that the design reviews, layout checks, and durability test cycles have worked out the weak points and, what the heck, a warranty would be nice to have too. Is that too much to ask for? Not for the growing list of vehicles that can provide it all – for a price, of course. 

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Week 45 – Interesting Auto News Worth Sharing

News For the Week (#45):

What’s worth sharing – 4 items:

  1. Acura released information regarding their significantly updated 2018 RLX, luxury sedan (also formerly known as Legend and RL).Once known for its Sporty nature, trouble free enjoyment, and reasonable price, Acura seems on the verge of a renaissance.

The MDX and TLX have been updated with Acura’s Precision Concept styling theme for their extensive mid-generation cycle refreshes and now the RLX gets the same treatment.

2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid

The car gets much sharper styling (new front fascia, hood, headlights, exhaust finishers, and a gloss black diffuser) and brighter colors. While fully admitting that I have a soft spot for this underdog performer, I feel the exterior design has the most athletic and cohesive look since the the second generation Legend.

New seat designs and available color choices round the notable changes to the interior. Continue reading “Week 45 – Interesting Auto News Worth Sharing”

VOLVO’S JOINT VENTURE WITH GEELY – A HOME TEAM ADVANTAGE

Not long after Volvo announced that products introduced from 2019 onwards would feature electrified powertrains, a new joint-venture was established to enhance intellectual property sharing with its Chinese parent company, Geely Holdings, and ultimately Geely Auto and LYNK & CO (all of which Geely Holdings is a significant stakeholder).

Check out the whole story at TFLcar.com

Land Rover: The Company Divide

 As Production closes on the Defender and a modern interpretation of the Discovery debuts, does this mark the end for the Land Rover faithful or is the brand further solidifying its reputation for providing “the best 4x4xfar”?

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Cadillac’s New Possible Flagships

Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen had a quick and expressive reaction to an article that spoke of product reduction in Cadillac’s near future. This public response wasn’t his first, but certainly surprised with its content. Nysschen’s vehicle naming shake up caused a lot of uneasiness with Infiniti and was again, an unwelcome change at Cadillac. However,  by making this response, he demonstrated his commitment for the brand and his support for all Cadillac fans. And to put his money where his mouth is, he laid out the brand’s future vehicle plans which included a flagship that is not a 4-door sedan.

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July 2016 Sales Summary

Sales figures were released this past week. It appears to be a mixed bag with concerns from industry experts raising concerns for future sales declines while several brands are posting record sales. The trend seen from nearly all brands, is the shift in consumer preference from cars to SUV’s/ trucks.

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Unique Market Opportunities, Part 3: The Logic of the Unibody Pickup Market

At the other end of the pickup segment lies a different type of customer whose focus is towards the sense of adventure while also seeking a level of daily comfort and fuel efficiency greater than their full-size brethren. The Toyota Tacoma has dominated the midsize pickup segment and it’s 2016 redesign continues the theme of a rough and tumble attitude but includes improvements to interior quality and overall refinement. The recently introduced GM twins, the Colorado and Canyon, also focus on the adventurous image and add in a controlled and quiet ride. None of these brands have prioritized hauling capability or overall capacities in their messages to the customer base. Just where will this market lead?  

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Unique Market Opportunities, Part 1: How the Evoque Convertible Makes Sense

Over the past several years, one of the hottest segments genres has been the 4 door-coupe, generally bringing the styling of a coupe with the two row comfort expected of a sedan. First introduced with the Mercedes CLS, then further advanced with the A7, this segment now even includes mainstream vehicles, such as the previous gen Hyundai Sonata with its long curved roof and short deck. The design philosophy is now an established part of the major market and automakers have been quick to adopt it to the next most popular segment, the SUV.

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