Hyundai Makes Green Splash With All-New Ioniq PHEV

Hyundai has pledged to boost average fuel economy of all its vehicles 20% by 2020, when it plans worldwide sales of 12 hybrids, six plug-in hybrids, two all-electric and two hydrogen-fuel-cell models.

By Vince Courtenay • Dec. 9, 2015

Volkswagen, Audi Forgo Profits to Recover in Korea

VW reinstated or extended 5-year, no-interest financing on most models and gave cash-paying customers discounts equal to savings under the interest-free loans. As a result, November sales were up 377% from the 947 vehicles sold in October.

By Vince Courtenay • Dec. 7, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Artificial Intelligence

Automakers and dealers alike are increasingly seeing the use case for AI within their operations. Explore some use cases in this trendline.

By WardsAuto staff

Spring 2016 U.K. Event to Celebrate All Things Ford

The indoor event will feature Fords from the U.K. and beyond, standard, restored and modified, along with trade stands from a variety of suppliers and specialists.

By Alan Harman • Dec. 7, 2015

Automakers Connecting Connectivity to Branding

As technology originally offered only in premium segments becomes widespread, the so-called human-machine interface will become a car’s trademark.

By Alysha Webb • Dec. 7, 2015

First U.K.-Built Infiniti Q30s Bound for U.S., China

The Q30 is the brand’s first model to be manufactured in Europe and Infiniti vehicles now are built in five plants in four countries on three continents.

By Alan Harman • Dec. 4, 2015

Honda Unwraps Week’s Top Two Auto Ads

The automaker dominates this week’s most-engaging ads list, taking four of the top five spots.

By WardsAuto Staff • Dec. 3, 2015

Ford Australia Likens Mustang Mania to Beatlemania

The first Mustang fastback and convertibles have landed in Melbourne and three more ships carrying the cars are expected within days.

By Alan Harman • Dec. 2, 2015

First Bentayga SUVs Roll Off Bentley Assembly Line

The 4-seat, all-wheel-drive SUV is powered by an all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0L W-12 engine making 600 hp and 664 lb.-ft. of torque.

By Alan Harman • Dec. 2, 2015

Ford Invests $1.3 Billion in Kentucky Truck Plant

Ford invests $1.3 billion in tooling and upgrades at its Kentucky Truck Plant to support production of the ’17 Super Duty pickup. The heavy-duty trucks join their light-duty siblings in getting aluminum bodies.

By Bob Gritzinger • Dec. 1, 2015

Renault’s Spain Investment Grows Output, Workforce

Renault has spent the biggest portion of its €600 million 2014-2016 investment program on retrofitting the Palencia plant to the Common Modular Family platform on which the new Megane, Kadjar and Nissan Pulsar models are built.

By Jorge Palacios • Nov. 25, 2015

Nissan’s ‘Be My Guest’ Top Ad

The Japanese automaker also led the way on spending during the week, accounting for 15.3% of the $123 million in automotive advertising.

By WardsAuto Staff • Nov. 25, 2015

Minimalist Vehicle Architecture Serves Volvo, Geely

All future Volvo models will be based on just two platforms: Scalable Product Architecture for larger vehicles and Compact Modular Architecture for small cars. Volvo is jointly developing CMA with Geely in Sweden.

By Alysha Webb • Nov. 25, 2015

Toyota Aims to Knock CR-V Off Perch With Refreshed RAV4

The No.1 Japanese automaker has its sights set on selling 400,000 RAV4s in the U.S. in a couple of years, which would topple current volume of the rival Honda CUV.

Nov. 25, 2015

GM Poland Launches Output of U.S.-Bound Buick Cascada

The Polish facility will export a car to the U.S. for the first time since its inauguration in 1998.

By Peter Homola • Nov. 24, 2015

Toyota Australia Links Bogus Parts to Online Dealer

Toyota says the recall involves counterfeit brake pads sold by online supplier Westend Spares between June 2013 and October 2015. The fakes were found to contain asbestos, a cancer-causing substance.

By Alan Harman • Nov. 23, 2015

Construction Done, Kia Mexico Plant Enters Next Phase

The new operation is expected to launch with its full 300,000-unit-per-year capability. First model off the line will be the Forte/Cerato compact sedan.

By Vince Courtenay • Nov. 23, 2015

Mitsubishi Looks to Connect With Younger Buyers

The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay infotainment systems in the 1.2L, 3-cyl. Mirage offers functionality “today’s young buyers are absolutely going to love,” Mitsubishi Motors North America executive Don Swearingen says.

By Erik Derr 1 • Nov. 20, 2015

Impreza Concept No Sedate Sedan for Surging Subaru

Spokesman Michael McHale calls the Impreza Sedan Concept the first example of a new generation of vehicles developed on a modular, less angular platform and employing the automaker’s Dynamic x Solid design language.

By Erik Derr 1 • Nov. 20, 2015

Hyundai Genesis Brand Selective, Separate Showrooms Not Forced

“We think the channel itself will evolve organically,” Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski says. “We don’t see us forcing dealers (to build) separate facilities.”

Nov. 20, 2015

Honda’s ‘It Exists’ Top Ad of Week

The week’s most engaging “auto” ad wasn’t about an automobile but the Honda Pioneer 1000, an all-terrain vehicle.

By WardsAuto Staff • Nov. 19, 2015

VW to Return Cash-for-Clunkers Subsidies to Spain

Volkswagen initially refused to give back the subsidy payments, contending they were based not on nitrogen-oxide but on carbon-dioxide emissions. But VW later admitted it had understated CO2 emissions as well.

By Jorge Palacios • Nov. 19, 2015

Kia Niro Hybrid SUV Coming in Early 2016

The Niro will be powered by a 1.6L Kappa GDI 105 hp engine, supplemented by a 32 kW electric motor and 1.56 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack.

By Vince Courtenay • Nov. 19, 2015

Redesigned ’17 Buick LaCrosse Steps Out in L.A.

The heart of the new LaCrosse, available next summer in the U.S., is an all-new powertrain: a 3.6L gasoline direct injection V-6 and 8-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire.

By James M. Amend • Nov. 18, 2015

Power Boost Punches Up ’17 Lincoln MKZ Refresh

Lincoln refreshes its MKZ midsize luxury sedan for 2017 with a bold new face and a 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 under the hood. The MKZ goes on sale in early summer 2016.

By Bob Gritzinger • Nov. 18, 2015

Nissan Debuts Refreshed Sentra, Juke Stinger

Updates to the compact sedan’s interior include a new steering wheel, with a design similar to the Nissan 370Z’s wheel, a revised center-cluster design, and new console, shifter knob and a higher-resolution LCD display.

Nov. 18, 2015