Motor News
MotorWeek tracks auto industry news, focusing on crash tests, safety ratings, new advances in technology and the latest from auto shows around the world.
Farewell to the BMW i8
It was hailed as the sports car of the future when it debuted, but now the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid has run out of time. It turned heads when it first launched in 2014. Since then, over 20,000 i8’s have been sold solidifying its spot as the most successful sports car with an electrified drive system. As a final farewell, BMW is producing just 200 of a Special… Read More
Automakers Transition to Manufacturing Medical Equipment
As expected, new car sales took a dive in March due to the blooming Coronavirus outbreak. Overall, industry sales were down about 45%, with few brands bucking the trend. Sales for the first three months of 2020 were nearly 15% lower than a year ago. Demand for pickup trucks remained strong however. Looking ahead to April, experts predict an 80% decline as more and… Read More
New GM Batteries
GM has just made a bold move in the ever growing EV market, revealing details of an electric lineup powered by new battery technology. General Motors is looking to the future and going the distance with their new Ultium Modular Battery System, which they say will have capacities that range from 50 to 200 kilowatt hours. That translates to up to 400 miles or more… Read More
2020 Geneva Motor Show Episode 3929
The 2020 Geneva International Motor Show was cancelled due to coronavirus concerns. But, show organizers and automakers quickly moved the debut party online, and it was a virtual hit parade! Like the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport. It focuses more on balance and agility than just max speed. Meanwhile this Aston Martin V12 Speedster is all about no top extravagance. The… Read More
J.D. Power Reliability Episode 3926
Design, horsepower, and technology get a lot of attention when we review cars on MotorWeek. But, its reliability that is one of the biggest keys for buyers. J.D. Power has released their 2020 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Covering 36,000 owners, the study looks at problems with cars that are 3-years old. This year, Hyundai’s Genesis luxury brand is not only… Read More
Chicago Auto Show Episode 3925
In recent years the Chicago Auto Show has been a showcase mostly for new trucks. And that sense of ruggedness was certainly evident at its 112th edition. Jeep’s new Gladiator pickup arrives in Mojave trim as the brand’s first Desert Rated vehicle. It goes beyond the legendary off-road reputation… as a high-speed desert runner built to power through sand. While… Read More
NACTOY
Among the numerous annual automotive awards, the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year awards are the only ones selected by a jury of 50 independent auto writers. So, here are the winners this year. The 2020 North American Car of the Year is the totally re-engineered Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. The first production Corvette with the engine mounted… Read More
2020 Consumer Electronics Show
As automakers look for new ways to showcase their vehicles, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is becoming an increasingly important stage. Chinese automaker BYTON made some eyeballs pop with their 48-inch screen that stretches across the dashboard of their first production model… the BYTON M-Byte electric SUV. Continental’s transparent hood can show… Read More
Autononmous Standards Episode 3920
There are many facets in the debate about autonomous vehicles… from safety… to liability. The effort to set up industry guidelines is growing. Volkswagen Group of America has joined The Automated Vehicle Safety Consortium. The consortium is made up of automakers and technology companies. They’re working to develop safety standards for testing and using vehicles… Read More
Sales Survey Episode 3918
The car buying process may get a bad wrap, but some brands do it better than others. And, it usually comes down to their dealers. J.D. Power has released their annual U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index Study. And for the second year in a row, and for four out of the last five years, folks buying Porsches are the most satisfied with the sales process among premium… Read More