While winter still has an icy grip on the country, the auto industry is staying hot with awards, debates, and advanced technology.
This week’s review includes another award for Ram, and a rise in MPG for General Motors’ SUVs.
Also, find out why Ford is dropping its software provider, and why Jaguar is quarreling with its dealerships.
This Week’s Top Stories
Ram 1500 Wins Again: Like a great sports dynasty, the Ram 1500 just keeps on winning. The truck is now a Consumer Reports Top Pick, adding to a collection that already includes 2013 North American Truck of the Year and back-to-back Motor Trend Truck of the Year Awards – a feat that has never been accomplished.
Microsoft Out for Ford: After slumping quality scores, largely due to a clunky and confusing infotainment system, Ford has announced that they are dumping Microsoft as the software provider for their in-car systems. The automaker will now work with BlackBerry, which Ford hopes will provide a more user-friendly program.
General Motors’ SUVs see Rise in MPG: GM released the EPA estimates for the 2015 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, with an estimated rise in MPG at nearly 10% across the board. Equipped with the 5.3L V8, the vehicles will deliver 23 mpg highway, while the 6.2L is capable of 21 mpg hwy.
Massive Classic Car Collection for Sale: In a story that’s part classic car collection, part junk yard, and part of an episode of Hoarders, an 80-acre metal yard in Idaho, holding as many as 10,000 classic vehicles, is up for sale for an asking price of 3 million dollars. The owner, who started the collection over 50 years ago, is looking for a buyer who shares his passion for classic cars and vehicle restorations.
Jaguar’s Dealership Data Feud: Jaguar of North America has requested customer data from dealership computer systems. Dealers, however, have been apprehensive to hand it over. The request is part of a marketing program, but Jaguar dealers are concerned about the security of the data and their own liability related to any misuse of the information.
Flying Camaro: General Motors released an article explaining the “flying car” logic that is available in the Camaro Z/28. The system reads the ride height sensors and disables traction control when the vehicle losses contact with the ground, allowing the vehicle to maintain speed and momentum over rises and steep hills. The system is intended for racing only and helps the Camaro tackle tough courses like the Nurburgring in Germany. Learn more here about the flying Camaro.
Chevy Rebates and Incentives will Rise: General Motors has announced that they will launch an “unprecedented promotional assault” for Chevrolet vehicles. Chevy will offer supplier pricing on all new Silverado pickup trucks and nearly every vehicle on the market. This essentially is the steepest discount offered on the redesigned 2014 Silverado. For more information, call Pat McGrath Chevyland at 877-226-0908 or email sales@mcgrathauto.com
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