2019 Toyota Yaris Sedan: Mid-Premium Goodness

2019 Toyota Yaris Sedan: Mid-Premium Goodness Here is the 2019 Toyota Yaris sedan . . . wait, they make a Yaris sedan? Why would you make a Yaris sedan? At this point, why would you make a Yaris? I keed! I keed! The Toyota Yaris is a perfectly serviceable car. No, it does not take you in Rolls-like comfort. No, it does not have Ferrari-esque power and agility. But it is a Yaris.
And at a certain point in time, maybe a Yaris is what a person needs. If you can get past the looks – and you’re going to have to, because this thing is gruesomely unattractive – but the Yaris is as dependable as, well, as a Toyota.
Mid-Premium Design
The Yaris sedan will come in three grades for 2019: L, LE, and XLE. The XLE is said to be more of a premium grade, although we here at Automoblog might call it “mid-premium.” The XLE offers up leatherette-trimmed front seats, which Toyota describes as “sporty” along with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake. The HVAC system has automatic climate control; there are automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and illuminated entry on the mid-premium Yaris XLE.
There are newer styling touches to be found on the 2019 Yaris, like the front grille with a honeycomb insert, “upscale” piano black accents, and chrome trim. Fog lights are standard on the LE and XLE, and there’s also a new rear lip spoiler and a color-keyed shark fin antenna for the satellite radio. Power outside mirrors are standard on the L, and the LE and XLE get power outside heated mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators. And all this inexpensive yet practical goodness will come painted in seven colors.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Power & Performance
As you would expect, the 2019 Yaris sedan is as efficient as any other Toyota out there. It’s powered by a direct-injected, 1.5-liter engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Those equal up to 32 mpg in the city, 40 on the highway, and 35 combined. Nice! But if you opt for the six-speed manual box, those figures turn into 30 mpg in the city, 39 on the highway, and 34 combined, but you do get the fun and enjoyment of stirring your own gears. Which actually should be fun thanks to the compact, lightweight design, and short-throw shift changes.
That 1.5-liter DOHC four-banger pumps out 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft. of torque, or about what a first gen GTI put out. So the Yaris should have some semblance of fun about it.
Chassis & Suspension
There’s a lot of high-tensile strength steel in the body and frame, so the chassis of the Yaris sedan should make for a rigid suspension platform. The ride is controlled via stiffer springs paired with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear, and all you gearheads know: torsion beam rear suspension = three-wheeled corning around the AutoX course – yee-HAW!
The steering is provided by the now nearly-completely-ubiquitous electronic power steering unit. There’s a Sport mode for improved torque feel at the flip of a switch. Stopping is taken care of by ventilated discs up front and drum brakes in the rear. No, really: drum brakes and a torsion beam suspension out back. Ha!
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Tech & Safety
The interior falls into the “modern car manufactured to a price point” category. Every Yaris has a seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system with voice recognition, remote interface, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a standard backup camera. The speedo is analog, the tach digital, and cruise control comes standard. Every Yaris is standard equipped with an Active Safety System: Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Anti-Lock Brake System, and a Brake Over-Ride System.
The Low-Speed Pre-Collision System scans the road ahead for potential collisions. If the system sees something is up, an audio/visual alert and braking assistance are designed to automatically trigger. Should you be a complete dolt and fail to respond, this system may automatically apply the brakes.
Pricing & Availability
The new Yaris will hit Toyota dealerships this fall with pricing information due closer to that time.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. 
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Arrives: What You Need To Know

2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Arrives: What You Need To Know The 2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is now at select Honda dealerships in California. The Clarity Fuel Cell joins a growing lineup of Honda electrified vehicles, including the 2018 Accord Hybrid and the recently announced 2019 Insight. The automaker says their goal is to have electrified vehicles represent two-thirds of their global sales by 2030.
Power & Performance
The Clarity series, which includes the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, Clarity Fuel Cell, and Clarity Electric, each have a low, wide aerodynamic body. The Clarity Fuel cell features a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell, 346-volt lithium-ion battery, and an AC Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Electric Motor. Honda classifies the transmission as a fixed, single-speed, direct-drive transmission with Sport mode and shift-by-wire technology.
The EPA miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) ratings come in at 69 city, 67 highway, and 68 combined, with a refueling time of approximately three to five minutes when using 70 MPa stations. Driving range is estimated between 360 and 370 miles on average. The Clarity Fuel cell produces 174 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque.
The Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features is standard.
2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. Photo: Honda North America.
Pricing
With $2,868 due at signing, drivers receive their new Clarity Fuel Cell on a 36-month lease for $369 per month. While lease terms can vary, Honda is advertising a generous mileage allowance of 20,000 miles per year. The lease also includes roadside assistance, up to $15,000 of hydrogen fuel, and up to 21 days of access to a luxury vehicle from Avis, although the rental is only good in California. Golden State residents are also eligible for an additional $5,000 rebate.
Availability
Retail leasing of the Clarity Fuel Cell is available through a network of 12 approved Honda dealerships in select California markets, including six dealerships in Southern California, five in the San Francisco Bay Area, and one in the Sacramento area. Honda says as the network of public hydrogen fueling stations expands, the Clarity Fuel Cell will be more readily available.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Gallery








Photos & Source: Honda North America.



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Can The 2019 Kia K900 Compete Against The Europeans?

Can The 2019 Kia K900 Compete Against The Europeans? Here it is, the 2019 Kia K900. A car that un-ironically uses words like “classically drawn exterior” and “gravity of prestige” to describe itself. For more than four-thousand words, the Kia press release drags on and on, blah-blah luxury this, flim-flam high-tech that, worry-worry safety stuff over there. All that stuff is beside the point when you get to the part about the new K900’s powertrain and chassis.
You know what words I noticed? Albert Biermann. Yup, that Albert Biermann. The BMW tuner guy.
Kia states very flatly that the whole point of the K900 is to compete against its premium European competitors. And that phrase becomes more than marketing horse manure when you realize that Albert Biermann is the President of Kia’s Vehicle Test and High Performance Development. Yeah, the former Chief Engineer for BMW’s M performance cars with over 30 years of experience.
“The goal for the K900 was to achieve ‘confident comfort’ on the road,” he explained. “To deliver this result, we focused on four main categories: drivability, NVH, comfort, and steering precision.”
Power & Performance
The 2019 K900 is powered by a 3.3-­liter twin turbo V6, the same engine found in Kia’s much ballyhooed Stinger fastback. In the K900, it cranks out 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque, with the twin, single scroll turbos integrated directly into the exhaust manifold; Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing broadens out the power band. A cooling system described as “robust” is there to handle the increased thermal loading with a wider radiator and 600-watt fan motor.
This plant is mated to a second-gen, in-house built eight-­speed automatic operated by a Shift­-by-­Wire gear selector that allows for quicker shifts during more spirited driving. And on top of all that is full-­time “Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control,” or a standard all-wheel drive system in other words. It is electronically biased towards the rear but freely distributes torque to any and all four corners as the system sees fit. Up to 50 percent of the torque can be sent to the front and up to 80 percent of the power can be routed to the rear in Sport mode. The K900 is the second application of this in-house system with the Stinger being the first.
2019 Kia K900 on display at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
Ride & Handling
The wheelbase is longer and the stance wider for greater control and stability; the chassis was strengthened over the previous K900 with increased front and rear lateral stiffness thanks to a greater use of structural adhesives. Torsional stiffness is up by 33 percent over the outgoing K900; the new model has four times more hot stamping than before to give the vehicle a more solid and premium feel.
The K900 utilizes a wheel air curtain to minimize vortices inside the wheel arches by introducing air from the bumper. The full underbody panels reduce drag as does an active air flap. The bottom line: a drag coefficient of .27 Cd. Noise, vibration, and harshness reduction measures are positively euro-like with enhanced insulation throughout the vehicle structure, including the firewall, under floor cover, and vibration pad behind the headliner. There’s even an acoustic film on the windshield for a quieter cabin.
A new “Quadric pattern” grille is found on the 2019 K900. There are 176 “jewel-like cells” within the grille that visually represent ripples that would result from the impact of a splash. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Steering & Suspension
The steering itself is an electro-mechanical, rack­-mounted power assembly designed for increased agility and comfort. There’s “slower” off-center feel, which provides a better sense of stability, especially during high-speed driving. And for anyone who has ever driven a BMW, this will feel quite normal. Huh, I wonder where Kia came up with that notion?
The four-wheel independent suspension delivers tighter and quicker turns via a new front multi-link design, and by increasing the stiffness of the front and rear axle assembly. An Electronically Controlled Suspension is available to boost ride comfort. The system reduces things like chassis motion using an internal damper system to modulate the suspension accordingly.
“Although the K900 prides itself as not being overtly luxurious, the one nod to the haute lifestyle is an analog clock specially designed and co-branded by Maurice Lacroix,” reads a statement from Kia. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Pricing & Availability
The new K900 will be built in Kia’s Sohari facility in South Korea, the same plant where they build the Stinger. Kia didn’t give any definite word on price but it will hit dealers in the fourth quarter of this year. In the meantime, it’s on display at the New York International Auto Show, now through April 8th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
I’d love to get my mitts on one of these and a good, used M3 and see what the similarities are.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. 
2019 Kia K900 Gallery

















Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.



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2 Millionth Duramax Rolls Off The Line In Ohio

2 Millionth Duramax Rolls Off The Line In Ohio

Moraine, Ohio is a small, Midwestern community. As of the 2010 census, the population was just over 6,000 residents. The area is known for famous eateries like the Treasure Island Supper Club and Dixie Dairy Dreem, and its commitment to family parks and recreation.
It’s also known for the Duramax engine, a now legendary name forever etched in the hearts of GM truck enthusiasts.
Family Culture
General Motors, DMAX, Ltd. and I.U.E.-CWA Local 755 employees recently celebrated the building of the 2 millionth Duramax 6.6L engine. The milestone arrives following solid growth at DMAX, Ltd. where employment has risen the last few years. DMAX, Ltd. currently houses the 554 hourly and 114 salaried employees of the I.U.E.-CWA Local 755.
“This is a testament to the dedication of our workforce to continue to produce a great product,” said Carl Kennebrew, President, IUE-CWA Local 755. “We have a culture here at DMAX that is based off of teamwork and a family environment.”
Powerful Personas
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD trucks utilize the aforementioned Duramax diesel; the engine is a vital cornerstone for both trucks in terms of performance and capability. Duramax engines also power some Navistar commercial trucks, Gale Banks vehicles, and even marine applications. Recently, the redesigned Duramax hit the market with an increase in power. The next-generation 6.6L turbo-diesel boasts an SAE-certified 445 horsepower (332 kW) at 2,800 rpm and 910 lb-ft. of torque (1,234 Nm) at 1,600 rpm.
“The Duramax Diesel has powered GM’s heavy-duty pickups to numerous quality, reliability, durability, and truck of the year awards,” said Cathy Clegg, Vice Presndent, GMNA Manufacturing and Labor Relations. “These awards would not be possible without the hard work of the men and women of the IUE and DMAX.”
Groundbreaking for the DMAX, Ltd. plant began in 1998, with the first engine rolling off the line on July 17th, 2000.
“When we started this project, who would have expected we would achieve 2 million engines,” said Shinichi Suzuki, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, DMAX, Ltd. “The most important thing is not that the 2 million engines have been manufactured, but that they have been sold by the effort of the entire team.”
Kennebrew agreed.
“Everyone is dedicated to the vision of our company,” he said. “I’m so proud of our members and their continued drive to be successful.”
2017 GMC Sierra Denali 3500 HD. Photo: General Motors.

Giving Back
Recent investments at DMAX, Ltd. include a $60 million investment for emissions improvements in 2014. This was followed in 2015 with an $82 million investment for productivity improvements. The subsequent investments at DMAX, Ltd. have been returned to the greater community.
“We have invested both dollars and volunteerism into several local organizations, specifically the Moraine Foundation, which channels all local charitable activities and the promotion of STEM-related opportunities through the West Carrollton HS–FIRST Robotics Club,” said Pat Curtis, DMAX, Ltd. Plant Manager. 
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 



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2018 Chevy Equinox Employs New Aerodynamic Tools

2018 Chevy Equinox Employs New Aerodynamic Tools

Aerodynamics are, in a word, important. They are, counter intuitively, very important in things like trucks and SUVs. Trucks and SUVs are potentially so bad to begin with aerodynamically speaking, that by tweaking them here and there, many beneficial gains can be made.
The sad, baseline fact to deal with here is that trucks are pretty boxy, and boxy is not good. How many birds do you see shaped like bricks? Exactly, none. How many trucks do you see shaped thusly? Exactly. Pretty much all of them.
Efficient Directives
Now, yes, of course, aerodynamic efficiency is a problem for anything that plows through the air. And any vehicle can pretty much benefit from paying attention to it. But trucks and SUVs are often so bad that almost any gains here usually reap big rewards, especially when it comes to fuel efficiency.
And Chevy has, for decades now, a real bee in its bonnet about fuel efficiency. Getting really good over the highway fuel numbers is something the bow-tie brigade has been obsessing over for a while now. So as sales of SUVs rise, corporate average fuel economy falls, and that really sticks in Chevy’s craw. So to counter that, Chevy had a go at tweaking the upcoming 2018 Equinox to make it more slippery.
Or at least that was the brief that landed on the desk of the Design and Aerodynamic team working on the all-new 2018 Chevy Equinox. They had to make the compact SUV a balance of style, function, and efficiency.
To this end, Chevy crows that the 2018 Equinox offers “an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway” for front-wheel drive models. Now, a few caveats and observations here: 1 – That’s the highway MPG figure; 2 – that’s for the front wheel drive models; 3 – a lot of that efficiency can be done via gearing alone. Look, you don’t have to be the reincarnation of Archimedes to know that if you put a high enough top gear in the box and get the timing so the engine can turn over correctly at freeway speed, you’re going to get amazing gas mileage.
But that’s not what Chevrolet did here. At least not all they did here.
“Working closely with the aerodynamics team, we were able to craft a final design that is the ultimate win-win scenario,” said Jeff Perkins, Equinox Design Manager. “Together we reached the aerodynamic goals intended to give the new Equinox an efficiency-enhancing edge on the highway with the sculpted look and cargo space we set out to achieve.” Photo: Chevrolet.
Sizes & Shapes
The Design and Aerodynamic teams undertook great care in making a refined vehicle shape that still provides the main proportions of an SUV. In other words, the 2018 Equinox still looks like a big station wagon or a small half-track, depending on your taste.
Curiously, the Equinox’s overall length was cut by 4.7 inches, which should hurt aero efficiency (longer and skinnier is better at slipping through the air versus shorter and wider). Chevrolet did this more in the interests of making the Equinox easier to park and maneuver.  The Equinox team spent more than 500 hours in GM’s full-scale wind tunnel working on the exterior.
Their efforts ultimately reduced wind resistance by 10 percent over the previous model. Impressive.
Underbody panels on the front-wheel drive variants of the 2018 Chevy Equinox improve airflow beneath the vehicle. Photo: Chevrolet.


Aerodynamic Tools
They also pulled a few tricks out of the hat, such as new, electronically controlled upper and lower grille shutters to make things slicker. The shutters close in certain conditions on the highway, when less engine cooling is needed, to divert more air around the vehicle and reduce drag. There is also a larger rear spoiler that helps reduce trailing turbulence for less wind resistance.
The taillamps even incorporate a series of shrewdly integrated vortex generators for better air separation at the corners of the D-pillars. GM designers call them “air trips,” but any aerodynamicist worth their Masters Degree will recognize them as vortex generators. There are also new air deflectors by the tires that achieve the same aerodynamic benefit as a conventional air dam, but without the risk of gronking the air dam on a curb when parking. GM says the new air deflectors are there as to not compromise the Equinox’s sculpted design, but sure, whatever, not gronking it on the curb is a better idea.
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is in dealer showrooms now.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Chevy Equinox Gallery








Photos & Source: Chevrolet.



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Just How Special Is The 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition?

Just How Special Is The 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition?

The 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition is, as the name suggests, a special version of the Toyota/Scion/Subaru FR-S/BRZ sports coupe. They’re pretty wonderful cars to begin with. They’re light; nice low center of gravity thanks to that Subbie-sourced boxer-4 engine, good braking, all that stuff.
Think of them as a coupe version of a Miata, and you pretty much get the picture. So what’s up with the Toyota 860 Special Edition?
Style Over Power
Sadly, the 860 Special Edition of the corporate siblings does not feature more power. There’s no turbo (which would have been easy to grab from the Subaru parts bin) and there’s no displacement bump (ditto). Sad really, since everyone likes this car, but the main “what needs improvement” answer is usually “more power.”
No, the “special” part of the 860 Special Edition seems to come down to a stripe package and a few extra gee-gaws. Or, as Toyota puts it, “the new 860 Special Edition that adds stand-out styling, premium features, and performance technology.”
“The 86 is recognized by enthusiasts for its impressive driving performance and its value-oriented price tag,” said John Myers, Toyota National Manager, Vehicle Marketing and Communications.
And yes, he sure is right about that. These things are inexpensive and fun. Mr. Myers goes on to say the 860 Special Edition will “amplify these core elements with an added dose of premium styling mixed with performance technology.”
Colorful Origins
The exterior of the 860 Special Edition gets exclusive Supernova Orange paint along with black body stripes, black rear spoiler, heated outside mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. They say it’s “Supernova Orange” but to me it looks like a dull red in the photos. Maybe it’s one of those “looks different in real life” things, but we’ll have to see. The 860 Special Edition also sports LED fog lights and a unique aerodynamic underbody panel for added style and function. In that order, I guess.
If orange ain’t your thing, the 860 Special Edition will also be available in Halo White, and only 860 units of each color will be made. See, that’s where they get the “860” in 860 Special Edition. Clever, no? No.
2017 Toyota 86 – 860 Special Edition. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Interior Treatments
The interior of the 860 Special Edition has heated front seats in black leather with orange stitching, and the same contrasting black and orange theme on the leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift boot, and parking brake lever. And there’s also a unique center console placard that signifies its exclusivity.  Or, to put it another, non-self-aggrandizing way, Toyota made a run of 860 badges and bought some glue.
The 860 Special Edition also has a Smart key with push-button start and touch-activated door unlock, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control, which are all nice to have.
Driving Dynamics
“The 86 is all about driving performance,” says Toyota. And what do they mean by that, exactly? This: “Each special edition will come with a 4.2-inch multi-information display that features a G-force meter and stop watch, and displays vital information such as horsepower and torque curves, engine coolant and oil temperatures, and MPG.”
Really? Really!? No revamped suspension? No upgraded tires? No big honking brakes? No turbo plant pulled from Subaru’s WRX STi? A G-meter on the touch screen? That’s it? Argh!
Look, how hard can this be? Go to the production line where Subaru makes the WRX STi plants and pull 860 X 2 of them. Go to the Toyota parts bin and grab 860 X 2 big brakes that will fit on the uprights, and while you’re there, snatch up 860 X 2 stiffer shocks, springs, and sway-bars. Bolt all of these parts to 860 X 2 860 Special Edition models, paint half of them Primer Black and the other half Primer Gray and make sure all of them have windshield header decals that say “MOVE IT!” in reverse lettering.
Yes, yes. I know: Insurance and price points.
2017 Toyota 86 – 860 Special Edition. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.


Overlooked Market?
A little coupe like this cranking out around 300 horsepower would make the insurance cost prohibitive for your target market (the 25-year-old version of me). And likewise, the out the door price of a Toyota/Scion/Subaru FR-S/BRZ would also be beyond the wallet-range for your target market (again, the 25-year-old version of me). Yes, yes. I understand all of that, but in the words of Zora Arkus Duntov: “Screw that! Put in the big block!”
Sure, you may not sell many to 25-year-old gearheads, but you know who you would sell them too? People like me. Also, people like Chris Burdick and Carl Anthony here at 1 Automoblog Towers. Sure, Carl is a Detroit native, and the locals don’t take too kindly to imports, but the entire point is this: Older gearheads with more money and favorable insurance brackets would love this thing.
But, alas and alack, you won’t do that will you?
As it stands, the 2017 Toyota 860 Special Edition is available now, with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology. The price is a not all that out of line: $29,155 for the manual transmission and $29,875 for the automatic box.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2017 Toyota 86 – 860 Special Edition. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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Ford Vans & Medium-Duty Trucks Increase In Versatility, Options

Ford Vans & Medium-Duty Trucks Increase In Versatility, Options

Ah, the Ford Transit. Immortal beloved of the delivery world (and also the world of English gangsters, if British films are to be believed). It’s flexible enough to come in a variety of configurations; from small enough to work in crowded urban environments to large enough to haul bulky items easily.
And recently, the Ford F-650 and F-750 were named Work Truck magazine’s 2017 Medium-Duty Truck of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Top Honors, Best Sellers
So hurrah for Ford, because they obviously deserve it. Work Truck magazine chose the Ford F-650 and F-750 as its 2017 Medium-Duty Truck of the Year by asking professionals what they thought. Professional fleet managers were asked to consider which of the nine competing trucks best fit their fleet requirements, incorporating application effectiveness, durability, quality, servicing, maintenance, and lifecycle costs.
In 2015, the Ford Transit became America’s best-selling commercial van, and in 2016, it became America’s best-selling van period. Ford sold more Transits than any other van out there, and that even includes minivans. That’s a pretty astounding statistic when you consider how many minivans you see in a single day.
Perhaps this success of the modern Transit has to do with its amazing flexibility. The Transit can be built in any one of 64 different configurations, which Ford notes makes it the best-in-class when it comes to configurations offered. The Transit also has a bunch of standard features, even in its bone stoke versions, that other companies either don’t offer, or charge extra for. A rearview camera is standard on the Transit van, for example, along with a locking glove box and rear LED cargo lamp switch.
The list of new optional equipment for 2018 is also extensive.
Options & Accessories
The cargo area flooring is now beefed up as is the rear scuff plate kit. The running boards have been extended too. The parking brake is now a push-down manual affair (not sure why that matters either way honestly) and the external mirrors are power-folding short-arm units, with heating for the mirrors and turn signals built in.
AM/FM stereo with audio input jack, microphone, and Bluetooth interface is also available, which means you can hook up tablets and smartphones with greater ease. This must be a real Godsend for delivery drivers with new routes or clients. There are new D-pillar assist handles for medium and high-roof models as well. Ford also gives you optional goodies to make your Transit look good. A forged alloy dual rear wheel package and a charcoal leather-trimmed/heated seat package, for example.
2018 Ford Transit. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Alternative Powertrains
Worried about the planet or just want to save on your fleet’s fuel bill? The 2018 Ford Transit has you covered there as well. FoMoCo has expanded the Ford Advanced Fuel QVM (qualified vehicle modifier) program to include three developers: XL Hybrids, Motiv Power Systems, and Lightning Hybrids. These companies offer hybrid solutions, either electric or hydraulic, for a range of Ford vehicles that are popular with fleet and commercial customers.
Traditional Powertrains
It’s also interesting to note that Ford is the only manufacturer to offer a gasoline engine in the medium-duty truck segment. I guess everyone else went with diesels. Ford’s plant is the 6.8-liter V10, cranking out 320 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque in either the F-650 or F-750, coupled to the TorqShift HD six-speed automatic transmission. Ford does, of course, offer a diesel drivetrain package: The 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel delivers 270 horsepower and 675 lb-ft. of torque.
There’s other diesel options available with engine outputs of 300 horsepower and  700 lb-ft. of torque and 330 horsepower with 725 lb-ft. of torque. The diesel engines are backed by a standard five-year/250,000-mile limited warranty.
2018 Ford Transit. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Parts & Service Availability
All of this fleet truck goodness is backed up by Ford’s extensive array of fleet dealers. The Ford Commercial Vehicle Center program has more than 670 dealers across the country that not only sell Ford commercial vehicles, but the service centers are particularly impressive. They use their own proprietary diagnostic software and Commercial Vehicle Tools.
To maximize road and usage time, the Commercial Vehicle Center service departments are open at least 55 hours per week, with new stocking programs to help improve parts availability. And Ford has started a new Commercial Advantage Rewards loyalty program. Customers can receive a range of factory benefits that can be redeemed at any Commercial Vehicle Center location.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.



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YourMechanic Hosts Forum On Transforming Car Ownership

YourMechanic Hosts Forum On Transforming Car Ownership


Years ago, I remember my father taking advantage of Heartland Car Care’s Saturday hours, the local shop that serviced our minivan in our rural Iowa community. The mechanics were knowledgeable and quick; Kent who ran the place greeted everyone with a smile and was thorough when he went over repairs.
The service was friendly, the coffee was hot, and the Saturday hours were convenient.
Winds of Change
In this digital and modern age, YourMechanic is the equivalent of Heartland Car Care. Just as we had the number written down on the pad by the phone, YourMechanic is accessed through today’s smartphones. Their specialty is mobile car repair, covering over 600 maintenance and diagnostic services. YourMechanic is available in the top 50 largest cities in the United States, and are as remarkably accessible today as Heartland Care Care was in its time with Saturday hours.
Companies like YourMechanic have capitalized from an evolving need – perhaps even a longing for – a different type of car ownership experience. People want a place as inviting as Heartland Car Care, yet able to meet them on the go in today’s increasingly mobile culture.
“The whole auto industry is in a massive transformation right now so it’s just not like it used to be,” said Anthony Rodio, President & CEO, YourMechanic. “And that is the sort of thing we want to talk about and cover.”
Transform Versus Transaction
YourMechanic is facilitating such discussions on Thursday, March 30th in Sunnyvale, California, as they present a conference dedicated to the ever changing relationship we have with our vehicles. Driving the Auto Industry Forward: Transforming the Car Ownership Experience will unite automotive industry experts who are disrupting and dissecting every aspect of vehicle ownership. Together with Ally Financial, Automobility LA, eBay Motors, and Turo, YourMechanic’s forum addresses the opportunities and challenges with regard to the 200 million plus car owners today.
“From my view, the biggest benefit is that we are getting some interesting companies to take part in something that is really big and significant for the industry,” Rodio said. “Unfortunately, these things are not really being served by the traditional media.”
Rodio is joined during the evening’s panel discussion by Angie Tuglus, Executive Vice President & COO, Ally Insurance, David Stewart, Chief Business Officer, Turo, and Sree Menon, General Manager of Parts and Accessories for eBay Motors. One of the primary questions is how customer behavior has changed in the last two years and how these companies are responding accordingly.
“It is amazing to see how customers across all ages and backgrounds have converged in their expectations: everyone is demanding a digital, fast, and transparent experience,” Tuglus noted. “We want to feel in control, and get everything on demand.”
Tuglus believes successful companies in the automotive arena will be able to make critical decisions regarding how customers think and feel.
“Product and service providers in the auto space are traditionally good at studying features and prices, but poor at truly understanding where and how a customer wants to interact with a service or product,” she explained. “And that’s the paradigm shift we’ve been making.”
A YourMechanic technician meets a customer at his workplace and explains the necessary maintenance needed for his vehicle. A large part of the company’s vision revolves around personalized service and transparent pricing. Photo: YourMechanic.


Creating Dialogues
Turo is the largest P2P car sharing marketplace, helping owners take otherwise depreciating cars and turn them into money making assets. This service is excellent for those who have a car just sitting most of the time. It wasn’t all that long ago, services like this were unheard of, yet the ways of our lives are evolving and companies like Turo saw an opportunity to capitalize on a growing trend.
Similar to how YourMechanic will do in Sunnyvale, Turo also facilitates dialogue on how car ownership is changing.
“In addition to reviewing customer feedback on a regular basis, we host community events in our top markets to ensure that we are meeting our Turo members and listening to their ideas and suggestions,” the company said in a recent statement.
Another topic of discussion focuses on how the process of purchasing a vehicle is changing. Will the car owner of tomorrow want to purchase said car in the traditional sense?
“There is a huge gap between customer awareness and where digital auto buying has evolved to – a large percentage of consumers across the country, and around the world, would like to buy their vehicle online,” Tuglus said. “Your average consumer either has no idea this is possible, or is not sure it is safe and legitimate, and this creates a massive opportunity for companies or car dealers who can bridge this gap.”
According to a recent report from Business Insider, 75 percent of all cars manufactured by 2020 will have the ability to establish an internet connection. The report also concluded the connected-car market is growing at a five-year compound annual growth rate of 45 percent – 10 times as fast as the overall car market. This trend presents a tremendous opportunity for various tech and automotive startups.
Startup Lane
The Sunnyvale event includes an exhibit of up-and-coming startups who are transforming car ownership. Founders of these companies will be available to demonstrate their products and solutions that ultimately change the way we view our relationships with our cars.
“There are a lot of people interested in what is going to be happening five to seven years from now,” Rodio said. “In my opinion, there is no better indicator of where markets are going than by looking at the companies that are starting and getting funded here in Silicon Valley.”
LotBlok, Prazo, Selly Automotive, SHIFTMobility, and other startups will be on hand.
“This is an interesting way to synthesize, in one place, where some areas of investment are in the car ownership ecosystem,” Rodio said.
YourMechanic’s forum will take place at the Plug and Play Technology Center in Sunnyvale, California, Thursday, March 30th. Automotive and mobility industry professionals, venture capitalists, startup founders, and OEM and aftermarket suppliers can register here for the free event. The evening gets underway at 6pm with registration, happy hour, and a photo opportunity with “Aviato” from the TV series Silicon Valley. The panel discussion begins at 7pm with social time and networking to follow at 8pm.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 



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Volvo Expands Connected Services Including In-Car Delivery

Volvo Expands Connected Services Including In-Car Delivery

Volvo, like every other manufacturer out there, is making their lineup more and more connected to the digital world around them. As this turns from being more of a trend and into a simple fact of vehicular life, it seems that car makers, and in this case Volvo in particular, are turning into software makers as well.
One of my brothers is a computer engineer. He’s a hardware jock. He’s a deep dive kind of guy with multiple advanced degrees from very prestigious engineering colleges.
If it’s a computer that can withstand an electromagnetic pulse that could knock down a space shuttle or a machine the NSA would purchase by the train car load, that’s his style. Years ago I swung by his office in Boston, and I noticed he had a bookcase that was overflowing.
“You need a bigger bookcase,” I observed adroitly.
With a wry look of resignation on his face he smirked and said, “yeah, ever since that Gates guy, everybody’s a software engineer now, even us hardware jocks.”
Fries With That?
His point was this: With computers of all sizes becoming ubiquitous throughout our daily lives, and hardware more or less stable in design and configuration, hardware is not the issue, software is and will be the prevalent issue in the future. Whether you realize it or not, you can see this all the time. From on high come the invisible edicts. From places like Cupertino and Redmond comes a little flashing notice on your smartphone or tablet: “Software update available. Install?”
And now there’s this whole internet of things (IoT), where your toaster can talk with your fridge and digitally nag you in the middle of the day to go pick up English Muffins or, “better” yet, automatically order them from an online shopping company.
Car companies are getting hip to this. Generally falling under the heading of “connected services,” they are trying to pump more and more info down your optic chiasma via the ever-growing touchscreen in the center of your dash. It all started out innocently enough: maintenance intervals and reminders, navigation functions, stuff like that. But now the madness is starting to set in. The marketing weasels are starting to gain more and more control and some cars are starting to shove “purchasing suggestions” at you as you drive. Insinuating where to eat. Reminding you to go buy, buy, buy.
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
On Demand Services
Volvo, the Scandinavian maker of all things boxy and logical, is even getting hip to this. It goes so far that their latest memo is not about a new engine or fuel economy numbers, about sales or even a new model. No, it’s about a software upgrade to their in-car driver/passenger interface.
Volvo announced a series of updates to its global connected services program and to its Sensus in­-car user interface. The updates will start with the new XC60 and the company’s existing and new 90 Series cars. This also includes Volvo’s In­-car Delivery service, part of the Volvo On Call smartphone app that accepts deliveries to your car. In-car Delivery will expand to five additional countries this year. Yeah. I know. You can get stuff delivered to your car. No. No, I don’t have any idea why you would want to do that.
“This is just the start,” advised Björn Annwall, Senior Vice President, Global Consumer Experience at Volvo Car Group. “Our roll out of one of the most comprehensive and customer relevant services in the industry is now shifting up a gear, and you will see more convenient and time-saving services offered in the coming months.”
With Volvo On Call, users can send meeting destinations to their car remotely. The app works with relatively common finger functions. For example, swiping left on the calendar card in home view allows the user to plan a trip. Swiping left can also be used on other cards in home tab for quick access to things starting the parking heater. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Always On Call
Volvo On Call, the company’s connected smartphone app, has undergone a total redesign to support the addition of all the new services. The Swedish car company says that On Call is one of the most widespread connected car platforms available today, and that it will be expanding. It will be available in around 50 countries by the end of 2017 and will cover more than 90 percent of Volvo Cars’ global sales.
Volvo says this is happening because of an “increasing desire among premium car drivers to access car features and related services while not in their car,” and that “Volvo Cars’ approach with Volvo On Call is firmly based on its commitment to make life easier for its drivers.”
Sure, it could be that. But there’s also a lot of data, sweet, sweet demographic derived user data to be mined, chopped, sifted, leveraged and, if the opportunity arises, sold.
While in the map view, driver’s can find gas stations and send other preferred destinations to the car. In less familiar areas, the Volvo On Call app will even provide walking guidance to the vehicle. Photo: Volvo Car Group.

Connected Compass
If you’re a Volvo owner, you can now send navigation destinations based on your calendar directly to your car. You can find nearby gas stations and even get help finding your car in parking lots or on unfamiliar city streets using this smartphone app. Volvo completed an update of the GUI for the Sensus system in the new XC60 as well as in the 90 Series cars to improve usability – they also refreshed the overall design.
These new Volvo On Call updates will apply to all new models, natch, but they are also available for Volvo On Call equipped cars back to the 2012 model year. The Sensus user interface design in the new XC60 will come already installed in new 90 Series cars. Existing 90 Series cars will be updated at the next service.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Volvo XC60. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.



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