Auto bosses champion domestic car industry at the big show

by Bob McHugh on Friday, January 20th, 2017

Detroit, MI – It’s been a while since I last attended the annual North American International Auto Show media preview so the invite to the 2017 edition was a treat.

The crowded media feeding frenzies were just the same as ever but the new vehicle intro events, however, tend to be tamer affairs these days. The emphasis is largely on corporate business not show business, which, of course, is sensible … yet, I do miss that old razzle dazzle!

 

 

Not here in person, but the Donald Trump-effect was evident, following the president-elect’s unpleasant utterings about manufacturers who shift production outside of the USA. Almost every auto industry spokesperson talked about American vehicle production numbers, American production content, American employment numbers or planned future growth in America, etc. Oddly enough, Chrysler (aka FCA) did not host an auto show press conference this year, in its home city!

The Ford media presentation was another low-key affair, with top executives mainly talking about future mobility, sustainability and autonomous driving. An updated F150 (all-new 3 years ago) was paraded but the big news for Ford fans is that Ranger, a midsize pickup truck, is back in 2019 and an all-new Bronco will follow in 2020. Both will be produced in a Ford assembly plant in Michigan, USA.

My favourite auto industry speaker was Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.. During his articulate and insightful keynote address he clarified the difference between an autonomous vehicle and a driverless vehicle. He expects there will be various levels of autonomy offered by auto makers, including Nissan in 2021. A driver will be able to choose when he/she wants it to operate this vehicle in an autonomous mode. The Ghosn definition of a driverless vehicle, on the other hand, is one that has no steering wheel or driver controls. Basically, it’s a robotic transportation appliance on wheels.

Volvo introduced us to the Hains family from Gothenburg. They are the first of 100 families who agreed to take an autonomous Volvo XC90 SUV and be part of Volvo’s long-term Drive Me research program. It will be the world’s largest autonomous driving test on real roads and with real people, according to Volvo. Volvo is also working with Uber on an autonomous ride-hailing program.

Volkswagen really set the room abuzz was the I.D. Buzz. Another microbus concept from VW and this one is autonomous and full-electric.

Bucking the driver-less trend of this year’s show, Kia introduced Stinger, a stylish driver-focused rear-drive (or all-wheel-drive) sports sedan. Its 3.3-litre V6 engine can produce 365 horsepower and get Stinger to 100 km/hour in less than 6 seconds.

The Four Rings rang with the world premiere of the company’s latest utility vehicle addition: the 2018 Audi SQ5.

Boasting new suspension and a powerful update to the power train – a 3.0L V6 that claims to blast the compact crossover from zero to 100 in 5.1 seconds with its 354 horses (and 369 lb.-ft. of torque) – marshalled by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Audi also showed the Q8 Concept vehicle, billed as the “first full-size SUV in coupe design”, is the basis of what will become, they say, a production vehicle that will be launched for real in 2018 as a powerful (and of course luxurious) hybrid that are already looking forward to here at Driveway.

Mercedes Benz kicked off with a musical quartet that culminated in the German manufacturer’s personable chairman Dieter Zetsche taking the stage. The 2018 GLA compact SUV gets a new face for the new year, and redesigned bumpers. The E-class Coupe made its world debut, adding to an already comprehensive array of recent new models from Benz.

bob [dot] mchugh [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

Red Bull Tour Stops At Vancouver’s Ultimate Auto Extravaganza

by Keith Morgan on Thursday, August 14th, 2014

“Inside is a party room with coolers and video screens, which doubles as a green room when the world famous beverage company puts it into action at a concert or festival…”

Some of Western Canada’s unique never before seen cars, collectively worth millions, will be on display at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver’s Ultimate Car Show.

But it’s my bet that an ‘old’ bus may will capture the attention of many attending the free auto extravaganza, set to get underway in the outdoor parking lot at 2080 United Blvd, Coquitlam, this Saturday, at 1 p.m. (August 16, 2014).

The Red Bull tour bus, built by Abbotsford’s 360 Fabrication, will take its place among more than 350 uniquely designed exotic, muscle and collector cars at this inaugural event, staged by the Casino in partnership with 360.

The bus, which doubles as an outdoor stage, was actually built from three buses – the front metre and a half was a 1960 transit bus, whereas the remaining 12 metres is a 1974 Silver Eagle built on a 2012 freightliner frame.

Inside is a party room with coolers and video screens, which doubles as a green room when the world famous beverage company puts it into action at a concert or festival. It is also a fully functional transformer with 120,000-watt sound system and 80,000-watt generator.

Keeping it company will be some impressive automobiles, including a 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish, one of only two in Canada; a 1965 Malibu SS, appraised at over $500,000; and a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro appraised at more than $700,000.

The 2015 McLaren 650S is one of the most highly anticipated vehicles to come into the market and one will be featured at the event. Car and Driver magazine dubbed it as McLaren’s bid to compete with Ferrari. It has a twin-turbocharged and intercooler DOHC 32-valve V-8, 641-hp, engine.

You don’t need to own a super car to take part in the show. Those interested in displaying their specialty vehicle should arrive at the venue at 11a.m. with $20 in hand for registration.  The proceeds will go to SHARE Family and Community Services, the signature charitable partner of Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. The judging panel will award prizes in eight categories including a $2,000 ‘winner take all’ prize for the Best in Show.

If you are on Vancouver Island this weekend, there is another great auto show worth visiting. The 2014 Vancouver Island Motor Gathering will take place on Sunday at the Viscount Aero Centre, at 9800 McDonald Park Road, in Sidney. It’s an annual event presented by the German Auto Import Network (GAIN), with proceeds going to the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation.

Hundreds of spectacular cars, motorcycles and even some airplanes are expected. Rare examples of the Porsche 904, 2006 Ford GT, and a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster will be among many classics. Be sure also to check out the Aston Martin DB5, Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari 348i and Pininfarina-styled 308 GTB.

The Gathering (www.motorgathering.com) runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and admission is by a suggested minimum donation of $2 per person.

Contact: keith [dot] morgan [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

 

 

Audi’s Road Ahead Is Paved With More Than Good Intentions

by Zack Spencer on Friday, November 22nd, 2013

The A3 Cabriolet and S3 confirm that good things do come in small packages… (more…)