Automotive News

National Truck Driving Championship Challenges Best of the Best

SPONSORED CONTENT The annual three-day National Truck Driving Championship is held in August and features competitors from every state competing head-to-head in eight classes. They vie for the honor as the Bendix Grand Champion. One component of the competition stands out — knowledge is valued as much as driving skills. Competitors have to demonstrate skill, knowledge and capability but not just on the obstacle course. Drivers must also complete a written test to show their knowledge of rules and procedures. And they inspect a vehicle to show their knowledge of vehicles and their ability to detect malfunctions. Given the sometimes bad press the industry receives in situations involving accidents or ill-prepared drivers, this demonstrates the industry’s commitment to safe driving.

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Know the rules before driving and parking in Calgary

SPONSORED CONTENT Calgary attracts vistors from neighboring cities, other Canadiab provinces as well as the United States and other countries. It’s popular destination for tourists to sightsee and participate in the city’s diverse activities. But whether you visit to attend the Calgary Stampede, Opera in the Village or any of the many other food or cultural events the city hosts annually, studying common sense driving and parking regulation before you arrive is wise. Some of the most common parking infractions, according to the city’s website: • Remaining in a parking space after its metered time has elapsed • Not parking within a designated stall; • Parking in an alley; • Parking on private property; • Parking too close to a

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Love or hate ’em, here are 15 cars gone after 2017

One is 25 years old this year; others are still in their infancies. But for one reason or another, 15 cars including the iconic Dodge Viper, will cease production with their 2017 models. The powerhouse Viper, with is boisterous V-10, has always attracted muscle car aficionados. Other cars and their driver tend to get out of its way. The Viper was costly and it didn’t fare well with changes in its corporate ownership. But it did help Chrysler change its boxy, boring image and now it’s gone, a quarter-century old, the oldest vehicle on the soon-to-be deceased list. The Weekly Driver through the years has reviewed several of the doomed vehicles. I’ve linked to my reviews. Here’s the list of

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Tupac Skakur’s tricked out Hummer for sale — again

More than two decades after his murder in Las Vegas, the legend of Tupac Shakur remains in the spotlight. This time, a 1996 Hummer the rapper purchased less than a month before his death is up for auction beginning August 10. The fully loaded vehicle was customized by Shakur and is equipped with a 6.5 liter, turbo diesel V-8 engine with automatic transmission. The odometer reads 10,101 miles. The sale of the Hummer will be part of The Pop Culture auction from RR Auction in Boston that will continue through August 17. Tupac’s Hummer previously sold in May 2016 to a qualified bidder from Ohio for $337,000. After several attempts to collect payment — the winning bidder defaulted on payment

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More troubles for Elio Motors, company failure imminent?

It’s hard to keep it up with the setbacks of Elio Motors. Failure now seems imminent. The latest woes of the fledgling company include another production delay until at least 2019, a public offering with hopes of raising $100 million and an announcement of potential design defects in prototypes. Additionally, the company founded in 2009 by Paul Elio and his goal to offer a three-wheel vehicle with a top speed of 100 mph, a cost of $6,800 and an estimated 84 mph, doesn’t have operating revenue. It has dismissed much of its engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing workplace. “The Elio is still in development, and we do not expect to start delivering to customers until 2019,” Elio said in his

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Distracted driving can lead to death from behind the wheel

It’s likely you’ve seen or heard the disturbing commercials and public service announcements about the dangers of texting while driving. The messages are broadcast often on television, radio and the internet. But the marketing campaign hasn’t been effective. The Canadian Broadcast Company (CBC) marketed that British Columbia created a new awareness campaign specifically targeting young drivers. The reason? Texting is anticipated to become “the chief cause of death behind the wheel for teens.” Teenage drivers generally lack experience to handle tricky weather. They also may lack the defensive driving skills needed to avoid a crash, and they’re at an age where experimenting with drugs and alcohol is more prevalent. But teenage drivers’ addiction to technology may be their greatest threat.

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Proper car maintenance can beat summer heat woes

Summer is ideal for a car road trip — exploring new parts of your community, family vacations, visiting relatives and sightseeing. But if you don’t take care of your car or aren’t aware of some of the extra issues you can encounter in summer you may be unable to take that spur-of-the-moment trip. Worse, you could be stuck somewhere needing a tow truck company’s service. Despite being a beast of a machine, designed to travel in all kinds of weather and to protect you from the elements, your car can be vulnerable to heat. Imagine yourself on an August summer day, car packed, family all set for the annual getaway, and halfway through the mountains, your car dies. Not only

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Long Beach to ban oversized vehicles in residential areas?

The city of Long Beach, California, is moving forward with plans to ban long-term parking of oversized vehicles in residential neighborhoods. The Press-Telegram newspaper reports local Councilwoman Suzie Price saying the new law, if passed, would create consistency on the issue across the city. She noted that previous complaints and issues were handled individually. According to news reports, complaints raised about large vehicles parked in place for weeks or longer, include monopolizing parking, blocking views, causing congestion and creating a dangerous visibility issue for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Large trucks parking on city streets can prove problematic. The new law would allow parking for 72 hours, with a permit and a maximum of 20 permits per year. It does not

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Stephen Curry nets two NBA titles, $201 million, Infiniti gig

Stephen Curry has lead the Golden State Warriors to two NBA titles in the past three years. His achievements have resulted in the richest contract in the league’s history and new business relationships — like a global partnership with Infiniti. A few days before signing a five-year contract extension for $201 million, the star point guard for the Golden State Warriors agreed to the business relationship with the luxury automaker. According to Infiniti, Stephen Curry’s outstanding achievements and personal ambition to be at the top of his profession embody the spirit of Infiniti’s new brand positioning ‘Empower the Drive.’ ” The manufacturer will feature Curry in upcoming global product and brand marketing communications campaigns. Curry’s first campaign with the carmaker

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Chevrolet Bolt set for early nationwide debut in August

The Chevrolet Bolt, the all-electric sedan with a 238-mile range that debuted in two states last December, will be available nationwide in August. General Motors‘ recent announcement means the sedan’s full unveiling will occur one month sooner than originally planned. Dealers across the country are now accepting orders. “We were waiting for the training to be done, we were waiting for the right tools to be in place,” Majoros said at a Chevrolet media event in Nashville, Tenn., adding all dealers wanting to sell the vehicle had to install DC fast-charging stations. “We are kind of ahead of schedule on implementing all of those things as well as making sure we have enough sufficient inventory.” California and Oregon were the

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: Many changes for 2018 Toyota Camry

A higher sticker price and appreciably better gas mileage are among several big changes in store for the 2018 Toyota Camry. The top-selling sedan in the United States will make its nationwide debut later this summer. The eighth generation of the re-engineered Camry LE will be priced at $24,885, including shipping, about $900 more than the 2017 price. The L “value” version of the 2018 Camry, with smaller wheels and fewer convenience features, will be priced at $24,380. Fuel economy with the new four-cylinder engine is estimated by the EPA at 29 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway and 34 combined. That’s 26 percent better than the current base model’s 24 mpg city/33 highway/27 combined. The new

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Newcomer Genesis gets top J.D. Power quality honors

Genesis, the first-year automaker formerly top-line model in the Hyundai lineup, earned the highest ranking among 13 premium brands in the just-announced J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Initial Quality Study. The 31st annual study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership.   The 2017 study s based on responses from nearly 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2017 model-vehicles. The study uses a 233-question survey designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement. “Receiving this award in our very first year in the U.S. market is a strong testament toward the commitment and meticulous work of Genesis,” said Head of Genesis Brand, Manfred Fitzgerald. “We are

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Kia retains top perch in J.D. Power annual quality study

Kia, the unheralded South Korean manufacturer still often scoffed at by mainstream car buyers, has achieved the top spot in the just-released J.D. Power annual report card on vehicle quality for a second consecutive year. With 72 problems reported per 100 vehicles, Kia retained its No. 1 position despite a shake-up in the 2017 U.S. Initial Quality Study rankings that included significant shifts with the German and Japanese brands. Most notably, Toyota and Lexus fell behind many U.S. and Korean brands. “This is without question the best quality the world has ever seen,” Dave Sargent, vice president, global automotive at J.D. Power, said when releasing the results at an Automotive Press Association meeting in Detroit. “The industry is picking up steam

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A few things to consider about insurance before towing

Some friends recently had a discussion – more like a heated debate – about whether or not it was a good idea to purchase a roadside insurance assistance package before their upcoming road trip. Once bickering stopped, we determined one friend had an auto insurance policy that covered roadside assistance. The other friend had no idea if, or what, his policy covered. They agreed they need a few question answered to decide whose vehicle they were going to use. Did they have coverage for towing and labor as part of an insurance package? Some policies will cover the cost of having a car towed to a mechanic. Some may also cover the cost of the labor required to get it

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Classic Auto Week adds Ferrari Concours at Pebble Beach

Ferrari is likely the most popular supercar and the auto industry’s most powerful brand. It’s involved in nearly every avenue of high-end racing, exotic consumer cars offering and classic car shows. Now more than 75 years old, the iconic company was founded by Enzo Ferrari in Modena, Italy, in 1939. And its nearly seven-decade relationship between Pebble Beach and Ferrari will expand exponentially in August when the Ferrari 70th Anniversary Concours will be held in conjunction with the Concours d’Elegance on Aug. 20 at Pebble Beach Golf Links. The double Concours will also mark the debut of the Fairway One project, which adds 38 guest rooms — 30 units in three two-story buildings and eight units in two four-bedroom golf

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Hey, Ford F-150 owners: Win $7,000 in parts from AmericanMuscle

As the best-selling vehicle in the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of Ford F-150 owners who’d want to win $7,000 in parts for their favorite trucks. AmericanMuscle.com is going to make that happen. A leading aftermarket provider of Mustang parts, AmericanMuscle will give not only give the winner of the contest their choice of parts, it will also provide the cost of installation at a local automotive shop. The contest, which will continue through August 31, is available to contestants who can enter once a week. To enter, fill out the form on AmericanMuscle.com. It’s the chance to win the get the ultimate truck overhaul. Located just outside of Philadelphia, AmericanMuscle is dedicated to offering the Mustang &

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