Featured Image: The BMW i3 launches the “i” sub-brand. Ask what should seem to be a fairly straightforward question and you would hope for similarly worded answers. That wasn’t the case when I made a query to auto industry and public relations professionals about branding. That query asked: Are sub-brands … Read more
If you’re an off-road enthusiast, then you’re familiar with the Toyota 4 Runner. This midsize, traditional body-on-frame SUV is an uncommon model in a segment dominated by crossovers. Yet, like the Jeep Wrangler and the revived Ford Bronco, its fandom remains strong some 40 years after it was introduced. Toyota … Read more
Toyota Motor Corporation announced this week that the company is investing $70 billion to move the automaker toward an electrified future. The pivot includes both its Toyota and Lexus brands, with the latter slated to become electric only. Kicking off the effort for the luxury marque is the Lexus RZ … Read more
We’re gobsmacked by all things Emira. Say “farewell” to the Elise and the Exige and let’s bid a warm welcome to the all-new Emira. On July 6, Lotus introduced the Emira, the replacement for the Elisa and Exige, and a satisfyingly delicious one at that. The Emira is the final … Read more
The 2023 Lexus UXh receives updates; the gas-only model goes away. Lexus’ smallest crossover utility vehicle is going full hybrid for 2023. At least in the U.S. market. Beginning late this summer, the UX line becomes synonymous with hybrid only as it loses its gas-only model. The move follows what … Read more
An all-new electric vehicle model is on the way, with a spring 2022 arrival set. Dubbed the Toyota bZ4X, the latest vehicle joins a long list of electrified Toyota models. It is the first of a new line of fully electric vehicles slated for the North American and global markets, … Read more
Chicago new car reveals and concepts from McCormick Place. The 2018 Chicago Auto Show kicks off this week and yours truly will be in attendance for the media days scheduled for Thursday and Friday. The public days begin Saturday, Feb. 10 and extend through Monday, Feb. 19. If you’re in … Read more
It wasn’t all that long ago when Nissan introduced its Juke crossover, what had some analysts scratching their heads in wonder. Sure, the styling itself was polarizing, but the segment the diminutive Nissan occupied was virtually nonexistent. Until now. One year after the Juke’s 2011 arrival, Chevrolet introduced the fleet-only … Read more
The race is on! Automotive manufacturers the world over are transitioning to electric vehicles. Or at least that is the current plan. Mark “2021” as the year when automakers saw the light, by committing billions to support their electrification efforts. Almost daily, we are hearing new commitments from manufacturers that … Read more
The hidden gem of the Toyota Experience Center. Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world. It also has a strong presence in North America, a market that outsells its Japanese home market, 2-to-1. Comprised chiefly of the Toyota and Lexus brands, the company has … Read more