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With the introduction of the new CX-90, Mazda hopes to begin redefining its brand image. The flagship crossover is both bigger and more luxurious than the old CX-9 it replaces and could help position Mazda as a challenger not only to mainstream import competitors like Toyota, Hyundai or Kia, but more upscale brands like Volvo. Jeff Guyton, president and CEO of Mazda North America, has a new flagship model to help him grow sales in the U.S. As one of the smallest mainstream brands in the U.S. market, Mazda has long struggled to carve out a clear identity, rather than living in the shadows of those bigger brands. The launch of the new, three-row crossover will be the biggest test yet for Jeff Guyton, the industry veteran appointed president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations in June 2021. But the automaker has plenty of other challenges. It returned to U.S. manufacturing with last year’s opening of an assembly plant in Alabama operated in partnership with Toyota. And it’s ...

The latest sales numbers indicate four of every five vehicles sold at retail in the U.S. is a truck or a utility vehicle, which also means there is some intense competition in segments such as three-row SUVs. Hyundai’s a player in the SUV segment with its flagship Palisade and plans to remain there with an update for 2023. Hyundai has pushed its way toward the top of the midsized or three-row segment, which appeals to many families because of carrying capacity, with its new Palisade. The Palisade offers a cut above in both luxury and technology at a price a bit below rivals in what has become expensive turf as manufacturers have hiked prices during the past 18 months. Moreover, the Palisade is quite capable, carrying up to seven people comfortably with room to spare for packages or luggage — perfect for outings or even longer trips.  However, it is up against an impressive list of competitors, including vehicles such as the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Jeep Grand Chero...

Tesla owners are upset after free market forces caused Tesla to reduce prices. Message to Tesla owners: stop whining. Customers are angry about Tesla Inc.’s significant price reductions across its U.S. portfolio this month, many of whom spent thousands more for their vehicles only weeks earlier.  It’s an unsettling reminder to those who thought that Tesla was somehow different from legacy automotive buyers that it’s no different from the free market forces that led Chevrolet, Ford and Nissan to reduce the price of their electric vehicles. Indeed, Tesla is really just another a car manufacturer producing a consumable consumer product that depreciates over time, just like any other car, truck or van. And as any experienced automaker or retailer can tell you, dropping prices stokes consumer demand — just ask a TJ Maxx shopper.  Musk said last week that demand has surged as the price cuts made some models qualify for the  revised federal electric-vehicle tax credit ....

Mercedes-Benz continues to improve its GLE and the AMG model for the 2024 model year, including exterior and interior tweaks and a slew of tech updates. Mercedes took the wraps off the 2024 GLE and, in this case, the AMG GLE coupe. Updating the latest edition of the luxury performance in the midst of its current run reflects just how hotly contested the segment is these days. Performance and technology blend in a top-flight combination of luxury transportation. New Mercedes GLE for 2024 The GLE is looking to put more power behind the pedal by offering an electrified the powertrain throughout the model range, including the new GLE 400 e 4Matic plug-in hybrid, in addition to mild hybrids with a 48-volt system and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), which certainly helps. The exterior continues its evolution with a more upright look overall but softer angles aiming to give the SUV “a distinctly more modern appearance,” according to the automaker. The new front bumper provides mor...

After weeks of dropping teaser pics and videos, Mazda finally lifted the covers on the CX-90, the new three-row SUV set to serve as the brand’s new flagship. After plenty of teasing, Mazda took the cover off the 2024 CX-90 large crossover. The 2024 CX-90 rides on an all-new Mazda large vehicle platform that will anchor a handful of other upcoming products — including the CX-70 that will follow it into U.S. showrooms. And it provides a glimpse at the brand’s updated design language. “We’ve been on a journey, the last few years, to completely change the face of Mazda,” U.S. brand boss Jeff Guyton said during a media backgrounder in Malibu, California, ahead of today’s official public unveiling. First-ever Mazda PHEV From the large vehicle platform on up, pretty much everything about the CX-90 is new. That covers everything from the updated infotainment system to the choice of powertrains. Unlike some competitors who offer just one engine package, Mazda has two options here, inc...

General Motors reported a strong finish to 2022 with its fourth quarter earnings rising nearly 15%, but it wasn’t enough to offset an overall decline in net income of a little less than 1 percent. However, its adjusted earnings set a new full-year record. General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra reported company set a new record for EBIT-adjusted earnings. For Q4, the auto company reported revenue of $43.1 billion and net income of $2 billion, increases of 28.4% and 14.8% respectively. The company’s earnings per share during the quarter came in at $1.39, outperforming 2021’s number, which was $1.16 per share.  GM’s EBIT-adjusted earnings for the period were up 33.8% to $3.8 billion. However, the company’s net margin fell year-over-year from 5.2% to 4.6% during the quarter. This was due largely to higher expenses for income tax and automotive interest and a decline in automotive interest income. For all of 2022, GM’s revenue was $156.7 billion while net income was $9.9 billio...

GMC launched production of its second all-electric vehicle, the Hummer EV SUV, at its Factory Zero plant in Detroit Monday — but that may be small comfort to those who’ve already placed orders, as brand boss Duncan Aldred said it could take until sometime in 2024 before GMC can meet initial reservations. GMC began production of the 2023 GMC Hummer EV SUV in Detroit. Like the rest of parent General Motors, the light truck brand is in the midst of shifting from internal combustion engines to battery-electric powertrain technology and its readying a third model, the Sierra EV pickup to go into production about a year from now. GMC is working on several other all-electric models, Aldred confirmed, though he declined to identify what will follow next — or when. GMC also is “gauging interest” in overseas markets, China in particular. But while the response has been positive, Aldred said a final decision on bringing the electric truck line to the world’s largest market for EVs has yet ...

The 2022 Bugatti Chiron Profilée, one of one built, is the final W16-powered Bugatti. Photo Credit: RM Sothebys. An era is ending for Bugatti, as the last available model powered by the brand’s mighty W16 engine will be auctioned Wednesday at  RM Sotheby’s Paris sale . The sale is being held at the Salles du Carrousel in the Louvre Palace. The sale preview takes place tomorrow, if you happen to be in the City of Light.  While the company had all intentions of introducing the model, the Chiron sold out during the model’s development, making this the only one the company will build. The move is no surprise given that Croatian EV producer Rimac is now in control of French supercar manufacturer. “Unprecedented demand for the Chiron models meant that, despite all the developments and tests we had already done, we could not bring the Profilée to production,” said Christophe Piochon, president of Bugatti Automobiles. “But how could we not finish such a beautifully designed a...

Ford announced Monday it will both boost production of the Mustang Mach-E battery-electric vehicle while reducing prices for the EV “across the board.” Employees at Ford’s Cuautitlán Stamping and Assembly Plant celebrate the production of the 150,000th Mustang Mach-E. The move comes at a time when industry analysts see growing competition among automakers as they begin migrating from internal combustion engines to battery-electric powertrain technology. And it follows sharp price cuts by the EV market leader which has helped Tesla boost demand in recent weeks. While Ford did not offer specific production targets for the Mach-E, it said output would grow “significantly.” As for pricing, the cuts range a low of $600 to as much as $5,900, depending upon the model. Going mainstream “We are not going to cede ground to anyone,” said Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e, the side of the company focused on battery-electric vehicles. “We are producing more EVs to reduce cu...