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Marcus Amick

Marcus Amick

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles to celebrity wheels. The longtime Detroiter, who now splits his time between Los Angeles and the “Motor City,” has penned works for a number of national publications including Automotive News, Rides magazine and Automobile magazine. Amick also works as a freelance consultant providing insight on automotive and related lifestyle trends.

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MyFord (Out Of)Touch? Ford to scrap Sync and MyFord Touch dealer education programs

A Ford dealer allowance program aimed at teaching consumers how to use Sync and MyFord Touch will be phased out despite ongoing issues with the technology.

Audi considers carbon fiber, other alternative materials for its next-gen Q7

Audi is considering using a wide array of materials for its future body frames that could drive a new trend in the industry in years to come.

Jaguar C-X17 renderings look less wildcat and more fierce kitten

Realistic artist renderings of the Jaguar C-X17 depict a less dramatic version of the latest British performance crossover.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG goes Black – well, in the digital realm at least

A digital rendering of a Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG featuring Black Series design elements will likely have more than a few people hoping Mercedes-Benz decides to make the car.
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New 2014 Equus Bass 770 should win over even the least likely of muscle car fans

The 2014 Equss Bass 770 features a number of today's technology features with classic American muscle car styling cues reminiscent of the Fastback Mustang.

Volkwagen charges forward with innovative engine technology, going turbo-only in three to four years

Volkswagen's plans to only offer turbocharged and hybrid-powered models within the next three to four years.

Could Volvo be steering itself into deeper trouble with plans for more expensive models?

Volvo will use some of the design elements on the Concept Coupe unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show to reposition the company as a more expensive brand.

Ford chargers for employees could help improve EV infrastructure

Ford’s strategy to offer its employees free charging could prove more beneficial in improving its line-up of EVs than getting people to buy the cars now.
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2014 Cadillac CTS pumps engine sound into the cabin using the car’s audio system

Who doesn't like the roar of a high-performance engine? Bureaucrats, for one. So Cadillac is using the stereo to boost the engine sound inside the new CTS.
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Will the new 2015 Mustang debut as a high-tech muscle car showpiece?

With so many new technologies being explored by Ford, the carmaker could likely be planning to introduce a few new high-tech features in the 2015 Mustang.
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VW Group gets ambitious on electrics, plans to lead world in EVs and hybrids by 2018

In the midst of an aggressive marketing strategy promoting Audi’s TDI clean diesel technology, the VW Group seems intent on broadening its scope of alternative powertrains by developing more electric and hybrid vehicles.

Frankfurt 2013: Are high-tech hybrids and EVs carving out a new premium car segment?

Luxury cars seen at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show highlight a growing demand for higher-tech high-end cars. Is the Tesla Model S changing the luxury game?

Frankfurt 2013: Volvo Concept Coupé could help revive the troubled brand

The Volvo Concept Coupé, unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, could be a solid indication that there’s still hope for the Swedish carmaker.

Frankfurt 2013: Burly Lexus LF-NX concept refocuses brand on younger buyers

With more aggressive exterior design elements, the Lexus LF-NX concept offers a new perspective on the brand for young tastemakers.
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Frankfurt 2013: Mercedes-Benz dazzles with new Concept S-Class Coupé

The Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupe, unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, is an exciting interpretation of what the brand has come to represent.

Frankfurt 2013: Sleek Opel Monza Concept pushes in-car connectivity one step further

The Opel Monza Concept represents the future of the German automaker's car line-up with a number of ground-breaking technology features.

Which 2015 Ford Mustang concept renderings circling the web gets your vote?

There are countless renderings of what the 2015 Ford Mustang could look like circulating the web revving up for what could be the biggest car debut ever.

Audi revs up promotion of clean diesel technology with new TDI line-up

With the rollout of new models and ads, Audi is making it clear that it thinks clean diesel technology is the future of fuel efficient vehicles.

Smart concept car does away with doors, adds in skateboards

Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Smart fourjoy is a different take on the idea of urban mobility in design and functionality.
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Cheap to drive and finally cheap to own: Comparing the new crop of affordable EVs

From the Chevrolet Volt to the Honda Fit EV, the pricing for electric vehicles continues to drop as companies continue to make strides with the technology. But is it enough to entice more people to buy the cars?

Like it or not, insurance rates are being driven by tech that tracks how and where you drive

With more than 900,000 people signed up for Progressive’s snapshot, the carrier is a driving force in the world of telematics-based insurance pricing. But more of the technology centered rates are definitely on the horizon.

Ford’s big gamble: Will the next-generation Mustang boost the iconic nameplate?

Considering its drop in status as the top American muscle car in recent years, the new 2015 Mustang could wind up being Ford’s biggest challenge to date.

Your car is being watched: Are license-plate readers valuable tools or tattle tales?

A report by the ACLU indicates that known criminals aren’t the only ones getting data stored on them by law enforcement agents using license plate readers.
2014 Corvette Stingray

How Chevy pulled out the stops (and piled in the tech) for the new Corvette Stingray

Top Chevy exec says the new 2014 Corvette will exceed everything in the segment. But it's his scope of potential new buyers that's most intriguing.

Nissan: High demand for compacts could result in more ‘premium’ tech features in smaller cars

The availability of a 360-degree video monitor in the new Nissan Versa Note is a peek at premium technology in small cars, which Nissan could capitalize on.
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Will we ever see an electric R8? Audi’s product guru talks 2014 and beyond

Following my test drive of the new 2014 Audi R8 in Malibu, we had the opportunity to talk more with Mark Fruechtnicht, Audi’s product manager for the R8.

Tesla sales expected to double number of electric vehicles on the road in Hong Kong

With projections that Tesla will double the number of electric vehicles on the road in Hong Kong when the Model S goes on sale there later this year, the Tesla brand continues to build on its global appeal.

Cadillac’s move to scrap the Ciel concept makes sense despite the cool car’s appeal

Cadillac decision to axe an ultra-luxury car based on the Ciel concept will likely be perceived as a step back by some. But it could be one of the smartest moves the luxury brand has made in years.

BUSTED? Atlanta Police Union memo seems to confirm cops face ticket quotas

Atlanta Police Union President Ken Allen disputes claims that a memo he issued is suggesting that officers need to start issuing more tickets for pay increases. But the letter definitely warrants some concern.

VIDEO: All-electric Cadillac ELR will ride on a lot of innovative suspension technology

78mpg! VW sets Guinness World Record for fuel economy with clean (non-hybrid) diesel technology

Volkswagen has set a new Guinness World Records for fuel economy with its Passat TDI Clean Diesel, providing a few tips in the process that other drivers might find useful in saving fuel.
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Tesla scores big win in North Carolina in battle over car sales, business practices

Legislators in North Carolina have killed a measure that took direct aim at Tesla’s business model to sell cars, following test drives of the all-electric sedan by key N.C. political figures. But could the same strategy prove effective in Detroit?

GM’s in-car technology experience should get a major boost with exec’s new global role

The announcement that GM’s Alicia Boler-Davis’ role will be expanding to a global one signals a new level of commitment to quality for the carmaker. But it’s the possibilities of what it all means when it comes to the company’s infotainment systems that tech heads should find most exciting.

LISTEN UP: Do you know who’s controlling your car radio?

Despite earlier predictions that the traditional car radio would one day quickly become a thing of the past, Pandora is proving many people wrong and gaining a whole lot more fans in the process.