Skip to main content

Latest by Marcus Amick

Could a pending measure in North Carolina signal the ill-fated future of EVs in the US?

North Carolina is considering new legislation that would charge electric vehicle owners and hybrid drivers an annual fee to help cover road repair. But with state lawmakers proposing to make Tesla’s direct-sales method illegal as well, is there something else at work?

Study shows that older drivers buy more new cars, fueling concerns about future vehicle sales

A study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) not only suggests that carmakers might be missing the mark when it comes to their advertising and sales campaigns. But the study also raises new concerns about the future of new vehicles sales.

Tesla to introduce new $30,000 sedan as company expands charging network

Tesla’s announcement that it plans to build a new compact sedan aimed at BMW 3 Series buyers while expanding its network of fast-charging stations is likely to boost the brands popularity even more.
will nissans decision to yank ads from facebook drive other carmakers stop advertising on the social media site nissan page 6

Will Nissan’s decision to yank ads from Facebook drive others to pull their ads?

Nissan has joined a number of smaller companies that have decided to pull their ads from the social media site because of offensive content.

Cool Cadillac Ciel Concept, classic Caddys to be featured in iconic fashion mag

The Cadillac Ciel Concept will be featured with a number of classic Cadillac vehicles in the June issue of Bergdorf Goodman Magazine with a series of vintage-inspired collections by designers like Oscar De La Renta, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs.

Enterprise Holdings to acquire Chicago car sharing program as services grow in popularity in the US

With two major car sharing city programs already in the fold, Enterprise continues to bet on the growth of the service with the acquisition of I-GO Car Sharing in Chicago, indicative of a major shift underway on the idea of car rentals.

Renault reaffirms commitment to EVs despite partnering tech service company filing for bankruptcy

Chrysler to roll out new Microsoft-based infotainment system in US on new Fiat 500L

The Chrysler Group is reportedly planning to start using a Microsoft-based software system for some of its vehicles. But will improve or hurt the carmaker’s already award-winning infotainment system?

Audi kills plans for public sale of all-electric R8 sports car – for now

Once touted by Audi as “the future of electric mobility,” the automaker has reportedly confirmed that it has halted plans to bring the Audi R8 –e-tron to market. But does the carmaker have future plans for the vehicle?

12-cylinder 1953 Ferrari racer goes for nearly $13 million at exclusive auction in Italy

A 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Pinin Farina Berlinetta went for $12.8 million at the RM Auctions in Italy, making it the second highest car ever sold at an auction. All in all, the Ferrari marquee dominated the event with 15 Ferraris auctioned at the exclusive affair.

2014 Mercedes E-class range to offer some S-class tech and safety features

Mercedes-Benz will offer many of the new high-tech features on the S-class that goes on sale this fall on the new 2014 E-class range as part of an aggressive effort to boost the brand’s technology offerings across its full line-up.

GM’s OnStar profits could drive development of high-tech features

GM’s aggressive move to expand its telematics offering when it comes to its OnStar unit is driving steady profits for the automaker as well as some nice technology features for consumers. But what does the future hold for GM when it come to car technology?

Low-buck Chevy Spark EV could help establish a new price point for ecars

With a lease price of $199, the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV could help establish a new benchmark for affordable electric vehicles cool in-car technology features as other automakers following suit.
Ford 1.0-liter EcoBoost

Ford, Daimler and Renault build on global partnerships to improve engine technology

An ongoing collaboration between Ford, Daimler and Renault to share engine technology could help drive a new wave of fuel efficient vehicles. But could it also be an indication of something else in the works?

BUCKLE UP: Dodge and SRT help rev up the action in ‘Fast & Furious 6’

The “Fast & Furious 6” roars back into theaters May 24, with Dodge and the SRT brand helping to heat up the action in the six-installment of the block-buster franchise. But there are a lot of other cool vehicles to see in the movie.
Toyota Logo

Report: Surging Toyota tops BMW to regain best global automotive brand title

Posting a sales increase of 26 percent in the U.S., which is considered of one of the world’s most critical markets, Toyota reclaimed its title as the top automotive brand , according to the 2013 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands report.

Is KIA getting out of its league with the Quoris?

KIA has announced that pricing for its new Qurois sedan will range from $50,000 - $70,000. But the big question is how will U.S. consumers respond to a luxury KIA.
land rover pushes for more global brand distinctions with new vehicles blue

Land Rover pushes for more global brand distinctions with new vehicles, revised Defenders

The move to launch the all-new replacement for the Land Rover Freelander under the Discovery nameplate is one of few changes being planned by the automaker to better define the brand in the marketplace.

Double Check: You might be missing out on some spending green with those EV device purchases

A case involving a Seattle-area farmer highlights that with all the purchase rebates and incentives around electric vehicles, some people could be missing out on some cash when purchasing those green devices.

Johnson Controls and OSU EcoCAR 2 project puts green tech in the driver’s seat (and the other seats)

Johnson Automotive Controls is the official seat sponsor for Ohio State University’s participation in the EcoCAR2: Plugging In to the Future project. But with the global supplier’s searing innovations ever make into mainstream?

Could the new Acura NSX hybrid include an electric-only mode?

Acura NSX large-project leader Ted Klaus says all three of the sport car’s electric motors could be programmed so the car could drive an electric mode as well. But will Honda implement the technology?

Honda returns to Formula One racing with focus on high-tech engine technology to improve road cars

Honda’s return to Formula One racing as McLaren’s engine partner could prove to be a major win for consumers as well. But will the two automotive partners be able to reclaim their racing their spot as one of sport’s most successful teams?

VIDEO: Volvo’s big secret is revealed after Swedish House Mafia teasers

The centerpiece of Volvo’s new video campaign with Swedish House Mafia is the new XC60 featured with new music by Lune. But wouldn’t a trip to Sweden to test drive the car be better?
2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid exterior left angle

First drive: Lincoln’s 2013 MKZ hybrid makes going green easy, but lacks luxury

As a hybrid, the all-new Lincoln MKZ far exceeded my expectations, averaging 47.5 mpg during a test drive. But the sedan fell short on luxury for a Lincoln.

Rising level of car tech opening door to mobile cyberattacks? Federal agency taking pre-emptive action

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s announcement that it will open an office specifically devoted to car-centered cybersecurity threats raises a number of concerns about the future of in-car technology.

VIDEO: 2014 Subaru Forester tops national safety honors for small SUVs in new crash test

The new Subaru Forester crash test earned top safety honors from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and aced a new challenging small overlap front crash test, which accounted for nearly 25 percent of the frontal crashes involving serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants. The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport also earned top IIHS safety honors.

VIDEO: Volvo revs up to debut something on May 17, but what?

Starring a number of popular Swedish DJs, Volvo’s world premiere scheduled for tomorrow has sparked more than a few ideas of what the Swedish carmaker might have up its sleeve. But will it live up to hype?

Would Fiat’s move to the U.S. help or hurt future Chrysler vehicle design?

With news that Fiat is considering relocating its headquarters to the U.S. comes some questions of what if any impact the move will have on Chrysler cars in the future.

Fuel-Cell cars set to gain momentum in US, but will consumers want to pay for the vehicles?

Under a new partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, more carmakers are making a stronger commitment to make fuel cell vehicles more mainstream in the US. But will the cost of the vehicles be feasible enough to entice consumers?

Keys, please: U.S. considers lowering blood-alcohol level for drunk driving to .05 from .08

A hearing in Washington DC could lead to the blood alcohol content level being lowered to .05 in the US in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related traffic accidents.

Infiniti to launch new hybrid halo vehicle based on Emerge-E and Essence concept, hope to lure in ‘little emperors’

Infiniti’s plan to develop a high-tech halo vehicle based on the Emerge-e and Essence concept cars could prove pivotal in positioning the luxury brand in the future.

Chrysler to recall 469,000 older model Jeeps for faulty software that could send cars rolling

Chrysler has issued a recall for Jeep Commanders and Grand Cherokee models spanning from 2005 to 2010 to fix an electrical issue that could lead to the SUVs inadvertently shifting.

VIDEO: MINI Cooper hits the water in Philly, then the magic happens

MINI Cooper’s weekend appearance at Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River festivities might not earn it a car of the year award. But it could wind up pulling down a boating title.

Sacrilege! Could Germany’s famous high-speed Autobahn roadways get a 75mph speed limit?

Although the Social Democratic Party has failed twice in attempt to have a speed limit imposed on Germany’s Autobahn, the fate of the group's latest attempt will ultimately be decided by voters.