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Latest by Marcus Amick

BMW’s i-series mobility innovations, car sharing, ParkNow program earn carmaker top global recognition

BMW continues to build on its aggressive strategy to be a leader driving the future of urban mobility, most recently earning the Global Company of the Year Award from the worldwide research company, Frost & Sullivan.

Looking for Love? Fiat’s playing digital matchmaker…sort of

A new lifestyle website promoting the Fiat 500e was developed to lure potential consumers to the all-electric car. But you wonder - are their some other real connections beyond cars being made through the site?

Audi charges to Le Mans finish line, earning second consecutive victory with hybrid e-tron racecar

While overshadowed by the death of Aston Martin driver Allan Simonsen, Audi posted its second win in the 24 Hours of Lemans with the Audi R18 e-tron Quattro, which Audi officials say will benefit consumers in the future.

Bills aimed at making Tesla dealerships illegal in New York on hold; battle has likely just begun

Bills seeking to make Tesla’s consumer sales methods illegal have been set aside in the New York State Assembly. But the battle between New York State dealers and the electric car company aren’t likely to die soon.

VIDEO: Thieves use ‘mystery box’ to instantly unlock and rob high-tech cars

A recent report by CNN that shows criminals using a remote device to break into cars has both police and automakers stumped as concerns grow about the vulnerability of today’s high-tech car systems to would-be thieves.

Audi honored with ‘Best Navigation’ award for Google Street View, but what’s next?

Audi has received the Best Navigation Solution or Product Award at the Annual Telematics Update Awards for its nav system that uses Google Street View. But with so much other technology on the horizon how long will it remain relevant?

Lifesaver? BMW helps drive new automated car-to-car and car-to-motorcycle safety alert project

After more than four years of research, a joint testing project involving BMW and several other automakers highlights the safety benefits of car-to-car communication. Now, it’s just a matter of which company will implement it first.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star Dempsey returns to Le Mans driving a Porsche

“Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey returns to the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the second time behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, joining the most successful car manufacture in the history of the endurance race.

#WeBuiltIt?: Toyota Twitter campaign could help drive a new wave of social media designed cars

Toyota will take to Twitter to help generate a buzz for the new Auris gasoline electric-hybrid vehicle. But could the carmaker also be establishing a framework for social media to play a major role in the design of future cars?

You can ‘call it a comeback:’ SRT-backed Viper enters Le Mans for first time in 13 years

The Viper will return to 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend after nearly a 13 year hiatus as a factory-backed race car, which has already given the SRT Motorsports brand a major win in the world of racing.

Is reaching US emissions standards proving to be more of a dream than reality for automakers?

The recent boost in sales incentives for electric vehicles could be another sign of the challenge automakers face to meet future U.S. emission standards, which could lead to even more trouble down the road.

Diesel powertrains gaining popularity in US according to new consumer report

A new Consumer News study reveals that nearly one–third of potential car buyers surveyed say they are likely to consider a diesel as their next vehicle. But is their perception of the advantages of the alternative powertrain off base?

An ‘Old School’ Touch: Ford adds more traditional knobs to MyTouch infotainment system

Ford has announced that the MyTouch system featured in the new F-150 with more traditional buttons and knobs will be integrated into more vehicles. But will it be enough to please the critics of the carmaker’s infotainment system?

Could driving an Audi become less stressful than driving other cars?

A new research initiative with Audi and MIT not only seeks to address some of the stress associated with driving, but it could also held drive some of the future design elements of Audi vehicles.

Is a lack of infrastructure causing Hyundai to rethink its commitment to fuel cell vehicles in the US?

Hyundai continues to maintain that it is committed to fuel cell vehicles in Korea. But it appears that the automaker might be coming to grips with a different reality in the U.S. due to the limited infrastructure.

Audi’s 2014 Q line-up shows some teeth with announcement of first-ever “S” model version

Audi has announced that pricing for its new high-performance SQ5 will start at $51,900, more than $8,000 over the standard 3.0-liter V6. But will the additional 82 horses be worth the extra cash?

Bots behind the wheel: Ford turns to high-tech robots for track testing duties

Ford's use of high-tech robots for extreme road testing could prove to give the carmaker even more clout when it comes to "Built Ford Tough." But plans for the future use of the technology might surprise you even more.
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New helmet featuring augmented-reality technology will help bikers better navigate the road

A new motorcycle helmet developed by a start-up company in Moscow could completely change the experience for bikers on the road. However, it might be the company's use of augmented reality technology that's most intriguing.

Toyota tops list again as number one green brand with Ford and Honda rounding off the top three

Toyota topped the Global Green Brands list for the third year in a row led by the popularity of the Pruis. But Nissan was the top riser on the list shooting up 16 places to number 7.

License, registration and cell phone, please: New NJ bill targets talkers and texters

Legislation being considered in New Jersey that would allow police officers to check a driver’s cell phone at the scene of an accident is coming under from the ACLU. But will it prompt others to seek similar measures in other states for distracted driving?

Ford’s MyKey technology is an onboard babysitter for teens driving solo

Ford now offers its MyKey technology as standard equipment in 6 million vehicles - which is likely more welcomed news for parents than teen drivers.

Cash incentive wars for EVs now could pay off big time for shoppers down the road

Hoping to make the Volt more enticing, Chevrolet has decided to boost cash incentives on the electric-hybrid to compete with deals being offered on the Nissan Leaf. But could it all help to drive the price point of future EV sales?

VIDEO: One-of-a-kind 900 horsepower Ford Mustang to be featured in ‘Need for Speed’ movie

Ford is showcasing a one-of-a-kind Ford Mustang at the Electronic Arts Expo to be featured in the 2014 “Need for Speed” film. Still, whether the new high-stakes film can live up to the thrill of past movies featuring the Mustang remains to be seen.

GM and BMW joint ‘DC fast charge’ testing could draw more people to electric vehicles

GM and BMW’s joint testing for DC “Combo” Fast Charge technology could prove as beneficial to the overall electric vehicle market as it will for the two automakers.

State measures aimed at charging hybrid and EV owners fees for road repairs gain momentum

Debate over whether electric vehicle and hybrid owners should be charged an annual fee for road repair is growing with Arizona, Indiana and New Jersey now considering similar legislation.

Alfa Romeo ready for rebirth with ‘top secret’ sports car, says Fiat CEO

Alfa Romeo will return to the US market later this year with the launch of the 4C sports car. But will the 103-year-old performance brand be able to find new appeal for the brand in the states?

What’s the most desired car connectivity feature? A new study might surprise you

A new study commissioned by Covisint indicates that overall connectivity is becoming the key factor when purchasing a vehicle rather than just another feature of the vehicle. Topping the list is the ability to bring transportation software info into a car.

Chevrolet’s 3-D prototype process may drive the development of cooler cars in the future

A new prototyping process used by Chevrolet was instrumental in a number of new design and engineering enhancements on the Malibu for 2014. But could the technology have even more far reaching benefits in the future for automakers and consumers alike?

DUI checkpoint app creator claims his service cuts down on drunk driving, not everyone agrees

A Californian’s plan to expand a service that provides subscribers with the locations of DUI checkpoints and police speed traps will likely win over more than a few drivers. But how will others respond to the social media service?

New 400+hp Chevrolet SS performance sedan to start at under $50,000 – with loads of tech features

Priced at under $50,000, the all new Chevrolet SS performance sedan will come equipped with a 415 horsepower V8 with 415 lb-ft. of torque and a number of standard technology features. But will it appeal to fans of the Impala SS?

Get that rock star spot- anywhere: Audi becomes first carmaker to offer new global parking locater technology

A new tech service now offered by Audi called INRIX Park Service makes it easier for Audi owners to locate off-street parking spaces – with more carmakers likely to add the system down the road.

Locked your keys in the car again? GM makes remote start and door unlock app feature standard on 2014 models

With news that GM will now offer its remote start app service as a standard feature on its OnStar equipped models, the competition for other carmakers to appeal to tech-oriented consumers gets a little tougher.

Cadillac posts biggest sales increase since 1976 as brand continues to build on momentum

News of Cadillac posting its best year-to-date sales numbers since 1976 is indication that the appeal of the luxury brand is continuing to gain momentum. But does it have the same clout as marquees like Mercedes-Benz and Lexus?

Infiniti president: cool concept cars are on hold, company will focus on more practical vehicles

Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen said he will focus the luxury carmaker’s resources on more practical models rather than high-concept vehicles developed in the vein of the Emerg-E Hybrid.