Inside the Industry

2024 Mercedes CLE Cabriolet starts at $65,500



New droptop features two
48-volt mild hybrid engines

    
(April 29, 2024) ATLANTA — The new CLE Cabriolet is the latest four-seat, open-top dream car from Mercedes-Benz. It is now arriving at U.S. dealerships starting at $65,500 including destination charge.The 2024 CLE Cabriolet combines dynamic driving enjoyment with everyday comfort. It joins the recently introduced CLE Coupe and brings its own unique character, from the classic acoustic soft top to available leather seats with a special reflective coating to stay cool on the warmest days.

Honda to invest $11 billion to build EV supply chain in Canada



(April 29, 2024) Honda has announced that it plans to build a comprehensive EV value chain in Canada with an approximate investment of $11 billion including investment by joint venture partners, to strengthen its EV supply system and capability to prepare for a future increase in EV demand in North America. Honda has begun evaluating the requirements to build an innovative and environmentally responsible Honda EV plant and a stand-alone Honda EV battery plant in Alliston, Ontario.

New gas-powered Chevy Equinox to start under $30,000



(April 29, 2024) Chevrolet said last week that its redesigned gasoline-powered Equinox compact crossover will start below $30,000 when it goes on sale this year. The 2025 Equinox LT trim level starts at $29,995 with shipping for front-wheel drive and $31,995 for all-wheel drive. The outgoing Equinox starts at $27,995 for the LS, which has been discontinued with the redesign, and $30,890 for the entry-level LT model.

BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe refreshed for 2025 model year



4 and 6-cylinder engines updated
with 48V mild hybrid technology


(April 27, 2024) Already innovators in the premium midsize class in terms of aesthetic appeal, driving pleasure, electrification, and digitalization, the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe are building further on their unique status in the marketplace with updates in all these areas.

Toyota charges up investment and jobs in U.S. manufacturing



$1.4 billion for Indiana plant
brings production of all-new BEV

(April 27, 2024) PRINCETON, Ind.  — Toyota will prepare for assembly of an all-new, three row battery electric SUV in the U.S. as part of a new $1.4 billion investment in its Princeton facility, affirming Toyota’s commitment to reinvesting profits in its U.S. operations and bringing total investment in Toyota Indiana to $8 billion. This also brings the addition of up to 340 new, high-quality jobs with long-term stability.

Led by new 1500 RHO, Ram announces new off-road truck lineup



(April 26, 2024) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Today marks a new milestone in the continued evolution of Ram with the arrival of "the most capable, most affordable off-road truck lineup in the industry." The most off-road models Ram has offered spans both the light- and heavy-duty lineup, including the all-new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel, 2025 Ram 1500 Warlock, 2024 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and 2024 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel.

Johnny Campbell to lead Honda True Adventure Tour



(April 25, 2024) American Honda has announced that 11-time Baja 1000 winner Johnny Campbell will lead a hybrid influencer/demo-ride event—the Honda True Adventure Tour—next month. Based around an adventure motorcycle ride from Northern Washington to Southern California, the event will feature social-media influencers riding Transalp and Africa Twin adventure bikes, with the group making periodic stops at Honda powersports dealerships for public demo rides.

New electric Mini Aceman will initially be built in China



No definite word if Mini's first
all-electric model will be sold in U.S.

(April 25, 2024) BEIJING — Mini has reinterpreted the original vision of company founder Alec Issigonis, combining maximum space utilization and a minimum footprint with the new Aceman, a premium small crossover. The Aceman replaces the slow-selling Clubman station wagon, giving Mini full coverage of the small premium segment with various body styles and powertrain options. It is the first Mini that will be sold only as a battery-electric vehicle.

Legendary performance, modern power — 2024 Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX



Hybrid powered Tacoma produces
up to 326 hp, 465 lb.-ft. of torque

    
(April 25, 2024) PLANO, Texas — The Toyota Tacoma is shaking up the midsize truck segment again with the addition of the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. The i-FORCE MAX pairs a 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated exclusively into the 8-speed transmission for the most powerful powertrain ever offered on Tacoma. With a total system output of up to 326 horsepower and a whopping 465 lb.-ft. of torque, that’s a 75% increase in torque compared to the previous generation V-6 powered truck.

Chrysler celebrates Pacifica as most awarded minivan



New marketing campaign begins
with thee 30-second spots   


(April 24, 2024) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In celebration of the Chrysler Pacifica as the most awarded minivan seven years in row, Chrysler brand is launching a new multimedia advertising campaign “Thanking Our Parents,“ which dedicates the accolades and personally gives thanks to the many different types of parents who are the continuous inspiration for the brand to deliver innovative high-tech features, award-winning interior design and the most standard safety features and most advanced available all-wheel-drive system in its class.