Volkswagen has unveiled a system that uses holograms to control a car’s audio system. The system was previewed at the annual Wörthersee event in Austria this week. For the moment this is strictly an early prototype, but it could revolutionize the way we control our in-vehicle sound systems.

The NHTSA has opened an investigation into a 2014 GM recall regarding a seatbelt issue. The agency is responding to reported problems with vehicles serviced under the recall.

GM has just announced a new $24 million investment in its assembly plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The objective is to update production lines so the company can increase production of full-size Cabin Crew pickup trucks.

Ford of Canada is expanding its offering of diesel-powered variants of the 2019 F-150 pickup. The move is in response to sustained interest expressed by consumers and by the company’s own dealerships.

GM’s luxury division Cadillac unveils the CT4-V and CT5-V performance sedans at a special event in Detroit. For the former it’s the first appearance of the model in any form; the presentation of the regular CT4 should happen next month.

How to choose between the 2019 Subaru Forester and the 2019 Toyota RAV4? Auto123.com compares two SUVs with a number of great qualities and that represent risk-free choices for consumers.

Buick confirms that it will be bringing the new, longer Encore GX crossover to North America, though not before next year. The Encore GX will slot in between the regular Encore and the larger Envision in the carmaker’s lineup.

Lexus presented its updated 2020 Lexus RX SUV, including a hybrid version, and Auto123.com was at the launch for the reveal. The best-selling Lexus model gets some styling tweaks and tech updates, as well as two electric motors in the h version. But for when the push to true electrification?

Chevrolet has previewed the North American version of its new 2021 Trailblazer, just over a month after unveiling the model destined for the Chinese market at the Shanghai auto show.

We test drive a Jag like no other, at least there hasn’t been one like this until now. The all-electric 2019 Jaguar I-PACE and its (official) 375-km range deliver an unquestioningly exhilarating drive and stunning good looks that make for a real head-turner of a car.

Porsche CEO Oliver Blume is under investigation for possible financial crimes, according to a new report. If found guilty, the executive could be facing up to 10 years in prison, according to German law.

Midway through its current generation, the BMW X1 SUV gets some esthetic updates for the 2020 model-year. Like other new products from the German automaker, the X1 notably gets a mote imposing front grille.

This year MINI rolls out the 2019 Countryman as a more spacious and adventurous creature than before. We put to the test the 2019 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works edition, beautified with the optional Midnight Black package.

Current Renault partner Nissan is, according to an internal source at the Japanese company, not opposed to an FCA-Renault merger. Automotive News is reporting that if the FCA offer to the French auto group is accepted, Nissan would be invited to participate.

Two technicians from Canadian Honda/Acura dealerships are among the finalists competing in a global-scale contest to determine who is best at their profession within the company. The finals get underway in Japan on May 29.

Speculation is that Acura might be looking to boost the popularity of its NSX supercar with the addition of a Type R variant. For the moment the company is confirming nothing of this, but rumours point to an output of 650 hp – and a price tag of $200,000 USD.

The 2019 MINI Cooper 3-door is a product to simple of conception and execution that we’re apt to forgive the car its faults and prefer it over many a more complex machine. The MINI is also highly personalizable, but is that really necessary to appreciate its qualities?

Acura has filed to trademark the Legend name with the European patent office. News of this has led to rumours flying in several different directions at once, including that the Precision concept that will debut at the next Concours d’élégance in Pebble Beach could eventually be marketed under the name.

FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) yesterday submitted an offer of alliance with the French Renault Group, on that could lead to a full merger. Renault has agreed to study the offer and make public its decision in short order.

During the C2 Montreal conference this past week, Daniela Bohlinger, Director of Sustainable Design at BMW, spoke about the concept of sustainable design in the automotive sphere. In her view, BMW will – must - fully integrate the concept of respectful luxury in the coming years.

We were offered a chance to drive a real MINI and they didn’t have to ask twice. The MINI is more than just Mr. Bean's car or an obscure British car - it's a big piece of automotive history.

Renault and FCA are preparing to announce a major alliance as soon as today, in a move that could be setting the table for a full merger. A meeting of officials from both companies is set for Monday morning at Renault HQ in France. An announcement could come as soon as today.

Audi says it plans to introduce seven new variants of existing SUVs before the end of 2019. The news comes hard on the heels of the company’s announcement that it’s axing the TT roadster. The times, they are a changin’…

To better differentiate its SUV models, Mitsubishi plans to make its Outlander bigger and its RVR smaller. The automaker acknowledges that the similarity between the current utility models on its roster is too great, and will work to change that starting next year.

Honda understood that it couldn’t simply count on great fuel-consumption numbers and the eco-consciousness of buyers to ensure the success of the Insight’s third generation. The 2019 edition is thus an elegant, well-equipped and practical sedan.

Audi has officially confirmed it is pulling the plug on its TT, this after months of rumours to that effect. The company says it will replace it with an equally inspiring, but electric-powered model.

Honda has announced a recall of 137,000 2019 CR-V SUVs in the U.S., Canada and South Korea due to a defective component in the driver’s side airbag. Metal burrs inside the steering wheel mechanism can cause the wiring harness of the airbag to degrade, which could potentially cause the airbag to deploy on its own.

How to choose between the 2019 Ford F-150 and the 2019 RAM 1500? Auto123.com stacks up the king of the pickups against a serious pretender to the throne. A war to end all wars, that has no end in sight…

Each year the AAA analyzes and ranks new vehicles for their fuel efficiency and ecological impact, according to 12 criteria. The top 10 performers among green cars in 2019 include some predictable choices, along with a few surprises.

The new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV will feature a V8 with a light-hybrid system. Its output of close to 500 hp makes it the most powerful variant in the GLE lineup, at least until the AMG version sees the light of day.

A delay in getting certification from the EPA means that GM has to delay launch of the turbodiesel-engine versions of its Silverado and Sierra trucks. Approval should come soon, but the delay is enough that the newly developed engine won’t debut until the 2020 model-year.

Land Rover has unveiled the revised new 2020 Discovery Sport SUV. The British automaker’s compact SUV gets an evolutive rather than a radical makeover, but it will be offered in a hybrid-powered version.

Prices of full-size pickup trucks –and automakers’ profit margins on them - continue to climb in North America. Is there an end in sight? Some analysts think there is still some room for them to rise further before consumers decide they won’t go any further and start to look elsewhere.

It was expected that Ford’s Mustang-electric SUV would debut only in 2022, but now it looks like we might get it before the year is out. The automaker has accelerated development of the model that it hopes will compete ASAP with the Tesla Model Y.

Barely a year after totally renewing its popular truck, Chevrolet is boosting the product offering for the 2020 Silverado pickup. In a nutshell, the changes mean the model’s overall capabilities have been made better than ever for 2020.

Auto123.com was in the Charlevoix region of Quebec for the Canadian debut of the Chevrolet Blazer. We discover a vehicle with many qualities, but one saddled with a price list that might drive away potential buyers.

Ford has announced the elimination of 7,000 jobs around the world. The move is part of the company’s restructuring plan designed to cut costs and save the company around $25 billion. The job eliminations will result in annual savings of $600 million USD.

Niki Lauda, one of the all-time great Formula 1 drivers, has died at the age of 70. History records the racing legend’s three drivers’ championships, but most of us will remember him especially for his incredible passion for the sport.

According to an announcement by Volkswagen in Argentina, the automaker is planning a new small crossover to slot in below the Tiguan. The good news is that the little SUV is going to be sold in North America.

Bentley has announced pricing for the three versions of a limited edition book to help celebrate its 100 years of existence. The cheapest version of the book will set buyers back the equivalent of $5,000 CAD, while the exclusive top-end book will go for almost $350,000 CAD.

Honda used the occasion of the 2019 Overland Expo West event to unveil a version of its Passport SUV fitted for backcountry camping. The Japanese automaker teamed with the Jsport company to roll out specially modified editions of the Passport and Ridgeline models.

As the impasse in negotiations between Washington and California regarding fuel emissions standard continues, the state says it might look at eventually banning internal-combustion engines. This is according to Mary Nichols, president of the California Air Resources Board.

Here’s a practical and enticing list of 10 used green car models that can be had for under $15,000 on the Canadian pre-owned vehicle market. Hesitant to fork over the big bucks for a new green car like a hybrid or all-electric vehicle? Here are some great alternatives!

Nissan has announced its new ProPilot 2.0 system will make its debut in Japan towards the end of 2019. For the first time the system will enable hands-free driving over long distances.

How to choose between the 2019 Acura RDX and the 2019 Cadillac XT4? Auto123.com compares a veteran and a rookie, the first well-implanted in the luxury compact SUV segment, the other just trying to carve out a space of itself.

MINI is boosting power of two of its JCW models to 301 hp for the 2020 model-year. The beneficiaries of the extra horses will be the Clubman and Countryman – and their drivers!

GM’s luxury division is set to unveil two new performance cars, the Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V, at the end of this month. In the case of the CT4, it means the V performance version launches prior to the regular edition.

Kia will be introducing later this year a new small SUV destined for all global markets, and to help stir up interest in the model, the Korean automaker has released two teaser images. Meet the front and back ends of the first all-markets small SUV from Kia.

Ford has announced it is adding 270,000 Fusion vehicles to an existing recall affecting 2013-2016 Fusion and 2013-2014 Escape models. A problem with a bushing can lead to the gear shifter cable detaching from the transmission and the vehicle rolling away even shifted into park.

The 2019 Hyundai Kona 1.6T small SUV is lots of fun to drive in the city and perfectly capable on the highway, and it turns the neat trick of masking the fact that it’s really a car on high legs. It might not be a better choice than the Kona Electric, but it’s not far behind.

There are a number of very common modifications made by vehicle owners who want to give their ride a personal touch. If you’re looking to get new wheels, add a spoiler or get tinted windows, it’s worth checking to see how it might affect your insurance contract and premiums.

An Ipsos survey carried out for Toyota reveals that higher gas prices are making close to half of Canadians consider cancelling their plans for a summer road trip. Nearly 40% also say they are mulling buying an electrified vehicle as a result of the increased pain at the pump.

North America’s top-selling luxury vehicle, the Lexus RX, is back with a stretched 2019 RX L version. We road tested this elongated edition of a very luxurious, super-comfortable SUV that’s now gained in versatility.

The NHTSA is looking into a 2016 General Motors recall of the 2015 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks after some 50 new complaints are reported to the agency related to issues with the power steering.

The state of Illinois is considering implementing a $1,000 annual registration fee charged to owners of electric vehicles. The goal of the fee would be to compensate for the anticipated loss of revenue from the sale of gasoline (which goes for road infrastructure, among other things).

The first details regarding the next-gen 2021 Range Rover are out. As expected, electrification is front and centre in Land Rover’s plans for the model, which will come in plug-in hybrid and all-electric configurations. All of it more upscale than ever…

Aston Martin will build 25 replicas of the DB5 James Bond first drove in Goldfinger, which will follow the original specs and feature a number of gadgets included in the original back in 1964.

BMW has confirmed that it has absolutely no intention of following the lead of German rival Mercedes-Benz in producing a pickup model. The Munich-based automaker says it doesn’t have the expertise to venture into that territory and doesn’t want to borrow another company’s product to do so.

An exceptional car with high-level performance capabilities, the 2019 GT350 further stretches the limits of a road-capable car and allows owners to practice the driving arts on the track. Looking for a strictly on-road ride? This will leave you frustrated…

The Volkswagen Group has laid out its strategy for recycling EV batteries in the coming years. The company has set a goal of producing one million electric vehicles annually by 2025, and it hopes to eventually recycle up to 97% of EV batteries’ components.

Production of lithium-ion batteries for EVs: A Quebec company has been working on a possible solution to the twin issues of supply and environmental footprint. It has developed a process whereby up to 95% of the components of old lithium-ion batteries found in EVs can be recycled and used anew.

Mazda is in the process of developing two new straight-six engines, one of them diesel-powered. Details are scarce for the moment, but it’s clear that the automaker is pushing to develop more upscale products to boost its portfolio.

The arrival of the next-generation 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan was marked by a first close-up encounter in Alberta. This car won’t blow too many socks off, but does it even need to as it continues on its merry way to 50 million units sold?

Kia has confirmed it is pushing back the commercial launch of its new Kia Soul EV until 2020 in the U.S. The company says strong demand in Europe has meant the company needs to focus first on filling orders there if it wants to meet stricter environmental norms in place on that continent.

BMW and tech giant Microsoft are partnering up to work on developing an improved voice recognition system. The ultimate goal is to render man-machine conversations even more natural and convivial.

How to choose between the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer and the 2019 Honda Passport? Auto123.com compares two flaming-new SUVs on the hunt for converts ready to switch from their car or their competing brand in a newish sub-segment. flambants neufs qui sont à la chasse de convertis prêts à délaisser leur marque ou leur berline actuelle.

The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas, an efficient, elegant people-mover able to take in 6 or 7 passengers in comfort. Just pay no mind to the plastic around you. If you want AWD, you’ll have to go for the bigger engine, and that will cost you at the pump.

A new AAA study reveals that one out of six American consumers is ready to consider an electric vehicle for their next purchase. It’s a low ratio that’s juxtaposes oddly with the influx of EVs about to enter the market in the next year or two.

Consumers will get access to fewer trims of Honda models in the coming years. Honda laid out details of its cost-efficiency plan and electrification strategy, and confirmed that one way it will reduce expenses – and pay for its electrification plan - is to reduce the number of variants it offers around the world.

BMW has confirmed that it won’t renew the 3 Series Gran Turismo, a model that doesn’t sell and is no longer a logical fit in the company’s lineup. After a period of expansion, the house-cleaning of the automaker’s product range continues.

Audi’s A4 sedan is celebrating its 25th birthday this week. Over its lifespan, the popular model has sold more than 7.5 million units, including nearly 350,000 last year. Given we live in an age of SUVs and trucks, that last figure is almost more impressive than the first.

The Land Rover Range Rover Velar is a new player in the luxury midsize SUV segment. While it certainly has its share of positive qualities, there are undeniable irritants that really undermine its cause.

GM’s Oshawa plant will continue to operate beyond December 2019. General Motors Canada and the Unifor trade union representing automotive workers announced an agreement that will see GM’s Oshawa assembly plant adapted to handle parts manufacturing and vehicle testing.

As it gets ready to unveil its first all-electric model under the ID banner, Volkswagen confirms the Golf-sized car will carry the name of ID.3. The official premiere will take place at the IAA International motor show in Germany later this year.

Google previews the simplified new interface and improvements it’s giving its Android Auto interface. Set to debut this summer, the new version will be more convivial for users, its creator promises.

As part of his multi-year La Randonnée Jimmy Pelletier fundraising project, the para-cyclist will ride 6,700 km across Canada in 67 days. From Vancouver to Halifax on a handbike, for two very good causes!

The NHTSA in the U.S. has launched an inquiry into possibly malfunctioning airbags in 2010-2013 Mazda CX-9 models. Two cases have been identified in which side airbags deployed without reason or warning while the vehicle was in motion.

Volkswagen appear set to kill off the regular Golf and the Sportwagen version in the U.S. when it renews the model next year. The company is responding to weak sales in that market compared to the GTI and R variants, which will become the only variants offered. However, the base-model Golf might live on in Canada.

It took but two days for all 1,000 units of the 1,000-hp Hellephant crate engine made available by FCA to be snapped up – at a cost of $30,000 USD per. Anyone want to take bets on whether FCA produces more of them?

Fiat launched the 2019 versions of its Abarth 124 roadster and Abarth 500 city car at the Ridge Motorsports Park in Washington, and we were there to put them through their paces in a unique environment. For the pleasure of driving that’s not assisted or “autonomous”…

BMW has teased its new 8 Series Gran Coupe and confirmed that it will unveil it officially in Munich this coming June. From what we can see the model is better-proportioned than the 8 Series coupe, and the automaker is promising both a plug-in hybrid variant and an M performance version at some point.

For those on a tight budget and for many new arrivals to Canada, saving on costs is a necessity. Here are 4 simple ways to save on your essential purchases and expenses!

FCA’s truck division is intent on producing a RAM midsize pickup. But the company acknowledges it continues to face hurdles in the development process. The main issue it faces has to do with production costs; a straight-ahead clone of the Jeep Gladiator would simply not be able to compete price-wise.

General Motors (GM) has just announced a recall of 324,000 heavy-duty pickups equipped with the 6.6L Duramax V8 diesel engine over a fire risk. The engine-block heater is susceptible to short-circuiting, which could lead to a fire.

The middle child of Buick’s SUV lineup doesn’t have an easy time of it, struggling to draw attention in the popular compact SUV segment, and even with the Buick lineup itself versus the Small Encore and bigger Enclave. It deserves a closer look, however.

This updated ranking of the Top 10 best-selling vehicles of all time features, at its head two juggernauts locked in a GoT-worthy battle royale for dominance. It’s ranking in constant evolution, featuring models long gone but others that are still very much among us.

Toyota, all too aware its Prius Prime has underperformed compared to expectations, is bringing in some major changes for the 2020 edition. Chief among them is the configuration of the second row which brings the number of seats up from four to five.

Hyundai is fitting its 2020 IONIQ model with a new battery pack that will deliver more range. Charging capacity will also be increased, meaning the system can be recharged more quickly.

Lack of sales success brings changes: after getting some substantial revisions last year, the Chevrolet Camaro will get more tweaks for 2020. The company is hoping to kick-start things for a model that’s struggling against the likes of the Dodge Challenger, aging as that model is.

How to choose between the 2019 Honda Pilot and the 2019 Subaru Ascent? Auto123.com compares a big SUV and a souped-up wagon.

A resident of South Dakota has filed suit against General Motors over the loss of range experienced by their Chevrolet in wintertime. The plaintiff claims to have lost 160 km of full-battery range in cold weather, and not to have been informed of this when buying the car.

A 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider that once belonged to Muhammad Ali is up for sale online, in case you want to own a bit of history. And that history is something else in the case of this car, starting with the fact that Ali had not intended to even buy the thing.

Nissan has confirmed it will drop the convertible version of the Nissan Z for the 2020 model year. That leaves on the automaker’s roster an aging coupe version the future of which is more uncertain than ever.

It’s aging well, but it’s aging nonetheless. The Dodge Durango first appeared in 2011, and it’s expected the next generation is coming soon. In the meantime, the 2019 Durango SUV is back with five versions to choose from, and the option of getting a big fat V8 under the hood.

Kia is working on a new small crossover SUV with AWD for North America, according to Michael Cole, COO of Kia Motors America, who spoke with WardsAuto. The company is not saying if it will be an existing model sold elsewhere like the Stonic or an all-new vehicle.

Volkswagen took its time bringing the Arteon to market. Now it’s finally here, and VW tells us it is not, officially anyways, the successor to the CC. That said it serves the same purpose, that of a midsize sedan with enough character to make people forget the humdrum Passat.

Since the beginning of 2018, the aging Dodge Challenger has been outselling the recently revised Chevrolet Camaro in the U.S. This is a surprising accomplishment, but it reflects Dodge’s savvy exploitation of the power of nostalgia.

This week General Motors confirmed in a conference call with investors that it will build an electric pickup. The new was delivered by GM CEO Mary Barra, who declined to provide a timeline however. A rumour thus becomes fact…

Cadillac has confirmed it is preparing an improved version of its Super Cruise autonomous driving system. The current technology is available in the CT6 sedan, but the 2.0 version will debut in the new CT5 car towards the end of the year; four other Cadillac models to get it by 2021.