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Automotive Mercedes-Benz just dropped a concept that feels both familiar and wildly new. Meet the Vision Iconic, a retro flavored EV that channels the brand’s golden era while previewing the software and hardware it believes will define the next one. Think 500K glamour with hints of 300 SL, W108, W111, and 600 Pullman, then filter it through a contemporary Art Deco lens. The result is a grand, imposing shape that looks like it rolled out of a movie set and into a design lab. Yes, the grille is enormous and illuminated, and here it finally makes visual sense.…

The year was 2004. You could still buy a Pontiac, a Honda Element, a Subaru Baja, a Mercury, or a Saturn Ion. Bluetooth hadn’t quite joined the party yet, but if your car was fancy enough, it may have had iPod integration. The Honda Ridgeline was first shown as a concept. Chrysler had just launched the new LX-platformed series of rear-drive products that would take the HEMI V8 to the mainstream, and the last-ever car from Oldsmobile would roll off the assembly line as the brand was being wound down. That last-ever car was a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero, with a…

Rolex gave us the chance to immerse ourselves in the world of Petit Le Mans. One of the oldest traditions in motorsport, endurance racing has been one of the most revered challenges to take place behind the wheel of an automobile for over a hundred years, almost as long as the production automobile has been in existence. For many of the decades that endurance racing has defined the pinnacle of motorsport, Rolex has been a close partner with the races and the people that bring them to life. Now, with an expanded partnership between Rolex and IMSA, we got the…

The global automotive industry is navigating a period of rapid change, with electrification, automation and workforce challenges reshaping how companies operate. A new report from ManpowerGroup highlights six major trends influencing the sector this year. Trade tensions disrupt hiring and supply chains Uncertainty around trade policies is weighing heavily on automakers. According to the report, 91 per cent of auto industry employers say trade policy uncertainty is affecting their hiring plans. Many companies are keeping headcounts flat as they manage higher costs and supply chain disruptions. EV growth slows but remains strong Electric vehicle sales are expected to surpass 20…

The president and vice president are selected via electoral votes, which come from a combination of each state’s senators and House Representatives. mark reinstein / Shutterstock When Americans vote in a presidential election, they aren’t directly voting for a candidate; they’re voting for electors who represent their state in the electoral college. Each state gets a number of electoral votes equal to its number of U.S. Senators (always two) plus its Representatives in the House, which is based on population. This system means some states carry far more weight than others. The total number of electoral college votes is 538,…

Running a successful auto shop requires not only technical expertise but also effective communication and customer service. However, common advisor errors can set back customer satisfaction and shop efficiency, noted Rick White, president of 180 Biz. He highlighted two common advisor errors during his presentation at the Midwest Auto Care Alliance Hi-Tech Training & Expo in Kansas City. Error 1: Not understanding expectations One of the most frequent mistakes advisors make is failing to understand the customer’s expectations when they request a service. White emphasized the importance of asking “why” when a customer asks for a specific service. For instance,…

Automotive If you have walked a showroom lately, the stickers tell the story. The average transaction price for a new vehicle just climbed to $50,080 in September, the first time the market has cleared the $50,000 mark. That figure is up 2.1 percent from August and 3.6 percent year over year, right alongside an average MSRP that also rose 2.1 percent for the month and 4.3 percent for the year. How did we get here. Prices spiked during the pandemic and never truly reset. Supply hiccups became product mix shifts, with automakers leaning into higher margin SUVs and…

If you’ve ever taken a springtime stroll through a park or garden, you might have seen a fast, darting flash of orange and black zip past your face. That bold little flier is likely the red admiral butterfly, a widespread member of the Vanessa genus.

The Volkswagen Crafter is one of the most dependable large vans in the UK, popular with builders, couriers, and fleet operators. Known for its comfortable cab, solid build, and capable diesel engines, it’s a top choice for heavy-duty work. However, like all workhorses, the Crafter can develop some common issues over time. This guide explains the most frequent VW Crafter problems and gives realistic UK repair costs to help owners plan for maintenance. 1. EGR Valve and Intake Carbon Build-Up Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke, or reduced fuel economy.Common Models: 2.0 and 2.5 TDI (2006 onwards).Cause: Carbon build-up inside…

With Honda’s increased focus on its middleweights, its entry-level segment has sort of been sidelined. So none of its entry-level sub-500cc motorcycles make serious headlines, and the competition has truly left the bikemaker in the dust. Increasing offerings from China and India haven’t made life any easier, either. The best example of this trend can be seen in Honda’s sports bike lineup. There’s only one sub-500cc sports bike it offers, and, that too, is something that most buyers don’t consider at first. There are a few reasons for that, so let’s dive into that. To give you the most up-to-date…