Matt M. Myftiu
Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to invest $4.5 billion, create nearly 6,500 jobs; new assembly plant planned in Detroit
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced plans to invest a total of $4.5 billion in five of its existing Michigan plants, and to work with the city of Detroit and state of Michigan on building a new assembly plant within city limits. The move would increase capacity to meet growing demand for its Jeep and Ram brands, including production of two new Jeep-branded white space products, as well as electrified models. The proposed projects would create nearly 6,500 new jobs.
The plant actions detailed in the announcement represent the next steps in a U.S. manufacturing realignment that FCA began in 2016. In response to a shift in consumer demand toward SUVs and trucks, the Company discontinued compact car production and retooled plants in Illinois, Ohio and Michigan to make full use of available capacity to expand the Jeep and Ram brands. Those actions have resulted in the recent launches of the award-winning all-new Jeep Wrangler and all-new Ram 1500, and the introduction of the newest member of the Jeep family, the all-new Jeep Gladiator, at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.
“Three years ago, FCA set a course to grow our profitability based on the strength of the Jeep and Ram brands by realigning our U.S. manufacturing operations,” said Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer, FCA N.V. “Today’s announcement represents the next step in that strategy. It allows Jeep to enter two white space segments that offer significant margin opportunities and will enable new electrified Jeep products, including at least four plug-in hybrid vehicles and the flexibility to produce fully battery-electric vehicles.”The city of Detroit has 60 days to meet the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding, which requires the acquisition of property critical to the execution of the Mack project. The additional investments are subject to the successful negotiation and final approval of development packages with the state and other local governments.
2019 Nissan Maxima is high-class, powerful sedan
Sedans, especially the full-size variety, are a segment that automakers are fleeing in droves. Nissan, however, is bucking this trend and has stayed committed to sedans, and even continues to upgrade them.
The 2019 Nissan Maxima, their flagship sedan, gets a refresh and can now be called an excellent contender in this category, pushing itself to near-luxury territory.
I recently tested a 2019 Maxima and I’m back with a full report.
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The exterior of the 2019 Maxima features upgraded front and rear styling, plus 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Once you go inside you’ll find one of the sharpest non-luxury vehicles you can buy. The interior design features premium leather-appointed seats, with diamond-quilted leather inserts on the Platinum trim I tested. There’s an attractive tan insert on the steering wheel offering a two-tone appearance, plus satin bronze interior faceted finishers.
You also get creature comforts like heated front seats (and optional heated rear seats). This being a full-size sedan, it’s roomy and no matter where you sit you’ll be very, very comfortable — both due to the size of the vehicle and the overall quality materials used inside. The trunk is also roomy for the segment.
If I were handing out interior design awards, this Nissan would definitely be in the running to win something.
Jeep Compass Trailhawk: A compact SUV off-roaders will love
The reality is that most SUVs and crossovers are used for shopping mall trips and soccer practices.
But Jeeps are different. They still have a loyal crowd who gets a bit more adventurous and goes places most of us won’t go. With that in mind, their Trailhawk offerings are offered to please this off-the-beaten-path crowd.
I recently spent some time in a Jeep Compass Trailhawk, and I’m back with a full report.
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No surprises on the grille: Your standard Jeep design can be found up front with the seven stripes.
In terms of an overall look, it’s a pretty straightforward small crossover design, with a clearly all-business/rugged look to it. The two-tone paint scheme on the hood did spice the look up a bit.
Inside seats on the Compass Trailhawk were comfy, but this isn’t a vehicle that’s trying to be luxurious (leather-wrapped steering wheel being a lone exception to that rule). The front row was comfy, but overall the inside is a bit cramped, especially in the back seat.
There is a well-designed layout of all the interior controls and a great setup on the center touchscreen. Steering wheel controls are also straightforward, and you get the option to add a power liftgate, as well as a dual-pane sunroof.
2019 Subaru Ascent is a stellar new entry in three-row SUV segment
The first image that pops into most people’s minds when hearing the word Subaru likely involves wagons or rally cars. But Subaru has recently rejoined the rest of the automotive world by offering its own brand new three-row SUV: The Subaru Ascent.
Subaru exited the three-row SUV category a half-decade ago when the Tribeca was retired, but the Ascent is a much better offering than their previous go-around.
I recently spent some time in the 2019 Ascent, which has the daunting task of battling a bevy of longtime competitors in the segment — including the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and more.
Read on for a full assessment on how the Ascent succeeds in its attempt to climb that hill.
Audi takes home four 'Best Value' awards, including 'Best Luxury Car Brand'
Audi of America has won four Vincentric “Best Value in America” awards, including an overall brand award in the Luxury Car Brand category. This is the second time Audi has received this honor. Vincentric also awarded Audi three model-specific “Best Value in America Awards.” The 2019 Audi A7 was named winner in the Premium Luxury Large Sedan segment for the third time, while the Audi A6 was named winner in the Premium Luxury Mid-Size Sedan segment, and the 2019 Audi A5 Cabriolet received the award in the Luxury Convertible segment.
In its 15th year, the Vincentric “Best Value in America Awards” determine value by measuring cost-of-ownership using eight different cost factors: depreciation, fees & taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost and repairs. Using a statistical model, Vincentric identified the Best Value in America winners by measuring which vehicles had lower than expected ownership costs given their market segment and price. More than 3,000 vehicle configurations were evaluated in all 50 states plus D.C. using a range of annual mileage intervals and insurance profiles.
Michael Self seeks second straight ARCA win at Daytona
ARCA embraces open garage setup at Daytona International Speedway February 9
2019 Cadillac XT5 is a spacious luxury crossover with a smooth ride
The only thing constant about the Cadillac vehicle lineup lately is change. Beyond the news that its flagship CT6 is going away after this year, the brand’s crossover lineup is getting a major revamp.
Brand new for 2019 was the XT4, Cadillac’s entry in the hot category of compact crossovers. Then the three-row crossover XT6 (a 2020 model) was just unveiled at NAIAS in January.
Right in the middle is the OG of the crossover lineup, the XT5 (known in its former life as the SRX), a midsize luxury crossover competing against heavy hitters like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Lexus RX.
I recently spent some time in a 2019 XT5 and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up to the competition.
BMW 530e iPerformance takes the 5-series to greener pastures
Across all classes of vehicles, the move toward electrification and automation is on the minds of automakers, as it’s generally accepted that when automation truly gets a foothold, most of those vehicles will be electric.
The world of luxury sedans is no exception. In this elite category, where prices are high and brand loyalty is key, the question each luxury brand faces is how far to go on the electric side while still maintaining the sharpness of the traditional ride.
BMW’s 5-series is annually one of the top-selling luxury sedans, for good reason. A staple in the industry for nearly 50 years, it’s a vehicle that rarely disappoints and has attracted a loyal following for generations as it battles other stalwarts in the class such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.
The version of the 5-series I recently tested was a bit different, and it reflects this modern movement to improve the eco-friendly factor of the vehicle. Read on for a full report on what the BMW 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid is trying to accomplish, and how it fits into the 5-series lineup and overall luxury market.
2019 Nissan Altima sharpens blade in sedan battle with a strong redesign
The future of sedans is very much a question mark right now. With SUV and truck fever having taken over most automakers, in addition to a focus on electronic and autonomous vehicles, your old-fashioned four-door sedan is usually lost in the shuffle when individuals and families are choosing a new vehicle.
Some automakers, particularly on the domestic side, are taking drastic steps and essentially eliminating their sedan offerings due to lack of sales and limited profitability. But there’s still some reason for hope among car buyers who like this type of vehicle: The foreign automakers are hanging in there.
Nissan is one of those automakers, and for 2019 the Nissan Altima — its midsize sedan offering — gets some major upgrades as it takes on heavy hitters like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in the battle for market share.
I recently spent some time in a 2019 Altima, and I’m back with a full report on how the improvements boost the Altima’s stature in the segment.
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