Car FYI

During the late 1990s, the recognition of the popularity for sport utility/crossover vehicles sparked a gold rush in the auto industry. The vehicle type’s adventurous off-roading physique, decent mechanical equipment and a design that maximizes interior space for abundant passenger comfort and cargo room evolved from being appreciated by a loyal niche to appealing to a mainstream. This growth also coincided with the luxury car category being disrupted by a vehicle known as the Hummer that became a new status icon during the turn of the century. The Hummer’s allure around the turn of the millennium encouraged brands such as Lincoln, Cadillac, BMW and Porsche to make their first forays into what would become a vibrant luxury sport utility sector. Along with these existing brands entering the luxury sport utility marketplace, one company envisioned using the category in reviving the name of an old American automotive icon. In the early 1960s, the Studebaker Corporation was struggling ...

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company A segment appearing on the surface to be working contrary to the modern automobile segment, the extended-duty three-quarter and one-ton pickup truck market has been facing the same type of scrutiny as passenger vehicles. Greater efficiency and improved technologies are almost universal traits sought from the latest vehicles. While passenger cars and crossovers are intent to promote better fuel economy as well as a more enriching commuting experience with infotainment systems, pickup trucks are expected to make the most from a powerful engine for greater towing and hauling strength. Ford Motor Company’s critically-acclaimed rethinking of their highly-popular, half-ton F-150 pickup truck showed a bold departure from the traditions of the work vehicle segment. Creating lighter weight, intelligently-equipped vehicles with the F-150, the 2017 Super Duty is the next chapter in Ford trucks’ new book on building a trusted hauler for the 21st century. ...