#build A 2019 GMC Yukon

[recentlyheardcom]

(Reuters) - The United Auto Workers (UAW) union on Tuesday struck a General Motors assembly plant in Texas that builds the U.S. automaker's profitable full-size sport utility vehicles, in another significant expansion of the strike.By striking GM's Arlington assembly plant, home to GM's profitable Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade large SUVs, the UAW has now shut down three of the most profitable auto factories in the world. Workers at Ford's Kentucky Truck heavy-duty pickup factory and Chrysler-owner Stellantis' Ram pickup plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, are already on picket lines.The union's strategy of targeted strikes unfolded over 40 days has throttled billions in revenue for the Detroit Three while requiring fewer than half the 150,000 UAW members at the companies to forgo pay and walk picket lines.GM earlier on Tuesday reported a stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit but withdrew its full-year financial forecast due to the uncertainty of the strike."Another record quarter, another record year. As we've said for months: record profits equal record contracts," said UAW President Shawn Fain. "It's time GM workers, and the whole working class, get their fair share."On Friday, Fain indicated that a settlement could be near but that negotiations could get tougher, calling talks before a deal "the hardest part of a strike."It is not clear how far apart the union and the automakers are. Fain on Friday said the Detroit Three had converged on a 23% wage hike offer and made progress on other issues.But he told UAW members "there is more to be won." GM and Ford had said additional cost-of-living increases already take their total compensation offers to over 30%.Fain's decision to push the Detroit Three for even more than the record wage and benefit packages they've offered is a gamble. Ford has said it is "at the limit" of what it can afford without undermining its ability to compete with non-union automakers.Story continuesGM and Stellantis have so far declined to improve their offers since last week. So far, none of the automakers has declared a formal impasse. But the companies have not ruled it out.The hit to Detroit Three profits also could mean smaller profit sharing checks for UAW workers at the end of the year.GM said before the Arlington walkout that it was losing $200 million a week. In fiscal 2019, GM's fourth-quarter profit took a $3.6 billion hit from a 40-day UAW strike."We are disappointed by the escalation of this unnecessary and irresponsible strike," GM said in a statement Tuesday.GM Chief Executive Mary Barra told investors on Tuesday the company "will not agree to a contract that isn’t responsible to our employees and our shareholders."Company executives have said they are increasingly concerned about small and medium-sized suppliers that could run into financial distress if the UAW walkouts slash their cash flow.Even larger suppliers, including Corning and Illinois Tool Works are warning that Detroit's labor clash will hurt their finances.File - United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain raises his fist at a rally in Detroit, on Sept. 15, 2023. Armed with a list of what even Fain called “audacious” demands for better pay and benefits, the UAW leader has embodied the exasperation of workers who say they've struggled for years while the automakers have enjoyed billions in profits. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)After five week of strikes, the economic losses for the auto industry had crossed $9.3 billion, Anderson Economic Group LLC estimated on Monday.The UAW and the automakers are also bargaining over future wages and unionization policies for electric vehicle battery plants planned by joint ventures of the automakers and their South Korean battery partners.Those talks are complicated, because the ventures are separate companies and the automakers do not have to cover them under their master UAW contracts under U.S. labor law.Shares in GM, Ford and Stellantis were little changed on Tuesday, reflecting Wall Street's view that the UAW talks may be entering the end game.

"The union is playing its cards with the goal of a settlement sooner rather than later," University of California Berkeley labor professor Harley Shaiken said. "Pulling out the profitable plants is meant to hasten the settlement."(Reporting by David Shepardson and Joe White; Additional reporting bys Ben Klayman in Detroit; Writing by Sayantani Ghosh; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Peter Henderson and Jonathan Oatis)

[enginerumors]

2019 GMC Yukon XL Redesign, Release Date, Price

2019 GMC Yukon XL Redesign, Release Date, Price

2019 GMC Yukon XL Redesign, Release Date, Price – The particular GMC Yukon and its particular extensive-span variation that Yukon XL will be the technical twins in the Tahoe along with Suburban, correspondingly. That 2019 GMC Yukon, in the meantime, is very luxurious you could oversight the idea for these particular models’ deluxe sibling, this Cadillac Escalade. These three of such whole-sizing…

[arcisfoodblog]

We spent some time in beautiful Vancouver this summer. There are loads of things to do and see in this magnificent city, so I wanted to share with you an impression of how we spent our 4 days there. As you will see, our days were pretty packed and we still only worked our way through part of the attractions of the city that are considered “must-see”. There are still quite a few others that we didn’t get around to visit, like Grouse Mountain, Queen Elisabeth Park, Kitsilano Beach, and English Bay.

Vancouver’s center is compact, so you can do a lot of exploring on foot. Alternatively, with the SkyTrain, busses and the ferries (pay via Compass Card, cash or card), the public transport network will get you pretty much anywhere in the Vancouver metro area. There are still no Ubers in Vancouver, but we found the taxi fares pretty reasonable (with fixed fees to and from the YVR airport).

On our first day, we strolled through Chinatown with the main attractions on or just off East Pender Street, like the Chinatown Millenium Gate and the quirky Sam Kee building (the teal-colored building with the ground floor window which is said to be the world’s narrowest freestanding office building at just 1.88m/6’2″ deep). We also visited the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park. (578 Carrall St,  www.vancouverchinesegarden.com)

Another tip around that neighborhood is the Vancouver Police Museum (240 E Cordova St, www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca) which had surprising displays. On its history – definitely not holding back on some of their pretty dark chapters – but also on crime-fighting techniques and apparatuses used throughout history. Some items are quite quirky, like on the introduction of the first traffic lights or about the fact that dogs get nose-printed for identification purposes. Others are eerier like the infamous local crimes as well as the morgue/examination room (where a dripping tap definitely added to the atmosphere…).

We then headed back to bustling Gastown where the Gassy Jack statue and the Steam Clock on Water Street are major tourist attractions, but you can get some proper shopping done, and you will find some good restaurants, coffee shops and bars there.

A heads up, so you’re not too shocked when visiting Vancouver. Gastown, Chinatown, and East Vancouver are very mixed neighborhoods of significant tourism and poverty, and it is evident that the opioid crisis has a significant impact in Canada as well. So at first, it might be a bit of a shock to see homeless and/or intoxicated people around in these parts of town, but apart from some occasional begging we were never bothered and always felt safe.

In Downtown, you will find the Vancouver Lookout (555 W Hastings St, vancouverlookout.com) which has an observation deck at 168m / 551ft and therefore provides a striking 360-degree view of the Vancouver Metro area.

The weather on our second day wasn’t great, so we chose some indoor activities. Everywhere we go on holidays, we are checking out local science museums and aquariums. The kids love them, and as you will always find new exhibits or species, it never gets old, not even for the adults. The ones in Vancouver are great too, with many hands-on experiments, optical illusions and environmental awareness exhibits over at Science World (1455 Quebec St, scienceworld.ca) which is only a couple of Skytrain stops from Downtown. The Birdly full-body virtual reality experience (which was $6 extra for 2 minutes) was a hit with our oldest, especially as he got a free ride as the computer froze with 15 seconds left.

Across from Science World, you have the former Olympic Village that was erected for the athletes in the 2010 Winter Olympics. As the weather wasn’t good enough to roam around there, we decided to take an Aquabus ride to Granville Island. The Aquabus operates 8 stops along False Creek, overlooking various marinas as well as Yaletown’s (IMHO) stupendously boring highrises, especially in the glum weather. As Aquabus is a private operator, your Compass Card doesn’t apply, and you will have to pay the fare separately (by cash or card).

The main attraction on Granville Island is the Public Market, where you can find all kind of eateries and stalls with both local and imported products as well as various arts & crafts. You will also find numerous restaurants, wine shops, theaters (with ALL kinds of shows) as well as one of Vancouver’s many breweries, Granville Island Brewing. It can get pretty crowded though, so off-peak hours are best to visit.

We met-up with Koen, Erica, and Madouc, who kicked off their summer road trip of the entire West Coast in Vancouver. With effectively 1 full day in Vancouver, our third day focussed on the must-see/do things downtown.

First up was Stanley Park which is the 400-hectare city park Vancouverites are blessed with. The 9km Seawall, part of world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, the 28km Seaside Greenway, provides brilliant views of the city. Furthermore, Stanley Park itself has many landmarks, monuments, First Nations totem poles, and plenty of walking trails, and bike/skate paths, of course.

Stanley Park also hosts Canada’s largest aquarium, Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way, www.vanaqua.org), which besides the (un)usual marine life also housed the limited-time Vortex exhibit.

Vortex is a powerful and evocative art exhibit by local writer/artist Douglas Coupland about the ocean plastic pollution crisis, which was partly made from the debris that washed ashore on the British Columbia coast after the devastating tsunami that hit Japan in 2011.

Given a booked lunch, we took a bus back downtown where we strolled around Burrard, Hornby, and Robson Streets (the more posh part of downtown) and the square before the Vancouver Art Gallery, across from Hawksworth Restaurant.

Afterward, we went to Canada Place, where the cruise ships moor. The pier also has Fly Over Canada (201 – 999 Canada Place, www.flyovercanada.com) attraction, a pretty fun 4D experience with IMAX sized screens simulating a flight through the most impressive landscapes that the country has to offer, but then also enhanced with sensory elements (smells, wind, mist, and snow). The “flight” appropriately ended with a swooping landing of a seaplane at the harbor of next doors’ Convention Center, where we headed next. Besides many shops and restaurants, the 2010 Olympics Flame and the Digital Orca – also by Douglas Coupland – (lower resolution than expected 😉 are its main attractions.

On our final day in Vancouver, we picked up our rental car in the morning (which got upgraded to a humongous GMC Yukon XL) to explore some of the attractions in the neighborhood. First up was the Capilano River Regional Park in North Vancouver (3735 Capilano Rd, www.capbridge.com). Its suspension bridge draws a lot of tourists, so be prepared to stand in line to be able to cross the 137m/450ft bridge which hovers 70m/230ft above the Capilano River. We were there around noon and had to wait 40 minutes, but as you stand in the shade, it was pretty bearable.

Even though sturdy (reassuring displays can be read when standing in line) a bridge that size will always have somewhat of a wobble, as you can see from the video below. Therefore, be prepared to come across the occasional person with a fear of heights that still insisted on crossing the bridge but ended up clinging the guardrails in a semi-catatonic state…

It is also very worthwhile to catch one of their free tours. They have many interesting facts on the forest and wildlife of the park (the banana slugs are easiest to spot). The Douglas Firs are the most massive trees in the park, standing at almost 90m/300ft. Their thick inflammable bark protects the trees during wild fires, but as the temperatures inevitably go up, the tree sap will start to boil, and under immense pressure, it will find its way through the bark. As the pine sap itself is highly inflammable, the tree will instantly become a flamethrower itself, eradicating surrounding (non-Douglas fir) trees and thus creating some sort of fire corridor. Pretty smart, eh?

Although the park is pretty busy, the views down the gorge are magnificent, as are the canopy walking tour (treetop adventure) and the cliff walk on the cantilevered walkway to the granite wall.

In the afternoon we headed back south over the Lion’s Gate Bridge, past English Bay and over the Burrard Bridge to the VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak St, vancouver.ca). As to be expected, the various themed gardens were absolutely marvelous, buzzing with bees and the smells were astounding. Even though main lawn was off-limits given a private Indian wedding reception, we walked around for about an hour and a half and then had some drinks and snacks at its Shaughnessy Restaurant, which uses ingredients from the Garden in their dishes.

Most amazing was watching hummingbirds (“kolibri” in Dutch as you can hear in the video). Even shot at 30 frames per second, the direction it flew away could not be properly captured.

  Around the World – British Columbia road trip​ (2019) – Vancouver – What to Do We spent some time in beautiful Vancouver this summer. There are loads of things to do and see in this magnificent city, so I wanted to share with you an impression of how we spent our 4 days there.

[autoenginenews-blog]

2019 GMC Yukon Denali Redesign Interior, Colors Changes

2019 GMC Yukon Denali Redesign Interior, Colors Changes

2019 GMC Yukon Denali Redesign Interior, Colors Changes – New 2019 GMC Yukon Denaliis going to be SUV with sq condition and boxy look. Something similar to the combination of full-sized SUV with a lot of enlargements. This is 1 of the greatest merchandise of GMC, and as a company, requirements are quite high. There is no significantly exceptional from the forerunner but nonetheless, this model is…

[itsfinancethings]

(DETROIT) — As the United Auto Workers’ strike against General Motors stretches into a second week, it’s not just the company and striking workers getting pinched.

With many replacement part warehouses shut down, dealers are beginning to run short of components to repair cars, trucks and SUVs. And companies that make auto parts are also starting to see work slow down. Dealer inventory of new vehicles is holding up but starting to get depleted on a few models.

Meanwhile, GM is losing millions of dollars and has been forced to close one Canadian factory and send workers home at another. The 49,000 striking workers are going to have to get by on $250 per week in strike pay.

This doesn’t even include the restaurants and other businesses around the more than 30 U.S. factories that have been closed due to the strike. And the longer the strike lasts, the worse it will get for everyone.

Here’s a look at the ripple effects of the strike as bargaining continues:

AUTO PARTS: The biggest impact so far seems to be the lack of availability of some replacement parts for GM vehicles. The strike has shut down a parts depot in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Southeast region normally gets its replacements, said Ed Williamson, who owns several GM dealers in the Miami area.

Parts suppliers, especially smaller ones where GM is the main customer, are also starting to get hit, says Morningstar analyst David Whiston. Even bigger ones like Magna International, a Canadian company that makes components for many GM models, is reporting temporary layoffs at some of its U.S. and Canadian operations.

GM spokesman Jim Cain acknowledged there are some parts shortages, but says it is still shipping parts from depots staffed by management, dealers that stockpile parts for sale to other dealers, and outside companies that make parts for GM vehicles.

“Obviously it’s a difficult situation, and we are working to find other sources of parts around the country,” he said.

DEALER INVENTORY: GM had a hefty 77-day supply of vehicles at the end of August, but big SUVs were only at about 55 days, lower than the industry average of 61. With no shipments since Sept. 16, supplies are starting to drop.

Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Autotrader, said dealers have told her that they’ll have ample supply for another week or so. Sales in September thus far have been slowing from August levels, so supplies aren’t being depleted that quickly, she said.

Williamson said he’s still got plenty of vehicles, including 80 to 90 days worth of big SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon. But he’s running short of the Cadillac XT5 midsize SUV.

GM IN CANADA AND MEXICO: Citi analyst Itay Michalei estimates GM is losing $100 million in profits per day. The strike has already caused GM to lay off 1,850 workers and shut down its assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario, near Toronto. Another 730 were laid off from an engine plant in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, according Unifor, the Canadian auto workers union.

Thus far, GM says no Mexican plants have been shut down, nor has a factory in Ontario that builds the Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV.

UAW WORKERS: Striking workers received their last GM paycheck this past Friday and now will have to rely on $250 per week in union strike pay that starts this Friday. When they’re on the job, most workers get about $30 per hour in wages, or roughly $1,200 per week. Whiston estimates that the work stoppage will cost the UAW’s roughly $750 million strike fund about $31.5 million per week in strike pay and health care costs.

[newstechreviews]

(DETROIT) — As the United Auto Workers’ strike against General Motors stretches into a second week, it’s not just the company and striking workers getting pinched.

With many replacement part warehouses shut down, dealers are beginning to run short of components to repair cars, trucks and SUVs. And companies that make auto parts are also starting to see work slow down. Dealer inventory of new vehicles is holding up but starting to get depleted on a few models.

Meanwhile, GM is losing millions of dollars and has been forced to close one Canadian factory and send workers home at another. The 49,000 striking workers are going to have to get by on $250 per week in strike pay.

This doesn’t even include the restaurants and other businesses around the more than 30 U.S. factories that have been closed due to the strike. And the longer the strike lasts, the worse it will get for everyone.

Here’s a look at the ripple effects of the strike as bargaining continues:

AUTO PARTS: The biggest impact so far seems to be the lack of availability of some replacement parts for GM vehicles. The strike has shut down a parts depot in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Southeast region normally gets its replacements, said Ed Williamson, who owns several GM dealers in the Miami area.

Parts suppliers, especially smaller ones where GM is the main customer, are also starting to get hit, says Morningstar analyst David Whiston. Even bigger ones like Magna International, a Canadian company that makes components for many GM models, is reporting temporary layoffs at some of its U.S. and Canadian operations.

GM spokesman Jim Cain acknowledged there are some parts shortages, but says it is still shipping parts from depots staffed by management, dealers that stockpile parts for sale to other dealers, and outside companies that make parts for GM vehicles.

“Obviously it’s a difficult situation, and we are working to find other sources of parts around the country,” he said.

DEALER INVENTORY: GM had a hefty 77-day supply of vehicles at the end of August, but big SUVs were only at about 55 days, lower than the industry average of 61. With no shipments since Sept. 16, supplies are starting to drop.

Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Autotrader, said dealers have told her that they’ll have ample supply for another week or so. Sales in September thus far have been slowing from August levels, so supplies aren’t being depleted that quickly, she said.

Williamson said he’s still got plenty of vehicles, including 80 to 90 days worth of big SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon. But he’s running short of the Cadillac XT5 midsize SUV.

GM IN CANADA AND MEXICO: Citi analyst Itay Michalei estimates GM is losing $100 million in profits per day. The strike has already caused GM to lay off 1,850 workers and shut down its assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario, near Toronto. Another 730 were laid off from an engine plant in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, according Unifor, the Canadian auto workers union.

Thus far, GM says no Mexican plants have been shut down, nor has a factory in Ontario that builds the Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV.

UAW WORKERS: Striking workers received their last GM paycheck this past Friday and now will have to rely on $250 per week in union strike pay that starts this Friday. When they’re on the job, most workers get about $30 per hour in wages, or roughly $1,200 per week. Whiston estimates that the work stoppage will cost the UAW’s roughly $750 million strike fund about $31.5 million per week in strike pay and health care costs.

[crosbyru-blog]

GM Investing $20M into Texas SUV Production Plant

GM Investing $20M into Texas SUV Production Plant General Motors employees work on the assembly line at the GM Arlington Assembly Plant, where GM is investing $20 million. General Motors continues to invest heavily in its full-size trucks and sport-utility vehicles, announcing plans Tuesday to spend $20 million on upgrades at its plant in Arlington, Texas, to facilitate the launch of its new family of full-size SUVs. The plant, which employs more than 4,5000, builds Chevrolet Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades. The move comes as part of a string of investments GM has made in other truck-producing plants. In Arlington, GM has invested more than $1.4 billion since 2015 to build a new paint shop and for body shop and general assembly area upgrades. The new upgrades at Arlington are scheduled to be completed next year, officials noted. “We’ve been building trucks in Texas for more than 20 years, and our additional investment in Arlington Assembly is proof of our commitment and confidence in our Arlington team,” said Gerald Johnson, GM executive vice president of Global Manufacturing. Cadillac Escalade vehicles roll off the assembly line at Arlington Assembly. GM is upgrading the plant for the launch of its all-new full-size SUVs. (GM rams $150 million into Flint plant to up HD truck production. Click Here for the story.) “We are counting on the Arlington team to continue focusing on building the highest quality products possible for our customers while preparations continue for the launch of the next generation of our full-size SUVs.” Large trucks and SUVs have helped GM post profits the past few years. They’ve been especially critical to the company’s bottom line this year as the U.S. market has seen sales slump 1.8% through May. Last year, GM delivered more than 282,000 full-size SUVs in the U.S. That is almost four vehicles for each one delivered by the company’s closest competitor, Ford Motor Co. GM’s full-size SUVs are also exported to many markets around the globe. (Click Here for more about how strong sales of pricey pickups helped GM beat earnings estimate.) Executive Vice President Global Manufacturing Gerald Johnson announces the $20 million investment at Arlington Assembly in Texas. GM has invested more than $4.2 billion in three U.S. assembly plants – Arlington, Flint, Michigan and Fort Wayne, Indiana – to prepare for the launches of its next generation pickups and SUVs and to increase capacity, further improve build quality and drive operating efficiencies. The company’s new trucks and SUVs are also driving new investments at plants in Moraine, Ohio to expand diesel engine production, Toledo, Ohio to expand 10-speed transmission production and more. Further, GM is pondering a $1 billion investment in its plant in Wentzville, Missouri, which produces midsize trucks and full-size vans. Investing heavily only confirms GM’s focus trucks and utility vehicles and away from coupes and sedans. While not quite as extreme as Ford’s plans to eliminate all cars except the Mustang from its line-up, it is substantially cutting cars from its portfolio. (To see more about GM investing $24 million into its Ft. Wayne truck plant, Click Here.) In the meantime, its these vehicles keeping the company in the green. During the first quarter saw motorists in the U.S. pay more than ever before for GM vehicles, a surge largely credited to higher prices for the recently redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups. Those models generated an average price of about $5,800, or 20%, more than the trucks they replaced. Don’t miss out! Get Email Alerts Receive the latest Automotive News in your Inbox! Invalid email address Send me emails Per Post Daily Weekly Monthly Give it a try. You can unsubscribe at any time. Tagged with: GM Arlington Assembly | GM SUV news | GM full-size SUV investment | GM investing $20M in Arlington | GM invests $20M in truck plant | GM puts $20M into large SUV plant | GM truck plant gets $20M investment | TheDetroitBureau.com. | auto news | gm news | michael strong | thedetroitbureau Published at Tue, 25 Jun 2019 20:27:48 +0000 The post GM Investing $20M into Texas SUV Production Plant appeared first on Sell Auto Notes | Sell BHPH Notes | Auto Note Buyers. https://autonotebuyerinc.com/gm-investing-20m-into-texas-suv-production-plant/

[motorsporthq]

2019 GMC Yukon SLT Graphite Edition Review: Big, Bold and Brawny

2019 GMC Yukon SLT Graphite Edition Review: Big, Bold and Brawny

In case you didn’t know, there are still a lot of people out there in Canada that go for full-size SUVs. And guess what? General Motors is the manufacturer that builds most of them, starting with 3,578 Chevrolet Tahoes and 3,061 GMC Yukons sold here last year. What’s more, GM also sold 2,789 Chevrolet Suburbans (extended version of the Tahoe) and 2,266 Yukon XLs (the stretched version of the…

[jameseconomics]

MANAGEMENT NOTES  10 MAR 2019

 AFTER AMAZ-OFF: THE IMPACT OF HQ2’S BUST IN NEW YORK CITY ON AMAZON’S MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE IS KEEPING ANALYSTS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE COMPANY VERY BUSY.

Amazon’s founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos’ dream-scenario might have gone something like this: In the opening scene, a helicopter-borne overhead distance shot gradually zooms in to a black GMC Yukon as it pulls up at a landing dock in a marshland.  Two men get out of the SUV and walk to the dock.  They pause, share a few words, and the younger of the two men hands a notebook to the other, who turns and goes aboard a waiting tugboat.

The camera pulls away to reveal that the marshland was at the far end of an airport near New York City.  The tugboat proceeds along the shoreline, the camera angle allowing views of the Statue of Liberty. By that time, Bezos had come on deck and is standing in front of the tug’s pilothouse.  Behind him is a brass, Durer-like “A” that contrasts with the dark blue of the tug’s topside.  

Slowly, the camera pulls away a bit to show the tug and its bow-wave, Bezos, a bit of lower bay and the NYC Skyline.  It is a classic movie scene, and, perhaps because he is now in the movie business, Bezos recognizes his “star moment” just as it was for Humphrey Bogart and Barbra Streisand before him. On the dream soundtrack we can hear the voice of Frank Sinatra, belting out the words, “If I can make it there __ I’d make it anywhere; It’s up to you, New York, New York.”

If that were Bezos’ dream, it ended when he awoke to the unattractive reality of New York City politics.  Caught in the middle of a name-calling, mud-slinging fight between the city’s administration and a leftist insurgent political movement, the Amazon project took on a nightmarish dimension.  It appeared that Amazon had already been through that experience in Seattle and wasn’t about to voluntarily go through it again.  In short, they could make it anywhere but in New York, New York.

The collapse of the plan for Amazon’s New York City complex with its over 24,000 jobs was well reported in the news media.  What has received little attention, though, is how the company’s management intent to build an “HQ2,” a parallel to its current Seattle headquarters, has been jettisoned, too.  

This is a major change to the company’s management plan for its organizational structure and growth.  The company has said that it will distribute the new jobs throughout its facilities across the country, but this says little about how it intends to manage its operations in the future.

There is a saying in the design field that “form follows function.” And while Amazon has not disclosed exactly what its new plan is, they have revealed that, for the moment at least, the HQ2 concept is out and new jobs will be distributed geographically rather than clustered in a single campus.

This is a major change in form, and it implies a significantly changed structure of the company’s management functions.  This is a lot more, and a lot more difficult than a paper exercise of drawing a new organization chart.

Once a company starts to place decision-making responsibility in the hands of executives at remote sites, all sorts of communications, financial, and human resource issues begin to sprout up. And somehow, they are magnified by distance.  A simple, predictable issue like a time zone difference, for example, can loom large in communications and become a major irritant, especially if it is unplanned. And management team “get togethers” can become a travel, and time, nightmare.  

The company will have to take a hard look at how dependent on inter-personal  “face time” their run of successes was managed and determine how that structure can be made to fit into a country-wide and global strategy.  

Analysts and investors will be watching closely for clues and evidence of what that new management structure will look like.  It’s all part of the continuous evaluation – which is one determinant of the company’s stock price.

Of course, one option for Amazon is going back to the NYC campus plan, whose management details they had undoubtedly already worked out. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is leading a coalition attempting to restart the negotiations between the city and the company. And 80 of the city’s leading citizens have signed an open letter in the New York Times with a straightforward “Come back Shane “message.

Amazon’s Seattle experience and the way the NYC talks ended make the company’s return unlikely, but we should never underestimate the power of a dream, especially in an entrepreneurial setting.   Keep that tugboat warmed up.  JAMES MCCUSKER -30-

© 2019 James J. McCusker

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[enginerumors]

2019 GMC Yukon Changes, Release Date, Price

2019 GMC Yukon Changes, Release Date, Price

2019 GMC Yukon Changes, Release Date, Price– The 2019 GMC Yukon will most likely be the successor from the pre-existing Yukon product that supplies some common enhancements. The optimal point which will be within the forthcoming product may be the Driver Inform Package to enhance the safety feature of the SUV additional. Since we realize, the GMC Yukon is surely an SUV with an enormous place…

[eddiejpoplar]

New Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer to Start Production in 2021

DETROIT, Michigan (Reuters)—Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said on Tuesday it will invest $4.5 billion in five plants to build new models of Jeeps to compete more effectively in the lucrative market for full-size, three-row SUVs currently dominated by rivals General Motors and Ford.

The plants will also create 6,500 jobs in Michigan, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) said in an announcement around three months after GM said it would not allocate new products to five plants in North America that mostly produce less-popular sedan models. GM workers and politicians, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have blasted GM for the decision, which is likely to close those plants, one of which recently received a one-year reprieve.

The move also comes at a time when the U.S. market looks set to decline, with 2019 industry-wide new vehicle sales expected to fall below 2018 levels. But FCA Chief Executive Officer Mike Manley said in a conference call with reporters that the company’s investments are focused on SUVs, an area “forecasted to continue to grow.” He added that 60 percent of SUV sales are for three-row models “and we don’t have a three-row offering . . . and this is a segment that I’ve been very interested in for some time.” The full-size SUV segment is dominated by GM’s Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade, which had about double the sales of Ford’s Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator in 2018.

FCA‘s plans include turning an engine plant in Detroit into an assembly plant. The company has also reversed a decision to shift production of heavy-duty trucks from Mexico to Michigan in 2020, freeing up the Michigan facility to produce Jeep models. “I look at today’s investment as a reward for the efforts of our membership and a show of confidence that the members of the UAW are the best auto workers in the world,” United Auto Workers union Vice President Cindy Estrada said in a statement.

The automaker said plans included investments to enable three Michigan plants to produce hybrid and fully electric Jeep models. Manley said those hybrid models or electric models could be available as soon as late 2021, but will be rolled out based on consumer demand.

“Unlike Anything We Have Seen”

FCA plans to start construction on the new $1.6 billion Detroit facility in the third quarter of 2019 and start production of a new three-row SUV by the end of 2020, followed by a revamped version of the Grand Cherokee in the first half of 2021. The plans also include a $900 million investment to modernize and retool another Detroit plant to make the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The two investments come around six years since Detroit filed the largest ever U.S. municipal bankruptcy and will bring nearly 5,000 jobs to the city. FCA and the city of Detroit have signed a memorandum of understanding that provides 60 days to follow through on the agreed acquisition of land for the new plant. “This opportunity is unlike anything we have seen in decades,” Detroit mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement, adding that the investments would take place “without displacing a single resident.”

The automaker also confirmed it will also start production of its Wagoneer model and the Grand Wagoneer, a new three-row luxury SUV set to compete with the Range Rover lineup, at a plant in Warren in the first half of 2021. Early last year, FCA had said it would move heavy-duty truck production to that plant, but that will now remain in the company’s Saltillo, Mexico, plant. FCA will invest $1.5 billion in the Warren plant—up from $725 million that automaker had not publicly disclosed.

(Reporting by Nick Carey; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Bill Berkrot)

The post New Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer to Start Production in 2021 appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

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[jonathanbelloblog]

New Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer to Start Production in 2021

DETROIT, Michigan (Reuters)—Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said on Tuesday it will invest $4.5 billion in five plants to build new models of Jeeps to compete more effectively in the lucrative market for full-size, three-row SUVs currently dominated by rivals General Motors and Ford.

The plants will also create 6,500 jobs in Michigan, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) said in an announcement around three months after GM said it would not allocate new products to five plants in North America that mostly produce less-popular sedan models. GM workers and politicians, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have blasted GM for the decision, which is likely to close those plants, one of which recently received a one-year reprieve.

The move also comes at a time when the U.S. market looks set to decline, with 2019 industry-wide new vehicle sales expected to fall below 2018 levels. But FCA Chief Executive Officer Mike Manley said in a conference call with reporters that the company’s investments are focused on SUVs, an area “forecasted to continue to grow.” He added that 60 percent of SUV sales are for three-row models “and we don’t have a three-row offering . . . and this is a segment that I’ve been very interested in for some time.” The full-size SUV segment is dominated by GM’s Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade, which had about double the sales of Ford’s Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator in 2018.

FCA‘s plans include turning an engine plant in Detroit into an assembly plant. The company has also reversed a decision to shift production of heavy-duty trucks from Mexico to Michigan in 2020, freeing up the Michigan facility to produce Jeep models. “I look at today’s investment as a reward for the efforts of our membership and a show of confidence that the members of the UAW are the best auto workers in the world,” United Auto Workers union Vice President Cindy Estrada said in a statement.

The automaker said plans included investments to enable three Michigan plants to produce hybrid and fully electric Jeep models. Manley said those hybrid models or electric models could be available as soon as late 2021, but will be rolled out based on consumer demand.

“Unlike Anything We Have Seen”

FCA plans to start construction on the new $1.6 billion Detroit facility in the third quarter of 2019 and start production of a new three-row SUV by the end of 2020, followed by a revamped version of the Grand Cherokee in the first half of 2021. The plans also include a $900 million investment to modernize and retool another Detroit plant to make the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The two investments come around six years since Detroit filed the largest ever U.S. municipal bankruptcy and will bring nearly 5,000 jobs to the city. FCA and the city of Detroit have signed a memorandum of understanding that provides 60 days to follow through on the agreed acquisition of land for the new plant. “This opportunity is unlike anything we have seen in decades,” Detroit mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement, adding that the investments would take place “without displacing a single resident.”

The automaker also confirmed it will also start production of its Wagoneer model and the Grand Wagoneer, a new three-row luxury SUV set to compete with the Range Rover lineup, at a plant in Warren in the first half of 2021. Early last year, FCA had said it would move heavy-duty truck production to that plant, but that will now remain in the company’s Saltillo, Mexico, plant. FCA will invest $1.5 billion in the Warren plant—up from $725 million that automaker had not publicly disclosed.

(Reporting by Nick Carey; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Bill Berkrot)

The post New Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer to Start Production in 2021 appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

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[jesusvasser]

New Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer to Start Production in 2021

DETROIT, Michigan (Reuters)—Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said on Tuesday it will invest $4.5 billion in five plants to build new models of Jeeps to compete more effectively in the lucrative market for full-size, three-row SUVs currently dominated by rivals General Motors and Ford.

The plants will also create 6,500 jobs in Michigan, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) said in an announcement around three months after GM said it would not allocate new products to five plants in North America that mostly produce less-popular sedan models. GM workers and politicians, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have blasted GM for the decision, which is likely to close those plants, one of which recently received a one-year reprieve.

The move also comes at a time when the U.S. market looks set to decline, with 2019 industry-wide new vehicle sales expected to fall below 2018 levels. But FCA Chief Executive Officer Mike Manley said in a conference call with reporters that the company’s investments are focused on SUVs, an area “forecasted to continue to grow.” He added that 60 percent of SUV sales are for three-row models “and we don’t have a three-row offering . . . and this is a segment that I’ve been very interested in for some time.” The full-size SUV segment is dominated by GM’s Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade, which had about double the sales of Ford’s Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator in 2018.

FCA‘s plans include turning an engine plant in Detroit into an assembly plant. The company has also reversed a decision to shift production of heavy-duty trucks from Mexico to Michigan in 2020, freeing up the Michigan facility to produce Jeep models. “I look at today’s investment as a reward for the efforts of our membership and a show of confidence that the members of the UAW are the best auto workers in the world,” United Auto Workers union Vice President Cindy Estrada said in a statement.

The automaker said plans included investments to enable three Michigan plants to produce hybrid and fully electric Jeep models. Manley said those hybrid models or electric models could be available as soon as late 2021, but will be rolled out based on consumer demand.

“Unlike Anything We Have Seen”

FCA plans to start construction on the new $1.6 billion Detroit facility in the third quarter of 2019 and start production of a new three-row SUV by the end of 2020, followed by a revamped version of the Grand Cherokee in the first half of 2021. The plans also include a $900 million investment to modernize and retool another Detroit plant to make the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The two investments come around six years since Detroit filed the largest ever U.S. municipal bankruptcy and will bring nearly 5,000 jobs to the city. FCA and the city of Detroit have signed a memorandum of understanding that provides 60 days to follow through on the agreed acquisition of land for the new plant. “This opportunity is unlike anything we have seen in decades,” Detroit mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement, adding that the investments would take place “without displacing a single resident.”

The automaker also confirmed it will also start production of its Wagoneer model and the Grand Wagoneer, a new three-row luxury SUV set to compete with the Range Rover lineup, at a plant in Warren in the first half of 2021. Early last year, FCA had said it would move heavy-duty truck production to that plant, but that will now remain in the company’s Saltillo, Mexico, plant. FCA will invest $1.5 billion in the Warren plant—up from $725 million that automaker had not publicly disclosed.

(Reporting by Nick Carey; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Bill Berkrot)

The post New Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer to Start Production in 2021 appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

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[itsfinancethings]

September 25, 2019 at 04:09AM

(DETROIT) — As the United Auto Workers’ strike against General Motors stretches into a second week, it’s not just the company and striking workers getting pinched.

With many replacement part warehouses shut down, dealers are beginning to run short of components to repair cars, trucks and SUVs. And companies that make auto parts are also starting to see work slow down. Dealer inventory of new vehicles is holding up but starting to get depleted on a few models.

Meanwhile, GM is losing millions of dollars and has been forced to close one Canadian factory and send workers home at another. The 49,000 striking workers are going to have to get by on $250 per week in strike pay.

This doesn’t even include the restaurants and other businesses around the more than 30 U.S. factories that have been closed due to the strike. And the longer the strike lasts, the worse it will get for everyone.

Here’s a look at the ripple effects of the strike as bargaining continues:

AUTO PARTS: The biggest impact so far seems to be the lack of availability of some replacement parts for GM vehicles. The strike has shut down a parts depot in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Southeast region normally gets its replacements, said Ed Williamson, who owns several GM dealers in the Miami area.

Parts suppliers, especially smaller ones where GM is the main customer, are also starting to get hit, says Morningstar analyst David Whiston. Even bigger ones like Magna International, a Canadian company that makes components for many GM models, is reporting temporary layoffs at some of its U.S. and Canadian operations.

GM spokesman Jim Cain acknowledged there are some parts shortages, but says it is still shipping parts from depots staffed by management, dealers that stockpile parts for sale to other dealers, and outside companies that make parts for GM vehicles.

“Obviously it’s a difficult situation, and we are working to find other sources of parts around the country,” he said.

DEALER INVENTORY: GM had a hefty 77-day supply of vehicles at the end of August, but big SUVs were only at about 55 days, lower than the industry average of 61. With no shipments since Sept. 16, supplies are starting to drop.

Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Autotrader, said dealers have told her that they’ll have ample supply for another week or so. Sales in September thus far have been slowing from August levels, so supplies aren’t being depleted that quickly, she said.

Williamson said he’s still got plenty of vehicles, including 80 to 90 days worth of big SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon. But he’s running short of the Cadillac XT5 midsize SUV.

GM IN CANADA AND MEXICO: Citi analyst Itay Michalei estimates GM is losing $100 million in profits per day. The strike has already caused GM to lay off 1,850 workers and shut down its assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario, near Toronto. Another 730 were laid off from an engine plant in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, according Unifor, the Canadian auto workers union.

Thus far, GM says no Mexican plants have been shut down, nor has a factory in Ontario that builds the Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV.

UAW WORKERS: Striking workers received their last GM paycheck this past Friday and now will have to rely on $250 per week in union strike pay that starts this Friday. When they’re on the job, most workers get about $30 per hour in wages, or roughly $1,200 per week. Whiston estimates that the work stoppage will cost the UAW’s roughly $750 million strike fund about $31.5 million per week in strike pay and health care costs.

[robertkstone]

Fiat Chrysler to Invest $4.5 Billion in Michigan to Add New Jeep SUV Models

DETROIT, Feb 26 (Reuters) – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said on Tuesday it will invest $4.5 billion in five plants to build new models of Jeeps to compete more effectively in the lucrative market for full-size, three-row SUVs currently dominated by rivals General Motors Co and Ford Motor Co.

The plants will also create 6,500 jobs in Michigan, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) said in an announcement around three months after GM said it would not allocate new products to five plants in North America that mostly produce less-popular sedan models.

GM workers and politicians, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have blasted GM for the decision, which is likely to close those plants.

The move also comes at a time when the U.S. market looks set to decline, with 2019 industry-wide new vehicle sales expected to fall below 2018 levels.

But FCA Chief Executive Officer Mike Manley said in a conference call with reporters that the company’s investments are focused on SUVs, an area “forecasted to continue to grow.”

He added that 60 percent of SUV sales are for three-row models “and we don’t have a three-row offering… and this is a segment that I’ve been very interested in for some time.”

The full-size SUV segment is dominated by GM’s Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, which had about double the sales of Ford’s Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator in 2018.

FCA‘s plans include turning an engine plant in Detroit into an assembly plant. The company has also reversed a decision to shift production of heavy-duty trucks from Mexico to Michigan in 2020, freeing up the Michigan facility to produce Jeep models.

“I look at today’s investment as a reward for the efforts of our membership and a show of confidence that the members of the UAW are the best auto workers in the world,” United Auto Workers union Vice President Cindy Estrada said in a statement.

The automaker said plans included investments to enable three Michigan plants to produce hybrid and fully electric Jeep models. Manley said those hybrid models or electric models could be available as soon as late 2021, but will be rolled out based on consumer demand.

‘UNLIKE ANYTHING WE HAVE SEEN’

FCA plans to start construction on the new $1.6 billion Detroit facility in the third quarter of 2019 and start production of a new three-row SUV by the end of 2020, followed by a revamped version of the Grand Cherokee in the first half of 2021.

The plans also include a $900 million investment to modernize and retool another Detroit plant to make the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The two investments come around six years since Detroit filed the largest ever U.S. municipal bankruptcy and will bring nearly 5,000 jobs to the city.

FCA and the city of Detroit have signed a memorandum of understanding that provides 60 days to follow through on the agreed acquisition of land for the new plant.

“This opportunity is unlike anything we have seen in decades,” Detroit mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement, adding that the investments would take place “without displacing a single resident.”

The automaker will also start production of its Wagoneer model and the Grand Wagoneer, a new three-row luxury SUV, at a plant in Warren in the first half of 2021. Early last year, FCAhad said it would move heavy-duty truck production to that plant, but that will now remain in the company’s Saltillo, Mexico, plant.

FCA will invest $1.5 billion in the Warren plant – up from $725 million that automaker had not publicly disclosed. (Reporting By Nick Carey; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Bill Berkrot)

The post Fiat Chrysler to Invest $4.5 Billion in Michigan to Add New Jeep SUV Models appeared first on Motortrend.

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[roadfly]

Every Fall the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) rounds up a fleet of new cars, trucks & SUVs for us to test drive back to back. Sometimes it’s the first opportunity to drive a brand new vehicle and sometimes it gives us a chance to get a second opinion of a car we drove a few months ago.

This year the WAPA Rally was held at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia. Below is an overview of some of the cars I had an opportunity to drive.

2018 Audi S5 Sportback

It’s typical Audi. Very easy to drive, probably the best initial driving experience of any car, and a wonderfully tech-happy interior. I particularly like the Sportback because I’m a true fan of hatchbacks for their versatility.

Related: Audi’s S5 Sportback Car Configurator 

2018 Ford Expedition Platinum

I can’t remember when the last time I ranked the Ford Expedition higher than the Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon Denali but the all-new 2018 Ford Expedition is an absolute home run and is Roadfly’s 2018 “Best Full-Size SUV” and it appears that the Expedition will also hold the title for 2019. If you’re out SUV shopping you really need to put the Expedition on your SUV shopping list.

Related: Ford’s Expedition Configurator

2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet

Both the C 300 Coupe and Cabriolet were redesigned for 2019. In addition to a new exterior design the interior has been updated with available digital cockpit and there are now more fuel efficient engine options.

Starting at $51,850 our test vehicle priced out at $69,000. Below the photo gallery is a copy of the full options list along with prices for the C 300 Cabriolet.

Related: Build your own C 300 on Mercedes’ website

2019 Subaru Ascent Touring 7-Passenger SUV

Subaru has been growing at an incredible pace for the 5 years or more. They’ve continued to expand their line up with model variants. For 2019 Subaru has launched their first ever 7-passenger, 3-row SUV to compete with the likes of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

The all-new Subaru Ascent is more comfortable and quieter than I expected. Our test vehicle with touring trim had all the bells and whistles.

Related: Price out and build your own Ascent over at Subaru.com

2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport

Lexus has offered an F Sport version of many of their cars for sometime. Now in 2019 the popular ES 350 is available as an F Sport. As the name implies the F Sport version of the ES is a lot faster, a lot more sporty looking and a lot more fun to drive!

Related: Build your own ES 350 F Sport at Lexus.com

2019 RAM 1500 Crew Cab

RAM’s 1500 series truck is all-new for 2019. Now offering a standard eTorque mild-hybrid system in models equipped with the V6 Pentastar engine. ETorque is available as an option on RAM 1500 models with the HEMI engine option.

While arguably the eTorque system deserves the most attention I have to focus on the interior of the new RAMs. In Laramie trim the interior is just spectacular. If you’re in the market for a new truck or just enjoy browsing dealers lots make sure you saddle up inside one of the new RAMs.

Ram Truck, The Best Interior in the Business!

Related: Video Overview of the 2019 RAM 1500 HEMI with the all-new eTorque mild hybrid system

Related: Build your own RAM 1500 at RAMTrucks.com

2019 Maserati Levante GTS

With the arrival of the GTS, Maserati now offers the Levante in four distinct versions for North America, two featuring the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and two featuring the new Ferrari-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, two of the most powerful and exclusive SUVs ever built.

The Levante GTS’ 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, one of the most powerful engines ever in a Maserati, is a retuned version of the unit fitted in the super-sport Levante Trofeo, delivering 550 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and peak torque of no less than 538 lb.-ft. in a wide range between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. Like all Levante’s, it is mated to Maserati’s Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive System and as with all Maserati gas engines, is assembled by Ferrari in Maranello, Italy.

The Maserati Levnate GTS starts at $119,900.

Related: Build your own at MaseratiUSA.com

2019 Genesis G70 Sport Sedan

Choice of powerful and refined turbocharged engines: 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder or a 3.3-liter V-6, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds

Available driver-focused features include Genesis Active Safety Control, limited-slip differential, Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4S tires and Brembo® brakes

Available 6-speed manual gearbox (2.0T RWD model)

Related: learn more about the all-new 2019 Genesis G70 at Genesis.com

2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Pickup Truck with Multipro Tailgate

Redesigned from the ground up and larger in almost every dimension, including a longer wheelbase and longer crew cab body that offers about 3 inches more rear legroom than the previous model

GMC-exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate offers six functions and positions for enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation and easier access to items in the cargo box

Segment-first Multi-Color Head-Up Display projects key, customizable vehicle data on the windshield in a 3-inch x 7-inch display

Up to 360 pounds (163k) lighter than the previous model, thanks to a mixed materials approach — including aluminum for the doors, hood and tailgate, with steel for the fenders, roof and standard cargo box

Fully boxed steel frame that is 88 pounds (40 kg) lighter than its predecessor, while offering 10 percent greater torsional rigidity

Denali-exclusive Adaptive Ride control offers premium ride comfort through real-time monitoring of the road and driver inputs, reacting in milliseconds to adjust damping for exceptional body control and ride isolation

Official GMC Configurator: GMC Sierra Truck Configurator

Related: Here’s a video of how the GMC Multipro Tailgate works:

2018 Buick Regal TourX

The TourX rides higher than its Sportback counterpart, enabling greater capability. Its rugged exterior appearance, standard roof rails, interior amenities, standard intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) with active twin-clutch and functional cargo area epitomize upscale utility, capability and convenience.

Related: Build your own Buick Regal TourX at Buick.com

2018 KIA Stinger GT

The Stinger is KIA’s first foray into the sport sedan segment. The car has been tremendously over-hyped by KIA and a few auto outlets. It’s a lot of fun to drive, has great styling but no, it’s not better than a Porsche Panorama or any of the other cars KIA chose to hype it over. Having said that, it’s a really attractive package and definitely deserves a look.

The Stinger is offered with two engines — a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 255 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 making 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Cars equipped with the latter engine are dubbed Stinger GTs. Both engines pair with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.

Related: KIA’s Stinger car configurator

2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

The most recognized vehicle in the world – delivers extreme off-road capability. Powertrain options include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles, electronic lockers and is one of the few midsize SUVs that offer a six-speed manual transmission in addition to its available eight-speed automatic.

All-new for 2019, the Jeep Wrangler in Rubicon trim offers a commanding presence on and off the road.

Related: Visit Jeep.com to build your own!

2018 WAPA Rally at Summit Point Motorsports Park Every Fall the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) rounds up a fleet of new cars, trucks & SUVs for us to test drive back to back.