Audi has been given permission, and the 1st to have been, to begin autonomous testing in Albany, New York.

• Audi first company to begin automated vehicle testing in the state
• Audi to demonstrate technology in Albany in mid-June
• New York first started accepting requests in May

New York has approved Audi of America's application to be the first company authorized to perform autonomous vehicle testing in the state.

Audi intends to demonstrate and test vehicles in New York with Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) Level 3 automation. It will conduct the first autonomous vehicle demonstration in state history, beginning in Albany, near the state capitol, in mid-June.

SAE’s Level 3 means a vehicle is capable of automated driving at posted highway speeds when specific conditions are met. In New York, two trained engineers will be in the vehicle to monitor the system and ensure safety, one in the front seat and one in the back. Audi’s demonstration vehicle has already safely logged thousands of miles on limited access highways across the U.S.

Earlier this month, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York was accepting applications from companies interested in testing or demonstrating autonomous vehicles on public roads.

“We have been leading the way in the development of piloted driving technology for more than a decade now, and testing in real-world environments is a key step in our pursuit of safer roads,’’ said Scott Keogh, president of Audi of America. “We applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership and stand ready to assist in defining how this future will unfold in the Empire State now and for years to come.”

New legislation included in New York’s FY 2018 budget allows for testing autonomous technology through a year-long pilot program. Audi’s vehicle routing information for the Albany demonstration has been pre-approved by the New York State Police and its application was approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. State Police review the route to be taken, and are required to supervise the demonstration. 

“New York State is a nationwide leader in innovative highway safety programs and the potential for autonomous vehicles to save lives on our roadways is immeasurable,” Governor Cuomo said.

USA - The new Lexus LS 500 F Sport to get unveiled in New York before heading to the NYIAS.

Following the recent debut of the LS 500 in Detroit and the LS 500h in Geneva, Lexus announced today the all-new LS F SPORT will make its world debut in New York ahead of the upcoming 2017 New York International Auto Show.

The all-new LS  is based on an extended version of the brand’s premium global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA–L) platform – the stiffest that Lexus has ever developed – which offers enhanced handling, ride smoothness and cabin quietness. 

F SPORT models will capitalize on the platform’s responsiveness and agility to present the most engaging LS driving experience yet, and will be available on the LS 500 and LS 500h.

The 2018 LS 500 F SPORT will be on display starting April 12th at the Lexus booth in the Javits Convention Center for the 2017 New York International Auto Show.

Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. 

Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 237 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. 

Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

Latest Bentley Suite opens in the St Regis in Istanbul, Turkey, it's like sleeping in a Continental GT.

• Curvaceous design inspired by Continental GT range creates a luxury destination for a new generation of global travellers
• Hand-crafted features made by Bentley in Crewe
• First Bentley Suite in Europe following successful Bentley Suite at  the St Regis New York

Bentley is continuing its celebrated collaboration with St. Regis Hotels & Resorts with a new Bentley Suite making its debut today at The St. Regis Istanbul. Inspired by the Continental range of Bentley grand tourers, it is designed for the modern aficionado of unparalleled luxury and personalised service.

As the latest modern interpretation of the partnership between St. Regis and Bentley Motors, the Bentley Suite at The St. Regis Istanbul unites craftsmanship and luxury, with a curvaceous design inspired by the Bentley Continental GT. 

The suite lends itself to entertaining with an expansive balcony overlooking Maçka Park with breath-taking views of the Bosphorus and the city. The living room and bedroom, as well as the one and a half baths, dressing room and powder room feature bespoke details derived from signature Bentley design cues.

Christophe Georges, Director of Product and Marketing, commented: “The new Bentley suite at The St. Regis Istanbul marks the next phase of the partnership between Bentley and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. The emergence of Turkey as a modern luxury destination affords Bentley the opportunity to bring our signature style and contemporary design to a new and discerning audience of travellers who want to experience the soul and sophistication of a gateway city in an environment of exceptional materials and finishes.”

The entrance foyer benefits from mirrored ceilings, reflecting a marble floor inset with a Continental wheel inspired design. On entering the living area, walls of curved veneer evoke the Continental while highlighting the suite’s corner location. 

Floor to ceiling windows maximise the panoramic experience, providing a unique entertaining space against the backdrop of some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights. These same vistas can be enjoyed from an oversized terrace. 

The living room features a bespoke built-in sofa crafted from Bentley leather, which brings Bentley’s unique motoring luxury indoors. 

The sofa, equipped with two champagne bottle coolers, features signature Bentley diamond upholstery with curved lines that echo the architecture of the suite. Overhanging the scene, a captivating light installation based on the Continental’s jewelled headlights and the sinuous curves of the Nürburgring Racetrack completes the room.

Further cues can be found in the elegant wet bar. Inspired by the wings of a Bentley dashboard, olive ash is accented with engine spin, anthracite and claret. The bar doors open to reveal three Breitling clocks, allowing guests to enjoy a cocktail while keeping time with contemporaries in Istanbul, London and New York. A bespoke humidor is incorporated into the bar set up; hand crafted in the Bentley woodshop alongside the cars that inspired the suite.

Handcrafted finishes and individual furnishings are prevalent throughout. His-and-hers jewellery boxes cosset guests’ treasured items during their stay and sit alongside items from the Bentley home collection, notably the chaise in the bedroom. Bentley’s iconic matrix grille also features in abstract form; captured in wool and silk in an exquisitely crafted rug. 

Custom flooring and carpeting line the separate bedroom, where an expansive work desk resides alongside a 40-inch pop-up television. A bed base, tailor-made from burgundy hide and bright engine spin, houses an oversized signature St. Regis bed while an entry touch panel and portable iPad place room controls at guests’ fingertips.

A glass box within the bedroom, the master bathroom extends the bespoke experience, employing marble book-matched slabs to create a dramatic pattern that surrounds a dual-basin sink, glass-enclosed rainforest shower, and freestanding glass-enclosed bathtub. 

A 19-inch mirror television further elevates the restorative retreat, while an adjacent dressing room ensures complete privacy. Designed with travellers' needs in mind, it boasts shelving, storage, and a makeup vanity. The suite also features an additional full bathroom and powder room.

Guests can enjoy an immersive musical experience courtesy of British hi-fi creator Naim Audio. In the living room, the high-performance SuperUniti all-in-one player is integrated into the room, producing a crystal-clear sound, and allowing guests to relax with their own music. 

In the bedroom, guests can access Naim’s award-winning Mu-so wireless music system via Bluetooth. It features technology inspired by Naim’s in-car audio system, available exclusively as a custom option for all Bentley models.

Marking the debut of the luxury brand in Turkey, The St. Regis Istanbul is designed by award-winning Turkish architect Emre Arolat, and is a modern interpretation of Istanbul’s glamorous Art Deco era. 

The St. Regis Istanbul is home to the first international outpost of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago restaurant, which stars as the hotel’s signature culinary experience. Located on the hotel’s rooftop, the restaurant offers stunning views of the vibrant city. The hotel also offers rejuvenating spa treatments at the Iridium Spa.

USA - Next generation Chevy Spark gets debut at Seoul and New York Auto Show.

Chevrolet’s redesigned global minicar to debut in Seoul and New York on April 2

The all-new 2016 Spark will debut on April 2 at the Seoul and New York auto shows, Chevrolet announced today.

A sleeker, more aerodynamic profile and a progressive take on Chevrolet’s signature design cues will give the redesigned Spark a more sophisticated aesthetic that reflects the changing tastes of the global minicar market.

“The new Spark’s design has evolved and grown up with the segment,” said Michael Simcoe, GM International vice president of Design. “The youthful whimsy of the original Spark is still in its genes, but it is conveyed in more traditional proportions that reinforce the customer’s refined expectations.”

Chevrolet has sold more than 1.1 million Sparks around the world since it went on sale as the Beat in India in late 2009. Today, the Spark is available in 71 markets worldwide, selling the most in South Korea, followed by the United States and Mexico.

Spark is attracting younger and first-time car buyers to Chevrolet with 26 percent being under the age of 35.

Sales of the Spark in the U.S. are up 32 percent in the first two months of 2015 versus the same period in 2014.

GENEVA - Nissan launches most versatile multi passenger all electric vehicle at Geneva.

• Nissan brings forward launch of multi-passenger version of the e-NV200
• Seven seat version in demand for VIP transfer, hotels, taxis and private customers
• Folding second and third row make seven seat version the most versatile electric vehicle on the market
• Special edition of the Nissan LEAF, Europe’s best-selling all- electric car, makes its debut

Thanks to growing requests from companies and fleets alike, Nissan has announced it is bringing forward the introduction of the latest iteration in its electric vehicle line-up – a seven seat version of the all-electric e-NV200.

Since its inception, a seven seat version of the revolutionary van has always been part of Nissan’s plans, fulfilling an unmet need for an electric vehicle that can move a larger number of people. From taxi fleets to shuttle services and even to large families, the seven seat e-NV200 Evalia offers a zero-emission solution. For those with a more regular need to move cargo and an occasional need for seven seats, the Combi version of the e-NV200 can also be specified with the larger seating capacity.

Nissan Europe’s director of electric vehicles, Jean-Pierre Diernaz explains the introduction, commenting: “We have always planned to offer a higher-seating capacity version of the Nissan e-NV200. Marketplace demand has meant we have moved this introduction forward by several months to satisfy this need. Nissan has had requests from taxi companies, VIP transfer services, hotels and private motorists who are interested in buying this uniquely flexible and capable vehicle.”

The seven seat version of the e-NV200 is configured with two seats in the front, three in the middle and two in the rear. Both the second and third rows can be folded to allow for larger quantities of luggage to be carried, making the new variant a hugely flexible vehicle for commercial or private use.  The second row rolls forward and the third row folds to the sides to open up an enormous 2.94 cubic metres of cargo capacity, which is enough to transport three bicycles with the wheels in place, unique in this class. With all three rows in place, the luggage capacity is 443 litres under the tonneau cover, and up to an impressive 870 litres when measured to the roof line, allowing the possibility to carry seven people and a large volume of luggage.

To increase passenger comfort the seven seat passenger version comes equipped with additional rear air conditioning to ensure a more even temperature through the cabin, even for those in the third row of seating.

The new model is available with the CHAdeMO quick charging system, which gives the access to the most widely installed rapid charging system in Europe today with over 1,500 accessible points. The quick charging option allows businesses or drivers to extend journeys or do multiple short journeys in a day with a quick top up. Already, users of the e-NV200 like Taxi Electric in the Netherlands and C&C Taxis in the UK have installed their own quick chargers to increase utilisation and flexibility.

The van and five seat versions of the e-NV200 were launched last summer and have already met with a very positive reception with orders from taxi companies across Europe in addition to large fleets like DHL Express in Italy, and APM, part of the Maersk group.  Diernaz is unsurprised by this interest, commenting: “The benefits are clear, electricity as a fuel is much cheaper than diesel, even with the recent drop in prices. Maintenance is 40 percent cheaper and the vehicle is quieter, smoother and faster than the diesel equivalent.”

The new e-NV200 version is joined on the Geneva stage by a special edition of the Nissan LEAF, which has just celebrated a record sales year in 2014, with sales up 33 percent. To celebrate its fourth year as the best-selling pure electric car globally an in Europe the limited edition has been given an eye-catching new 17-inch wheels design and additional standard equipment. This limited edition, based on the Acenta grade, gives customers two types of cable, enabling them to use charge points fitted with conventional domestic plugs or the faster type two charging stations also complemented by the standard fitment* of the 6.6 kW on board charger, which allows the Nissan LEAF to go from empty to full in four hours on a compatible 32 amp supply.

The Nissan e-NV200 7-seat Combi is available to order from April.

USA - SAAB continues to as if nothing has changed at this US dealership.

Nearly all Saab dealers reached a dead end after the Swedish brand's bankruptcy in 2011. But not Park Ave Saab in Maywood, N.J.

The dealership, about 10 miles from Manhattan, bought the customer lists of several defunct Saab dealerships in the New York City area.

Then it moved into a closed Suzuki store and started courting Saab drivers in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With ads, service coupons and emails, it offers readily available parts, service and a selection of low-mileage used Saabs.

Park Ave's website is a portal for all things Saab, such as the latest news and rumors from Sweden, updates on parts and alerts when a used Saab is for sale.

The store's ultimate goal, explained General Manager Jeremy Morrissey, is to keep Saab customers happy. And when they are ready to quit their quirky Swedish cars, ease them into one of the company's other brands. The Park Avenue Auto Group handles Acura, BMW and Lotus at other stores nearby.

Die-hard loyalists

There are more than 10,000 Saab owners in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania area, according to the customer lists, giving Park Ave a solid customer base.

The store's used-car and parts-and-service business has been strong, said Morrissey. In 2014, the store has:

• Averaged monthly sales of between 30 and 50 mostly high-end used cars.

• Billed between 600 and 700 hours per month in the service department. Park Ave employs two full-time technicians and a service writer.

• Boosted its parts business by targeting Saab owners and independent repair shops.

The store is posting a monthly operating profit of between $20,000 and $50,000 after all the bills, rent and wages are paid, said Morrissey, who has sold Saabs since the late 1980s.

"The Saab customer is very interesting," Morrissey said. "They are very emotional about Saab, and it amazes me the loyalty customers have to that brand. They'd rather pay top dollar for a used 2011 than buy a new 2014 Volvo."

So far, few die-hard Saab fans have quit the brand at his store. But that will change as the cars age and wear out, said Morrissey. He said customers often trade high-mileage Saabs from the 1980s and 1990s for newer models, such as the 9-5 from 2008-11.

About 450,000 Saabs are still in daily use in the United States, according to an estimate by Saab Automobile Parts North America, the Swedish-government owned business unit that distributes original equipment Saab service parts to 200 factory-authorized service centers in the United States.

"When [Saab] customers have had issues with their cars and are at the end of their ropes, they know this is the best place to trade their car because of our affinity to the brand," said Morrissey. "We give them top dollar for their car. We treat them and the car as if the brand is still in the United States."

Clock is ticking

Morrissey said he can sell all the Saabs he can get that were built in 2008 and later. He scours the Internet daily, goes to auctions and buys late-model Saabs from other dealers. He buys Saabs from all over the country and ships them to New Jersey. He also ships used Saabs to other states and to Europe.

Morrissey said the plan to service Saab customers is working well. But he realizes that the clock is ticking. Eventually, even the last Saabs built in 2011 will become too old to recondition and sell at a sufficient profit, Morrissey said.

"I expect the business to decline. Everything has a time limit," said Morrissey. "I think there will be a time period when we can ride the wave, maybe another two years at the best. Then you have to figure something else out."

Richard Truett

REPORT HERE

New Toyota U2 Concept car debuts at the World Maker Faire in New York.

Calty design studio creates a vehicle inspired by America’s new urban DIY movement

Do-it-yourself is enjoying a big revival in American cities, where a new breed of entrepreneur is taking a can-do approach to urban regeneration. Toyota’s Calty design studio in California has researched the movement by speaking to people attending the hugely popular Maker Faires across the country and has used their views to help create a new small SUV, the Urban Utility concept car – U².

The U² concept has an open architecture and is made from robust materials that reflect a no-nonsense urban style. It has practicality built-in, with a roll-back roof and a tailgate that can be folded down to create a ramp. A rail system makes it easy for owners to customise the interior just the way they want it.

Kevin Hunter, Calty President, said: “Toyota saw an opportunity for a new approach to an urban vehicle, based on the increasing re-urbanisation of our cities, and on urban drivers’ desire for flexibility, fun and manoeuvrability.

“Calty keeps a number of projects concealed while it explores ideas and projects. Revealing something like the U² gives people a window onto the constant innovation that is happening inside Toyota and our studios, and a possible future vision for urban mobility.”

Customisable interior

The Calty team conceived U² as a flexible, functional gadget, drawing their inspiration from modern entrepreneurship and Americans’ traditional love of adventure and outdoor pursuits that involve plenty of gear and equipment. It needed to be easily adaptable for individual on-the-go needs, witnessed in details such as a retractable utility bar that can do anything from hold a desk to provide hooks for shopping bags. The side windows flip up, so it’s easy to reach in from the roadside.

Other highlights include: -

• Folding, removable front passenger seat
• Fold-up rear seats
• New shift design with an intuitive switch for park, drive and reverse
• New colour and trim material choices

Toyota research found the fast-growing market for small SUVs seeks greater usefulness, but a smaller vehicle footprint. U²is the size of a compact car, but has the functionality of a traditional pick-up and the spaciousness of a cargo van. It also answers other urban driver priorities in delivering good fuel economy and being easy to manoeuvre, load and unload.

Exterior designed for city life

City streets call for a vehicle that can deal with bumper-to-traffic, potholes and tight turns. Toyota’s U² concept tackles these demands with a highly durable underbody and bodywork that’s tough as a handtool and which comes with customisable side panels. The look is modern and characterful, too, evident in details such as the slightly chunky proportions and circular doorhandles.

Exterior highlights include: -

• Retracting roof panels
• Opening rear glass that slides into the tailgate
• Drop-down tailgate that forms a load ramp
• Replaceable protective ridges on the tailgate

Appropriately U² will make its public debut at the World Maker Faire in New York on 20 – 21 September.

USA - Jaguar performance driving acadamy announces 2014-2015 schedule.

• Jaguar Performance Driving Academy provides drivers with skills needed to unleash the full potential of Jaguar performance models in a controlled track environment

• Academy courses available at Monticello Motor Club, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Sonoma Raceway

• All courses include vehicles, instructors and reception

• Complimentary Level One course available to qualifying Jaguar R vehicle owners as well as a purchase option for driving enthusiasts. Level Two and Three courses available for purchase.

It’s not often that drivers can unlock the full potential of a performance vehicle. To explore the performance capabilities of Jaguar cars, a host of new track courses will be offered by the Jaguar Performance Driving Academy. Jaguar vehicle owners and enthusiasts alike will have the opportunity to experience the true power of the Jaguar XFR, XJR, XKR and the new F-TYPE R Coupe.

Under the guidance of highly experienced driving instructors, participants will explore the hidden potential of Jaguar vehicles while learning the skills and techniques necessary to safely experience performance driving.

Three course levels will be offered at the academy.

Level One includes autocross exercises, a handling oval and on-track lead-follow exercises to learn racing lines. Offered as a morning or afternoon session, Level One is complimentary to U.S. Jaguar vehicle owners who have purchased a select Jaguar performance model¹within the past 12 months. Levels One, Two and Three are also available for purchase by qualifying auto enthusiasts who wish to take part in this exhilarating track experience.

Available to participants that have previously completed Level One, Level Two is a full day session that provides participants with more time behind the wheel. Building on fundamentals learned, Level Two incorporates a skid pad, timed auto-cross, additional on-track lead-follow exercises and recorded video of the laps sent to participants via email.

New to the Jaguar Performance Driving Academy, Level Three is now available to participants that have completed both Level One and Two. Structured as an additional full day course, participants will work one-on-one with a driving instructor to perfect the driving skills previously learned. During this time, participants will also have the opportunity to compare laps to various driving instructors via track telemetry technology.

The Academy will be hosted at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, FL and Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, CA.

COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES:

• Monticello Motor Club, Monticello, NY:

o Level One: October 2 and 3; AM and PM sessions available

o Level Two: October 4

o Level Three: October 5

• Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL:

o Level One: December 10 and 12; AM and PM sessions available

o Level Two: December 11 and 13

o Level Three: December 14

• Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA:

o Level One: February 17 and 19; AM and PM sessions available

o Level Two: February 18 and 20

o Level Three: February 21

PROGRAM COSTS:

• Level One: Complimentary to U.S. Jaguar R, Supersport and Ultimate model owners who have purchased a new vehicle within 12 months. This course is also available for purchase for $895.00

• Level Two: Offered to all drivers for a fee of $1,895 (If Levels one and two are registered for and taken together the cost is $2,345)

• Level Three: Offered at $2,895 (If Levels two and three are registered for and taken together the cost is $3,495 plus the cost of Level one)

To learn more about the Jaguar Performance Driving Academy and applicable terms and conditions:http://www.jaguarusa.com/events/jaguar-performance-driving-academy/index.html

To learn more about Jaguar performance models please visit: http://www.jaguarusa.com/all-models/all-models/r-performance.html

¹XFR, XFR-S, XKR (Coupe or Convertible), XKR-S (Coupe or Convertible), XKR-S GT, XJR, XJ Supersport, XJL Supersport, XJL Ultimate or F-TYPE R Coupe

Maserati Quattroprote Zegna Limited Edition, just 100 to be built.

After making its world debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, Maserati has revealed an exclusive limited edition Maserati Quattroporte in collaboration with luxury Italian fashion house, Ermenegildo Zegna. Just 100 examples of the limited series will be built which feature colour schemes, materials and exclusive trims which link the histories of the two brands.

To celebrate the launch of the Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition, Maserati and Zegna are embarking on a tour of four international events starting in Shanghai in July 2014 before stopping in New York (Sept 2014), Dubai (Feb 2015) and Milan (Spring 2015).

The events are designed to present the Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition to an exclusive audience and to celebrate the partnership between the two Italian brands; both of whom are masters in Italian excellence. The exclusive event locations have been carefully selected to enhance the uniqueness of the alliance and represent the pinnacle of Italian elegance. Guests will be able to discover the car’s premium finishes in detail and see the extraordinary result of the partnership.

World famous Italian photographer, Fabrizio Ferri, will be in attendance at each of the four events capturing 100 unique images – 25 from each occasion. Among the guests will be musicians, chefs, athletes and artists, who will have their hands photographed representing the ‘handmade’ notion of the limited edition.

The collection of pictures will be put together to create a book; “One of 100” which will be presented in Milan in Spring 2015. As well as the hand photographs, the book will also contain stylish interior and exterior photography of the Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition. The book will emphasize the uniqueness, exclusivity and excellence DNA of the two brands.

To mark the importance of heritage and handmade work for the two brands, Maserati and Zegna will be the first companies to support the restoration of the Fountain of Neptune; a monumental fountain located in Piazza Nettuno, in Bologna, where the Trident badge was first inspired.