Automoblog

The 2024 Future of Driving survey by Hagerty indicates a growing interest in collector cars among younger generations. Here are some key findings from the survey: 😎 Nearly 80 percent of Gen Z respondents said they either love or like driving. 📽 Social media, film, and video games are popular gateways into #automotive culture. 🚗 Among Gen Z respondents, 32 percent said they have owned or currently own a classic or enthusiast vehicle. 🔧 Millennials are the most likely (34 percent) to perform DIY car repairs at home. 📊 According to Hagerty demographic data, the most common car Gen Z enthusiasts inquire about for insurance coverage is a Mazda Miata, model years 1990 through 1998. Millennials are most interested in GMT400 Series trucks from 1988 to 2000. “Hagerty is deeply connected to car culture and the automotive community, so understanding these trends is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape, which helps us better serve enthusiasts as well as our current and potential members,” said Brian Rabold, Vice President of Hagerty Automotive Intelligence. “The Future of Driving survey is just one step toward understanding how the next generation thinks and feels about driving, the collector car market, and car culture.”

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

We are excited to participate in the upcoming Mobility Global Forum as part of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show in January. Set for January 15th and 16th and held in conjunction with Industry Days, the Mobility Global Forum will feature special keynotes, panels, and fireside chats with industry experts. The 2025 theme is “Convergence of Industry, Technology, and Talent," a crucial topic in #automotive today. More info: https://lnkd.in/eVySxapp Photos: Detroit Auto Show Media Archive.

"Hey, is this heaven? No. It's Iowa." Back in the Tall Corn State (where I grew up) for Thanksgiving break. My trip across I-80 from Detroit passes right through Walcott, Iowa. No visit to the Hawkeye State is complete without taking a gander through The World's Largest Truckstop. The World's Largest Truckstop from the Iowa 80 Group lives up to its name with 900 spaces for truck parking and over 62,000 items for sale inside the facility, which is over 130,000 square feet. The Super Truck Show Room is 30,000 square feet alone!! The Iowa 80 Kitchen gives you a real taste of home (highly recommend!) and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Volkswagen of America, Inc has lifted the curtains on the 2025 Tiguan, the next generation of the popular crossover. Key features include new exterior sheet metal, a more refined cabin, and updated technologies. See More 👇 https://lnkd.in/eJSJVpUj

We are excited to participate in this latest webinar from Reuters Events: Automotive on the increasing importance of UX in the industry. The online panel session on Thursday, December 5th, Sponsored by Qt Group, will focus on enhancing UX through continuous, iterative improvements over the vehicle's lifecycle. Other topics include the benefits for OEMs in taking ownership of their software platforms. Moderating the panel is our managing editor, Carl Anthony, who will be joined by: Miao Luo, Director of Technology Strategy Process at Qt Group. Dominique Massonié, Head of Software Internalization at NIO. Jean-Pierre DUMOULIN, VP of Global Connectivity Projects at Stellantis. Guido Gehlen, Head of Connected Car Services at Hyundai Motor Europe. Registration is free: https://lnkd.in/e2MdRgF5

General Motors has set a new record by driving all 20 of its Super Cruise-enabled models in a hands-free caravan across the Bay Bridge, which links San Francisco and Oakland. "Sure, you can caravan with your friends across the Bay Bridge, but imagine doing it with your hands off the steering wheel," said Adam Rodriguez, Executive Director, Product Management—ADAS.  GM launched Super Cruise in 2017 and continues to expand the availability of the hands-free driving system across its product portfolio. "It's now available on 20 vehicles—the widest selection in the market—while our closest competitors offer nine or fewer hands-free models," Rodriguez said. The Buick Enclave, Cadillac CT5, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Yukon were among the vehicles in the Super Cruise caravan. Popular EVs in the caravan included the Chevy Equinox EV, Cadillac Optiq, and both Hummer EVs (SUV and Pickup). "Additionally, customer choice in how they go hands-free will continue to grow in 2025 and beyond," Rodriguez said, noting that Super Cruise will be available on the upcoming Cadillac Vistiq and Escalade IQ, along with other GM models set to be announced in the near future.

The 2025 Ford Motor Company Bronco arrives with new standard equipment across the board, including a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, rear climate vents for four-door models, and additional sound insulation for a quieter cabin. “Our customers asked for a smarter, better equipped, and more stylish Bronco that was more livable every day and just as capable of off-road adventures,” said Bronco Brand Manager Jason Hyde. Joining the heritage-inspired Free Wheeling package and the Stroppe Special Edition is the new Black Appearance package, which provides a stealthy aesthetic. Black Appearance Broncos with the Sasquatch package now have gloss-black painted aluminum wheels with a black beadlock ring. Sasquatch models also have new 35-inch Goodyear Territory tires that are quieter than previous mud terrain tires at highway speeds. Meanwhile, the 12-inch digital gauge cluster replaces the current eight-inch display and physical speedometer. Initially introduced for the #Ford Bronco Raptor, the display has dedicated animations for each G.O.A.T. mode. A new 12-speaker B&O audio system replaces the previous 10-speaker setup and includes a new subwoofer and higher-output amplifier. Finally, the Bronco Base trim returns after a one-year hiatus, while the Black Diamond trim becomes a package for the Big Bend. “We responded with new standard technology and comfort features, heritage-inspired trims and options, and a durable exterior protection option, all so Bronco remains unmistakable on the road,” Hyde said. 

Volkswagen of America, Inc. will reveal the 2025 Tiguan at 5 p.m. PT next week on Wednesday, November 20th. In the meantime, VW has released this teaser image. Key features of the current model Tiguan include a turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine, seating for up to seven, and VW's Digital Cockpit displays. Driver assistance features for the 2024 Tiguan include adaptive cruise control and Travel Assist.

Hyundai Motor Company (현대자동차) has shared a few interior design details of its upcoming IONIQ 9, the brand's first all-electric three-row SUV. As described by Hyundai, this milestone addition to the IONIQ lineup underscores the company's commitment to EV technology. The IONIQ 9 can seat up to seven and promises to provide occupants with a spacious interior tailored toward relaxation. "IONIQ 9 offers the ultimate lounge-like environment," said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of #Hyundai Design Center. "Its nature-inspired, lounge-like interior reflects our progressive approach of how we envision the technology, customer-centric design, and tranquility, coming together seamlessly in the future of mobility," Loasby said. The IONIQ 9 will leverage Hyundai's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) to enable a flat floor across all three rows. "Its interior design delivers the versatility to accommodate different needs and situations, allowing each passenger to utilize the space flexibly," the automaker wrote in a press release about the IONIQ 9. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 will make its debut in Los Angeles later this month.