Auto Industry News: VW Diesel Scandal Continues, Kia Telluride Changes the Game, Nissan Armada Needs YOUR Vote, & More
Another arrest in connection to the VW diesel scandal? A Kia Telluride set to hit center stage? A reimagined Nissan Armada Mountain Patrol via… fan mail? And a Harley-Davidson internship that’s letting you “ride” your own ticket? Tune in with this week’s auto industry news.
VW Diesel Scandal: Porsche’s Jörg Kerner Arrested in Germany
Porsche’s powertrain development chief, Jörg Kerner, was arrested in Germany last week. The arrest is likely in conjunction with the ongoing VW diesel scandal saga. And being that Porsche was one of the latest VW affiliates roped into the investigation last year, Kerner’s arrest isn’t exactly shocking.
The cuffs come 10 months after the arrest of Giovanni Pamio, Audi’s V6 engine development chief for the U.S. market. He is reportedly being held in custody to prevent flight. Though the Kerner’s arrest is likely linked to fraud and false advertising, the specifics of the Porsche probe are still unknown. But it appears, yes, the VW diesel scandal continues.
Kia Telluride Plays No Games
The crossover market may change for the bigger once the Kia Telluride hits the scene. This three row utility vehicle will offer affordable luxury, giving a boost to an already soaring market. With eight seats, multiple USB ports, and storage cubbies, the Telluride can remold the family vehicle. It features a variety of trims with spacious, quieter cabins, even with the V6 expected to come standard.
The higher tier trims will feature leather seating, and the infotainment system, a mainstay of Kia’s innovation, is very user friendly as well. It sings big appeal to a broad demographic. A sharp look infused with such practicality is sure to make a splash come 2019.
Nissan Armada Mountain Patrol
But Nissan is on its tail, gunning to produce the market’s best overlanding SUV.
The company plans to reimagine the already popular Nissan Armada in its unveiling of the Armada Mountain Patrol. And to do so, they are taking an internet crowdsourcing approach by polling and collecting opinions via the #MountainPatrol hashtag.
Based on sketches, the vehicle will come standard with a some kind of roof tent and awning extension. But what Nissan ultimately seeks are suggestions regarding the tire model, exterior vinyl wrap, and the specificities of the tent. What will not change in this release are the 5.6-liter V-8 engine, seven-speed automatic transmission, and 4WD. The final Armada Mountain Patrol will debut on May 18th at the 2018 Overland Expo WEST in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Harley Offers Unique Experience
Harley-Davidson is looking to rejuvenate its adventurous spirit as well. In an effort to increase appeal of their bikes to younger demographics, the company is offering an insane internship. Harley will select eight college students to ride around the country, documenting their journey through extensive social media posts.
“What better way to engage future riders than to have a whole team of newly trained enthusiasts share personal stories as they immerse themselves in motorcycle culture and community,” said the company’s CEO.
Plus the interns get to keep the motorcycle. Not a bad gig if you ask… well, anyone. Harley has been making an effort to reach more millennials, and subsequently future generations. The company has even jumped in on EV biking and continues to run riding courses at their Riding Academy. So, here’s to hoping this ambitious project sparks even more interest!
Around the Circuit
In Moto GP, things have been heating up between Marc Márquez and Valentino Rossi. What else is new? The past few years have been a highlight reel of their physical battles. And in Argentina last week, Marquez made a dangerous pass on his old rival, sending Rossi to the ground. An inevitable war of words ensued and on top of that, Marquez captured the win at the GP of the Americas in Texas, while Rossi finished fourth.
In NASCAR, it’s been nothing but Kyle Busch. Watch the highlights below of the “beloved” veteran nabbing his third Cup victory in a row at Richmond.
And as we count down to the Indy 500 in May, Chevy fans are getting some fun news. The company recently announced that the Corvette ZR1 will serve as the legendary race’s pace car. This will be the 15th time a Corvette has been the Indy 500’s pace car, and the current 755 horspower legend should do the name proud!
