Genesis Electrified GV70 wins Best Residual Value by Canadian Black Book

GENESIS CANADA - Genesis Motors Canada proudly announces that the 2024 Electrified GV70 has been awarded Canadian Black Book’s 2024 Best Residual Value Award in the Electric SUV category, for vehicles above $60,000. This accolade underscores the Electrified GV70's exceptional value retention, as measured by the forecasted percentage of its original price after four years. Genesis took the top spot in the segment, followed by the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Volvo C40 in second and third place, respectively.

"We are incredibly honoured to have the 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 recognized by Canadian Black Book. This award is a reflection of our commitment to excellence and our vision for the future of electrification," says Eric Marshall, director of Genesis Motors Canada. "The Electrified GV70 exemplifies our dedication to providing consumers with vehicles that offer elegant styling and dynamic performance, as well as a frictionless ownership experience."

Now in its third year, the Best Residual Value Awards have expanded to include crossovers in various categories. Reflecting the continued shift of consumer preferences towards SUVs, categories now recognize Compact, Sub-compact, Mid-size, and Full-size models in both mainstream and luxury segments.

“There are more EVs on the roads; more people researching, buying, and leasing them; and more options from automakers,” said Daniel Ross, CBB’s senior manager of industry insights and residual value strategy. “They are becoming common and, therefore, consumer education is increasing, which helps bring up residual values.”

Presented during the 2024 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the Best Residual Value Awards forecast the residual value of 2024 model year vehicles into 2028, highlighting the significance of long-term quality and sustainability in vehicle ownership. This recognition marks a milestone for Genesis in the EV space, reinforcing the brand's commitment to innovation and quality.

Genesis GV70 wins 2024 AutoTrader.ca award

GENESIS MOTORS CANADA - The winners of the 2024 AutoTrader.ca Awards were announced, with Genesis Motors Canada taking home another accolade. The 2024 Genesis GV70 and Electrified GV70 took top honours in AutoTrader.ca awards, being chosen as Best Compact Luxury SUV for the second year in a row.

After evaluating and considering every single new vehicle that’s available for sale in Canada, more than 20 automotive journalists from all over the country place their votes in over 30 categories. Overall, 12 key criteria are thoroughly analyzed - including design, innovation, engineering excellence, quality, and safety. Perhaps most importantly, the jury votes for vehicles they would feel confident recommending to their own family and friends.

The AutoTrader.ca Awards are considered by consumers to be among the most trusted and comprehensive automotive awards in Canada, with winners being chosen for setting a benchmark for their respective segments.

“As the Genesis lineup continues to expand into new segments and we continue along our ambitious journey towards electrification, we are very pleased that our newly launched models are so well received by the most respected experts in the industry,” says Eric Marshall, director of Genesis Motors Canada. “We are both humbled and grateful to the AutoTrader.ca team of voting jurors for recognizing our achievements and presenting us with such significant awards.”

The GV70 compact luxury SUV won its category in 2023 and was once again selected as the best in the segment for 2024. The vehicle impressed the jury once again with its winning combination of styling, composed yet dynamic driving sensibilities, luxurious interior, and intuitive integration of technology. In this increasingly competitive segment, they agreed that the compact luxury SUV continues to have what it takes to stand out ahead of the crowd. The Electrified GV70 builds upon this formula, but without a traditional internal combustion engine. Robust electric all-wheel drive propulsion provides unrelenting acceleration and balanced handling, which is wonderfully complemented by a smooth, serene driving experience that is well suited to a luxury vehicle. 

“The Genesis GV70 and Electrified GV70 embody the overall excellence that our expert jury is looking for when voting on the best vehicles,” says AutoTrader.ca Editor-in-Chief Jodi Lai. “The lineup’s winning combination of style, driving dynamics, and attention to detail is something Genesis can be proud of and the fact that this is a repeat win cements the GV70 lineup as one that’s tough to beat.”

2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling Adds Modern Take On Bronco Heritage, Plus New Black Appearance Package

2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling

FORD CANADA - It’s time (once again) to get into the free-wheelin’ spirit with the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition, a new addition to the Bronco Sport family inspired by the Ford Free Wheeling trucks, vans and Broncos of the 1970s.

Ordering opens today for the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition, along with a new Black Appearance package for Bronco Sport Big Bend that adds dark, moody styling elements inside and out.

 

Bronco® Sport Free Wheeling™ Special Edition

In the late 1970s, Ford introduced the Free Wheeling package on F-100, F-150, Bronco, Econoline van, and more. The limited-run trim level featured graphics with red, orange and yellow gradients. The colorful option packs also added painted steel wheels, and black finishes on the grilles, mirrors, and bumpers. Inside the vehicle featured red and orange pinstriping on the dash and seat stitching. 

 

“Bronco customers appreciate its heritage,” said Jason Hyde, Bronco Sport Marketing Manager. “After such a great response to the reimagined Bronco Sport Free Wheeling project vehicle in 2021, we decided to bring this special edition that ties Bronco Sport to its fun loving roots.”

 

The red, orange, and yellow sunset-inspired stripes became a focal point of the 1970s package.

 

“The Ford Free Wheeling package was developed to appeal to younger customers,” said Ted Ryan, Archives and Heritage Brand Manager for Ford. “The Free Wheeling Broncos were as popular as they were distinctive.”

 

Like the originals, the 2024 Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition features reflective red, orange, yellow and silver graphics on the body sides, liftgate, and hood.

 

Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition also adds a silver-painted grille with two-tone Bronco badging and a modified lower front end insert. Rounding out the exterior changes are a Shadow Black roof and 17-inch high-gloss black wheels with red accents.

 

The interior’s Black Onyx and Dark Space Grey finish includes sunset-colored seat inserts and ombre stitching. The door trim will add a Race Red C Channel and ombre stitching. 

 

The Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition also includes all Big Bend standard equipment and drivetrain.

 

Black Appearance Package 

From sunset to the stars, taking inspiration from the dark night skies in remote places is the 2024 Bronco Sport Black Appearance Package which includes a Carbon Black grille and two-tone Bronco lettering.

 

The Black Appearance Package also includes Matte Black 17-inch wheels, Matte Black hood graphics and a Shadow Black painted roof.  Black accent trim badges and a Smoked Chrome Ford Oval will tie the exterior look together. Inside, the Bronco Sport features Sport Contour seats, and a modified air bag cover with a black bucking Bronco badge. This package is only available on Big Bend models.

 

“Bronco Sport customers have been asking for the stylish black finishes available on the F-150, Maverick, and Mustang, and we're delivering with the new Black Appearance Package,” said Hyde. “It also builds on the night sky gauge cluster graphics that Bronco Sport customers see that plays a startup screen featuring the Milky Way.”

 

Bronco Sport will also be available in Azure Grey and Desert Sand for 2024. These two exterior colours are not available on Bronco Sport Free Wheeling or Heritage models.

Sporty refresh and new technology for 2024 Nissan Sentra

NISSAN CANADA - The 2024 Nissan Sentra is enhanced for the new model year with freshened modern exterior styling and improved fuel economy2. The 2024 Nissan Sentra range (S, SV and SR grades) goes on sale late summer.

The car’s updated appearance includes a new front fascia and restyled headlights on all models, plus a dynamic new 16-inch alloy wheels design. Sentra SR models add a restyled rear fascia and a new interior accent stitching colour.

A new Xtronic CVT and the addition of Idle Stop Start, along with a smooth, responsive 2.0-liter inline-four engine, deliver improved fuel efficiency for the 2024 model2.

Sentra is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission on the base “S” and sporty “SR” models.

While class-exclusive Intelligent Forward Collision Warning6 is equipped as standard, additional driver-assist technology includes Intelligent Driver Alertness4, available Intelligent Around View® Monitor, available Intelligent Cruise Control5 and standard Easy-Fill Tire Alert system.

Like all Nissan sedans, Sentra prioritizes safety for peace of mind. All grades have standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.

For full details on the features included on each grade level of the 2024 Nissan Sentra, see the full specifications sheet.

2024 Nissan Sentra: In Detail

Fresh new look

Visual updates begin with a reshaped front fascia with a new interpretation of Nissan’s V-motion grille, with bright chrome trim. The lower fascia has a cleaner appearance with vent-like elements moved to the outer edges of the car. A new available 16-inch alloy design is featured on the SV grade.

All 2024 Sentra grades feature updated headlights with black interior bezel elements, giving them a sportier and more premium appearance.

Sportier Sentra SR

The sporty appearance of Sentra SR is elevated for the 2024 model year with new dark chrome trim for the V-motion grille, dark chrome outer finish elements on the front fascia and a body-colored lower trim strip below the grill. Red SR badges are also added in the front and rear.

In the rear, a new lower fascia graphic design helps make Sentra look lower and wider. The SR grade’s interior accent stitching colour has been updated to a red-orange that more closely matches with what is seen in Altima SR and Frontier PRO-X and PRO-4X.

Sentra SR stands out from its competition with striking two-tone paint options, with the option to pair a black roof with Aspen White Tricoat, Monarch Orange Metallic, Electric Blue Metallic and the new Atlantic Grey body colours.

Refined and functional interior

The 2024 Nissan Sentra’s highly functional, visually appealing interior brings a high level of refinement to the class. Functional elements include a D-shaped steering wheel, round air vents inspired by elements of the Nissan Z sports car, and abundant storage options, including front and rear door pockets, a center console with armrest and available rear seat armrest with cupholders.

Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats hold occupants in a supportive posture that improves comfort. Available satin chrome interior accents and contrast seat stitching further elevate the interior ambience. Up to three USB ports allow passengers to keep devices charged, while available rear-seat cupholders provide convenience for back-seat passengers. Sentra also offers storage in the center console and an available storage pocket in the passenger seatback. Sentra’s trunk provides a generous 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a standard 60/40 split-folding back seat offering flexibility in storage.

Powertrain performance

Sentra has a standard, fuel-efficient 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. For the 2024 model year, Sentra features a new Xtronic CVT designed to reduce fuel consumption while providing a smoother shift pattern. Also new is standard Idle Stop Start, which can shut off the engine when the vehicle is stopped to help save fuel.

Convenient connectivity

Sentra keeps drivers connected with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Bluetooth®, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Siri® Eyes-Free, Google Assistant™ Voice Recognition and one front USB port. It is paired with a 4-speaker audio system.

Sentra SV and SR upgrade to an 8-inch screen with 6 speakers, an additional front USB Type-C port and a charge-only USB Type-A port in the center console, plus SiriusXM® satellite radio.

Sentra also provides drivers with a standard 4.2-inch multi-information display, upgraded to a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display6 on SV and SR grades.

Extensive list of comfort and convenience features

Sentra SV includes 16-inch alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key® push-button start, Intelligent Cruise Control5, 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, 8-inch touchscreen information system, satin chrome interior front door handles, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and remote engine start7. Also available is the sliding moonroof for the SV Moonroof trim.

The sporty Sentra SR builds on SV with features including black 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, dark chrome exterior trim, red SR badges, and other athletic exterior design elements. The interior features sport cloth with reddish-orange stitching accent, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather shift knob and remote engine start.

The SR Premium package builds on that feature set with power-sliding moonroof with tilt feature, Prima-Tex™-appointed seats, a 6-way power driver’s seat, Intelligent Around View® Monitor, 8-speaker Bose® Premium Audio system, auto-dimming rearview mirror and sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors.

Driver Assistance and Safety Features

All grades have standard Nissan Safety Shield® 3601, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. Class-exclusive Intelligent Forward Collision Warning6 is also standard on all models. A standard haptic steering wheel, along with audio cues, helps provide safety alerts to drivers.

Additional driver assistance technology includes Intelligent Driver Alertness4 and available Intelligent Cruise Control5. Available Intelligent Around View® Monitor3 uses exterior cameras to provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle, ideal for maneuvering at low speeds, such as when parking.

Standard Easy-Fill Tire Alert system, which uses the vehicle’s horn to indicate when tires are filled to the appropriate pressure, helps owners maintain their vehicle’s tire pressure more easily. Additionally, Rear Door Alert9 can alert drivers to any forgotten items in the back seat at the end of their journey.

1. Nissan Safety Shield technologies can’t prevent all collisions or warn in all situations.  See Owner’s Manual for important safety information.
2. Based on Nissan internal testing. EPA estimates to be announced at a later date.
3. Intelligent Around View Monitor cannot eliminate blind spots and may not detect every object. Driver should always turn and check surroundings before driving. See Owner’s Manual for safety information.
4. Intelligent Driver Alertness cannot provide a warning in every situation. See Owner’s Manual for safety information.
5. Intelligent Cruise Control uses limited braking and is not a collision avoidance or warning system. Driver should monitor traffic conditions and brake as needed to prevent collisions. See Owner’s Manual for safety information.
6. Intelligent Forward Collision Warning cannot prevent collisions. See Owner’s Manual for safety information.
7. Driving is serious business and requires your full attention. If you have to use the feature while driving, exercise extreme caution at all times so full attention may be given to vehicle operation.
8. Remote Engine Start System to be used only in accordance with laws or rules in effect in your vehicle’s location.
9. Rear Door Alert System does not detect people or cargo. Always check rear seat before exiting. See Owner’s Manual for safety information.

 

Mercedes-Benz Canada Announces all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC SUV Arriving in 2023

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC 

MERCEDES-BENZ CANADA - Mercedes-Benz Canada announced the highly-anticipated 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC SUV will be arriving on Canadian soil at dealerships from coast-to-coast starting in Q4 2023.

The GLE 450e 4MATIC is equipped with a permanently excited 134 hp synchronous motor, for a combined system output of up to 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of system torque. The Hybrid drive program provides the electric driving mode for the most appropriate driving situations. During city driving, for example, the GLE prioritizes electric driving. Thanks to an Off-Road drive program, the plug-in hybrid can also drive electrically on off-road terrain. The GLE 450e 4MATIC is equipped standard with an 11 kW AC and 60 kW DC on-board charger.

The GLE 450e 4MATIC will feature the same package and offering structure as the GLE 450 4MATIC SUV. This includes significant upgraded standard features over the previous generation, including (but not limited to): new multifunction steering wheel generation with capacitive controls; second generation of Mercedes MBUX infotainment interface, which now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; new Transparent Engine Hood; updated Burmester Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos, Sound Personalization and Music Streaming; Adaptive Highbeam Assist; heated rear seats; 360° camera; MBUX Navigation Premium; and much more.

The GLE 450e 4MATIC SUV will also be available in three equipment trims – Premium (standard), Exclusive, and Pinnacle – which provides customers with streamlined options. In addition to these three trims, the GLE 450e 4MATIC SUV can still be individualized further with AMG Line in the interior and exterior, and with the Night package for the exterior. Numerous individually selectable packages round off the range: Design choices and other optional extras, including wheels, paint, and upholstery, are openly available across all three Trims, to be tailored to unique customer tastes. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLE model range introduces a host of updates for 2024 with a refined exterior and interior, as well as expanded technology and equipment for the model generation launched in 2018. Powertrains are electrified throughout the model range. In addition to the new GLE 450e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid, all models will feature mild hybrids with a 48-volt system and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).

The GLE's lineage began with the M-Class. With it, Mercedes-Benz established the premium SUV segment in 1997. The global success continued with the GLE launch in 2015. The GLE SUV is produced at the extensively modernized Tuscaloosa plant (USA).

The 2024 GLE 450e 4MATIC SUV is the second PHEV vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz Canada lineup, following the introduction of the 2023 S 580e Sedan earlier in the year.

Fisker + Foxconn Project PEAR Urban EV Opens Reservations: Ohio Manufacturing In 2024

FISKER INC. - Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) ("Fisker") – passionate creator of the world's most sustainable electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions – is now accepting reservations for its second product, the Fisker PEAR, opening the door to the Personal Electric Automotive Revolution.

The all-electric Fisker PEAR blends sustainability, technology, and design into a digitally connected, compact, five-passenger urban EV. Featuring intuitive controls, sporty driving, clever storage, and a focus on industry firsts, the Fisker PEAR will start at $29,900 before taxes and incentives in the US. Fisker’s first vehicle, the all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV, will start production in November 2022.

 

"Our customer wants to take a step into the future with us," CEO Henrik Fisker said. “We are opening up reservations for PEAR following continued demand.”

 

“PEAR will feature the very latest technology in a beautifully designed, affordable urban mobility device,” he added. “It’s an exciting vehicle and an exciting time for the company as we expand our lineup.”

Fisker has partnered with Foxconn to produce this innovative EV.

 

Consumers can reserve the Fisker PEAR for $250 for the first reservation and $100 for the second reservation. Deliveries will begin in 2024. The Fisker PEAR will be produced in Ohio with a minimum initial production of 250,000 units per year.

Ford Bronco Sport Becomes First Vehicle to Feature Parts Made of 100% Recycled Ocean Plastic

FORD CANADA - Consumer products made from recycled ocean plastics include everything from sunglasses and T-shirts to running shoes and yarn. Now, Ford is adding to its legacy as a leader in sustainability and is the first automaker to use 100% recycled ocean plastics to produce automotive parts.

Wiring harness clips in Ford Bronco^™ Sport models are made of ocean-harvested plastic – commonly referred to as “ghost gear.” The strength and durability of the nylon material equals that of previously used petroleum-based parts but with a 10% cost savings and requiring less energy to produce. The small parts represent a large first step in the company’s plans to produce other parts of recycled ocean plastics on other models.

“This is another example of Ford leading the charge on sustainability,” said Jim Buczkowski, vice president of research and Henry Ford technical fellow. “It is a strong example of circular economy, and while these clips are small, they are an important first step in our explorations to use recycled ocean plastics for additional parts in the future.”

Up to 13 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, threatening marine life and polluting shorelines, according to Pew Charitable Trusts, a global nongovernmental organization. Much of that is attributed to the fishing industry, which has come to rely on plastic fishing nets and other equipment because of the durability, light weight, buoyancy and low cost of the material. Those same qualities contribute to creating ghost nets, a fatal and growing threat to marine life. Ghost gear comprises nearly 10% of all sea-based plastic waste, entangling fish, sharks, dolphins, seals, sea turtles and birds.

Invisible to vehicle occupants, the Bronco Sport’s wiring harness clips, which weigh about five grams, fasten to the sides of the Bronco Sport second-row seats and guide wires that power side-curtain airbags. Despite spending time in saltwater and sunlight, the material is as strong and durable as petroleum-based clips, Ford testing shows.

Spurring jobs creation throughout the development process, the plastic material is collected from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea by DSM Engineering Materials. Items produced using plastics collected from the oceans include a wide range of consumer goods, but not until now have automotive parts been on that list.

The process begins with DSM harvesting discarded nylon fishing nets. The plastic is washed of saltwater, dried, and extruded to form small pellets, which are then injection-molded by supplier HellermannTyton into the desired clip shape. Ford is already planning additional parts using recycled ocean plastics, including transmission brackets, wire shields and floor side rails – all stationary parts with strength and durability demands that the material can meet or exceed.

“As a global leader in cable management innovation, HellermannTyton strives for eco-friendly ways to pave the path to a more sustainable future,” said Anisia Peterman, HellermannTyton’s automotive product manager. “Developments like this do not come easy, so we are proud to collaborate with Ford in support of a unique product solution that contributes to healthier oceans.”

The Ford legacy of using recycled plastic

For more than two decades, Ford has used recycled plastics not collected from oceans to produce various parts for automobiles. Most recently, the automaker used recycled water bottles to produce lightweight, aerodynamic-enhancing, noise-reducing underbody shields on the 2020 Ford Escape.

The introduction of parts made of recycled ocean plastic opens new opportunities and builds on a global effort to help reduce ocean debris that hampers sea life or, when harvested, further clutters landfills.

Nissan to unveil the all-new all-electric ARIYA at the 2022 Montreal International Auto Show

NISSAN CANADA - The long-awaited Nissan ARIYA will be on display for the first time in Canada at the 78th Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS).

The Canadian debut of ARIYA marks a key milestone in the Nissan NEXT transformation initiative, a four-year plan building on Nissan's reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, customer-focus and quality, alongside an ongoing cultural transformation. As the company's first all-electric crossover SUV, the ARIYA embodies the company's commitment to enrich people's lives.

Representing the pinnacle of Nissan's technologies and design, the fully electric Nissan ARIYA promises powerful acceleration, smooth quiet operation and advanced driver assistance and connectivity technology– wrapped in a sophisticated yet simple exterior design with a spacious, lounge-like interior.

"ARIYA is a key model for Nissan as it demonstrates our commitment to meeting customer demand for crossovers with the most advanced electrified, automated and connected technologies," Steve Milette, President of Nissan Canada Inc. said. "It is our greatest pleasure to launch this vehicle at the 2022 Montreal International Auto Show."

Nissan brand spokesperson and Quebec-based actress Karine Vanasse will also visit the Nissan booth and offer a meet and greet session with visitors on Saturday, January 22nd, 2022.