Larry P. Vellequette Reporter covering Toyota and Volkswagen for Automotive News [email protected] 313-446-0478 See All Staff Page Recent Stories If Toyota Grand Highlander cannibalizes sales of smaller namesake, it's part of the plan The new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is an extended version of the brand's popular crossover with a more usable third row, optional hybrid powertrains and towing of up to 5,000 pounds. Tacoma shares design DNA of Toyota's 'Four Brothers' body-on-frame trucks Kevin Hunter, head of Toyota's Calty design studio, says sequential redesigns of the Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia and 4Runner was a first opportunity to reset the whole DNA of the brand's body-on-frame vehicles. Volkswagen's Pablo Di Si: Time to get ‘back to basics' Volkswagen Group of America CEO Pablo Di Si says he has heard dealer concerns about VW Credit and is moving to improve its partnership with dealers. The brand will do an affordability push in the second half of 2023 focusing on ID4 and Jetta. Redesigned 2024 Tacoma fights off midsize rivals with hybrid, new trims and tech The 2024 Toyota Tacoma features a new optional hybrid powertrain, improved ride and a big technology upgrade to fend off midsize pickup rivals. 6 key things about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma 6 key things about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Here are six key things about the redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Inventories rise above 1.9 million to '21 level New vehicle inventories in the U.S. continued a slow and steady climb back toward normal levels last month, topping 1.9 million for the first time in 2 years. VW explores plug-in hybrid for U.S. as EV transition unfolds Volkswagen Group of America's CEO says the company is looking hard at adding a plug-in hybrid to the VW lineup as interim step to a full EV lineup. Such a move would borrow technology from Audi. 2024 Toyota Tacoma breaks on website for enthusiasts An enthusiast apparently opened an online back door on Toyota's web presence for the upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup and on Saturday shared an image of the vehicle in an online forum. VW Credit names new CEO in exec shuffle Ernst Jan van Eijkelenburg will become CEO of VW Credit, the German automaker's captive finance arm, effective June 1, succeeding Jens Effenberger, who is returning to a position in Germany. For first time, VW names a design chief dedicated to the Americas Jose Carlos "JC" Pavone has been named head of design for VW of America, giving him design responsibilities over North and South America. The native of Brazil has been with VW since 2002. Audi changes what, how it builds to drive out CO2 As it switches from ICE to BEV by 2033, Audi is also changing the way its assembly plants produce vehicles, concentrating on making those plants — and ultimately the rest of its operations — carbon neutral. Column: Saying 'no thanks' to auto loan pre-qualification Given the way vehicle prices have risen, it's not surprising that sellers and lenders have adopted some mortgage industry practices. But loan pre-qualification carries with it other costs for those who like to negotiate. Redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma teaser unveiled before May 19 debut The fourth generation of Toyota's midsize pickup, which dominates its six competitors in the segment, will go on sale in the U.S. this year. As vehicle prices soar, will the humble sedan make a comeback? Cars used to be the majority of vehicles sold in the U.S., now just 1 in 5 vehicles sold is not a light truck. But after years of falling, the share of car sales has actually begun growing again, albeit slightly. Has the industry found the floor for cars? Column: Consumers — and used-car managers — shouldn't have to buy used EVs blind Those buying used EVs — or taking them in on trade — shouldn't be forced to guess at the health of its primary component, the battery pack, when the information is available. But delivering that information needs to be standardized and simplified. Load More
Larry P. Vellequette Reporter covering Toyota and Volkswagen for Automotive News [email protected] 313-446-0478 See All Staff Page