2014 Nissan Rogue Select S on 2040-cars

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Nissan Leaf, e-NV200 get orange treatment for Ultraman Ginga S

The automobile-as-crime-fighting-teammate concept dates back at least to the 1960s Batman television series, gained further currency during the 1980s with Knight Rider and was referenced in the recent Kia ads featuring Los Angeles Clippers basketball star Blake Griffin and Jack McBrayer of 30 Rock fame. Now, Nissan has put a bright, colorful spin on the idea by tricking out both a Leaf electric vehicle and an e-NV200 electric van for the Japanese television show Ultraman Ginga S. A far cry from the aforementioned muscle cars (the Leaf powertrain delivers just 107 horsepower), the vehicles still cut dashing figures by featuring a lot of orange, a bunch of geegaws, a body kit and cannons. Yes, cannons. They were shown off at the Tokyo Toy Show. The Ultraman Ginga series debuted on Japanese television just last year, according to the Internet Movie Database (IMDB). Nissan started making the real-world e-NV200 electric van in Spain in May. No plans have been announced for US sales, though the Japanese automaker will export the van to its home country. There's an explanatory video and Nissan's press release about the Ultraman Ginga vehicles below, but we apologize in advance, as you will need to be able to read Japanese for the PR. The video has been helpfully translated. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. ???????????????????????????? --??????????2014????????????e-NV200???????????-- ?????????(??:????????? ??:???? ???)???????????????(??:?????? ??:?? ??)??????????????????????? ???????????????100%???????????*1???6?9??????100%????????e-NV200?????????????2????????????????TV?????????????????S*2(???????????)???????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????11?5??????????????????10????????????e-NV200???????????????????????????Leaf to Home??????????????????????????????????????????? ???7?15???????????????????S??????????????????????????????????Web?????????????????????????? ???6?12???6?15????4?????????????????????????????2014???????????????e-NV200????????????????????????????????????????????????????? (*6?12??13????????????????????????????) ????????S????????????????????????> ??: 6?12?(?)11:30~ ??: ???????? ?4??? No.4-1???????

Weekly Recap: Chevy and Alfa plot comeback strategies

Chevrolet and Alfa Romeo were two of the 20th Century's most iconic automotive brands. Chevy embodied America's post-war power and confidence. Alfa was the definition of the stylish Italian sports car. They reached halcyon heights in the 1950s and '60s, before declining precipitously amid new competition, changing consumer tastes, and uneven corporate management. Both say 2015 is the start of something better, and this week Chevy and Alfa laid out ambitious plans and showcased new cars that they hope will make them more relevant this year, and in the coming years. Each brand sits at its own crossroads, and their paths forward are as different as the Chevy Cruze and the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Chevy is still a sales beast, as evidenced by its volume of 4.8 million vehicles sold around the world last year. Chevy executives are fond of saying one of their cars is sold every seven seconds, which illustrates the strength and reach of a car brand that is the fourth largest in the world. "Make no mistake about it, we are a brand for the people," said General Motors North America president Alan Batey. But he wants consumers to want to buy a Chevy for its design and technology, not simply because it's affordable. That starts with all Chevys now featuring a distinctive a family look, with sporty cues from the Corvette or strong lines that riff on the Silverado pickup. "We want people to fall in lust with our cars," said Mike Pevovar, executive design director for Chevy passenger cars. "That initial emotional attraction has to be right on the exterior, and that's where form comes into play." Chevy is also loading up its cars, like the freshly unveiled 2016 Chevy Cruze, with technology to appeal to a younger crowd that prizes connectivity. The Cruze will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with its MyLink infotainment system, and OnStar with 4G LTE and wifi. Seeking out younger buyers is also sound business practice: Millennials now outnumber Baby Boomers as the largest single age group in the United States. Younger buyers also can improve a brand's image, which is another area where Chevy would like to improve. Chevy ranks 82nd on Interbrand's Best Global Brand's list, behind 11 other automakers. Apple is No. 1. "We need our own variation of the Genius Bar," Batey said. 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia View 3 Photos Meanwhile, Alfa is in different shape.

Weekly Recap: New bosses try to jump-start Cadillac and Lincoln

Both of America's domestic luxury brands seem to be stuck in neutral.
It's ironic that Cadillac and Lincoln got new bosses within days of each other this month. It's also a commentary on the fact both of America's domestic luxury brands seem to be stuck in neutral.