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Import pickup truck-killing Chicken Tax to be repealed?

After over 50 years, the so-called Chicken Tax may finally be going the way of the dodo. Two pending trade deals with countries in the Pacific Rim and Europe potentially could open the US auto market up to imported trucks, if the measures pass. Although, it still might be a while before you can own that Volkswagen Amarok or Toyota Hilux, if ever. The 25-percent import tariff that the Chicken Tax imposes on foreign trucks essentially makes the things all but impossible to sell one profitably in the US, which lends a distinct advantage to domestic pickups. Both the Trans-Pacific Partnership with 12 counties and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union would finally end the charge. According to Automotive News though, don't expect new pickups to flood the market, at least not immediately. These deals might roll back the tariff gradually over time, and in the case of Japan, it could be as long as 25 years before fully free trade. Furthermore, Thailand, a major truck builder in Asia, isn't currently part of the deal, and any new models here would still need to meet safety and emissions rules, as well. Automotive News gauged the very early intentions of several automakers with foreign-built trucks, and they weren't necessarily champing at the bit to start imports. Toyota thinks the Hilux sits between the Tundra and Tacoma, and Mazda doesn't think the BT-50 fits its image here. Also, VW doesn't necessarily want to bring the Amarok over from Hannover. There is previous precedent for companies at least considering bringing in pickup trucks after the Chicken Tax's demise, though. The Pacific free trade deal could be done as soon as this fall, while the EU one is likely further out, according to Automotive News. Given enough time, the more accessible ports could allow some new trucks to enter the market.

Mazda CX-5 updates bring nav to more trim levels

The refreshed 2016 Mazda CX-5 is already one of our favorite crossovers of its size for the model's engaging driving experience, upscale interior, and slick infotainment system. For a new 2016.5 model year upgrade that arrives in January, Mazda gives customers even more standard features to enjoy, but prices also tick upward. The Japanese automaker just gave the 2016 CX-5 light upgrades like LED signature lights and an update to the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The 2016.5 updates add a backup camera on every version except for the base front-wheel drive Sport with the six-speed manual. For buyers considering higher trims, all Touring and Grand Touring models get the welcome inclusion of standard navigation, and the Touring now comes with heated front seats, too. The extra tech comes with a jump in cost. As of Dec. 15 Mazda increases its delivery and destination charge from $820 to $900 for crossovers and $835 for cars. The change brings the base price of the front-wheel drive 2016.5 CX-5 with a manual gearbox to $22,695, and the top-spec all-wheel drive Grand Touring now retails for $30,770. 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Adds More Standard Features to Best-Selling Compact Crossover - Backup Camera Now Standard on Most Trim Levels, Navigation Added to CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring - IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Christmas, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has announced pricing and packaging for the 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover, adding value and reducing complexity in CX-5's trim level structure. 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Adds More Standard Features to Best-Selling Compact Crossover New for the mid-model year, a backup camera is now standard on all trim levels equipped with Mazda's SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. CX-5 Touring models gain standard navigation and heated front seats. CX-5 Grand Touring models also add navigation as standard equipment. "The added content in 2016.5 CX-5 reflects our customers' tastes toward premium features in a compelling, fun-to-drive, stylish crossover," said Robert Davis, Senior VP of U.S. Operations, MNAO. "CX-5 buyers are educated, upwardly mobile, active-lifestyle individuals. With these updates, we aim to provide them with an even greater ownership experience." Previously, CX-5's backup camera was part of the Rear View Camera Package on the CX-5 Sport trim level. Navigation was available in the CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring Technology Packages.

Jeremy Clarkson chooses his top 10 cars for 2015 and 2016

Jeremy Clarkson is well-known for his role as co-host on the old Top Gear. But the frontman of the upcoming Amazon Prime Show, The Grand Tour, also has a standing column for The Sunday Times in the UK where he reviews the latest cars. With fall nearing, Clarkson put out a list of his top-10 cars from this year and 2015. Some on the list will surprise you, while others represent everything we've come to love about Clarkson. In order to make his list of star cars, the vehicles must offer what co-host James May calls "the fizz." The vehicles, Clarkson claims, have something that is out of the ordinary. Whether it's the car's looks, the way it gets up to speed, or its high-tech gadgets, Clarkson's top-10 list is made up of items that are more than just tools for getting from point A to B. So which ones made the list? Head over to the column in The Sunday Times. Mazda MX-5 Miata 2.0 Sport Recaro Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe Mercedes-AMG GT S Ford Focus RS Ford Mustang Fastback 5.0 V8 GT Volvo XC90 D5 AWD Vauxhall Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTi Tech Line BMW M2 Ferrari 488 GTB Lamborghini Aventador Related Video: Featured Gallery Jeremy Clarkson's Star Cars For 2015 and 2016 View 11 Photos News Source: The Sunday TimesImage Credit: STEFAN HEUNIS / AFP / Getty Images Celebrities BMW Ferrari Ford Lamborghini Mazda Performance bmw m2 ferrari 488 gtb