Piaggio Group Americas Makes Its Comeback at AIMExpo
The Piaggio Group Americas will make its comeback at the 2025 AIMExpo, set to take place from February 5 to 7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. AIMExpo is excited to announce a new press release… Irvine, CA (January 14, 2025) — AIMExpo is thrilled to announce the return of Piaggio Group Americas to the Las Vegas Convention Center, where they will present an impressive array of motorcycles and scooters from their renowned brands, including Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa. Alongside the display of their extensive and cutting-edge product offerings, Piaggio will engage in discussions about future models and the expansion of their dealer network during the event, taking place from February 5-7. "Michael Angeli, Vice President of Sales for North America at Piaggio Group Americas, stated, 'In the past five years, we have completely transformed our business approach in North America. AIMExpo provides us with a valuable chance to engage directly with our industry partners, allowing us to showcase the dynamic and thrilling vehicles from our brands, highlight the resources we’ve enhanced to better assist our dealers, and explore the countless opportunities for future growth.'" The year 2025 is set to be significant for the Piaggio Group brands, as numerous updated models have been unveiled and are expected to hit the market in the first half of the year. Representatives from Piaggio will be present at AIMExpo to engage with the industry about the latest models and ranges. This collaboration has been instrumental in driving growth for Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles, while also reinforcing the value of premium scooter choices for North American consumers through the Vespa and Piaggio brands. During the three-day event, representatives will be present to discuss the growth of the dealer network and the latest advancements in upcoming models. They will emphasize the brands that contribute to some of the most varied and thrilling options available in the industry today. “Connecting with individuals in person is unparalleled,” stated Cinnamon Kernes, Vice President of Market Expansion at the Motorcycle Industry Council. “To ensure our industry flourishes, it is crucial for leading companies such as Piaggio to have opportunities to engage with their dealers and industry collaborators, hold significant discussions, and display their latest motorcycles and scooters — face-to-face. The Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa brands contribute immense value to AIMExpo, and we are delighted to maintain this partnership and assist Piaggio Group in achieving its strategic objectives within the broader powersports sector.” To find out more about Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, or Vespa, please check their official websites. Aprilia.com, MotoGuzzi.com, Piaggio.com, Vespa.com AIMExpo 2025 is set to feature an impressive array of powersports within a sprawling 300,000 square feet at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Dealers can enjoy free registration for the event. Additionally, the expo has teamed up with Connections Housing to offer special discounted accommodations at the Renaissance Las Vegas, Sahara Las Vegas, The Westgate, and The Las Vegas Marriott. For registration and further details, visit www.AIMExpoUSA.com.
Petrol and diesel vehicle owners will face a dramatic increase in car tax, seeing a rise of up to ten times starting from this date.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Car insurance specialists and breakdown professionals at the RAC indicate that drivers in this group could experience a tenfold increase in their premiums. They verified that the increase would affect numerous hybrid vehicles equipped with both an electric battery and an internal combustion engine. They elaborated: "The most significant update is the tenfold rise in first-year car tax rates for vehicles that emit between 1-50g/km of CO2, which encompasses hybrids." "The current fee of £10 for petrol and diesel vehicles (and zero for hybrid models) will rise to £110. Most plug-in hybrid vehicles are included in this category." “The fees for new vehicles that produce between 51-75g/km of CO2 will rise from £30 (or £20 for hybrid models) to £135.” Labour has announced that the costs of first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) will rise in 2025, as outlined in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget announcement. HM Revenue and Customs had earlier acknowledged that the rides would "broaden the gap" among petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles. They emphasized that this shift would bring hybrid vehicles "more in line with higher-emission cars." They stated: “The initial rates for Vehicle Excise Duty are applicable during the first year of a car's life, at the time of registration, and these rates depend on the vehicle's emissions.” “Starting from April 1, 2025, the first-year rates for Vehicle Excise Duty will be revised to create a greater distinction between zero-emission vehicles, hybrid cars, and those powered by internal combustion engines.” “Starting on April 1, 2025, vehicles with zero emissions will benefit from the lowest rate in their first year. Meanwhile, the rates for cars emitting between 1 to 50 grams of CO2 per kilometer and those emitting 51 to 75 grams per kilometer, which includes hybrids, will rise to align more closely with those of higher emitting vehicles.”
“Ibanez has introduced an exciting new AZ series that promises an exceptional blend of performance and value. Featuring eye-catching flame-maple finishes and versatile dyna-MIX switching, the HSS and HH S-style guitars are now available at an attractive street price of only $549.”
These adult-oriented hot-rodded S-styles offer remarkable versatility and come equipped with high-end features, including oversized stainless steel frets and roasted maple necks. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Ibanez) Ibanez has started 2025 strong with the launch of the AZ Standard series, a pair of $549 S-styles stacked with premium specs that might well prove to be a serious contender for best-value electric guitar of the year. The AZ Standard is available with a dual-humbucker or HSS electric guitar pickup configuration. Ibanez doesn’t forget its core demographic in its description of the AZ Standard, promising “all the staples the Ibanez brand is famous for, such as fast necks, floating trems, and high-octane distortion.” And it makes good on those claims. The necks are crafted from a rich, caramel-hued roasted maple, securely fastened to the body, and meticulously shaped into a unique profile that boasts a depth of only 20.5mm at the 1st fret and 22.5mm at the 12th – you can be assured they will offer a silky-smooth playing experience. The T106 tremolo bridge may not boast the same flashy features as a Floyd Rose – it's not designed for intense divebombs – but it offers complete adjustability and is a reliable piece of equipment. Additionally, it comes with locking tuners, ensuring that even with aggressive use of the whammy bar, your tuning remains stable. The Ibanez Modern Custom humbuckers feature a powerful ceramic construction, specifically tailored for high-gain applications. The single-coil pickups utilize Alnico V magnets. However, there’s much more beneath the surface. Image 1 of 3 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. These S-styles are anything but ordinary. The dual-humbucker version offers musicians 10 distinct core tones through its innovative dyna-MIX10 switching system and alter switch. Meanwhile, the HSS variant features the dyna-MIX9 system, providing nine versatile tones. No matter your genre—be it metal, hard rock, shred, fusion, funk, or pop—you’ll find everything you need from these upgraded S-style guitars. Deciding between the options could be challenging. Keep in mind that the HSS model features a switching setup that allows for both single-coil pickups to be wired in series, creating a sound similar to that of a humbucker. The dyna-MIX and alter switch setup operates much like any modern Strat-inspired guitar. You have a five-way pickup selector switch and then the alter switch for selecting the other wiring options. It is a clever and simple way of getting more tone options out of the pickups. Image 1 of 2 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. In terms of basic features, both guitars boast solid alder bodies with a stunning flame maple top. They share a 25.5” scale length and are equipped with 12” radius jatoba fretboards that accommodate 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. The neck heels are skillfully contoured to facilitate access to the upper frets. Ibanez has equipped the HSS variant with a striking pearloid multi-ply pickguard, but it seems they skipped on a catchy name for it, officially designating it as the AZ22S1F. Meanwhile, the dual-humbucker version is referred to as the AZ24S1F. It appears the factory cat has once again strolled across the keyboard in the naming process. Oh, Ibanez, please stay true to yourself! We adore you just the way you are, even if your model names leave us scratching our heads. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Ibanez) The AZ22S1F model (HSS configuration) is available in two stunning finishes: Transparent Black Sunburst and Transparent Turquoise Burst. The AZ24S1F comes in three stunning finishes: Transparent Black Sunburst, Violin Sunburst, and Transparent Turquoise Burst. For those who lean towards a subtler look, it's important to mention that this model does not include a pickguard. Ibanez expects these to retail at $549 street. See Ibanez for more details.
Toyota Plans to Revive Classic Model Names Instead of Inventing New Ones That Lack Meaning
Toyota plans to draw inspiration from its extensive history of model names for future electric vehicles, moving away from the alphanumeric naming system that began with the bZ4X. The bZ4X made its debut in 2022 as Toyota's inaugural electric vehicle. The 'bZ' signifies 'beyond zero' (in terms of emissions), the number '4' indicates the vehicle's size according to Toyota's classification, and 'X' denotes its crossover design. Nonetheless, the Japanese company’s second electric vehicle, the Urban Cruiser, abandons that naming pattern in favor of a title drawn from its rich history of past models.
Is Toyota Covertly Experimenting with the MR2 Through This Intriguing Mid-Engine GR Yaris Prototype?
The idea is equipped with an innovative turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is presently in the development phase. Toyota has revealed a prototype GR Yaris with a mid-mounted turbo 2.0-liter engine in Tokyo. The wild concept is joined by a racing version of the GR Yaris for the 24 hours of Nurburgring. Toyota’s Tokyo Auto Salon lineup for 2025 also includes Land Cruisers and desirable classics. Toyota brought out the big guns at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, showcasing a rich lineup that includes everything from rally-ready hatchbacks to desert-dominating SUVs. Among the highlights is a mid-engined hot hatch prototype that could double as a testbed for the rumored revival of the MR2 roadster. At first sight, the Toyota GR Yaris M 概念车 appears to be a more robust iteration of the standard model, featuring distinct wheels, a carbon fiber rear wing, and a camouflage finish. Nonetheless, a noticeable opening on the tailgate exposes a significant alteration from the regular GR Yaris – it boasts a mid-mounted powertrain. Furthermore, instead of relocating the turbo 1.6-liter three-cylinder of the standard GR Yaris, the concept is equipped with Toyota’s all-new turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is currently under development. The new powertrain is expected to power the reborn Celica and MR2 sports cars. Toyota hasn’t given us any output figures, but reports from Japan claim it will generate up to 395 hp (294 kW / 400 PS) in roadgoing flavor, and 592 hp (441 kW / 600 PS) in racing form. According to Toyota Gazoo Racing, the GR Yaris M Concept was designed to “further explore the potential of the GR Yaris”, with plans on competing in the Super Taikyu Series in Japan. The prototype will be “repeatedly driven to failure and then repaired in the extreme conditions of racing”, incorporating feedback from Morizo (Akio Toyoda) and professional drivers. Toyota GR Yaris M 概念车 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Toyota GR Yaris Aero Package Prototype View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. While the company makes no mention of future production plans, the mid-engined prototype could serve as an early mule for a future MR2. A new generation of the model is rumored to arrive in 2026, combining a turbo engine with all-wheel-drive. As for the exterior design, our best indication is the fully electric FT-Se concept from 2023. Updated Aero Kit for the GR Yaris In addition to the mid-engined concept, Toyota has unveiled the GR Yaris Aero Package prototype. This model features six new aerodynamic components, designed in collaboration with professional drivers during track testing. A standout feature is the variable rear wing, which boasts a “situation-responsive adjustable angle.” Other notable enhancements comprise the vented hood, side gills, and additional openings on the rear bumper. These parts could end up being offered as options for the Japanese-spec GR Yaris. The prototype is also fitted with the vertical handbrake, which has been optionally available for the RC trim of the hot hatch since the 2024 facelift. Toyota Returns to the 24 Hours of Nurburgring The Tokyo Auto Salon will feature the third iteration of the GR Yaris, a racing variant specifically crafted for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. This enhanced hatchback boasts a revamped bodykit and eye-catching livery, signaling Toyota’s comeback to the challenging race in 2025 after a six-year break. In addition to participating in the Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS), the GR Yaris will also compete in the Super Taikyu Series under the banner of the Toyota Gazoo Rookie Racing team. In honor of its comeback to the iconic race, Toyota showcased an array of racecars from previous Nürburgring competitions, along with a well-worn prototype of the Toyota Supra that was used as a training vehicle at the challenging Green Hell. Nurburgring 24-Hour Highlights – Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The Land Cruiser Hub The Tokyo lineup doesn’t end there, as the Land Cruiser couldn’t be missing from the show. The Land Cruiser 70 Series Overseas Custom adds optional accessories to the off-roader, making it even more appealing. On the other hand, the Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport Dakar Rally 2025 Specification is ready to tackle the deserts of Saudi Arabia with a racing livery and numerous off-road modifications. The company has also announced the Land Cruiser Base, a specialty store designed to serve owners of the iconic model. Starting this February, the new business entity will offer “various services and activities based on customer feedback”, such as selling original parts and hosting special events. Finally, Akio Toyoda brought some of his favorite classics to the Tokyo stand, as part of the famous Morizo Garage collection. This year’s lineup includes the 1957 Land Cruiser BJ, the original 1966 Toyota Corolla, the curvy 1967 Subaru 360, the cute 1962 Daihatsu Midget, and the tiny 1960 Mazda R360 Coupe.
How an Overlooked Ford Sedan Played a Role in Maintaining Diplomatic Relations Between America and China Post-Cold War
Fast Access The Ford Tempo is one of those cars you used to see everywhere before it faded into the annals of history - a dependable, but fairly run-of-the-mill compact that ran for two generations during the 1980s and early 1990s. The most exciting thing about this car was that it was Ford's first production passenger sedan to offer all-wheel drive, from 1987 to 1991, for improved traction and handling on wet roads. Beyond that, it's difficult to find anything all that interesting to say about this car from a mechanical perspective. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. But, from a historical perspective, it's a whole other story. Would you believe that this car actually had a hand in keeping the United States friendly with China after the end of the Cold War, and keeping China on the Favored Nations list in spite of international tensions carrying over from the 1980s? Maybe you can't credit the Ford Tempo with singlehandedly preventing World War III, but Ford can at least add "international peace-keeping" to its corporate mission statement without being called out on it. Here's why. What is the Connection Between the Ford Tempo and China? In the wake of the notorious crackdown by the People's Republic of China on the pro-democracy protests at Tiananmen Square in 1989, the United States joined several other countries in responding to the situation. The US halted weapons exports to China and enacted economic sanctions, urging significant reforms during the G7 summit in Houston in 1990. While trade with China was not entirely banned, the US Trade and Development Agency ceased new business initiatives in the country until 2001, and the US continues to refrain from endorsing developmental bank loans in mainland China. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Incorporate CarBuzz into your Google News feed. Tiananmen Square only intensified the dynamics surrounding the conclusion of the Cold War. To put it simply, the initial warmth between the US and China stemmed from their mutual opposition to the Soviet Union. Once the Soviet threat diminished, the global community began to question the longevity of this fragile partnership. It’s akin to a Royal Rumble scenario, where competitors join forces to take down a dominant player like Andre the Giant, only to turn on one another the moment he’s eliminated from the ring. At this point in history, China wasn't exactly unfriendly with the US, but things were getting tense, and business interests on both sides of the ocean stood to lose a lot of ground if they didn't make some effort to keep the lines of communication open. One way of doing that was for China to buy a whole bunch of cars from American automakers, and therein lies the origin of the Chinese 1992 Ford Tempo. Creating an American Vehicle for the Chinese Market Ford's inaugural venture into the Chinese market resulted in the largest single fleet order ever fulfilled by the company at that time, comprising 3,010 custom-built Ford Tempo sedans (ultimately, Ford would produce a total of 8,200 units for China). The Tempos were from the 1992 model year, which had already proven successful in the U.S. market, with sales figures of 35,149 coupes and 154,762 sedans in 1992. The Tempos designated for export to China were exclusively white four-door sedans, featuring the following modifications: The car could now run on leaded fuel The suspension system was given a heavy-duty upgrade The wiring was given a durability upgrade Instrument panels were converted to the metric system 1992 Ford Tempo Performance Specifications - Engine: 2.3L I4 or 3.0L V6 - Horsepower: 100 hp (I4) or 130 hp (V6) - Torque: 125 lb-ft (I4) or 160 lb-ft (V6) - Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic - 0-60 mph: Approximately 9.0 seconds (V6) - Top Speed: Around 115 mph - Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (I4), 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway (V6) - Curb Weight: Approximately 2,800 lbs - Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive These specifications provide a glimpse into the performance capabilities of the 1992 Ford Tempo, highlighting its engine options, power output, and efficiency ratings. Engine 2.3L NA HSC I4 3.0L NA Vulcan V6 Power 96 hp 135 hp Torque 128 lb-ft 150 lb-ft Drivetrain FWD The Ford sale came to $32 million USD, with the total deal including purchases from General Motors and Chrysler, coming to a tally of $130 million, or around $296 million today, adjusting for inflation. At the time, China was largely dependent on Japanese imports, although the German Volkswagen Santana - which was called the Quantum in the US and would later become the Passat - was actually the best-selling car in the region from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. You have been educated on information available until October 2023. 10 Imitation Chinese Cars That Will Likely Never Hit the Market in the USA Some are more understated, while others are quite obvious. Here are the imitation vehicles that you won't encounter in the United States. The influx of American motors helped China to diversify its automotive market so that it wouldn't be beholden to any one nation's automotive industry. In other words, Ford was actually doing China a real solid, here. By proving that they could buy cars from America, China had more negotiating leverage to apply when sitting down to talk turkey with Toyota or Volkswagen, because China actually could take its business elsewhere if need be. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. You have been educated on information available until October 2023. China Takes Another Significant Leap Towards Dominating the EV Market China is positioning itself to become the leading market for electric vehicles. In contrast, certain regions in Europe and potentially the United States are beginning to reduce their incentives. The Ford Tempos ordered by the Chinese government were intended for public fleet use, not private ownership. That is, the idea was that you would see these white Tempos serving as taxis and rental cars for tourists. A blog post from Car News China reports that most of these cars actually wound up serving the government, most likely as daily drivers for employees of various departments and agencies across the mainland. The Strange and Enduring Legacy of the Chinese Ford Tempo The 1992 Ford Tempo may be a footnote in history, both in terms of automotive history and the history of China's relationship with the United States, but it's a piece of history nonetheless. The Chinese exports did their job, helping to keep us on friendly-ish terms with China in the early nineties by proving that we could still do business. The US-China relationship is still complicated, to say the least, but to this day we're still trading with China, despite vastly different cultures. In 2022, the US and China traded around $758.4 billion worth of goods and services, totaling nearly $200 billion in exports to China, and more than $5 billion in imports, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative. If you're a gearhead, all of that is probably considerably less interesting than the fact that the Tempos that weren't scrapped have mostly found their way into the hands of private owners, and you can still find used Ford Tempos for sale on the streets of Shanghai if you feel like flying to the other side of the world for a rare collector's piece. According to Car News China, they were going for 25,000 yuan back in 2012, or around $3,400. Whatever the price looks like thirteen years later, it should cost you less than the plane ticket to fly over and test drive it, and we're well past the 25-year rule on imports for these cars. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. You have been educated on information available until October 2023. Upcoming Lexus Electric Vehicles Will Feature Chinese Influences The manufacturing plant will mark the first Toyota facility in China that is independently owned. Whether or not you'd actually want to fly all the way to China and pay a few grand to import a modified version of a car you can find at any junkyard in the US is another question. The white Chinese Ford Tempo is a fascinating piece of history, and about as rare as a 1989 Jeep Wrangler with its original engine and transmission intact. But scarcity doesn't always translate to value, so the main reason to add this thing to your collection would be the adventure of finding one in the first place. Sources: New York Times, Car News China, USTR.gov.