Porsche Macan, Nissan takes control of Mitsubishi, Volvo XC40: What’s New @ The Car Connection

From The Car Connection:

2016 Porsche Macan review

The Porsche Macan didn't take long to become the brand's second-best-selling vehicle. It was new for the 2015 model year, and already, it's running just behind the bigger Cayenne in the dollar-denominated popularity contest.

Nissan takes controlling stake in Mitsubishi for $2.2 billion

Hot on the heels of yesterday's stunning revelation that Mitsubishi Motors probably lied about fuel economy stats on all of its Japanese-market vehicles comes word that the troubled automaker has sold a controlling stake of its shares to Nissan.

Tesla Model S owner claims car crashed in self-driving 'Summon' mode; Tesla denies report

In Utah, the owner of a Tesla Model S says that his semi-autonomous car crashed into the back of a trailer while he thought it was parked. Tesla Motors isn't so sure that's what happened.

From Motor Authority:

Volvo concepts to preview new V40 and XC40 compact cars

With the launch of its large cars complete, Volvo is now focused on introducing a new generation of compact cars. The first of these compacts, or “40” series models, isn’t due until 2017 but to help build excitement Volvo will preview the cars with a pair of concepts in the coming weeks.

Apple invests $1 billion in Chinese Uber rival

Apple is perhaps signaling its future intentions regarding the auto industry with the announcement it is investing $1 billion in a Chinese rival to ride-sharing businesses such as Lyft and Uber.

2018 Audi A8 spy shots

Audi's next-generation A8 has been spotted as a prototype for the first time. The car is confirmed for a market launch in 2017, which means we'll likely see it arrive as a 2018 model.

From Green Car Reports:

Tesla deadlines aren't meant to be met, Musk says: they just pressure employees

Tesla Motors has a history of delays in bringing its cars from the design and prototype stage all the way to normal production. Its Roadster was delayed about nine months from its original anticipated launch, while the Model S was delayed more than six months. And then the Model X was delayed by more than 18 months.

Making electric-car battery cell anodes more sustainably

With no tailpipe emissions, electric cars have a clear advantage over their gasoline and diesel counterparts when it comes to carbon emissions. Studies have found that even cars charged on dirty, coal-powered grids have overall emissions no higher than a very fuel-efficient internal-combustion car.

Audi CEO pledges one electric (or electrified) car each year

Audi is a little behind fellow German automaker BMW in the area of electrified autos, but it has a plan in place to address this shortcoming. Speaking during Audi’s annual general meeting in the automaker’s home of Ingolstadt, Germany, CEO Rupert Stadler outlined a plan to introduce at least one electric car per year starting from 2018.

___________________________________________

Follow The Car Connection on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.