Feature: Just how important are trucks to the Canadian new vehicle market?

Story by John LeBlanc

Let’s go right to the score card: In 2013, Canadians bought more new vehicles than ever before, to the tune of a record 1.743 million units, according to stats provided by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants. That’s up 4% from 2012, and handily beats the previous record of 1.703 million set in 2002. And, more than ever, trucks did all the heavy lifting to set the record. Read more

First Drive: 2014 BMW 435i Cabriolet

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – As sure as spring follows winter, we knew Germany’s BMW was going to follow the debut of its new 4 Series Coupe with a retractable hardtop/convertible version. And just as its non-retractable coupe sibling has substantially evolved from its 3 Series predecessor, so has the new 2014 BMW 4 Series Cabriolet. Read more

Flashback Fridays: 2004 Lincoln LSE V-8

Originally published March, 2004

Story by John LeBlanc

Way back in 1999, there was Ford, with its Lincoln division, taking on the Europeans and the Japanese — who had ruled this part of the market since wheels were round — with a genuine, made-in-America, rear-wheel-drive import fighter. Read more

Flashback Fridays: 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Story by John LeBlanc

Originally published, August, 2006 – WILLOW SPRINGS, California – While lined up alongside other Chrysler Street and Racing Technology vehicles waiting in the pit lane of Willow Springs race track for our turns to get in more hot laps before the course is closed, one of the Chrysler SRT engineers pokes his head into my rolled-down driver’s window to get some feedback. Read more

Road Test: 2014 BMW 535d xDrive

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

It may sport Germanic roots, but with a diesel engine and traction at all four wheels, the new-for-2014 BMW 535d xDrive sedan seems like it was designed with the Canadian luxury sedan buyer in mind. Read more

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