Gallery: 2014 GTI Treffen am Wörthersee

Story and photos by John LeBlanc REIFNITZ, Austria — Inaugurated by a few Volkswagen GTI fans 33 years ago getting together over Germany’s traditionally long Father’s Day weekend at the end of May, GTI Treffen am Wörthersee has turned into one of the largest show ‘n shine car shows in the world.

2012 Geneva Motor Show: The best debuts NOT coming to Canada

By John LeBlanc GENEVA—For many car fans, the annual Swiss auto show held here at the foot of the Alps is strictly a “look-but-can’t-buy” proposition. While the auto industry has become a lot more global, regional regulations and consumer tastes still mean there are plenty of debuts here that will not be coming to Canada.

2011 Frankfurt: Worst in Show

By John LeBlanc It’s one thing to put up with the lack of air conditioning, long lineups for the food, seas of bleach blonde dealer wives, and obnoxious videographers pushing and elbowing to get the best angles (you know who you are, Mr. Tripod!). These are all expected at the bi-annual Frankfurt motor show, one […]

The Crank: Would Spain’s Seat fly in Canada?

By John LeBlanc FRANKFURT, Germany – Station wagons, manual transmissions, rear-wheel-drive and diesels—it’s the burden of many an automotive scribe—including yours truly—to bemoan of the lack of availability of all or any of the above in the Canadian new car market. And now after a day spent on Germany’s autobahn, west of Frankfurt and zipping […]

2011 Geneva: Seat IBX Concept

Story and photos by John LeBlanc GENEVA – Like its Czech Skoda brand stable mate, the VW Group’s Spanish Seat (say “say-at”) doesn’t sell any cars here in Canada. Too bad. The new Seat IBX concept—that previews a production compact SUV— is a slick little machine. Based on the same platform as the VW Tiguan […]

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