Urvaksh Karkaria Mercedes, Porsche reporter Urvaksh Karkaria is Mercedes, Nissan, Porsche and Volvo Reporter for Automotive News. [email protected] Mobile Number: 904-422-5205 See All Staff Page Recent Stories Lexus, BMW hot on Mercedes' heels in U.S. luxury sales race Mercedes-Benz maintained a luxury segment lead in first-quarter sales, fueled by strong crossover demand. Mercedes sets 2-prong strategy to electrify AMG The first electrified Mercedes-AMGs, designed to lower emissions with new hybrid powertrains derived from Formula 1 racing, debut this year. Porsche readies cheaper, entry-level Taycan Porsche will offer the more affordable Taycan at 83,520 euros in Germany. It will arrive in European showrooms by mid-March. BMW defends U.S. luxury crown Deep-pocketed customers helped insulate the U.S. luxury market from the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, as premium deliveries fell 11 percent compared with a 14 percent slide for the overall industry. Hybrids helped Lexus surpass Mercedes and finish No. 2 for the year. Mercedes rolls out the new Maybach S-Class The emphasis on the Maybach S-Class is on rear-seat comfort. The sedan is aimed at well-heeled buyers who look to longer wheelbase models for their chauffeured needs. Hyundai brings back designer Donckerwolke Luc Donckerwolke, who overhauled styling at Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, is returning to the automaker in a newly created position -- chief creative officer. Mercedes-Maybach GLS ready for rollout The U.S.-built Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the most expensive passenger vehicle built in America. Mercedes reverses its EV entry strategy for U.S. The EQC compact crossover was due to launch Mercedes' EQ subbrand in the U.S. this year, but was delayed to 2021. Now the EQS, an EV version of the S-Class, will be the debut model. Mercedes names Greek exec to head U.S. unit Dimitris Psillakis replaces Nicholas Speeks who went on a leave of absence in August. Psillakis, 53, a Daimler veteran, took over the Canada operations just last month. BMW increases size of 4-Series convertible, adds safety tech The second-generation 4-Series convertible switches from a hardtop to a softtop and features a bigger footprint, with more power, performance and safety equipment. Porsche taps top marketing exec to head North America Kjell Gruner will take over as CEO of Porsche Cars North America effective Nov. 1. He replaces Klaus Zellmer, who is being elevated to chief sales officer at Volkswagen brand. Porsche's Zellmer being promoted to VW sales post, report says The Porsche Cars North America CEO is expected to replace Jürgen Stackmann in Wolfsburg, a German business magazine said, citing unnamed sources. BMW cutting U.S. jobs in down market BMW is re-scaling operations and is expected to eliminate about 125 corporate staff positions around the country, according to a source familiar with the plans, though the cuts will not affect the automaker's SUV plant in South Carolina. Porsche freshens Panamera with engine options, plug-in hybrid The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid pairs an electric motor with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine to deliver 552 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque. Porsche to offer new entry-level subscription tier in U.S. The new program starts at $1,500 per month for the Porsche Macan crossover and tops out at $2,600 for the Porsche 911 Carrera. Load More
Urvaksh Karkaria Mercedes, Porsche reporter Urvaksh Karkaria is Mercedes, Nissan, Porsche and Volvo Reporter for Automotive News. [email protected] Mobile Number: 904-422-5205 See All Staff Page
