Revealed: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz has revealed their new compact crossover, the GLA-Class. The 2015 GLA-Class will

make its debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September. The GLA250 4MATIC will go on sale in the U.S. in the fall of 2014. A front-while drive version will join the lineup in early 2015. When the GLA250 go on sale it will compete against the BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque, and upcoming new comers like the Lincoln MKC and Audi Q3.

The GLA definitely takes its design cues from the SUV's of the Mercesdes-Benz family. The design of the GLA is attractive, and muscular. The exterior will attract many buyers who want a vehicle that looks aggressive than what is currently on the market.

The interior of the GLA is refreshing and reminds me of other current Mercedes-Benz interiors. Buyers can choose between MB-Tex or leather upholstery, and can get sport seats with the purchase of the Interior Package.

The 2015 GLA250 4MATIC will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0L engine producing 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The GLA250 4MATIC will be able to reach 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The new GLA will use a next generation 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. Fuel economy should be a high point of the GLA, with the use of the 7-speed dual clutch transmission, aerodynamic design, and standard Start/Stop feature.

Safety features such as Attention Assist drowsy-driver detection, and a radar based Collision Prevention Assist with Adaptive Brake Assist, which will protect against collision from a speed of 4 mph. Other safety features include Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist. If you're not confident with parallel parking, a Parktronic with Park Assist system will also be an option.

The Green Light: As more details emerge we will be sure to share them with you!

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Add us to your circles on Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115485014129103356664/posts

Pin us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/theglight/

Interview: FIRST Robotics Competition w/ Tim Grewe, Director of the FIRST Program, General Motors, and James Bell, Head of Consumer Affairs, General Motors

School will be back in session and the FIRST Programs will begin. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) attracts hundreds of thousands of students each year as well as hundreds of major corporations like Google, Microsoft, Johnson and Johnson, Underwriter's Laboratories, Boeing, Infineon and General Motors who provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in sponsorship and support.

This year, General Motors will directly sponsor more than 70 teams in the FIRST Robotics Competition and provide additional sponsorship and event support to over 600 teams in other programs such as the FIRST LEGO League and the FIRST Tech Challenge.

Check out my interview with Tim Grewe, Director of the First Program, General Motors, and James Bell, Head of Consumer Affairs, General Motors as they talk about The FIRST Program, robots, why the program is important, and how its key for recruiting future talent.

About the talent:
Tim Grewe is a General Motors Electrification Chief engineer and Director of The First Program at General Motos. He has designed multiple electrification systems which are utilized in vehicles as large as a 60,000 transit bus down to the Chevy Volt. Tim deeply enjoys interacting with creative youth who go confidently in the direction of their dreams, realizing the life they imagined. Tim has a BSEE from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and MSEE from Syracuse University.

With over 16 years of experience, James Bell is a nationally recognized and authoritative resource within the automotive industry. During his tenure, James has diligently analyzed and effectively communicated automotive data and research to multiple constituencies, including the national and international media, automotive manufacturers, dealers, and the every-day shopper. His multifaceted experience has led to a unique perspective on the industry that easily crosses over the boundaries between the general consumer and passionate enthusiast. Prior to joining GM, James was Vice President of Corporate Communications and Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book. In this role, he was charged with promoting the KBB.com brand and driving traffic to its award-winning Web site. Bell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communications and Political Science from California State University.

Check out the interview below:

The Green Light: I wish the FIRST Program would have been available to me when I was in elementary school because I would have loved to be a part of the program. Did anyone participate in the FIRST Program? If so, what was your experience?

I want to thank General Motors for this interview opportunity! I also want to thank Tim Grewe and James Bell for taking out the time to discuss and answer my questions.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Add us to your circles on Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115485014129103356664/posts

Pin us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/theglight/

Interview: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/ Michelle Krebs, Edmunds.com Senior Analyst, and James Bell, Chevrolet Head of Consumer Affairs

The Corvette is the world's longest-running continuously produced sports car and the best-selling sports car in America and "Stingray" is one of the hallowed names in automotive history. The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will produce 455 hp and will deliver more than 29 mpg on the highway. The 2014 Corvette Stingray will be the most fuel-efficient sports car on the market.

Check out my interview with Michelle Krebs, Edmunds.com Senior Analyst, and James Bell, Chevrolet Head of Consumer Affairs, General Motors as they discuss performance, fuel efficiency, and the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

About the talent:
Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Michelle Krebs has covered the automotive industry for 30 years, having written for publications ranging from The New York Times to Motor Trend. Before starting her own business in 1990, she was a staff writer for trade journal Automotive News, covering the financial beat and General Motors Corp. She has been an adjunct professor of business at Detroit College for Creative Studies. Krebs, who is an award-winning writer, has served as a president of the Automotive Press Association in Detroit, as a juror on the North American Car and Truck of the year as a juror on the Car of the Century. She is a graduate of Syracuse University with an English degree and a degree in Magazine Journalism from the Newhouse School.

With over 16 years of experience, James Bell is a nationally recognized and authoritative resource within the automotive industry. During his tenure, James has diligently analyzed and effectively communicated automotive data and research to multiple constituencies, including the national and international media, automotive manufacturers, dealers, and the every-day shopper. His multifaceted experience has led to a unique perspective on the industry that easily crosses over the boundaries between the general consumer and passionate enthusiast. Prior to joining GM, James was Vice President of Corporate Communications and Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book. In this role, he was charged with promoting the KBB.com brand and driving traffic to its award-winning Web site. Bell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communications and Political Science from California State University.

Check out the interview below:

I want to thank General Motors for this interview opportunity! I also want to thank Michelle Krebs and James Bell for taking out the time to discuss and answer my questions.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Pin us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/theglight/