Posts tagged with "compact"

F-wheel A5 Electric Bike

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By: Heather Skovlund x Vaughn Lowery

The F-wheel A5 electric bike has all the perks to an e-bike that you could dream of having while headed to your destination. It sports 14-inch wheels, an ergonomically designed frame, seating for adults and kids, and is easy to maneuver and store tight spaces with its folding capabilities. While you’re likely to see tons of these types of e-bikes zipping around just about any city in China, it’s a fairly extraordinary e-bike in the US.

Curb Appeal

Affiliates of 360 Magazine had the opportunity to test the capability of the F-wheel A5 e-bike. The A5 is sleek and holds a trendy appearance with its 14-inch wheels and minimalist aluminum alloy frame. The A5 is designed for dense urban living with its durability, upgraded seat, and back seat perfect for transporting cargo (with bungee cords) or even a second person/child. The F-wheel is available in three colors: black, red, and white. This sleek e-bike is available in F-wheel A5 Standard as well as F-wheel A5 Deluxe. To customize the look of your new ride, look no further than Gabe Majalca, mastermind of Good Vibe Gliders for an enhanced flare.

Performance

With the amazing durability of the F-wheel A5, you will be able to sightsee in style and go shopping on a whim. The powerful 350W 48V motor will get you to your destination with ease with a max speed of 25KM/H. The F-wheel runs on a 7.5AH battery that is portable and removable, which is fantastic for charging. The added suspensions work nicely for a smoother ride with a noticeable difference in the seat post suspension. The acceleration is powerful, it has been reviewed at around 500W continuous and up to 750W peak for speeds. There are three different riding modes with the A5: Pure Electric Mode, Boost Mode, and Manpower Mode. The F-wheel A5 Deluxe is equipped with a LG lithium battery with a capacity of up to 21AH, with a BMS battery management system to help battery life up to 180KM.

Technology

As previously mentioned, the A5 has three different riding modes. The first, Pure Electric Mode, allows you to ride with no cycling of the pedals. The second, Boost Mode, allows you to pedal with an assist from the power source. Lastly, Manpower Mode, enables you to ride like a human-powered bicycle – no need to power on. There is a power display and real-time speed display in addition to the different modes offered: eco, medium and high. The A5 comes with two keys as well as two fobs to easily start the e-bike up. There is also an extra removable battery. The front and rear brakes work well as well as the front lights and taillights. There is a light on the back of the bike that lights up “EBIKE” which adds a subtle touch of flare to the bike. This e-bike is low maintenance without a derailleur or gears. The 14-inch tires are in a mag wheel – there are no spokes that need to be tuned or that will break. The F-wheel A5 weighs 22.5KG and easily folds up for easier transportation such as when you’re heading into an elevator, riding the Amtrack, climbing stairs or simply placing the e-bike in your apartment. Just simply fold the handlebars down, fold the frame in the front, fold the pedals down, remove the seat and you’re set. There are also sensors on the A5 to notify you if someone or something is too close the bike along with a lock on the battery.

Competition

Competition is very limited with the sleek improvements of the F-wheel A5 electric bike (formally DYU Smart Electric Bike D3). Priced at $700 and worth every cent. The closest competitor is the EB7 Elite Commuter from Swagtron. The next competitor would be the Flido D25 Folding Electric Commuter Bike. The electric bike trend has been on the rise due to communities embracing the go “green” activity. A review left on DYU’s website from Clayton Kent states that the A5 is the “perfect commuter bike enduring at least 70 NYC blocks a day” as well as “it has saved me a lot of money not having to use the train”. With the new improvements to the design and overall functionality to the F-wheel A5 electric bike, it is sure to be the front runner for delivery workers, professionals, and kids at heart.

Photo by Armon Hayes — Photo credit: Armon Hayes

Leopara Lighting System

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Achieving the perfect lighting, especially on the go, can present its challenges. We’ve all been faced with such a dilemma: dingy lighting in a hotel room bathroom, making makeup or shaving nearly impossible. Or even just brightening up a space during travel for a quick touch up in the car. Luckily, a new product from Leopara solves these issues. Their patented technology features a 360° makeup lighting system that is compact, portable, and delivers bright, gorgeous lighting through wireless GlamPanels that attach and detach to any mirror.

The Leopara Lighting System comes with numerous impressive features, making it the perfect purchase for applying make-up flawlessly, or achieving the perfect shave. The four mirror-mountable LED GlamPanels illuminate even the darkest space as they are engineered with 5000k Daylight White LEDS that mimic natural light. This effort towards natural light provides the ideal color temperature for grooming, avoiding the troublesome overly white or yellow lights often present when traveling. Compact, wireless, and mirror-mountable, the easily portable Leopara Lighting System can travel mirror to mirror, car to house, on the plane, to your hotel, and anywhere else you need to go! It fits right into any bag in its custom case along with a 4-in-1 USB charging cord. Cases come in three colors: Onyx Chrome, Electric Pink, and Leopard Lux.

Crafted from a matte black, high-quality aluminum with a polycarbonate lens, the Leonara is lightweight, durable, sleek, and chic. To attach to any mirror, merely use the GlamPanels to create a vacuum seal. Mirrors aren’t the only option either – any non-porous surface will work with the Leonara Lighting System including other glasses and screens, making it all the more convenient.

In 360’s experience with the product, we found the convenience to be overwhelming. For those always on the go, like 360, the convenience of having excellent lighting in a moment, anywhere, truly came in handy. It proved excellent for grooming needs while traveling. Not only that, but it also became useful in unexpected ways. For those taking pictures on the go, achieving the perfect lighting in content can be challenging. Yet with the Leopara lighting system, pictures are suddenly illuminated by a clean, natural light. Selfies, pictures of landscape, or food pictures all benefited from being a bit more lit with Leopara just out of frame.

The Leopara Makeup Lighting System is the brainchild Rachel Vicknair, a global beauty educator, former pro dance, and film and TV talent who need a solution to a major problem she repeatedly faced when traveling: bad lighting! On her company’s aim, Vicknair states they are “on a mission to change the way the world gets glam by developing innovative tools and accessories that empower women and their beauty routines, rather than limit them.” Before founding Leopara, she worked extensively in the beauty, wellness, and biotech industries. Vicknair also advises FLIK, the Female Laboratory of Innovative Knowledge, a community for female founders and leaders to connect with apprentices in order to provide mentorship. The Leopara system is now available on Leopara.com and Amazon for purchase.

Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport

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By Camila Isopo × Vaughn Lowery × Anthony Sovinsky × Shelby Barbour

”Every now and then an automobile manufacturer shocks us with a treasure. Something that snatches the air right out of our lungs. This time around Cadillac breathes life into its newest family member and all she does is turn heads and causes jaws to drop.” -Vaughn Lowery

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, maybe you should consider the 2019 Cadillac XT4 Crossover for one of your very own urban excursions. We decided to venture downtown LA to Chinatown in our test model. Just like this vehicle, there’s an unprecedented reaction to Howlin’ Rays (Tennessee style hot chicken) as it’s one of the first establishments of its kind within the metropolitan area.

Launched in 2018, it’s their smallest crossover and a hopeful competitor in its segment. It sustains its own against the Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Design: The aim of this model is v-shape inspired by crisp lines, sweeping arcs, and high-end appointments. Factory tinted windows allow for added privacy and UV protection against the harsh LA sun rays. But you also get a 360 view under the car, insignia displayed on the front, and a backup camera to view more of what’s behind you. Above you, is a dual panel retractable Sunroof/Moonroof, which allows more light to come in, making the vehicle feel roomier. Compared to its predecessor, the 2018 XT4, this new variation has more room for you and four other people.

Technology: Loaded with a vast amount of features which are comparable with many luxury manufacturers: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth capability, rotary dials, and 8″ infotainment touchscreen. The 8-way driver and 6-way passenger seat controls made perfect sense after we shoved our faces and felt our sides begin to split. After all, who needs pants when you have an XT4?! Thanks to their elegant Bose audio system, with 13 speakers and tweeters, we were able to bounce some of the calories off from those extremely spicy french fries from Howlin’ Rays that brought us to tears. My dear Lord!

Performance: Just as significant as the aesthetic and feel of the car is its agility. Its 2.0L 4-cylinder engines are peppy, to say the least, cranking 237hp with 258 pound-ft of torque. Clocking in at an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on highways, this model is a front wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive option. This is also an advantage over the previous year’s XT4 model which weighed 15lbs more. Moreover, on that point are also selectable driving modes with paddle shifters. This new model possesses 4-wheel independent suspension easily, offering a high-quality smooth ride which grips most terrains with ease. On an urban excursion to Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles, we accidentally climbed up onto the sidewalk rushing to pick up our mouthwatering Howlin Rays Nashville style chicken. We weren’t only stunned by the 2 hr wait in a block-long line, but the fact that we were perched off road. This vehicle may just be Pismo Beach worthy.

Safety: Now, of course, the honorable people at Cadillac care about your safety. Thus, this model comes well-equipped with airbags: front, knee, and seat side impact for the driver and their co-pilot (the front seat passenger). You also incur a head curtain for all outboard seating positions. In addition, this car has multiple alerts. Whether it’s for lane changing, the side blind zone, or rear cross traffic. This comes in handy to avoid dings and scratches to its beautiful 18″ 10-spoke alloy wheels. Overall, the braking was decent, but not as sharp as other competing models at this price point.

Other specs: Fuel tank capacity for the 2019 XT4 sits at 15.9 gals. This car’s carbon emission is at 6.8 gals per year at 15,000 miles per year. It too has an air filtration system in the cabin and a powered universal tablet holder.

In short, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport is a match made in heaven for an emerging influencer, a youthful mid-level executive and/or an adventurous individual on the prowl for some of the best eats in a major metropolis area. Of course with a few friends in tow. The model we tested was $55,735 and it was worth every cent.

Pre-order here.

RAZOR E PRIME

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By Vaughn Lowery

With the insurgence of e-scooters on the rise in most major urban centers throughout the world, it was only a matter of time that Razor would come up with an optimal solution. A retractable and compact all-electric scooter which better simplifies a micro-transit lifestyle for millennials.

Affordability

Let’s be honest, here. With e-scooters hailed from an app, at best you’re shelling out at least 15 cents per minute. Subsequently a few short trips to the local grocer, you’ve already spent close to $6 to $10 per trip. At just $379, Razor’s E-Prime is the best investment for long term usage.

Ergonomics

Unlike many of its competitors, Razor’s E-Prime has adjustable handle bars (for height) and thumb controls for throttle as well as braking.

Performance

With a top speed of 15mph and ample torque, you can easily maneuver through traffic and avoid accidents due to heavy congestion. Electronic, thumb-activated braking isn’t as responsive, but the rear fender scrub brake is far more efficient because it is applied by the rider’s foot. While charging your model, the power box’s indicator light will turn green (from orange). Razor lists up to 40 mins of continuous drive time at 176 lbs or less which is equivalent to approximately 7 miles. As tested, we weighed in at 161 lbs and continuously rode our E-Prime for 32 minutes at highest speed for 4.6 miles.

Next Gen

New upgrades for 2019 are the E-Prime Air and the E-Prime Plus, which will also provide a smoother ride with a pneumatic tire as well as an increased max weight. Both improvements will most likely increase charge life.

Conclusion

If you, like many, who reside near where you work this is the one of the best purchases you can ever invest in. The Razor E-Prime charges relatively quickly and makes a dreary 2 mile commute to the office, restaurant or gym more exciting than ever. With the wind sweeping across your cheeks, the ride in life feels less bumpy with a charger in tow which fits in any outlet. Not to mention, once folded, you can take it into Trader Joe’s (place in shopping cart), LA Fitness (fits easily into one of their larger lockers) and/or tuck it under the table while plugged in at Kay & Dave’s Cantina.

Buy Now

Lexus NX 300 F Sport

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By Jake Porter × Vaughn Lowery

Over the holiday season, we had the opportunity to traverse through NYC and the surrounding metropolitan areas with one of the auto industry’s most capable compact luxury SUVs. Due to its affordable base price, above average gas mileage, ergonomics and technology, the Lexus NX is an easy choice for many.

Value × Performance

Lexus carries a base price of $36,485 and features a 235-horsepower turbo-four engine, six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. Standard driver assistance features include a rearview camera, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. In addition, one can add all-wheel drive for only $1,400. By upgrading to the NX F Sport (our model tested was approximately $49,000) the vehicle has select components to enhance handling, such as an F Sport-tuned suspension and Sport S and Sport S+ drive modes. Other features in this package include paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, special body panels and badges and front sport seats with enhanced bolsters for added side support. As far as acceleration capacity, the NX should easily offer enough power for the casual driver. The NX 300 (formerly known as the NX 200t) comes with a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive. G-force sensors and adaptive cruise control set this vehicle apart from the other SUV’s on the market today.

The NX’s safety features are also top notch and include eight airbags, whiplash-injury lessening front seats, and a full array of available electronic safety systems such as lane departure alert and intelligent high-beam. With all newer Lexus models, it also includes the highly specialized and technologically advanced Lexus pre-collision Safety System. These safety features combined bring the NX to the top of its class.

Interior

Standard features on the interior of the NX include an infotainment system with an 10.3-inch display screen, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an eight-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. A wireless device charger and heads-up display are a couple of great additional features. Not to mention, those scarlet red race-inspired designer seats and red stitched dash appointments. Of course, climate control as well as heated seats and steering are always winners during the winter months.

Comfort

Given the already generous backseat room in the car, the NX also includes power-folding rear seats. Additionally, the cabin is extremely quiet even at highway speeds which is a great feature especially for long road trips.

Technology

Newly offered Alexa, allows the driver to stream Amazon music, listen to audiobooks and control their living quarters via smart-home. Other capabilities includes their smartwatch to help lock and unlock vehicle as well as monitors their lent model’s speed and fuel levels. One of their most important and intuitive features is Direction Assist, allowing a friendly human exchange with an operator who can input addresses into your navigation while you pay closer attention to the road. And of course in this digitally renovated world, having someone to speak to while on a solo trip can be conducive with driver’s fatigue. On the other hand, for those introverts seeking a quiet more therapeutic ride, they can utilize the remote touchpad to interact with the SUV’s overall cerebrum.

Conclusion

The Lexus NX 300 F Sport is one-of-a-kind. Even in a overly-crowded compact SUV market, the Lexus NX still manages to push through into the limelight. With its interior loaded with technology and its bold exterior turning heads on the streets, this is a great purchase for anyone looking for a sporty yet roomy modern SUV. Moreover, if you don’t like being at the pump every week and being able to fit in a small parking spot within a metropolis – this is a MUST-BUY.

LEXUS UX

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Lexus Designs First-Ever UX for the Modern Urban Explorer

National marketing campaign titled “The New Frontier” debuts dynamic, city-centric crossover

Today Lexus unveils a new marketing campaign to launch the first-ever 2019 UX, a luxury compact crossover. Originally released as a concept in 2016, the UX was deliberately designed and engineered for the city and the “modern urban explorer” — those seeking a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take on luxury driving; buyers with an imaginative lifestyle who explore, experiment and defy.

The campaign embodies the notion that cities are the new frontier of American culture — a canvas for experimentation and creativity in all corners, from new ideas in fashion, food and architecture to artistic expression. It’s a place where pioneering people and ideas create the inventive and visionary; where exploration of the city is an exploration of oneself.

“The spots highlight how our new crossover reflects the city from every angle and is made to conquer today’s frontiers,” said Cooper Ericksen, Lexus vice president of marketing. “Combining cutting-edge craftsmanship, seamless connectivity and bold design, the UX is the perfect intersection of form and function.”

“Plant a Flag,” the hero TV spot, begins airing nationally today. The commercial features a modern city, a territory where progress, innovation and adventure await those who are brave enough to explore. Opening with a bold, orange crossover driving through a dark, mysterious metropolis, the camera changes perspectives and viewers realize the UX isn’t driving horizontally on the road. It’s driving vertically up the side of a skyscraper — revealing that the city around us is the new frontier, and the UX is the crossover crafted to conquer it. A second, complimentary TV spot, “A Different Frontier,” shows how the UX wasn’t just made for the city — it was made from the city. As the UX makes its way through city streets, the spot highlights how the architecture of urban environments uniquely shaped and inspired the design, technology and engineering of Lexus’ newest luxury utility vehicle.

Multicultural spots were also created for Black, Hispanic and LGBTQ audiences, all directed by renowned film and music video director Joseph Kahn. “The New Renaissance” will air on TV One and BET, with targeted Prime programming. “Mission: Possible” will run across top national Hispanic networks such as Univision, CNN en Español, Telemundo, Univision Deportes and Discovery en Español. The LGBTQ digital video, “One of a Kind,” will have presence on sites like OUT, Advocate, Passport, Revry, Gay Ad Network and Edge Media. Traditional and non-traditional media formats such as in-language digital, social, paid search and Connected TV will target Chinese, Korean and Asian Indian audiences, showcasing adaptations and translations of the general market creative.

The general market TV spots will air during prime time, cable, late night and sports programming, and during cultural milestones such as The Academy Awards and NFL Playoffs. Full-page color print ads will run in top-tier lifestyle, travel, wellness and auto publications, such as GQ, Food & Wine, AFAR, Real Simple, Car and Driver, and more. The UX will have strong digital presence through online videos and banners across all major social media platforms and popular sites like VICE, Bustle and Vox Media. Lexus will target on-the-go consumers with sponsored audio content on Spotify playlists and integrations within key NPR podcasts. Out-of-home placements will reach audiences in unexpected spaces such as movie theatres, airports, elevators and fitness centers in key markets.

To extend the reach of the campaign, Lexus is partnering with key media entities to produce custom content focused around the first-ever UX. Through a collaboration with Givewith and Beautify Earth, three local artists will help revamp an urban community with the development of engaging art murals around Los Angeles this January. Over the next six weeks, Bustle will release video content featuring seven women pioneers transforming their industries and cities — including Lexus UX Chief Engineer Chika Kako. A partnership with Vox Media’s “Explainer” series this January will examine the ever-changing nature of city streets through product-focused videos. Lexus and VICE will produce a documentary photo series, featuring people that have taken ideas originally conceived for the great outdoors and adapted them to work in the urban landscape, inherently drawing a connection to the UX. Additional content partnerships with National Geographic and Discovery Network will launch later this month.

The UX is on sale in dealerships now. Consumers have a choice between the UX 200 and hybrid UX 250h with all-wheel drive, both available in F SPORT. For more information on the first-ever UX, click here.

Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 241 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

WORLD PREMIERE × Range Rover Evoque

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World Premiere of the New Range Rover Evoque

The new Range Rover Evoque will be revealed to the world at 19:45 GMT on 22 November in London.

Land Rover pioneered the luxury compact SUV sector with the original Range Rover Evoque in 2010, and the next generation of the award-winning model promises to make a similar impact, introducing new standards of design, capability and sustainability.

Join us on 22nd November for the world premiere, available to watch via live stream here:

http://assets-iframe.ggwebcast.com/LandRover/HelloEvoque/

New-Vehicles Improve × J.D. Power

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New-Vehicle Initial Quality Improves Again, J.D. Power Finds

Genesis, Kia and Hyundai Are Three Highest-Ranked Brands

New-vehicle quality has improved for the fourth consecutive year—by 4% from 2017—and has reached its best level ever, according to the J.D. Power 2018 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS),SM released today.

Initial quality is measured by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. In this year’s study, quality improves across six of the eight categories measured, with 21 of the 31 brands included in the study improving their quality from 2017. The industry average of 93 PP100 is 4 PP100 better than in 2017.

“There’s no question that most automakers are doing a great job of listening to consumers and are producing vehicle quality of the highest caliber,” said Dave Sargent, Vice President of Global Automotive at J.D. Power. “That said, some vehicle owners are still finding problems. As vehicles become more complex and automated, it is critical that consumers have complete confidence in automakers’ ability to deliver fault-free vehicles.”

Following are some key findings of the 2018 study:

• Most vehicle areas improve: Of the eight categories measured, vehicle exterior improves the most, now at 15.2 PP100, compared with 16.6 PP100 in 2017. Improvements include less wind noise and fewer paint imperfections. Significant year-over-year improvements also occur in the seats (8.0 PP100 vs. 8.7 PP100) and vehicle interior (14.3 PP100 vs. 14.7 PP100) categories.

• Porsche 911 posts best score of any model: The Porsche 911 has the lowest overall problem level (48 PP100) of any model this year. This is also the lowest level recorded in this generation of the study (2013-2018). The U.S. Initial Quality Study, which was first published in 1987, is currently in its fourth generation.

• All domestic corporations improve faster than the industry: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (7 PP100 improvement), Ford Motor Company (5 PP100 improvement) and General Motors (5 PP100 improvement) all outpace the industry average rate of improvement (4 PP100).

• Infotainment problems are decreasing: Audio/Communication/Entertainment/Navigation (ACEN) remains the most problematic category for new-vehicle owners. However, this area has improved for the third consecutive year, led by fewer problems with built-in voice recognition systems.

• Globalization of auto industry continues: Vehicles in the 2018 study are manufactured in 25 countries, 11 of which weren’t present in the study five years ago. Those 11 countries include Brazil, China, Finland, India, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and Turkey. The other 14 countries include Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States.

• Increasing problems with driver assistance systems: As automakers add more advanced driver assistance systems to their vehicles, more consumers are experiencing problems. The level is still low (3.5 PP100 on average) but has been increasing by about 20% a year for the past three years.

“As we look to the future, avoiding problems with safety and driver assistance technology is critical,” Sargent said. “In an era of increasingly automated vehicles, vehicle owners have to be comfortable using foundational technologies like lane keep assistance and collision avoidance. Otherwise, automakers will not easily overcome consumer resistance to fully automated (driverless) cars.”

Highest-Ranked Brands and Models

Genesis ranks highest in overall initial quality with a score of 68 PP100. Kia (72 PP100) ranks second and Hyundai (74 PP100) ranks third. This is the first time that three Korean brands are at the top of the overall ranking, and it is the fourth consecutive year that Kia is the highest-ranking Mass Market brand. Porsche (79 PP100) ranks fourth and Ford (81 PP100) ranks fifth.

Mazda is the most-improved brand, with owners reporting 25 PP100 fewer problems than in 2017. Other brands with strong improvements include Mitsubishi (20 PP100 improvement), Cadillac (15 PP100 improvement), Infiniti (15 PP100 improvement), Hyundai (14 PP100 improvement) and Lexus (14 PP100 improvement).

The parent company receiving the most model-level awards for its various brands is Ford Motor Company (five awards), followed by Hyundai Motor Group (four), and BMW, General Motors and Nissan (three each).

• Ford Motor Company models that rank highest in their respective segments are Ford Expedition; Ford Mustang; Ford Super Duty; Lincoln Continental; and Lincoln MKC.

• Hyundai Motor Group models that rank highest in their segments are Genesis G90; Hyundai Tucson; Kia Rio; and Kia Sorento.

• General Motors models that rank highest in their segments are Buick Envision; Chevrolet Silverado; and Chevrolet Silverado HD.

• BMW models that rank highest in their segments are BMW 4 Series; BMW X1; and BMW X6.

• Nissan models that rank highest in their segments are Nissan Altima; Nissan Frontier; and Nissan Maxima.

Other models that rank highest in their respective segments are Acura ILX, Dodge Grand Caravan, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Toyota Corolla.

Plant Quality Awards

Toyota Motor Corp.’s Yoshiwara plant (Japan), which produces the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser, receives the Platinum Plant Quality Award for producing models with the fewest defects or malfunctions. Plant quality awards are based solely on defects and malfunctions and exclude design-related problems.

Toyota Motor Corp.’s Cambridge North (Canada) plant, which produces the Toyota Corolla, and Georgetown 3 (Ky.) plant, which produces the Lexus ES, each receive the Gold Plant Quality Award in a tie for the Americas region. BMW Group’s Dingolfing 02 (Germany) plant, which produces the BMW 6 Series and BMW 7 Series, receives the Gold Plant Quality Award for the Europe/Africa region.

The 2018 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from 75,712 purchasers and lessees of new 2018 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 233-question battery organized into eight vehicle categories designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded from February through May 2018.

Find detailed information on vehicle quality, as well as model photos and specs, at jdpower.com/quality

For more information about the 2018 U.S. Initial Quality Study, visit http://www.jdpower.com/resource/us-initial-quality-study-iqs

See the online press release at http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2018086.

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. These capabilities enable J.D. Power to help its clients drive customer satisfaction, growth and profitability. Established in 1968, J.D. Power is headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., and has offices serving North/South America, Asia Pacific and Europe. J.D. Power is a portfolio company of XIO Group, a global alternative investments firm headquartered in London, and is led by its four founders: Athene Li, Joseph Pacini, Murphy Qiao and Carsten Geyer.

Media Relations Contacts

Geno Effler; West Coast; 714-621-6224; media.relations@jdpa.com

Shane Smith; East Coast; 424-903-3665; ssmith@pacificcommunicationsgroup.com

About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules www.jdpower.com/about-us/press-release-info

TRANSATEL × JAGUAR LAND ROVER

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Transatel to Offer Infotainment Services and On-Board Wi-Fi for Jaguar Land Rover

The first vehicles equipped with Transatel’s technology, new and older models of the Jaguar and Land Rover ranges [1], will be available to the market end of June. The two companies recently signed a Master Services Agreement for a global cellular connectivity solution aiming to cover Jaguar Land Rovers’ connected car passenger applications: internet browsing and navigation services from the vehicle console, as well as on-board Wi-Fi.

Connectivity provider and technical enabler Transatel will be providing a data plan starting in 2018 for Jaguar and Land Rover models in the UK, Italy, and Germany. Data plan extensions with a selection of local and European plans will be available for selected lines. Transatel will be providing the service, managing customer and retailer relations, providing customer and retailer support, and ensuring the payment process for the purchase of data bundles by end users.

Transatel’s design of the customer journey for this connected car service is the result of over 18 years’ experience in marketing telecom offers to end users in European territories. Clients seamlessly manage their accounts via the selfcare application, accessible with any device using the car’s Wi-Fi. The multi-lingual selfcare application enables account management, user registration and payment method registration, among other features.

Philippe VIGNEAU, VP Business development at Transatel:

“We’re excited to be launching our second European connected car project with such a prestigious and renowned company as Jaguar Land Rover; this time not for telematics, but for passenger applications. We’ve been evangelizing the market for more than a year now, explaining to car OEMs worldwide how to avoid major lock-in risks and answering their concerns about security, among others. It seems the superiority of our platform and business model has now become apparent to some major players of the automotive industry.”

About Transatel

As the leading European MVNE/A (Mobile Virtual Network Enabler/Aggregator), Transatel has, since its inception in 2000, launched over 150 MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) and built a strong expertise in Machine-to-Machine connectivity, before entering the Internet of Things arena in 2014. Today, the company offers an unparalleled cellular solution for global, multi-local data connectivity with eSIM capabilities for the IoT, addressing the connected car, connected objects, and embedded connectivity markets.

Rhythm Partner

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BOSS Exhibits the DR-01S Rhythm Partner

Organic rhythm accompaniments for unplugged acoustic musicians

BOSS (LVCC Central Hall, Booth #17544) is exhibiting the DR-01S Rhythm Partner, a fun instrument that provides percussion backing for acoustic guitarists and other acoustic musicians. The DR-01S features a powerful integrated sound system, and comes equipped with ready-to-play rhythm patterns that complement unplugged acoustic instruments. Compact, battery-powered, and simple to use, the go-anywhere DR-01S makes playing acoustic music even more enjoyable and inspiring.

Unlike other rhythm machines that are designed for electronic and pop music applications, the DR-01S is a unique product specifically designed for acoustic music. Backed by decades of percussion development by BOSS and Roland, the DR-01S contains a wide variety of organic acoustic sounds derived from high-end products.

Via an intuitive interface, DR-01S users can access simple patterns and variations that are optimized for acoustic music styles. It’s also possible to add or subtract instruments – for example, shaker, tambourine, bongos, congas and more – on the fly. Dedicated buttons are on hand to quickly adjust volume and tempo, and to add a count-in before the accompaniment starts. The DR-01S also includes a standard metronome for basic music practice.

The DR-01S is equipped with a sophisticated audio system that produces big, full sound from a small footprint. An Aux In jack allows users to play backing music from a smartphone or other device, while a Line Out jack enables connection to a larger sound system. The DR-01S also supports optional footswitches for start/stop, tap tempo, and triggering sounds.

The BOSS DR-01S Rhythm Partner is now available at U.S. street $229.99.

To learn more about the DR-01S Rhythm Partner, visit Boss.info.