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2021 GMC Terrain spied on GM's Proving Grounds

As the Chevrolet Equinox changes, so does the GMC Terrain. We saw shots of an updated Equinox not too long ago, and now our spy shooters have caught the GMC version of the crossover testing inside GM's Milford Proving Grounds. Similar to the Equinox, the Terrain is due for a mid-cycle refresh soon. Unfortunately, GM has this compact crossover covered up heavily to make sure we can't tell what's coming yet. The midsection of the vehicle remains the same as before, and we can even see the floating roof design outlined in the back by the camouflage. We imagine the majority of the changes will come up front with a new fascia including a different grille and headlight design. If it adopts the latest from the bigger Acadia, we'll be looking at a much more upright and butch-looking grille. That look descends from the full-size Sierra, though, so we'll see how much truck GMC wants to put in its small crossover. What will be most interesting of all is if GMC sticks to its guns with the wacky push-button shifter on the dash. The weird design has received mixed feedback, and this would be GMC's first big opportunity to respond. However, we expect most interior changes to be kept to a minimum, as this is only a mid-cycle refresh — GM completely redid everything for the full redesign in 2018. Additionally, we'll be interested to hear if the diesel will continue to be available as an option going forward. We'll likely see the refreshed Terrain sometime after the next Equinox is revealed. As it stands, this Terrain is probably a 2021 model year vehicle, and will be revealed at the tail end of this year, or in early 2020.

Recharge Wrap-up: BYD unveils 60-ft electric bus, Honda sticking with hybrids in Europe

BYD has debuted a 60-foot electric bus at the American Public Transportation Association Expo in Houston, TX. The Lancaster bus, as it is called, has a 120-passenger capacity and can drive over 170 miles on a single charge. The articulated bus features low floors and no steps, thanks to in-wheel hub motors. BYD also displayed a 40-foot electric bus that drove the 1,500 miles to the show under its own power (recharging along the way, of course). Read more in the press release below. Honda says it will continue to sell hybrids in Europe, despite the fact that it has stopped selling the CR-Z and Insight due to slow sales. "Our focus at the moment is on our 1.6-liter diesel but we haven't forgotten about hybrid technology," says Honda Europe's Philip Ross. Honda will sell the next-generation Fit (badged as the Jazz) in Europe when it launches next summer, and will sell the next-gen hybrid version beginning in 2016. Honda sold 4,500 of the Jazz hybrid in Europe last year. Read more at Automotive News. XL Hybrids is selling its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System in California. The news comes after the California Air Resources Board issued an executive order allowing the aftermarket hybrid conversion for 2012-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans. The XL3 Hybrid regenerative braking conversion increases real-world mpg by about 25 percent. Read more in the press release below. NRG eVgo has finished installing 60 charging stations at the Sony Pictures Entertainment studio lot and offices in Culver City, California. The Level 2 chargers, which will be managed by NRG eVgo, allow employees to charge their EVs during the workday. An average of 90 EVs and PHEVs park at the studio headquarters every day, thanks in part to Sony Pictures' Alternative Vehicles Incentive program for its employees. Learn more in the press release below. Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission will allow operators of EV charging stations to set prices based on kilowatt hour usage. This change ensures that drivers pay for the actual energy they use, rather than the time they spend charging, since different cars can charge at different speeds. Car Charging Group has already begun using the per-kWh fee structure at its charging stations throughout the state. Other states that allow kWh pricing are California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Virginia and Washington. Read more in the press release below.

J.D. Power customer survey of dealers counts Cadillac, Buick as big winners

Cadillac and Buick have taken the trophies in J.D. Power's latest Customer Service Index Study examining satisfaction with dealer service. Surveying more than 90,000 owners and lessees of 2009-2013 model-year cars, the study found that those with pre-paid maintenance packages were ten percent more likely to buy their next car from the same brand.
Dealer satisfaction scores have improved overall, Cadillac nabbed the luxury segment ahead of Audi and Lexus, taking the crown that Lexus held last year. Buick keeps the mass-market dealer satisfaction win in the family, finishing ahead of Volkswagen and last year's winner GMC. The study also found that service department use of tablets increased customer satisfaction, as did "best practices" like "providing helpful advice." Who knew?
You can find details on those and more findings in the press release below.