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IIHS gives good ratings to 4 of 8 midsize pickups in crash test

Versions of the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Crew Cab earned top ratings in a new crash test of midsize pickup trucks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, while two versions of the Nissan Frontier earned marginal ratings. But the organization gave poor marks to all eight pickups tested for their dim headlights. Overall, four of the eight pickups evaluated earned good ratings for protecting occupants in all five crash test categories — the Tacoma double cab along with crew cab versions of the Colorado, Canyon and Tacoma. But the poor headlights and lack of an automatic emergency braking system blocked any of the pickups from qualifying for the IIHS's Top Safety Pick awards. The study looked at two pickup body styles using 2017 models: crew cabs, which have four full doors and two full rows of seating, and extended cabs, which have two full front doors, two smaller rear doors and compact second-row seats. It subjected each to five tests, and it evaluated the performance of front crash prevention systems and headlights. The Toyota Tacoma crew cab was the only pickup in that class that earned a good rating for structure in the small overlap test, which replicates what happens when a vehicle clips a tree, pole or another vehicle that has crossed the center line. The model's Access Cab extended-cab version was rated similarly, though its structure was rated acceptable. "This group of small pickups performed better in the small overlap front test than many of their larger pickup cousins," says David Zuby, the Institute's executive vice president and chief research officer. "The exception was the Nissan Frontier, which hasn't had a structural redesign since the 2005 model year." The extended-cab versions of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon earned acceptable ratings, while both the Nissan Frontier king-cab and crew-cab models were rated marginal. Toyota says its 2018 Tacoma will feature upgraded headlights and a standard autobraking system that can detect pedestrians. "Headlights are basic but vital safety equipment. Drivers shouldn't have to give up the ability to see the road at night when they choose a small pickup," Zuby said. Related Video: Auto News Chevrolet GMC Nissan Toyota Safety Truck Videos gmc canyon nissan frontier chevrolet colorado

Recharge Wrap-up: Aoxin Ibis could be Tesla competitor in China, Nissan Qashqai ZEOD due this year

Zero Motorcycles is expanding its North American dealer network. With more retailers selling the electric motorcycles, Zero has added three new regional sales directors. "We are enjoying a great response to our 2015 line of motorcycles and accessories, and it's driving accelerated growth," says Zero's Mike Cunningham. "To support and sustain this momentum, we are investing in a bigger, stronger team and partnering with leading motorcycle retailers." More sellers are getting on board as electric motorcycles appear more and more viable, and they're finding it's bringing in a new set of enthusiastic customers. Zero recently revamped its production process to meet the expected increase in demand for 2015. Read more in the press release, below. Chinese automaker Aoxin New Energy, has built an electric car that is set to compete with the Tesla Model S. The aluminum and carbon fiber Aaoxin Ibis (pictured) is longer than the Model S, but weighs less than the Tesla at 4,034 pounds. It offers 181 horsepower and has a top speed of only 94 miles per hour, but it boasts a driving range of about 285 miles per charge. Its upscale interior borrows its looks from the Tesla, with its digital gauges and large, central touchscreen. Read more at Car News China, or at Green Car Reports. Nissan will likely debut a Qashqai ZEOD concept later this year. The plug-in hybrid version of the compact crossover borrows its ZEOD moniker - which stands for Zero Emissions On Demand - from Nissan's hybrid Le Mans racer. It's possible it will borrow its powertrain technology from the Renault Eolab Concept, which could mean a 1.0-liter engine paired with an electric motor. Based on the success of the Qashqai in Europe, it's not unlikely that the plug-in version will debut there (Green Car Reports is betting on Frankfurt). Read more at Green Car Reports. Zero Motorcycles Expands North American Network Strong Demand Fuels Double-Digit Dealer Growth and Additions to Sales Team SANTA CRUZ, Calif., March 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, announced today that three new regional sales directors have been added to the company's roster in the first quarter of 2015. The expansion of the sales team comes in response to rapid growth within the dealer network and reflects Zero's commitment to delivering world-class products and service.

Join Autoblog editors for a full video tour of the 2019 Detroit Auto Show

The 2019 North American International Auto Show might have been a little more quiet than past years, but there were still some pretty major reveals, including the Toyota Supra, new Ford Explorer, Shelby GT500, Subaru WRX STI S209 and Kia Telluride. We also saw some lovely concepts like the Nissan IMs and Lexus LC Convertible. Senior Editor Alex Kierstein, Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski and Senior Green Editor John Beltz Snyder join me, Associate Editor Reese Counts — with Social Media Manager Michael Dylan Ferrara behind the camera — on a long walk through the show. We discuss cars, poke around the stands, dress a bloody wound and answer your questions in the Facebook comments. For more Detroit coverage, you can check out Autoblog's picks for the best in show, listen to our podcast or look at the best images from all the reveals. Finally, don't forget to watch Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore hand over our 2019 Technology of the Year award. Related Video: Green Detroit Auto Show Acura Cadillac Chevrolet Ford GM Hyundai Infiniti Kia Lexus Nissan RAM Subaru Toyota Volkswagen Truck Convertible Coupe Crossover Hatchback Minivan/Van SUV Videos Sedan facebook 2019 detroit auto show live