DECEMBER 13, 2017

(Mercedes-Benz images)
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has become a cult favorite over the years, and though it's hard to believe, more than 300,000 of them have been sold since 1979. In an unusual move, Mercedes-Benz PR minions aren't offering any exterior photos of the new G-Class because, "Outwardly, the 'G' has changed very little." But the next iteration of the G-Class will have a completely updated interior and numerous new features in the most significant transformation of its almost 40-year history. The new G-Class will make its worldwide debut in mid-January at the Detroit Auto Show and will go on sale in the U.S. one year from now.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Back in October I wrote a column entitled, "Sergio Polishes the Golden Cannoli as the sale of FCA is nigh." In it I described the "G.O.A.T." and his frantic search for a partner/buyer to bail his ass out since the FCA business "plan" isn't sustainable. I suggested that Hyundai is a likely candidate and the rumors not only persist, but they're growing louder by the day. Marchionne all but confirmed it last weekend when he told the media that, according to Reuters, "We already buy components from Hyundai... let's see if we can agree on other points, especially for the development of transmissions and hydrogen." Marchionne was paying lip service to the fact that FCA is nowhere with advanced technology, and he is desperate to find a corporate entity that will give FCA some breathing room. But it goes much deeper than that. Marchionne is knee-deep in negotiations with Hyundai, and don't be surprised if it's the End Game for FCA. -PMD