EV startup bankruptcies complicate future of software-dependent vehicles
In an era where each new model contains proprietary software, company failures can have grave implications for vehicle functionality.
2025 Toyota 4Runner teases big screen, sliding rear window
Toyota released a teaser image of the redesigned 2025 4Runner SUV that shows the off-roader with a large infotainment screen and a retractable rear window.
Brightline partners with Princess Cruises, wraps train with ‘Love Boat’ theme
Florida’s high-speed Brightline train has partnered with Princess Cruises for a “Rail & Sail” program that includes one of its trains made over with the iconic imagery of the brand with ties to “The Love Boat.”
Most Princess ships call Port Everglades home in Fort Lauderdale, including the debut later this year of its newest and largest ship, the Sun Princess. The line is expanding with its first ship to be based out of Port Canaveral this fall when Caribbean Princess arrives.
The nearly 113,000-gross-ton vessel began sailing in 2004, christened by Jill Whelan who played Vicki Stubing on “The Love Boat.” Princess ships were featured during the show’s run in the 1970s and 1980s.
Brightline runs from Miami to Orlando with several stops in South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and a northern terminus at Orlando International Airport. The line has future stops planned that include Cocoa, near Port Canaveral.
The deal between the train and cruise companies aims to offer passengers hassle-free travel to the two port destinations that includes an optional express baggage checking service at $35 per bag that people can use so their luggage is checked at the train station and will make its way to their staterooms.
Disney: Big Magic Kingdom expansion is in the works
Disney has confirmed what one executive said would “probably be the largest expansion ever” of the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, a project that’s been dubbed “beyond Big Thunder.”
At a Walt Disney Imagineering media event this week, Michael Hundgen, a Walt Disney World site portfolio executive, said the plan is to expand the world’s most popular theme park, creating a land of 12 to 14 acres. Magic Kingdom added 11 acres with its New Fantasyland project, completed with the opening of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster in 2012.
Details are thin about the expansion. There have been no official announcements about a theme or a timeline.
“I think they’re being a little coy,” said Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of International Theme Park Services. “I think they kind of spoon-feed us some of this stuff – keep us on track and off track.”
Speigel maintains his thinking that Disney World will announce the development of its fifth theme park within the next two years.
“I believe everything they say is strategically thought through before it comes out,” he said.
Used-vehicle wholesale prices fell slightly in March, Cox Automotive says
Cox Automotive also broke out year over year price fluctuations in vehicle segments.