Kia America is recalling certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel control valve plunger may stick inside the high pressure fuel pump, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power.

NHTSA campaign number is 23V634000.

The potential number of units affected is 18,224.

Dealers will update the engine control unit software, inspect, and replace the fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Nov. 10, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC281.

Genesis announced that it has surpassed one million cumulative vehicle sales, a landmark achievement for the brand.

The brand announced that it had sold 1,008,804 vehicles in the global market, including 690,177 in Korea and 318,627 overseas as of the end of August 2023.

Genesis reached this milestone in less than eight years since its global debut in November 2015, and a mere two years and three months after surpassing the half-million mark in May 2021.

“Genesis has been taking audacious steps to create original experiences for customers since launch, achieving remarkable growth along the way. Our brand will continue to build distinguished luxury experiences that have never been seen before,” said Mike Song, global head of Genesis.

Since launching in 2015, Genesis has significantly boosted its global sales through the introduction of award-winning competitive models.

Starting with the introduction of the flagship Genesis G90 sedan, Genesis has successively launched the G70 and G80 sedan lines, in addition to GV60, GV70, and GV80 SUVs. By 2020, the brand reached a significant milestone, achieving its first-ever annual global sales exceeding 100,000 vehicles, with a total of 132,450 sold.

Selling 201,415 vehicles in 2021 and 215,128 in 2022, Genesis has demonstrated impressive growth, with a record 154,035 vehicles sold as of August 2023.

Worldwide, the Genesis G80 is the best-selling model in the brand’s vehicle lineup since its introduction in 2016, with 390,738 units sold across the global market including Electrified G80 models.

Genesis’ first SUV, GV80, and second SUV, GV70, have recorded cumulative sales of 173,882 and 160,965 vehicles, respectively, across the globe.

In the United States, the brand has achieved over 225,000 cumulative sales as of August 2023. Genesis set a new annual record in 2022, achieving 56,410 vehicles sold in the calendar year. In 2023, the brand has already surpassed 44,017 annual U.S. sales as of August.

Fast Lane Drive, the car club setting the gold standard in the automotive community, has opened its latest branch in Austin, Texas. Known for its high-caliber member base, likened to that of YPO and Soho House, the Austin club’s opening marks the ninth location for the brand, securing its title as the world’s largest car club.

Fast Lane Drive offers an elite environment comparable to exclusive circles like the Young Presidents’ Organization and Soho House, attracting a discerning membership with a shared passion for top-of-the-line automobiles. Fast Lane Drive Austin will feature the same quality standards and high-level offerings that are synonymous with the Fast Lane Drive brand worldwide.

Centrally located in the dynamic city of Austin, Texas, the latest branch of Fast Lane Drive will provide a range of signature amenities including:

• Exclusive drives and events like yacht parties, Monaco events, multi chapters across the world, F1 races, and more;
• Exclusive social events and networking opportunities designed with our members in mind; and
• Priority access to motorsport events and new car launches.

Becoming the World’s Largest Car Club

With the unveiling of Fast Lane Drive Austin, the brand fortifies its position as the world’s largest car club. From San Diego to Monaco, each location has upheld the club’s commitment to offering a luxury experience to passionate automotive enthusiasts.

“We are thrilled to bring the Fast Lane Drive experience to Austin, a city celebrated for its rich culture and vibrant automotive community,” said Clement Connor, CEO of Fast Lane Drive. “The opening of our ninth location not only expands our global footprint but also broadens the horizons for our members, delivering unparalleled experiences to a new circle of elite car enthusiasts.”

Scott LeTourneau will become the new executive vice president and chief financial officer at Cox Automotive, effective Sept. 19, 2023. LeTourneau has been with Cox since 2012 in various corporate development roles, most recently serving as senior vice president of corporate development for parent company Cox Enterprises. He is a proven finance leader with deep expertise in executing strategic corporate transactions and developing diversified growth strategies. At Cox Automotive, LeTourneau will have responsibility for all finance functions and the company’s financial solutions business, NextGear Capital. 

“I am excited to add Scott LeTourneau to our outstanding leadership team at Cox Automotive,” said Steve Rowley, president, Cox Automotive. “He is a strategic leader with an operator’s mindset and his experience with a variety of industries and business models will help us continue to lead the automotive industry and grow long into the future. We all look forward to seeing the impact he will make on this incredible business.”  

As previously announced, current Chief Financial Officer Mark Bowser will retire at the end of this year. He concludes a 41-year career, including an 11-year run at Cox Communications and six years as chief financial officer for Cox Automotive. Mark has been a key member of the Cox Automotive executive leadership team and has helped lead record revenue growth during his time with the company. He and LeTourneau will work together for the next four months to ensure a smooth transition.  

“Scott is a talented, driven and knowledgeable leader,” said Dallas Clement, president and chief financial officer, Cox Enterprises. “He has a history of building relationships across the company, always comes to the table with a well-thought-out point of view, and simply put, has a knack for getting things done. He has played a critical role in the growth and evolution of our business at Cox Enterprises, and I look forward to seeing his impact at Cox Automotive.” 

Over his 20-plus year career, LeTourneau has been a strategic finance leader focused on the development and execution of inorganic growth strategies. Previously, he served as senior vice president of Corporate Development for Cox Enterprises where he led the execution of acquisitions, strategic investments, joint ventures and divestitures for Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive and Cox Communications. Prior to joining Cox Enterprises, LeTourneau served as vice president of Corporate Development for Cox Communications.   

Since joining Cox in 2012, LeTourneau has executed more than 55 strategic transactions with an aggregate deal value of more than $12 billion. In addition, LeTourneau helped Cox Communications enter adjacent growth markets through the acquisitions of Segra, Unite Private Networks and RapidScale. 

LeTourneau earned his MBA from the University of Virginia and holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University.   

“Cox Automotive is a dynamic business that is leading the fast-paced automotive industry during a period of significant evolution,” said LeTourneau, EVP and chief financial officer of Cox Automotive. “I am honored to join an experienced leadership team and excited to work with the passionate employees across our businesses to bring innovative products, services and solutions to our customers.”   

Merchants Fleet, a national fleet management company, is partnering with WEX to deploy advanced fuel card technology solutions to fleet clients throughout North America. WEX’s sophisticated payments technology offers features that help fleet management companies solve operational complexities, streamline business payments, and generate substantial savings for clients. 

“Moving to WEX’s industry-leading services for our fuel management program is a game changer,” said Merchant’s VP of Client Experience, Steven Curt. “This exciting partnership brings two industry leading companies together in our shared dedication to enhancing client experience and driving efficiency. We look forward to working with WEX to deliver unparalleled value to our clients.”  

The move to WEX as a fuel management solution allows Merchants Fleet to provide clients access to one of the largest closed-loop fuel-specific networks in the industry. Drivers benefit from network accessibility and ease-of-payment while fleet managers enjoy streamlined processes, cost savings, and enhanced fraud protection. What won’t be changing is 24/7 access to effective controls and detailed reporting to simplify purchases, enhance compliance, and streamline expense management.  

Merchants will also implement WEX’s leading financial technology solutions and broad acceptance network into its own internal systems. Through the WEX platform, Merchants aims to improve efficiency, reduce fraud, increase speed, and achieve cost savings on accounts payable transactions. 

“Fleet managers are craving a simpler and more affordable way to manage fleets,” said Brian Fournier, WEX’s General Manager of North American Mobility. “Large businesses, mid-sized companies, governments, educational institutions, and more rely on Merchants Fleet to keep their vehicles on the road and to realize impressive cost savings. WEX is proud to be a component of Merchants Fleet’s highly customized mobility solutions. With the addition of Merchants Fleet, WEX now has partnerships with nearly all of the major U.S. fleet management companies (FMCs), illustrating the strength of WEX’s payments technology and network processing agreements and closed-loop fueling functionality.”