Keeping up with the daily news events around the world can be hard to do. We plan our days from the time the alarm clock jolts us awake until our heads hit the pillow at the end of the day. With our days so regimented, planned, and structured, it can be hard to read the news, or even find time to buy a car.

NowCar is changing the way people purchase new vehicles, making the entire process easier and less time consuming, by providing a platform to buy a car online. 

With that aside, NowCar is also working to bring you the latest automotive news, so that you can skip sifting through websites, and learn what’s going on quickly, concisely, and all in one place.

We invite you to sit back, sip your morning cup of coffee, and catch up on the latest in automotive news. Here are the top five most interesting automotive news stories from this past week.

1: Ford Unveils Modified F-150 Trucks for SEMA

The Speciality Equipment Market Association, otherwise known as SEMA, is an annual event where automobile aftermarket products are showcased. Over 6,000 companies are represented at the association's largest show of the year in Las Vegas, which takes place the first week in November.

Ford has been busy working with aftermarket companies, to create seven unique F-150s, that will be showcased at the event. Check out a brief overview of each one below:

• MRT TKO: A Plymouth, Michigan-based shop designed this F-150 with an EcoBoost V6 engine, a lowered suspension, limited-slip differential, and a roll cage. 
  
  
• Leer Edition Outdoorsman: A company known for tonneau covers and fiberglass bed caps, comes this edition of the Crew Cab F-150. Complete with side windows matched to the color of the truck body, this example features a six-inch lift, 22-inch off-road tires, a leather interior, 1000-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo, and LED rock light kits. 
  
  
• Roush Performance: A true powerhouse with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that boasts 650 horsepower, this version from Roush has a lowered suspension, and will likely be sold at select franchised Ford dealers in the future.
  
  
• CGS Performance: Featuring thin Pirelli P Zero tires, this F-150 designed by the California-based shop includes a cat-back exhaust, Leer tonneau cover, custom hood, and a PML differential cover. 
  
  
• Airdesign USA: A company that specializes in bolt-on exterior accessories, this F-150 features fender vents, door moldings, fender flares, and a hood scoop - all which were custom made.
  
  
• Forgiato: Large 24-inch wheels are the central focus on this F-150, which also includes a Rancho six-inch lift kit, body modifications, and a tonneau cover. 
  
  
• Galpin Auto Sports: This modern pickup truck features custom LED headlamps, a bed-mounted spare tire, a bumper less front end, shocks, exhaust, a cold air intake, and an intercooler system. All of these come together for a F-150 that reminds us of the GT40 race car, and the old Model T, all wrapped into one unique package.

2: Volvo Announces Plans for New Hybrid and Electric Powertrains

The Swedish company announced this past week that it plans to place a major emphasis on hybrid and electric powertrains in the future. The company claims that all future Volvo vehicles will have the capability of being electric, and the brand’s first U.S. example is the plug-in hybrid XC90 T8. 

Featuring a twin-engine setup, the new XC90 T8 has a gasoline engine, and two electric drive motors, for a powerful 400 horsepower in total. This SUV can reach 60 miles per hour in just 5.3 seconds, and is the most powerful non-Polestar Volvo ever made.

The first of the XC90 T8 models should be available in the United States around Thanksgiving.

3: Volkswagen’s Sporty Convertible Returns to U.S.

The Volkswagen Golf Cabrio is a sporty convertible coupe, that has not been available in the U.S. market since 2002. The decision to once again sell the Golf Cabrio here in the United States was made, in order to fill the gap left by the end of the Volkswagen Eos model.

The new Golf Cabriolet is expected to feature multiple powertrain offerings, including TDI models. It is unclear when the new Golf Cabriolet will actually go on sale in the U.S., but industry experts speculate that it can be as soon as next fall.

4: Ford’s Latest F-150 Raptor Spec Spotted

Ford unveiled its concept for the all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor pickup truck at the Detroit Auto Show last year. The model that Ford first showcased, is markedly different than the version most recently spotted on a disguised road test.

The latest 2017 F-150 Raptor prototype includes the model’s new front fascia, that features “F-O-R-D” spelled out on the center of the all-black mesh grille, unique to the Raptor model. The prototype shows that the new Raptor will include new front and rear fenders, and large off-road tires on black, six-spoke wheels. 

This beast of a pickup will hit dealerships in Fall of 2016. 

5: General Motor’s Diesel Models are On Track

With the negativity surrounding the Volkswagen diesel-emissions scandal, the U.S. auto industry and the future of diesel vehicles has been in question. General Motors recently announced that they have no plans to stop production, or the future release of new diesel models. 

The automotive conglomerate has plans to release the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel for the 2017 model year, and that VW’s missteps have no impact on the company’s intentions to move forward. 

GM also has plans to offer diesel engines in the Cadillac lineup, which remain unchanged. The luxury brand from General Motors is currently designing four and six-cylinder turbo diesel engines, for both the European and North American market. There are no official release dates for the diesel variations of the Cadillac lineup, but GM promises that plans are moving forward.

NowCar Has You Covered

NowCar is not only the best place to fully purchase your new car, truck, or SUV online, we are also a reliable source of automotive news.

Be sure to regularly check our blog to keep up on what is happening in the automotive industry. We know that you are busy, so we hope that our concise coverage of important topics help you stay on top of the news, without sacrificing a large chunk of your day.