Inside the Industry

All-new 2024 Kona advances Hyundai's electrification vision



(March 8, 2023) SEOUL — Hyundai held a digital world premiere this week to unveil the all-new Kona, an upscaled multiplayer in the B-SUV segment, led by an all-electric variant (EV) that offers advanced safety and convenience features and class-leading range of 304 miles. The second-generation Kona offers one of the most comprehensive product packages in the B-SUV segment, including the widest range of powertrains. 

All-new Dodge Hornet takes the country by 'swarm'



(March 7, 2023) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — There’s been an increasing buzz of activity across the Dodge brand’s social media channels leading up to the release of the the brand’s new marketing campaign, “Swarming the Nation,” officially introducing the all-new Dodge Hornet. This week the Dodge brand revealed its full 90-second commercial for the all-new vehicle.

Honda reveals new prototype Autonomous Work Vehicle



(March 7, 2023) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda will showcase the new capabilities of its latest generation prototype Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) to improve construction industry and worksite efficiencies at CONEXPO 2023 in Las Vegas March 14-18. The fully programmable all-electric Honda AWV leverages the company's emerging advanced autonomous technology to create a rugged off-road work vehicle that is designed to support construction-related activities and enhance workforce productivity. 

Toyota recalls 144,000 Tundra pickups over tonneau cover issue



(March 6, 2023) WASHINGTON — Toyota is recalling about 144,000 Tundra full-size pickups in North America because the tonneau covers might detach from the vehicle while driving. The recall affects certain 2022-23 Tundra pickups equipped with optional Toyota-genuine tonneau covers. Toyota said about 130,000 of the vehicles are in the U.S

AC Cars to reveal AC Cobra GT Roadster in April



(March 5, 2023) LONDON — AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer — having been in business since 1901— will fully unveil its stunning new model, the AC Cobra GT Roadster, in April with the first customers then given the opportunity to see the car for themselves at exclusive spring and summer preview events in Europe.

Ford increasing production of popular vehicles in response to demand



(March 6, 2023) DEARBORN, Mich. — Good news for the many thousands of people on waiting lists for the most popular Ford products — Ford says it is increasing production at manufacturing plants across North America to meet strong customer demand for vehicles including Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, Bronco Sport and Maverick.  The company is also preparing to launch all-new versions of four significant vehicles in 2023: Super Duty, Ranger, Mustang and Escape.  

Ford to restart F-150 Lightning production



(March 3, 2033) Ford said Thursday it will restart production of its F-150 Lightning on March 13 after it halted output of the electric truck after a battery fire in early February. Ford has not set a date for resuming deliveries. The U.S. automaker said as it "ramps up production, we will continue holding already-produced vehicles while we work through engineering and parts updates." This according to Automotive News.

Ford establishes Latitude AI to develop future automated driving technology



(March 3, 2023) PITTSBURGH — Ford has established Latitude AI, a wholly owned subsidiary focused on developing a hands-free, eyes-off-the-road automated driving system for millions of vehicles. With the formation of Latitude, Ford adds a leading team of machine learning, robotics, software, sensors, systems engineering and operations talent as the automaker grows and expands its development efforts in automated driving technology — including advancements in Ford BlueCruise, which already has accumulated more than 50 million miles of hands-free driving.

VW celebrates the iconic Type 2 Transporter class at the Amelia Concours


Volkswagen Type 2 half-track Fox

(March 3, 2023) HERNDON, Va. — This Sunday, March 5, Volkswagen’s original Type 2 Transporter will take center stage at one of the most prestigious collector-car events in the world, the Amelia Concours d’Elegance. To celebrate the upcoming North American debut of the ID. Buzz, the Concours is hosting a class for first-generation Volkswagen Type 2 Transporters.

Ford big winner in U.S. Postal Service EV contract awards



(March 2, 2023) WASHINGTON — The United States Postal Service awarded contracts today for 9,250 commercially available left-hand drive (LHD) battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as well as initial orders for more than 14,000 charging stations to be deployed at Postal Service facilities. These awards are consistent with the vehicle electrification strategy announced by USPS in December.