News archive

April 2020

Karma Automotive develops new power inverter to enhance EV charging

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(April 7, 2020) IRVINE, Calif.  —  Karma Automotive, the Southern California-based high-tech incubator and creator of luxury electric vehicles, has entered the final stage of development for two new Silicon Carbide (SiC) Inverters to enhance electric mobility charging.

The new SiC traction inverters are engineered in-house by Karma’s Powertrain Power Electronics team, in collaboration with the Power Electronic System Laboratory at University of Arkansas (PESLA). Engineered to deliver enhanced efficiency and performance, the SiC traction inverters will be used in both future Karma vehicles and company partners.

Petersen Automotive Museum pivot to digital; supports staff during closure

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(April 7, 2020) LOS ANGELES — Since closing to the public on March 20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Petersen Automotive Museum has launched innovative programs to educate enthusiasts and students worldwide. While several museums have been forced to lay off or furlough staff, the museum is producing new content almost daily and continuing to pay its staff thanks to the leadership and support of its board of directors.

Mini USA postpones MINI TAKES THE STATES to summer 2021

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(April 6, 2020) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Mini USA announced today the official postponement of MINI TAKES THE STATES. The legendary road rally for MINI owners, which was set to take place from July 18 – 26 will be rescheduled for summer 2021.



“For the benefit of our Mini community and everyone that we’d come in contact with along the journey, in the cities and towns and on the back roads, we have made this very difficult and emotional decision.” said Mike Peyton, vice president, Mini of the Americas. “We know that this is truly disappointing news to our Mini community, as it is for the entire MINI USA team and to our partners who work tirelessly for months to make MINI TAKES THE STATES an amazing adventure.

U.S. troops liberated Volkswagen plant 75 years ago

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(April 6, 2020) WOLFSBURG, Germany  — 75 years ago, on April 11, 1945, US troops liberated the Volkswagen plant and the city then known as “Stadt des KdF-Wagens” which was later named Wolfsburg to the south of Mittellandkanal. At the Volkswagen plant, about 7,700 forced laborers were freed. Over the eight weeks that followed, the Americans made groundbreaking decisions for the future of the people, the city and the plant. The brief but marked intermezzo of US military rule laid the foundations for democracy, freedom and reconstruction in the region.

Strict protocols in place to protect health of GM workers building ventilators

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(April 6, 2020) KOKOMO,  Ind. — General Motors Co. is actively training employees at the company’s Kokomo plant in the extensive screening, cleaning and other CDC-recommended procedures that will be in place when volume production of Ventec Life Systems’ critical care ventilator begins in less than two weeks. Among the employees is UAW Local 292 member Debbie Hollis of Kokomo.

Audi RS 3 Nardo Edition turns grey skies blue

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(April 6, 2020) HERNDON, Va. — Audi of America has announced that the popular RS 3 will now be available in a special Nardo edition, now arriving at dealerships. As the first compact Audi sedan to wear the RS badge, the RS 3 delivers unrivaled performance and a high level of everyday functionality. Building on the success of this model, RS 3 Nardo edition delivers maximum performance for true automotive enthusiasts with a passion for driving.

Mazda honors centennial with 100th Anniversary Special Edition series

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(April 6, 2020) HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation in January celebrated its 100th anniversary. Mazda is humbled by the strong support from so many people all over the world, from enthusiastic fans, passionate engineers and designers, and all others who have supported the brand. To express the years of appreciation, Mazda has announced 100th Anniversary Special Edition models.

Mazda looks to its fans to understand the best way its vehicles can help enrich their lives, focusing on every detail that will heighten the ownership experience.

Hyundai provides more information on the Prophecy Concept EV

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(April 5, 2020) Hyundai has revealed more details of its Prophecy Concept EV. Prophecy received its digital premiere last month. Rather than being a pure concept, its name refers to the fact that this vehicle teasers ideas and features Hyundai will develop in the future.

Prophecy is inspired by the vintage cars of the 1920s and 30s, with a smooth, coupe-like design. Sweeping curves and smooth lines set it apart from the angular 45, another Hyundai concept car which debuted at the IAA in 2019.

Hyundai extends original warranties that expire between March and June


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(April 4, 2020) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor Company has launched a warranty extension policy for its vehicles worldwide, which includes America’s Best Warranty for customers in the United States. The program aims to support Hyundai customers who may face difficulties in getting vehicles serviced and repaired during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The new BMW R 18 — Supreme cruiser with historical roots

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(April 4, 2020) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad now enters the cruiser segment. Like no other BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles — both technically and in terms of design style. It borrows from famous models such as the BMW R 5 both technologically and visually, shifting the focus back onto the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicenter of riding pleasure.