June 2020

Toyota, MIT share autonomous driving research with public

(June 15, 2020) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — How can we train self‐driving vehicles to have a deeper awareness of the world around them? Can computers learn from past experiences to recognize future patterns that can help them safely navigate new and unpredictable situations?

These are some of the questions researchers from the Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT) AgeLab at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics and the Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) are trying to answer by sharing an innovative new open dataset called DriveSeg.

Ford launches Transit Active and Trail series in Europe

(June 15, 2020) DUNTON, U.K., — Ford has announced new rough-road-capable Trail and Active variants for the Transit and Tourneo ranges, available to order now for delivery in late summer in Great Britain.

The new Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail models have been designed specifically to operate in tougher working environments, with the enhanced traction of a new mechanical limited-slip differential (mLSD) on front-wheel drive Transit and Transit Custom variants, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on Transit.

Chevrolet Performance introduces new 570-hp LS42/570 crate engine

(June 15, 2020) DETROIT — Chevrolet Performance today announced the all-new LS427/570 crate engine — an enhanced version of the production-based LS7 7.0L engine that offers more horsepower, more torque and, thanks to a simpler wet-sump oiling system, easier installation.

Porsche announces high-horsepower variants to 2021 Cayenne lineup

(June 13, 2020) ATLANTA, Ga. — Porsche has announced two new model variants to the Cayenne lineup — the 2021 Cayenne GTS and Cayenne GTS Coupe. The highly sporty new models mark the return of a V8 engine to the GTS. The Porsche-developed 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which is shared with the Panamera GTS, generates 453 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque.

Ford, Volkswagen sign agreements for joint projects on EVs, autonomous driving

(June 12, 2020) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford and Volkswagen have signed agreements that expand their global alliance to meet rapidly evolving needs of their respective customers in Europe and other regions by leveraging complementary strengths in midsize pickup trucks and commercial and electric vehicles. Plans for the agreements were first announced by Ford and Volkswagen last July.

The companies expect the alliance to enhance ownership experiences for current and future customers by more rapidly innovating vehicle offerings, incorporating relevant new technologies, delivering better utility and offering more model choices. 

Ram launches another armed forces-inspired Limited Edition truck

(June 12, 2020) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Ram Truck has announced that production of the second installment of the “Built to Serve Edition” trucks has begun at its Sterling Heights (Michigan) Assembly Plant. Ram is celebrating America's five land, sea and air-based armed forces with “Built to Serve Editions” of its popular Ram 1500 half-ton pickup truck lineup. This second installment offers a nautical-inspired theme with both Ceramic Gray and Patriot Blue exterior colors offered along with a black interior with Light Ambassador Blue accent stitching.

New electric-powered shuttles to start service in south Sacramento

(June 12, 2020) SACRAMENTO,  Calif. — The first of three new GreenPower EV Star shuttles will be put into service beginning Monday (June 15) as part of Electrify America’s more than $40 million Green Cities investments in Sacramento. The vehicles are being integrated into SacRT’s highly popular SmaRT Ride on-demand micro-shuttle program servicing the Franklin-South Sacramento communities.

BMW launches second generation of hybrid X5 plug-in Sports Activity Vehicle

(June 12, 2020) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW has launched the second generation plug-in hybrid X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, the newest addition to the U.S. X5 lineup. The U.S. X5 xDrive45e The U.S. X5 xDrive45e arrives with a SULEV Super ultra-low emissions vehicle rating which can bring additional benefits in states which offer special consideration to drivers of electrified vehicles, such as high occupancy lane access stickers.

BMW Manufacturing achieves historic 5 million milestone on June 4

(June 11, 2020) SPARTANBURG, S.C — BMW Manufacturing achieved another milestone on June 4 with production of the five millionth BMW built in the United States. The historic vehicle is a Toronto Red Metallic BMW X5 M Competition equipped with a 617-horsepower M TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine, Silverstone Full Merino Leather interior and 21/22-inch M Star-spoke bi-color wheels. Due to its historic significance, this X5 M Competition will remain at the factory and become part of the BMW historic collection.
 

Ford launches its first Spin scooter rental business in Germany

(June 11, 2020) COLOGNE, Germany  —  Spin, the company that pioneered the modern regulatory framework for stationless mobility, today launches its first international market in Cologne, Germany. The following week Spin will follow the successful launch in Cologne with launches in two additional German cities, Dortmund and Essen. The pricing structure – €0.30 per minute (34 cents) with no fee to unlock a ride lowers the barrier to entry for an even more affordable way to commute short distances or visit multiple destinations within a given time period.