February 2021

Hyundai reveals IONIQ 5 mid-sized electric crossover



(February 24, 2021) SEOUL — Hyundai has launched the IONIQ 5 midsize CUV during a virtual world premiere event. As the first model in Hyundai’s new IONIQ brand dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEV), IONIQ 5 sets the benchmark to redefine the electric mobility lifestyle with sustainable and innovative features. IONIQ 5 is built upon Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated BEV architecture called Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), enabling it to have unique proportions on an elongated wheelbase.

BMW Manufacturing announces construction of new training center in S.C.



(February 23, 2021) SPARTANBURG, S.C.  — Officials of BMW Manufacturing, along with South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt, broke ground Monday for a new $20 million, 67,000 square-foot training center on the BMW campus. The investment is a continuation of BMW’s 2017 commitment to invest $200 million over five years into workforce training. When completed in the summer of 2022, the building will feature multiple classrooms for both professional development and technical training, an outdoor amphitheater, and a unique concept of outdoor meeting and workspace that includes wireless capabilities.
 

Ford recalling nearly 88,000 F-Series pickups over windshield issue



(February 23, 2021) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has announced that it's recalling nearly 88,000 2021 model year F-Series pickups with improperly bonded windshields that could come off in the event of a crash. The notice covers F-150 pickups built at the Dearborn Truck Plant from Oct. 27, 2020, to Feb. 3, 2021, as well as Super Duty pickups built at the Kentucky Truck Plant from Oct. 13, 2020, to Jan. 23, 2021.

New Toyota Tacoma TRD lift kit now available



(February 22, 2021) PLANO, Texas  — There’s no denying the popularity of Toyota Tacoma among truck enthusiasts — just look at its track record as the best-selling midsize truck for the past 16 years. Now, 2020-and-newer Tacoma owners have a suspension lift option available from Toyota Racing Development (TRD). The new Tacoma TRD Lift Kit is a dealer-installed option, providing up to a 2-inch front and 1-inch rear lift on most V6-powered 4×4 Tacomas. The kit was designed and tested by TRD engineers and is the only one validated to be compatible with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system.

Ultium Cells celebrates completion of steel building structure



(February 22, 2021) LORDSTOWN, Ohio — Ironworkers at Ultium Cells LLC’s battery cell manufacturing facility marked a construction milestone last week with the final beam installation at what will soon be a 2.8-million-square-foot operation in Lordstown, Ohio. The team hoisted and installed the final beam as part of a traditional “topping out” ceremony, where leadership and trade partner employees had the opportunity to sign the beam and participate in a photograph.

Carroll Shelby's personal Cobra 427 Super Snake to be auctioned



(February 22, 2021) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barrett-Jackson has announced that CSX 3015, the only remaining 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake built personally for Carroll Shelby, will be auctioned as part of a private collection crossing the block during the Scottsdale Auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale, March 20-27. Seventeen additional collectible vehicles from the collection will be offered with No Reserve, including a rare 1955 Ford Thunderbird VIN 005, which is the first-production Thunderbird ever sold to the public.

Morgan unleashes special project Plus 8 GTR



(February 22, 2021) MALVERN, England  — Raw, visceral, loud, and low, the Morgan Plus 8 GTR represents what the Morgan Motor Company can create when its design and engineering teams let their imaginations run wild. Limited to just nine examples, it marks the first in a line of Morgan special projects set to commence this year.

1911 Reeves Octoauto was an 8-wheel technological marvel



By Jeff Peek
Hagerty

(February 21, 2021) Eight is enough — exactly the right amount, as it turns out, when it comes to the number of wheels on a car. In 1911, Milton Reeves tested that theory with an eight-wheel vehicle he called the Octoauto. The odd-looking automobile wasn’t his first creation or his last, but it was definitely Reeves’ most significant, even though it wasn’t a financial success.