March 2021

Ford and HP collaborate to transform 3D waste into auto parts, an industry first



(March 26, 2021) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is continuing to drive the future of automotive 3D printing, this time teaming up with HP to innovatively reuse spent 3D printed powders and parts, closing the loop and turning them into injection molded vehicle parts – an industry first. Sustainability is a priority for both iconic companies, which through joint exploration led to this unlikely, earth-friendly solution. The resulting injection molded parts are better for the environment with no compromise in the durability and quality standards Ford and its customers demand.

MINI USA announces launch of Mini Countryman Boardwalk Edition



(March 26, 2021) MINI  USA has announced the availability and U.S. pricing for the new 2022 Mini Countryman Boardwalk Edition. The latest Mini special edition offering comes well equipped and with aesthetically compelling contrasts and colors that speak to Mini enthusiasts who want to stand out and express themselves.
 
The Mini Countryman Boardwalk Edition, a Cooper S variant, has a starting price of of $39,212  including the $850 destination fee. A Cooper S ALL4 variant is also available at $41,215.

Thighs matter

Tags:

DRIVER'S SIDE DIATRIBE
By Al Vinikour   

There are some really beautiful vehicle interiors. Some have sleek center consoles while others have high-tech instrument panels and center stacks. Some others have creature comforts like lighted cupholders and ergonomically-friendly temperature controls. But some vehicle manufacturers have decided that thighs don’t matter if it interferes in any way with design.

A Skylark yard ornament



The fifth-generation compact Buick Skylark — built from 1985 through 1991 — came in two-door and four-door configurations. This circa 1989 model found resting in a North Carolina yard (note the wheels have sunk a few inches into the ground) came with a new-for-1989 3.3-liter V6 making 160 horsepower.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)


BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW C 400 X and C 400 GT



(March 25, 2021) MUNICH, Germany —  With the C 400 X in 2017 and the C 400 GT in 2018, BMW Motorrad presented two premium vehicles for the midsize scooter segment for the first time. Since then, the C 400 X has been impressing Urban Mobility segment customers with its dynamic ride characteristics, while the C 400 GT, as a Gran Turismo variant suitable for touring, stands out thanks to its enhanced range of comfort features.

Mecum Glendale 2021 auction records $42.3 million in sales


2016 Ferrari F12tdf

(March 25, 2021) WALWORTH, Wis. — Mecum Auctions, outdid itself once again, setting a new record-high sales total for its Glendale, Ariz., auction. Held March 18-20 at State Farm Stadium, the 2021 auction reached $42.3 million in overall sales totals, a more than 14% increase over Mecum’s first auction in Glendale, which itself had been a record-setting event as the highest-grossing inaugural event in company history.

Semiconductor chip shortage continues to impact auto production



(March 25, 2021) General Motors extended production cuts in North America on Wednesday due to a worldwide semiconductor chip shortage that has impacted the auto sector. GM's action followed a similar announcement Tuesday by Honda Motor Co., which said it will extend production suspensions at some North American plants into the week of March 29 due to the chip shortage and other supply chain issues.