February 2022

Toyota Research Institute pushes vehicle’s capabilities to advance active safety



(February 3, 2022) LOS ALTOS, Calif. —  Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has demonstrated a new research milestone in autonomy, providing a glimpse into the future of safer mobility for all. As revealed in the video below, TRI researchers successfully programmed a vehicle to autonomously drift around obstacles on a closed track — a world first.

Pre-World War II Chevy truck



This 1941 Chevrolet truck found in Nevada represents Chevy's last new truck design before production was suspended for World War II. Production of the truck for public use was restarted for the 1946 and 1947 model years.
(Photo by Jim Prueter)

Unique Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ exhibits Swedish EV engineering expertise



(February 2, 2022) Polestar engineers its vehicles in extreme conditions in various places around the world — from the searing heat of Arizona in the United States to the bitter cold of northern Sweden. As a Swedish premium EV manufacturer, it is this especially cold environment where Polestar’s engineering expertise comes to the fore and sets the brand apart.

SEMA emissions certification program helps manufacturers



(February 2, 2022) DIAMOND BAR, Calif.  —  SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) has introduced a new program to make it possible for automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers to meet the legal requirement for emissions compliance under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tampering Policy. The program, called SEMA Certified-Emissions (SC-E), gives manufacturers the ability to verify that a product meets the EPA’s “reasonable basis” criteria and is therefore legal for sale in 49 states.

Healthy collector car market — Barrett-Jackson auction sales hit $203.2 million


2004 Porsche Carrera GT selss for $1.98 million

(February 2, 2022) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barrett-Jackson has ignited the collector car market with the company’s most successful collector car auction in its 50-year history. In total,1,857 vehicles sold for over $195.9 million, while 1,153 pieces of automobilia brought in over $7.3 million, bringing the total auction sales to more than $203.2 million with a 100-percent sell-through rate and over 140 world-record auction sales achieved.

BMW increases use of low-carbon steel at European plants



(February 1, 2022) MUNICH, Germany —  The BMW Group continues to reduce CO2 emissions in its supplier network as part of its ambitious ongoing sustainability activities. Steel produced using natural gas or hydrogen and green power, instead of fossil resources like coal, makes a vital contribution to this. The BMW Group has now signed a corresponding agreement with Salzgitter AG for delivery of low-carbon steel.

Kia America drops 15-second tease of 'robo dog' Super Bowl spot



(February 1, 2022) IRVINE, Calif., — Kia America has released 15-second teaser of the brand’s Super Bowl ad featuring the all-new, all-electric Kia EV6 and an adorable — and remarkably curious — robotic dog that embarks on a journey to find its true companion.