March 2022

VW unveils $7.1 billion commitment to manufacturing in North America



(March 22, 2022) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen has announced its commitment of $7.1 billion over the next five years in the North American region (NAR) to boost its product portfolio, regional R&D and manufacturing capabilities. Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., shared an update on the strategic roadmap with media. By locally integrating its combustion-engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) assembly, American-focused engineering, battery know-how, and software development, Volkswagen aims to drive 55% of U.S. sales to be fully-electric by 2030.

Honda opens new world-class wind tunnel in Ohio



(March 22, 2022) Honda has opened its new $124 million state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility, ushering in a new era of development testing capabilities for Honda and Acura products, as well as the company's race vehicles. The new Honda Automotive Laboratories of Ohio (HALO) facility, located at the independent Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC) in Central Ohio, is the world's most advanced wind tunnel, with three separate state-of-the art testing functions — aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and racing — in one location.

2022 Mercedes GLE AMG 53 — Impressively classy with tech galore



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 22, 2021) I headed east out of Casa Grande Ariz., taking the backroads home avoiding the interstate. I wanted to go slow, to savor the ride and experience. I wanted it to last. I was behind the wheel of the AMG variant of Mercedes’ mid-sized GLE SUV powered by the hand built 429-horsepower turbocharged AMG-enhanced inline 6-cylinder and paired with a 9-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission.

Back in black —Mitsubishi introduces bolder Black Edition Package



(March 21, 2022) The new trim-level continues Mitsubishi’s tradition of blacked-out appearance packages, providing shoppers with more purchase options for the brand’s award-winning flagship SUV. Carrying on a long-running tradition, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. has introduced a Black Edition trim for its best-selling 2022 Outlander model, available immediately at dealerships nationwide.

Orders now open for new 2022 Jeep RED Renegade Special Edition



(March 21 2022) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The 2022 Jeep Renegade is getting a bold appearance to match its valiant mission to donate funds that help fight global health emergencies. The new RED Renegade special edition, now available for order in the U.S., is part of a multi-brand Stellantis partnership with the RED campaign to support the critical work of the Global Fund over the next three years.
 

Volvo showcases what a future 'recharge garage' will look like



(March 21, 2022) PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Volvo Car USA has collaborated with garage design experts Garage Living and leading technology-enabled real estate brokerage Compass to conceptualize and build a tailored Recharge Garage in Palm Springs, — a vision of the possibilities an electric future can bring to our homes. The unique partnership aligns with Garage Living and Compass’ support for a sustainable future and underpins Volvo Cars’ aggressive action plan that includes full electrification by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040.

Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach Auction to feature George Shinn collection



(March 19, 20220 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barrett-Jackson has announced that American businessman and philanthropist George Shinn will auction a select offering from his expansive collection with No Reserve during the 2022 Palm Beach Auction, April 7-9, at the South Florida Fairgrounds. A diverse curation, the offering from the George Shinn Collection in Palm Beach will include more than 30 vehicles comprising originals and Resto-Mods spanning from the 1950s to the early ’70s, as well as hot rods and modern sports cars.

Operating autonomously — Javier is always on the job at Ford



(March 19, 2022) REDFORD, Mich. — At Ford’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, Javier is tasked with operating the 3D printers completely on his own. He is always on time, very precise in his movements, and he works most of the day — taking only a short break to charge up. This innovative robot on wheels from supplier KUKA, called Javier by Ford’s additive manufacturing operators, is integral to the company’s development of an industry-first process to operate 3D Carbon printers with an autonomous mobile robot rather than a fixed, stationary unit.