April 2022

Honda to cut production in Japan because of chip shortage



(April 25, 2022) TOKYO — Honda is planning to cut production by about 50 percent on two lines at one of its Japan factories in early May due to chip shortages and COVID-19 lockdowns, the company said on Thursday as reported by Reuters news service. The factory in Suzuka will also slash production by half during April, expanding the scale of the cutback from an earlier announcement that it would reduce output by about a third.

2023 Kia Niro to come with three electrified powertrains



(April 25, 2022)  The next-generation subcompact Kia Niro has been designed from the ground up to meet and exceed the expectations of eco-minded consumers. With striking styling cues and a commitment to sustainability and connectivity throughout, the 2023 Niro will launch in the United States with three highly efficient, electrified powertrains: hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV).

From dream to reality — The 1972 electric T2 Bulli that inspired the VW ID. Buzz



(April 24, 2022) In 1972, Volkswagen revealed a prototype T2 Bulli, which featured an electric motor in the rear. The arrival of the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz makes that 50-year-old dream a reality. The foundations for the all-electric ID. Buzz were first laid in 1970 when Adolf Kalberlah, head of the Future Research Department, designed the first electric drive systems for Volkswagen. Two years later, and the T2-based Bulli was displayed as a prototype
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2023 BMW 7 Series — Automotive luxury and innovations for the digital era



(April 23, 2022)  BMW is leading the luxury segment into a new era that will be shaped by innovations in the fields of sustainability and digitalization. With the new BMW 7 Series, one of the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium vehicles is creating forward-looking ways to enjoy pure driving satisfaction, unsurpassed long-distance comfort, and a top-end digital experience.

Ford funds stream restoration at University of Tennessee’s Lone Oaks Farm



(April 23, 2022) MEMPHIS, Tenn. — At the 2022 Memphis International Auto Show, Ford  and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture announced an historic agreement that will propel economic development, education, and conservation throughout the mid-south. The two have signed a stream mitigation and restoration agreement that will restore the stream waters flowing through the University’s Lone Oaks Farm.

Lincoln Star Concept sets stage for three new EV's from Lincoln by 2025



(April 22, 2022) LOS ANGELES — With a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette and connected cabin experience, the Lincoln Star Concept debuted globally hinting at the brand’s design language for its future electric vehicles. Inside and out, the Lincoln Star concept introduces new design language, with Lincoln’s core tenets of beauty, human, gliding and sanctuary on full display.

Renovated Mazda Museum in Hiroshima to reopen in May



(April 22, 2022) Mazda Motor Corporation’s Museum, located in its Hiroshima (Japan) headquarters, has undergone a full renovation. The museum showcases historic vehicles and exhibits of the company’s history since its foundation more than a century ago. Due to open to the public on May 23, the museum’s spatial design and displays have seen a complete makeover with the aim of providing customers and people in the community with a space in which they can grow closer to Mazda, as well as to strengthen the museum’s role as a base for communication of the Mazda brand.

BMW’s annual Ultimate Driving Experience returns for 2022



(April 22, 2022) WOODCLIFF LAKE,  N.J.  — BMW’s annual Ultimate Driving Experience returns for 2022, welcoming BMW customers, enthusiasts, and fans back for an immersive and exciting driving experience with a wide array of BMW vehicles. Guests will have a unique opportunity to experience and test drive BMW’s newest fully-electric models — the BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle and BMW i4 Gran Coupe — as well as high-performance BMW M models, and other core BMW models from the brand’s product portfolio.