Inside the Industry

Ford Next launches flexible lease pilot – Ford Drive



New pilot program creates flexible
electric solutions for Uber drivers

(June 2, 2023) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Next is collaborating with Uber to deliver a new lease option for rideshare drivers going electric. Called Ford Drive, the pilot program offers flexible access to Ford Mustang Mach-E models and has launched in San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Ford Drive’s Los Angeles vehicle deliveries began this week.

New over-the-air update improves Apple CarPlay experience in Volvo cars



(June 2, 2023) Volvo's latest over-the-air update makes the infotainment system even better for Apple CarPlay users, arriving to Volvo cars globally with Google built-in. The most notable improvement in this update is that Apple Maps and other supported navigation apps are becoming available in the driver display, just behind the steering wheel.



Honda engine plant in Ohio produces 30-millionth engine



(June 1, 2023)  ANNA, Ohio — Honda is celebrating production of the 30 millionth engine built by associates at the company’s Anna Engine Plant in Ohio with the production of the newly refined 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, which is part of the two-motor hybrid-electric system that powers Honda Accord and CR-V hybrid-electric models. The Anna plant, Honda’s largest engine plant in the world, is now preparing to retool to add production of the casings for the battery modules that will power Honda and Acura EVs made in Ohio.

Toyota ramps up commitment to electrification



(June 1, 2023) PLANO, Texas — Advancing its commitment to vehicle electrification and building where it sells, Toyota will assemble an all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV at Toyota Kentucky starting in 2025. The company’s first U.S.-assembled BEV will be powered by batteries from Toyota North Carolina. The new battery plant, which is currently under construction, will receive an additional $2.1 billion investment to support the company’s drive toward carbon neutrality.

Ford expands Mobile Service capacity with Escape vehicles



(May 31, 2023) DEARBORN, Mich. — With increased demand for remote services, Ford has announced it’s expanding its Mobile Service program to now include Escape SUVs, allowing customers at its smaller-volume dealers more convenient options for vehicle service. Ford is planning to have nearly 1,000 Escape SUVs to be used as Mobile Service vehicles by year’s end, giving smaller-volume dealers a more affordable way to deliver Mobile Service and larger dealers a way to supplement their existing fleets. 

Mecum Auctions to host 'world’s largest' Road Art auction June 20-25



(May 31, 2023) WALWORTH, Wis. — Mecum Auctions will host The World’s Largest Road Art Auction at its company headquarters in Walworth June 20-25 with an estimated 3,000 neon, tin and wooden signs, gas pumps and globes, pedal cars, posters and more on offer. The auction joins Mecum’s list of other annual record-sized events, including the world’s largest collector car auction held in Kissimmee, Fla., and the world’s largest vintage and antique motorcycle auction held in Las Vegas.

Black Badge Cullinan 'Blue Shadow' — A journey to the Edge of Space



(May 31, 2023) Rolls-Royce has presented the Black Badge Cullinan "Blue Shadow' Private Collection, exploring the beauty and mystery of space. For this unique creation, leading Rolls-Royce designers drew inspiration from the Kármán Line, the invisible boundary 62 miles above the Earth's surface, where our planet’s atmosphere ends and outer space begins.

2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible owners can add customization



(May 30, 2023) PLANO, Texas — For the first time, customers can customize their own 2024 LC 500 Convertible with the new Bespoke Build option while also utilizing enhanced technology and convenience features including Lexus Interface displayed on a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. The LC 500 Convertible also offers new color options including Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 and Copper Crest (exterior) and Dark Rose (interior).

Porsche introduces support for Apple Maps EV routing



(May 30, 2023) ATLANTA — Taycan owners can now use Apple Maps EV Routing to plan their journey. In conjunction with Apple, Porsche Digital Inc. has enabled the ability for US-based customers to navigate and route-plan using Apple Maps within Apple CarPlay. That means drivers no longer need to exit the CarPlay ecosystem in order to plot a route that includes charging stops.

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron brings sophisticated, seamless electrification



Audi’s flagship electric SUV evolves,
refining driving experience, usability



(May 30, 2023) HERNDON, Va. — Providing the most sophisticated and seamless electrification experience within the Audi portfolio, the new 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron has been refined with increased driving range, higher-power and faster charging capabilities, and improved driving dynamics compared to the prior model.