News archive

March 2017

Ford tests large-scale 3D printing with light-weighting in mind

Tags:

(March 7, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is exploring how large-scale one-piece auto parts, like spoilers, could be printed for prototyping and future production vehicles, as the first automaker to pilot the Stratasys Infinite Build 3D printer.

Capable of printing automotive parts of practically any shape or length, the Stratasys Infinite Build system could be a breakthrough for vehicle manufacturing providing a more efficient, affordable way to create tooling, prototype parts and components for low-volume vehicles such as Ford Performance products, as well as personalized car parts.

Honda invests nearly $150 million in 10-speed transmission production

Tags:

(March 7, 2017) TALLAPOOSA, Ga. — Honda this week launched global production of a new, state-of-the-art 10-speed automatic transmission at Honda Precision Parts of Georgia (HPPG) in Tallapoosa. Honda also announced that it has invested nearly $150 million in two U.S. manufacturing plants for production of the industry's first 10-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive vehicles.

GM agrees to sell Opel, Vauxhall to French automaker PSA

Tags:

(March 6, 2017) General Motors and PSA Group today announced an agreement under which GM’s Opel/Vauxhall subsidiary and GM Financial’s European operations will join the PSA Group in a transaction valuing these activities at 1.3 billion euros and 0.9 billion euros, ($1.37 billion and $.95 billion) respectively.

With the addition of Opel/Vauxhall, which generated revenue of 17.7 billion euros in 20161, PSA (Peugeot, Citroen) will become the second-largest automotive company in Europe, with a 17% market share.

Chiron reaches half-way point as Bugatti reports 250th order

Tags:

(March 6, 2017) GENEVA — One year after the world premiere of the Chiron in Geneva, Bugatti draws a positive balance. Half of the total series of 500 vehicles have already found a buyer — even without test drives. At the end of March, the French super sports car brand is inviting its customers to a central test drive event.

With 37 percent of all sales, Europe is the strongest region, as was the case with the Veyron, followed by North America with 30 percent of orders to date. The Middle East, with 26 percent, is another key traditional market for Bugatti.

Mercedes-Benz continues worldwide growth in February

Tags:

(March 6, 2017) STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz grew at a double-digit rate in February selling 153,862 vehicles, an increase of 15% over February 2016. Unit sales in the first two months of 2017 increased compared with the prior-year period by 16.8% to 332,329 vehicles. Thanks to the strong sales figures, the Stuttgart-based company posted new best figures both for February and for the first two months.

A great hotel, excellent bourbon, and the redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass

Tags:

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(March 6, 2017) I'm not the kind of guy who raves about this or that hotel. I stay in a lot of hotels, spas and resorts all over the place. Most of them are truly high-end properties that excel in pampering their guests. Generally, carmakers take very good care of us when hosting a media event. I'm not jaded by any stretch of the imagination.

Infiniti to unveil new Q50 with innovative driver assistance technologies

Tags:

(March 5, 2017) HONG KONG — The new Infiniti Q50 premium sports sedan will make its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show this week featuring innovative technologies that empower and support the driver, taking a holistic approach to performance.

As the company's core brand-building model and best-selling vehicle worldwide, Infiniti has already introduced a number of world-first innovations with the Q50, making empowering technologies accessible to a large number ofInfiniti customers.

Infiniti continues global momentum with record February sales

Tags:

(March 4, 2017) HONG KONG — Infiniti had the best February sales month in its history with 20,114 vehicles sold globally, a 21 percent increase versus the same month last year. This follows last month's record January sales. The U.S., Mexico, Western Europe, China and Australia all achieved their best February sales month as well.

"Following record sales in 2016 of more than 231,000 vehicles, it is gratifying to see that customers around the world continue to appreciate the design, performance and quality they expect fromInfiniti," said Roland Krueger, president ofInfiniti Motor Company.