November 2017

Tesla unveils electric big-rig truck; claims production to start in 2019

(November 18, 2017) Tesla on Thursday unveiled its long awaited electric big-rig truck, which the company said includes semi-autonomous driving features. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said during a rally in Los Angeles that his company’s electric trucks will have a 500-mile driving range at maximum weight and highway speed and they will be capable of going from zero to 60 miles per hour in five seconds, or 20 seconds if they are carrying an 80,000-pound load.

Musk said production of the Tesla electric truck is scheduled to begin in 2019.

How a piece of duct tape improved handling and efficiency in 2018 Mustang

(November 19, 2017) In the data-driven, computer-monitored world of vehicle testing, sometimes there is no replacing the human touch. Ford engineers Jonathan Gesek and Mike Del Zio are proof that both the objective and subjective remain integral parts of car development.

Chevrolet offers Corvette Carbon 65 for auction to benefit veterans

(November 17, 2017) DETROIT — GM and Chevrolet are teaming up with the George W. Bush Presidential Center to honor and support those who have served and sacrificed to protect the security and freedom of all Americans.

On Jan. 20, Chevrolet will offer the first retail production Corvette Carbon 65 Edition coupe, signed by President George W. Bush, for auction at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Ford reconfirms its commitment to Spain with $870 million investment

(November 17, 2017) VALENCIA, Spain — Ford is investing more than $870 million in to build the next-generation Ford Kuga medium-sized Sports Utility Vehicle in Valencia, Spain. The new investment brings the total sum invested in Ford’s Valencia operations to around $3.5 billion since 2011.

“This major investment of more than $870 million reconfirms in the clearest way our continuing commitment to the Valencia region and to Spain as one of our most important manufacturing locations in Europe,” said Steven Armstrong, president and CEO, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid pricing to start at $34,290

(November 17, 2017) SAN FRANCISCO — Just in time for the holidays, the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will go on sale December 1, 2017 at dealerships nationwide. The midsize plug-in hybrid starts at $34,290 including destination charge with highly equipped standard equipment, and is offered with a Touring trim for $37,490.

"The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid takes a big step forward in bringing Honda electrified vehicles into the mainstream with no compromise to performance, range or comfort," said Ray Mikiciuk, assistant vice president of Honda Automobile Sales.

Cutting edge thinking in cancer treatment and car making

(November 16, 2017) BRENTWOOD, Essex, UK — After being diagnosed with cancer, Mike Butler was fascinated by the process through which patients were treated – but saw an opportunity to introduce practices from the car manufacturing facility, where he works, so that it might run more smoothly.

Working together with his colleagues, at the Ford assembly plant, in Cologne, Germany, quality director Butler and the team researched and proposed changes that are now being implemented as part of what is expected to become Europe’s biggest dedicated cancer unit.

Re-engineered, refined Mazda6 to debut at L.A. Auto Show

(November 16, 2017) HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda has announced it will unveil a thoroughly re-engineered and refined Mazda6 sedan (known as Mazda Atenza in Japan) at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The show is open to the public from Dec. 1-10.

The Mazda6 is the flagship of Mazda’s passenger car lineup. The development team’s goal for this round of updates, the third since the model was fully redesigned in 2012, was to enhance the daily lives of people who love cars, incorporating premium details and new engineering concepts and technologies based on Mazda’s human-centered design philosophy.

Toyota recalls certain C-HR and Prius Plug-In Hybrid vehicles

(November 16, 2017) PLANO, Texas — Toyota has announced that it is conducting separate safety recalls in the U.S. of approximately 28,600 model year 2018 C-HR vehicles and approximately 39,900 model year 2012 - 2015 Prius Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
 

Hyundai says it will release eight new crossover vehicles by 2020

(November 16, 2017) SUPERIOR TWP., Mich. — Hyundai Motor America has announced its commitment to debut eight new or re-engineered crossover utility vehicles in the United States by 2020. The announcement came during a press conference at the Hyundai America Technical Center Wednesday.