July 2019

BMW Spartanburg plant more than doubles battery assembly capacity

(July 24, 2019) SPARTANBURG,, S.C.  — BMW Group Plant Spartanburg has more than doubled its capacity for battery assembly prior to the debuts of the plug-in hybrid electric variants of two of its most popular models. The new, higher performing, fourth-generation batteries will be assembled on-site for the BMW X5 and BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric variants.

The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e Sports Activity Vehicle will begin production on Aug. 1. Production of the BMW X3 xDrive30e will begin in December.

Mazda Toyota manufacturing sets diversity spend goal on new plant

(July 24, 2019) HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — With construction well underway on its vehicle assembly plant in Limestone County, Ala., Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. (MTMUS) announced that it aims to achieve at least 20 percent total diversity spend with certified minority and women-owned business enterprises (MBE/WBE) on plant construction.

Construction sourcing has progressed and includes recent awards to diverse companies such as Aristeo Construction, a certified WBE general contractor, and Indiana Bridge, a MBE structural steel supplier.

First BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe dons unusual outfit for final testing

(July 24, 2019) MUNICH, Germany — The finishing touches are currently being applied to the first ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe as part of its final testing phase. And the new four-door coupe for the premium compact segment has engaged in a spot of self-promotion on its calibration drives around the Munich area.

Tonawanda-built 6.2-liter small block V-8 to power 2020 Corvette

(July 24, 2019) TONAWANDA, New York — General Motors has confirmed its Tonawanda, New York, engine plant will build the company’s next-generation 6.2L Small Block V-8 engine that will power the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Production of the 2020 Corvette Stingray begins at GM’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant in late 2019. This news follows the reveal of the 2020 Corvette last week in Tustin, Calif.

All-new Lincoln Aviator introduces advanced suspension system

(July 23, 2019) DEARBORN, Mich. — Road trips and every day driving can easily turn into a tiring journey, especially when the roads get a little rough. But with intuitive technology such as Lincoln-first Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview debuting in the all-new Aviator, a road trip can become an inspiring journey of effortless travel.

Nissan improves fuel economy in 2020 Accent; now 41 mpg highway

(July 23, 2019) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — The 2020 Hyundai Accent has a new Smartstream G1.6 Dual Port Injection (DPI) engine and a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). These changes increase Accent’s EPA estimated fuel economy to 33 mpg city, 41 highway, 36 combined, up considerably from the 28 city, 38 highway, 32 combined mpg rating with last year's 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.

Monday was a Supra kind of day — Iconic sports car goes on sale

(July 23, 2019) PLANO, Texas — Monday was the day sports car enthusiasts had been waiting for. After more than 20 years of anticipation, fans can now purchase the fifth-generation 2020 Toyota GR Supra at Toyota dealerships across the country. The all-new Supra features a blend of power, precision, and agility. It pays homage to its predecessors with its twin-scroll turbo charged in-line six, rear-wheel-drive design, low center of gravity, and optimal weight balance. 

Cadillac can ease stress of public parking with new embedded capability

(July 22, 2019) DETROIT — Eligible Cadillac drivers can enjoy the convenience of locating, reserving and paying for parking from their in-vehicle touchscreen before reaching their destination, bringing a new level of luxury to every drive. The new parking capability, powered by ParkWhiz (an Arrive brand), is now included in Cadillac Marketplace, the industry’s first in-vehicle commerce platform.

#ROADtoIMM19: Driving to the International Mini Meeting 2019

(July 22, 2019) BRISTOL, England — The port city of Bristol will become the hotspot for fans of the classic Mini from Aug. 8 to11. This year, the annual International Mini Meeting (IMM) will be dedicated to a celebration of the landmark 60th anniversary for the brand.

At the festival site in the Easter Compton area, fans celebrating the anniversary are expected from all over the world. Many of them will be traveling to the meet in a classic Mini or a modern MiniI.