January 2020

Nearly 700,000 Toyota, Lexus vehicles recalled over fuel pump issue

(January 17, 2020) Toyota Motor North America will recall 696,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles from the 2018-19 model years in the United States equipped with a fuel pump that might stop working and could lead to a potential stall, the automaker said.

According to Toyota, the recall involves non-hybrid powertrains from the following models — 2018-19 Lexus LS 500, GS 350, ES 350 and IS 300 sedans; LC 500, RC 350 and RC 300 coupes; LX 570, and GX 460 and RX 350 crossovers; as well as 2019 NX 300, RX 350L crossovers and GS 300 sedans.

Lexus creates moon mobility concept sketch for lunar design portfolio

(January 17, 2020) Joining an elite group of design industry luminaries, luxury automaker Lexus was selected to contribute a suite of design concept drawings to Document Journal’s prestigious portfolio. For Document Journal‘s issue No. 15, the art & fashion magazine invited a selection of the culture’s most compelling architects and designers to find their inner Major Toms and imagine human life on the moon for The Lunar Design Portfolio. How shall we live? What will it look like? What will we wear? What will we drive?

2020 Jeep lineup ready for winter with North Edition models

(January 17, 2020) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — As the bitter cold of winter moves into much of the country, Jeep is delivering new North Edition models across its lineup, with legendary 4x4 capability and a host of standard content to tackle frosty commutes.

“When winter weather hits, your Jeep SUV can be your best friend,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand. “Every Jeep 4x4 is engineered to easily tackle winter, and our new North Editions add features and technology to make winter driving even more of a pleasure.”

GM investing $6.7 million in its Tonawanda Engine Plant

(January 17, 2020) TONAWANDA, N.Y. — General Motors has announced a $6.7 million investment in its Tonawanda Engine Plant to upgrade the plant’s production systems. Of the total investment, $4.4 million is in capital investment and $2.3 million is in project expense to improve efficiencies in producing the 5.3L V8 engine used in full size trucks.

”Tonawanda Engine Plant’s talented and engaged workforce continuously strives to help our plant succeed. This investment helps expand our flexibility to make multiple products to meet customer demands,” said Plant Director Ram Ramanujam.

No turbocharging — Porsche adds 4.0-liter 394 hp six in Cayman, Boxster

(January 17, 2020) ATLANTA — Porsche is adding two new models to its mid-engine sports car range: the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. The new mid-engine sports cars are powered by a naturally-aspirated four-liter six-cylinder boxer engine developing 394 hp and 309 lb.-ft. of torque.

A pair of International trucks



A 1949 International truck (left) shares time with a 1948 model in a Texas automotive graveyard. International introduced a new generation of trucks in 1949, the first remake since before World War II. The 1949 truck can be determined by its new grille design. (Photo by Peter Hubbard)

Wages, profit sharing and benefits rise for some hourly workers at GM

(January 16, 2020) DETROIT— General Motors has announced that more than 1,350 hourly employees at its sites in the U.S. will transition from temporary to regular full-time employment during the first quarter of 2020. These employees work at 14 GM manufacturing plants and other sites in eight states, including Michigan, Indiana, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, Kansas and Kentucky.

“We are excited to welcome these employees as regular, full-time team members,” said Gerald Johnson, GM’s executive vice president of Global Manufacturing.

2021 Genesis luxury flagship SUV GV80 debuts in Seoul

(January 16, 2020) SEOUL, South Korea — Genesis officially launched the GV80, its first sport-utility vehicle this week. GV80 introduces a variety of firsts for the Genesis brand, including a six-cylinder diesel (not available in the US Market), electronically controlled suspension with road preview, and road active noise cancellation.

Petersen Museum to feature display of custom cars from James Hetfield

(January 15, 2020) LOS ANGELES — The Petersen Automotive Museum will debut a new exhibit featuring 10 custom vehicles, donated from James Hetfield’s personal collection. Opening Feb. 1 in the Bruce Meyer Family Gallery, “Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection” will celebrate Hetfield’s creativity as a world-renowned artist through his built-from-scratch custom car collection, guitars, photos and memorabilia.

Ford offering new integrated winch for 2020 F-Series Super Duty

(January 15, 2020) DEARBORN, Mich. — When the trail is blocked and there is nowhere else to go, for the first time ever on an F-Series Super Duty, the new 2020 model with the Tremor Off-Road Package can help clear the way with an available integrated electric winch.

The new Ford Performance Parts winch by Warn comes with 12,000 pounds of winching power and will be available as a factory-orderable option or dealer-installed after-sale accessory for both gas and diesel-powered Super Duty Tremor pickups.