News archive

December 2021

2022 Hyundai Tucson adds Rugged XRT trim



(December 9, 2021) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai has announced the addition of a rugged-appearance  2022 Tucson XRT trim with a bold, new look for enthusiasts. The Tucson XRT offers exterior styling attributes distinct from standard Tucson models, including XRT-exclusive wheels and special dark exterior elements.

Petersen Automotive Museum opens hypercar exhibit

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(December 9, 2021) LOS ANGELES — The Petersen Automotive Museum’s new exhibit, Hypercars: “The Allure of the Extreme,” a showcase of the fastest, most expensive and exclusive cars in the world, opened to the public on Dec. 4. Over the next 18 months, Hypercars will rotate up to 30 vehicles that highlight what hypercars stand for and why they have taken the automotive world by storm.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric SUV EPA-rated at 303-mile range

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(December 8, 2021) SAN DIEGO — Hyundai has announced the all-new IONIQ 5, an electric sport utility vehicle that features a driving range of more than 300 miles, a design inspired by Hyundai’s ‘45’ EV concept, relevant technology and best-in-class ultra-fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. IONIQ 5 rides on Hyundai’s exclusive Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that allows for more interior space and optimized performance.

Ford Bronco Sport becomes first to feature 100% recycled ocean plastic

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(December 9, 2021) DEARBORN,  Mich. — Consumer products made from recycled ocean plastics include everything from sunglasses and T-shirts to running shoes and yarn. Now, Ford is adding to its legacy as a leader in sustainability and is the first automaker to use 100% recycled ocean plastics to produce automotive parts.

Jeep lookalikes

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Someone looking for a couple of Jeep lookalikes for the purpose of restoration might consider these two candidates from an Arizona salvage yard. The vehicle on the left looks like a Jeep — we are sure it is not — and on the right, an early 1980s Suzuki SJ30. We think they would make a handsome restored pair in someone's collection of unusual vehicles. (Photo by Jim Prueter)

BrightDrop opens its first dealership

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(December 8, 2021) DETROIT —  BrightDrop has announced the opening of its first dealership, BrightDrop Greater Los Angeles in Fontana, Calif., marking another step toward commercialization of the company’s electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) for integration into customer fleets before the end of the year.

GM to invest more than $51 million at Bedford Aluminum Casting Facility

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(December 8, 2021) WARREN, Mich. — General Motors has announced plans to invest more than $51 million to install state-of-the-art equipment at its Bedford, Ind., aluminum die casting foundry to support the manufacture of drive unit castings for the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV and other current casting applications. The all-electric Silverado, powered by the Ultium Platform, will debut on Jan. 5, 2022 at CES.

BMW celebrates delivery of one-millionth electrified vehicle

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(December 8, 2021) MUNICH, Germany —  BMW Group has celebrated the delivery of its one-millionth electrified vehicle before the end of the year. Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales, handed over the milestone vehicle, a BMW iX xDrive40 to its owner at BMW Welt on Dec. 6.
 

Toyota selects North Carolina site for new automotive battery plant

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(December 7, 2021) LIBERTY, N.C. — N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper and Liberty mayor Filmore York of Liberty, joined Toyota Motor North America’s leaders to announce Greensboro-Randolph Megasite has been chosen as the location for Toyota’s new $1.29 billion automotive battery manufacturing plant, to be named, Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC).