Monthly Archives: May 2019

GM to Invest $24m Expanding Full-Size Truck Production

Posted on 31 May 2019 by Ken Zino

Combined sales of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab pickups, which launched in the second half of 2018, were up a claimed 20% in Q1 of 2019 versus a year ago. However, total sales of Silverado and Sierra were off 15%. Continue reading →

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Ferrari SF90 Stradale – a New Production +$500,000 Supercar

Posted on 30 May 2019 by Ken Zino

The SF90 is immoderate on every level because it delivers unprecedented performance for a production car. Figures such as 1000 horsepower with three electric motors helping and 390 kg of downforce at 250 km/h not only put the SF90 Stradale at the top of its segment, but also means that a V8 is the top-of-the-range model for the first time in the marque’s history. It can travel up to 15.5 miles (25 km) in zero-emissions electric power only – making legal in cities that ban use of conventional gasoline engines.  Continue reading →

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INFINITI Leaves Hong Kong for Yokohama in EV Reorg

Posted on 29 May 2019 by Ken Zino

The relocation is an attempt to address a disconnect with
global design, research and development and manufacturing functions based in
Japan. This connection is said to crucial as INFINITI ramps up development of
its battery electric and e-POWER offerings. Continue reading →

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BMW North America Appoints Uwe Dreher to VP Marketing

Posted on 29 May 2019 by Ken Zino

 A 17-year employee of the BMW Group, Dreher is said to have a wide range of marketing expertise with positions both at headquarters in Munich and abroad. He started with the company in 2002 working on brand management with MINI at the time of the relaunch of the brand. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Shows Performance Control for Commercial EVs

Posted on 28 May 2019 by Ken Zino

The ability to calculate the gross weight of a moving vehicle in theory means that an electric vehicle’s torque output can be optimized to maximize estimated remaining range. This reduces potential wheel spin and reduced traction when a vehicle is carrying less payload, increasing commercial efficiency. The new technology also allows for changes in torque output based on topography, altering the amount of torque needed to propel a vehicle uphill based on its gross. Continue reading →

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BMW Honors Designer Marcello Gandini

Posted on 28 May 2019 by Ken Zino

Like many Italian show cars of the 1960s and 1970s, the original BMW Garmisch was developed by Bertone as an independent design proposal intended to demonstrate the studio’s creativity. Continue reading →

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Renault’s Board of Directors to Study with FCA the Merger

Posted on 27 May 2019 by Ken Zino

“After careful review of the terms of FCA’s friendly proposal, the Board of Directors decided to study with interest the opportunity of such a business combination, comforting Groupe Renault’s manufacturing footprint and creating additional value for the Alliance,” Renault said in a carefully worded statement. Continue reading →

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Groupe Renault Board Meeting Now on FCA Merger Bid

Posted on 27 May 2019 by Ken Zino

Based on FCA and Groupe Renault’s 2018 global sales, the combined company would be #4 in North America, #2 in EMEA and #1 in Latin America and would have the increased resources necessary to grow its footprint in the APAC region. On a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results, the combined company’s annual revenues would be nearly €170 billion with operating profit of more than €10 billion and net profit of more than €8 billion. Continue reading →

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Pagenaud Driving a Chevrolet for Penske Wins Indy 500

Posted on 27 May 2019 by Ken Zino

It truly was a Memorial Day Classic, having survived Tony George’s best attempts to kill the race with the ill-fated Indy Racing League fiasco. Nonetheless, the series, which used to dominate the sports pages during May is now only one racing event alongside the F1 Monaco Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes-Benz) and NASCAR’s 600-mile Charlotte race (Martin Truex in a Toyota won). Continue reading →

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Carvana Ups Size, Price of Common Offering. Results Unknown

Posted on 25 May 2019 by Ken Zino

The offering is subject to customary closing conditions. Wells Fargo Securities, Citigroup and Deutsche Bank Securities acted as book-running managers for the proposed offering. Continue reading →

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All Chevrolet Front Row at Start of 103rd Indianapolis 500

Posted on 24 May 2019 by Ken Zino

A possible sentimental hero to Andretti fans sees Marco’s No. 98 U.S. Concrete/Curb Honda sporting the same Day-Glo red livery that Mario had in 1969. The Andretti Herta entry has been fast, qualifying 10th for Sunday’s race on the famed 2.5-mile oval. Continue reading →

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Department of Self Interest: American Millennials Love Sedans

Posted on 23 May 2019 by Ken Zino

According to a survey, respondents who don’t currently own a sedan,would consider buying one (78%), and younger respondents reported an even higher like for the body style. Nissan recently unveiled its latest sedan, the all-new Versa, which is new inside and with technology not generally seen in the sub-compact class. It’s a large investment in what is a fading segment. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. A £300K Movie Prop

Posted on 22 May 2019 by Ken Zino

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bond films, 50 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service DBS Superleggera special edition cars will be sold. Painted Olive Green to match the original 1969 Aston Martin DBS driven by James Bond in the movie, DBS Superleggera has (marketing babble alert) “a new level of brutish elegance.” Continue reading →

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Chrysler Recalls 400,000 Ram Trucks for Tailgate Openings

Posted on 21 May 2019 by Ken Zino

The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving. If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash. Continue reading →

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European Reservations Open for Electric Honda e

Posted on 21 May 2019 by Ken Zino

Honda claims the official naming and the opening of the reservation process is the next step in the Honda e journey and the path to 100% electrification of Honda’s model range in Europe by 2025. Continue reading →

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