Category Archives: new vehicle

Another Crossover! Hyundai KONA Debuts at LA Auto Show

Posted on 22 November 2017 by Ken Zino

Hyundai is unveiling the US-production version of its KONA crossover at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It appears to be a thoroughly mainstream entry from a company that missed its current global forecast after years of rapid expansion. Hyundai claims … Continue reading →

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GAC Motor to Export Trumpchi Vehicles to US in late 2019

Posted on 22 November 2017 by Ken Zino

One hopes they will be suited better to their purpose than their coincidental namesake, which might not survive the ocean voyage. GAC hopes it will be the first Chinese car brand to succeed in the U.S. market, despite years of promises from other firms. Continue reading →

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Crossover Mania: 3-Row Lexus RX Debuts at Los Angeles

Posted on 15 November 2017 by Ken Zino

The Lexus RX – the original SUV built from a car platform – debuting in the U.S. at the Chicago Auto Show 20 years ago – will get three rows of seats. Continue reading →

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Ford, Zotye Ink Chinese JV Agreement on Electric Vehicles

Posted on 10 November 2017 by Ken Zino

Pending regulatory approval – all but certain in the government directed economy – the new JV will design, build, market and distribute all-electric passenger vehicles for China, the world’s leading electric vehicle market. The establishment of the JV is a combined investment of 5 billion RMB (~ $756 million). Continue reading →

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Mazda CX-5 Crossover Build Starts at Hofu Plant

Posted on 23 October 2017 by Ken Zino

The reasons for Mazda’s struggles are many – a bias toward old architectures, single or limited joint ventures, different operating philosophies and systems, no true mergers, lack of trust and inequality. However, the potential savings are just too large to ignore, especially for CEOs, but not necessarily for middle managers and workers. Continue reading →

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Glub? Aston Martin Going into Submarine Business!

Posted on 2 October 2017 by Ken Zino

In the deal at sea appropriately announced at the Monaco, Aston Martin Consulting will work on a partnership that it claims will lead to an exclusive, strictly-limited edition submersible Project Neptune takes Triton’s three-person platform as a basis upon “to explore a new iteration of Aston Martin’s progressive design language.” Continue reading →

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Mahindra, Ford to Study Links in India, Emerging Markets

Posted on 22 September 2017 by Ken Zino

A revised Transit Connect could be one program because of Mahindra’s prominent role in the previous one that occurred when perennial loss-making Ford Europe was cash-strapped. Highly likely are utility and battery electric vehicles. Continue reading →

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Daimler Launches First All-Electric Truck – FUSO eCanter

Posted on 15 September 2017 by Ken Zino

FUSO eCanter has a limited range of 100 kilometers and a load capacity up to three and a half tons – depending on body and usage. The vehicle´s electric powertrain contains six high-voltage lithium ion battery packs with 420 V and 13.8 kWh each. Continue reading →

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Toyota, 7-Eleven Japan to Study Fuel Cell Trucks

Posted on 5 September 2017 by Ken Zino

Fuel cell trucks, where the refrigeration/freezer unit, and the truck itself, are powered by fuel cells, will be introduced as refrigerator/freezer trucks for stores with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions. An energy management system, combining already-installed solar power generators will be introduced to enable greater energy conservation and CO2 emissions reduction. Continue reading →

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Equinox Diesel Rated at 39 MPG Hwy

Posted on 30 August 2017 by Ken Zino

Whether anything remains of the diminutive diesel market with the ongoing Volkswagen diesel scandal, and relatively inexpensive gasoline prices remains to be seen. However, this is among the world’s hottest segments. Continue reading →

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Toyota and Mazda JV to Build Cars in U.S. Trumped?

Posted on 5 August 2017 by Ken Zino

The plant would have an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 units. Pending approvals and authorization by government agencies, the companies will begin to examine detailed plans with the goal of starting operations in 2021. The plant will require a total investment of approximately $1.6 billion, and will create up to 4,000 jobs. Continue reading →

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2017 Honda Clarity Electric Sedan Debuts

Posted on 2 August 2017 by Ken Zino

The Clarity Electric has an EPA fuel economy rating of 126/103/114 MPGe (city/highway/combined) and an EPA range rating of a mere 89 miles on a full charge – a range-limited market no doubt. Continue reading →

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F-22 Fighter Prompts Ford F-22 F-150 Raptor

Posted on 31 July 2017 by Ken Zino

Ford claims the F-150 Raptor shares key F-22 design details, including red and green position lights in front that enhance left and right mirror skull caps, “unique glossy and matte exterior cues.” Continue reading →

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2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Models Grow

Posted on 17 July 2017 by Ken Zino

The lead of the S‑Class remains the Mercedes-AMG S 65 with its high-torque 6.0‑liter V12 twin turbocharged engine with 463 kW (630 horsepower) and 1000 Nm (fuel consumption combined: 11.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 279 g/km). Just bring money – $272,437, which includes 19% “value added” tax. Continue reading →

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Ford Mustang Claimed as Most Popular Sports Car Globally

Posted on 25 April 2017 by Ken Zino

This gets into a murky automotive marketing claims… Continue reading →

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