Tag Archives: Automotive

Ford to make $1 Billion Improvements at Chicago Facilities

Ford has announced it will spend $1 billion to update its assembly and stamping plants in Chicago while adding 500 new jobs.

According to reports, the automaker will begin updates March and be completed by the end of spring. They will be building new body and paint shops at the facility and modifying the assembly area. The improvements will include 3D printed tools and new robots to inspect electrical connections during the manufacturing process. The improvements have become necessary as Ford prepares to launch three new SUVS, a redesigned Explorer, a redesigned Lincoln Aviator and a new police interceptor.

Ford has claimed it is the top producer and leading exporter of vehicles in the United States. The automaker built almost 2.4 million vehicles in 2018.

Takeaways from the 2019 North American International Auto Show

The 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), also known as the Detroit Auto Show, is in the books, marking the final time the event will take place in the winter.

The 2020 event will take place in the summer, allowing the event to make its way outdoors for the first time in its 31 years. Event organizers hope the format change will result in renewed interest in the show, as many automakers declined to attend this year’s event to unveil their new vehicles and concept cars.

However, the 2019 show was not without its moments. Most of these moments affirm the direction in which many experts believe the industry is headed. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the 2019 Detroit Auto Show.

Bigger is Better? – With many automakers discontinuing production of smaller vehicles in favor of SUVs and crossovers, it isn’t surprising to see the amount of larger passenger vehicles that were officially introduced. Ram introduced two new pickups, the 2500 and 3500, which are larger versions of its popular 1500. Kia introduced its eight-passenger Telluride model, while Cadillac unveiled the XT6 and ford introduced a rebooted version of the Explorer.

Electric and Hybrid Cars – As many automakers are getting back into creating larger vehicles, electric and hybrids are also becoming more popular. Car companies are becoming more and more innovative with these vehicles while also making them more accessible. Chevy introduced a new model of its sub $30k Bolt, while Nissan introduced a model for the Leaf to go along with a concept sedan called the IM. Kia, Volkswagen and Hyundai also introduced one or more electric models. Infiniti also rolled out a concept electric vehicle called the QX, but it broke down before it was driven to the stage for its press conference.

GAC and Mahindra – The Chinese automaker showed off an all-electric concept SUV, called the Entranze, further signifying its interest in entering the U.S. automotive market. GAC had attended previous NAIAS events, introducing a wide variety of vehicles, but current political tensions are making its entry into the market difficult. India-based Mahindra also introduced some unique vehicles like its Roxor, which is not available in the United States despite being built here. While it may take time, it seems that more international companies are angling to get into the U.S. market, which could lead to some significant changes.

Automotive Partnerships – The return of the Toyota Supra had been one of the major talking points leading up to this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Of particular interest is the engine…which will be manufactured by BMW. Automotive partnerships are nothing new, but it seems like they are going to become more common. Ford and Volkswagen have already announced a partnership of their own. This could be something for those in the automotive industry to look out for.

Some States Consider Eliminating Speed Differentials

Several states are considering changes to laws that enforce speed differentials, requiring trucks to drive at different speeds than other vehicles.

According to reports, new proposals in California, Indiana and Iowa would do away with speed differentials for trucks and other large vehicles. Most speed differential laws like this are opposed by organizations like the Owner-Operator Independent Driver’s Association (OOIDA), who advocate that they have a negative impact on safety.

Current California law limits large vehicles to 55 miles per hour in some locations while smaller vehicles are permitted to drive 65 MPH. Indiana’s current law limits all vehicles over 26,000 pounds to 65 MPH (compared to 70 MPH for cars). Iowa wants to raise its speed limit to 75 MPH for all vehicles. Only two states that have a speed limit set at 75 MPH require trucks to travel at lower speeds.

Tech Showcased at 2019 Consumer Electronics Show

The Consumer Electronics Show, which took place Jan. 8-11 in Las Vegas, has long been a forum for tech companies to introduce their latest and greatest innovations. While it might conjure up images of 3D printers, high end smartphones and augmented reality, the automotive industry also had a major presence at the 2019 event. From new in-car technology to unique new vehicles, here are some of the more unique and innovative products revealed by automakers at CES 2019:

Hyundai’s Elevate UMV – Hyundai showed a new concept vehicle, the Elevate UMV, is a creation of the Automaker’s Center for Robotic-Augmented Design in Living Experiences, or CRADLE. It’s an electric modular vehicle with legs that can pivot and twist. This allows the vehicle to climb 5-foot walls or span large gaps. Hyundai has already built and tested a one-tenth scale proof of concept model.

Honda’s Dream Drive – Honda introduced a prototype for its mobile-based in-car dashboard that will provide a range of services for both drivers and passengers. The concept was first introduced at CES in 2017. Plans are to offer services like in-car payment technology, anti-distraction features and mixed reality games for passengers. Read more about it here.

Mercedes Benz’ Vision Urbanetic – Mercedes Benz showed off a working model of its Vision Urbanetic, an autonomous electric vehicle with a modular chassis. The vehicle has interchangeable modules for transporting people or product and can be fed real-time traffic reports. While they did create a working model, the automaker has said it does not yet plan on bringing the vehicle to market.

Toyota’s Guardian Safety – While other automakers introduced tech that may not be ready for several years, Toyota focused on more attainable goals with its Guardian safety system. Guardian uses a series of radar and cameras to monitor driver awareness and occasionally jumping in to add steering or braking inputs. Toyota representatives believe the system will roll out in the early 2020s.

Freightliner’s Cascadia Class 8 – Passenger vehicles weren’t alone in debuting new tech. Freightliner announced it will add systems like pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition to its Cascadia Class 8 trucks. While these features have been fairly common in passenger cars for years, most trucks don’t have them or only have them in a limited capacity. The Class 8 will go on sale in July.

With all the new vehicle technology inside and out, the automotive industry is quickly changing. While there are a lot of positive aspects of this new technology, it may be a challenge to adapt and its something the automotive industry should prepare for.

Honda Introduces Dream Drive Prototype

Honda introduced a prototype of its Dream Drive interface at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2019 in Las Vegas.

First introduced as a concept at CES 2017, Dream Drive will aim to provide services and entertainment to both drivers and passengers while reducing driver distractions. According to reports, potential services will include the ability for drivers to pay for goods and services and share their location with friends. Passengers will be presented with mixed reality games and other media, as well as radio control and other similar features.

Reports indicated the automaker is continuing to experiment with other features, including a points based rewards system through the interface.

New Report Calls for 20 Year Plan to Fix Interstate Highway System

A new government report is calling for a 20 year plan that would fix what it calls a “growing backlog of structural and operational deficiencies” in the Interstate Highway System.

The congressionally mandated report was prepared by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine for the Department of Transportation. According to reports, it calls for a multi-billion-dollar blueprint to restore and modernize the highway system. The plan would potentially be funded by a fuel tax increase and more tolls and per-mile charges on interstate routes.

The report called out a series of issues with interstate highways, including the need to repair pavement, bridges and other assets before they degrade further. It also calls out the need for more traffic capacity and ability to meet demand in urban areas.

Alliance Will Not Appoint New Interim Chairman

Automakers Nissan, Mistubishi and Renault will not appoint a new interim chairman to replace Carlos Ghosn, who was arrested after accusations of fraud.

Ghosn was the leader of the alliance between the three manufacturers and Chairman of the Board for each of them. According to reports, he has been accused of under reporting company income to regulators. Ghosn was removed from his position as board chairman by Mitsubishi and Nissan, but Renault has not. Officials from Mitsubishi have announced the alliance would switch to a new system where the group will be led by a representative from each company.

Ghosn was arrested in Japan, where he is currently being held. Prosecutors in Tokyo are planning on detaining him for another week, at which point they must formally charge him with a crime.

GM Issues Recall on 2015 Trucks, SUVs

An issue with electric power systems is leading General Motors to recall almost 1.2 million 2015 model-year trucks and SUVs, according to reports.

Vehicles impacted by the issue can have their power steering systems fail. The system will then return suddenly, which has led to several accidents. GM is currently aware of as many as 30 crashes that have occurred as a result of the issue, with two reported injuries. Owners will be notified of the recall and asked to bring their vehicles to dealerships, where the issue will be repaired at no cost.

Currently, the issue is limited to 2015 trucks and SUVs, including the Chevy Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. Vehicles are also being recalled in Mexico, Canada and other countries

Kelly Blue Book Report Shows Increase in Average Transaction Price

A new report by Kelly Blue Book shows a year-over-year increase in the average transaction price for passenger vehicles, with prices up 1.8 percent from 2017.

According to the report, the average transaction price increased $643 from a year ago, reaching a $35,541 for August 2018. Prices stayed relatively level from month to month, with only a .1 increase from May. Honda vehicles led the way with a four percent year over year price increase and Nissan was the only major automaker to see the average price drop.

While most vehicle segments saw a small increase in average transaction price, subcompact SUVs and crossovers saw a small decrease, with prices dropping .6 percent.