At this point it would likely take a Constitutional Amendment, or the SCOTUS becoming hard core Originalists.
Interesting Car/Truck Manufacturer News
- Thread starter Weather Man
- Start date
At this point it would likely take a Constitutional Amendment, or the SCOTUS becoming hard core Originalists.
It could maybe happen, Sid, if a majority Americans wake up out of their stupor and say.....ENOUGH!
I would have to pay for another 200 amp service to be installed unfortunately. Fortunately the hybrid will work fine for me.
Ford, PG&E to test new F-150 Lightning EV as power source for homes
F -0.24%Mar. 10, 2022 10:23 PM ET37 CommentsFord Motor (NYSE:F) and California utility PG&E (NYSE:PCG) unveil a plan to test the use of the new F-150 Lightning electric truck to provide backup power for homes during blackouts and connect the EV to the power grid.
Tests will start this spring, when Ford is scheduled to begin selling the electric version of the top-selling pickup truck in the U.S.
Ford CEO Jim Farley and PG&E CEO Patti Poppe made the announcement late Thursday at the CERAWeek by S&P Global energy conference in Houston.
"This is a really big deal for us to take this next step of bidirectional charging," Farley said, adding that the option will differentiate Ford from Tesla, which sells its Powerwall battery system for homes but does not currently enable bidirectional vehicle charging.
Poppe noted one in five electric vehicles sold in the U.S. are in PG&E's service area - "That's 6,600 MW of capacity that's driving around today."
Earlier this week, PG&E also said it will work with General Motors (NYSE:GM) to test electric cars as a backup source of home power.
It seems like the EPA and CARB are unregulated, all powerful entities and can do whatever they like regardless of consequences.
Minnesota Pollution Agency said the same thing, we can do anything to anything that emits pollution.
Volkswagen Microbus reborn as ID. Buzz electric minivan - ID. Buzz coming to U.S. in 2024
By Gary Gastelu | Fox NewsThe bus is back and bringing some buzz with it.
The VW ID. Buzz draws inspiration from the classic Microbus. Five years after it was previewed with a concept vehicle at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the final production version of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz has been revealed.
The ID. Buzz is roughly the same size as an ID. 4. The all-electric minivan features throwback styling inspired by the classic VW Microbus and is built on the same platform as the ID. 4 SUV.
The ID. Buzz offers up to three rows of seating. The initial model is about the same length as the compact ID. 4, but a long-wheelbase version will be introduced when the ID. Buzz goes on sale in the U.S. in 2024.
The ID. Buzz interior features modern styling and a mix of recycled and vegan materials. The European model features a 82 kWh battery pack and 201 hp electric motor driving the rear wheels, much like the original rear-engine Microbus.
The ID. Buzz will be available with several seating configurations.
Its official driving range has not yet been announced, but the ID. 4 with the same battery and powertrain is rated for 260 miles between charges in the U.S.
VW will also sell an ID. Buzz cargo model.
The ID. Buzz's curved-box body can accommodate up to three rows of seating and there is also a cargo model with 137 cubic feet of cargo space. The modern styling is trimmed with a mix of recycled and vegan materials.
The ID. Buzz cargo version can fit two European pallets inside.
A full suite of electronic driver aids will be offered that includes a lane-keeping system that uses "swarm data" gathered from other vehicles to help guide the vehicle within a lane.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but the U.S. version will be revealed next year.
Gary Gastelu is FoxNews.com's Automotive Editor covering the car industry and racing @foxnewsautos
Volkswagen Microbus reborn as ID. Buzz electric minivan - ID. Buzz coming to U.S. in 2024
By Gary Gastelu | Fox News
The bus is back and bringing some buzz with it.
The VW ID. Buzz draws inspiration from the classic Microbus. Five years after it was previewed with a concept vehicle at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the final production version of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz has been revealed.
The ID. Buzz is roughly the same size as an ID. 4. The all-electric minivan features throwback styling inspired by the classic VW Microbus and is built on the same platform as the ID. 4 SUV.
The ID. Buzz offers up to three rows of seating. The initial model is about the same length as the compact ID. 4, but a long-wheelbase version will be introduced when the ID. Buzz goes on sale in the U.S. in 2024.
The ID. Buzz interior features modern styling and a mix of recycled and vegan materials. The European model features a 82 kWh battery pack and 201 hp electric motor driving the rear wheels, much like the original rear-engine Microbus.
The ID. Buzz will be available with several seating configurations.
Its official driving range has not yet been announced, but the ID. 4 with the same battery and powertrain is rated for 260 miles between charges in the U.S.
VW will also sell an ID. Buzz cargo model.
The ID. Buzz's curved-box body can accommodate up to three rows of seating and there is also a cargo model with 137 cubic feet of cargo space. The modern styling is trimmed with a mix of recycled and vegan materials.
The ID. Buzz cargo version can fit two European pallets inside.
A full suite of electronic driver aids will be offered that includes a lane-keeping system that uses "swarm data" gathered from other vehicles to help guide the vehicle within a lane.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but the U.S. version will be revealed next year.
Gary Gastelu is FoxNews.com's Automotive Editor covering the car industry and racing @foxnewsautos
Should be popular. I wouldn't mind having a Ford Transit Connect.
Ford and Volkswagen expand EV platform collaboration
F -1.87%Mar. 14, 2022 2:10 PM ET10 CommentsFord (F -2.5%) and Volkswagen (OTCPK:VLKAF +5.0%) expanded their collaboration on an electric vehicle share architecture with a plan to build another model off the platform.
The first Ford (NYSE:F) model to use Volkswagen’s EV architecture will be a battery electric crossover SUV, while details on the second planned model have not been released yet. Both models are slated to be built at Ford's (F) manufacturing complex in Cologne, Germany.
As part of the new electric platform expansion, Ford (F) now expects to produce 1.2M electric vehicles using Volkswagen’s (OTCPK:VLKAF) platform over a six-year period that starts in 2023.
"Our strategic alliance with Volkswagen is an important element of Ford’s commitment to offer an all-electric range of vehicles that are uniquely Ford and designed to meet the mobility needs of a modern Europe that is leading the fight against climate change," stated Ford of Europe Chair Stuart Rowley.
Ford (F) and Volkswagen(OTCPK:VLKAF) announced their broad collaboration on electric and autonomous vehicles back in 2019. The partnership includes a $2.6B investment by Volkswagen in self-driving startup Argo AI.
Earlier: Jefferies cuts price target on Ford.
Subaru has confirmed it will not be replacing its iconic WRX STI performance car with a new one based on the latest WRX, but is instead planning to electrify the rally-inspired model.
"As the automotive marketplace continues to move towards electrification, Subaru is focused on how our future sports and performance cars should evolve to meet the needs of the changing marketplace and the regulations and requirements for greenhouse gasses (GHG), zero emissions vehicles (ZEV), and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ)," Subaru said in a news release on the decision.
I read that news report this morning. Another nail in the ICE coffin. Did I say I hate these EVs?!?! Very sad to hear that the infamous WRX STi will retire its motor and go electric.
Here's something to ponder. Imagine an electrified Pro Stock. Electric funny car. Electric Pro Mod. Heaven help us!!!!! I can see it now as two electrified Pro Mods tear down the track.
Here's something to ponder. Imagine an electrified Pro Stock. Electric funny car. Electric Pro Mod. Heaven help us!!!!! I can see it now as two electrified Pro Mods tear down the track.
The World Car of the Year will be an electric Ford, Kia or Hyundai. Will be announced at the New York International Auto Show
By Gary Gastelu | Fox NewsThe 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT aims to be an electric muscle SUV. Ride along as Fox News Autos editor Gary Gastelu takes it for a spin.
The New York International Auto Show will be held this April for the first time since 2019 and will once again be the venue for the World Car Awards. Finalists for the six categories that will be announced on April 13 have been revealed, including the three that will vie for the title of World Car of The Year.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are World Car of The Year finalists.
For the first time ever, the trio are all electric, and two already have major awards under their belts. Jurors will be casting votes for either the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The Mustang Mach-E was named 2021 North American Utility Vehicle of The Year, while the EV6 won the 2022 European Car of The Year award in February. All have also won several national and magazine awards.
The Kia EV6 is the most recent European Car of The Year. (Kia)
The vehicles are direct competitors in the compact SUV segment with starting prices in the low-$40,000 range and maximum driving ranges of just over 300 miles per charge. The EV6 and Ioniq 5 share a common electric platform, but have entirely different bodies.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is built on the same platform as the Kia EV6. (Hyundai )
But while the continental wins appear to make the Mustang Mach-E and EV6 the favorites, the Ioniq 5 is the only one that was also named a finalist for World Electric Car of The Year, alongside the luxury Audi e-tron GT and Mercedes-Benz EQS.
Here are the rest of the finalists:
World Urban Car: Opel Mokka, Toyota Yaris Cross, Volkswagen Taigun
World Luxury Car: BMW iX, Genesis GV70, Mercedes-Benz EQS
World Performance Car: Audi e-tron GT, BMW M3/M4, Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ
World Car Design: Audi e-tron GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6
Gary Gastelu is FoxNews.com's Automotive Editor covering the car industry and racing @foxnewsautos
Cadillac begins its all-electric chapter as GM's EV plans accelerate
GM -2.83%Mar. 21, 2022 1:27 PM ET1 CommentGeneral Motors Company (GM -3.1%) began production on Monday of its all-electric Cadillac Lyriq out of the automaker's plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
The Lyriq will initially be sold in Debut Edition form, which features a 340 horsepower, 324 pound-feet of torque, a 100.4 kWh battery pack and rear-wheel drive. GM is targeting 300 miles of EPA-rated range.
The Cadillac Lyriq is being built on GM’s Ultium Platform, which is called the heart of the company’s EV strategy. The Ultium Platform encompasses a common electric vehicle architecture and propulsion components like battery cells, modules, packs, Ultium Drive units, EV motors and integrated power electronics.
Reservations for the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ Debut Edition sold out in just over 10 minutes late last summer. Notably, General Motors (NYSE:GM) said Lyriq demand continues to grow. New orders for the first all-electric Cadillac begin on May 19.
Volkswagen updates on strategic EV plan for North America
VLKAF -1.11%Mar. 21, 2022 12:59 PM ET1 CommentVolkswagen (OTCPK:VLKAF) announced a commitment of $7.1B over the next five years in the North American region to boost its product portfolio, regional R&D and manufacturing capabilities.
The German automaker plans to locally integrate its combustion-engine and electric vehicle assembly, American-focused engineering, battery know-how, and software development in a bid to reach an all-electric mix of 55% of all U.S. sales by 2030. Volkswagen is scheduled to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles from its American lineup over time. Notable all-electric models from Volkswagen include the American-assembled ID.4 in 2022, the ID.Buzz electric microbus in 2024 and new electric SUVs from 2026. Overall, U.S consumers are expected to see more than 25 new battery electric vehicles from Volkswagen through 2030.
A key part of Volkswagen's U.S. plan will be a new Battery Engineering Lab in Chattanooga that will start operations in May.
"This profound commitment to our localized capabilities will transform Volkswagen into one of the leading EV brands known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and the communities we call home," said Volkswagen of America CEO Scott Keough.
Dig into what Volkswagen (VLKAF) CEO Herbert Diess said last week on the company's earnings call.
Ford recalls 215K F-150 pickups and SUVs to fix brake fluid leak issue
F +2.85%Mar. 22, 2022 10:42 AM ET4 Comments- Ford (NYSE:F +3.6%) is recalling nearly 215,000 pickup trucks and large SUVs in the U.S. and Canada to repair brake fluid leak, which causes longer stopping distances.
- The recall covers the F-150 pickup from 2016 through 2018, as well as Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs from 2016 and 2017. All have 3.5-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engines.
- Dealers will replace the master cylinder and front brake booster if needed.
- Owners will be notified by letter starting April 25.
- This is company's third for the same issue.
- Previously the company had recalled F-150s in 2016 and 2020.
- Earlier today, General Motors (GM) announced to recall 740K SUVs on headlights issue.
2023 Chevy Corvette Gets Price Bump and New Options
Along with new aesthetic choices including Tech Bronze wheels and an Adrenaline Red Dipped interior color option, the Corvette Stingray's starting price is up $1050 to $63,195.
BY ERIC STAFFORD
MAR 23, 2022
- The 2023 Chevy Corvette Stingray starts at $63,195, which is $1050 more than last year's model.
- Chevy also adds new 20-spoke wheel designs, optional black exhaust tips, and new color and trim options inside.
- The 70th Anniversary Edition package ($5995) is also new for '23, and it can be paired with $995 stripes.
While we wait and fantasize about uncorking the Z06's glorious flat-plane-crank V-8, Chevy attempts to satiate us by releasing a shortlist of what's new for the '23 Corvette Stingray. It includes a selection of new 20-spoke wheel designs. These intricately styled rims can be had in gloss black for $995, in satin black with a red stripe for $1495, or in ultra-bright machined for $1995. Tech Bronze is another new color choice, but Chevy says it's a dealer-installed accessory. Another new exterior detail applies to the optional performance exhaust system, which is now available with black tailpipes for an extra $200.
Inside, the 2023 Corvette is the same as it ever was. However, there's a new trim option called Stealth Aluminum. Folks who choose the 3LT trim level can now select an Adrenaline Red Dipped interior color scheme, which is a no-cost option. Unlike the combination of Adrenaline Red and Jet Black seats that are currently offered, the "dipped" treatment covers nearly all of the surfaces in the selected shade.
Also new for '23 is the $5995 70th Anniversary Edition package, which we've previously written about. The special edition commemorates the birth of the original C1 Corvette back in 1953. It comes with an exclusive black or white paint job and unique badging as well as red accents inside and out, and the option to add racing stripes for an additional $995. Chevy also says that all 2023 Corvettes, even those not optioned with the anniversary package, will feature callouts to the nameplate's 70th birthday via interior plaques on the center speaker grille and lower rear window.
Cool truck tech: Ford patents climate-controlled pickup bed. Could be used on a pickup like the Ford Maverick
By Gary Gastelu | Fox NewsFord makes some pretty cool pickups, and one of them may be about to get even cooler. Or hotter, depending on the time of year. The automaker has filed a patent for a novel system that provides climate control for a pickup bed, Muscle Cars & Trucks first reported.
Ford has patented a ventilated pickup bed that would work on unibody pickups like the Maverick. (Ford)
The patent describes several ways to connect the cabin ventilation system to the bed of a unibody truck like the Maverick, although it doesn't mention the compact pickup by name.
The patent describes several methods for connecting the bed to the cabin climate control system through ducts and vents. (Ford)
Ducting in the front wall of the bed or the bed sides could provide cooled or heated air to the storage area through vents that could even be installed within a bed liner.
The ventilation system could work in concert with a bed cover. (Ford)
The system would presumably be used in concert with a bed cover, but could potentially work with a slide-in camper.
The Maverick is currently Ford's only unibody pickup, but the midsize Honda Ridgeline features a similar construction, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that Ford could add a larger unibody model down the road.
In fact, while Ford's first electric pickup, the F-150 Lighting, features a separate body and cab, some purpose-designed electric pickups like the GMC Hummer EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV have bodies integrated with their beds.
The electric Chevrolet Silverado EV has a Multi-Flex Midgate feature that allows the bed wall to be folded down into the cabin. (Chevrolet)
Both GM trucks are available with a Multi-Flex Midgate option that allows the bed wall to be folded down into the cabin. It's not the same as Ford's ventilation system, but can provide climate control to an enclosed bed.
Gary Gastelu is FoxNews.com's Automotive Editor covering the car industry and racing @foxnewsautos
The 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler is a budget off-road pickup. Ford launching new entry-level off-road pickup
By Gary Gastelu | Fox NewsHopefully, it won't literally live up to its name.
The Ford F-150 Rattler is a new entry-level off-road model. (Ford)
Ford is launching a new rugged pickup called the F-150 Rattler.
The F-150 Rattler is based on the XL trim. (Ford)
The new model combines the entry-level F-150 XL trim with the FX4 off-road option and some special equipment.
The F-150 Rattler's interior features cloth seats and bronze accents. (Ford)
The Rattler features a cloth interior with bronze accents, a standard 4x4 drivetrain with locking rear differential, hill descent control, off-road shocks and skid plates. Unique 18-inch wheels, dual exhaus pipes and Rattler logos on the bedsides and fender vents round out the package.
The Rattler will be offered with SuperCab and SuperCrew body styles and every F-150 engine except for the base 3.3-liter V6. Pricing hasn't been announced, but a 2022 XL SuperCab with the FX4 pkg and a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 currently starts at around $43,000. F-150 Rattler goes on sale this fall.
Gary Gastelu is FoxNews.com's Automotive Editor covering the car industry and racing @foxnewsautos
Ford recalls 737K vehicles to fix oil leaks and trailer brakes
F -2.08%Now!- Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling over 737K vehicles to fix oil leaks and trailer braking systems.
- The oil leak recall includes the 2020 through 2022 Ford Escape SUV and the 2021 and 2022 Bronco Sport SUV with 1.5-Liter engines.
- The company says a housing can crack and oil can leak onto engine parts, which can lead to fire hazard.
- Citing software error which can stop trailers from braking, increasing the risk of a crash, the company is recalling F-150 pickups from 2021 and 2022, as well as the 2022 F-250, 350, 450 and 550. Recalls also includes 2022 Maverick pickup, and Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
- General Motors (GM) is recalling nearly 682,000 compact SUVs to repair windshield wipers.
- Volkswagen (OTCPK:VWAGY) is also recalling 100K+ plug-in hybrid vehicles globally due to risk of fire.
- On Thursday, Ford and GM announced to halt production at two Michigan plants due to supply chain issues.
Ford Motor U.S. sales down 25.6% in March
F -0.03%Apr. 04, 2022 9:24 AM ET31 Comments- Ford Motor (NYSE:F) reports U.S. sales declined 25.6% to 159,328 vehicles in March.
- Truck sales fell 34.4% Y/Y to 74,420 units, Cars sales down 67% Y/Y to 3,628 units, Electrified vehicles sales +16.9% Y/Y to 13,772 units and SUVs -9.4% Y/Y to 81,280 units.
- Total retail sales -30.1%: Truck -39%, Electrified vehicles -16.2% and SUV +9.4%.
- F-Series took in a new record 50,000 retail orders in March – up 38,000 over last year, while trucks turn at record rates on dealer lots.
- F-Series in-transit inventory expanded 127% over February and 66.1% over a year-ago.
- Mustang Mach-E sales jumped 18.1% in March from February, with total sales of the Mustang family -- Mach-E and Mustang – totaling 5,978.
Users who are viewing this thread
