Daimler CEO Says Automaker Has No Need For State Aid – CarScoops

Unlike some carmakers, Daimler is currently not in need of additional funds, and therefore will not apply for state aid, despite having to halt production at its major plants in Europe recently. “Daimler currently has no need for state aid. Generally speaking, the industry had a very good order intake before the crisis,” said company… Continue reading Daimler CEO Says Automaker Has No Need For State Aid – CarScoops

Mercedes-Benz: EV development is more important than self-driving cars – The Next Web

German automaker Mercedes-Benz has said that it’s putting the brakes on developing self-driving cars. Earlier today, News.com.au reported that Ola Kallenius Daimler chair and Mercedes head of cars spoke to journalists, telling them the company is shifting its approach away from self-driving cars. [Read: Nearly 90% of Americans don’t trust self-driving cars] In the near… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz: EV development is more important than self-driving cars – The Next Web

Bill Ford calms 26,000 workers, thanks them for stamina as disease ravages industry – Detroit Free Press

CLOSE Bill Ford Jr. dialed into the virtual town hall meeting from home in Ann Arbor, and he didn’t sugarcoat the situation.  He, like so many people working remotely Thursday to avoid potential exposure to the novel coronavirus, urged his 26,000 employees from around the world watching him on video to remain calm and keep the faith: The 116-year-old company is strong. “As… Continue reading Bill Ford calms 26,000 workers, thanks them for stamina as disease ravages industry – Detroit Free Press

Ford suspends dividend, draws down $15.4 billion from two credit lines to bolster reserves – Washington Post

Comparing the current situation to the 2008-2009 financial crisis, Chief Executive Jim Hackett said Ford was putting in place safeguards to protect its business. Ford has come under fire from some analysts on Wall Street for moving too slowly to cut costs and restructure its business. At the end of last year, it had booked… Continue reading Ford suspends dividend, draws down $15.4 billion from two credit lines to bolster reserves – Washington Post

Aston Martin Replacing AMG V-8 with a Hybrid V-6 It Will Make Itself – Car and Driver

The CEO of sports-car maker Aston Martin tells C/D the company will engineer its own 3.0-liter hybrid V-6. The new engine will be built in the U.K. and will be at least as powerful as the AMG V-8 (pictured above, in the DB11) that it replaces. Aston’s V-12 will continue, but its production will be… Continue reading Aston Martin Replacing AMG V-8 with a Hybrid V-6 It Will Make Itself – Car and Driver

VW will hire ‘aggressive’ climate activist to scrutinize policies – Automotive News Europe

February 25, 2020 11:46 AM Christoph Rauwald Bloomberg {{ source.title }} {{title}} {{ abstract }} read more {{/main_image_url}} {{^main_image_url}} {{ source.title }} {{title}} {{ abstract }} read more {{/main_image_url}} {{/content}} ]]> Reuters VW’s ID3 is displayed at the 2019 Frankfurt auto show. The battery-powered hatchback is the first of a new generation of  zero-emission EVs… Continue reading VW will hire ‘aggressive’ climate activist to scrutinize policies – Automotive News Europe

Self-driving car company Nuro wins federal safety approval for grocery delivery robot – The Washington Post

Nuro says it plans to begin testing soon in Houston. Many of the existing rules are designed to ensure that the person at the wheel remains safely in control. But Nuro’s vehicle, which it calls R2, won’t need mirrors or a windshield. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said that in the context of a self-driving delivery… Continue reading Self-driving car company Nuro wins federal safety approval for grocery delivery robot – The Washington Post

Aston Martin’s pivotal SUV launch hinges on ‘Chinese’ prayer – Automotive News Europe

Aston Martin said revenue will continue to slide as it braces for the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on Chinese demand for the DBX SUV. Aston Martin warned Thursday sales will slump in the first six months of 2020, with almost all earnings coming in the second half once the English company starts deliveries of… Continue reading Aston Martin’s pivotal SUV launch hinges on ‘Chinese’ prayer – Automotive News Europe

Carlos Ghosn Defends His Legacy – The New York Times

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Most global fugitives tend to lie low. They do not beckon reporters to televised news conferences or allow themselves to be photographed drinking wine by candlelight days after being smuggled in a box aboard a chartered jet to freedom. But Carlos Ghosn, the deposed auto executive, is no normal fugitive. Unapologetic and… Continue reading Carlos Ghosn Defends His Legacy – The New York Times

Ford Board Leaves Embattled CEO With Little Room for Error – Bloomberg

Ford Board Leaves Embattled CEO With Little Room for Error  Bloomberg Ford shakes up top management, promises faster turnaround  Reuters Executive shakeup at Ford in wake of earnings report, rough Explorer launch  Autoblog 日本版 Ford’s Jim Farley looks to fix product launches, improve earnings  Detroit Free Press Ford shakes up top management; Hinrichs to retire, Farley becomes COO  Automotive News… Continue reading Ford Board Leaves Embattled CEO With Little Room for Error – Bloomberg