Tesla plant could threaten your future, VW CEO tells German workers

Volkswagen AG Chief Executive Officer Herbert Diess urged German workers to prepare for a deeper overhaul to remain competitive when Tesla Inc. ramps up vehicle production at its first European factory outside Berlin next year. Tesla is swiftly improving quality and looks set to achieve a production time of just 10 hours per car at… Continue reading Tesla plant could threaten your future, VW CEO tells German workers

New Jeep plant gets third air quality violation for paint stink

The state of Michigan hit the new Jeep plant in Detroit with a third air quality violation this week after inspectors observed “moderate to strong” odors coming from the Mack Assembly Plant that affected neighbors. It’s the third violation in as many months from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy as the Stellantis… Continue reading New Jeep plant gets third air quality violation for paint stink

Ford to require COVID vaccines for ‘most’ U.S. salaried employees

Ford Motor Co. will require most U.S. salaried employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8 or they could be put on unpaid leave, a move likely to affect return-to-work and vaccination policies at other employers.  “The health and safety of our workforce remains our top priority and we have been very encouraged by… Continue reading Ford to require COVID vaccines for ‘most’ U.S. salaried employees

Autonomous vehicle maker Nuro secures $600M for expansion

Silver Spring, Md. — Electric vehicle maker Nuro said Tuesday it had secured $600 million in funding from Google, Kroger and others to continue the development of its autonomous delivery vehicle service. The Silicon Valley robotics company has already made thousands of grocery deliveries with Kroger as a part of a 2018 partnership. More: Robots hit the… Continue reading Autonomous vehicle maker Nuro secures $600M for expansion

Toyota to invest $461 million in Kentucky plant

Georgetown, Ky. — Toyota is investing $461 million into its first U.S. plant to add new technology, increase production flexibility and reduce its carbon footprint, the company said Friday in a statement. The announcement didn’t include new jobs at the central Kentucky facility, but officials said 1,400 temporary jobs would be converted into permanent positions… Continue reading Toyota to invest $461 million in Kentucky plant

Toyota rolling out new electric SUV for world’s top car markets

Toyota Motor Corp. is kicking off its first series of electric vehicles bound for the global market with a battery-powered SUV that the Japanese automaker says embodies the reliability and efficiency underpinning the Toyota brand.  The “bZ4X,” which resembles Toyota’s popular RAV-4, is set for release in North America, Japan, China and Europe in mid-2022,… Continue reading Toyota rolling out new electric SUV for world’s top car markets

Mercedes bets entry-level EV buyers will accept shorter range

Mercedes-Benz will shift to cheaper but less powerful batteries to contain soaring prices for some metals in its range of entry-level models.  The world’s biggest luxury-car maker will use lithium-iron-phosphate batteries for its next generation of models like the EQA and EQB from 2024 and 2025, Chief Executive Officer Ola Kallenius said in an interview… Continue reading Mercedes bets entry-level EV buyers will accept shorter range

Tesla should limit where Autopilot can be used, NTSB says

Detroit — The head of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is calling on Tesla to act on recommendations to limit where its Autopilot driver-assist system can operate and to put a system in place to make sure drivers are paying attention. In a letter sent to Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday, Chairwoman Jennifer… Continue reading Tesla should limit where Autopilot can be used, NTSB says

Nissan ex-chair Ghosn set on restoring reputation

Tokyo — Carlos Ghosn, the former auto industry superstar whose career screeched to a halt with his arrest three years ago, isn’t about to settle into quiet retirement. The former head of the Nissan-Renault alliance fled to Lebanon in late 2019, while out on bail facing financial misconduct charges in Japan. In a recent interview… Continue reading Nissan ex-chair Ghosn set on restoring reputation

Review: BMW’s new i4 electric sports sedan looks good, drives great

This content is only available to subscribers. $1 for 6 Months Subscribe Now Your subscription supports: Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. The e-Edition, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. Exclusive… Continue reading Review: BMW’s new i4 electric sports sedan looks good, drives great