2021 Porsche Taycan RWD erases most differences between electric and gasoline vehicles

It’s time to stop talking about electric cars like they’re odd and radically different, a new kind of transportation. They’re cars, each developed to meet price and performance goals, each with inevitable trade-offs dictated by those factors. The 2021 Porsche Taycan, a more affordable rear-drive version of the sports car specialist’s first electric car, makes… Continue reading 2021 Porsche Taycan RWD erases most differences between electric and gasoline vehicles

Ford stops F-150, Transit Van production at Kansas City Assembly plant due to gas shortage

Ford Motor Co. is shutting down production of its highly profitable 2021 F-150 pickup trucks and Transit Vans for a full week in Missouri, the company confirmed Monday. “Due to unseasonably cold temperatures in the midsection of the United States, Ford was warned that the availability of natural gas could be restricted in the Kansas City area… Continue reading Ford stops F-150, Transit Van production at Kansas City Assembly plant due to gas shortage

General Motors settles with California for $5.75M over ignition switches

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — General Motors Co. has agreed to a $5.75 million settlement with California regarding false statements the company made to investors about problems with its deadly ignition switches, state officials announced Friday. The faulty ignition switches led to at least 124 fatalities and 274 injuries nationwide. The defect also resulted in the recall… Continue reading General Motors settles with California for $5.75M over ignition switches

Michigan AG Dana Nessel joins Ford Focus, Fiesta owners in transmission case

Certain owners and former owners of Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta cars, who have sued the automaker that sold vehicles with defective transmissions, are pursuing claims based on violations of Michigan’s consumer protection statute.  They will get their way if state Attorney General Dana Nessel has her way. Nessel, joining half a dozen county prosecutors, filed a… Continue reading Michigan AG Dana Nessel joins Ford Focus, Fiesta owners in transmission case

Gamble talks upcoming election, anti-corruption efforts, says UAW ‘very much alive’

Rory Gamble, who took over a UAW rocked with a corruption scandal and facing an uncertain future just 15 months ago, said this week that not only did he prove his skeptics and doubters wrong, but he’s proud to be turning over a clean union to his successor in 2022. Gamble took over the top spot in November… Continue reading Gamble talks upcoming election, anti-corruption efforts, says UAW ‘very much alive’

GM invests $93M in Romulus Powertrain plant to boost pickup production

General Motors is investing in two components plants to help boost its production of full-size pickups. The automaker said Thursday it will invest $93 million at its Romulus Powertrain plant and $7 million at its Bedford Casting Operations in Bedford, Indiana. The Romulus investment will add machining capability, while the Bedford investment will increase the plant’s die casting… Continue reading GM invests $93M in Romulus Powertrain plant to boost pickup production

Stellantis boss Tavares tours Detroit plants, talks up Chrysler brand

The Chrysler brand got props Wednesday from the new CEO of the merged company that controls its fate. Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, told reporters that Chrysler is one of three historical pillars that make up the foundation of the company, along with Peugeot and Fiat. Stellantis was formed last month from the merger of Peugeot maker… Continue reading Stellantis boss Tavares tours Detroit plants, talks up Chrysler brand

Ford ditches boring tutorials with new Mustang Mach-E videos

Your Google searches helped shape a hot new Mustang Mach-E campaign. The surge in online activity over the past year showed people looking for information about the Mustang “Mach-E vs” Tesla and other competitors — along with general information about electric vehicles — and inspired Ford Motor Co. to launch a campaign called, “Mach-E vs. Everything.” In it, Ford reveals five short films for YouTube, plus a new 15-second TV ad.  They’re high-octane… Continue reading Ford ditches boring tutorials with new Mustang Mach-E videos

GM’s Mary Barra: Semiconductor chip shortage won’t disrupt truck production

General Motors CEO Mary Barra said Wednesday the industry-wide shortage of semiconductor chips will not affect production of GM’s highly profitable pickups and SUVs this year. It’s a bold statement given that Ford Motor Co. has seen its F-150 production disrupted due to the parts shortage. Barra said while discussing GM’s annual earnings report that the chip shortfall also will not derail… Continue reading GM’s Mary Barra: Semiconductor chip shortage won’t disrupt truck production