Category: News Type

This Is The Welding Line Where The U.S.-spec 2019 Ford Ranger Will Be Made

autoevolution

cars
moto
news
car reviews
spyshots
driven cars
newspaper
green

Compare Cars
BAC Calculator
Editorial
Coverstory
Motorsport
Testdrives archive
Auto Shows
Tuning
Car Finder
Photo of the Day
Glossary of automotive terms

Masthead
RSS Feeds

More on this:1 2019 Ford Focus (Mk4) To Debut In First Half Of 20182 Ford Ramps Up Fiesta Production To Meet Strong Demand In Europe3 Christmas Special: Ford Focus RS Red Edition Is Santa’s Weekend Warrior4 2018 Ford GT DTM Racecar Rendering Shows Wide Hips Don't Lie5 Report: 2019 Ford Ranger (Probably Not) Set For 2018 Detroit Auto Show Debut
Up next

1965 Bizzarrini Prototype Racing Car Stops By Jay Leno’s Garage

This Is The Welding Line Where The U.S.-spec 2019 Ford Ranger Will Be Made

23 Dec 2017, 17:00 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Industry

Miss the Ranger? The Ford Motor Company is bringing it back to North America for the 2019 model year, and as the Blue Oval previously confirmed, it will be made in Wayne at the Michigan Assembly Plant. And what you see in the following video is the welding line where the all-new Ranger will be assembled, including the no-nonsense Ranger Raptor off-road sports truck.
86 photosWayne is the place where the body-on-frame Bronco will also be made, following an investment of $850 million in the facility. Production of the Ranger, meanwhile, is confirmed to start in late 2018, with the first pickups expected to arrive in dealership showrooms by the end of the year.
The industrial robots on the Ranger’s welding line are developed by FANUC, an automation products and services company that’s regarded as the best in the world in terms of industrial robots. As for how the U.S.-spec Ranger will differ from the one on sale right now in other countries, Ford will definitely modify the mid-size pickup’s chassis. A stronger frame is utmost important if the Ranger wants to comply with the safety protocol enforced in North America, which recently saw the Dodge Viper go the way of the dodo.
Based on spy photos of pre-production models, the real deal will be a mix of the F-150’s design and the proportions of the T6 Ranger. Think Chevrolet Colorado-sized, which is perfectly-sized even for the most urban of areas. Towing and payload capacities should also be comparable to the Colorado, although the European version of the Ranger is of better reference.
When specified with the 3.2-liter TDCi inline-five with 200 metric horsepower and 4×4, the European Ranger’s maximum towable mass is rated at 3,500 kilograms (7,716 pounds). As for payload, the most capable variant available is the 2.2-liter TDCi 160 PS 4×4, boasting 1,269 kilograms (2,798 pounds).
It remains to be seen if the U.S.-spec Ranger will be offered with a diesel option, which would make sense considering the optional Duramax of the Colorado and Power Stroke V6 of the F-150. As for the dune-bashing Raptor, the most likely powerplant to expect is the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6.
Who's Your Number One?
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

Shell Angry at Bans on Fossil Fuel-Burning Cars Because of Course They Are
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part Two (Final)
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

FORD models:FORD Explorer Large SUVFORD Edge ST Medium SUVFORD Mustang Convertible Roadster & ConvertibleFORD Fiesta 5 doors SmallFORD Fiesta 3 doors SmallAll FORD models

BMW i3 Production Hits 100,000 Units, i8 Roadster To Be Made In Leipzig

autoevolution

cars
moto
news
car reviews
spyshots
driven cars
newspaper
green

Compare Cars
BAC Calculator
Editorial
Coverstory
Motorsport
Testdrives archive
Auto Shows
Tuning
Car Finder
Photo of the Day
Glossary of automotive terms

Masthead
RSS Feeds

More on this:1 750 HP BMW M5 vs. McLaren 570S Drag Race Is Confusing2 BMW F90 M5 Chosen As 2018 MotoGP Safety Car, Previews M5 M Performance Parts3 BMW i8 vs. Audi R8 Spyder: Two Different Supercars That Get Under Your Skin4 2019 BMW X4 M40i Spied Near The Nurburgring, To Offer More Rear Headroom5 2018 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer Facelift Spied Up Close and Personal
Up next

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus Teases McLaren F1-Clone Cockpit for Its Supercar

BMW i3 Production Hits 100,000 Units, i8 Roadster To Be Made In Leipzig

30 Oct 2017, 14:15 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Car Profile

Inaugurated in 2010, the Leipzig plant in Germany is where BMW manufactures the i3 and i8. The former celebrates a production milestone after the 100,000th i3 rolled off the assembly line, while the i8 family will usher in the Roadster in 2018. And similar to the coupe, it will also be built in Leipzig.
85 photosThese announcements were made by plant director Hans-Peter Kemser and chairman of the Board of Management, Harald Kruger, as the launch of the BMW Battery Storage Farm. Essentially a storage unit comprised of 700 batteries sourced from used i3s, the eco-friendly setup is connected to the plant’s wind turbines, and it’s integrated with the public power grid of Saxony.
Moving back to cars, the i3 is currently produced at a rate of approximately 120 vehicles per day. In regard to production, the number of i3s manufactured in 2016 totals 26,631, sensibly more than the 2,783 i8s built in the same period. The ratio will likely soldier on in 2018, when the i8 Roadster will be added to the range, breathing new life into the brand’s plug-in hybrid flagship.
According to Kruger, BMW will offer no less than 25 models with electrified drivetrains by 2025, including the long-anticipated i5 and the iNext. “With BMW i as our spearhead, we intend to remain the leading premium supplier of electro-mobility going forward,” declared the official. Speaking of electro-mobility going forward, the 530e iPerformance is the first BMW to be offered with wireless charging capability, a feature that’ll become available next year.
While the i8 Roadster is too expensive for the reach of mere mortals who want to go green, the i3 is more than adequate for those in the market for a premium-oriented EV and range-extended electric vehicle. According to an undisclosed tipster, the i3 will receive a battery upgrade sometime in 2018, which is expected to offer 42.5 kWh capacity and a much-needed boost in driving range.

Shell Angry at Bans on Fossil Fuel-Burning Cars Because of Course They Are
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part Two (Final)
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

Who's Your Number One?
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

BMW models:BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (F45) CompactBMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) CompactBMW i8 Roadster Roadster & ConvertibleBMW i8 CoupeBMW M3 CS (F80) MediumAll BMW models

Ford Ramps Up Fiesta Production To Meet Strong Demand In Europe

autoevolution

cars
moto
news
car reviews
spyshots
driven cars
newspaper
green

Compare Cars
BAC Calculator
Editorial
Coverstory
Motorsport
Testdrives archive
Auto Shows
Tuning
Car Finder
Photo of the Day
Glossary of automotive terms

Masthead
RSS Feeds

More on this:1 Christmas Special: Ford Focus RS Red Edition Is Santa’s Weekend Warrior2 2018 Ford GT DTM Racecar Rendering Shows Wide Hips Don't Lie3 Report: 2019 Ford Ranger (Probably Not) Set For 2018 Detroit Auto Show Debut4 New Ford Fusion And Mondeo Production Won’t Move To China In 20205 Ford Focus RS Getting Crushed at Junk Yard Is Pure Torture
Up next

Watch the World's First and Only Road-Legal Aston Martin Vulcan Hypercar

Ford Ramps Up Fiesta Production To Meet Strong Demand In Europe

21 Dec 2017, 16:49 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Industry

The seventh-generation or Mk8 Fiesta, whatever you want to call it, went official in November 2016. And if you were wondering if Ford made the all-new Fiesta an even better car than the previous model, your answer comes in the guise of a production boost at the European Fiesta’s plant.
30 photosLocated in Cologne, Germany, the factory where the Euro-spec Fiesta is made benefits from extended shifts and new Saturday shifts to increase daily production to 1,500 cars. Otherwise put, an extra 100 vehicles are now rolling off the assembly line in Cologne on a daily basis. Increasing demand is what made Ford take this decision, and that’s good news considering subcompact hatchbacks are not as popular as they once were.
“The previous Fiesta was already a much-loved car, and if you add to that the many improvements offered with the new model, including our unique pedestrian detection system, this success is not altogether a surprise,” declared Roelant de Waard, vice president of marketing, sales & service at Ford of Europe. Considering the crossover-inspired Fiesta Active is planned to start production in 2018, demand is certain to increase even more.
Ford highlights that the Fiesta was the best-selling car in the United Kingdom in November 2017 (6,434 registrations) and the best-selling small car in Germany (4,660 registrations). Don’t know about you, but that’s saying a lot about how the Fiesta stacks up against the Volkswagen Polo and other bona fide rivals in the European subcompact hatchback segment.
Available with a choice of three- and four-cylinder engines, the Fiesta boasts 5 stars for safety from the Euro NCAP. Designated best supermini of the year by BBC Top Gear Magazine, the Fiesta lineup will soon welcome the ST.
In stark comparison to the preceding ST, the newcomer is equipped with the most powerful three-cylinder engine ever offered by Ford, packing 200 PS and 290 Nm (197 horsepower and 214 pound-feet from just 1.5 liters.

Who's Your Number One?
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

Shell Angry at Bans on Fossil Fuel-Burning Cars Because of Course They Are
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part Two (Final)
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

FORD models:FORD Explorer Large SUVFORD Edge ST Medium SUVFORD Mustang Convertible Roadster & ConvertibleFORD Fiesta 5 doors SmallFORD Fiesta 3 doors SmallAll FORD models

Citroen C4 Hatchback Going Out Of Production, Replacement Coming In 2020/2021

autoevolution

cars
moto
news
car reviews
spyshots
driven cars
newspaper
green

Compare Cars
BAC Calculator
Editorial
Coverstory
Motorsport
Testdrives archive
Auto Shows
Tuning
Car Finder
Photo of the Day
Glossary of automotive terms

Masthead
RSS Feeds

More on this:1 2018 Citroen C4 Cactus Gets Progressive Hydraulic Cushion Suspension System2 2018 Peugeot Partner Test Car Blows Smoke Like a Chainsmoker3 Peugeot/Citroen Comeback on U.S. Market Inevitable4 New Citroen C5 Confirmed For European Market, Coming In 20205 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross Makes MPVs Look Obsolete At Frankfurt
Up next

Cartoon Wrapped Tesla Model S Seems to Be Owned by Wile E. Coyote

Citroen C4 Hatchback Going Out Of Production, Replacement Coming In 2020/2021

27 Oct 2017, 14:36 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Car Profile

The introduction of the C4 Cactus facelift is a two-sided matter for Citroen. The compact-ish crossover effectively replaces the C4 hatchback, which is one of the least exciting cars in the segment, as well as one of the oldest.
11 photosNot accounting for the first generation (2004 to 2010), the C4 hatchback has been with us since 2010. Also offered as a sedan and in Aircross flavor, the C4 also brought forth the DS 4, which happens to suffer from peculiar flaws.
Listed on the French and British configurators from €18,950 and £21,310, respectively, you know the C4 hatchback doesn’t have a winning chance against the likes of the cheaper and funkier C4 Cactus. So what did Citroen’s higher-ups decide given this dire situation? Phase it out, of course!
The confirmation comes from Xavier Peugeot, senior vice president of product planning at Citroen. “The current C4 is a seven-year-old design and we had to make a decision. We will stop production and the C4 Cactus will take its place,” he told the peeps at Autocar, and that settles the deal. But what will happen with the void left by the C4 hatchback? After all, the compact segment is hugely popular in Europe, and Citroen cannot afford to misstep.
As it happens, the French automaker is developing a C-segment hatchback for launch in 2020, 2021 at the latest. An all-new model from the ground up, the all-new C4 hatchback is expected to ride on the EMP2 platform, which underpins many cars in the PSA lineup, from the Peugeot 308 to the DS 7 Crossback, as well as light commercial vehicles such as the Toyota Proace.
Needless to highlight, the 2020/2021 Citroen C4 hatchback will borrow the Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension system from the C4 Cactus and C5 Aircross. According to Citroen head honcho Linda Jackson, “we are talking here about 21st-century comfort in suspension and seats.”

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

Who's Your Number One?
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part Two (Final)
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

Shell Angry at Bans on Fossil Fuel-Burning Cars Because of Course They Are
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

CITROEN models:CITROEN E-Mehari Small SUVCITROEN E-Mehari Small SUVCITROEN C4 Cactus CompactCITROEN DS7 Crossback Medium SUVCITROEN C4 Picasso Medium MPVAll CITROEN models

Maserati Cuts Production for a Month Due to Lack of Demand

autoevolution

cars
moto
news
car reviews
spyshots
driven cars
newspaper
green

Compare Cars
BAC Calculator
Editorial
Coverstory
Motorsport
Testdrives archive
Auto Shows
Tuning
Car Finder
Photo of the Day
Glossary of automotive terms

Masthead
RSS Feeds

More on this:1 Lamborghini Urus Police Car Looks Really Threatening2 New Maserati SUV Reaffirmed By Chief Executive Officer3 New Maserati SUV Coming By 2020 With Alfa Romeo Underpinnings4 Ferrari Utility Vehicle (F16X SUV) Confirmed By Vow-Breaking Sergio Marchionne5 Dodge Challenger SRT-R Hellcat Racecar Rendering Is a Supercharged Offender
Up next

2018 SEAT Leon TGI Acceleration and Fuel Consumption in the Real World

Maserati Cuts Production for a Month Due to Lack of Demand

19 Dec 2017, 20:18 UTC · by Mihnea Radu
/ Home / News / Car Profile

While most car manufacturers are talking about all-time high sales and employee bonuses for 2017, Maserati's people will be taking a month-long siesta.
5 photosMore specifically, the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans will stop being made between December 15 to January 15. Meanwhile, the Levante, which is doing slightly better, will be out of production from December 20 to January 15. And as for the GranTurismo and GranCabrio, they will be out from December 15 to January 8th, according to Automotive New Europe.
“It is clear that production is slowing down and investment in new models are on hold,” union boss Federico Bellono told the publication.
On paper at least, adding an SUV to the roster seemed like the perfect solution to Maserati's slow sales. However, competition is harsher than ever, and the V6 engine just couldn't do a good enough job to hide the Levante's flaws.
About a year after the Quattroporte was launched, it because clear that Maserati was going to continue struggling, as production was slowed. In 2017 alone, the automaker shut down the line on two other occasions.
Problems with the Chinese economy are mostly to blame now. However, the country, which is now the world's largest producer of solar energy, has also become unwelcoming for gas guzzling cars. Meanwhile, the Levante PHEV is nowhere to be seen.
It's important to understand just how small the Trident brand is right now. Back in April, it delivered its 100,000 cars. So there are fewer Maseratis in the world then there are W222 Mercedes S-Class sedans.
In 2016, Maserati's sales volume in China broke 12,000, which marks an increase of 120 times over the 100 sales made in 2004, the company's first year operating there. Today, Maserati has around 30,000 customers in China, 38 percent of whom are women. So there's still room to grow. But we're not sure the new coupe models being planned are what people want.

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

Shell Angry at Bans on Fossil Fuel-Burning Cars Because of Course They Are
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

Who's Your Number One?
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part Two (Final)
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

MASERATI models:MASERATI Ghibli GranLusso LuxuryMASERATI GranCabrio Roadster & ConvertibleMASERATI GranTurismo CoupeMASERATI Ghibli LuxuryMASERATI Quattroporte VI LuxuryAll MASERATI models

2018 Chevrolet Corvette Production Coming To An End In January

On January 22, the 2018 Corvette will stop production at the Bowling Green plant in Kentucky. That, in turn, translates to four months of production, making the 2018 model year one of the shortest lived. More to the point, 2018 MY production will total 9,700, which is sensibly less compared to the 32,782 examples built in model year 2017. And a… (continue reading >>)

Toyota Celebrates One-Millionth Corolla Manufactured In Mississippi

autoevolution

cars
moto
news
car reviews
spyshots
driven cars
newspaper
green

Compare Cars
BAC Calculator
Editorial
Coverstory
Motorsport
Testdrives archive
Auto Shows
Tuning
Car Finder
Photo of the Day
Glossary of automotive terms

Masthead
RSS Feeds

More on this:1 Model X Vs. Land Cruiser Tug-of-War: Time to See What Legends Are Made of2 2019 Toyota Auris Spied With Production Body3 2019 Toyota Avalon Teased, Debut Set For The 2018 Detroit Auto Show4 Report: New Toyota Supra Might Not Be Called Supra5 New Toyota Crossover Coming To U.S. Market, Expected To Debut In 2020
Up next

Tesla Model 3 Production Ahead of (New) Schedule with 5K Units per Week

Toyota Celebrates One-Millionth Corolla Manufactured In Mississippi

15 Dec 2017, 8:39 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Industry

When it comes to the world’s best-selling cars, nothing can live up to the popularity of the Corolla. Introduced in 1966 and upgraded from subcompact to compact in 1991, the Corolla is now in its eleventh iteration, and Toyota claims that it’d sold more than 44 million examples.
21 photosNorth America is one of the markets that made the Corolla the bestseller it is today, with the Japanese automaker opening a dedicated production facility in Mississippi in 2011 to support local demand. In December 2017, the North American plant celebrates the one-millionth Corolla manufactured, the red-painted example featured in the story’s main photo.
“To think this all started with one – one team member, one team, one car, and now the one-millionth Corolla is rolling off our line – is incredible,” declared Sean Suggs, vice president of manufacturing. “This is another feather in the cap of Toyota’s 1,500 team members who come together each day to produce ever-better Corollas.” The latter statement is no coincidence, for the Corolla prepares to be completely overhauled in 2019.
Priced at $18,550 before destination and available in seven trim levels (L, LE, LE Eco, SE, SE 6MT, XLE, XSE), the 2018 Corolla is exclusively available with a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine in the United States.
Mated to either a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual in the case of the SE 6MT, the 1.8er develops 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. The LE Eco is the most fuel-efficient of all models, being EPA-rated 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
Standard features are aplenty for a vehicle of this size and price, with the entry-level L coming with bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, rearview parking camera, Entune Audio, and Toyota Safety Sense P.
On that note, the next-generation Corolla promises more of everything, from improved comfort to superior safety, thanks to the adoption of Toyota’s New Global Platform.

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part Two (Final)
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

Shell Angry at Bans on Fossil Fuel-Burning Cars Because of Course They Are
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

Who's Your Number One?
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

TOYOTA models:TOYOTA Avalon LargeTOYOTA Prius c CompactTOYOTA Land Cruiser 150 Medium SUVTOYOTA Sequoia Large SUVTOYOTA Auris Touring CompactAll TOYOTA models

Australian Car Production Stops With The Last Holden VF II Commodore

autoevolution

cars
moto
news
car reviews
spyshots
driven cars
newspaper
green

Compare Cars
BAC Calculator
Editorial
Coverstory
Motorsport
Testdrives archive
Auto Shows
Tuning
Car Finder
Photo of the Day
Glossary of automotive terms

Masthead
RSS Feeds

More on this:1 RHD Camaro In The Pipeline As Holden's New Flagship, To Arrive In Mid-20182 HSV Rumored To Be Rebranded Into Walkinshaw In 20183 Holden Prepares To Launch Astra Sedan, Priced From AUD 21,9904 Vauxhall To Unveil Its Most Powerful Car at Goodwood, It Is a Limited Edition5 Is This the All-New Opel Insignia OPC / VXR Undergoing Testing?
Up next

Milltek Buys 2018 Honda Civic Type R, Makes Killer Exhaust

Australian Car Production Stops With The Last Holden VF II Commodore

20 Oct 2017, 15:54 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Industry

The very first Holden to roll off the line is the 48-215 at Fishermans Bend on November 29, 1948. On October 20, 2017, the story concludes with the final VF II Commodore built at the Elizabeth plant, a Redline model which marks the end of the General Motors RWD Zeta platform and Australian car production.
8 photos“It’s the very last ‘true’ Holden, isn’t it?” Rightly so, and its replacement is a badge-engineered Opel Insignia marketed as the ZB Commodore. Front-wheel-drive by nature and capable of accommodating a V6 in the engine bay, there’s no denying the ZB isn’t the replacement the VF Commodore deserves.
Ford pulled out of Australia, and so did Toyota, leaving the sovereign country dependent on imports. All is not lost, however, as Holden prepares to welcome the Chevrolet Camaro as its new flagship in 2018. Converted to right-hand drive, of course, with the help of HSV. Oh, and by the way, HSV is expected to change its name into Walkinshaw. Because why not?
“The passion and dedication of the team here is second to none, it has been an honor to work alongside them. In the final years of production, we have been building categorically the best-quality cars to ever roll out of this plant, and our last car was our best,” declared Richard Phillips, Holden’s executive director of manufacturing. So, what happens to Elizabeth’s workers?
Up to this point, the transition program has resulted in approximately 85 percent of the workers finding new jobs. What’s more, 1,000 people will be retained as direct staff in Melbourne and across national zone offices. The 200-strong dealer network, meanwhile, consists of 6,000 employees.
Scheduled to go on sale in early 2018, the Holden ZB Commodore will be available with an assortment of four- and six-cylinder engines. The range-topping VXR will rely on a 3.6-liter V6 with a 9-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. In regard to output, 235 kW and 381 Nm of torque is not nearly enough compared to the LS3 V8 of the VF II Commodore, but then again, that’s how the cookie crumbles for Holden these days.

Shell Angry at Bans on Fossil Fuel-Burning Cars Because of Course They Are
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part Two (Final)
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

Who's Your Number One?
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

HOLDEN models:HOLDEN Ute Small PickupHOLDEN Ute Small PickupHOLDEN Barina MiniHOLDEN Commodore Wagon LargeHOLDEN Commodore Wagon LargeAll HOLDEN models

New Ford Fusion And Mondeo Production Won’t Move To China In 2020

autoevolution

cars
moto
news
car reviews
spyshots
driven cars
newspaper
green

Compare Cars
BAC Calculator
Editorial
Coverstory
Motorsport
Testdrives archive
Auto Shows
Tuning
Car Finder
Photo of the Day
Glossary of automotive terms

Masthead
RSS Feeds

More on this:1 Ford Focus RS Getting Crushed at Junk Yard Is Pure Torture2 2019 Ford Focus Prototype Reveals Design Details: Thor's Hammer Headlights?3 Ford Vs. Cena Lawsuit Was Caused by Ford's Inability to Pen a Decent Contract4 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty Diesel Gets More Horsepower And Torque5 2018 Bullitt Mustang Spotted in Chicago Shoot, Coming as Appearance Package
Up next

Model X Vs. Land Cruiser Tug-of-War: Time to See What Legends Are Made of

New Ford Fusion And Mondeo Production Won’t Move To China In 2020

14 Dec 2017, 15:06 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Industry

The Fusion in its second generation was introduced in 2012, and over in Europe, the Ford Motor Company calls the mid-size sedan Mondeo. Manufactured in Mexico and Spain, the Fusion/Mondeo was rumored to change its stomping ground to China from 2020 as a means to consolidate global production. But in the end, it turned out that the rumors were false.
10 photosA statement released by Ford goes along these lines, as reported by Automotive News: “We have no plans to export the next-generation Fusion/Mondeo from China to North America and Europe.” The Michigan-based automaker will release more information on what’ll happen from 2020 onwards, when the all-new model will be launched in both North America, Europe, as well as China.
The rumors were started by unnamed sources reportedly close to the Ford Motor Company. In the first instance, the Blue Oval could’ve gone with the change considering that most variants of the next-generation Focus for the North American market will be supplied from the People’s Republic.
Another detail that spelled trouble for the Fusion’s future is sales, with U.S. volume down 22 percent through November 2017. Over in Europe, the Mondeo lost 21 percent. To make matters worse, the mid-size sedan segment is on the downward spiral in almost every corner of the globe.
The biggest reason Ford and other automakers are shifting from sedans is increasing demand for utility vehicles. Crossovers, SUVs, and body-on-frame behemoths, just about everything goes with today’s buyers as long as the driving position is adequately high.
Regarding the Fusion and Mondeo’s current plants, the one located in Valencia, Spain gears up for a 750-million euros investment in preparation for the next-generation Kuga (a.k.a. Escape in North America). As for the factory in Hermosillo, Mexico, it’s unclear what the Ford Motor Company has in the pipeline for this place. In related news, Ford’s Cuautitlan plant in Mexico is confirmed to manufacture an electric crossover from 2020, a high-riding EV with an estimated driving range of 300 miles.

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part Two (Final)
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

Who's Your Number One?
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

Shell Angry at Bans on Fossil Fuel-Burning Cars Because of Course They Are
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

FORD models:FORD Explorer Large SUVFORD Edge ST Medium SUVFORD Mustang Convertible Roadster & ConvertibleFORD Fiesta 5 doors SmallFORD Fiesta 3 doors SmallAll FORD models

Sluggish Sales Equal Production Slowdown For Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Jeep, Fiat

autoevolution

cars
moto
news
car reviews
spyshots
driven cars
newspaper
green

Compare Cars
BAC Calculator
Editorial
Coverstory
Motorsport
Testdrives archive
Auto Shows
Tuning
Car Finder
Photo of the Day
Glossary of automotive terms

Masthead
RSS Feeds

More on this:1 2018 Lamborghini Urus Partially Revealed On The Assembly Line2 BMW In Talks With Great Wall To Manufacture MINI Vehicles In China3 Volkswagen Pulls The Plug On The Scirocco, Mk4 Reportedly In The Offing As An EV4 Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² Production Coming To An End5 Groupe PSA Will Add New Models To French Production Facilities In 2020
Up next

2018 Honda Civic Si vs. Hyundai Elantra Sport: Which Is the Best Sports Sedan?

Sluggish Sales Equal Production Slowdown For Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Jeep, Fiat

19 Oct 2017, 14:42 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Industry

Bad news, fans of Fiat Chrysler’s most Italian of brands! Both Alfa Romeo and Maserati are not doing great regarding sales, the reason why FCA decided to cut production for both automakers. And the reason for this slump in demand? Apparently, new Chinese import rules have hit Fiat Chrysler hard, especially the two brands.
36 photosAlthough China faced criticism in the past for being too lenient on emissions and pollution, the People’s Republic is working hard on addressing these issues. Collateral damage comes in the form of increased restrictions for automakers, mostly because China follows the model set by France and the UK, countries that will ban the sale of fossil fuel cars and SUVs by 2040.
By August 2017, China had reached its 2020 target for solar energy installation, which makes the People’s Republic the largest producer of solar energy in the world. Large-scale carbon capture plants are also on the way, with the first of a planned eight currently being built. The bottom line is, China’s government is very focused on reducing the carbon footprint.
And as a result of these policies, imported automobiles are not exactly welcome in the Middle Kingdom unless they’re hybridized or electric. Alfa Romeo and Maserati don’t have such vehicles in their lineup, and that’s the gist of it. According to Automotive News, FCA declined to comment on the matter, but the cited publication has the numbers to back up its claims.
The Levante plant in Mirafiori will shut down for two weeks between October and November, with sales in China now averaging 350 examples per month compared to more than 800 units per month in the first half of the year. Over at Alfa Romeo, the Cassino plant in Italy now builds 265 vehicles per shift instead of 300. This decision follows four Fridays that were hampered down by production stops, totaling a loss of 2,000-plus Giulias and Stelvios.
From 2,666 Stelvio units delivered in China in July, Alfa Romeo slumped to 227 examples in August. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade have both seen production reductions at the Melfi plant in Italy. From the report: “Workers at the plant have been temporarily laid off for 21 days this year, including 11 days in the third quarter. As a result, production of the two models was down 25 percent in the quarter.”

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part Two (Final)
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

Shell Angry at Bans on Fossil Fuel-Burning Cars Because of Course They Are
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

Who's Your Number One?
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

ALFA ROMEO models:ALFA ROMEO MiTo MiniALFA ROMEO Stelvio Quadrifoglio Medium SUVALFA ROMEO Stelvio Medium SUVALFA ROMEO 33 Stradale CoupeALFA ROMEO Giulia Veloce MediumAll ALFA ROMEO models