Ferrari V8 hybrid to launch in 2019, possibly powering Ferrari’s SUV

Ferrari looks set to upset purists and win new fans with the introduction of a hybrid powertrain next year, according to company boss Sergio Marchionne. “A Ferrari V8 hybrid is coming for 2019. The test mules are around now” Marchionne confirmed. It’ll be the first series production hybrid after the limited-run LaFerrari hypercar, but it’s… Continue reading Ferrari V8 hybrid to launch in 2019, possibly powering Ferrari’s SUV

Fiat Chrysler CEO open to tie-up talks, just not yet

Tommaso Ebhardt, Bloomberg News Published 11:54 a.m. ET March 6, 2018 Sergio Marchionne, center, CEO of FCA attends the North American International Auto Show in this Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 file photo. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, which held informal talks with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. about a potential takeover by the Chinese manufacturer, would… Continue reading Fiat Chrysler CEO open to tie-up talks, just not yet

Kobe Steel, Toyota hit with U.S. lawsuit over vehicle metal quality

NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. consumers have filed a lawsuit against Kobe Steel Ltd (5406.T) and Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) accusing the companies of violating consumer protection laws and engaging in fraud by concealing the use of substandard metal components in vehicles. The Kobe Steel (Kobelco) logo is seen on the company’s headquarters in Kobe,… Continue reading Kobe Steel, Toyota hit with U.S. lawsuit over vehicle metal quality

Electrification, luxury and design: Talking with Marek Reichman and Andy Palmer

Andy Palmer sits near the top of the list of industry executives journalists like to talk to. There’s a refreshing honesty to the 54-year old Brit, a willingness to slice through the sort of circumspect phrases his underlings put into press kits and speak his mind. He managed it when working in the ultra-corporate world… Continue reading Electrification, luxury and design: Talking with Marek Reichman and Andy Palmer

Aston Martin’s opulent autonomous car concept comes draped in cashmere and silk

Aston Martin, like many carmakers around the globe, has pledged to add electric technology to its cars in the near future. After getting off to a rocky start, thanks to a busted partnership with sinking Chinese tech conglomerate LeEco, the British automotive company seems ready to refocus its effort around something new by resurrecting its… Continue reading Aston Martin’s opulent autonomous car concept comes draped in cashmere and silk

Daimler’s R&D chief sees nickel rich batteries gaining traction

GENEVA, March 6 (Reuters) – The car industry is moving towards making electric car batteries with a higher ratio of nickel, Ola Kaellenius, Daimler board member responsible for research and development, said on Tuesday. High cobalt prices have been pushing manufacturers to adjust the recipe for the batteries used to power electric cars to reduce… Continue reading Daimler’s R&D chief sees nickel rich batteries gaining traction

Uber’s self-driving trucks haul cargo on Arizona highways

(Reuters) – Uber’s [UBER.UL] self-driving trucks have been hauling cargo on Arizona highways, the U.S. ride-hailing firm said on Tuesday, laying out plans for autonomous vehicles to work with truck drivers to move freight around the country. The Uber logo is seen on a screen in Singapore August 4, 2017. REUTERS/Thomas White Uber’s trucks are… Continue reading Uber’s self-driving trucks haul cargo on Arizona highways

Ford plans to sell cars online in the UK

Ford is planning to introduce online sales in the UK, joining the likes of Hyundai and Peugeot/Citroen by offering British customers a web based click to buy type service. Speaking to Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show, Ford UK boss Andy Barratt said: “we are working on that [online sales], we’re very advanced on… Continue reading Ford plans to sell cars online in the UK

Mercedes’ futuristic headlights are no longer just a concept

Daimler Mercedes has been testing smarter headlights, and now it appears they’re no longer just a concept. Daimler announced today that these futuristic headlamps will be available in top of the line Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vehicles. These smart headlights are equipped with the equivalent of a digital projector, which can control how and where the light… Continue reading Mercedes’ futuristic headlights are no longer just a concept

Daimler Says Future Deals With Geely Hinge on China Partner BAIC

Daimler AG’s largest shareholder, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., discussed plans for its stake purchase with the German carmaker’s Chinese partner before buying the stock, setting the stage for future cooperation with the new investor, Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche said. Geely’s move may revive Beijing-based BAIC Motor Corp.’s earlier interest in acquiring a holding… Continue reading Daimler Says Future Deals With Geely Hinge on China Partner BAIC