Tag: FCA

Nissan committee says facts point to legal violations by former chairman Ghosn

YOKOHAMA, Japan (Reuters) – An external committee tasked with recommending ways to improve governance at Nissan Motor Co said on Wednesday there were sufficient facts to suspect violations of laws and the private use of company funds by ousted chairman Carlos Ghosn. FILE PHOTO: Former Nissan Motor Chairman Carlos Ghosn sits inside the car as… Continue reading Nissan committee says facts point to legal violations by former chairman Ghosn

Jeep CEO Confirms New Three-Row SUV Will Fit Between Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer – The Drive

Expect the new model to seat at least seven with the option for a trick, plug-in hybrid powertrain. FCA US LLC—© 2017 FCA US LLC Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley has reportedly confirmed the development of a three-row Jeep SUV that’ll slot between the next-gen Grand Cherokee and the upcoming Wagoneer. This comes as part… Continue reading Jeep CEO Confirms New Three-Row SUV Will Fit Between Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer – The Drive

Renault aims to restart Nissan merger talks within 12 months: FT

FILE PHOTO: The logo of French car manufacturer Renault is seen at a dealership of the company in Illkirch-Graffenstaden near Strasbourg, France, January 10, 2019. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler/File Photo (Reuters) – France’s Renault SA intends to restart merger talks with Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co Ltd within 12 months, after which it will set sight on… Continue reading Renault aims to restart Nissan merger talks within 12 months: FT

South America resists electric vehicles as local fuels remain in favor

SAO BERNARDO DO CAMPO, Brazil (Reuters) – Meeting in Brazil this week, auto executives from Toyota to GM talked up traditional fuel sources like ethanol, natural gas and diesel, underlining how South America’s protected auto market is likely to resist a broader global move toward electric vehicles for years to come. FILE PHOTO: A man… Continue reading South America resists electric vehicles as local fuels remain in favor

Volvo to boost plug-in hybrid production to 25 percent of fleet

2020 Volvo XC90
While other automakers are moving away from plug-in hybrids to electric powertrains, Volvo is finding unexpected success with its lineup of plug-in hybrids.

At a recent roundtable with journalists in Sweden, Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson said the company is disappointed that it underestimated demand for its plug-in hybrids.

DON'T MISS: Volvo XC90, XC60 T8 plug-in hybrids add electric miles for 2020

“We are not happy because we could sell more [plug-in hybrids],” he said, according to Automotive News (subscription required.) “We underestimated the demand.” He said the company did not have a big enough supply of batteries, motors, and other electrical components to build more of its plug-in hybrids, which sell for about 30 percent more than non-hybrid versions of the cars.

Samuelsson said the company will boost its capacity for those plug-in hybrid components for 2019, from its current 10 or 15 percent worldwide, up to 25 percent of its sales.

READ THIS: Audi plans new plug-in hybrid Q5, A6, A7, and A8 for Geneva reveal

Last year in the U.S., Volvo sold a little less than 1,500 XC90 T8 PHEVs, a little more than 2,100 XC60 T8 PHEVs, and fewer than 500 S90 T8 sedans, but it sold almost 27,000 plug-in hybrids in Europe, combined.

At the same time, the company announced an upgrade to upcoming XC60 and XC90 T8 hybrids to boost their plug-in range by about 15 percent.

CHECK OUT: Fiat Chrysler lays groundwork to build electrified Jeep models

The new models haven't been rated by the EPA, but current models have an estimated 17 miles of electric range, which would put the new ones up around 20 miles. The Volvos use a 2.0-liter turbo-4 and an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels, and an electric motor to provide another 87 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels.

Volvo also announced a new B5 line of mild-hybrid SUVs for Europe.

Other automakers, such as Audi, BMW, and Jeep have also announced plans to boost their lineups of plug-in hybrid SUVs, earlier this month at the Geneva auto show, so the new Volvos will have plenty of competition.

Goodyear (GT) to Slash Jobs in Germany to Modernize Plants

Goodyear’s (GT) plan to cut jobs in Germany is likely to enhance the competitiveness of its manufacturing footprint and assist it in the production of large-rim-diameter premium tires.More The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company GT plans to cut 1,100 jobs in Germany. This move is sync with its strategy to modernize its plant in Germany.… Continue reading Goodyear (GT) to Slash Jobs in Germany to Modernize Plants