Tag: Manufacturing

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

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

Polestar 1 Production Plant Starts Construction In China

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 Volvo V60 Polestar Keeps the Four Cylinder Flag Flying Against AMG C 43 Wagon2 Rebecca Jackson Reveals 2018 Volvo XC60's Flaws3 Volvo V90 Cross Country Volvo Ocean Race Has Carpets Made From Ocean Trash4 Polestar 1 Convertible Rendering Is So Good, It Should Be Built5 Polestar 1 Immediately Gets Rendered as a Shooting Break, It's That Beautiful
Up next

2019 BMW 8 Series Shows Up in German Traffic, M850i Rumors Increase

Polestar 1 Production Plant Starts Construction In China

20 Nov 2017, 13:55 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Industry

Chengdu isn’t just one of the most populous areas in the People’s Republic of China, but it briefly served as the capital of the country from 1949 until the closure of the Chinese Civil War. Chengdu is the region’s equivalent to Silicon Valley in the United States, which might have had something to do with Polestar deciding to set base in this area of China.
21 photosSpun off from Volvo as a standalone brand and controlled by Geely, Polestar announced that the production facility for the 1 plug-in hybrid supercoupe is coming together in Chengdu. By mid-2018, the factory should be completed and ready to start tooling and pre-production tests.
The nine-month construction plan is challenging in its own right, but then again, the Polestar 1 is a plug-in hybrid unlike any before it. If that wasn’t impressive enough, Polestar highlights the plant “will be the most environmentally-responsible car factory in China.” And that’s saying something considering China’s environmental record isn’t all that green.
“We are building a Production Centre that is a reflection of our brand,” declared head honcho Thomas Ingenlath. “A facility that is modern, progressive, technically advanced and environmentally responsible. The Polestar Production Centre will be an embodiment of the Polestar brand.”
Described by its maker as a grand touring coupe, the 1 features a performance-oriented powertrain with 600 horsepower on tap and up to 150 kilometers of electric range. To whom it may concern, that translates to the longest pure electric distance of any hybridized car in the world.
Production of the 1 will start by mid-2019 and be capped at 500 examples per year, with pricing expected to range from €130,000 to €150,000 ($153,000 to $177,000) for the entry-level trim. There’s also the possibility Polestar will adopt the Care by Volvo subscription service introduced by the XC40. It all boils down to a flat fee that covers things such as the cost of the car, insurance, and maintenance into one monthly paid installment.

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

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)
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
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
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

Who's Your Number One?
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

VOLVO models:VOLVO V60 Polestar CompactVOLVO S60 Polestar CompactVOLVO V60 Polestar CompactVOLVO S60 Polestar CompactVOLVO XC40 Small SUVAll VOLVO models

2018 Ford Expedition Starts Production At Kentucky Truck Plant

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:1 700+ HP Spec 3 2018 Mustang RTR Is Out For Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Blood2 Ford and Ferrari 1960s Rivalry to Become TV Drama Produced by Peter Dinklage3 2018 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 Is Made To Corner Very, Very Hard4 Spyshots: 2019 Ford Focus ST Wagon Reveals Volvo-Inspired Headlights5 New Ford Focus Hatchback Spied in Spain, Engineers Are Poking Under the Hood
Up next

Nissan GT-R vs. Ferrari GTC4Lusso Drag Race Is an Emotional Rollercoaster

2018 Ford Expedition Starts Production At Kentucky Truck Plant

30 Oct 2017, 16:54 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Car Profile

Following an investment of $900 million, the Kentucky Truck Plant is capable of churning out the all-new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. After the luxed-up Navigator started production on September 25, the Expedition followed suit. One of the first customers of the full-size SUV is Houston pastor Develron Walker (pictured), who received his 2018 Expedition as a gift from FoMoCo.
26 photosWhy’s that? Hurricane Harvey took its toll on Develron’s church and community, as well as his previous car. Walker argues the church was denied both government assistance and a small business loan, despite the fact the pastor and his congregation helped 200 families following the storm. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the narrative behind Ford’s generous benefaction.
“Even while facing extremely tough circumstances, Pastor Walker has shown his relentless commitment to helping those in his community, and we hope the Expedition will help him go further with his ministry as they rebuild,” declared Joe Hinrichs, the Dearborn-based automaker’s president of global operations.
Just like the previous Expedition, the 2018 Expedition is propelled by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. The EcoBoost engine is rated at 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, but there’s a more powerful tune available. Reserved for the Platinum trim level, the more potent EcoBoost develops 400 ponies and 480 pound-feet. Regardless of trim level and drivetrain specification, the newcomer relies on a 10-speed automatic transmission co-developed with GM.
Arriving at dealerships in the coming weeks, the 2018 Ford Expedition is expected to boast best-in-class mileage. What’s for certain, however, is that the redesigned Expedition is the best of its class in terms of towing, being capable of trailering 9,300 pounds (4,218 kilograms). Pricing kicks off at $51,695 for the Expedition XLT. The slightly longer XLT Max will set you back $54,385. At the other end of the spectrum, the 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum Max retails at $75,400.
Those interested in the 2018 Lincoln Navigator, well, the full-sized luxobarge is considerably more expensive. The base model starts at $72,055 while the Black Label retails at $93,705.
German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

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

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
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

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)
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

Volkswagen Production Milestone: 6 Million Vehicles Manufactured In One Year

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 Volkswagen Passat Facelift Coming in 2018 With Arteon Styling2 Doug DeMuro Reviews a Phaeton, the $120,000 Volkswagen3 2019 Volkswagen Touareg Revealed in Full by Latest Spy Photos4 2018 VW Golf GTI Vs. 2016 VW Golf GTI Track Test Has an Unexpected Conclusion5 2018 Volkswagen Touareg Reportedly Set For Debut In April
Up next

At Least Three Powertrains Are Considered For The Porsche Mission E

Volkswagen Production Milestone: 6 Million Vehicles Manufactured In One Year

30 Dec 2017, 12:43 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Industry

The Volkswagen Group is the world’s largest automaker by sales volume, delivering 10.3 million vehicles in 2016. Production, as expected, is another area where the Wolfsburg-based company is at the top of its game.
10 photosWith a few days to go until 2017 turns to 2018, the Volkswagen brand (not group) announced that it had produced six million vehicles in the current calendar year. It’s a production record made possible by 50-plus plants located in 14 countries, and a product portfolio of 60-plus models.

“More than six million vehicles produced in 12 months – there is one thing that this shows above all: our plants and employees are continually improving their production competence. We have top teams in production which successfully master growing demand from customers,” declared Thomas Ulbrich, whose role is that of Member of the Board of Management of the German brand responsible for Production & Logistics.
Volkswagen highlights that the models which made the production record possible are the Jetta, followed by the Golf, Santana, Passat, and Polo. These are all nameplates with tradition for the brand, though newcomers also had a say in the result, especially the Tiguan, T-Roc, and the Arteon.
This year’s result brings the total number of Volkswagen vehicles produced to more than 150 million since the first-ever Bettle rolled off the line 72 years ago. And thanks to the Transform 2025+ strategy, the German automaker is planning even bigger things in the immediate future.
In the first phase of the plan, Volkswagen intends to strengthen its presence in the sport utility vehicle and crossover segments by introducing 19 new models by 2020. The second phase, meanwhile, will see the brand go on the electric offensive with the I.D. family of models. Underpinned by the MEB vehicle architecture, three models are already confirmed for launch in the first instance: the I.D. hatchback, I.D. Crozz crossover, and I.D. Buzz van.

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
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
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
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

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

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

Who's Your Number One?
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

VOLKSWAGEN models:VOLKSWAGEN up! 5 doors MiniVOLKSWAGEN up! 3 doors MiniVOLKSWAGEN up! GTI MiniVOLKSWAGEN Jetta CompactVOLKSWAGEN Polo GTI CompactAll VOLKSWAGEN models

Volvo XC40 Starts Production, T5 Twin Engine PHEV And EV Coming In 2018 And 2019

The smallest utility vehicle Volvo ever made is now production reality. The XC40 started rolling off the assembly line in Ghent, Belgium today, and the first customer-bound crossovers are en route to Volvo dealers.

To date, Volvo received more than 13,000 orders for the newcomer of the XC family… (continue reading >>)

Dual-Motor Model 3 Production Imminent As Tesla Registers First VINs

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 Proposed Tesla Compensation Plan for Musk Makes Him the Richest Man in the World2 Tesla Semi Prototype Caught Driving in Sunnyvale, California3 Armormax Tesla Model S P100D Is The World’s Fastest Bulletproof Car4 Tesla Model 3 Owner Risks License to Check Top Speed, Gets a Bonus5 New Tesla Roadster Has Over 1,000 HP, Engineering Explained Says
Up next

Ferrari 488 Sport Special Series Unveiled During Private Presentation

Dual-Motor Model 3 Production Imminent As Tesla Registers First VINs

23 Jan 2018, 13:09 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Car Profile

Production of the Model 3 started with great pomp and circumstance in July 2017, and to this day, Tesla has yet to hit the production target it has set for the most affordable car it has ever offered. But 2018 will see Tesla hopefully get its act together.
5 photosA quick look at Tesla.com reveals all-wheel-drive Model 3s will start production in spring 2018, with international deliveries of left-hand drive vehicles to start in the second half of the year. Come 2019, the Fremont plant will welcome the right-hand drive Model 3 for markest such as the UK.
But first, let’s focus on the Dual-Motor Model 3. According to Model 3 VINs on Twitter, the Palo Alto-based electric vehicle automaker registered 19 examples of the dual-motor variant, ranging from vehicle identification numbers 8370 to 8388. A look-up on NHTSA.gov confirms the info.
Given these circumstances, Tesla is certain to have addressed some of the bottlenecks that hampered the Model 3 in the past. And as it’s the case with the S and X, the 3 with Dual-Motor integrates a permanent-magnet motor in the front axle that should mirror the output of the rear drive unit.
It remains to be seen if it’s the same design as the electric motor in the rear-wheel-drive Model 3, which develops 258 horsepower according to the EPA filing when matched with the extended-range battery. The Model 3 Performance, on the other hand, is certain to up the ante even further. The difference is likely to be made by the output of the rear electric motor.
Whatever kind of surprise the automaker has in mind for the Model 3 Dual-Motor and Model 3 Performance, you can bet your sweet bippy 2018 will be a better year for Tesla's new contender in the EV arena. Production was upped in December 2017 to more than 1,000 Model 3s per week. By the end of the first quarter of 2018, the production target is 2,500 units per week.
New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part One
1990s Cars That Created Ongoing Market Trends

Who's Your Number One?
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

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

Could Volkswagen Group's Electric Plans Include Ducati?
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
Ford's Autonomous Police Car 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)
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

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

TESLA MOTORS models:TESLA MOTORS Roadster Coupe CabrioTESLA MOTORS Model S LuxuryTESLA MOTORS Model 3 Medium PremiumTESLA MOTORS Model X Large SUVTESLA MOTORS Model S LargeAll TESLA MOTORS 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

BMW In Talks With Great Wall To Manufacture MINI Vehicles In China

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 MINI One Gets More Interesting With 1499 GT Special Edition2 MINI Electric Concept Is Proof the Carmaker Can Adapt to the Changing Market3 Chinese Carmaker Great Wall Wants to Snatch Jeep from FCA's Portfolio4 FCA Receives Chinese Takeover Bid and Promptly Rejects it5 Haval Wants to Conquer Australian SUV Market With the H6
Up next

Report: Volkswagen Working on 2019 T-Cross Subcompact Crossover

BMW In Talks With Great Wall To Manufacture MINI Vehicles In China

15 Oct 2017, 21:38 UTC · by Mircea Panait
/ Home / News / Industry

At the present moment, MINI operates a production plant in Cowley, UK, with a remainder of production attributed to VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands. In the coming years, however, the BMW-owned British automaker might expand outside of Europe thanks to the helping hand of Great Wall.
23 photosReports in the Chinese media suggest BMW is in early talks with Great Wall to create a joint stock company incorporated in the People’s Republic with limited liability. In a statement released on behalf by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Great Wall has confirmed the talks, providing clarifications.
From the statement: “As of the date of this announcement, the Company and BMW have not entered into any legal documents for the establishment of a joint venture in China.” There’s no deal on the table just yet, but the offer is too good for BMW and Great Wall to take a step back. “Both parties entered into a confidential agreement on 18 April 2016 for the feasibility of research and development of battery electric vehicles and traditional power vehicles.”
Upon discussion, BMW and Great Wall signed an agreement on February 21, 2017, “for discussion and evaluation on the feasibility of cooperation for vehicles of MINI brand.” It’s extremely clear, then, that intentions are strong from both parties. But until the two automakers agree to create a joint venture in China, there’s still a whole lot of talk and feasibility evaluation to be done.
BMW is already present in China with the help of Brilliance, an alliance that started in 2003 and is responsible for the local production of the 1 Series, 2 Series Active Tourer, 3er, 5er, and X1. Great Wall, on the other hand, doesn’t have any joint venture to speak of at the present moment. The Haval sport utility vehicle brand sold better than the rest of the Great Wall lineup in 2016, but a joint venture has the potential to be a more lucrative business.
When rumors emerged of the MINI-Great Wall potential tie-up on Wednesday, October 11, shares of the Chinese automaker jumped 13 percent, then were suspended from trading on Thursday. Shares have resumed trading on Monday, 16 October.

Download attachment: MINI-Great Wall joint venture statement (PDF)

Shell Angry at Bans on Fossil Fuel-Burning Cars Because of Course They Are
Euro NCAP Testing Procedures Explained
The Hackrod Future of Car Manufacturing

German Combustion Engines Have Six Years To Walk The Plank
NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Scores Explained
Coolest Obscure Mercedes-AMG Models in History

New Year's Resolutions for Carmakers
The Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Motorcycle, Part Two (Final)
Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

On Electric Harleys and New Generations
Hybrids, Plug-Ins and Electric Cars: Which Batteries Are Best?
Top 10 Cars That Define the United States of America

Who's Your Number One?
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?
Ford's Autonomous Police Car Explained
The Biggest Anticipations in Motorcycling for 2016, Part 1

Elon Musk Is Not the Manipulative Mastermind Everyone Takes Him for These Days
Autonomous Driving Levels Explained
Electric Car Charging Plugs, The Beta vs. VHS Battle of the 21st Century

MINI models:MINI Convertible CompactMINI Hatch 5 Doors CompactMINI Hatch CompactMINI Countryman CrossoverMINI Convertible CompactAll MINI 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