Tag Archives: Pickups

Ford Recalls Nearly 185K F-150s

December 23, 2021 admin

Ford announced it’s recalling almost 185,000 F-150 full-size pickups. The 2021 and 2022 model-year trucks are experiencing driveshaft problems that could cause it to fracture.

All-new F-150 — Ford is recalling nearly 185,000 F-150 pickups from the 2021 and 2022 model years.

The issue only affects certain F-150 Crew Cab 4×4 pickups, according to the filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The company’s began examining the issue since July.

The truck’s underbody thermal/acoustic insulators can loosen over time. If they come in contact with the truck’s aluminum driveshaft, they can cause scoring or marks. If this goes on long enough, the heat generated each time can eventually crack the driveshaft.

Potential results if the issue is not repaired

“A fractured driveshaft may result in loss of motive power,” the report states, “unintended vehicle movement while the vehicle is in park if the parking brake is not applied, and may result in secondary damage to surrounding components.”

Additionally, once fractured, the driveshaft could break loose and touch the ground, causing the driver to lose control of the pickup, potentially resulting in a crash. The company is unaware of any accidents or injuries caused by the problem.

2021 Ford F-150 - at work site — Some Ford F-150 pickups are facing issues with the aluminum driveshaft on the truck.

Owners are advised to look for a “loose underbody insulator.” They should also listen for a rattling, clicking or clunking noise due to the loose insulator coming in contact with the driveshaft. The scoring or marking on the driveshaft described earlier may also be visible.

Next steps

Ford’s taken steps to resolve the problem during production by swapping the underbody thermal acoustic insulator for an under-carpet thermal patch at the two plants — Dearborn (MI) Truck and Kansas City (KS) Assembly — already.

Dealers received the notice Tuesday, and owners will begin receiving notices in the mail shortly. They will be instructed to make an appointment with their dealer to have “positive attachment features adde to the underbody insulators.”

They’ll also inspect the driveshaft for scoring or marks that may have already occurred. This will be done at no expense to the truck owner.

As of Dec. 7, Ford received 27 reports of fractured aluminum driveshafts possibly related to sagging underbody insulators on the F-150s, the automaker said in an Automotive News report.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM check out LA CDJR TODAY!

GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Off-Road Concept

August 27, 2021 admin

<img data-attachment-id=”1772618″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept/revealed-today-at-overland-expo-mountain-west-the-gmc-canyon-at-3/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GMC-Canyon-AT4-OVRLANDX-Concept-005.jpg” data-orig-size=”5700,3800″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”Canon EOS 5DS”,”caption”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept elevates Canyon\u2019s capability while exploring GMC\u2019s vision for the nameplate\u2019s future. Designed for the premium overlanding enthusiast, the concept vehicle shows how Canyon could be customized for ambitious off-road adventures.”,”created_timestamp”:”1627949812″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”58″,”iso”:”400″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0025″,”title”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT”,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT4″ data-image-description=”

GMC

GMC introduced an interesting concept at Colorado’s Overland Expo Mountain West 2021 this week and the timing couldn’t have been better. While North America has always appreciated off-road vehicles, there’s been an overnight explosion in the number of people considering 4×4 adventuring as a hobby. Troubled times have encouraged individuals to embrace the kind of cars that can tackle any terrain while doubling as a mobile campsite, and the Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Off-Road Concept certainly seems capable.

Although the hypothetical production model probably has a better chance of becoming canvases for online influences than carrying anybody through a genuine disaster. This is something GMC likewise appears hip to, as the whole point of the concept SUV is to show what can be done with the Canyon, a little creativity, and a wad of cash reserved for aftermarket accessories.

<img data-attachment-id=”1772616″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept/revealed-today-at-overland-expo-mountain-west-the-gmc-canyon-at-2/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GMC-Canyon-AT4-OVRLANDX-Concept-004.jpg” data-orig-size=”5700,3800″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”6.3″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”ILCE-7RM4″,”caption”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept elevates Canyon\u2019s capability while exploring GMC\u2019s vision for the nameplate\u2019s future. Designed for the premium overlanding enthusiast, the concept vehicle shows how Canyon could be customized for ambitious off-road adventures.”,”created_timestamp”:”1629308345″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”47″,”iso”:”400″,”shutter_speed”:”0.00125″,”title”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT”,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT” data-image-description=”

GMC

” data-medium-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-11.jpg” data-large-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-1.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1772616″ src=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-1.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”407″ srcset=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-1.jpg 610w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-10.jpg 75w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-11.jpg 450w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-12.jpg 768w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-13.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

While the pickup starts at $28,000, the OVRLANDX Off-Road Concept defaults to the 3.6-liter V6 that’s standard on the AT4 variant (MSRP $40,195, including destination). Considering the base model is still pretty large for a “midsize” pickup and comes with an anemic 2.5-liter, the decision to go with the 308-hp V6 makes sense. Ditto for sticking with the AT4, which is effectively a budget version of the off-road-friendly Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. However, the torque-rich 2.8-liter Duramax diesel (181 hp/368 lb-ft of torque) would have been a similarly good fit, if not better for overlanders interested in maximizing their fuel economy and towing proficiency.

“We wanted to showcase GMC Canyon with this concept and punctuate GMC’s commitment to premium, off-road capable vehicles. Consumer reaction to this concept’s design will help us further serve the growing market of buyers leading authentic outdoor lifestyles,” said Buick and GMC Global Vice President Duncan Aldred upon the concept’s introduction.

But what kind of items does one require if you’re interested in leading an “authentic outdoor lifestyle?”

According to GMC, a factory-lifted, extra-wide, off-road chassis with enhanced underbody coverage is the place to start. Then they add rocker panel protectors, cast-iron control arms, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and upgraded front bumper with a winch, some integrated recovery points, electronic locking differentials, wheel flares, a swivel mount for the full-size spare tire you’ll be needing, and guylines to protect your windshield from branch attacks.

Minus the tree protection, which doesn’t look as though it would stop anything more serious than a twig, the resulting package seems like a competent off-road vehicle and the AT4 was already a solid place to start. GMC said the OVRLANDX Off-Road Concept yields a 27.7-degree approach angle and a full 10 inches of ground clearance thanks to the 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires on 17-inch AEV Crestone wheels. It’s also supposed to be able to make it through over 32 inches of standing water thanks to its custom snorkel intake.

It sounds pretty good. But remember this isn’t a real product, just a vehicle the manufacturer hopes you’ll try to recreate with your own GMC Canyon. And the brand had plenty of recommendations for roof-mounted tents, solar panels, places to affix jerry cans or traction boards, and just about every other item one might want when camping in or driving through an untamed environment.

<img data-attachment-id=”1772620″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept/with-over-20-premium-off-roading-features-the-gmc-canyon-at4-ov/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GMC-Canyon-AT4-OVRLANDX-Concept-007.jpg” data-orig-size=”5700,3800″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”Canon EOS R5″,”caption”:”With over 20 premium off-roading features, the GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept was designed to be everything an overlanding enthusiast needs. Confident capability comes from features like the truck\u2019s heavy-duty front bumper with winch, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires, enabling a 27.7-degree approach angle and 10.0 inches of ground clearance. For longer adventures, drivers could enjoy the convenience of features like a camp kitchen, topper-mounted tent and truck bed storage system.”,”created_timestamp”:”1627950510″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”39″,”iso”:”100″,”shutter_speed”:”0.016666666666667″,”title”:”With over 20 premium off-roading features, the GMC Canyon AT4 OV”,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”With over 20 premium off-roading features, the GMC Canyon AT4 OV” data-image-description=”

GMC

” data-medium-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-23.jpg” data-large-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-4.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1772620″ src=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-4.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”407″ srcset=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-4.jpg 610w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-22.jpg 75w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-23.jpg 450w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-24.jpg 768w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-25.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

If you’re wondering why the Caynon and not something larger, like the Sierra, it’s all down to the demographics. The smaller of the two pickups is helping GMC rake in new customers, specifically younger adults who are the most inclined to build their truck up into an end-times 4×4. This Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Off-Road Concept is simply a template for them to use in a bid to procure more sales and it certainly seems to have done its job.

It’s not going to get everyone, particularly those who are seeking longer-term solutions to vehicular living or a tiny home on wheels. But it’s bound to get the creative juices flowing for someone interested in driving to remote destinations without relying on the surrounding infrastructure more than absolutely necessary — perhaps netting the Caynon a few more sales in the process.

<img data-attachment-id=”1772614″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept/revealed-today-at-overland-expo-mountain-west-the-gmc-canyon-at/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GMC-Canyon-AT4-OVRLANDX-Concept-003.jpg” data-orig-size=”5700,3800″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”7.1″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”ILCE-7RM4″,”caption”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX concept elevates Canyon\u2019s capability while exploring GMC\u2019s vision for the nameplate\u2019s future. Designed for the premium overlanding enthusiast, the concept vehicle shows how Canyon could be customized for ambitious off-road adventures.”,”created_timestamp”:”1629299477″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”55″,”iso”:”400″,”shutter_speed”:”0.00625″,”title”:”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT”,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”Revealed today at Overland Expo Mountain West, the GMC Canyon AT” data-image-description=”

GMC

” data-medium-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-27.jpg” data-large-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-5.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1772614″ src=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-5.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”407″ srcset=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-5.jpg 610w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-26.jpg 75w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-27.jpg 450w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-28.jpg 768w, http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/gmc-canyon-at4-ovrlandx-off-road-concept-29.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

[Images: GMC]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Nissan check out Nissan of Sumter TODAY!

America’s Top 10: the bestselling vehicles in the United States

July 7, 2021 admin

If America’s favorite flavor is vanilla, it’s a preference that can be seen in its 10 most popular vehicles. With the first half of the year now in the history books, it’s interesting to note that while the Pandemic changed much in Americans’ lives, it did little to change their automotive preferences.

Toyota nabbed four of the ten most popular vehicles, Honda two. Nissan, GM, Ford and Stellantis round out the list. Notably, the list mirrors the current new car market, with cars accounting for 30% of the slots, with the remainder consisting of trucks and SUVs.

10. Toyota Highlander: 144,380 units

Now in its fourth generation, the Toyota Highlander continues to please with its practicality, comfortable nature, impressive safety, and frugality with fuel. Boring? Perhaps. But it excites those who needs a stellar family hauler. Prices start at $35,085.

9. Honda Civic: 152,956 units

A perennial favorite now in its 10^th generation, the newest version reached dealer showrooms in June. The combination of clearance pricing on the old Civic and the arrival of a new model contributed to a 19.6% sales increase. Prices start at $21,700.

8. Toyota Corolla: 155,531 units

Given that the Corolla sedan and hatchback’s sales rose nearly 42% this year, Toyota’s decision to continue producing passenger cars when Detroit automakers dropped them seems like a winning idea. Prices start at $20,025.

7. Toyota Camry: 177,671 units

It’s no surprise that the Camry remains America’s most popular passenger car, a position it’s held since 1997 – with the exception of 2001. Sales rose 41% this year, a gift handed to them by GM, Ford and Chrysler. Prices start at $25,045.

6. Nissan Rogue: 182,289 units

When it comes to nomenclature, there’s nothing rogue about the redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue. Yet its boxy new wardrobe, roomy cabin, and vast range of capabilities make it far more competitive. No wonder sales rose 70% this year. Prices start at $25,850.

5. Honda CR-V: 213,199 units

The CR-V has long proven adept at serving middle America on its virtues: a spacious cabin, lot of space to stash stuff, great fuel economy and the choice of a turbocharged or hybrid driveline. Demand rose 54% in 2021. Prices start at $25,350.

4. Toyota RAV4: 221,195 units

With the addition of a plug-in hybrid model, the Toyota RAV4 remains the most popular crossover SUV in the country, with year over year sales up 20.6%. Credit its dynamic design, which is no longer a stylistic sleep aid. Prices start at $26,250.

3. Chevrolet Silverado: 286,410 units

If there’s any sign that the Silverado’s redesign missed the mark, it can be seen in its decline to third place behind its competitors from Ram and Ford. Sales were up 8.3%, although light-duty model demand rose only 3%. Prices start at $29,300.

2. Ram Pickup: 313,068 units

Boldly styled with a sophisticated well-thought out cabin, Ram pickup sales have risen 27.5% this year on the strength of a constant flow of special edition models, including the new high-performance TRX edition. Prices start at $33,250.

1. Ford F-Series: 362,032 units

Entering the year with an all-new look, a new hybrid model, in addition to its high-performance and forthcoming all-electric variants, the F-150 remains America’s best-selling vehicle for 39 consecutive years for good reason. Yet microchip shortages has contributed to a 1.5% sales decline this year, with Ram outselling it in the second quarter. Prices start at $29,290.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Nissan check out Mossy Nissan Oceanside TODAY!

Chipmaker Chief Says Automakers Won’t Get Full Demand Met Until Q3

May 3, 2021 admin

Mark Liu, chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., said his company will begin sending chips to U.S. automakers by the end of June. (Photo credit: 60 Minutes)

Last week, Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed what some already predicted: the semiconductor shortage is getting worse, not better and the second quarter will be the low point.

Ford and scores of other automakers have been robbing Peter to pay Paul when it comes to those precious semiconductor chips for months now. However, Ford and its Detroit rival, General Motors, are particularly hard hit, especially when it comes to its highly profitable trucks.

However, one of the protagonists in this ongoing techno-drama offered a ray of sunshine Sunday, then pulled the clouds back over it.

Mark Liu, chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., one of the major suppliers of chips in the world, told CBS’ 60 Minutes the company was scrambling to squeeze out all it can from its existing production network.

Not the end, just the beginning

More importantly, it expects to begin producing enough chips to start sending some to automakers by the end of June. However, it will only be the “minimum requirement” needed by automakers. In short: the summer is still going to be bad.

President Joe Biden is pushing for funding to accelerate the production of semiconductors in the U.S. for this year.

“Today, we think we are two months ahead, that we can catch up the minimum requirement of our customers, before the end of June,” he told the television news magazine. However, he was clear that meant that chips would start to come, not end the shortage.

“There’s a time lag. In car chips particularly, the supply chain is long and complex. The supply takes about seven to eight months,” Liu added.

It’s reportedly about that time that Renesas Electronics Corp. expects to be back up to full production levels at its Japanese plant that was shut down for a month after a fire swept through the facility, forcing it to cease operations.

Renesas is another top supplier of chips to the auto industry. It recently completed its repairs and began limited production April 10. Shipments will begin sometime in the next two weeks. The facility produces chips for Ford, Toyota and others. It will not begin sending full shipments until basically the end of the second quarter.

Automakers, like Ford and GM, are still extending the amount of time assembly plants are shut down.

Waiting to rebound

In the meantime, automakers are simply waiting, hoping to get enough chips to churn out a few more vehicles. Ford is stockpiling nearly done pickup trucks so that it can finish production once its chip supply is replenished.

Last week, several automakers laid out their plans to idle several production facilities due to the shortage. Today, GM extended the shutdown at its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas and CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. Additionally it is slowing production at its Lansing Grand River site.

Ford earlier today revealed plans for production cuts at its assembly plants in Cologne and Saarlouis. German automaker Volkswagen officials supported the assertion made by Farley last week that second quarter production was going to be volatile.

“I think the situation will remain tense,” Ralf Brandstaetter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand and member of the carmaker’s management board, told German news agency dpa. The company’s lost about 100,000 vehicles due to the shortage, Automotive News reported.

html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container { background: #fff; border: 3px solid #91a6bf; -webkit-border-radius: 5px; -moz-border-radius: 5px; border-radius: 5px; margin: 10px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; padding: 20px 30px; color: #555; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-miniText { font-size: 1em; line-height: 28px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #54C3A5; font-weight: bold; font-family: ‘Alfa Slab One’, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; display:none; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-heading { font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-caption { margin-top: 12px; font-style: italic; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container .columbine-form { overflow: hidden; margin-top: 20px; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-three-col1 { float: left; width: 33.333%; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-three-col2 { float: left; width: 33.333%; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-three-col3 { float: left; width: 33.333%; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-two-col1 { float: left; width: 66.333%; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-two-col2 { float: right; width: 33.333%; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container input.columbine-input, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container input.mo-optin-form-custom-field.date-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container input.mo-optin-form-custom-field.text-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container input.mo-optin-form-custom-field.password-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container select.mo-optin-form-custom-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container textarea.mo-optin-form-custom-field { background-color: #ffffff; width: 100%; display: block; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-border-radius: 0; -moz-border-radius: 0; border-radius: 0; padding: 11px 17px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ccc; color: #555; outline: none; margin: 0; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container input.columbine-input, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container input.mo-optin-form-custom-field.date-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container input.mo-optin-form-custom-field.text-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container input.mo-optin-form-custom-field.password-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container textarea.mo-optin-form-custom-field.textarea-field { -webkit-appearance: none; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container input.columbine-submit, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container input[type=”submit”].mo-optin-form-cta-button { display: block; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-appearance: none; border: 0; background: #54C3A5; padding: 13px 10px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center; color: #fff; outline: none; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; width: 100%; margin: 0; border-radius: 0; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-note { margin-top: 10px; line-height: normal; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.mo-optin-error { display: none; background: #FF0000; color: white; text-align: center; padding: .2em; margin: 0; width: 100%; font-size: 16px; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; border: 1px solid #FF0000; } @media only screen and (max-width: 650px) { html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.mo-optin-error { margin-bottom: -10px; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-two-col1, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-two-col2, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-three-col1, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-three-col2, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-three-col3 { float: none; width: 100%; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 10px; } } html div#JkaXGWBzgI.mo-optin-has-custom-field div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-column, html div#JkaXGWBzgI.mo-optin-has-custom-field div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-two-col1, html div#JkaXGWBzgI.mo-optin-has-custom-field div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-two-col2, html div#JkaXGWBzgI.mo-optin-has-custom-field div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-three-col1, html div#JkaXGWBzgI.mo-optin-has-custom-field div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-three-col2, html div#JkaXGWBzgI.mo-optin-has-custom-field div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-three-col3 { float: none; width: 100%; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 10px; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI.mo-optin-has-custom-field div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.columbine-container div.columbine-column textarea.mo-optin-form-custom-field.textarea-field { min-height: 80px; }div#JkaXGWBzgI *, div#JkaXGWBzgI *:before, div#JkaXGWBzgI *:after {box-sizing: border-box;-webkit-box-sizing: border-box;-moz-box-sizing: border-box;}div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost_container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-field:focus {outline:0}div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost_container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-submit-button:focus {outline:0}div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost_container div.mo-optin-powered-by{margin:5px auto 2px;text-align:center;}div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost_container div.mo-optin-powered-by a {font-size:16px !important; text-decoration: none !important;box-shadow:none !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;cursor:pointer !important;}div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost_container .mo-acceptance-checkbox {background-color: #fff;line-height: 0;border: 1px solid #bbb;width: 16px;min-width: 16px;height: 16px;margin: 0 5px 0 0 !important;outline: 0;text-align: center;vertical-align: middle;clear: none;cursor: pointer;}div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost_container .mo-acceptance-label {cursor:pointer}div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost_container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost p {padding:0px !important;margin:0px !important}div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-wrapper label {color:inherit;font-weight: normal;margin: 0;padding:0;}div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost_container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost input[type=submit] {-webkit-appearance: none;}div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost_container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost input {z-index: auto;}div#JkaXGWBzgI.mo-cta-button-flag .mo-optin-form-note .mo-acceptance-label {display:none;}div#JkaXGWBzgI .mailoptin-video-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; } div#JkaXGWBzgI .mailoptin-video-container iframe, div#JkaXGWBzgI .mailoptin-video-container object, div#JkaXGWBzgI .mailoptin-video-container embed, div#JkaXGWBzgI .mailoptin-video-container video { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost.mo-optin-form-wrapper {max-width:100% !important}#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-spinner { border-radius: inherit; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; background: #fff url(https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/plugins/mailoptin/src/core/src/assets/images/spinner.gif) 50% 50% no-repeat; left: 0; top: 0; opacity: 0.99; filter: alpha(opacity=80); } #JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-success-close { font-size: 32px !important; font-family: “HelveticaNeue – Light”, “Helvetica Neue Light”, “Helvetica Neue”, Helvetica, Arial, “Lucida Grande”, sans-serif !important; color: #282828 !important; font-weight: 300 !important; position: absolute !important; top: 0 !important; right: 10px !important; background: none !important; text-decoration: none !important; width: auto !important; height: auto !important; display: block !important; line-height: 32px !important; padding: 0 !important; -moz-box-shadow: none !important; -webkit-box-shadow: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; } #JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-success-msg { font-size: 21px; font-family: “HelveticaNeue – Light”, “Helvetica Neue Light”, “Helvetica Neue”, Helvetica, Arial, “Lucida Grande”, sans-serif; color: #282828 !important; font-weight: 300; text-align: center; margin: 0 auto; width: 100%; position: absolute !important; left: 50%; top: 50%; -webkit-transform: translate(-50%, -50%); -moz-transform: translate(-50%, -50%); -o-transform: translate(-50%, -50%); -ms-transform: translate(-50%, -50%); transform: translate(-50%, -50%); } #JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-success-msg a { color: #0000EE; text-decoration: underline; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .list_subscription-field:not(select), html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .checkbox-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .radio-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .select-field { margin-top: 6px; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .checkbox-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .radio-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .select-field { text-align: left; padding: 6px; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .checkbox-field label, html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .radio-field label { display: block; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .checkbox-field label input, html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .radio-field label input { margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .select-field select { width: 100%; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .list_subscription-field:not(select), html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .mo-optin-form-custom-field.checkbox-field, html div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .mo-optin-form-custom-field.radio-field { padding: 0 !important; border: 0 !important; background: transparent !important; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .list_subscription-field label { display: block !important; margin: 5px 0 !important; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .list_subscription-field label:last-child { margin: 0; } html div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-optin-form-container .mo-optin-form-wrapper .mo-optin-fields-wrapper .list_subscription-field input[type=checkbox] { cursor: pointer; } div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-headline, div#JkaXGWBzgI div.mo-optin-form-container h2, div#JkaXGWBzgI div.mo-optin-form-container h1 { font-size: 32px !important; }div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-description, div#JkaXGWBzgI div.mo-optin-form-container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost p { font-size: 18px !important; }div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-note { font-size: 14px !important; }@media screen and (max-width: 768px) { div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-headline, div#JkaXGWBzgI div.mo-optin-form-container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost h2, div#JkaXGWBzgI div.mo-optin-form-container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost h1 { font-size: 30px !important; } div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-description, div#JkaXGWBzgI div.mo-optin-form-container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost p { font-size: 18px !important; } div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-note { font-size: 14px !important; } }@media screen and (max-width: 480px) { div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-headline, div#JkaXGWBzgI div.mo-optin-form-container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost h2, div#JkaXGWBzgI div.mo-optin-form-container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost h1 { font-size: 25px !important; } div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-description, div#JkaXGWBzgI div.mo-optin-form-container div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost p { font-size: 16px !important; } div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-note, div#JkaXGWBzgI div#JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-form-note * { font-size: 12px !important; } } #JkaXGWBzgI #JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-field.mo-optin-form-name-field::-webkit-input-placeholder { color: #555555 !important; } #JkaXGWBzgI #JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-field.mo-optin-form-name-field:-ms-input-placeholder { color: #555555 !important; } #JkaXGWBzgI #JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-field.mo-optin-form-name-field::placeholder { color: #555555 !important; } #JkaXGWBzgI #JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-field.mo-optin-form-email-field::-webkit-input-placeholder { color: #555555 !important; } #JkaXGWBzgI #JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-field.mo-optin-form-email-field:-ms-input-placeholder { color: #555555 !important; } #JkaXGWBzgI #JkaXGWBzgI_inpost .mo-optin-field.mo-optin-form-email-field::placeholder { color: #555555 !important; } div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-mailchimp-interest-container { margin: 0 10px 2px; } div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-mailchimp-interest-label { font-size: 16px; margin: 5px 0 2px; } div#JkaXGWBzgI input.mo-mailchimp-interest-choice { line-height: normal; border: 0; margin: 0 5px; } div#JkaXGWBzgI span.mo-mailchimp-choice-label { vertical-align: middle; font-size: 14px; } div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-mailchimp-interest-choice-container { margin: 5px 0; }div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-mailchimp-interest-label { display:inline-block!important; } div#JkaXGWBzgI span.mo-mailchimp-choice-label { vertical-align:baseline!important; } div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-mailchimp-interest-container { padding:18px 0 6px 0; } div#JkaXGWBzgI .mo-mailchimp-choice-label { font-size:16px!important; }

For GREAT deals on a new or used Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM check out Patterson Tyler Group TODAY!

As Americans Take to the Road Again, Gasoline Could Be in Short Supply This Summer

April 28, 2021 admin

Motorists could be seeing signs like this across the U.S. as companies struggle to find tanker drivers.

First came the shortages of masks and hand sanitizer, then tissues and toilet paper. Scarcity became reality during the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, as widespread vaccination frees up millions of Americans to take long-delayed summer vacations, a new shortage is cropping up: a lack of gasoline.

There’s plenty of petroleum at the nation’s refineries, in fact. The real issue is a shortage of drivers to get it to the pump.

Ironically, many tank truck drivers were let go when the pandemic first struck and millions of Americans went into lockdown. Now, up to 25% of U.S. tankers are sitting idle with no one to put behind the wheel.

Pandemic’s petro-rollercoaster

U.S. roadways went eerily silent as much of the country was idled at this time last year. In major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, traffic fell by as much as 80%, according to tracking service Tom Tom. There was such a glut of petroleum that oil tankers often sat at sea, waiting to empty their loads.

The potential gas shortages are not an issue of overall supply as refineries are operating without issue.

That sent gas prices tumbling, some U.S. service stations charging less than a dollar a gallon in spring 2020. Demand has been rising since then and the typical U.S. motorist is paying $2.88 a gallon for regular unleaded today, according to AAA.

But there’s growing concern that prices could surge even more sharply, especially if the country starts to experience gasoline shortages should there not be enough drivers found to get fuel to where it’s needed.

“Trucking’s driver shortage already exceeds 50,000 drivers,” the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC), an industry trade group, reported on its website. And that’s only part of the problem, it adds. “The trucking industry’s workforce shortage is not confined to drivers alone. Trucking companies also require dispatchers and back office staff. Trained mechanics are also in short supply. Tank truck operations face further critical shortages of registered inspectors and design-certified engineers who can inspect and repair cargo tank truck trailers.”

Driver shortage grows worse

In recent years, there’s been a growing shortage of truck drivers, in general. The work is demanding, the pay often marginal, especially for those operating their own rigs.

This could be an increasingly less familiar sight as demand for gasoline increases this summer.

Complicating matters, not everyone licensed to haul an 18-wheeler can operate a tank truck. Beyond the basic commercial license, a driver needs to get additional certification considering the dangerous loads they’ll be hauling.

Then, early last year, a new federal registry debuted. It identified drivers who have had issues with alcohol or drugs. As many as 60,000 of them are no longer available as a result.

Tanker fleet operators struggled with the lack of business last year and are now trying to cope with the driver shortage. When lockdown began and demand for gas plunged, “We were even hauling boxes for Amazon just to keep our drivers busy,” Holly McCormick, vice president in charge of driver recruitment and retention at Oklahoma tanker company, told CNN. “A lot of drivers didn’t want to do the safety protocols. We’re also working with an aging work force. Many said ‘I might as well take it as a cue to retire.’”

Even in normal times, driver turnover can run 50% annually. It hit 70% during the depths of the COVID crisis, Brad Fulton, director of research and analytics at Stay Metrics, told the network.

Spot shortages

Traffic levels are on the rise, especially as more Americans receive vaccinations and look to travel again on vacation.

Schools that train new drivers simply can’t keep up, according to industry insiders. And there are additional roadblocks in the licensing process, argues the NTTC which, in a report on the shortage, said steps are essential for “speeding and easing the CDL (commercial driver’s) licensing process.”

There have already been reports of spot shortages hitting vacation centers like Florida and Arizona during the recent spring break, according to the Oil Price Information Service.

Experts say these could become more widespread during the summer months as more Americans start to travel again — especially with the CDC revising outdoor mask guidelines for those who’ve been fully vaccinated.

The real concern is that even a brief shortage at a handful of stations could cause the same sort of panic that occurred last year when supplies of toilet paper fell short, shoppers lining up at groceries and big box outlets like Costco, snapping up every roll they could find.

If everyone suddenly decides they need a full tank of gas at all times it could strain supplies. It also could lead to long lines of cars waiting to fuel up — bringing back echoes of the gas shortages America faced in the 1970 oil shocks. Except, this time, there’s a plentiful supply of both petroleum, but a shortage of the trucks needed to get fuel where it’s needed.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Nissan check out Nissan of Queens TODAY!

Magna Tells Investors Sales Expected to Jump More Than $11B by 2023

April 15, 2021 admin

Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri told investors sales would rise by at least $11 billion in the next few years.

Magna International, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers expects global sales to hit as much as $45.5 billion in 2023, officials told investors this week.

The company said it expects sales to grow to a range of $43 billion to $45.5 billion in 2023, up from $32.6 billion in 2020. Officials expect global light-vehicle production to grow 6% on average per year from 2020 through 2023, while the company’s annual sales will grow 10-12% on average, per year over that time frame, the annual report indicated.

Innovation leads the way

This growth is being led, in part, by several new products developed by Magna. One of those are EV battery enclosures that contribute to the structure of the vehicle, protect high-voltage batteries and will debut on the new GMC Hummer EV and Ford F-150.

Another technology developed by Magna, Clearview, a combination of camera and mirror technology that provides an enhanced field of view. It will be available on multiple vehicle models for the global automotive market.

Freeform is a surface seating trim that improves seat comfort with contoured surfaces which has been sourced with two global automakers, Magna added.

Part of Magna’s growing business is the all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV, which it will build in Austria.

Strong balance sheet aids growth

Magna also said in February net income from the fourth quarter of 2020 increased 68% from a year earlier due in part to better-than-anticipated vehicle production.

“Our balance sheet remains strong,” said Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri in a letter to shareholders in the annual report.

“Last year we invested approximately $600 million in areas of engineering aligned with megatrends, including electrification, autonomy and new mobility. We will continue our disciplined investment approach to drive growth and create long term shareholder value.

“As one of the world’s largest and most advanced technology suppliers in the mobility space, we continue to be an indispensable partner for established automakers and new entrants alike. While Magna’s current product portfolio is well positioned for the car of the future, we are continuing to expand our offerings, capabilities and evolving business models.”

New ventures

The annual report also noted that Magna had launched a new joint venture with South Korea-based LG Electronics that blends Magna’s strength in electric powertrain systems and automotive manufacturing with LG’s expertise in component development for e-motors and inverters, accelerating both companies’ growth in the electric powertrain market.

In addition, Magna is supplying electric carmaker Fisker with an EV platform, electrical/electronic architecture, vehicle engineering and manufacturing and the complete ADAS system for the Fisker Ocean SUV, demonstrating Magna’s unique systems level approach.

Magna’s facility in Graz, Austria already builds a variety of vehicles for established automakers.

“Additionally, we continued to win significant business throughout the year, despite pandemic constraints, driven by our leading technology,” the company noted. “These wins reflect our continued investments that drive innovative solutions for our customers. In fact, over 90% of our 2023 sales are already booked.”

New venture with Israeli company

Magna also entered into a new agreement with REE Automotive Ltd. Tel Aviv-based REE is a self-described electric mobility company, marketing Modular Electric Vehicles, or MEVs.

The collaboration will explore the combination of REE’s technology with Magna’s vehicle systems integration expertise and manufacturing capabilities, to develop MEVs for commercial customers to customize vehicles based on their specifications and branding, while accelerating time to market.

“We are thrilled to reach a collaboration agreement with Magna, which should help put us on the fast track to support a broad range of electric vehicles (EVs),” said Daniel Barel, REE Co-Founder and CEO, in a statement.

“We see a growing demand for highly modular EVs from leading tech companies and new electric mobility players who have set their sights on entering the EV realm and building a brand in automotive. REE and Magna working together under the ‘Powered by REE’ approach can help bring their vision to life.”

For GREAT deals on a new or used Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM check out Cabral CDJR TODAY!

Honda Looking to Get a Little More Rugged with Trailsport Moniker?

April 9, 2021 admin

The new Honda Ridgeline gets a more rugged exterior update for the 2021 model year. Could a Trailsport edition be coming soon?

Is Honda trying to make its trucks and SUVs appear to be tougher? Maybe.

The Japanese automaker’s secured a new name: Trailsport. When compared to RAV4, Passport and Pilot, Trailsport seems almost vicious by comparison. The automaker registered the name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and website Carbuzz tracked it down.

The application reads as follows: “The mark consists of a miscellaneous design set above the term TRAILSPORT with the letters ‘R’ and ‘S’ connected together all in a stylized font. This trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of land vehicles, namely, sport utility vehicles, automobiles, trucks, and structural parts for the foregoing.”

Getting a little tougher

There’s no clear indication if Honda intends to use it for new vehicle or, more likely, a special edition or trim package, such as the Honda Ridgeline Trailsport.

Subaru is offering up a beefed up version of the Outback called the Wilderness edition.

Regardless, the company’s been looking to add more capability to its trucks and utes, toughening up the look of aforementioned Ridgeline for the 2021 model year after the previous iteration was roundly criticized for its “soft” or non-traditional appearance.

In addition to the new look, it also got additional tweaks to keep the functionality the Ridgeline has touted both in terms of utility and performance, including the top standard payload capacity for a V6 all-wheel-drive truck.

The biggest change for 2021 is the truck’s overall exterior shape, which is altered by getting an entirely new front-end design. The new look is a bit more aggressive with a “power bulge” on the hood accented with a more squared-off front end and bigger, more upright grille. Most of its competitors have been upsizing the grilles on their trucks and looking for “tougher” monikers for their vehicles too.

Following a trend

Subaru just launched a new family of more rugged off-roaders with its new Wilderness edition offerings, starting

The new Pathfinder’s sporting a more rugged look for the 2022 model year.

with the new 2022 Outback Wilderness. The automaker described the ’22 Subaru Outback Wilderness as “the most rugged and capable” version of the crossover in its history.

Once little more than a gussied-up station wagon, the new Wilderness model adds features designed to give it serious off-road credibility, starting with an increase in its ride height, upgrades to the suspension, revisions to its all-wheel-drive system and a standard front skid plate. The automaker will expand the line-up to include Forester and Crosstrek in the near future.

With competition like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Gladiator Mojave and the Ford Bronco harkening back to a rougher, tougher time and the increasing desire of owners to take these vehicles that look like SUVs out to do SUV-like things, it’s no surprise that other automakers are hustling to bolster their crossovers and urban-friendly utes.

Don’t forget Nissan

For the 2022 model year, Nissan’s finally given the Frontier midsize pickup a major makeover.

Nissan did the same with its 2022 Pathfinder and Frontier entries with one executive proclaiming the Pathfinder has “returned to its rugged roots,” for the new model year. While the Pathfinder got a more muscular look and a few small upgrades to improve its off-cement capability, it was the Frontier that got a big boost.

The new Frontier adopts a more solid and upright appearance with a bolder, less derivative front end. All versions of the truck get enhanced ground clearance and enhanced approach and departure angles, with a prominent front skid plate.

For those who are serious about off-roading, there’s a new Pro-4X version featuring an electronic locking differential, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and underbody skid plates. That could enhance Frontier’s appeal to those who might otherwise consider the Toyota Tacoma, for many the off-road benchmark of the segment. The Pro-4X is all-wheel drive but for those who want a 2WD model, the new Pro-X adds LED head, DRL and fog lights for a more rugged appearance.

Expect Tougher EPA Emissions Rules by July, Says Biden EPA Chief

April 7, 2021 admin

EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the agency will reveal tougher emissions standards by July.

Even before taking office in January, then President-elect Joe Biden faced heavy pressure to tighten federal tailpipe regulations, reversing cuts enacted by his predecessor, Donald Trump.

Michael Regan, the new EPA administrator, said this week updated emissions standards are coming and should be announced by July. While the nation’s environmental chief did not offer specific details, he also wouldn’t rule out the possibility that future mandates would lead to the phase out of vehicles using internal combustion engines, according to Bloomberg News.

“We need to go as far as we can to meet the demands of the day,” Regan told the news service. “The science indicates we have a short window in time to reverse the path that we’re on and mitigate against certain climate impacts.”

Trump rollback

The Trump administration CAFE rollback is facing a protracted legal battle.

Federal guidelines enacted during the Obama administration set a target for automakers to deliver an average 54 miles per gallon by the 2026 model year. The Trump administration implemented a rollback last year that has since been tied up in federal court. It also ended the waiver granted the State of California to set even tougher carbon emissions standards.

While a number of automakers backed the Trump move, others formed a coalition with the California Air Resources Board, or CARB, creating a compromise rule that many observers expect to serve as a model for what the Biden EPA ultimately announces. The administration is believed to be seeking some sort of compromise that could win support from both the environmental community and the auto industry — as did the original Obama-era guidelines.

For his part, Regan said he believes in “consensus building.”

Seeking compromise and consensus

“We are heavily engaged with the business community. We are heavily engaged with the labor community,” Regan said in his interview. “It’s a false option to choose between economic development and prosperity and environmental protection.”

President Joe Biden has been facing pressure to reduce emissions since he declared his intention to run for president. It’s ramped up since taking office.

California has long had the ability to set its own standards for traditionally defined automotive pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen. These have typically been tougher than the federal standards. Under Obama, however, the state received a waiver allowing it to set carbon emissions mandates, as well. Carbon dioxide output is directly related to fuel consumption, so, the rule provided a back-door method for CARB to set stricter mileage targets.

And 13 other states adopted the tougher California rules, meaning higher fuel economy standards for about 40% of the U.S. population.

Outright ban on ICE vehicles under study

California took things a next step when, last year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order banning the sale of new vehicles using internal combustion engines after 2035. New Jersey followed with a similar order a few months later.

Pete Buttigieg, Biden’s new Transportation secretary, took a cautious position during confirmation hearings when asked about whether a similar federal ban could follow. For his part, EPA Chief Regan left that possibility open.

California Governor Gavin Newsome signs the order for a ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035 on the hood of a Mustang Mach-E.

“We’re taking a strong look at what the science is urging us to do. We’re looking at where technologies are,” Regan said. “We’re marrying our regulatory policy and what we have the statutory authority to do with where the science directs us and where the markets and technology are.”

Taking politics out of science

Regan, like Buttigieg and new Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, have collectively emphasized the need to set federal guidelines that are based on science, critics saying their Trump administration predecessors frequently focused on rulemaking-as-politics, or as a way to curry favor with their boss, President Trump.

Tailpipe emissions and fuel economy rules could be two of the highest-profile issues Regan will deal with during his time at the EPA. But the agency is “laser focused” on another transportation-related issue: the release of greenhouse gases, like methane from oil and natural gas wells and pipelines.

Those and other steps are believed critical for the U.S. to meet its global warming commitments as Biden brings the country back into the Paris Climate Agreement.

“EPA,” said Regan, “has a critical role to play in delivering on President Biden’s aggressive climate agenda to achieve a carbon-pollution-free power sector by 2035 and put the United States on path to a net-zero economy by 2050.”

For GREAT deals on a new or used Toyota check out Joseph Toyota of Cincinnati TODAY!

GM Grows Board of Directors’ Diversity with New Whitman, Tatum

March 25, 2021 admin

Meg Whitman, a technology leader and former head of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, will join the General Motors Board of Directors.

What was already the most diverse board of directors in the automotive industry just go a little more so, General Motors Co. expanding its board, adding Meg Whitman and Mark Tatum to fill the spots.

The move grows GM’s board from 12 to 13 members. Adding Whitman, a former Republican gubernatorial candidate in California and CEO of Quibi Holdings LLC, a media startup, results in women filling seven of the posts on the board. It makes GM the only automaker where women comprise a majority of the board.

Tatum, who is of Asian and African-American heritage, is the National Basketball Association’s deputy commissioner and chief operating officer. Diversity within the company has been a priority for Chairman and CEO Mary Barra since her appointment in 2013.

Diversity is a strength

GM quickly pointed out that the diversity of the company’s newly expanded board isn’t just limited to gender or ethnic background.

Diversity has been a theme during Mary Barra’s tenure as GM’s Chairman and CEO.

The company’s 12 independent directors have senior leadership and board experience in information technology, digital commerce, retail, higher education, investment management, international affairs, defense, transportation, cybersecurity, and pharmaceuticals, among others.

“Our diverse Board of Directors is a competitive advantage for GM as we work to deliver a better, safer and more sustainable world,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “Mark and Meg will bring unique experiences to the Board, especially in technology, brand building and customer experience that will help us drive value for shareholders and other GM stakeholders now and into the future.”

Diversity is a focus in the company’s executive ranks as well. Barra’s overseen a significant shift of women into higher level roles at the company during her tenure. Some of those include Dhivya Suryadevara as Chief Financial Officer, the first-ever woman to hold the job, and Alicia Bolder Davis as the Head of Global Manufacturing.

Others include Ann Cathcart Chaplin, corporate secretary and deputy general counsel; Margaret Curry, vice president, Tax and chief tax officer; Julia Steyn, head of urban mobility and Maven; Kimberly Brycz as senior vice president, Global Human Resources; and Pamela Fletcher, vice president, Global Electric Vehicle Programs. Both Boler Davis and Suryadevara left the company for other opportunities in the last 18 months.

Results are showing

Mark Tatum, deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of the National Basketball Association, will join the General Motors Board of Directors.

The push to diversify, at least by gender, is beginning to get noticed. GM was the top ranked company in the U.S. on the Gender Equality Global Report & Ranking for 2021. It was No. 5 globally, with a score of 71%, up from No. 11 and a score of 68% last year. GM was the only automaker in the Top 100.

Researchers noted GM achieved gender balance at the board level (at the time the report was issued, there were six women on GM’s board). Additionally, women represent 20% of the executive team, 32.2% of senior management and 21.8% of the workforce.

“They offer a living wage and flexible work arrangements to their employees. General Motors is the only company in the U.S. and globally that publishes a mean, unadjusted gender pay gap of less than 3% in all pay bands, and they have a strategy to close the gender pay gap. General Motors also publishes all eight of Equileap’s recommended policies that promote gender equality,” the report noted.

It is compiled by Equileap, a data research firm, which researched 3,702 companies based on 19 gender equality criteria, including gender balance from the board to the workforce, as well as the pay gap and policies relating to parental leave and sexual harassment. The average score for the Top 100 companies globally was 64 percent, an increase of 2 percentage points from last year.

Other automakers making moves

Alexandra Ford English has been nominated for the Ford Motor Co. board of directors.

GM’s top domestic rival, Ford Motor Co., currently has three women on its board of directors and nominated a fourth, Alexandra Ford English, daughter of current Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr., who is virtually assured of election to the board later this year.

Ford English, 33, recently accepted another board position that elevated her profile. She took on the role as Ford Motor Co.’s representative to the Rivian board of directors. Ford Motor owns an equity stake in the EV maker. She’s held roles in corporate strategy at companies like Tory Burch and Gap Inc. as well as the automaker, which she joined in 2017.

The company’s global workforce is 28% female and 20% of its leadership comprises women. Some of it is top officers include Joy Falotico, president, The Lincoln Motor Co.; Lisa Drake, chief operating officer, North America; Suzy Deering, chief marketing officer; Dianne Craig, president, International Markets Group; Elena Ford, chief customer experience officer; Cathy O’Callaghan, vice president, Controller; and Kiersten Robinson, chief people and employee experiences officer.

Falotico, Drake and Deering have all moved into their roles in the last 12 months with the first two moving from other jobs within the company. Deering arrived at the automaker in January from eBay, where she was global chief marketing officer. She actually took over for Falotico, who now focuses solely on running Lincoln.

Lordstown Motors in Fight for its Life

March 17, 2021 admin

Lordstown Motors CEO Burns in truck Feb 2021

Lordstown Motors CEO Steve Burns attempted to assuage investor concerns by offering detailed insight about the truck and earnings.

Lordstown Motors officials went on the offensive Wednesday afternoon, aiming to dispel mounting doubts about the EV startup’s future in light of a damning research report questioning whether it has received any real orders – while suggesting its founder and CEO is a “con man.”

Lordstown is one of numerous manufacturers getting ready to launch battery-powered pickups. The company completed a SPAC merger last year generating $675 million in cash, money it is using to finish development of its new Endurance model. Lordstown officials claim they’ve received more than 100,000 non-binding production reservations from commercial fleet users. But that’s been thrown in doubt as a result of a report published last week by short-seller Hindenburg Research.

After issuing a terse response early this week declaring that work on the electric truck is “on track” for a September 2021 launch, Chairman and CEO Steve Burns acknowledged that the company is “cooperating” with an inquiry by the SEC. Lordstown also has launched its own internal investigation, Burns revealed, though he declined to comment directly on the Hindenberg study.

Burns talks sales numbers

Lordstown Motors is engaged in beta testing its production line with the first of 57 pre-production electric trucks to come soon.

That said, Burns did provide some insight into its sales expectations. With the first of a planned 57 beta-test vehicles now being readied, “We are able to obtain more substantial levels of commitment from our prospective customers,” he said, adding

“Under these arrangements the fleet management companies agreed to use reasonable effort to obtain purchase commitments from their clients.” But those commitments will be “conditional” until Lordstown actually puts trucks into production, Burns cautioned.

There’s still a problem with the math, 20,000 “conditional” orders significantly lower than the 100,000 non-binding reservations Lordstown previously quoted.

Company officials suggested that limited manpower means it will take time to firm things up. A clearer number will emerge “over the next 60 to 90 days,” said Lordstown President Rich Schmidt.

Nonetheless, the company is confident enough in its prospects, the Lordstown founder said, it is preparing to increase the Ohio factory’s capacity to 60,000 vehicles a year. And it is speeding up development of a second product program, an all-electric RV-style van set to reach production by the second half of 2022, said Schmidt.

A confident front

Burns said he believed his company was the only one to begin automated assembly this early in the process.

While Lordstown officials aimed to project confidence during a Wednesday afternoon earnings call with analysts and reporters, there is no question company officials need to be worried about the report issued by Hindenberg, said Sam Abuelsamid, principal automotive analyst with Guidehouse Insights.

“They’re absolutely facing the fight of their life, no doubt about it,” said Abuelsamid. “I’ve always been dubious about the number of orders they claim considering they’ve never built a product before. They’re going to have to provide real evidence of what they actually have … and they need to demonstrate an actual product.”

Lordstown was founded in 2018 by Steve Burns, a pioneer in the electric vehicle space who previously ran startups AMP and Workhorse. Its sole product is the Endurance, an all-electric pickup that it is primarily targeting at the commercial fleet market. The truck takes the unusual approach of using four motors, one mounted in each wheel hub. It is expected to produce 600 horsepower, deliver 250 miles of range and tow up to 6,000 pounds.

The nascent EV maker caught a lucky break two years ago when General Motors decided to sell it one of the three North American assembly plants it was planning to close. GM loaned the fledgling company $40 million to get the deal completed and eventually invested $75 million in the startup.

CEO Burns expressed enough confidence in his team that he upped the expected production levels to 60,000 units.

Even before rolling out a running prototype, Lordstown began touting advance reservations for Endurance, something that drew the interest of investors as the company prepared to enter a SPAC, or special purpose acquisition company, reverse merger last year. The deal not only got Lordstown listed on the Nasdaq exchange – trading as RIDE – but also generated about $675 million in new equity.

Hindenburg report casts doubt

But Hindenburg Research decided to address some of the questions that Abuelsamid and other industry observers had quietly been discussing among themselves. And the report it released last week went off like a bombshell. Where Lordstown stock surged to a high of $31.80 after its SPAC deal, it fell to as low as $9.80 after the report’s release, shares closing at $15.09 as the bell sounded Wednesday. The price dropped into the $14.40 range in after-hours trading.

“Lordstown is an electric vehicle SPAC with no revenue and no sellable product, which we believe has misled investors on both its demand and production capabilities,” Hindenburg said, while referring to Lordstown founder and CEO Steve Burns as a “con man.”

It zeroed in on several supposedly large orders for the Endurance, including one supposedly for 14,000 of the trucks worth $735 million supposedly placed by E Squared Energy. But Hindenburg claims the firm is a two-man operation, based out of a “small apartment in Texas,” which has no vehicle fleet.

The company plans to enter one of its trucks in a Baja race in Mexico next month for additional real-world testing.

“Another 1,000-truck, $52.5 million order comes from a 2-person startup that operates out of a Regus virtual office with a mailing address at a UPS Store,” reported Hindenburg. “We spoke with the owner who acknowledged it won’t actually order any vehicles, instead describing the ‘pre-order’ as a mere marketing relationship.”

Hindenberg’s lengthy analysis was particular harsh on Burns. It cited unnamed current and former Lordstown employees who, among other things, likened Burns to P.T. Barnum, the legendary circus owner and huckster.

During the Wednesday afternoon call, however, Burns and other Lordstown officials went to great pains to provide all the minutiae industry analysts sought during the company’s earnings call.

What we learned

The new Endurance is set to begin production at the end of September officials reaffirmed during the company’s first-ever earnings call.

The key takeaways: Lordstown is completing development of the Endurance and moving ahead on its second product line. The company lost $38 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 and $101 million for the full year. Largely due to the SPAC deal, the startup ended 2020 with $630 million in cash. It expects to end 2021 with just $200 million in the bank due to the heavy spending associated with the Endurance launch and the van project.

Whether Wednesday’s call will put Lordstown on firm ground is uncertain. What’s clear is that Hindenburg has something of a track record knocking down incipient EV companies.

Last February, the research firm gained headlines targeting Phoenix-based Nikola Corp. Like Lordstown, Nikola focuses on the commercial market and used a SPAC deal to go public. Nikola then saw a big runup in its share price while also lining up a proposed alliance with General Motors.

Hindenburg revealed a number of false or misleading statements by Nikola and its founder and now former CEO Trevor Milton – later backed up by the company’s own, internal review. As a result, Nikola’s share price collapsed and the deal with GM was sharply pared back. Milton was subsequently forced to resign when additional information about inappropriate behavior involving minors was revealed.

Now it’s Lordstown’s time in the crosshairs. The company will have to demonstrate that that is real substance behind both its truck and its business plan if it expects to survive, said analyst Abuelsamid.