Operations: Page 148
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Courtesy of WardsAuto
Magic Mushrooms: Fungi May Help Make Better Batteries, Researchers Say
Purdue University says carbon fibers derived from a sustainable source – a type of wild mushroom modified with nanoparticles – outperform conventional graphite electrodes for lithium-ion batteries.
By Alan Harman • April 21, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
More Than Ever, CUVs Seen as Long-Term Trend
“I don’t think (CUV growth is) a temporary change. I don’t think that’s driven by gas prices, it’s driven by lifestyles,” says Hyundai U.S. CEO Dave Zuchowski.
April 21, 2016 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of Toyota
TrendlineAutomotive Manufacturing
Production strategies are changing rapidly as tariffs and shifts in consumer buying patterns affect the industry.
By WardsAuto staff -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ssangyong Readies Tivoli Air Assault on China Market
After its successful late-March debut in Korea and some foreign markets, Ssangyong will launch the new model following its China debut at the Beijing Motor Show.
By Vince Courtenay • April 20, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Racing Heritage Built Into Aston Martin Vantage GT-8
The car, limited to global production of just 150 units, draws heavily on the British manufacturer’s racing experience, from its victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959, to wins in GT3 and GT4 categories.
By Paul Myles • April 19, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Varroc Pushes Adaptive Drive Beam for U.S.
Studies show ADB improves visibility 98 ft. at speeds of 45 mph, giving a driver 1.3 seconds more time to react to obstacles in the road, Varroc says.
April 15, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Tivoli Air Giving Embattled Ssangyong Breathing Room
For the first quarter, 17,354 units of all Tivoli models, including the Tivoli Air (XLV and XLV Air in export markets) were sold globally, up 23.3% from like-2015. The Tivoli brand accounted for 48.4% of Ssangyong’s 33,666 worldwide LV sales in the quarter.
By Vince Courtenay • April 15, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
U.S. Medium- and Heavy-Duty Truck Sales Down 10% in March
The medium-duty sector was saved by gains in Class 4-6.The medium-duty sector was saved by gains in Class 4-6.
By Erin Sunde • April 13, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
‘Real People’ Desires Vs. ‘Tech Geek’ Assumptions
Some traits may be good, some bad but “they are what (Americans) are articulating” about themselves, says design executive Jeff DeBoer.
By Steve Finlay • April 13, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
French Connection Nurturing Morocco’s Auto Industry
“The proximity of France and Morocco allows the development of a local industry with the creation of direct and indirect local jobs,” a Renault spokesman says. “It supports certain activities in Europe such as R&D.”
By Elizia Volkmann • April 12, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
U.K. Accounts for 1,000 of 3,500 RHD Mustang Sales
The right-hand-drive Mustang, built at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan, has been on sale in the U.K. since late last year.
By Alan Harman • April 4, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Scion Commercial Tops Most Engaging Ads Rankings
The Scion ad switches places with last week’s No.1 commercial, a Mazda spot set to the Patsy Cline classic “Back in Baby’s Arms.”
By WardsAuto Staff • March 30, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Penton’s IoT Institute in Education Collaboration
Partnership to educate industry on the Internet of Things concept of connectivity.
By WardsAuto Staff • March 29, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Search & Destroy & Move Those A4s
Unlike his acknowledged role model Jim Morrison, who rejected Buick’s request to use the Doors’ “Light My Fire” in a commercial circa 1967, Iggy never has had misgivings about his music being used as a capitalist tool, at least not publicly.
By J.R. Irwin • March 29, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Russian Import-Sales Drop Seen Accelerating
Import sales could drop 20%-30% this year compared with 10%-15% industrywide, leaving imports with about a 15% share of the Russian market.
By Eugene Gerden • March 28, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Automating Accounts Receivable Maximizes Cash Flow, Minimizes Risk
The same design ingenuity that is applied to automotive products can be used to improve the performance of back-office processes.
By Brian Shannon • March 25, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Navigator Concept Hints at ʼ17 Production Model
The nautical-inspired large luxury SUV concept has over-the-top elements such as gull-wing doors, concertina steps and a “wardrobe management system.”
March 23, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Clock Ticking for Next Auto-Sales Drop
“Industry cyclicality has not gone away, it hasn’t changed,” says John Humphrey of J.D. Power.
March 22, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
WardsAuto Flashback – March 2016
GM Strike Costly; Buyers Want 'New'; More Headlamps, Smaller Wheels; AMC V-8; Car Radio Boom; Milestone Mustang; V-8s Rise; Grand Wagoneer Axed; Reatta Dropped; Import Glut; Chrysler Trans Attacked
March 21, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
High-Tech Coatings Smooth Way Toward Efficiency
One of the key innovations for automakers is the use of coatings that reduce friction. This results in equipment breaking down less often, running more efficiently and using less fuel. One company singles out superchargers as beneficiaries.
By Mark Rowe • March 18, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Gen Z Could Make Auto Sales Zoom
A study indicates automakers and car dealers should expect a new generation of buyers who want the product but watch their spending.
By Steve Finlay • March 16, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Russian Auto Dealersʼ Fortunes Sink Alongside Sales
Russian Association of Auto Dealers President Vladimir Mozhenkov says the existing dealer network is designed to sell at least 3 million cars per year. Light-vehicle sales in 2015 totaled just 1.6 million units, down 35.7% from prior-year, WardsAuto data shows.
By Eugene Gerden • March 15, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
FCA to Infuse New Life Into Anemic Russian Sales
The reorganization plan includes terminating Jeep Compass sales. The automaker delivered only 72 units in Russia last year, down 89.7% from like-2014. The CUV was hurt by a 30% price increase prompted by the tumbling value of the ruble.
By Eugene Gerden • March 14, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Turkish-Built Dodge Neon Lights Up Again in Mexico
Tofas, a joint venture between FCA and Turkish conglomerate Koc Holding, launched volume production of the new sedan in September. The car is sold as the Fiat Egea in Turkey, while FCA uses Fiat’s traditional Tipo model name for other markets.
By Peter Homola • March 11, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Pacifica Offers Sub-$30,000 Starting Price
Chrysler says the all-new Pacifica minivan will carry a starting price of $28,595, with the range-topping model starting at $42,495. The ’17 model goes on sale this spring.
By Bob Gritzinger • March 10, 2016 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Korea’s Ssangyong May Be Headed for U.S. Market
Although Pawan Goenka, head of global auto operations for parent Mahindra & Mahindra, seems to favor China, CEO Choi Johng-sik says Ssangyong plans to enter the U.S. market when it launches the SIV-2, a B-segment CUV.
By Vince Courtenay • March 10, 2016
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