Automotive News

COVID-19 vaccines reaching auto plants, but challenges remain

By Ferdian Syah 14 hours ago

Van Amersfoort is part of a cross-functional team that the former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles assembled toward of the end of 2020 to manage its vaccination strategy and its response to the pandemic in general. The group meets two to three times a week, he said, and consists of staffers from external affairs, legal, communications, medical operations, and environmental health and safety.

The external affairs unit, he said, stays in contact with the states to “understand where are we within specific phases of the allocations, when do they think that we would be up, when would essential workers be up for

… Read More

Retired Nissan legend Shiro Nakamura isn’t done

By Ferdian Syah 1 day ago

Nakamura declined to name his latest clients but says it’s a mix of established international brands and startups from Western countries and China — but not Japan. The work spans everything from interior to exterior design, but the projects have one thing in common: 90 percent of the work is for electric vehicles.

None of Nakamura’s latest creations has made it to production yet. Most of the studios’ handiwork is in upstream design proposals. The first ones should hit the market in two years.

In his earlier days, Nakamura was known for pioneering the crossover segment, first by overseeing the

… Read More

Jeep Cherokee name unchanged, but dialogue open with namesake nation

By Ferdian Syah 1 day ago

DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles contacted the Cherokee Nation last summer about setting up an educational program for its employees.

It was supposed to be a cultural enrichment endeavor to shine a light on the people whose name has been attached to one of Jeep’s most popular vehicles for nearly 50 years.

The event didn’t pan out, but the dialogue wasn’t over.

Months later, after FCA merged into Stellantis, the automaker approached the nation again. The Cherokee were the ones making a request this time: Stop using our name.

The meeting occurred after Car and Driver learned of the Cherokee’s

… Read More

New small Jeep to go into production in July 2022, sources say

By Ferdian Syah 2 days ago

The first Jeep model built on a PSA Group platform as part of the merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles that formed Stellantis will start production in July 2022 in Tychy, Poland, sources with knowledge of the matter told Automotive News Europe.

The small SUV, which is based on the Compact Modular Platform (CMP), will use engines developed by PSA, the sources said.

The new Jeep will be followed by two other models from former FCA brands, a small Alfa Romeo crossover in January 2023 and a small Fiat in July 2023, the sources said. FCA said in December that

… Read More

Why Renault has not joined Ford, Jaguar, Volvo in all-electric pledges

By Ferdian Syah 2 days ago

Ford of Europe, Volvo, Jaguar and Bentley are among the automakers who have publicly committed to zero-emissions lineups, but Renault CEO Luca de Meo says he sees no need to do that yet, because regulations will effectively require such a move in the next decade anyway.

Renault Group’s announced model plans include more than 10 full-electric vehicles out of 24 new models by 2025. For the Renault brand, 50 percent of launches by that year will be full electric. 

De Meo’s Renaulution strategy does not formally go beyond 2025, with the most important task to return the group to profitability

… Read More

Subaru will launch an off-road subbrand

By Ferdian Syah 3 days ago

Subaru of America is readying an off-road subbrand to expand the reach of its two most successful nameplates.

The Wilderness subbrand will launch with the 2022 Outback and Forester, dealers were told last week during the Subaru make meeting at the National Automobile Dealers Association’s virtual show. The two crossovers accounted for 54 percent of the brand’s 2020 U.S. sales.

Patrick Wergin, chairman of the Subaru National Retailer Advisory Board, told Automotive News the Wilderness models will feature a rugged appearance package and better tires for off-road pursuits.

Spy photographers have spotted a similarly equipped Forester and Outback, which also

… Read More