Ford is recalling more than 5,500 Ranger pickups in Canada over taillights that may not work properly.The recall covers trucks from the 2019 model year, and applies to some 78,264 Rangers globally specifically, 5,564 are affected in Canada.On those affected trucks, the rear lights may function intermittently or simply not work due to badly installed or misaligned terminals.This means the position lights, brake lights and turn signals may not illuminate fully, reducing the visibility of the truck to other road users.Dealers will repair the issue by adjusting the terminals. This marks the fifth recall for the Ranger this year, its first model year on sale in Canada, which suggests Ford is still working out the bugs on the new
Origin: Ford recalling more than 5,500 Rangers in Canada over faulty taillights
$500
Ford is recalling 1,500 Rangers in Canada for fire risk
Ford is recalling 1,544 Ranger pickups in Canada because of the fire risk posed by their blower motors.A total of 19,509 trucks from model year 2019 are affected in North America.On affected trucks, there may not be enough clearance between an electrical terminal and a base plate inside the HVAC systems blower motor, making a short circuit possible.If an electrical short does occur, the blower could overheat, smoke, melt or catch fire.Ford has not heard from any Ranger owners affected by the issue though one warranty claimant did report smoke in the cabin, possibly due to the short but six trucks were affected prior to their delivery to dealerships.Ford will replace the parts in affected
Origin: Ford is recalling 1,500 Rangers in Canada for fire risk
Nissan confirms plan to cut 12,500 jobs globally
Nissan will reduce its production capacity and model range, and axe around 12,500 jobs worldwide, in a bid to turn its fortunes around. The major restructure, which was first reported by the Nikkei Shinbum media organisation in Japan, was confirmed by the firm during the publication of its first quarter results for the 2019 financial year. In the three-month period running from April to June Nissan’s net income was down 94.5% year-on-year, with sales down in several key markets. The car maker announced 4800 job cuts earlier this year, as part of an initiative to turn its fortunes round, having suffered its lowest profits for almost ten years. The 12,500 job losses – around 9% of the firm’s global workforce – will come as a result of a move by Nissan to reduce its global production capacity by around ten per cent. There is no word yet on which of the firm’s plants will be affected. Nissan also says it will reduce the size of its product line-up by around 10 per cent by the end of 2022, and will “focus investment on global core models and strategic regional models.” As with many car firms, Nissan will spend heavily on future technologies, and says it will invest heavily in its ProPilot driver assistance system. It is also plotting further investment in electirifed vehicles, including battery electric models. It will also investigate new business models, including ride-sharing mobility services. Global sales stagnation in the US and Europe, plus falls in Asia, political uncertainty, tariffs, the need to invest in electrification and autonomy and a part-ageing product line-up, including its successful Qashqai and Juke SUVs, and greater competition from rival manufacturers in the SUV segment have been cited as reasons for Nissan’s profits slump. The initial reports suggest that the bulk of the losses will fall on workers outside of Japan. Although there have been no specific warnings of losses at Nissan’s UK operations, earlier this year the firm made headlines when it reversed a previous decision to make some X-Trail models at its Sunderland factory. That was said to have led to “hundreds” of new jobs not being created at the plant. At the time it made specific reference to Brexit negotiations undermining the company’s position in the UK, although falling diesel sales and the EU’s tariff-free trade deal with Japan were also believed to be factors. Nissan has also hit the headlines recently with the arrest of former boss Carlos Ghosn, who is now suing the firm for unfair dismissal. The firm has previously committed to making the next-generation Juke – set to be revealed at this year’s Frankfurt motor show – and Qashqai in Sunderland. In May this year Nissan reported net profits annual profits of 319bn yen (£2.37bn), down 5% on the previous year. This was the lowest figures since 2009/10, in the wake of the global financial crisis. The company has also warned that the current year could be
Origin: Nissan confirms plan to cut 12,500 jobs globally
Want a 2020 Lexus LS 500? Take a look down memory lane
2019 Lexus LS 500Handout LIBERIA, Costa Rica So, you want a new LS 500. Well now, arent you in the minority? Whats wrong with you? Dont you know large, luxury sedans are totally pass? Why arent you shopping some over-priced, underperforming sport-ute like all your peers? Seriously, in this day of rampant me-tooism, if you want to stand out, buy a sedan. If youre independently foolish and really want to stand out, get an LS 500.Not that theres anything wrong with Lexus latest flagship sedan. Its actually a bit of a stunner as long as you can stomach the muy-macho grille and doesnt go half bad, either.One surprising thing is that Lexus doesnt offer the new LS with eight pistons; a V6 is the only available engine. However, both are fortified, the regular LS with twin turbochargers and the LS500h with a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 mated to Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. Both will provide more than adequate performance, though, despite Lexus protestations to the contrary, the Hybrid doesnt feel nearly as sporty as the turbo. Always relaxed partially because its mated to a ten-speed automatic the 416-horsepower V6 unit scoots when it has to, trundles when youre relaxed, and will if its anything like Lexus motors past will do so until your children are grandparents.The LS ride/handling balance fairly matches its engine. Not nearly as sprightly as a Maserati Quattroporte and still a smidge behind BMWs 7 Series, the latest LS is still up for the job of straightening twisty roads. Those so inclined are best served by opting for the air suspensions its standard equipment on the LS500h and switching the mode button to Sport+. The steering becomes heavier, the springing firmer, and the whole plot a little more inciting, all without much ruining the big Lexus ride. Inside, the LS is pretty much the treat youre expecting, sumptuous leather covering roomy seats and delicate wood trim. This last gets special attention as all Lexus artwood inlays are built by Yamahas music division, my favourite being the one with the aluminum highlights. According Paul Williamsen, head of Lexus global marketing planning, Yamaha first overlays a wood veneer onto an aluminum substrate. Then it etches the patter it wants to remove the upper wood, leaving the aluminum underneath exposed. But because the aluminum is at a lower level than the wood and we certainly cant have an uneven surface in a Lexus, can we? Yamaha then vacuum seals the entire piece sucking the underlying metal onto an even keel with the overlaid wood. Wow, thats a lot of trouble for a few metal pinstripes.Williamsen says this is part and parcel of the companys Experience Amazing strategy: In the battle of marketing slogans, I think relentlessly pursuing perfection is a better measure of Lexus obvious obsessive compulsion.Only two foibles (may) mar the LS 500s interior. Lexus touchpad manipulated infotainment screen is either a love it or hate it affair. By love it or hate it, I mean everyone hates it at the beginning and then a few learn to, well, almost like it. Its polarizing. Almost as wonky but not nearly as polarizing are the multi-function switches puts on each side of the instrument binnacle. It either reminds you of a fighter jet or looks like someone forgot the wipes until the very last moment. Either way, it doesnt really compromise ergonomics so its not nearly as polarizing as the touchpad.Overall, the LS500, like all large luxury sedans, perhaps more than most, doesnt deserve to be ignored. Its a luxurious, spacious and well-crafted sedan, that last word the only reason its not more popular. No pricing is available on the 2020 yet, but the 2019 LS starts at $103,150 and Lexus Canada has some screaming deals going on right now. 2018 Lexus LC 500 Handout / Lexus Damn the family, I want two doors: Well, has Lexus got a sports coupe for you. Based on the same platform as the LS, the LC 500 has two things going for it. The first is that, unlike the sedan, the coupe is still offered with a naturally aspirated, we-dont-need-no-stinking-turbos 5.0-litre V8. The same one offered in the RC F, in fact: 471 horsepower, a 10-speed transmission, and some seriously stiff suspension make for an entertaining ride. Officially, the reason the twin-turbo V6 doesnt power the LC is that it wasnt quite ready when the big coupe was being engineered, but I think Lexus engineers just wanted to make some noise. The LC500 delivers. Indeed, while the LC is available as a hybrid and I recommend that powertrain for the LS the LC is best served by the rootin and tootin V8.More importantly, the LC500 has a face Maserati would die for. Lexus spindle grille may be a little overwrought for its run-of-the-mill sedans and soft-roaders, but it matches the LCs curves and creases perfectly. I dont usually render critiques about styling as my eye may not behold the same image as your own but I think this is the sexiest sport coupe extent. On looks
Origin: Want a 2020 Lexus LS 500? Take a look down memory lane
Burt Reynolds’ personal Pontiac Trans Am sells for US$317,500
Burt Reynolds personal 1979 Pontiac Trans AmJuliens Another one of Burt Reynolds personal Pontiac Trans Am Smokey and the Bandit replicas sold at a Juliens auction over the weekend for US$317,500.According to Hagerty, the connection to the late actor has a serious effect on the value of Bandit replicas (even if theyre the wrong year, like this one).A 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with a 220-horsepower 400-cubic-inch V8 has an average value of US$61,400 in top-flight concours condition, while one in excellent condition is worth US$44,900.That means the star power of it being Burts own 79 Bird more than quadrupled anything resembling a reasonable price for the car. A more-accurate 78 Trans Am also owned by Reynolds sold for US$192,500 last October.Burt Reynolds passed away last September, leaving behind tons on memorabilia and cars from his glory days. In 2016, a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am that was used to promote the original Smokey and the Bandit film sold for US$550,000, and was even driven on stage by Reynolds himself. This particular car is a 1979 model, which isnt totally correct for the movie but is still cool. It was created by Bandit Movie Cars for Reynolds and his business partner, Gene Kennedy, to take on the Bandit Run, an event that gathers lovers of the original film together to drive their Trans Ams on the same journey Burt takes in the original film.The car has also been taken on several cross-country trips that celebrated the 40th anniversary of the film, but despite this, it still has only 70,000 original miles on the
Origin: Burt Reynolds’ personal Pontiac Trans Am sells for US$317,500
Ford invests $500 million in EV company Rivian
Ford has agreed a deal with Rivian to develop a new model on the fast-rising electric vehicle (EV) maker’s platform and take a minority stake in the firm. Rivian is currently developing its R1T pick-up truck and R1S seat-seat SUV, which will both be built on a bespoke ’skateboard’ chassis that was designed to be modular, so it can be used for a wide range of machines. The new strategic partnership, in which Ford has taken around $500 million (£386 million) equity investment in Rivian, will result in engineers from the two American companies working together to develop a battery EV for Ford. There are no details yet on the type of vehicle the firms will work on, although it will be “all-new”. In the US, Ford has shifted its focus to pick-ups and SUVs, and it’s currently developing an electric version of its hugely popular F-150. Ford boss Jim Hackett said the partnership with Rivian “brings a fresh approach” to Ford’s development of EVs and that the fledgling firm “can benefit from Ford’s industrial expertise and resources”. Rivian founder RJ Scaringe called the deal a “key milestone in our drive to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility”. Rivian will remain an independent company. Ford is just the latest major investor the firm has secured; it had already raised £894.5m, including £544 million from online retailing giant Amazon, announced at the Los Angeles motor show. The deal is also the latest in a number of partnerships that Ford has secured as part of its global restructuring. It recently agreed a deal to work with Volkswagen to develop a range of vehicles, including vans and mid-size pick-ups, and has talked about building vehicles using the German conglomerate’s MEB platform for
Origin: Ford invests $500 million in EV company Rivian
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