2011 Toyota Rav4 Owners of Toyota vehicles with peeling paint may get some relief under a new program being implemented by Toyota Canada.According to a report from CBC News, Toyota Canada will offer a voluntary customer support program similar to action taken by Toyota USA for owners whose white vehicles are starting to peel.Exactly what Toyota will do to solve the problem still isnt clear, but a Toyota Canada spokesperson said when the program is ready, owners of affected vehicles will get a notice in the mail.In the U.S., Toyota responded to reports that certain vehicles painted in Blizzard Pearl or Super White were peeling. According to the notice sent to owners, these specific factory-applied colours could peel on exterior metal body parts when, over time, sunlight degrades the adhesion between the coating on the metal and the paint primer. According to CBC News, the notice to customers doesnt say what Toyota will do whether it will repaint the entire vehicle, or what years and models will be covered. The company said it will reimburse customers who previously paid to have their paint repaired, but didnt specify if it will pay the whole bill or just a portion.Those who own Toyota vehicles painted in these colours are advised to update their information with the manufacturer, if necessary, to ensure that they receive a notice in the
Origin: New Toyota program will help owners of white cars with peeling paint
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Hyundai to develop driverless cars with Aptiv in US$1.6-billion deal
2020 Hyundai VenueAndrew McCredie / Driving Hyundai will spend US$1.6 billion to develop autonomous vehicles with Aptiv, marking one of the biggest investments yet by a traditional carmaker into the burgeoning robocar industry.Aptiv will take a 50-per-cent stake in the venture, while Hyundai Motor Co., Hyundai Mobis Co. and Kia Motors Corp. will contribute a combined US$1.6 billion in cash and US$400 million in areas including research and development, valuing Aptiv at $4 billion, the automaker said in a statement Monday.The venture will begin testing fully driverless systems in 2020 and have a production-ready autonomous driving platform available for robotaxi providers, fleet operators and manufacturers in 2022, the statements said.Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia aim to commercialize autonomous vehicles in some cities from 2021 and have a goal of launching fully driverless vehicles by 2030.South Koreas automakers and global rivals are investing heavily to develop new models and technologies for electrified and autonomous vehicles.Under the agreement, Hyundai will contribute engineering services, research and development resources and access to intellectual property, while Aptiv will provide autonomous driving technology and about 700 employees. The companies will appoint an equal number of directors in the venture, which will be based in Boston and led by Karl Iagnemma as
Origin: Hyundai to develop driverless cars with Aptiv in US$1.6-billion deal
B.C. car show season ends with nod to the past
The Datsun 280Z of Robin Liu brought back great memories last weekend at Mission Raceway.Cam Hutchins This weekend is bittersweet for me as it brings to a close not only the car show season for another year, but also this column until the spring. The bright side is that the Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers Society is hosting is annual induction ceremony and in my opinion is one of the best events to car-related events that takes place each year in Metro Vancouver.The GVMPS recognizes and records the vast contributions of those who were pioneers of motorsport in this region. The parking lot outside Shannon Hall is filled with cool cars as almost all who attend the ceremony have a passion for driving. An old school mate of mine, Mo Davidson, usually shows up with some cool old hot rod or racing boat.This year many cool Carnuts are getting inducted, including Wes Stinson, Laurie Fraser, Phil Jenson, Joe and Neva Ledlin as well as many others. Jim Flett, who recently passed away, was a larger than life builder of hot rods, customs and an amazing train set. Another mentionable entrant is one of the clubs I belong to, the Vancouver Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada. In my mind the big news is fellow Postmedia journalist Alyn Edwards receiving the Sandy Lovelace Memorial Award for all he has contributed to the auto hobby with his regular features on car owners and their passion for their cars and families. You need not just a cool car, but also a cool story to get featured in one of Alyns stories. Having Alyn write about your car is often the biggest praise and recognition any car owner can achieve.I first met Alyn at the Langley Good Times Cruise-In and photographed his amazing 1968 Shelby GT 500KR convertible. To top it off Alyn gave me a ride home in the car. He regularly has garage tours of his collection for various car clubs (yet another great reason to join a car club). Congrats Alyn!Last weekend I was at the Mission Raceway for the road races and noticed inactivity in the paddocks of the drag strip. I looked online to see they had been cancelled. The weather was finebut soon turned bad, but the road races were great. I had the good luck to shoot beside veteran race photographer Brent Martin who mused that Chris Webb must not have qualified since he was at the back of the pack.Webbs bright yellow number 20 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was never a street car but a purpose-built racecar and shares almost nothing with its street distant cousin. This car is fast and on the second lap it was already past many and almost went off the track at the Greg Moore corner, Turn 2. Webb went from back to second place in one of the Closed Wheel 2 races.The big bad Viper of Doug Seal was a treat to watch and my favourite car was the Datsun 280Z of Robin Liu. The 240, 260 and 280Zs were the cars to own when I was growing up and it is great seeing them of the track. Unfortunately, the rain came out part way through the race, But they still raced hard knowing all the cars had the same weather handicap.There is another race October 12-13 and it is always rain or shine, but the cars really shine in the rain, so plan to bring a kid and not miss the next race.Have a great winter and see you in the spring!SHOWSSEPT. 20-21What: Columbia Valley Classics Autumn Show Shine.Where: The Springs Golf Course, RadiumWhen: Friday poker run 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday car show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Show admission: FreeRegistration: Friday evening and Saturday at 7 a.m. $25 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-346-3222, 250-342-9817 or kvroberts@uniserve.comWebsite: radiumcarshow.comSEPT. 21What: 17th Annual Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers Society Induction CeremonyWhere: Shannon Hall at the Cloverdale FairgroundsWhen: Doors open at noon, Ceremony 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: $20Info: 604-682-2631 or byjames@look.caWebsite: gvmps.orgWhat: All Triumph Drive InWhere: Rotary Park, PentictonWhen: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Admission: FreeWebsite: bctriumphregistry.com/ATDI2019.htmWhat: White Post Auto Museum Fall Swap MeetWhere: White Post Auto Museum, 4439A Trans Canada Hwy., TappenWhen: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: $2 Kids under 12 freeInfo: 250-835-2224 or wpam@hotmail.caWebsite: whitepostautomuseum.comSEPT. 22What: Brookswood Secondary School Car ShowWhere: Brookswood Secondary School, 20902 37A Ave., LangleyWhen: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: $3 Kids 5 and under freeRegistration: starts at 8 a.m. $15 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 604-992-7507 or bsscarshow@gmail.comWebsite: bsscarshow.com COMPETITIONSEPT. 21What: Oval racingWhere: Agassiz Speedway, 5045 Cemetery Rd., AgassizInfo: 604-792-FAST(3278) or agassizspeedway@telus.netWebsite: agassizspeedway.comWhat: DriftingWhere: Penticton Speedway, 2070 Carmi Ave., PentictonWebsite: pentictonspeedway.comWhat: Hydroforce Excavating Championship NightWhere: Western Speedway, 2207 Millstream Rd., VictoriaWebsite: westernspeedway.netSEPT. 21-22What: CMDRA Bike DragsWhere: Mission Raceway Park,
Origin: B.C. car show season ends with nod to the past
New Ford suspension kit answers ‘Do you even lift, bro?’ with ‘yes’
A first-ever offering from Ford, the off-road leveling kits bring FOX™ shocks, exclusive Ford Performance tuning, 2-inch front lift, new front coilovers, vehicle-specific upper front mounts and locking spring pre-load rings Despite the companys ardent refusal (or not?) to sell the Ranger Raptor in this country, Fords not been shy about taking the goods to its competition in other segments of the truck market.Theyve promised a Tremor package for Super Duty to take on Rams Power Wagon, along with the familiar FX4 trim which meets Chevys Z71 kit head on.Now, the Glass House has rolled out answer to the Silverado Trail Boss with a bone thrown to those of us who pine for a Ranger Raptor.From the Ford Performance Parts arm of the company comes an off-road levelling kit, one which includes Fox Shocks and a 2-inch front lift. Also in the box are new front coilovers and vehicle-specific upper front mounts. Locking spring pre-load rings are also on board to tie it all together.Ford Performance engineers worked with Fox to develop unique internal valving for the shocks, meaning the mighty Raptor isnt the only F-150 to wear a set of suspenders from that company. Both Ranger and F-150 will see improvements to front ground clearance measures, plus better approach and breakover angles, not to mention a more aggressive stance.The company estimates Ranger will see a 21-per-cent increase in approach angle and a 10-per-cent increase in breakover angle once the kit is installed. Big-bro F-150, with a 145-inch wheelbase, should get an approximate 22-per-cent increase in approach angle and seven-per-cent increase in breakover.If youre unfamiliar with off-road terms, this basically means the trucks can run over more stuff.Development and testing for the leveling kits included high-speed off-roading in California and low-speed Arizona rock-crawling. Expect to pay in the neighbourhood of two grand for the kit, which can be installed by dealers later this autumn on any 2019 Ranger 44 and 2015-2019 F-150 44
Origin: New Ford suspension kit answers ‘Do you even lift, bro?’ with ‘yes’
Customer parks like jerk, gets pranked with shopping carts
A customer at a supermarket in South America faced the wrath of disgruntled employees when they parked their car in the wrong spot.According to Fox News, the driver parked their small Peugeot 208 hatchback in the shopping cart area of a COTO shopping centre in Temperley Argentina, in the Buenos Aires province.Thats a top score in the being-a-jerk department, so employees responded by putting the shopping carts in their rightful spot anyway, all around the vehicle, boxing it in.A witness, Arnold Angelini, said he noticed the scene at around 11am on his trip to the store.What I saw generated surprise and indignation because I said park wherever, he said. The weird thing is that the car was really badly parked and the (shopping carts) were put later. He parked wherever he wanted.Photos of the prank were posted on Facebook, courtesy of Angelini. The post has now gone viral with almost 7,000 shares.The truth is someone has to be a moron to have parked in the section for shopping carts, he posted.You cant be such an SOB and leave it anywhere. It shows that nobody respects anything but an improper place.Angelini also adds the most surprising thing about the whole ordeal was how the employees reacted.It is their job and they are tired of the same thing happening to
Origin: Customer parks like jerk, gets pranked with shopping carts
Tesla takes on Porsche at Nurburgring, possibly with new ‘Plaid’ powertrain
The Tesla Model 3 PerformanceHandout / Tesla First there was derision. Then mockery turned into admiration. Now a battle is unfolding between two of the most revered names in the automobile world, Porsche and Tesla.The venue of the showdown: Germanys Nurburgring, the race track considered the most challenging in the world.The circuit boasts 73 tight turns (Silverstone in the U.K. has 18), changing elevations and a brutal length of more than 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) winding through leafy forest, earning it the nickname Green Hell.Its here that Porsches new Taycan Turbo S set the record as the fastest four-door electric car last month, clocking in at 7 minutes and 42 seconds. The feat wasnt lost on a rival sitting thousands of miles away in California: Teslas Elon Musk. Always one to relish a good fight, Musk picked up the gauntlet and has dispatched a Model S to the German hinterland to reclaim the bragging rights as king of the electric sedan.Model S on Nürburgring next week Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 5, 2019The car confrontation has all the ingredients of an epic battle between incubent and upstart, infused with social-media feeds that have energized die-hard fans on either side of the Atlantic wondering which of the two cars can shave those vital extra seconds off their lap time. Adding to the frenzy is former Formula One racing champion Nico Rosberg, who chimed in on Twitter to pilot the Tesla, an offer that Musk happily accepted.Musk has a lot riding on the challenge. After Porsche unveiled the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S as its first electric cars last week, Musk teased the brand for its turbo nomenclature, because a turbocharger is only found in a combustion engine. Following the initial ribbing, he found more charitable words in a later tweet, acknowledging that the Taycan does seem like a good car and that the Nurburgring track time is great.But Taycan does seem like a good car. Nürburgring track time is great. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2019The stakes are equally high for Porsche, which has watched Tesla turn itself into a veritable alternative for customers seeking a high-performance car but with an electric engine, an open flank that the Stuttgart-based manufacturer now hopes to protect with the Taycan.Musk posted on September 6 that a Model S would make an appearance at the track next week. Indeed, a modified Model S has been spotted testing on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, according to Car and Driver, which appeared to show the car on the track as part of a general driving session open to others. The model sported flared fenders and an enlarged opening at the front, probably for extra cooling.When exactly the car might attempt to break the Taycans record remains shrouded in mystery. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment on its plans for the Nurburgring.Bolstering Teslas case, the company tweeted on September 11 that a Model S with a new Plaid powertrain beat the record for the fastest four-door sedan at Laguna Seca, a race track near Monterey, California, even though the time hadnt been achieved during a competitive event and wasnt officiated by staff at the track.*~ Some personal news ~*We lapped Laguna Seca @WeatherTechRcwy in 1:36.555 during advanced RD testing of our Model S Plaid powertrain and chassis prototype(That’s a second faster than the record for a four-door sedan) pic.twitter.com/OriccK4KCZ Tesla (@Tesla) September 12, 2019Pushing the round below 10 minutes is the ambition of all Nurburgring daredevils. The track is open to both professional and amateur drivers, and the fastest time with a street-legal sports car was 6 minutes and 44 seconds, performed in a Porsche GT2 RS MR on October 25 last year, according to the circuits web site.Thats an average speed of 185 kilometers an hour for the 20.8-kilometer
Origin: Tesla takes on Porsche at Nurburgring, possibly with new ‘Plaid’ powertrain
Anti-trust probe opened into automakers that sided with California over Trump
President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Tupelo Regional Airport, November 26, 2018 in Tupelo, Mississippi.Drew Angerer / Getty Images The Trump administration has launched a multi-pronged legal assault on an agreement California struck with four carmakers in defiance of the presidents plan to ease national standards on tailpipe emissions.Lawyers from the Transportation Department and Environmental Protection Agency on Friday sent a letter to Californias top air-pollution regulator, urging the state to abandon its pact with the automakers and warning that actions to carry out the agreement appear to be unlawful and invalid.Separately, the Justice Department has opened an antitrust probe into the deal, in which four automakers agreed on compromise tailpipe emissions requirements with California. The administration is also preparing to formally strip Californias authority to set auto efficiency regulations that are tougher than the federal governments, according to people familiar with the matter.The actions amount to a significant escalation of the conflict between the Trump administration and Sacramento over environmental protections. It comes as automakers have urged the administration to moderate its rollback of emissions levels, arguing that a battle with California over the states regulatory powers would leave the industry with uncertainty over the critical standards for years.Automakers want to avoid splitting the market with two different standards a federal mileage requirement in most states versus more stringent rules in more than a dozen states that adhere to Californias standards and account for more than a third of U.S. auto sales.After talks with California and the Trump administration faltered, the California Air Resources Board announced in July an accord with the Ford, Honda, BMW and Volkswagen on tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions regulations.The carmakers had agreed with Californias clean-air regulator to boost the fuel efficiency of autos sold in the U.S through 2026, defying a Trump administration proposal to ease mileage requirements enacted during the Obama administration.Ford and Honda said they would cooperate with the Justice Department, while VW said it was in regular contact with U.S. authorities on a number of matters. BMW of North America said it looked forward to responding to the Department of Justice to explain the planned CARB framework agreement and its benefits to consumers and the environment.In one of the letters seen by Bloomberg, the Justice Department wrote it was concerned that the California agreement may violate federal antitrust laws, noting that the department hadnt reached any conclusions on the matter. The department proposed a meeting to gather additional information about the emissions agreement and communications between the companies about the pact.In the letter sent to CARB on Friday, lawyers for the EPA and DOT said that Californias plans overstep the states authority by intruding on the federal governments power to set fuel economy and tailpipe emission standards.We recognize Californias disagreements with the federal governments policy proposals in this area, but those policy disagreements cannot justify CARBs pursuit of a regulatory approach that would violate federal law, they said.California officials insisted they wouldnt be cowed. California stands up to bullies and will keep fighting for stronger clean car protections that protect the health and safety of our children and families, Governor Gavin Newsom said in an emailed
Origin: Anti-trust probe opened into automakers that sided with California over Trump
Volkswagen ID 3: vital EV revealed with up to 341-mile range
The electric Volkswagen ID 3, the brand’s most important model since the Golf, has been revealed, offering up to 341 miles of range and priced from around £27,500. Initially shown as a concept at the 2016 Paris motor show, the hatchback will be the first ID model to arrive on roads next summer, followed shortly after by the production version of the ID Crozz SUV. Other members of the upcoming all-electric ID family already seen in concept form include the Buzz, Vizzion and Roomzz, all of which will contribute to the VW Group’s intention to sell three million EVs by 2025. Described as “an electric car for everyone”, the ID 3’s importance for VW is spelled out by its explanation of the model’s name. The marque says the ‘3’ signifies “the third major chapter for the brand after the Beetle and Golf”, both broadly considered to be landmark cars for VW and the wider motoring industry. The ID 3 is the first car to use the maker’s new MEB platform, a scalable architecture built solely for electric vehicles, which will underpin all ID models and be used by other VW Group brands. VW is also licensing the platform’s use to other firms, most notably major rival Ford – a move considered crucial in helping to recoup the vast costs of developing the chassis and lower prices through greater economies of scale. One major benefit of a bespoke electric platform is interior space. While the ID 3 is only 3mm longer, 10mm wider and 60mm taller than the current Golf, its wheelbase is 145mm longer at 2765mm, just 21mm shy of a Passat saloon’s. Boot space is identical to the Golf at 380 litres. VW design boss Klaus Bischoff said: “The car has unique proportions due to the under-floor battery. With the drive axle at the back, we can have a long wheelbase and short overhangs, with 710mm wheel dimensions – the same as the ID show car. “We kept the bodystyle from the concept, and the surfaces are very similar to the show car. We’ve kept it simple and only used a few clear lines.” At the rear, there is a large spoiler, required for aerodynamic efficiency. The black roof and rear section made of glossy black plastic seen in these pictures will be standard across all ID 3s. VW claims the rear-wheel-drive ID 3 will have “intuitive handling” and “phenomenal performance”, the latter thanks to the even weight distribution of the MEB set-up, according to the maker. Early signs are promising: in a recent camouflaged drive of the ID 3, Autocar said the car has the “measured, natural responsiveness in everything it does that so often marks out a VW, and that makes for such easy, top-level drivability”. The ID 3 will be offered in three battery sizes with two power outputs from its rear-mounted electric motor: a 45kWh battery with claimed range of 205 miles and 148bhp, and 58kWh and 77kWh batteries both with 201bhp, delivering 260 and 341 miles of range respectively. Full specifications have yet to be revealed but all variants will deliver 229lb ft of torque, while the entry- and mid-level ID 3s will have a top speed of 99mph. A charging capacity of 100kW will be available on the mid-range ID 3, with a promised charging time of 30 minutes for 155 miles of range. The smaller-battery ID 3 will offer 50kW, but with an optional 100kW. The top-range ID 3 will be capable of charging at 125kW. VW is guaranteeing the battery for eight years or 160,000km. The interior is pared back compared with today’s VW models. Bischoff said: “We’ve also made an internal revolution, with a new design that’s extra-simple and clear. We’ve added value by increasing the amount of space, making it airy and open.” The dashboard is clear other than a 10in protruding central screen as standard, on which systems such as navigation will receive over-the-air updates. There is an optional augmented reality head-up display, which projects relevant information onto the windscreen. All controls – including those on the electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel – are operated using touch-sensitive buttons. The only conventional buttons are for electric windows and hazard warning lights. VW promises next-generation ‘natural’ voice control on the ID 3. For example, an occupant could say “Hello ID, I’m cold” and, in response, the system would increase the in-car temperature. There will not be traditional VW trim levels, given the maker’s desire to keep the line-up as simple as possible. This is presumably an attempt not to complicate matters for customers, many of whom will be buying an electric car for the first time. However, four option packs are expected to be offered for the UK market. The ID 3 will launch with the 1st edition, powered by a mid-range 58kWh battery. The allocation, unspecified by VW, has already been filled in the UK. VW did say it had achieved its target of 35,000 pre-orders worldwide. The standard ID 3 order books will open next year, with deliveries in autumn. Priced from around
Origin: Volkswagen ID 3: vital EV revealed with up to 341-mile range
VW teams up with boutique shop to create electric Beetles
A small German company called eClassics is teaming up with Volkswagen to build a modern electric conversion for classic air-cooled VWs.All drivetrain components are sourced from the e-Up, which means it wont be hard at all to get parts for this battery-powered classic. Plus there are vast breadth of parts being remade today for old Beetles.The battery pack is built into the underbody and consists of 14 modules with a capacity of 2.6 kWh each, for a combined output of 36.8 kWh. Although the Beetle will be pretty heavy at 1,280 kg, it will accelerate from zero to 50 km/h in 4.0 seconds, and to 80 km/h in 8.0 seconds. A top speed of 150 km/h is achievable, and so is a maximum range of 200 km. This is not exactly a new idea: people have been transforming VW Buses and Beetles into electric drive for a while, due to the ease of the conversion. Heck, even Bill Gates has a Porsche 356 with an electric conversion, though you wont have to have Bill Gates money to buy this electric VW (or Porsche).We are already working together to prepare the platform for the Bus, says Thomas Schmall, member of the board of management of Volkswagen Group Components. An e-Porsche 356 could also be pursued in the future. The electrified Beetle combines the charm of our classic car with the mobility of the future. Innovative e- components from Volkswagen Group Components are under the bonnet we work with them to electrify historically important vehicles, in what is an emotional process.Shmall also says that the program will offer electric vehicle parts to owners of classic VWs to be able to convert them themselves with high-quality
Origin: VW teams up with boutique shop to create electric Beetles
Trump to meet with GM’s Mary Barra after criticizing company
President Donald Trump tours the American Center of Mobility with GM CEO Mary Barra. U.S. President Donald Trump will meet on Thursday with Mary Barra, the chief executive officer of General Motors days after he castigated the company for shrinking its U.S. workforce.The White House meeting, scheduled for the afternoon, will take place as four other auto industry giants have defied his administration by reaching a compromise with California to bolster fuel efficiency.A person familiar with the matter said Barra hoped to use the get-together, which was reported earlier by Reuters, to talk about jobs, trade and fuel economy rules. The person requested anonymity to discuss the meeting, which was announced by the White House on Wednesday night.General Motors, which was once the Giant of Detroit, is now one of the smallest auto manufacturers there, Trump tweeted on August 30, a day after Bloomberg reported GM employed fewer United Auto Workers-represented employees than Ford or Fiat Chrysler. The president called for GM to start moving back to America again.GM has about 46,000 UAW workers, about 2,000 fewer than it had in 2009, when the company emerged from a bankruptcy reorganization backed by the U.S. government.Trump has criticized GM’s plans to close plants in Michigan and Ohio, states that are crucial to his re-election bid. That has put him at odds with Barra, who has said the closings were necessary for the business to thrive. GM is also embroiled in contract talks with the UAW. The joint agreement involving California with Honda, Ford, Volkswagen and BMW had already been rejected by Trumps Environmental Protection Agency. The deal announced on July 25 alongside the California Air Resources Board eases the pace of annual efficiency improvements required under current Obama administration rules but is tougher than the Trump administrations proposal to cap mileage requirements at 2020 levels.GM was not part of that accord, and is seeking what it calls a 50-state solution.In California, they have a standard where the cars are going to have to be much more expensive and wont be as good, Trump said earlier Wednesday. If we can build a less expensive car thats better, we like
Origin: Trump to meet with GM’s Mary Barra after criticizing company
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