Automotive news

• CU Direct Appoints Ron Frey Chief Strategy Officer, Automotive Solutions - PR Newswire (press release)

  04-10-2016 23:22 via prnewswire.com
  
  PR Newswire (press release)
  CU Direct Appoints Ron Frey Chief Strategy Officer, Automotive Solutions
  PR Newswire (press release)
  ONTARIO, Calif., Oct. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CU Direct has appointed Ron Frey, automotive innovator and executive, to serve as the company's chief strategy officer, automotive solutions. Frey begins his new position this October. Frey has spent 30 ...
  
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• Prague startup touts 4ekolka, a 3D-printed electric city car

  04-10-2016 22:41
  
  Filed under:Green,Europe,ElectricAutomaker startup produces prototype for $12,000 and is testing it on Prague's streets.Continue reading Prague startup touts 4ekolka, a 3D-printed electric city car Prague startup touts 4ekolka, a 3D-printed electric city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 16:41:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Ford F-150 brake failures under investigation by NHTSA

  04-10-2016 22:15
  
  Filed under:Government/Legal,Ford,Safety,United States,TruckIf the investigation leads to a recall, we could see 282,000 trucks involved.Continue reading Ford F-150 brake failures under investigation by NHTSA Ford F-150 brake failures under investigation by NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 16:15:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• The basic baby crossover | 2017 Chevrolet Trax First Drive

  04-10-2016 21:00
  
  Filed under:Chevrolet,First Drives,Crossover,BudgetThe 2017 update is an improvement over the original crossover in almost every way, but it still has a way to go.Continue reading The basic baby crossover | 2017 Chevrolet Trax First Drive The basic baby crossover | 2017 Chevrolet Trax First Drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 15:00:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Lamborghini Aventador spotted with more aggressive look

  04-10-2016 20:50
  
  Filed under:Spy Photos,Lamborghini,Coupe,Performance,SupercarsFacelift will make the regular Aventador look like the SV.Continue reading Lamborghini Aventador spotted with more aggressive look Lamborghini Aventador spotted with more aggressive look originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 14:50:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Toyota is enthusiastic about large fuel cell vehicles (think semi trucks)

  04-10-2016 20:30
  
  Filed under:Green,Toyota,AutoblogGreen Exclusive,Truck,Commercial Vehicles,HydrogenZero emissions could meet large vehicles with Toyota tech, some day.Continue reading Toyota is enthusiastic about large fuel cell vehicles (think semi trucks) Toyota is enthusiastic about large fuel cell vehicles (think semi trucks) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 14:30:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Penske doubles up in Italy, buys 8 dealerships

  04-10-2016 20:24 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  Penske Automotive Group is expanding its European presence with the purchase of eight dealerships in Bologna, Italy. The dealerships sell Porsche, Audi, Land Rover and Volvo vehicles in the northern Italian market of Bologna.
  
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• The Grand Tour trio plus James Corden equals hilarious racing/quiz segment

  04-10-2016 19:35
  
  Filed under:Celebrities,Humor,TV/Movies,Videos,Chevrolet,Coupe,Performance,RacingThe Late Late Show's James Corden puts Clarkson, Hammond, and May on a track to figure out who has the best mix of brains and driving talent.Continue reading The Grand Tour trio plus James Corden equals hilarious racing/quiz segment The Grand Tour trio plus James Corden equals hilarious racing/quiz segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 13:35:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permali
  
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• FCA plans new test track at Sterling Heights plant

  04-10-2016 19:32 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is planning to build a new test track, among other improvements, as it prepares to produce the next-generation Ram 1500 pickup at its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan, according to municipal government documents.
  
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• Cop uses his own cruiser to save unconscious woman from crashing

  04-10-2016 19:20
  
  Filed under:Government/Legal,Videos,Peugeot,Driving,Safety,UKMom-saving cop honored with award for bravery.Continue reading Cop uses his own cruiser to save unconscious woman from crashing Cop uses his own cruiser to save unconscious woman from crashing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 13:20:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Ford employees moving into former department store near HQ this month

  04-10-2016 19:18 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  Ford employees will move into the former home of Lord and Taylor at the Fairlane Town Center near the automaker's headquarters in Dearborn later this month.
  
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• What a 32-acre cityscape tells us about the challenges facing autonomous cars

  04-10-2016 19:01
  
  Filed under:Etc.,Emerging Technologies,Technology,AutonomousIt's also available in American and Euro-spec.Continue reading What a 32-acre cityscape tells us about the challenges facing autonomous cars What a 32-acre cityscape tells us about the challenges facing autonomous cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 13:01:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Mercedes-Benz hopes 2018 Formula E participation will spark EV development

  04-10-2016 18:49
  
  Filed under:Green,Motorsports,Mercedes-Benz,Electric,Racing,SpecialtyMercedes looks to take one of the two new team slots.Continue reading Mercedes-Benz hopes 2018 Formula E participation will spark EV development Mercedes-Benz hopes 2018 Formula E participation will spark EV development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 12:49:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Key Safety eyes Japan auto expansion in wake of Takata's crisis

  04-10-2016 18:46 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  Key Safety Systems, the airbag maker said to be among the bidders for Takata, is considering a further push into Japan after winning new business from the nation's automakers in the wake of Takata's record recalls.
  
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• With Trump bait, UAW confirms return of Ford Bronco, Ranger

  04-10-2016 18:30 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  Ford has hinted about plans to add four SUVs to its lineup, stoking Ford Bronco rumors; those rumors were all but confirmed late last week as Bill Johnson, chairman of UAW Local 900, responded to questions from a Detroit newspaper about the...
  
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• Leaner, cleaner and tech clever: Land Rover Discovery and what people think

  04-10-2016 18:14 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  The next-gen Land Rover Discovery shares design cues with its Range Rover and Discovery Sport siblings, signaling a stark evolution from the LR4 that it replaces in North America.
  
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• Continental buys fleet management tech provider Zonar

  04-10-2016 18:11 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  German supplier Continental AG said it has agreed to buy U.S. smart fleet management technology provider Zonar for an undisclosed price to expand its mobility services and strengthen its position in the U.S.
  
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• Mercedes workers can distribute union literature at Ala. plant, U.S. court rules

  04-10-2016 18:05 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  Mercedes-Benz workers are free to distribute pro-union literature at a Vance, Ala., assembly plant, a federal appeals court ruled on Monday.
  
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• Incrementally better than ever | 2017 Toyota 86 First Drive

  04-10-2016 18:00
  
  Filed under:Toyota,First Drives,Coupe,PerformanceThe more things change, the more they stay the same.Continue reading Incrementally better than ever | 2017 Toyota 86 First Drive Incrementally better than ever | 2017 Toyota 86 First Drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 12:00:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Part Apple store fixture, part 'Tron' Light Cycle: What people think of VW I.D.

  04-10-2016 17:57 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  VW's I.D. concept previews an electric vehicle to arrive in 2020 with a range of 250 to 370 miles and a price like a Golf diesel. With VW Group aiming to launch 30 EVs by 2025, the I.D.
  
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• This looks like the BMW i4 or i5 hatchback

  04-10-2016 17:40
  
  Filed under:Design/Style,Green,BMW,Green Automakers,Hatchback,ElectricBMW is hatching another model for the i portfolio.Continue reading This looks like the BMW i4 or i5 hatchback This looks like the BMW i4 or i5 hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 11:40:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• U.S. transport chief says automakers will back self-driving car oversight

  04-10-2016 17:16 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said he expects automakers and tech companies will comply with voluntary guidelines his department issued last month for autonomous vehicles.
  
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• Forza Horizon 3 adds Ford Police Interceptor, Jeep CJ5

  04-10-2016 17:15
  
  Filed under:Toys/Games,Aston Martin,BMW,Ford,Jeep,LotusWe can't wait to see what Forza Horizon 3's customization community does with the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.Continue reading Forza Horizon 3 adds Ford Police Interceptor, Jeep CJ5 Forza Horizon 3 adds Ford Police Interceptor, Jeep CJ5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 11:15:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• New BMW i model previewed by patent images

  04-10-2016 17:08
  
  BMW’s next i model could be a five-door hatchback rather than an SUV, after patent drawings leaked online 2016-10-04 16:19 A new electrified BMW i model has been leaked online via a series of patent images, hinting that the eco sub-brand’s next model could be a practical hatchback, rather than a trendy SUV.
  While the i5 nameplate had previously been speculated for the new SUV, patents have been filed for all badges ranging i1 to i9. It’s difficult to say which this new car wou
  
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• Nissan X-Trail to gain more powerful diesel engine in 2017

  04-10-2016 17:06
  
  Nissan will introduce new 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine in X-Trail SUV next year alongside cabin and tech updates, according to UK boss 2016-10-04 16:06 Nissan will be hot on the heels of the new Skoda Kodiaq with a more powerful X-Trail next year. A new range-topping diesel engine will help to boost the SUV in the face of fresher rivals, as will minor styling tweaks and cabin updates for the 2017 model year.
  In an interview at the 2016 Paris Motor Show with Auto Express, former UK MD and rece
  
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• Newer Ford F-150s being probed by U.S. for brake issues

  04-10-2016 17:00 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  U.S. vehicle safety regulators have opened an investigation into complaints of brake problems in an estimated 282,000 recent model year Ford F-150 pickup trucks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website.
  
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• New Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition revealed

  04-10-2016 16:21
  
  Lotus claims that its latest limited-run model, the Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition, is saving "the hardest until last" 2016-10-04 15:22 It seems a week can’t go by without Lotus launching yet another special edition. The Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition is the latest in a line of 50th celebration models, and comes with a long list of lightweight options as standard. 
  Lotus claims it is saving the “hardest until last” – with the new 350 Special Edition based on
  
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• Japan is the only country to get this WRX S4 tS

  04-10-2016 16:15
  
  Filed under:Design/Style,Subaru,Japan,Sedan,Performance,SpecialtyThe WRX S4 tS gets some extra oomph from Subaru Tecnica International (STI).Continue reading Japan is the only country to get this WRX S4 tS Japan is the only country to get this WRX S4 tS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 10:15:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Henrik Fisker returns with plans to build a 400-mile electric car

  04-10-2016 15:30
  
  Filed under:Green,Fisker,Electric,LuxuryCheck back in 12 months or so for more details.Continue reading Henrik Fisker returns with plans to build a 400-mile electric car Henrik Fisker returns with plans to build a 400-mile electric car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 09:30:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• The Grand Tour's opening scene cost $3.2 million to make

  04-10-2016 15:21
  
  Filed under:Celebrities,TV/Movies,United StatesThe Grand Tour will spend its massive budget from the beginning.Continue reading The Grand Tour's opening scene cost $3.2 million to make The Grand Tour's opening scene cost $3.2 million to make originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 09:21:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• This electric motorcycle will teach India that Tork matters

  04-10-2016 14:57
  
  Filed under:Green,India,Motorcycle,ElectricTork Motorcycles has just revealed a feature-packed, battery-powered bike that raises eyebrows and expectations.Continue reading This electric motorcycle will teach India that Tork matters This electric motorcycle will teach India that Tork matters originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 08:57:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• New Mazda MX-5 Icon 2016 review

  04-10-2016 14:56
  
  Image 1 of 14
  Image 1 of 14 4 Oct, 2016 1:45pmJames Batchelor
  Racy detailing sets the new Mazda MX-5 Icon apart, and it'll be a very special buy for those lucky enough to get their hands on oneUnless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past year or so, you’ll know that the new Fiat 124 Spider is a Mazda MX-5 in a sharp Italian suit. You’ll know that they are very closely related; using a long list of identical parts, and you’ll also know that they are even built in th
  
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• BMW could add all-electric Mini, X3 SUV

  04-10-2016 14:40
  
  Filed under:Green,BMW,MINI,ElectricGerman automaker looks to cut fleetwide emissions by broadening its electric-vehicle line.Continue reading BMW could add all-electric Mini, X3 SUV BMW could add all-electric Mini, X3 SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 08:40:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Soft September for US light vehicle sales

  04-10-2016 14:30
  US light vehicle sales continued soft in September, down 0.7% to 1.434m. However, the totals yielded a surprisingly robust seasonally adjusted annualised rate (SAAR) of 17.76m units, a solid rebound from August's 17.00m.  The rate is down about 290,000 sales from last September.
  
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• Schaeffler partners with IBM over digital transformation

  04-10-2016 14:15
  
  Schaeffler says it has signed a multi-year strategic partnership agreement with IBM to accelerate the digital transformation of its entire operations and customer solutions using Watson's cognitive intelligence and insight from billions of sensors that make up the Internet of Things (IoT).
  
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• Plastic Omnium claims 3min hydrogen strorage recharge

  04-10-2016 14:15
  Plastic Omnium says its high-pressure hydrogen storage prototype has a recharge time of three minutes compared to several hours for electric vehicles.
  
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• Ford near to SYNC hook up with home 'smart speakers'

  04-10-2016 14:13
  Ford is close to market introduction of a SYNC innovation that will link its in-car system to home automation devices (or 'smart speakers') such as Amazon Echo. It would allow drivers to control lights, thermostats and other home systems from their car and interact with their vehicle, including starting and unlocking it, from their home.
  
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• Honda irking Takata stakeholders by going slow on sale, report says

  04-10-2016 14:09 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  As airbag supplier Takata courts buyers to resolve the auto industry's biggest recall ever, stakeholders are getting frustrated with the speed of decision-making by top customer and shareholder Honda, people with knowledge of the deliberations told...
  
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• Junkyard Gem: 2004 Mazda RX-8

  04-10-2016 14:00
  
  Filed under:Design/Style,Etc.,MazdaBMW Z3s, Audi TTs, and Mazda RX-8s are, just in the last year or so, beginning to show up at the high-inventory-turnover self-service wrecking yards. Here's an example of the Mazda.Continue reading Junkyard Gem: 2004 Mazda RX-8 Junkyard Gem: 2004 Mazda RX-8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2016 08:00:00 EDT.Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this | Comments
  
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• Toyota and Daihatsu to form emerging markets unit

  04-10-2016 13:02
  Toyota and its subsidiary Daihatsu are planning to form a new internal company that will be responsible for compact vehicles sold in emerging markets. The new entity is the result of both companies having agreed on each company's role in strengthening their compact vehicle operations in emerging markets.
  
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• Mercedes plans Formula E entry for 2018/2019 season

  04-10-2016 12:54
  
  Mercedes-Benz have signed an 'option agreement' to potentially join Formula E in ifs fifth season in 2018 2016-10-04 12:00 Mercedes could join the Formula E championship for electric racing cars in the 2018/19 season, after signing an agreement with the series organisers.
  Brackley-based Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix, which runs the German brand’s all-conquering Formula One team, has an option to join Formula E for its fifth season, which will begin in autumn 2018.
  That’s set to be a mile
  
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• Why the Jaguar XE is Auto Express Compact Executive Car of the Year (sponsored)

  04-10-2016 12:38
  
  Here are the top reasons why the Jaguar XE is Auto Express Best Compact Executive Car of the Year 2016 2016-10-04 11:00 The Jaguar XE has won the Auto Express Best Compact Executive Car of the Year award in 2016 and 2015. Here are the reasons why it’s been our award winner for two years running.
  The XE is the new entry point into the world of Jaguar ownership. At just over 4.6 metres, it’s compact but has the presence of a much bigger car as it shares many key design hallmarks with
  
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• Automotive battery cables are more flexible - Electronics Weekly

  04-10-2016 12:21 via electronicsweekly.com
  
  Automotive battery cables are more flexible
  Electronics Weekly
  “Flexibility can have its disadvantages, including compromising durability and sturdiness,” said Huber automotive product manager Marc Moser. For improved flexibility compared with what the firm considers standard cables, it has used 0.21mm diameter ...and more »
  
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• FIEV urges carmakers to keep French home fires burning

  04-10-2016 12:14
  French supplier association FIEV, is calling for domestic automakers to keep investing at home despite the lower-cost alternatives of manufacturing abroad as the country slowly recovers from the recent catastrophic recession in the sector.
  
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• Long-term test review: Mercedes GLC SUV

  04-10-2016 12:14
  
  Image 1 of 16
  Image 1 of 16 4 Oct, 2016 11:15amJohn McIlroy
  First report: can the Mercedes GLC live up to its promise as one of 2016's most eagerly awaited new SUVs?There’s never been more choice if you’re in the market for an SUV. Mainstream or premium, every car brand on the planet seems to have a new offering.
  Even so, it’s taken Mercedes a surprisingly long time to add a car like the GLC to its line-up. The company’s previous rival for the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, the GLK,
  
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• Management briefing - Paris motor show overview

  04-10-2016 11:47
  This, the second of two management briefings covering the 2016 Paris motor show, summarises which concepts and production models should matter most in 2017 and beyond.
  
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• The North East Automotive Alliance moves up a gear - Sun FM

  04-10-2016 11:22 via sun-fm.com
  
  Sun FM
  The North East Automotive Alliance moves up a gear
  Sun FM
  A leading Wearside venue is celebrating after helping steer a major conference to record success. Sunderland's Stadium of Light was chosen for the second year to host the North East Automotive expo, organised by the North East Automotive Alliance to ...and more »
  
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• Swiss watch brand and iconic automotive company combine - WatchPro.com

  04-10-2016 11:21 via watchpro.com
  
  WatchPro.com
  Swiss watch brand and iconic automotive company combine
  WatchPro.com
  Watch brand Zenith and car manufacturer Land Rover have announced the launch of a long-term association. The collaboration was marked by an event in Paris last week, where more than 200 guests, VIPs, international press and Land Rover personalities ...and more »
  
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• Tesla ramps up sales and output

  04-10-2016 10:15
  Quarterly sales and production data issued by Tesla Motors shows that the premium electric car maker is continuing to ramp up deliveries and production as it adds more output of its Model X in its mix.
  
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• Faurecia appoints supplier development EVP

  04-10-2016 10:15
  
  Faurecia has appointed Eelco Spoelder as Group Operations EVP and member of the Executive Committee, with responsibility for supplier development, manufacturing and logistics, quality and HSE
  
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