December 9, 2016
Auto Industry Braces for Change Under Trump
First the Obama administration bailed out much of the American auto industry, pulling it out of a tailspin. Then it reshaped the business, with regulations and policies intended to increase fuel economy, improve safety, and add jobs. Now, reports The New York Times, under President-elect Donald J. Trump, the industry is bracing for another wholesale makeover. Perhaps no industry could be affected in more ways by the new administration than the auto business. The changes under the Trump administration could include possible tariffs that will raise prices on imported vehicles and parts, fewer subsidies for electric cars, and policies that discourage automakers from moving products from American factories to Mexico. To find out how the auto industry is likely to be impacted by policies under the Trump administration, click here.
Lexus Teases LS Sedan to Bow at Detroit Auto Show
According to The Detroit News, Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus brand on Thursday teased a photo of part of the fifth-generation LS sedan it plans to reveal in January at the North American International Auto Show. The photo shows part of the front grille and hood of the coupe-like-looking flagship, as well as some components. But the photo is missing the rear and side sheet metal and shape. Lexus introduced the LS 400 in 1989 in Detroit and will show its latest iteration Monday, Jan. 9 during press days at the Detroit auto show. Lexus said the new LS will be sold in more than 90 countries globally and will be built on a new global architecture for luxury vehicles. The rear-wheel drive platform will offer drivers a more “dynamic experience on the road,” and the car will feature a more luxurious interior and “visionary technology.” Toyota announced last week it will debut the next-generation 2018 Camry sedan at the Detroit show also on Jan. 9. For more on the new Lexus LS, click here.
Aston Martin Recruits Former Ferrari, Maserati Exec as Chief Technical Officer
Aston Martin has named Maximilian Szwaj, a former Ferrari and Maserati executive, as its new chief technical officer, reports Automotive News. Szwaj joins Aston Martin as the UK sports-car maker freshens and expands its aging lineup, including adding its first SUV. Szwaj will take responsibility for Aston's global engineering operations and will be based at the automaker's headquarters in Gaydon, England, where he will report directly to CEO Andy Palmer. "Max has a wealth of experience across engineering and product delivery, his experience, skills and passion will make him a great leader for the engineering team as we prepare the business for the next generation of Aston Martin products," Palmer said in a statement. For more on Aston Martin’s new Chief Technical Officer, click here.
VW's Lost, Destroyed Phones Justify More Scrutiny, FTC Says
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking to further question Volkswagen Group's U.S. officials about whether evidence including mobile phones was destroyed amid the probe of diesel vehicles rigged to cheat emissions tests, reports Automotive News. "In the context of the massive scandal at the center of this case, 23 lost or bricked phones is a bright red flag, especially when they include phones that belonged to important individuals," FTC attorneys said in a court filing Thursday. The FTC, the U.S. government's consumer protection and anti-trust watchdog, asked the San Francisco judge overseeing most of the consumer and government claims against VW to order further questioning of a company witness. Volkswagen Group of America contends its "designated corporate witness" has already answered thousands of questions during a deposition, but the FTC said the person provided "nonsensical or evasive responses" when questioned about whether the company intentionally destroyed evidence. For more on the FTC’s probe of Volkswagen, click here.
Trump Meeting With Former Ford CEO Alan Mulally
President-elect Donald Trump met with former Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally on Thursday as he builds the cabinet for his incoming administration. The Detroit News cited a reports from Fox News that Mulally is a candidate for secretary of state. Mulally was CEO of Ford from September 2006 to June 2014. Last week, ranking officials for Ford confirmed that Trump had “influenced” Ford’s decision to keep production of the Lincoln SUV in Louisville instead of moving it to Mexico. The meeting with Mulally is not the first time Trump has turned to an auto executive for expertise. Last week he named General Motors Co. CEO Mary Barra to a Strategic and Policy Forum that frequently will advise him on economic issues and jobs growth. For more on a reported meeting between Trump and former Ford CEO Alan Mulally, click here.
Around the Web
Nissan Dealers Using Factory Cash Incentives to Roll More Units [CBT News]
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Starts at $38,990 [Autoblog]
Paris Bans Certain Cars From Roads, Makes Public Transport Free [CNET]
Jay Leno Welcomes Self-Driving Cars–Just Don't Ever Wash Them [Bloomberg]