Tag Archives: Coupes

Opinion: Here’s Where Infiniti Lost its Way

July 16, 2021 admin

Late last year I put forth some thoughts about the future direction of Infiniti, largely about how the company was on a downward trajectory. Looking forward, the brand needs a major change in direction – not much has changed since December when I wrote that piece.

But one might then logically ask “Where did the company first lose its way?” I’m going to answer that question right now. Let’s take a little trip to the Before Times, in 1990.

That was the first model year for Infiniti just like it was the first model year for Lexus, but Infiniti started off on the wrong foot. I am of course speaking about the Q45, the grill-free, no-nonsense, no-wood, super-serious, full-size luxury sedan that was the company’s flagship. Where Lexus spent big money and years dreaming up an all-new car for its first U.S. luxury foray, Nissan went the cheap route. It took the upcoming new-generation President (the company’s JDM full-sizer) and then tried to Americanize it. Whereas Lexus made a more reliable Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Infiniti made a more hardcore BMW 7-Series without any of the iconic styling.

Americans wanted wood, ruched leather, a hood ornament, and a reasonably compliant suspension in their large sedans (they hate all that shit today, but whatever). Infiniti got a focus group together and then proceeded to edit the President into a firm-riding car without any wood or ruched leather. No grille, no hood ornament. After Judgment Error Number One was finished, they hired an ad agency to produce commercials for the exciting new Q45, and chose not to show it to customers. That’s right, they assumed that the luxury car buyer concerned with image and prestige would visit their dealer upon seeing an ad with a lake, rocks, and trees and “You can see this at a dealer!” tag line. That didn’t work then, and it wouldn’t work today. It was a terrible idea.

Their other premier offering was the M30 coupe and convertible. Based again on an existing Nissan, the Leopard, Infiniti went cheapo. Lexus spent big time money on the SC 400 and amortized that cost with the now-legendary Supra with which it shared a platform. The Leopard had some wood and leather added eventually (they’re learning!) and debuted as the M30. The Leopard wasn’t a bad car per se, and it had the V6 from the 300ZX. But it was again not what the American customer wanted. It was dated looking, too square, too small, not nice enough inside for the asking price, and half-assed. The SC and Acura Legend trounced it.

Shortly thereafter, Infiniti went after the Lexus ES 300 and the BMW 3-Series with the Nissan Primera-based G20. The Primera was more a world car than the President or Leopard, and more competitive generally. But G20 was a compact sedan with very bland styling, again based on something slightly too small for its American purpose. The ES 300 was larger and more luxurious and had interesting frameless windows. Most importantly, the ES didn’t look like it was a Camry. The G20 looked like a Sentra – which it wasn’t – but people assumed it anyway. People still think that even today in the age of the Internet. The G20 did make it quite a while (another problem) and earned itself a second generation that ran from 1999 to 2002. Infiniti had been around for nine years when the second G20 debuted, and the brand was still was doing badge swap jobs against unique Lexus product.

<img data-attachment-id="1617298" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/03/buy-drive-burn-1995-buying-sports-luxury-sedan/attachment/97804011990406/" data-orig-file="http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/opinion-heres-where-infiniti-lost-its-way-29.jpg" data-orig-size="1024,682" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="1995 Infiniti J30t" data-image-description="

Image Infiniti

<img data-attachment-id="1670270" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/04/qotd-your-least-favorite-rear-drive-nineties-ride/q45_pebble-beach/" data-orig-file="http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/opinion-heres-where-infiniti-lost-its-way-34.jpg" data-orig-size="800,518" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="1997 Infiniti Q45" data-image-description="

Infiniti

The company’s had two or three bright spots along the way, but they’ve never been able to replicate the success or mature it into a second-generation offering. The G35 was a sales success and brought back sporting credibility to Infiniti. Sedan, coupe, convertible, the G35 was the right product at the right time. It used Nissan’s FM platform that carried over into the G37 version, where things started to fall apart. It wasn’t as inspired as the G35, and overall less original. The VQ V6 problem was here too, among others: Each time Nissan made the VQ larger it lost some refinement, sounded more like a paint mixer, and got more thirsty (3.0, 3.5, 3.7, 4.0). G37 became Q50 and Q60, and that 20-year-old FM platform is still in use today. It’s a big problem that Nissan can’t seem to fix.

FM also became the FX35, a stylish and unique crossover way ahead of its time. But then it turned into the FX37 and started looking like a fish. There weren’t enough new ideas there, and people demanded more cargo room out of their midsize two-row SUV circa 2009. They’d be okay with crap cargo room now because that’s marketable as “coupe SUV,” which is bullshit, but it would’ve worked had the FX persisted today.

<img data-attachment-id="1618832" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/03/qotd-whats-reliable-car-youve-ever-owned/attachment/96804051990203/" data-orig-file="http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/opinion-heres-where-infiniti-lost-its-way-50.jpg" data-orig-size="1024,682" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="1997 Infiniti I30" data-image-description="

Image Infiniti

Oh, and there’s more FM: the M35. A larger midsize, M took over for the final Q45 as the only large-ish sedan the brand offered in 2007 (it shared the stage with Q for 2006). It was unrelated to the M45, a rebadged Nissan Gloria circa 2003 that was very enthusiast-approved but flopped with the general public given its looks. A generally successful offering, the M35 was not large enough to compete with full-size offerings from the other luxury brands and went against the E-Class, Lexus GS, and BMW 5-Series. The M had 2003-type styling at introduction in ’06 and maintained it through 2010 when everyone else had long moved forward. It was updated in 2011, again to add fish-like styling elements. It got larger in its rework (still not full-size), and spawned a long-wheelbase L version. It was renamed Q70 in short order but by then nobody cared. Stretched beyond its means, the FM Q70 did not feel well made, had an outdated interior full of 2006 components that were never updated, and was floppy in its handling while being too firm over bumps.

<img data-attachment-id="1436825" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/10/consumer-reports-most-reliable-vehicles-mostly-unpopular/2016-infiniti-q70-premium-select-edition/" data-orig-file="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2016-Infiniti-Q70-e1533069414239.jpg" data-orig-size="2928,1949" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"7.1","credit":"Infiniti","camera":"NIKON D4","caption":"The 2016 Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition's exterior offers dark chrome trim, a darkened lower rear bumper, a rear decklid spoiler and unique design and color 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 245\/40R20 all-season performance tires. The interior of the Q70 Premium Select Edition is highlighted by unique Graphite or Stone semi-aniline leather seating, suede-like headliner, aluminum interior trim, illuminated kickplates and floor mats with contrasting piping.","created_timestamp":"1438974858","copyright":"\u00a9 2015 Infiniti","focal_length":"105","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.05","title":"2016 Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="2016 Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition" data-image-description="

Image: Infiniti

” data-medium-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2016-Infiniti-Q70-450×300.jpg” data-large-file=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/opinion-heres-where-infiniti-lost-its-way-9.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1436825″ src=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/opinion-heres-where-infiniti-lost-its-way-9.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”406″>I’ve gone on for a while here and now I’m worn out. In summation, bad foundational product lead to a poor start. The foundational product was bad because Nissan didn’t invest enough in Infiniti the way Toyota did with Lexus and to a lesser extent Honda did with unique product for Acura. The G37 should have been the last FM platform ever, yet Infiniti can’t seem to get away from it. Among their more recent problems, the subsistence on FM is the worst, most important, and most persistent. When are they gonna cut that cord?

[Images: Infiniti]

2022 BMW 2 Series Coupes Coming Soon

May 28, 2021 admin

The 2022 BMW 2 Series coupes are on their way. Dynamic testing, drivetrain, and suspension tuning on the two-door compact are nearing conclusion. Production begins in the late summer of 2021.

The new BMW 2 Series is being described as more nimble, agile, and powerful than previous models.

Tuning and testing at Nurburgring’s Nordschleife and on public roads around Munich, the new 2’s drivability is key.

The 230i and M240i AWD will be the first out of the gate, with the 230i xDrive and M240i to follow.

The M240i xDrive has a 3.0 liter, inline 6-cylinder TwinPower turbo under hood, producing 382 horsepower. Backed up by a standard 8-speed sport Steptronic automatic, alas there’s no mention of a manual transmission option.

xDrive AWD systems have an M sport rear differential to add traction and stability while accelerating, according to BMW.

There’s a front lip spoiler, splitter, air curtains, deflectors, and underfloor covers for the fuel tank and rear differential. BMW attributes a 50-percent reduction in front-end lift to the aerodynamic package.

Twelve percent more torsionally rigid than its predecessor, BMW has also increased front and rear tracks to add rigidity.

New shocks enhance ride comfort, while better responding to road conditions. The optional Adaptive M suspension adds electronically-controlled shocks with settings that are more dynamic or comfort-oriented.

Improved road feel comes from new, stiffer front axle support bearings. Another option, variable sports steering, reduces steering effort while improving driving feel.

Meanwhile, the 2 Series is out there killing cones in pursuit of fine-tuning the suspension. We’ve not yet reached the point of cone conservation.

[Images: BMW]

Automakers Suspend Operations, Change Equipment Due to Chip Shortage

April 21, 2021 admin

Ford is temporarily suspending production at its Kansas City assembly plant to deal with the shortage.

Automakers continue to search for ways to deal with the semiconductor chip shortage impacting the industry on a global scale.

Most companies cut back production and shift available chip inventory to high-profit vehicles like pickup trucks. Seemingly no automaker is immune to the problem, including pricey luxury and sports car makers. Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and others all recently announced moves to deal with the shortage.

This week is not different with Daimler, Stellantis and Subaru reporting today they are taking new measures to account for current run of chip shortages, both in the U.S. and in other facilities around the world.

New announcements

Ford plans to extend the shutdowns at plants that build its F-150, Ford Transit, Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator, Ford Edge/Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Mustang. The Kansas City Assembly Plant that builds its top-selling F-150 and Transit commercial van suspend operations for the weeks of May 3 and 10. It’s currently closed down.

GM is slowing production of its van at its Wentzville plant to deal with the chip shortage.

The Flat Rock, Michigan plant, which builds the Mustang, and Chicago plant that builds the Explorer and Aviator will also be down the first two weeks of next month. They’ve been down since the week of April 12, according to Automotive News.

The company plans to continue the reduced production of its Super Duty and medium-duty trucks at the Ohio Assembly Plant near Cleveland.

General Motors plans to move its Wentzville (Missouri) Assembly plant from three shifts to just two on a temporary basis starting the week of April 26. It’s cutting van production at the site. Production of its midsize pickups, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, are unaffected. The company just restarted operations at the facility last week after a two-week shutdown.

Other moves

In what may be the most novel approach to dealing with the issue thus far, Stellantis is using analog speedometers in some its Peugeot models instead of the digital ones they would normally come equipped with.

Daimler is cutting hours for 18,500 workers at two plants in Germany as it waits for more chips.

The move affects only the Peugeot 308, Reuters reported, which are built in France. The brand sold about 98,000 of the 308 model last year. The 308 is being phased out this fall in favor of a new vehicle. The company may reduce the price as a result of the less advanced speedo.

Daimler plans to reduce hours for 18,500 employees and idle production at its Bremen and Rastatt plants in Germany. Bremen builds the C-Class as well as the GLC, GLC Coupe and the all-electric EQC. The Rastatt plant produces the A-Class hybrid as well as the A-Class sedan, B-Class and GLA compact SUV.

Japanese automaker Subaru Corp. revealed plans to temporarily suspend production at its plant in Lafayette, Indiana. The closure will be in place until the end of April, according to officials. It will affect about 15,000 vehicles for North America, officials noted. The company builds the Ascent, Outback, Legacy and Impreza at the site.

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GM, Ford Among 3 Dozen Michigan-Based Companies Objecting to New Voter Restrictions

April 13, 2021 admin

GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra was one of dozens of Michigan-based business leaders who signed a statement about voting rights.

Dozens of Michigan-based companies, including industry giants General Motors and Ford Motor Co., issued a strongly worded statement Tuesday objecting to Republican-sponsored bills that would make it more difficult to vote in Michigan and other states.

This marked the latest in a series of actions by some of the largest U.S. corporations to push back on GOP efforts to limit voting measures, such as mail-in ballots and access to ballot drop boxes, in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s defeat last November.

“Government must support equitable access to the ballot to ensure that all eligible voters can exercise their rights,” declared the statement issued by three-dozen Michigan companies. “Government must avoid actions that reduce participation in elections — particularly among historically disenfranchised communities, persons with disabilities, older adults, racial minorities and low-income voters.”

45 states target voting rights

Jim Farley, Ford CEO, says ensuring “equitable access to voting” is critical to the long-term success of a free society.

After losing the presidential election, Trump declared the vote had been “stolen,” a claim universally rejected by election officials and the courts. But it has riled up hardcore supporters — like those who staged an attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, as well as Republican legislators who have introduced bills aimed at restricting voter access in 45 states.

A bill has already passed in Georgia containing numerous restrictions that even prohibit providing bottles of water to those waiting on line to vote. The new law’s language has been widely criticized as targeting the racial minorities who helped Democrats regain control of the U.S. Senate by voting in the state’s two Democratic senators.

Michigan is one of the states now moving forward with proposed legislation that would, among other things require a voter to attach a photocopy of a government ID when returning a mail-in ballot. It also would ban communities from issuing prepaid return ballot envelopes. The GOP-controlled Michigan Senate is preparing to hold hearings on the measure this month.

Business backlash

That has triggered a strong backlash among Michigan’s traditional GOP-leaning business community. Among the organizations that co-signed the statement Tuesday are the leaders of GM, Ford and Stellantis — the company formed this year by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. All four of the major Detroit-based sports teams signed the statement, as did various banks, utilities and other businesses.

Stellantis’ Mike Manley also lent his name to the letter calling for improved voting access.

Mary Barra, the GM CEO, issued an additional statement saying that, “we want to reiterate our belief that the right to vote is the essence of a democratic society and that the voice of every voter should be heard in elections that are conducted with integrity. Last year, we said we would leverage our voice to drive inclusion. Therefore, we are calling on Michigan lawmakers and state legislatures across the nation to ensure that any changes to voting laws result in protecting and enhancing the most precious element of democracy — the right for all eligible voters to have their voices included in a fair, free, and equitable manner.”

The 2020 election saw record voter turnout in much of the country, especially among blacks and other minorities that traditionally have turned out in lower numbers than whites. Michigan saw 5.5 million people go to the polls in November, a record in terms of raw numbers, as well as the highest percentage of the voting-age electorate in 60 years.

Senate leader under fire

The Senate measure in Michigan is being overseen by Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, a Republican who has himself come under fire for comments made on several occasions since Trump was defeated — the then-president losing to Joe Biden after winning in Michigan in 2016.

President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed the 2020 election was stolen from him.

In February, a recording surfaced revealing that Shirkey told a gathering of Republicans that the Jan. 6 attack was a “hoax,” and had been “staged.” Shirkey said Tuesday the proposed state ballot bill would ensure that every vote will be “handled and counted the same.” He contended that the measure is a “perfunctory step to equitable access.”

The statement issued by Michigan business leaders on Tuesday did not specify what, if any, actions they might take if the bill were approved. Major businesses have taken more direct action in response to the passage and signing of the Georgia law, however.

A nation polarized

Major state businesses, including Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola spoke out harshly. Some have indicated they will consider shifting resources out of the state. Major League Baseball moved the annual All-Star Game to Colorado. And some film and TV projects have been relocated, as well.

The debate about voting rights comes at a time when the nation is as polarized as ever. The majority of Republicans believe the 2020 election was “stolen,” according to numerous polls, even though many major GOP leaders have dismissed such claims.

President Joe Biden took office in January despite claims of voter fraud.

One of the more significant developments has been a shift by many major corporations, a number of which have pulled back on political donations, especially to GOP campaigns.

Protecting the “historically disenfranchised”

In comments to company employees last week, Ford CEO Jim Farley stressed that the company “believes that equitable access to voting rights for all people is the bedrock of a democratic society.”

Echoing widespread concerns that proposed voter restrictions are aimed at minorities, Farley added, “We’re also aware that the right to vote in a free and fair election has been hard won in our nation, particularly for groups that have been historically disenfranchised. That’s why we support initiatives that promote equitable access and do not disproportionately affect any segment of the population.”

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“Zoom Zombies” Are the Driving Dead

April 7, 2021 admin

Too many of these could turn you into a zombie if you have to climb behind the wheel afterward.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who have been working from home and spending hours a day in video meetings you might notice it can become difficult pulling your thoughts back together at the end of the day. And if you then have to climb behind the wheel that could prove deadly.

A new study raises concerns about “Zoom Zombies,” motorists who can’t fully focus on the road ahead after a day of videoconferencing. This may be one of the reasons why in 2020 U.S. highway deaths posted their biggest year-over-year increase in nearly a century.

“COVID-19 fundamentally changed the way we interact with our vehicles,” said David Timm, founder and CEO of Root Insurance, which raised concerns about Zoom Zombies in its annual Distracted Driving Awareness Survey. “As many abruptly shifted to a virtual environment, Americans’ reliance on technology dramatically increased along with their screen time, causing a majority of drivers to carry this distracted behavior into their vehicles.”

Covid-19 and the distracted driving pandemic

NHTSA estimates that more than 10% of highway deaths stem from distracted driving.

Distracted driving has become an increasingly serious problem as more and more motorists interact with smartphones and other technology while behind the wheel. Even before the COVID pandemic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that more than 10% of highway fatalities involved distracted driving. Preliminary analysis suggests that has gone up since last year’s lockdowns began.

The Roots study found 64% of the U.S. motorists it surveyed acknowledging they check their phones while driving. That’s up 2% from last year, and 6% from the 2019 Distracted Driving Awareness Survey. Meanwhile, 53% of the respondents said they check their phones within the first 15 minutes behind the wheel — a 9% jump from 2019 — when they should be trying to shift focus to driving.

Add the fact that drivers are downplaying the risks. The study found three in 10 drivers don’t see the risk of driving while using a mobile phone. That’s up from 24% just a year ago.

But the study raised another concern: even when motorists aren’t texting or chatting on their phones, they still might not be paying full attention to the job of driving.

Lexus Driving Disrupted distracted drivers

Younger drivers are more likely to have trouble concentrating on the road after engaging in some sort of video conference call.

The younger the driver, the worse the problem

Root reports that 54% of the 1,819 adult motorists it surveyed have had trouble concentrating on the road after making videoconference calls with Zoom, Microsoft Meet or some other software platform. The younger the driver, the worse the problem. For Gen Z motorists, 65% reported losing focus while driving, while it was 61% for millennials and 48% for Gen-Xers.

“The problem with distraction is huge and it’s not just checking e-mail or texting,” said Russ Rader, an executive with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “There’s the risk of cognitive distraction, looking at the road while your thoughts are elsewhere. That zoning out may mean you don’t notice a dangerous situation soon enough to react.”

Whether you call them “Zoom Zombies” or “Zoombies,” the problem has gained widespread attention, and concern — especially when it comes to driving.

If it appears drivers has seemingly forgotten how to drive as pandemic-related restrictions eased, it’s because, well, they have.

“I think computer use, in general, can overload you,” especially after a series of videoconference meetings, said Joan Claybrook, a former NHTSA administrator and longtime auto safety advocate. “After you get into your car you may be operating on auto pilot.”

Driving skills have atrophied

That’s all the worse as we emerge from the pandemic, experts told TheDetroitBureau.com. During the last 12 months, most Americans have been driving less and even as roadways begin to look more crowded, “driving skills have atrophied for many people,” warns Sam Abuelsamid, principal auto analyst with Guidehouse Insights.

“It’s become harder to drive safely because you’re going to forget some of the skills you learned over time,” added Abuelsamid. “It’s not as easy as just jumping back on a bike.”

While he believes Zoom fatigue is “likely a contributor to the increase in highway fatalities,” how much it contributes is uncertain. What’s clear is that highway fatalities soared in 2020, even as motorists slashed the number of miles they drove.

Record surge in fatalities

Preliminary data indicated as many as 42,060 Americans were killed in motor vehicle crashes last year, the National Safety Council reported last month. That was an 8% increase from 2019. That surge occurred even though Americans drove a total of 2.83 trillion miles in 2020. That was a 13.2% decrease from the year before, marking the lowest level of driving by American motorists in two decades, reported the U.S. Federal Highway Authority.

Traffic fatalities rose in 2020, rising 8%, but the death rate, the number of deaths per miles driven, jumped 24% compared with 2019.

So, on a per mile basis, the death rate surged by 24% in 2020, the biggest year-over-year increase since 1924.

Why does “Zooming” take so much out of people? It’s not like sitting around a table for an in-person meeting. Key visual cues are absent, such as body language, while others can overwhelm, according to psychologist Sharon Parker, director of the Centre for Transformative Work Design.

They tend to be sharply focused, without the normal chit-chat and other interactions that come before — sometimes during — and after in-person meetings, Parker wrote. One result: participants come away struggling to interpret what actually happened rather than transferring attention to what comes next.

And that may extend beyond the work day to when you’re behind the wheel and should be focusing on the road ahead.

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Krafcik Leaves Waymo After Five Years as CEO

April 2, 2021 admin

Waymo CEO John Krafcik is way gone, announcing his departure and the company’s plans to move the current COO and CTO into the role of co-CEO.

Add “former” to the title of Waymo CEO John Krafcik, who announced today he’s left the company.

The former Hyundai Motor America chief spent five years heading up the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Google, which, according to his farewell on LinkedIn, “was called ‘Chauffeur’ internally.”

Tekedra Mawakana and Dmitri Dolgov, of whom Krafcik said “having seen their brilliance, vision, and commitment in play for years — I assure you they are very well suited for this,” take over as co-CEOs of the Mountain View, Calif.-based AI-focused company. As is often the case with senior executives, Krafcik will stay on in an advisory capacity.

“So now, with the fully autonomous Waymo One ride-hailing service open to all in our launch area of Metro Phoenix, and with the fifth generation of the Waymo Driver being prepared for deployment in ride-hailing and goods delivery, it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to pass the baton to Tekedra and Dmitri as Waymo’s co-CEOs,” he wrote.

Next steps

Waymo named former COO Tekedra Mawakana as its new co-CEO to replace Krafcik.

Krafcik didn’t offer many details what the future holds, although it could be that he’s uncertain himself. He said he and his wife, Leila, will take a “coupbatical,” which he described as “a refresh period where we look forward to reconnecting with old friends & family, and discovering new parts of the world.

“After that, we’ve got a few ideas for focus and contribution that we’ll flesh out together and share when the time is right. We’ve already relocated to Austin, Texas, and we look forward to seeing some of you there, or on our travels.”

Krafcik once headed up Hyundai’s U.S. operations, helping lead the brand through an image renaissance and a period of rapid growth. He even earned the “Automotive Executive of the Year” in 2013. However, his run there ended in late 2013 after the South Korean automaker declined to renew his contract — despite the accolade.

However, he quickly landed on his feet, taking over as CEO of TrueCar just as the automotive sales and data website was readying to go public. His tenure there was short, however, as he moved on to Waymo, then-Google’s self-driving car project, just a little more than a year later in September 2015.

Dynamic duo

Waymo CTO Dmitri Dolgov joins Mawakana as co-CEO with Krafcik’s departure.

As for the company, Mawakana and Dolgov now step into new roles. Previously the COO and CTO respectively, they are described as having “complementary skill sets and experiences.” Due to the nature of their roles, they’re already accustomed to working together.

Dolgov, who started in autonomy as part of Stanford’s DARPA Urban Challenge team, joined the company in 2009, when it was still referred to as Google’s self-driving car project. Over time, his influence and responsibility grew. He became CTO late in 2016.

Mawakana, joined Waymo as a policy lead. Prior to joining the company in 2017, she led global policy teams at eBay, AOL, Startec and Yahoo, after beginning her career as Washington, D.C.-based law firm Steptoe & Johnson LLP.

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Volts, er, Volkswagen’s April Fool’s Day Prank a Jolt to the System

March 31, 2021 admin

Oh those wacky Germans!! As quickly as it got here, VW took it away: Voltswagen is the company that never was.

A lesson for wannabe pranksters: if you’re planning an April Fool’s Day joke, stick to April 1st.

That lesson apparently got lost in translation over at Voltswagen, er, Volkswagen headquarters when the company intentionally leaked an “internal document” on March 29 indicating it was planning to change its name as a way to highlight a dramatic, mega-billion-dollar shift to battery-electric vehicles.

Like so many others, automotive PR departments have often found ways to tweak the media on April 1 and the closer a supposed story hews to reality the better the joke — though news veterans have learned to tread cautiously with everything they see that day. VW’s gag, it seems, gained credibility because of the timing, even though it would have generated major skepticism had it come out two days later.

But “There will be no renaming of Volkswagen of America,” the company now says after receiving numerous angry calls from those fooled by the supposed name change — including, we will admit, TheDetroitBureau.com.

Good one, guys … good one

Volkswagen of America chief Scott Keogh, left, and VW AG CEO Herbert Diess share a laugh, knowing what was going to be unleashed on the U.S. media.

As readers will note, we did question whether this was part of a short-term marketing campaign, rather than a real, permanent name change. After all, other companies have taken similar steps. IHOP in 2018 announced it was becoming IHOB, a short-lived switch, it turned out, to promote the fact it offered more than just pancakes for breakfast.

Indeed, the stunt was intended to highlight the launch of the Voltswagen, er, Volkswagen ID.4, the carmaker’s first long-range battery-electric vehicle targeting the U.S. market. It began rolling into American showrooms this month.

“The alleged renaming was designed to be an announcement in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, highlighting the launch of the all-electric ID.4 SUV and signaling our commitment to bringing electric mobility to all,” said a statement from VW released the day after the rouse, 36 hours before April Fool’s Day.

The right amount of credibility for a fake release

The thread of credibility was, in fact, there for at least a short-term use of the name Voltswagen. The German company is going all-in on electrification, committing to spend more than $80 billion to bring at least 50 all-electric models to market by mid-decade. Its high-line Bentley brand will only sell battery-electric vehicles by 2030 and while the flagship VW brand hasn’t committed to going completely BEV, global CEO Herbert Diess has strongly hinted that is in the works.

Volkswagen has designated $86 billion to bring more than 50 EVs to market in the next few years, including the ID.4.

“We have said, from the beginning of our shift to an electric future, that we will build EVs for the millions, not just millionaires. This name change signifies a nod to our past as the peoples’ car and our firm belief that our future is in being the peoples’ electric car,” said the fake VW release, purportedly quoting Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Volkswagen of America.

VW already did adopt a new name for its electric vehicles. They are being grouped together under the ID banner. An all-electric hatchback, the ID.3, went on sale in Europe last year. Other models are coming, including the ID.Buzz, a modern, battery-powered take on the legendary VW Microbus.

Volkswagen isn’t alone, one rival German automaker marketing its BEVs through the new Mercedes-EQ marque, another opting to call its electric models BMW i. And Hyundai just launched a new battery-car sub-brand called Ioniq.

VW’s reaching out to promote its electrification efforts shouldn’t be surprising. The automaker’s global CEO Herbert Diess declared a goal of becoming the world’s leading EV manufacturer, his goal to “overtake” today’s top seller, Tesla.

Whether the Voltswagen stunt will short-circuit the launch of the ID.4 isn’t certain. But wary journalists are likely to be far less willing to get charged up the next time a VW press release arrives.

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GM Grows Board of Directors’ Diversity with New Whitman, Tatum

March 25, 2021 admin

Meg Whitman, a technology leader and former head of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, will join the General Motors Board of Directors.

What was already the most diverse board of directors in the automotive industry just go a little more so, General Motors Co. expanding its board, adding Meg Whitman and Mark Tatum to fill the spots.

The move grows GM’s board from 12 to 13 members. Adding Whitman, a former Republican gubernatorial candidate in California and CEO of Quibi Holdings LLC, a media startup, results in women filling seven of the posts on the board. It makes GM the only automaker where women comprise a majority of the board.

Tatum, who is of Asian and African-American heritage, is the National Basketball Association’s deputy commissioner and chief operating officer. Diversity within the company has been a priority for Chairman and CEO Mary Barra since her appointment in 2013.

Diversity is a strength

GM quickly pointed out that the diversity of the company’s newly expanded board isn’t just limited to gender or ethnic background.

Diversity has been a theme during Mary Barra’s tenure as GM’s Chairman and CEO.

The company’s 12 independent directors have senior leadership and board experience in information technology, digital commerce, retail, higher education, investment management, international affairs, defense, transportation, cybersecurity, and pharmaceuticals, among others.

“Our diverse Board of Directors is a competitive advantage for GM as we work to deliver a better, safer and more sustainable world,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “Mark and Meg will bring unique experiences to the Board, especially in technology, brand building and customer experience that will help us drive value for shareholders and other GM stakeholders now and into the future.”

Diversity is a focus in the company’s executive ranks as well. Barra’s overseen a significant shift of women into higher level roles at the company during her tenure. Some of those include Dhivya Suryadevara as Chief Financial Officer, the first-ever woman to hold the job, and Alicia Bolder Davis as the Head of Global Manufacturing.

Others include Ann Cathcart Chaplin, corporate secretary and deputy general counsel; Margaret Curry, vice president, Tax and chief tax officer; Julia Steyn, head of urban mobility and Maven; Kimberly Brycz as senior vice president, Global Human Resources; and Pamela Fletcher, vice president, Global Electric Vehicle Programs. Both Boler Davis and Suryadevara left the company for other opportunities in the last 18 months.

Results are showing

Mark Tatum, deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of the National Basketball Association, will join the General Motors Board of Directors.

The push to diversify, at least by gender, is beginning to get noticed. GM was the top ranked company in the U.S. on the Gender Equality Global Report & Ranking for 2021. It was No. 5 globally, with a score of 71%, up from No. 11 and a score of 68% last year. GM was the only automaker in the Top 100.

Researchers noted GM achieved gender balance at the board level (at the time the report was issued, there were six women on GM’s board). Additionally, women represent 20% of the executive team, 32.2% of senior management and 21.8% of the workforce.

“They offer a living wage and flexible work arrangements to their employees. General Motors is the only company in the U.S. and globally that publishes a mean, unadjusted gender pay gap of less than 3% in all pay bands, and they have a strategy to close the gender pay gap. General Motors also publishes all eight of Equileap’s recommended policies that promote gender equality,” the report noted.

It is compiled by Equileap, a data research firm, which researched 3,702 companies based on 19 gender equality criteria, including gender balance from the board to the workforce, as well as the pay gap and policies relating to parental leave and sexual harassment. The average score for the Top 100 companies globally was 64 percent, an increase of 2 percentage points from last year.

Other automakers making moves

Alexandra Ford English has been nominated for the Ford Motor Co. board of directors.

GM’s top domestic rival, Ford Motor Co., currently has three women on its board of directors and nominated a fourth, Alexandra Ford English, daughter of current Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr., who is virtually assured of election to the board later this year.

Ford English, 33, recently accepted another board position that elevated her profile. She took on the role as Ford Motor Co.’s representative to the Rivian board of directors. Ford Motor owns an equity stake in the EV maker. She’s held roles in corporate strategy at companies like Tory Burch and Gap Inc. as well as the automaker, which she joined in 2017.

The company’s global workforce is 28% female and 20% of its leadership comprises women. Some of it is top officers include Joy Falotico, president, The Lincoln Motor Co.; Lisa Drake, chief operating officer, North America; Suzy Deering, chief marketing officer; Dianne Craig, president, International Markets Group; Elena Ford, chief customer experience officer; Cathy O’Callaghan, vice president, Controller; and Kiersten Robinson, chief people and employee experiences officer.

Falotico, Drake and Deering have all moved into their roles in the last 12 months with the first two moving from other jobs within the company. Deering arrived at the automaker in January from eBay, where she was global chief marketing officer. She actually took over for Falotico, who now focuses solely on running Lincoln.

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Lexus Reveals Limited-Run 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance

March 19, 2021 admin

2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition - on track

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition is a fully loaded version of the new, V-8-powered sedan.

The name is long. The order list is short. We got a first look at the new 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance model barely a month ago. Now, the Japanese luxury brand is adding a special Limited Edition package of which just 500 will be produced.

For those who like the idea of having unique features — like the personalized number plate on the center console — the good news is that all 500 of the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition models will be earmarked “exclusively for North America.”

“Standing apart from the standard IS 500, the 2022 IS 500 Launch Edition interior builds upon Takumi craftsmanship with elevated interior materials, including sporty two-tone Black & Gray Ultrasuede trimmed front and rear seats, door accents, and center console,” Lexus said in a statement.

Other special features include silver ash wood details on the otherwise leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as updates to the instrument cluster. Now, when you’re sedan wakes up, the version of the IS spinning on the digital display will be a Launch Edition “to further set this model apart from the standard IS 500,” Lexus explained.

Taking the green flag

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition clocks some track time alongside a race version of the new sports sedan.

The Launch Edition made its debut Friday evening in Sebring, just hours before the start of the annual 12-hour race there. It’s an appropriate venue.

The IS has played a significant role for Lexus, helping adding a little adrenaline to its image of solid but stodgy design and performance. The first Lexus F model was an upgraded IS launched in 2008 and featured a 416-horsepower V-8.

When the prior-generation Lexus IS debuted, some fans feared the automaker was taking a step back. replacing the V-8 with a respectable but nowhere near as impressive 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 311 hp. For 2022, the IS 350 jumped to 350 hp and 311 lb-ft. A nice increase, but still nowhere near past F Sport numbers.

Lexus had a surprise in store

2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition - number plate

Each 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition will feature a unique number plate, with only 500 of the sedans to be produced.

It turns out the brand was only holding the big news in reserve. Last month, it said it would “dial up the sports sedan formula to eleven,” with the debut of the new IS F Sport. It marked the return of the V-8, punching out a hefty 472 hp, or 122 more than the turbo-6 in the 2021 IS F Sport Performance edition.

And this is just a hint of what’s to come from the brand. Lexus last month said this is “the first model in the new Lexus F Sport Performance line.” It appears the marque is getting ready to take direct aim against the likes of Mercedes-AMG and BMW M.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance gains only 143 pounds when compared with the IS 350 F Sport. So, the boost in performance should be notable. Lexus claims the Performance model will hit 60 in 4.5 seconds, a full 1.1 seconds quicker than the IS 350.

Beyond 0-60

2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition - interior

The cabin of the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition features a number of unique details, also including the ash wood-finished steering wheel.

Straight line acceleration is just part part of the picture. To handle the curves, the IS 500 Performance model comes standard with the Dynamic Handling Package now available as an option on the IS 350 F Sport. That includes an adaptive suspension and Torsen limited-slip differential. The chassis also gets a new Yamaha rear performance damper.

To scrub off speed, the Performance model’s brakes are upgraded, as well, with larger 14-inch two-piece aluminum front rotors and 12.7-inch rotors in the rear.

Visually, the IS 500’s hood has been raised by nearly 2 inches and gets more distinctive character lines in Performance trim. The front bumper and fenders also have been stretched to handle the big V-8. There’s also a new, rear diffuser framing the sedan’s quad exhaust, dark chrome window trim, and a black rear lip spoiler.

The top model comes with exclusive 19-inch split-10-spoke Enkei alloy wheels that shave about 6 pounds off total vehicle weight.

2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition - on track rear

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 marks just the first of what will be a line-up of F-Sport Performance models.

More to come

Going forward, all Lexus Performance models will feature unique black badging to distinguish them from standard F models.

Inside, look for similar black badging on the heated leather steering wheel and door sill plates. And the gauge cluster will feature unique animation.

Like other IS models, the IS 500 Performance and Performance Launch Edition models will get a number of upgrades to the Lexus advanced driver assistance technology. Among other things, the Forward Collision Warning system now will have greater range and will be able to detect a potential head-on collision when turning left.

Lexus won’t reveal pricing until closer to the on-sale date of the Performance and Launch Edition models next autumn. The current, 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport starts at $42,900. Expect to see the number jump for the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport, especially if you’re considering either the Performance or Launch Edition models.

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Rare Rides: The 1951 Muntz Jet, First-ever Personal Luxury

February 26, 2021 admin

Did you ever wonder which vehicle is credited with being the very first personal luxury car? Wonder no more, as it’s today’s Rare Ride, the Muntz Jet.

The Muntz owes its creation to an earlier sports car that was creatively named the Kurtis Sport Car, or KSC. Created by Frank Curtis, the KSC was on sale from 1949 to 1950 and was available as a kit or a fully-assembled car. The KSC was based on a ’49 Ford, and as such used a variety of Ford engines. Kurtis quickly realized his hardtop convertible was too expensive to produce, and exited the business after selling around 25 KSCs.

Kurtis sold all the tooling and manufacturing rights for the KSC to Earl Muntz. Muntz (a well-off used car dealer) had his own ideas about a hardtop convertible, and redeveloped the KSC into his own Muntz Jet. Muntz added a luxurious interior to his Jet, and reworked the exterior visuals only slightly from the KSC. Though it looked very similar, the Jet was 400 pounds heavier, and had a 10-inch longer wheelbase than the KSC upon which it was based. The longer wheelbase allowed for a back seat, and room for four passengers instead of two as in the KSC. Notable features on the Jet included standard seat belts, and a padded dashboard for additional safety – neither of those were found on most production cars of the time. It also featured hydraulic brakes, a dual-coil ignition, independent front suspension, and power steering.

Gone were the Ford engines, and on offer instead were Cadillac and Lincoln V8s, both of which made 160 horsepower. Sporty customers could order the Jet with a three-speed Borg-warner manual, while more traditional luxury coupe buyers selected a GM three-speed Hydramatic.

The engine in the Jet depended upon production location. Early on the Jet was built in Glendale, California, and had an aluminum body and the Cadillac V8. Later on production moved to Illinois, where steel bodies were paired with the Lincoln engine instead.

The complicated and technologically advanced Jet was very expensive to make, and lost money even with a $5,500 price tag. It competed with Cadillac convertibles on sale for around $4,000, and Lincolns for $3,600. Worth mentioning, each Jet cost $6,500 to produce. Each sale put Muntz further in debt. Even though the Jet had famous owners like Grace Kelly and Mickey Rooney, the company never made money. Muntz lost an estimated $400,000 on his Jet, and closed down the company in 1954. 198 Jets were built, and around 125 of them are still in existence.

Today’s Rare Ride is a lovely brick red example with a cream interior. It’s the second Jet assembled, one of 40 or so made in California. Yours for $225,000.

[Images: Muntz]

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