CIUDAD JUAREZ/MEXICO CITY -- Long delays at the U.S.-Mexico border crossing for goods destined for American plants and consumers are hitting the U.S. auto industry, and the gridlock reduced by half the number of northbound trucks that crossed the entry point last week. Washington's decision to move some 750 agents from commercial to immigration duties to handle a surge in families seeking asylum in the United States has triggered the delays at crucial ports on a border that handles $1.7 billion in daily trade. "The situation in Ciudad Juarez is very serious because these auto parts go to plants in the United States and obviously they put at risk the operation in the United States," Eduardo Solis, the president of the Mexican Auto Industry Association (AMIA), said on Monday. The North American auto industry is highly integrated and many car parts cross the border several times before they are finally installed on a vehicle. Seventeen 17 hours before the crossing to El Paso even opened … [Read more...] about Delays at U.S.-Mexico border crossing hits autos, trucks still lining up
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2018 New York Auto Show: 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric all-electric vehicle, the 2019 Kona Electric. Based on the recently introduced Kona small crossover, the Kona Electric promises more than 250 miles of range on a single charge. The Kona Electric joins the Ioniq Electric 4-door hatchback in Hyundai’s EV stable. The Ioniq Electric has a 110-mile range. The Ioniq is also offered in Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variations. Test Drive: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier The Kona Electric features a 201-horsepower motor mated to a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. This juuuust tops the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which has a 200-horsepower motor and 60 kWh battery. The Kona Electric will come with standard DC fast charging, a feature which is optional on the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric First Spin: 2018 Nissan Leaf A Drive Mode Select feature will allow drivers to choose from three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. Each mode will incorporate unique steering and throttle-response settings. … [Read more...] about 2018 New York Auto Show: 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
2018 New York Auto Show: Classic Mini Electric unveiled
Mini has already announced that it will be showcasing the Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept at the 2018 New York Auto Show. However, it has sprung a surprise with the unveiling of the Classic Mini Electric model, which will also be showcased at New York. This is basically an original Mini turned into an electric vehicle (EV). We have no doubts this iconic small car with modern mechanicals will be just as fun to drive as the original, if not more. Mini intends to send out a loud and clear message about retaining the brand's character while embracing modern technology. Now, before you go running to a Mini dealership with your chequebook, you should also know that there will only ever be one Classic Mini Electric ever made. We checked. There have already been reports claiming that the Mini brand will only stick to EVs in the near future, and the Classic Mini Electric comes as evidence. The Classic Mini Electric is the company's second step towards electrification after the Mini Electric … [Read more...] about 2018 New York Auto Show: Classic Mini Electric unveiled
Mercedes-AMG C63 facelift debuts with new 9G auto
Mercedes-Benz is continuing its slow trickle of the refreshed C-Class range with the most powerful of the lot, the new Mercedes-AMG C 63, which comes in sedan, coupe, cabriolet and estate body styles. First things first, the M177 4.0 litre biturbo V8 continues to be of service here, churning 503 hp (510 PS) and 700 Nm in S guise, while it is 469 hp (476 PS) and 650 Nm for non-S models. However, a new AMG Speedshift MCT 9G nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous seven-speed unit, with drive going to the rear wheels. In terms of 0-100 km/h times, the more powerful models are obviously superior to the non-S cars, with the coupe being quickest of the bunch, taking just 3.9 seconds complete the feat. For the truly analytical, note that no more than three tenths of a second (0.3 seconds) separates the century sprint times between all C 63 models. All non-S models will hit an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h, while the sedan and coupe S models are capable of doing … [Read more...] about Mercedes-AMG C63 facelift debuts with new 9G auto
UMW’s plan to increase stake in Perodua hits a snag
Earlier this month, UMW Holdings made a bid to increase its stake in Perodua through two separate share purchase offers, one of these looking at eventually completing the acquisition of auto parts company MBM Resources, which currently owns a 22.58% stake in the second national car company. That bid has hit a bump after the biggest shareholder of MBM Resources – which is involved in the manufacture of automotive parts/products and also the distribution and dealership of brands such as Perodua, Daihatsu, Hino, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and Volvo in the country – rejected UMW Holding’s offer for a takeover, The Star reports. In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, UMW said Med-Bumikar Mara and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Central Shore (CSSB), had separately rejected its offer to acquire the two companies’ collective 50.07% equity interest in MBM Resources. The deal, reportedly worth RM501 million, would have triggered a mandatory offer for the rest of the shares in MBM … [Read more...] about UMW’s plan to increase stake in Perodua hits a snag