Crain's Staff Richard Truett Technology and Engineering reporter Richard Truett is Technology and Engineering reporter for Automotive News. [email protected] 313-446-1638 See All Staff Page Recent Stories World Congress Industry must educate consumers about advanced safety features, Conti exec says Continental's North American CEO says consumers won't value new safety technologies for self-driving vehicles if they don't understand how they work. World Congress Magna's Walker sees possibilities in Oshawa Canada's largest supplier says if the numbers work out, it would consider a North American plant for contract manufacturing. Suppliers Brose, Israeli company collaborate on AV interior, door technology Germany's Brose is collaborating with an Israeli sensor company in a move that could help the supplier in the race to develop flexible interiors for self-driving cars. Detroit Auto Show Hyundai shifts into direct competition with Honda Civic Si Hyundai is refining the Elantra GT hatchback with the N Line trim, taking the car upmarket. Hyundai also plans a version of the Veloster N, called the TCR, that can be special ordered and is intended for racing use only. Detroit Auto Show Ram's retooled heavy-duty pickup: The nuts, bolts The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty pickups have been extensively redesigned with one objective: segment leadership in every category that matters to well-heeled buyers, including some who will likely fork over six figures for the most maxed-out diesel-powered Ram 3500. Commentary Critics of new Defender design should reserve judgment The carping on social media over the 2020 Defender's design has been loud. To the critics, Richard Truett says hold these impressions until later this year when we've seen the undisguised Defender in the flesh. Detroit Auto Show Power move: Ram hits 1,000 lb.-ft of torque The top engine in the heavily re-engineered Ram 3500 is the most powerful ever offered in a regular production pickup. Detroit Auto Show Lincoln is winning the battle against Cadillac Cadillac and Lincoln have received billions to invest in new products, but each has taken a different path as they rebuild. Automakers & Suppliers JLR staff reductions will include North America The 4,500 layoffs Jaguar Land Rover announced this week will impact an undisclosed number of employees in the company's North American operations. View Gallery10 photos Blogs Defender fans don't like what they think they see in 2020 model A strict retro Defender would have been instantly written off by Rover fans looking for something new. A completely different looking vehicle from the original would have brought the ire of traditionalists. So there was never any way to please everyone. Executives Frank Lubischer, Brose North America president, dies Veteran supplier executive Frank Lubischer, president of Brose North America, died Dec. 24, the company said Monday. He was 56. Executives Perkins and Chevrolet, bound by mutual admiration Jim Perkins focused on doing what was right at Chevrolet — even when GM didn't agree. Cars & Concepts Land Rover says Defender returning to U.S. in 2020 The new Defender SUV will debut and go on sale in the U.S. and Canada in 2020. It's the first time the Defender has been available in both markets since 1997. Executives Jim Perkins, who led Lexus launch and rescued the Corvette, dies The wily, free-speaking, cowboy boot-wearing Texan worked two stints with Chevrolet — which sandwiched a stop at Toyota's upstart luxury brand — then he moved on to retail. Suppliers Denso retools for electrification, AV tech Japanese electronics supplier Denso is starting 2019 with a corporate makeover designed to help the company boost its competitiveness in electrification and automated driving technology. Load More
Crain's Staff Richard Truett Technology and Engineering reporter Richard Truett is Technology and Engineering reporter for Automotive News. [email protected] 313-446-1638 See All Staff Page
