Richard Truett Reporter covering technology, engineering and Jaguar Land Rover for Automotive News [email protected] 313-446-1638 See All Staff Page Recent Stories Hyundai: Growing throughput means more profitability Hyundai has navigated the pandemic and chip shortage without losing momentum, but dealers are critically low on inventory. That problem should ease this year, says Hyundai National Dealer Council Chairman Kevin Reilly. Vehlo buys Rapid Recon and Velocity Automotive The acquisitions by Vehlo now extends its dealership fixed ops customer experience suite beyond the customer-pay side of dealer service operations. Amid corporate turmoil, JLR dealers carry on The upheaval at Jaguar Land Rover's corporate headquarters in the U.K. has not impacted dealers, says Larry Zinn, chairman of the company's Retailer Cabinet. CEO Thierry Ballore left abruptly last month. Aston Martin wraps up DBS output with 770 Utlimate edition The latest grand tourer is powered by a revamped version of Aston's 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12, now rated at 770 hp. The suspension and chassis have also been tweaked to sharpen performance. Chevrolet to introduce Corvette E-Ray on Jan. 17 Chevrolet plans to reveal details of the E-Ray Jan. 17, on the car's 70th anniversary, according to a Facebook post that reads: "After 70 years, we're introducing one like none. 01.17.23." Infinitum's new motor built for everything from cars to planes Infinitum has debuted its versatile lightweight, high-efficiency motor at CES. Lucid, Rivian and others should explore distribution deals with established brands Once a startup begins production, a new and perhaps even more difficult maze lies ahead: distribution, marketing and the timely provision of parts and service. Those facets can add a lot of expense and head count at a time when revenue is not covering costs. Rivian, Lordstown, Tesla try to shake up pickup market with fresh features Rivian, Tesla and Lordstown are trying a clean-sheet approach to what a pickup can be in the electric era. The executive who elevated Ford's fixed ops game On Dec. 1, Frederiek Toney, 66, turned over the keys for Ford's Service and Parts operations. In the 13 years Toney was in charge, few people in the industry did more to improve the way dealerships handled service customers' vehicles. Bosch charges into future of mobility, powertrains while investing in traditional technologies As Bosch spins up its electric vehicle and fuel cells businesses, it is also continuing to invest in traditional technologies — all with the goal of maintaining its ranking as the world's largest auto industry supplier. Building a better EV motor: The drive for power, efficiency and cost-effectiveness When the auto industry trains its product development guns on a component, that item usually gets smaller, lighter, simpler, more powerful and more efficient. That's what's happening today to the electric motor, which is really just now starting what will likely be a very long journey in the automobile. Column: No longer for nerds: Cooler, faster Prius is a head-turner For the first time in its 25-year history, Toyota's fuel-sipping Prius emphasizes styling and performance to go along with its 57 mpg combined fuel economy rating. Aston Martin replaces its Americas chief with McLaren veteran Aston Martin has appointed McLaren veteran Tony Joseph to run its Americas region as Adam Chamblerlain, who joined the British automaker last November, prepares to depart. Column: EVs are viable for long distances — with planning, luck Driving an EV a long distance requires a lot of planning and a lot of luck. A recent trip in a Ford F-150 Lightning from Detroit to a small Ohio city proves the public charging infrastructure is not ready for mass EV adoption. Land Rover dealer Larry Zinn builds loyalty with off-roading fun Each year, Miami land Rover dealer Larry Zinn's two stores hold an off-road driving event called Rover on The Rocks, where customers learn how to drive over rugged terrain using Rover's advanced electronic features. Load More
Richard Truett Reporter covering technology, engineering and Jaguar Land Rover for Automotive News [email protected] 313-446-1638 See All Staff Page