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Switzerland's New Temporary Bridges
Jordan Greer
August 27, 2024
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
The Land Rover Discovery has seen declining sales, partly due to competition from the Defender, which has prompted the company to plan a redesign that distinguishes the two models. The next-generation Discovery is expected to focus on family-oriented features, potentially incorporating MPV design elements, and will offer both internal combustion and electric powertrains, along with a new high-performance variant.
VinFast has reduced the price of its VF9 electric SUV by $10,000 to $69,800 ahead of its U.S. deliveries next month, likely in response to a cooling EV market and the poor reception of its previous model, the VF8. The company, which reported significant financial losses despite increased revenue, is also navigating challenges related to federal subsidies and competition from established automakers.
Honda and other automakers are investing heavily in electric vehicle and battery factories in Canada, coinciding with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles starting October 1. This decision aligns Canada's automotive policy with that of the United States and the European Union, and is intended to protect domestic production amid escalating trade tensions with China, which may lead to retaliatory measures affecting Canadian agricultural exports.
Elon Musk has introduced Tesla's 'Cortex' supercomputer, which aims to enhance the company's artificial intelligence capabilities, although it is not yet fully operational due to ongoing construction and cooling system issues at Gigafactory Texas. The project has faced delays, and Musk is currently under scrutiny from shareholders regarding the diversion of NVIDIA processors intended for Tesla to his private venture, xAI.
Cruise has announced a multi-year partnership with Uber to integrate its autonomous Chevrolet Bolt vehicles into the Uber rideshare platform starting next year, although details about the service's availability and fare structure remain unclear. The move raises questions about public trust in robotaxi services, particularly given the mixed perceptions and regulatory challenges surrounding autonomous vehicles.
A fire occurred in a parking lot at Rivian Automotive's manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, damaging several electric vehicles, although the assembly plant itself was not affected and there were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and Rivian is currently expanding the facility to produce its upcoming R2 SUVs, which are crucial for the company's future plans.
The BMW M3 Touring, equipped with a stage 1 upgrade, recently demonstrated impressive speed capabilities, reaching 201 mph (324 km/h) during tests on the Autobahn, surpassing the factory-limited speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). While the M3 Touring's top speed is electronically governed, it still outpaces competitors like the ALPINA B3 Touring, which has a maximum speed of 188 mph (302 km/h), and hints at the potential of future models like the M5 Touring G99 and the upcoming M3 Competition Sport (CS).
MOTORSPORT
NASCAR is set to race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City next June, utilizing the same circuit as the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix, with potential modifications to the main straight. This marks a significant return to international competition for the Cup Series, which has not held a points-paying race outside the U.S. since 1958, and reflects the growing interest in NASCAR within Mexico, where several drivers have emerged through the NASCAR Mexico Series.
The Dutch Grand Prix highlighted ongoing challenges for Red Bull, as Max Verstappen admitted that issues with the RB20's balance and tire degradation have hindered the team's performance, leading to his first loss on home soil since 2021. Despite Verstappen's struggles, he remains the leader in the drivers' championship, but the gap to McLaren has narrowed, indicating increased competition in the constructors' standings.
Haas F1 Team was restricted from removing its equipment from Zandvoort until it repaid a debt owed to its former sponsor, Uralkali, following a tribunal ruling that mandated repayment for an unfulfilled sponsorship period. After resolving the payment issues, including interest and fees, Uralkali informed Dutch authorities that Haas' assets could be released, allowing the team to retrieve its equipment.
The 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion marked the 50th anniversary of vintage racing at Laguna Seca, showcasing a diverse array of automobiles and celebrating significant milestones in motorsport history. The event featured the third annual Corkscrew Hillclimb, highlighted the North American debut of the 2022 McMurtry Spéirling, and announced plans for the 2025 reunion to honor the 75th anniversary of Formula One.
CURIOSITIES
Switzerland has introduced the ASTRA Bridge, a temporary raised structure that allows traffic to flow over road construction sites, minimizing disruptions while work proceeds below. First trialed in 2022, the bridge has been refined to improve traffic flow and is currently deployed on the A1 highway, demonstrating potential benefits for larger roads and highways.
The article discusses Toyota's near-launch of the T-150, a full-size truck intended to compete with the Ford F-150, which was ultimately blocked by Ford's trademark claims due to the name's similarity. The T-150 would have followed the T100, Toyota's intermediate-size truck that struggled in the market, leading to the decision to develop the first-generation Tundra with a V8 engine instead.
Desert Valley Auto Parts in Arizona houses over 10,000 classic American cars, many of which are still in restorable condition despite the harsh environment. The family-owned salvage yard, established in 1993, features a diverse inventory that includes long-defunct brands and remains largely unorganized, making it a unique destination for automotive enthusiasts.
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