Magneti Marelli Opens First Exhaust Plant in the U.S.

Opening its first exhaust plant in the United States is the Italian parts supplier Magneti Marelli owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The plant is located near the Chrysler U.S. headquarters north of Detroit. The plant employs seventy five people and is more than 100,000 sq. ft. In a statement by Stephanie Vedie Magneti Marelli Holding USA CEO said “With the addition of the exhaust plant, each of the company's business lines is now represented in North America, providing and expanding footprint to serve our customers here and around the world." While the Detroit exhaust plant is Magneti Marcelli first exhaust plant in the U.S. is not the only plant in the U.S. the Milan-based Magneti Marelli has three other plants in the U.S. and is number seven in North America.

Aleris Expanding Kentucky Plant to Meet U.S. Increasing Demand for Automotive Aluminum

To meet North America’s increasing demand for light weight materials Aleris announced plans to invest $350,000 to expand its current rolling aluminum mill in Kentucky and open the company’s first U.S. automotive body sheet production to meet the increasing demand for light weight materials in the North America. Once the Lewisport plant expansion is competed the plant will have the capacity to produce over two hundred tons of automotive body sheet.

FASCINATING NEW AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

• Pedestrian detection – Developed by Volvo pedestrian detection is a combination of technologies that can identify pedestrians and cyclist, thus aiding in the avoidance of collisions of vehicle versus pedestrians and cyclist in urban areas where these types of accidents commonly occur.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) - The most popular technology of 2014 is the Lane Departure Warning (LDW), utilized by most auto manufacturers in one form or other, the LDW alerts the driver when he/she crosses over a line without signaling first. The idea is to address driver drowsiness behind the wheel, unfortunately studies have shown LDW is not as efficient as expected.
• Intelligent braking – Acura’s RLX sedan has a “Brake Hold” button that allows the driver to keep the brakes pressed automatically for situations like waiting at a train crossing or at a signal light. Also known as “Lazy Brakes”.
• Semi-autonomous driving – Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class offers an Intelligent Drive system, the system at low speeds has the ability to take control, following heavy traffic even on curvy roads. If it seems that the driver is inadvertently crossing lanes the system will automatically correct the course, thus avoiding accidents. If needed the system can completely stop the car.
• Hot-stone massage – Mercedes-Benz all new 2014 S-Class features exclusive hot stone massage bucket seats. How is this possible? 14 tiny air bags inflate and deflate to stimulate the occupant's backside in a traditional, shiatsu fashion.
• Receding door handles – Tesla Motors’ all-electric sedan features receding door handles that retract when the car is locked or when the car is moving. Simply press the key fob unlock button and the door handles pop back out.
• Internet radio – Internet radios are becoming a mainstream technology featured in the infotainment systems of many new 2014 vehicles sold in Canada. The radios utilize the smartphone’s internet technology so  there is no need to launch the necessary app.
• Integrated shop-vac -  Here is a handy feature for the 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan. Honda partnered with the Shop-Vac company to develop an integrated  vacuum cleaner, just pull and turn on to vacuum  the min van from the small cavity under the pedals to the bottom of the trunk.
• Traffic signs recognition - In Europe this is already in use with Audi, Mercedes-Benz all with others that use front facing cameras to identify road signs. Combing that technology and information with the data contained in today’s navigation system the car can produce the speed limit information right in front of the driver in the middle of the information cluster.

California generates 40% of U.S. rechargeable car sales

Car sales report says in the U.S. California generates about 40% of the domestic plug market with more than 100,000 rechargeable cars sold in California in the last four years.

Nevada Has Been Chosen for the Site of Tesla’s Gigafactory

Nevada is the site for our Gigafactory battery facility Tesla announced yesterday, beating out California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The project will bring in close to $100 billion in economic impact to the region according to Nevada governor Brian Sandoval.

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MSN AUTO

TOP 20 USED Vehicles IN THE US

1. Honda Accord

2. Toyota Camry

3. Nissan Altima

4. Toyota Corolla

5. Honda Civic

6. Ford F-150

7. Chevrolet Silverado

8. Chevrolet Impala

9. Chevrolet Malibu

10. Ford Escape

11. Ford Mustang

12. Honda CR-V

13. Nissan Maxima

14. Ford Fusion

15. Toyota Highlander

16. BMW 3 Series

17. Ford Focus

18. Chevrolet Camaro  

19. Dodge Charger

20. Acura TL

 

 

 

Lenders cutting back on subprime and deep subprime auto loans

According to data from Experian Automotive, in the second quarter of 2014 auto lenders are stopping the practice of lending to customers with subprime and deep subprime credit scores. Subprime and deep subprime credit scores that are below 620. In the first quarter these subprime and deep subprime borrowers accounted for 15.1% of new vehicle loans which is down significantly from 22.1% the previous year. Loans for used vehicles are down 50.6% from the second quarter of 2013. Used vehicle subprime and deep subprime loans accounted for 40.2% in that same time period.

In a statement from the senior director of automotive finance for Experian Melinda Zabitski, lenders are cutting back on risk. She went on to say “Although we’ve seen relative stability in the automotive industry the past several years lenders are still showing cautionary signs when lending to the subprime market and keeping their risk at manageable levels.”

General Motors Recall

In early September 2014 General Motors is expected to begin recalling certain 2015 model year Suburban, Suburban LTZ, Tahoe, Tahoe LTZ and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL Denali SUV’s manufactured on May 13, 2014 to replace roof rail air bags. The roof rail air bags could be punctured or torn during deployment by the carrier hardware hindering its performance and increasing the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash. General Motors will notify vehicle owners and dealers will replace the roof rail hardware free of charge.