Joe Biden Calls on Nation to 'Start Afresh' at Inauguration as 46th President
Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, calling for unity as he assumed leadership of a nation battered by a once-in-a-century pandemic and the recent deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol. The Wall Street Journal reports that at a midday ceremony overshadowed by health and safety concerns, Mr. Biden was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts, repeating the oath of office on the west steps of the Capitol with his hand on a family Bible. The inauguration was attended by a relatively small, distanced audience, a contrast to the crowds that typically line the National Mall to celebrate a new administration. He stressed the challenges ahead, including the pandemic, racial inequities, climate change and instability on the world stage. “Together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear,” he said. “Of unity, not division, of light not darkness… may this be the story that guides us.” Read more here (Source: The Wall Street Journal).
Alfa Romeo Starts Life in Stellantis with a Promise of Growth
The merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group into Stellantis has brought struggling Alfa Romeo a new CEO and a promise that the new group will “find a way to help the brand grow.” According to Automotive News, Alfa Romeo has failed to reach growth targets in a series of turnaround plans under Fiat and FCA. PSA veteran Jean-Philippe Imparato now takes over at Alfa Romeo after a successful run as head of the Peugeot brand. Imparato, 54, was named to lead Peugeot in 2016. He has overseen the launch of a number of key models, including the 3008 and 5008 crossovers and the new-generation 208 and 2008, both of which have full-electric versions. At Peugeot, he has focused on increasing prices and residual values. Imparato, whose family has some Italian origins, worked in Italy from 2008 to 2010 as CEO of the local Citroen sales company. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said on Tuesday at a news conference to introduce the new group that he recognizes “the high value for Stellantis of both the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands.” Read more here (Source: Automotive News).
VW Ends Production, Drops U.S. Version of Golf Hatchback
The last Volkswagen Golf destined for the U.S. market rolled off the automaker’s assembly line in Puebla, Mexico last week and VW says it will mark the end of the run for the familiar hatchback, reports The Detroit Bureau. But there’s an asterisk appended to the statement released today. While American buyers will no longer be able to purchase a standard Golf once dealer stock run out, they will see the return of all-new versions of the sportier Golf GTI and Golf R models for the 2022 model year. For decades, the Golf “exemplified what Volkswagen does best — melding dynamic driving characteristics with purposeful packaging and unmatched quality,” said Hein Schafer, senior vice president, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, or VWoA. “While the seventh-generation Golf will be the last of the base hatches sold here, the GTI and Golf R will carry its legacy forward.” Read more here (Source: The Detroit Bureau).
Mercedes Joins Tesla, VW in Race to Sell Small Electric Cars
Mercedes-Benz is taking on one of the most complex industry challenges with the rollout of its battery-powered EQA: selling small electric cars without a big profit squeeze, reports The Detroit News. The brand’s first fully electric compact model will hit European showrooms this spring, flanking the mid-size EQC sport-utility vehicle and the EQV van, the Daimler AG unit said Wednesday. Prices in Germany start at 47,541 euros ($57,734) and the vehicle offers 302 miles of range. Unlike Tesla Inc.’s Model 3 or Volkswagen AG’s ID.3, the EQA is based on technology from an existing combustion-engine car, which is also available as plug-in hybrid. The German manufacturer modified the underpinnings of its GLA crossover to reduce upfront investment and save time compared to building an all-electric vehicle from scratch. It’s a trade-off that often comes at the expense of driving distance and production-cost efficiencies. Read more here (Source: The Detroit News).
Kia Says It's Looking at EV Projects with Multiple Firms After Apple Report
Kia Corp. said on Wednesday it's reviewing cooperation on self-driving electric vehicles with multiple foreign firms, making no mention of a report linking it to a project with tech giant Apple Inc. According to Automotive News, Kia's comment, issued in a regulatory filing as its shares surged nearly 20 percent in Seoul, came after domestic online publication Edaily reported late on Tuesday that Kia's parent, Hyundai Motor Group, had decided Kia would be in charge of proposed cooperation with Apple on EVs. The report cited unnamed industry sources. Hyundai Motor declined to comment. Apple was not immediately available for comment outside of U.S. business hours. Kia's sister company Hyundai Motor Co. said earlier this month it was in early talks with Apple, after local media reported the firms were discussing an EV and battery-tie up, sending Hyundai shares up nearly 25 percent. Apple declined to comment at the time. Read more here (Source: Automotive News).
Federated Insurance's Claim of the Month – Could It Happen to You?
A customer alleged a number of high-value items were missing from the trunk of his car, which had been in a dealership’s possession overnight for service. There were no signs of damage to indicate forced entry. CLAIM AMOUNT: $27,000
While the dealer might claim the customer’s complaint is untrue, there is no way to prove it. Here are some steps to help reduce the risk of such thefts and potential fraudulent theft claims.
-
Check in each vehicle brought in for service, noting condition and existing damage.
-
Ask customers to remove personal belongings from the vehicle before taking it in for service.
-
When you can, keep customers’ vehicles in view of surveillance cameras.
-
Where permitted by applicable by law, notify customers that the dealership is not responsible for missing items.
If word gets around that property is not safe in the dealership’s care, that dealership could lose customers. Create and enforce policies that help protect the property customers entrust to you while helping protect your business against potential fraud.
Visit federatedinsurance.com or contact your local marketing representative for resources.
Around the Web
A Different Toyota Now Tops the List of Cars People Keep the Longest [Jalopnik]
The Car Connection's Safest Cars of 2021 [The Car Connection]
Pandemic Drastically Cut Emissions from Cars. The Lone Exception? SUVs [NPR]
