Toyota to Start Building Truck Fuel Cell Modules in Ky. Camry Plant in 2023
Automotive News reports that Toyota Motor North America says it will begin in 2023 to manufacture large "integrated dual fuel cell modules" that will be used to power Class 8 semitractors from a new manufacturing line at its giant light-vehicle assembly plant in Georgetown, Ky. — the same plant that builds the Toyota Camry and the Lexus ES 350. The fuel cell modules are "designed to fit in essentially the same space" as a similar heavy-duty diesel engine in Class 8 semis, a company spokesman said. The 1,400-pound modules would have the ability to tow roughly 40 tons of cargo up to 300 miles "all while demonstrating exceptional drivability, quiet operation and zero harmful emissions," David Rosier, Toyota Kentucky powertrain head, said in a statement. Toyota has been experimenting for decades with hydrogen fuel cells, including introducing the Mirai hydrogen-powered sedan in 2014. Read more here (Source: Automotive News).
Trial of Ex-Volkswagen CEO Likely to be Delayed Again
According to Reuters, the trial of former Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn on charges of conspiracy to commit organised commercial fraud looks set to be delayed, a court probing the carmaker's diesel emissions scandal said on Wednesday. The case of the 74-year-old Winterkorn – whom a German magazine report said needs a hip operation – could be split off from four other Volkswagen executives who also face charges for their role in allowing diesel cars with illegal emissions-masking software to hit the road. If Winterkorn is not able to take part in the planned start of the trial on Sept. 16 due to health issues then proceedings against the other four will start without him, a court spokesperson said, although no final decision has been taken. Read more here (Source: Reuters).
UK Car Production Plummets to Lowest Level Since 1956 Amid Chip Chortage, Worker Absences
U.K. car production plummeted to a new low last month, marking the worst July performance for the industry since 1956, according to a trade group. CNBC reports that the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said Thursday that U.K. manufacturers built just 53,438 vehicles in July, marking a 37.6% drop on July 2020. A global semiconductor shortage, factory shutdowns and worker absences amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic all contributed to the decline, SMMT said. While July was a particularly bad month, car production across U.K. factories is up 18.3% year-to-date compared to 2020, when Covid restrictions meant people couldn’t go to work. Some 552,361 cars have been built in the U.K. since January, but that’s still 28.7% down on 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Read more here (Source: CNBC).
Lordstown Motors Names Former Icahn Executive as CEO
Lordstown Motors Corp. on Thursday said Daniel Ninivaggi, a longtime automotive-industry executive and lieutenant to billionaire Carl Icahn, has joined the electric-truck startup as chief executive and a member of the board. Mr. Ninivaggi once served as CEO of Icahn Enterprises LP and ran Icahn’s automotive aftermarket service network and parts distribution businesses. He also served as co-chairman and co-CEO of Icahn’s Federal Mogul unit before its sale to Tenneco Inc. Lordstown, which plans to build electric pickup trucks at a former General Motors Co. assembly plant in Ohio, in June said Steve Burns, its former CEO, had resigned, along with finance chief Julio Rodriguez, after a report from a board committee found inaccuracies in parts of the company’s disclosures on truck preorders. The company recently disclosed that the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department are investigating aspects of its business. Read more here (Source: The Wall Street Journal).
Mexico Warns of Automaker Exodus if Vehicle Content Dispute Not Settled
Mexico is warning that the U.S. interpretation of the revamped North American free trade deal that also includes Canada could push automakers to abandon the region due to cumbersome and costly content requirements, reports Automotive News. Luz Maria de la Mora, Mexico’s undersecretary of economy for foreign trade, said that if the U.S. doesn’t come to an agreement with Mexico about the rules of origin of auto parts, companies could seek to move their business to countries with more favorable trade agreements. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement pact replacing NAFTA took effect last July with the new so-called rules of origin designed to be phased in over several years “USMCA may become inconsequential for trade in the auto sector in North America because companies may decide not to bother with even complying with USMCA, because it becomes so costly, so cumbersome, and so difficult,” De la Mora said in an interview with Bloomberg News. “It may not be worth their effort to really try to procure from North America, so why bother investing in North America.” Read more here (Source: Automotive News).
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