The Week in Automotive: Production Engine Still On
Audi A1 Sportback, one of the brand’s best-sellers, was presented in the Mexican market. Likewise, Daimler introduced its first mirrorless truck, following Mercedes-Benz steps. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Volkswagen announced its first fleet of autonomous cars to be the center of Qatar 2022 World Cup’s mobility system.
Production in Mexico remains steady, at least for GM. Despite strikes in the US, GM will reach 280,000 production units in San Luis Potosi where the Onix is assembled. Meanwhile, data shows that 7 out of 10 units exported in Mexico are SUVs and pickups.
Notably, Fiat finally formalized its merger with Peugeot to create the fourth largest automotive group in the world.
Ready to hit the road? Here is your weekly news roundup!
Newcomers
- Helby Super Snake Sport F-150, with 800hp to become a collectable.
- Audi A1 Sportback, a new generation without losing style and comfort.
- Daimler hits the road with its first mirrorless truck while Mercedes-Benz Trucks introduced Actros with its MirrorCam system.
- Volkswagen will move Qatar 2022 World Cup with its first fleet of autonomous cars.
Mexican Production Engine
- GM earmarks Onix production for the Mexican market and 38 more countries.
- GM will reach 280,000-unit production in San Luis Potosi in 2019, despite strikes in the US
- EU wants to make things easier for players wanting to meet new rules of origin for the automotive industry
- Almost 7 out of 10 units exported by Mexico are SUVs and pickup trucks. RAM 2500 is the most exported vehicle followed by Chevrolet Silverado 2500.
- FCA recalls more than 16,000 Jeep and Ram units in Mexico. Through PROFECO, the company announced a malfunction in the airbag system.
Trade and Corporate
- FCA and Peugeot finally signed an agreement to finalize their merger, becoming the fourth largest automotive group in the world.
- GM sues Hyundai for recruiting a former GM executive to have access to corporate data.
- Car production in Germany is at its lowest level since 1997. The country will only manufacture 4.67 million units this year.