William Maley

I think they know as well, they just don't want it to come to fruition.

This week, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, and General Motors begin talks with Unifor, Canada’s auto workers union for new agreements. GM will likely have the most contentious talks as workers at GM's Oshawa plant don't know what the future holds after 2018. The plant has already lost a third shift and about 1,000 jobs when it moved production of the Camaro to Lansing last year. Next year will see the end of production of the Chevrolet Equinox, leaving just the Buick Regal and Cadillac XTS. GM has said time and time again for the past two years that it needs to know labor costs before making any decisions on the plant, only causing the worry to increase. “The company in the past have had feasibility studies or launch teams if we are going to get product. This year, there’s no feasibility studies going on, no launch teams,” said Colin James, president of Unifor Local 222 to The Detroit News. “Of course, it’s led to a lot of our members in the plant asking questions. There’s uncertainty: ‘Why is there no launch team?’ ‘Are they planning on closing the facility?’ General Motors is basically not answering that question.” Yesterday at a news conference in Toronto, Unifor president Jerry Dias said workers at Oshawa will not sign a contract unless there are plans for production. “We are not going to leave negotiations until we have a firm commitment from General Motors on product,” said Dias. “We firmly believe General Motors will exit Oshawa unless we have a firm commitment.” But GM has said that it will not make any commitments on investments until there is an agreement in place. “We won’t be in a position to make a competitive investment decision until after we are through the negotiations,” said David Paterson, GM Canada’s vice-president of corporate affairs. “We understand that there is a lot of anxiety about Oshawa," Paterson said. He went onto say that GM's focus during the talks is to work on an agreement that is "mutually beneficial and economically competitive." Whether or not GM and Unifor are able to work an agreement before September 19th remains to be seen. We'll be keeping a close eye on this. Source: The Toronto Star, The Detroit News View full article

As more manufacturers begin to add more technologies (keyless entry, advanced infotainment system, and online connectivity), the danger of having a vehicle hacked increases. We saw this first-hand last year as two security researchers revealed a number of security holes in FCA's UConnect system that allowed them to access critical vehicle functions such as braking and steering. Now a new research paper reveals 100 million Volkswagen Group vehicles going back to 1995 have a serious security issue that can allow someone to unlock the vehicle without a key. Wired reports a group of researchers at the University of Birmingham and a German engineering firm were able to intercept the radio signal from the vehicle's keyfob. From there, a clone of the key can be made to unlock the vehicle. The hack can be done with few a computer components and a radio receiver for about $40. “You can really build something that functions exactly like the original remote,” said Flavio Garcia, a computer scientist University of Birmingham The researchers uncovered this flaw after reverse-engineering an undisclosed Volkswagen component and were able to extract a cryptographic key value that is common to many of the company's vehicles. Just having this key isn't enough, but when you intercept the signal from a key to get its cryptographic key value, then you can create a clone to unlock the vehicle. Volkswagen has reportedly acknowledged the vulnerability and is working on a fix. Researchers also note the only vehicle not affected by this is the latest Volkswagen Golf and sister models. Source: Wired View full article

With Hyundai and Kia working on their own performance lineups, it should come as a no surprise that Genesis is planning a line of high-performance vehicles. But Car and Driver reports that Genesis isn't sure what model should get the treatment first. “On the Genesis lineup, the whole thing is still in discussion. Before [the lineup is] fixed, we’re not making any decisions on performance cars—the lineup needs to be clear, and it’s still moving and fluid,” said Albert Biermann, Hyundai-Kia’s head of performance development. One type of vehicle that has been thrown out are SUVs. Biermann explained that stricter fuel economy and emission standards have put the question as to whether these high-performance vehicles will stick around in the coming years. Also, he doesn't see a market for these vehicles. Not helping matters is trying to figure out what would power these high-performance models: a internal combustion engine or hybrid powertrain. “The road map for the next three or four years is clear, but at some point you have to make sure that, with future mobility and all the emissions targets, that you have the technology out there. A lot of discussion is going on about the timing of switching away from pure internal combustion to hybrid or plug-in hybrid. That’s the same for the high-performance applications,” said Biermann. Car and Driver doesn't have a guess as to what could be the first Genesis vehicle to get amped up, but we bet the upcoming G70 is a safe possibility. Source: Car and Driver View full article

Mazda has announced the Mazda3 and Mazda6 will be refreshed for the 2017 model year. The big news with this refresh is the introduction of the G-Vectoring Control. This system monitors steering and throttle input and will reduce engine power in cornering. This is to shift vehicle weight to help with grip. It is unknown if this will come standard or optional on either model. The Mazda3 gets a more extensive refresh out of the two with a new front fascia design, LED headlights, a new rear bumper for the hatchback, and new choices in colors and wheels. The interior gets an electric parking brake and larger front door pockets. The Mazda6 now features the option of heated rear seats. Both models get a new steering wheel from the CX-9, an updated heads-up display system that now has color, added sound insulation, new camera for the smart city brake support system, and a Traffic Sign Recognition system to warn the driver of upcoming stop and no entry signs. Both models will hit dealers next month. Source: Mazda Press Release is on Page 2 2017 Mazda3 Raises the Standard with G-Vectoring Control, Refined Performance Mazda’s Compact Four-Door Sedan and Five-Door Hatch Returns with Fine-Tuned Handling, Upscale Cabin and Premium Machine Gray Paint IRVINE, Calif. (August 9, 2016) – From being named a finalist for World Car of the Year, to landing on Car and Driver’s 10Best list every year it’s been eligible, to numerous awards for the quality and sophistication of its interior, the current-generation Mazda3 has become a standard by which compact cars are judged. Now, it’s time to up the game again. Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today introduced the U.S.-spec 2017 Mazda3, which gains notable improvements in refinement, packaging and handling. The 2017 Mazda3’s exterior tweaks are subtle, but effectively elevate the vehicle’s KODO—Soul of Motion design, adding a bolder grille, available LED headlights and tail lights, and a redesigned rear bumper on five-door models that extends an upscale, monochromatic look to the lower valences. Occupants are treated to an interior that should make anyone seriously question the need to go for a more expensive offering from any other car company. Perforated black or almond-colored leather seating surfaces are available. The 2017 Mazda3’s leather-wrapped steering wheel has been redesigned for a more comfortable grip, and is newly available with heating elements, a rare feature in its class. Other interior improvements include an electronic parking brake as standard equipment, freeing up space for storage, and a sliding covered center console design borrowed from its big brother, the Mazda6. Front passengers are treated with storage space in new door pockets that are three times larger than in previous models. Alas, pragmatism is nothing without purpose, which Mazda3 delivers without compromise. The new Mazda3 will come standard with G-Vectoring Control (GVC), an all-new, Mazda-exclusive technology that uses the engine in conjunction with the steering, throttle inputs and suspension to provide sharper chassis control, leading to a need for fewer steering corrections and greater driver- and passenger-confidence. Much as Mazda3’s already engaging steering has improved with GVC, Mazda’s engineers have upped the ante with improved NVH damping, too. The 2017 Mazda3 is a substantial 3dB quieter 25 mph over rough roads, thanks to tighter body gaps, improved sound insulation and redesigned weather stripping versus its 2016 predecessor. With the 2017 updates also come the adoption of available Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring and Traffic Sign Recognition as well as a new, full-color Active Driving Display. These safety features complement Mazda3’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite, which includes Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support and Smart Brake Support for highway speeds. All of these improvements add up to a compelling offering that should captivate those who value the serenity of a winding back road on a Sunday afternoon, yet still crave a practical, attractive and efficient vehicle. The 2017 Mazda3 arrives in dealers in September, with pricing and packing to be announced closer to its on-sale date. Seeking the Finer Things in Life: 2017 Mazda6 Makes Global Debut Mazda’s Midsize Sedan Adds G-Vectoring Control, Heightened Refinement and Newly Available Nappa Leather Interior Appointments IRVINE, Calif. (August 9, 2016) – Mazda North American Operations today introduced the 2017 Mazda6, gaining further premium refinements and continuing to redefine the notion that one need not compromise driving pleasure for practicality and efficiency. Long regarded as one of the best-handling, most-engaging vehicles in its segment, Mazda6 again raises the bar with Mazda’s first application of the all-new G-Vectoring Control (GVC) in North America. GVC is the first in a series of new SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technologies that provide integrated control of the engine, transmission, chassis and body to enhance the car’s Jinba Ittai—“horse and rider as one”—feel. GVC benefits drivers with more precise control of their vehicles, which its engineers have designed to help reduce the need for steering corrections, leading to greater confidence and control both in day-to-day and spirited driving. But engineers didn’t stop there. Their desire to seek constantly higher goals led them to bestow Mazda6 with greatly enhanced sound insulation. Using improved door seals, tighter tolerance between panels and sound insulation materials added to the underbody, rear console, headliner and doors, the aim for Mazda6 was to outclass common midsize-segment cars with its attractive design and establish a unique “Mazda Premium” positioning. Further improvements include thicker front glass to block wind noise, and Grand Touring models receive laminated front side windows. The 2017 Mazda6 also receives available Nappa leather seating surfaces with contrast-color piping in Grand Touring models equipped with the Premium Package. Other Premium Package contents include a black headliner and heated steering wheel with traditional Japanese chidori stitching similar to what can be found in CX-9 Signature models, heated rear outboard seats, i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology and a bright metallic finish to switches and trim throughout the interior. Other improvements include a newly available full-color Active Driving Display with font made uniform to what is found in the rest of Mazda6’s displays for both clarity and conformity as well as a 4.6-inch, full-color TFT meter display in Grand Touring models. Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane-Keep Assist and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring have also made their way into the 2017 Mazda6. Entry Mazda6 Sport models now come equipped with MAZDA CONNECTTM when equipped with a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission as well as the available SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic. These enhancements join a long list of upgrades made to the previous year’s Mazda6, which included a completely redesigned interior, a new front fascia when equipped with full LED headlights in certain models, an LED-backlit “signature wing” grille, seven-inch MAZDA CONNECTTM display with Commander control knob, white LED interior lighting, electronic parking brake and Sport Mode switch in models equipped with automatic transmissions. In the U.S., Mazda6 continues to be one of the few midsize sedans offered with an available manual transmission for discerning enthusiasts. All U.S. models are powered by a 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine. The 2017 Mazda6 arrives in dealers in September, with pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date. View full article

When it comes to designing a vehicle, comprises must be made. If you want a vehicle to have a sharp profile, that means giving up a bit of interior space and glass area for example. The upcoming Chevrolet Bolt EV is no exception to this. Automotive News reports that designers tasked with designing the production Bolt gave up some aerodynamic efficiency to improve overall interior space. The Bolt has a drag coefficient of 0.32, while the new Toyota Prius has a drag coefficient of 0.24. “It’s a disaster for aero,” said Stuart Norris, lead designer on the Bolt. To compensate for the poor aerodynamics, Norris and his team at GM's South Korea design studio by employing underbody paneling, spoiler, active grille shutters, and even adjusting the size of the A-pillar. Six full-size iterations of various Bolt designs went into the wind tunnel to figure out which tweaks worked. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article