Daily Archives: October 11, 2017
Toyota And Honda Caught Up in Kobe Steel Scandal
Kobe Steel, operating under the brand Kobelco, offers a wide range of products. Its main products include steel, titanium, aluminum and copper. It is a multi-billion company that caters even to giant automotive brands.
However, with the recent scandal plaguing it, automakers have launched their probe to identify their vehicles that have been affected. Toyota and Honda are now investigating on the matter to protect their customers and preserve their business interests.
The issue broke when Kobe Steel found out that their personnel have been giving false information in terms of the strength and durability ratings of their metal products. The incorrect data allowed the company to continuously meet the different quality standards required by their customers and by law. The problem is that it has been uncovered that most of their products were substandard.
Toyota is now worried about the aftermath of the shocking revelation as they have been using the aluminum produced by Kobe Steel in the doors and other body panels of their vehicles. The company believes that they have been doing that in the past decade.
On the other hand, Honda is also caught up in the nasty situation. The Japanese automaker admitted to using Kobelco metals in their doors and hoods.
It is believed that Mazda and Mitsubishi are in the mix as well. The problem may not be confined in Asia alone as the same company is the source of some materials for the vehicles of Nissan, Subaru, Ford and General Motors too.
While there are no reports of accidents or safety concerns centering on the subject yet, Toyota and Honda claimed that they are rapidly working to identify the models that have been affected. The issue might result to a massive recall similar to the Takata airbag scandal, and not to mention, numerous lawsuits from affected parties.
Porsche Passport Gives Access to 22 Different Porsche Models
Do you want to drive up to 22 different Porsche models without buying one? If you are in Metro Atlanta, you can do so with the Porsche Passport.
According to Autoweek, Porsche Passport is a program that can be accessed via a mobile app. Through subscription, members can drive up to 22 Porsche sports cars and other vehicles. It offers unrestricted mileage, frequent vehicle switches and on-demand access.
The company announced that vehicle deliveries for members will start in November, which also marks the pilot of the program. However, it will only be available in Atlanta for now where the headquarters of Porsche Cars North America Inc. is located. Porsche and Clutch Technologies, a known subscription vehicle service provider, are working in partnership for the program.
While Porsche Passport sounds really amazing, it does come with a hefty price tag though. Membership subscription costs from $2,000 to $3,000. And that’s only for a month of access of the program. There is a one-time activation fee of $500 as well.
The source said that there are two membership plans available for interested parties:
1. Launch Plan
For $2,000 monthly, members can have access to up to eight Porsche vehicles. The selection includes the 718 Boxster going to the Cayman S, Macan S and Cayenne.
2. Accelerate Plan
For $3,000 a month, the plan gives access to all 22 Porsche autos, including the ones featured in the Launch plan. Customers can also switch among the popular vehicles of the brand like the 911 Carrera S, Panamera 4S, Macan GTS and the Cayenne S E-Hybrid models.
Extras
The report noted that the fixed rate of the plans already cover the vehicle tax and registration charges plus the insurance, maintenance and detailing.
How to Get Porsche Passport
Interested customers residing in Metro Atlanta can download the Porsche Passport app through the App Store and Google Play Store. The application process is detailed in the app.
Do Electric Cars Really Serve as Cleaner Alternatives?
There is a popular belief that electric cars are environment-friendly because of their zero emission values. However, Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is not buying it.
Ferrari has shown us their hybrid car concept for the 599 back in 2010, their latest hybrid Ferrari LaFerrari, and their Formula One cars are now using a hybrid powertrain that is proving to be a major challenge for the reigning champion, Mercedes. Despite that, it seems electric cars do not sit well with Ferrari executives. The fans of the brand share the same sentiment too. After all, the brand has been known for its powerful cars ran by combustion engines.
Marchionne pointed out in an interview with CNBC that electric cars may not be as clean as they seem. He said that the full environmental impact of electric vehicles or EVs must be analyzed thoroughly. He recommended a full examination on the origin of the electric power, where it comes from, the manufacture of its batteries, cost in terms of carbon dioxide and its environmental impact.
The CEO pointed out that if they are using nuclear power in the production of such, then he has no issue about it as he thinks that is the right thing. He explained that if companies are still using fossil fuel to produce EVs, there is a bigger issue regarding the matter.
The report claimed that as of now, Ferrari has no public plans to develop EVs. Ferrari execs and fans defended their stance with the fact that electric cars would not fit in the brand’s image. However, the source stated that their position might change due to the strong push of governments worldwide for electrification in order to curb pollution.
It should be noted that Fiat Chrysler does have its own electric models as well, but Marchionne revealed that the company is losing as much as $20,000 for every electric model of the Fiat 500.
2018 BMW X2 Spied With A Little Camo
The 2018 BMW X2 was recently caught on cam while it was being transported. The soon-to-be-released SUV of the German brand was seen with a little camouflage.
The photos of the X2 prototype posted in Motor1 showing the auto with just a little camo wrap is an indication that its official unveiling may be near. The source projected that the vehicle might make its live debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December with an online reveal probably coming as early as November. It is also possible that the world premiere of the X2 might be pushed until January, which is just in time for the Detroit Motor Show.
With only the areas surrounding the grille, rear glass and the taillights hidden under a zebra wrap, we can see that the X2 production version kept many of the design elements shown by its concept model last year. However, the one we are looking at here ditched the massive twin exhausts and it is riding on smaller wheels. The huge vents located on the sides of the front bumper have been tweaked as well.
The X2 was developed as the X1’s sportier version. It has its sights set as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Audi Q2, which explains its coupe-like appearance.
Compared to the X1, the X2 features a sharper nose, thinner headlamps and slimmer rear windows. The taillights will probably be more advanced and sportier compared to the bigger model too.
The X2 is expected to use the UKL platform of BMW. Then, its drivetrains will likely reflect those found in the X1, including a hybrid version later in its production cycle. Furthermore, the interior of the SUV should offer the same level of interior design found in its big brother.
Spy Shots of the BMW X2
Check out the latest spy shots of the upcoming BMW X2 in the gallery below.
