Nissan to Test Robo-Taxis in Yokohama
12/5/2017Nissan Motor Co. and Japanese e-commerce software giant DeNA Co. plan a public test in March of their Easy Ride self-driving taxi service in Yokohama.
Takata Opens $850 Million Fund to Pay Carmakers for Airbag Woes
12/4/2017Takata Corp. has launched an $850 million fund in the U.S. to repay carmakers for a portion of their costs to recall Takata airbag inflators that can explode when triggered by a crash.
China May Extend Tax Rebates for EVs
12/4/2017China’s central government plans to continue a tax rebate plan covering the purchase of electric and other “new-energy” vehicles at least through 2020, sources tell Bloomberg News.
VW Readies Electric Van for Ride-Sharing Service
12/4/2017Volkswagen AG has begun testing a fleet of 20 specially equipped versions of its T6 Multivan in a ride-sharing pilot program in Hannover, Germany.
Toyota Recalls Prius Plug-in Hybrids for Fuse Flaw
12/4/2017Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 39,900 of its Prius plug-in hybrid vehicles in the U.S. to replace a fuse that could break and either reduce power or shut down the powertrain entirely.
AAA Launches Used-Car Buying Service
12/4/2017U.S. auto club and insurance giant AAA is launching a service for buyers and sellers of used cars and trucks.
ZF Names Former Audi Chief Paefgen as Chairman
12/4/2017Electronics and powertrain supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG has named Franz-Josef Paefgen as chairman of its supervisory board, effective at year-end.
Lotus Nears SUV Decision
12/4/2017China-based Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. has big plans for its new Group Lotus unit, possibly including adding a crossover/SUV to its current lineup of lightweight sports cars.
PSA Teams with Nidec on Electric Motors
12/4/2017PSA Group is forming a joint venture with Nidec Corp.’s Leroy-Somer Holding unit to develop and produce electric motors for electrified vehicles.
Nissan Production Falls 15% in Japan
12/4/2017Nissan Motor Co. has told its domestic suppliers that it will build no more than 520,000 vehicles in Japan during the six-month period ending March 31, down from the 610,000 units it forecast previously, The Nikkei reports.