Ford has completely redesigned the softtop on its new Mustang as the automaker prepares to take on Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW convertibles in global markets including Europe.The top on the 2015 Ford Mustang convertible will open in 7 to 10 seconds, roughly twice as fast as the 2014 Mustang. That way, drivers won’t have to wait as long to get sunshine and fresh air. When the top is up, a new layer of insulation between the cloth layers will make the interior quieter and the exterior more streamlined.
Monthly Archives: March 2014
Fiat considers €1.5 billion mandatory convertible bond
Fiat is considering selling about 1.5 billion euros ($2.05 billion) in mandatory convertible bonds to cut debt following its merger with Chrysler Group, two people familiar with the matter said.The Italian carmaker, which bought the remaining Chrysler stake last month, is talking to banks about issuing a bond that would convert into shares of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the company being formed by the combination, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters.
Tesla outlines scheme for $4-5B battery Gigafactory
Tesla outlined its plan for its future battery “Gigafactory”, projected to require between $4-5 billion in investment from Tesla and its partners by 2020, with a resulting cell capacity of up to 35 GWh/year and pack capacity of up to 50 GWh/y to service a projected 500,000 Tesla electric vehicles per year.
PSA-Dongfeng deal does more harm than good
The bailout that PSA/Peugeot-Citroen negotiated with the French government and its Chinese partner, Dongfeng Motor Corp., will prop up the French automaker in the short term. But the deal has shortcomings that could cripple PSA’s competitiveness in the long run.To be sure, PSA desperately needs money, and this deal provides it. Dongfeng and the French state each will pay 800 million euros ($1.09 billion) for a 14 percent stake in PSA. In the real world, nothing is free, and this agreement creates two big headaches for the French automaker.
VW recalls almost 600,000 Caddy vans on tailgate malfunction
Volkswagen is recalling 589,000 Caddy small delivery vans globally to fix a condition that may cause an open tailgate to snap shut.
