Auto Industry News: Power to the People
This week’s Auto Industry News revolves around the concept of power. The power of Mother Nature, the power of our engines, and the power of modern technology.
Automotive Aftermath of Harvey
The dust has to yet to settle around the tragic events of Hurricane Harvey. And many fear that the worst is yet to come when considering its devastation. Though the storm has passed, costs continue to rise for those trying to escape or plan their next move. According to PBS, the national average for gas has gone up to $2.59 since last week. In addition to lives lost and communities destroyed, emergency personnel estimate that the storm claimed nearly half a million vehicles in Houston, America’s fourth largest city. This has massive implications for potential car owners.
Consumers should be wary of the used market anywhere near the Gulf area because of the catastrophic damage. Some used sellers will look to make a quick turnover from selling inexperienced buyers flood damaged vehicles. So for ANY potential buyer, be sure to check underneath for rust, mud, and peculiar scents that could be mildew. Know a mechanic? Good. Paying them to come along for a professional opinion is worth more than the nightmare of a secretly totaled car. And hey, check that Car Fax report. If you finally do come to the agreement that a car you’ve purchased or already own is salvageable then give our partners at LKQ or Keystone Automotive a call.
Cummins’ BIG MOVE
When disasters like last week’s hit, we all realize that we’re really freaking thankful for big ol’ vehicles that produce ridiculous torque. And when it comes to building their engines, no one does it better than Cummins. For years they’ve been responsible for some of the most powerful, coal-rolling beasts on the market. And last week, they unveiled their plans to convert some of that power to their new electric semi, AEOS.
It should come as no surprise that Cummins is positioned to nab itself a significant piece of the burgeoning electric market. But many fear that with a conversion to electric, comes a loss in power. Yet, with fear comes the demand for innovation. Ignore the futuristic cab design because Cummins will produce AEOS’ powertrain and that track record speaks for itself. Before we all cry out “Judas,” let’s remember we’re talking about the creators of the B Series here.
Pizza Planet
HUGE NEWS ALERT: Last week, Domino’s revealed to the world (Well, Ann Arbor, Michigan) the DPX, its autonomous pizza delivery car. Okay, this is actually silly. But it’s nifty to say the least.
The DPX is an equipped Ford Fusion that is set to bring pizzas to college kids’ stoops without a driver for their hassling pleasure. It features an in-car pizza warmer and releases the order through the window once customers punch in the last four digits of their phone number. The future is now. Prepare to start calculating your pizzas’ GPS fees, kids.
New Ford Ranger
While we’re on the topic of what the future holds, let’s get to the good stuff. The new Ford Ranger is set to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and the Ford faithful are ready. Europe will get the first taste of the long-awaited compact truck’s return. According to Motor Trend, 2,500 units of an all-black edition are all that will be available in 2017 across the pond. Still, that figure well surpasses the US grand total of 0. We’ve got to wait until 2019 for new Rangers to hit our roads.
But will there be a place for the Ranger once it finally returns? We all know trucks are becoming more everyday drivers and less “strictly business.” So can the Ranger be the family vehicle while still pulling trailers, hauling cargo, and going off road?
Well if the rearview camera, front parking sensors, heated door mirrors, SYNC 3 touchscreen system, dual-zone electronic climate control, and leather seat trim are any indication then signs point to yes.
NHRA
We wouldn’t really be talking power if we weren’t talking about Saturday’s NHRA Chevrolet Performance Qualifiers. Eddie Krawiec, a former Indy Car champion, made headlines Saturday when he took a top-two spot in Pro Stock Motorcycle. With a 6.822, he edged out Matt Smith and barley trailed teammate Andrew Hines, the current leader. But the most powerful performance arrived Friday night from drag racer Leah Pritchett. Pritchett reset the track record at Lucas Oil Raceway. According to their official website, her 3.66 was the eighth fastest lap in NHRA history. Not bad for a weekend’s work.
