Auto Industry News: Vehicle Returns & Redesigns, MINI Gets A Very New Look, July Sales, and UAW Update

This past week, the industry seemed to spend a lot of time looking back in order to move forward. Ford teased its next-gen Mustang, while Chevy pulled the covers off its redesigned Colorado pickup. And over at Toyota, the Crown sedan made a comeback with some very contemporary crossover styling. MINI said goodbye to a legend, with the passing of Paddy Hopkirk, but also said hello to a futuristic concept set to mark the tone of the automaker’s new design language.

In other news, July sales numbers tell a familiar economic story, and a 35-page federal report indicates the UAW is still struggling to cut out the corruption just as the union gets set to start a new chapter in leadership.

Next-Gen Ford Mustang Set for Detroit Debut

Mark your calendars: The 2024 Ford Mustang – codename S650 – will officially debut on September 14 at the Detroit Auto Show. Ford CEO Jim Farley announced the good news last week via Twitter.

https://twitter.com/jimfarley98/status/1552403149583011846

Based on spy shots of camouflaged mules zipping around Dearborn, it’s likely the majority of changes will appear inside the cabin and under the hood.

The interior will undergo a technological makeover, including a digital instrument cluster that flows into a large central touchscreen. As for power, the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four and 5.0-liter V8 are expected to carry over into the new generation, but rumors of a hybrid variant have legs to stand on.

Ford announced last May its intentions to achieve carbon neutrality globally across its vehicles, operations, and supply chain no later than 2050 and to reach science-based interim targets by 2035. To do this, the company seems committed to its initial strategy of introducing a variety of battery systems. Since the new Mach-E has the pure battery-electric camp covered, it makes sense the automaker would add a hybrid or plug-in hybrid to the mix.

Besides, Ford’s existing hybrids deliver much more than fuel economy gains. They serve up major performance boosts as well, thanks to the electric motors’ instantaneous torque. While the current Mustang (last redesigned for 2015) remains popular, U.S. sales fell 14% YOY in 2021 and 18% through the first six months of this year. Offering a hybrid Mustang that delivers big power with low emissions could certainly help boost the brand.

Interested in seeing the new Ford Mustang up close and personal? The Detroit Auto Show will run Sept. 14-25 at the TCF Center, recently renamed Huntington Place.

Did you know…?

In separate petitions sent to NHTSA, both Ford and GM asked federal safety approval to deploy up to 2,500 self-driving vehicles a year without human controls like steering wheels and brake pedals. The vehicles would be used for ride sharing and delivery services only. NHTSA published the petitions on Wednesday, and opened them for public comment for 30 days.

Upcoming New Rides

Automakers have ambitious debut plans for new and existing models over the next few years. Here are some fresh (and refreshed) faces grabbing headlines this month.

Chevy Colorado Redesign

Reintroduced to the North American market in 2015 alongside its GMC Canyon sibling, the Chevy Colorado receives a major overhaul for the 2023 model year.

New exterior styling and proportions are reflected in four unique interior trims, all designed around the class-leading 11.3-inch-diagonal color infotainment touchscreen. According to Chevy, that large center stack screen is the “gateway” to exciting new technologies. They include: built-in Google maps and music, customizable screens, up to 10 different camera views, and an all-new Off-Road Performance Display. That last one helps drivers monitor their real-time off-road performance with different readouts based on the driving situation.

Off-road adventure was definitely on designers’ “need to have” list, as the new Colorado also features three off-road models with three distinct chassis setups – including the first-ever Trail Boss and an even more capable ZR2. A new 2.7L turbo engine, proven in the Silverado and enhanced for the Colorado, offers three available output variants that exceed the output of the current model.

Production for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado begins in the first half of 2023 at GM’s Wentzville, Missouri, assembly facility. No word yet on pricing.

Toyota Crown Returns to U.S.

Toyota’s oldest nameplate, the Crown, reenters the American market for 2023 with significantly different styling than its sedan ancestor. However, the jury’s still out on whether it will perform any better this time around.

Discontinued in the States in 1972, the Toyota Crown never quite managed to capture the attention or affection of U.S. audiences. “Two-third-scale Detroit sedan or not, the 88.7-cubic-inch OHV four had just 60 hp to push around 1.35 tons,” writes MotorTrend. With no automatic transmission option, an extremely rigid ride, and the difficulty of wearing a “Made in Japan” stamp in post-WWII America, the Toyota Crown experienced a dismal debut.

Unfortunately, industry confusion around the new design indicates history may be about to repeat itself.

While media reports have been largely upbeat regarding the Crown’s U.S. return, outlets can’t seem to agree on what exactly the vehicle is. CNET describes the Crown as “part sedan, part SUV,” while Car and Driver calls it a “lifted, hybrid sedan,” and Road & Track attempted to avoid labels entirely by roundly stating that the vehicle “wants to reinvent sedans,” and politely refers to its styling decision as “curious.” (Clever move, that one.) Motortrend was less forgiving, asking an exasperated “WHY?” and then throwing potentially new segment names at the wall: “lifted, SUV-ish sedans (sedan-UVs?)”

Suffice it to say, if the experts can’t figure out what the Toyota Crown is, it might be hard to assume the average consumer will. Regardless, Toyota seems confident the model will take – particularly with Gen Z shoppers.

Check out the design and specs for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments.

Toyota Crown Highlights

• Measuring 194 inches from bumper to bumper with a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the new Crown replaces the discontinued Avalon as Toyota’s flagship sedan.
• The “lift-up” proportions – which include a 60.6-inch roofline and large-diameter tires and wheels – challenge traditional sedan styling. The newly developed chassis allows it to sit nearly four inches higher than the Camry.
• Available in three grades: XLE, Limited and Platinum, all with standard electronic on-demand AWD.
• Two different hybrid powertrains: standard, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four engine mated to a CVT good for 236 hp and 38 mpg; and a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine mated to a direct-shift 6-speed automatic good for 340 hp and 28 mpg.
• All models come with Toyota’s new Audio Multimedia System and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, as well as a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

MINI Aceman EV concept crossover

Those looking for something firmly outside the box may find it with the new MINI Aceman EV.

Unveiled last week by the automaker’s parent company, BMW Group, the concept crossover attempts to bridge the gap between the MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman – all while showcasing pure battery-electric power, sustainable construction materials, video game styling, and digital features galore.

The vehicle represents a clear departure from MINI’s traditional styling, entering a new era of design that the company calls “Charismatic Simplicity.”

Prioritizing an immersive and holistic user experience, the vehicle aims to engage at every turn. The exterior is almost… bubbly… with its “edgy” curves, contrasting color palette and friendly front fascia that draws to mind the sweet doe-eyed expression of Pixar’s WALL-E. The grill even sports Matrix LED units to create impressive lighting effects that welcome occupants.

Inside, MINI designers focused on creatively reinterpreting the cabin space. You won’t find any chrome or leather in here, but rather knitted recycled textiles and an eye for minimalism. Wide-open and gently curved surfaces make the compact crossover feel roomy – no doubt aided by the large panoramic glass roof that lets in plenty of natural light. Both the instrument cluster and the infotainment center live in one giant, round OLED display, marking an interesting departure from traditional cabin styling. (Though it does raise some questions on how intuitive and safe the operation will be during driving.) This display can be customized with three unique “Experience Modes” that use fun graphics, colors, and sounds to individualize the driving experience.

MINI says the Aceman design is 80% finished, so we expect the final production version to share many of these unique features. The automaker plans to formally debut the concept this month at Gamescon 2022, Europe’s leading trade fair for digital games culture.

Losing a Legend

In other MINI news, the brand grieves the passing of a legend this month. On Thursday, July 21, 2022, British motorsport idol Patrick “Paddy” Barron Hopkirk MBE passed away peacefully in Buckinghamshire. Born in Belfast on April 14, 1933, Hopkirk began a fast-paced career as a racing driver in the 1950s but really etched himself into the motorsport history books in 1964.

In a dramatic duel with Swede Bo Ljungfeldt and his significantly more motorized Ford Falcon, Hopkirk delivered a showdown at the Col de Turini and finally won the overall standings, taking the first Monte victory for the Mini. The surprise coup was celebrated frenetically in Great Britain, making the classic Mini a legend and Hopkirk the most famous rally driver overnight. At the time, the British Prime Minister sent congratulations and The Beatles even sent a card with the words, “Now you’re one of us, Paddy.”

July Sales – More of the Same

The auto industry’s supply-and-demand situation continues to sing a familiar tune. “July is yet another month where supply constraints keep vehicle sales artificially low but deliver record transaction prices and dealer profitability,” explains Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power.

Retail sales of new vehicles for the month are expected to reach 988,400 units, a 10.8% decrease compared with July 2021 when adjusted for selling days.

Some other key takeaways from the monthly sales data:

• In July, 55% of vehicles sold within 10 days of arriving at a dealership.
• New-vehicle prices continue to hover near record levels, with the average transaction price expected to reach $45,869—a 12.3% increase from a year ago—the second highest on record.
• The average incentive spend per vehicle is tracking toward $894, a decrease of 54.7% from a year ago.
• Monthly loan payments on new vehicles have reached an all-time high, breaking the $700 level for the first time.
• The average trade-in equity for July is trending to maintain a near record high level of $10,083, a 37.4% increase from a year ago and the second consecutive month above $10,000.
• Total retailer profit per unit—inclusive of grosses and finance and insurance income—is on pace to reach a monthly record of $5,023, an increase of $815 from a year ago.

Future Relief?

The CHIPS Act – a bill aimed at boosting domestic production of semiconductor chips – passed the House of Representatives last week, on July 27, 2022, after previously passing the Senate. It now moves on to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

Legislators hope that more American-made chips will create good-paying domestic manufacturing jobs, lower the costs of everyday goods, and strengthen our national security by making us less dependent on foreign sources of semiconductors. While supporters applauded the bill as smart, forward-thinking legislation, opponents argued there were no real accountability measures to protect the taxpayer-funded spending. They also worry it will exacerbate current inflation.

UAW Still Struggling to Root Out Corruption

After a bombshell investigation leading to numerous convictions for rampant corruption, the United Auto Workers has faced an uphill battle rehabbing its image. A recent report from the union’s federally-appointed monitor, Neil Barofsky, indicates why those reform efforts may be taking so long.

Citing “uncooperative and obstructive behavior,” Barofsky’s report alleges that union leaders hampered the sharing of information by ignoring requests for interviews and documents, even going so far as to intentionally conceal evidence regarding recent alleged misconduct by one of its senior leaders.

The report also notes that it was only after Barofsky alerted the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit — which in turn exerted pressure on the UAW — that the union finally began cooperating.

The news came at an inconvenient time for the UAW.

Last week, more than 1,000 UAW members and leaders met in Detroit for the union’s quadrennial constitutional convention. Over four days, they debated policy and constitutional amendments, and most notably, nominated new leader candidates for rank-and-file members to vote on. This is a momentous change prompted by the corruption scandal that aims to create more trust and transparency. Previously, delegates simply chose the leaders.

Current UAW president Raymond Curry is up for re-election, and stands a good chance of winning. Challenging him are Shawn Fain, Brian Keller, Will Lehman, and Mark Gibson. Fain is generally considered the front-running challenger. An electrician with 28 years in the UAW, he also holds a post with the union’s headquarters staff and has the support of the dissident group, Unite All Workers for Democracy.

Members will officially vote on leaders later this year in the union’s first-ever direct elections.

The Engine Block is your one-stop source for any and all auto industry news. Keep an eye on our weekly round-up of enthusiast coverage, product reviews, vehicle spotlights, auto show/expo features, and more. Be sure to check back Friday for some must-do off-road trails in a part of the U.S. that might surprise you.