69th annual Detroit Autorama canceled due to increased COVID-19 cases
The 69th annual Detroit Autorama scheduled to take place Friday, April 30 to Sunday, May 2 at the TCF Center has been canceled due to the recent rise in Michigan coronavirus cases, according to producer of the show, Peter Toundas, president and owner of Championship Auto Shows Inc.
Ford providing on-site COVID-19 vaccines for employees in southeast Michigan, Ohio and Missouri
Ford employees interested in being vaccinated against COVID-19 can now receive an on-site vaccination at manufacturing facilities in three states. Starting today, Ford is offering the vaccine program to employees in Southeast Michigan, and will provide the shot to employees in the Lima, Ohio, and Kansas City, Missouri, areas as well.
Honda recalls more than 600K vehicles in US for fuel pumps
FILE- This Feb. 14, 2019 file photo shows a Honda logo at the 2019 Pittsburgh International Auto Show in Pittsburgh. Honda has plans to sell two all-electric SUVs in the U.S. for the 2024 model year, and it soon will offer hybrid gas-electric versions of its top-selling models. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)DETROIT โ Honda is recalling more than 628,000 vehicles in the U.S. to replace fuel pumps that can fail, causing the engines to stall. Owners will be notified by mail in late May and dealers will replace the fuel pumps for free. Owners of these models can determine if their vehicles are involved by keying in their vehicle identification number at www.recalls.acura.com or www.recalls.honda.com.
Report: These were the fastest selling cars in Detroit in February 2021
LOUISVILLE, KY-OCTOBER 27: The all-new 2018 Ford Expedition SUV comes off the assembly line at the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant October 27, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)DETROIT โ The Volkswagen Passat is the fastest selling used car in the Detroit area, according to data from iSeeCars. But the fastest selling new vehicle in the region is the Ford Expedition. According to ISeeCars, the average new car in Detroit took 46.5 days to sell in February 2021, while the average used car took 49.1 days to sell. To determine the fastest-selling cars in Detroit, iSeeCars said it analyzed 1.2 million new and used car sales in February 2021.
Owners of certain Hyundai and Genesis vehicles warned to โpark their cars outsideโ due to fire risk
For the second time this month, Hyundai is telling some SUV owners to park outdoors because an electrical short in a computer can cause vehicles to catch fire. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)WASHINGTON, D.C, โ Owners of certain Hyundai and Genesis vehicles are being warned to โpark their cars outside and away from homes, other structures and other flammable materials.โThe warning comes as separate recalls have been announced due to the risk of fire. Until the recalled vehicles have been repaired owners are encouraged to park them outside and away from homes and other structures. AdThe recall was made because the anti-lock brake system modules can malfunction and cause an electrical short over time. The recall is because an electrical short internally within the Lithium-Ion battery cells increases the risk of a fire while parked, charging and/or driving.
Fiat Chrysler pleads guilty in corruption case
DETROIT โ Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now part of Stellantis, has pleaded guilty in a long-running corruption probe. There will be a federal monitor making sure that there are no improper payments to UAW going forward. FCA stands for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which now is part of Stellantis, a company created by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot. โYour honor, we plead guilty,โ FCA general counsel Chris Pardi told U.S. District Judge Paul Borman. They are awaiting their sentences in Detroit federal court.
Chief of Cherokee Nation calls on Jeep to stop using tribeโs name
DETROIT โ It is time for Jeep to stop using the Cherokee Nationโs name on its Cherokee and Grand Cherokee SUVs, the chief of the Oklahoma-based tribe said. In a recent interview the chief of the Cherokee Nation says it should be time for a change and that comes as the company is set to roll out the next generation of the SUV. Cherokee chief: Time for Jeep to end use of tribeโs nameKristin Starnes, a spokeswoman for Jeepโs parent company, Amsterdam-based Stellantis, said in a statement that the vehicle name was carefully selected โand nurtured over the years to honor and celebrate Native American people for their nobility, prowess and pride.โShe didnโt say whether the company was considering renaming the vehicles and didnโt immediately reply to an email requesting that information. AdBoth vehicles are among the most popular SUVs on the market. โI am saying categorically that it is wrong to use our name to peddle a vehicle,โ said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief, Chuck Hoskin Jr.Read more: Automotive news
Shortage of computer chips causes problems for auto industry
DETROIT โ A shortage of computer chips is causing problems for the auto industry. General Motors has warned that it is likely to lose around $2 billion this year as a result. READ: Why you should ask about โdestination feeโs before purchasing a new vehicleFor the auto industry the problem is a supply and demand issue created by manufacturing. Because of the issue many automakers are having to slow or stop production to put the chips in vehicles. Or, if itโs something like a powertrain where every vehicles got it 100 percent of your vehicles have that powertrain chip, then youโre basically stuck,โ he said.
Why you should ask about โdestination feeโs before purchasing a new vehicle
DETROIT โ When you buy a new car, there are usually a lot of fees you have to pay. Included in that fee is a destination fee, which is the charge for delivering the car from the factory to the dealership. He said Stellantis in particular has had destination charges go up. READ: What Stellantis means for jobs, future prospects in Metro DetroitโWhen assessing vehicle pricing, we do not look at any single element of the pricing equation. There is no requirement that a destination fee be included in advertising.
Some auto industry leaders concerned about over-commitment to electric vehicles
DETROIT โ Much of General Motorsโ success and positive press in recent months comes from the discussion around electric vehicles. GM wants to sell all electric vehicles by 2035 and be carbon neutral by 2040. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares visited Detroit, looking to introduce himself and see his Detroit plants. Chryslerโs future is likely electric and autonomous. He said the company is aggressively pursuing electric vehicles, but also said the company has to be very careful because electrification adds significant cost.
What Stellantis means for jobs, future prospects in Metro Detroit
DETROIT โ What was Chrysler went to Daimler Chrysler then Fiat Chrysler and now Stellantis. The merger was announced over the weekend and the new CEO on Tuesday talked about how the enlarged company will compete. The one thing Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, said Tuesday that should give FCA employees comfort is he doesnโt expect layoffs saying the companyโs new global scale will put a shield around jobs. But the CEO says global scale provides strength to handle a lot meaning no layoffs. โI think Stellantis is at a point of strong fundamentals to do great things in the future,โ said Tavares.
Stellantis sign goes up outside Auburn Hills HQ after FCA-Peugeot merger
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. โ The merger between PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that will lead to the creation of Stellantis was officially complete Saturday. The Stellantis sign is now up outside the now former FCA headquarters in Auburn Hills. Stellantis was launched Monday on the Milan and Paris stock exchanges, giving life to the fourth-largest auto company in the world. Read more: Carmaker Stellantis shares jump in Milan, Paris on first day
Merger between FCA and Peugeot finalized amid concern over business deal
Fiat Chrysler Shareholders of Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA Group met Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 to vote on a merger that will create the world's fourth-largest automaker. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)DETROIT โ The merger between Peugeot maker PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles that will lead to the creation of Stellantis was complete Saturday. The Peugeot and FCA merger has been the subject of much controversy. Speaking to Local 4 News earlier this month, Frank Rhodes, the great grandson of Walter Chrysler who founded famed auto company Chrysler in 1924 expressed concern over the business deal. Read more: Great grandson of Walter Chrysler worries about fate of automaker
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles pledges $700K to Detroit neighborhoods
DETROIT โ When Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced it planned to build a more than $2 billion assembly plant on Detroitโs east side the company stated the investment was not going to stop there. On Monday, the company proved it with a $700,000 pledge to three Detroit neighborhoods. The money will be used for several things and better the area. According to Ronald Stallworth, external affairs manager with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the project will focus on three Detroit neighborhoods on the cityโs east side including Chandler Park, West End and Riverbend. DETAILS: Fiat Chrysler contributes $400K to Detroit neighborhood fundRead more: Automotive News
Fiat Chrysler CEO Manley to run Americas after PSA merger
FILE - In this Jan. 14, 2019 file photo, Fiat Chrysler's new CEO, Mike Manley, is interviewed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Manley will run operations in the Americas when his company merges with Frances PSA Peugeot early next year. FCA Chairman John Elkann announced Manleys new post on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 in a letter to employees. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)DETROIT โ Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley will run operations in the Americas when his company merges with Franceโs PSA Peugeot early next year. PSA CEO Carlos Tavares will run the overall company, to be named Stellantis.
Unifor reaches tentative agreement with General Motors to avoid strike
(Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.) Unifor announced Thursday morning its Master Bargaining Committee reached a tentative agreement for 17,000 members working at General Motors in St. Catharines, Oshawa and Woodstock, Ontario. Uniforโs National President Jerry Dias and bargaining committee representatives will hold a virtual news conference at 10 a.m. to provide more information about the tentative agreement. To watch the news conference click here. Unifor is Canadaโs largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy.
Ford recalls 375,000 Explorers due to part that can break and cause crash
Ford is recalling 375,000 Explorers due to a part that can break and lead to a crash. The recall affects Explorers from model years 2013 through 2017. Ford officials revealed the SUVs could have a fractured section of the rear suspension toe link. That can significantly diminish steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will complete an inspection and replace the part, if necessary, Ford said.
Toyota adds 1.5M US vehicles to recalls for engine stalling
DETROIT โ Toyota is adding 1.5 million U.S. vehicles to recalls from early this year to fix fuel pumps that can fail and cause engines to stall. The company says the latest recall brings the total to 5.8 million Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles that need to be repaired worldwide. The recall affects more than 40 vehicles in the U.S. dating to the 2013 model year, covering much of the Toyota and Lexus model lineup. Toyota said in a statement Wednesday that the fuel pumps can suddenly stop operating, and that can cause the vehicles to stall. Toyota began recalling the vehicles in January with about 700,000, and added 1.2 million in March.
Chinaโs vehicle sales pick up in September as market revives
BEIJING โ Chinaโs vehicle sales including trucks and buses accelerated in September as the industryโs biggest global market recovered from the coronavirus pandemic, an industry group reported Tuesday. Sales rose 17.4% over a year earlier to 2.6 million vehicles, up from Augustโs 11.6% growth, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. It said SUV sales set a new monthly record and purchases of other passenger vehicles also rose but gave no details. In the first nine months of the year, sales declined 6.9% from a year earlier to 17.1 million, CAAM said. That hurts global automakers that are looking to China to propel sales growth.
Ford recalls over 700K vehicles; backup cameras can go dark
DETROIT โ Ford is recalling more than 700,000 vehicles in North America because the backup cameras can show distorted images or suddenly go dark. The recall covers most 2020 versions of Ford's F-Series trucks, as well as the 2020 Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge. F-Series trucks are the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. The company says in documents posted Wednesday by the U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that a poor electrical connection is causing the problem. Ford says it doesnโt know of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.
Trust Index: Fact-checking Biden-Trump debate claims about economy, Michigan
Both he and former Vice President Joe Biden made Michigan-specific claims during Tuesday nightโs first presidential debate. We ran those claims through the Trust Index to see how factual the statements were. Biden and the economyWeโll start with the first mention of Michigan from the President. Auto industry claimsHere are two claims from Biden on the state of the automakers and his role in the auto bailout. Weโve tested claims made by both Biden and Trump on the auto industry before.
Nikola founder steps down amid fraud claim right after General Motors deal
DETROIT โ A couple of weeks ago, General Motors traded production capacity for $2 billion worth of Nikola stock. The fraud claim comes from the hedge fund, largely against 39-year-old Nikola founder Trevor Milton. On Sept. 8, he announced his deal with General Motors. The next day, the hedge fund made its claim, which brought the Securities and Exchange Commission into the situation. โWe acknowledge Trevor Miltonโs departure from Nikola and the decision of the Nikola board to move forward,โ General Motors officials said in a statement.
North American International Auto Show moves reimagined show to Sept. 28 through Oct. 9, 2021
DETROIT โ The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced that it will move its reimagined indoor and outdoor show, originally planned for summer 2021, to Sept. 28 through Oct. 9, 2021. โSpreading out major auto shows is a win for everyone, particularly our partners. North said the Sept. 2021 show will include the same product experiences that were originally planned for the June show. NAIAS will also host seven shows in one: Motor Bella, The Gallery, Press Preview, AutoMobili-D, Industry Preview, Charity Preview and Public Show. READ: Continuing North American International Auto Show coverageThe 2021 show dates are available below:
Ford announces plan to build $700 million electric truck factory in Dearborn
DEARBORN, Mich. โ Ford Motor Company unveiled a plan Thursday to create 300 jobs and build a $700 million electric truck plant at Dearbornโs Rouge complex. The new Ford F-150 is expected to fund the electric F-150 and the plant where they build it, and a new plant is just what the Michigan economy ordered. โToday, Iโm pleased to announce the new Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, which is under construction,โ Ford Executive Chairman William Clay Ford Jr. said. Guidehouse insights auto analyst Sam Abuelsamid said the electric F-150 comes with another huge difference. โThe electric F-150 will have 40% lower total costs of ownership over its lifespan, and that includes when you factor in the price of the vehicle service and fuel,โ Abuelsamid said.
Video shows all-electric Ford F-150 prototype testing
Video shows all-electric Ford F-150 prototype testingPublished: September 17, 2020, 11:35 amFord says the new electric truck will go on sale in mid-2022. The company says itโs investing $700 million in its Rouge factory complex to make the new trucks. Ford also plans a plug-in gas-electric hybrid version.
General Motors makes $2 billion investment in electric car company working on trucks
DETROIT General Motors is making a massive pledge for the future of electronic vehicles, announcing a $2 billion investment in Nikola, an electric car company working on trucks. GM has the infrastructure for an electric truck, and so far, its planning two different brands. But the company is also hedging its bets in the electric vehicle space. GM has a truck platform that is perfectly suited for what Nikola needs, Abuelsamid said. Another unique note about Nikola: The company is working on hydrogen-powered electric trucks.
Corruption scandal, COVID-19 pandemic leave UAW at crossroads on Labor Day
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. Labor Day is usually a day for the United Auto Workers union to flex its muscles as one of the largest labor unions in the country, but with the ongoing corruption scandal and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, this year is very different. This year, the UAW is facing a crossroads on Labor Day. RELATED: Ex-UAW President Gary Jones pleads guilty in corruption caseThe traditional Labor Day Parade didnt happen Monday because the virus forced a cancelation. The UAW is going to close the National Training Center in Warren and one in Kokomo, Indiana. The union negotiated the closures in the UAW national contract last year as part of the federal investigation.
Honda, General Motors sign deal to work on vehicles together
DETROIT General Motors and Honda say they have signed a deal to explore sharing vehicle underpinnings and propulsion systems in North America. The companies say planning discussions on jointly-designed vehicles will start immediately and include vehicles powered by both electricity and internal combustion engines. Honda and GM say in a statement Thursday that they'll also cooperate on purchasing, research and connected services. In April the companies announced they would jointly develop two electric vehicles for Honda based on GM's global electric vehicle platform. The alliance would be governed by a joint committee of senior executives from both companies, the statement said.
Ford cutting 1,400 US salaried jobs with retirement offers
DEARBORN, Mich. Ford Motor Co. will offer early retirement incentives with hopes of cutting its U.S. white-collar workforce by 1,400 more positions. A spokesman says Ford expects to meet its goals with the offers. The offers will go to U.S. salaried workers who are eligible to retire as of Dec. 31. The offers won't go out in every part of the business. Ford has about 30,000 white-collar workers in the U.S.
Ford cutting 1,400 US salaried jobs with retirement offers
DEARBORN, Mich. Ford Motor Company is looking to cut its North American workforce by 10% with more than 1,000 jobs on the chopping block. However, information technology workers and those responsible for rolling out new vehicles will not be affected. Ford has been working for several years to become more profitable and now the company sees it needs to make cuts to its most profitable corner to keep it profitable. The company intends to reduce salaried or white collar headcount by 1,400, using those retirement eligible by the end of this year. These layoffs and this restructuring are not in response to the current economic conditions, Brinley said.
GM alleges Fiat Chrysler spent millions to bribe UAW leaders
GM alleges that payments were made so the officials would saddle GM with more than $1 billion in additional labor costs. GM alleged that accounts apparently exist in Gettelfingers name, and the name of a relative in Panama and Switzerland. In July, U.S. District Judge Paul Borman in Detroit tossed out GMs lawsuit that alleged that Fiat Chrysler paid off union leaders to get better contract terms than GM. In a 2019 lawsuit, GM alleged that Fiat Chrysler bribed officials of the United Auto Workers union to get lower labor costs. GM alleged that FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne, who died in 2018, wanted to pressure GM into merging by weakening it with higher costs.
Jim Hackett to retire, COO Jim Farley to take over as president, CEO of Ford
DETROIT Jim Hackett is retiring as president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, and current COO Jim Farley will take his place, the company announced Tuesday. Jim Hackett has laid the foundation for a really vibrant future and we have made tremendous progress in the past three years. I am very grateful to Jim Hackett for all he has done to modernize Ford and prepare us to compete and win in the future, said Bill Ford, Fords executive chairman. My goal when I took on the CEO role was to prepare Ford to win in the future, Hackett said. He is also a change agent with a deep understanding of how to lead Ford in this new era defined by smart vehicles in a smart world.
Plant closings send GM to 2Q loss, but signs of improvement
The company reported a loss of 50 cents per share excluding one-time items. GM burned through more than $9 billion during the quarter including nearly $8 billion from operations and $1.1 billion in capital spending. GM said sales are showing signs of improvement, and in some areas, such as pickup trucks, have been constrained by low inventory levels as plants came back on line. The company reported strong sales of pickup trucks and new full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. But Japans struggling Nissan reported a $2.7 billion loss (285.6 billion yen) for the period.
Fiat Chrysler recalls 925K older-model vehicles due to air bag issue
Fiat Chrysler is recalling more than 925,000 older-model vehicles to fix an issue with air bag covers on the steering wheel. An FCA investigation discovered these vehicles are equipped with certain clips, no longer in use, that may over time loosen and disengage. Should these things happen, and there is a driver-side air bag deployment, the clips and/or plastic emblems they are meant to secure, may act as projectiles. The recall is limited to model-year 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro SUVs, and model-year 2008-2010 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. In the interim, FCA strongly advises against tampering with the emblems, which are located in the center of the vehicles steering wheels.
FCA, Groupe PSA merger officially named Stellantis
DETROIT The merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA (PSA Peugeot) has born a new name: Stellantis. Actually, its officially STELL/\NTIS, a name rooted in the Latin verb stello meaning to brighten with stars, according to the automakers joint news release on Wednesday. FCA and PSA announced in December they signed a binding merger deal creating the worlds fourth-largest auto company with the scale to confront the challenges of stricter emissions regulations and the transition to new driving technologies. The companies said the new group will be led by PSAs cost-cutting CEO Carlo Tavares, with Fiat Chryslers chairman John Elkann as chairman of the merged company. Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley will stay on, but it was not announced in what capacity.
Michigans auto insurance law changes tomorrow -- Are you ready?
DETROIT Michigan drivers should have the choice of cutting their auto insurance costs starting this week. Michigan lawmakers approved bipartisan auto insurance reform legislation last spring aimed at cutting costs for Michigan drivers who have paid the highest insurance rates in the country. This gives drivers a choice regarding level of coverage -- but they will likely have to take action. And under the new law the 20% of Michiganders who are currently driving without insurance will be able to get legal without facing a penalty. Insurance Alliance of Michigan member companies are committed to doing their part to educate their customers about the upcoming changes to Michigans auto no-fault law and helping drivers find the right plan for them and their family.
Workers at FCA Sterling Heights plant stop working over COVID-19 concerns
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. Several workers at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Sterling Heights plant refused to work over concerns about coronavirus. June 27, 2020 -- Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 63,009, Death toll now at 5,907According to FCA, an employee at the plant has been sent for testing and the employees work area is being disinfected. FCA said its working alongside the UAW to address the issues and hopes to resume operations Saturday night. Local 4 checked in earlier this month to see how plant operations are running amid coronavirus restrictions. Auto workers are trying to tread carefully and avoid spreading COVID-19.
FCA: Work temporarily stopped this week at Jefferson North Assembly over virus concerns
DETROIT Work was temporarily stopped Thursday afternoon at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit over workers concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19). Heres the statement from FCA, explaining several employees stopped working over virus concerns:The health and safety of our workforce has continued to be our top priority since our plants resumed production on May 18. An employee at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant was sent home today after complaining of not feeling well. However, several employees stopped working over concerns about the virus, causing a temporary pause in production. Read back: Checking in with Metro Detroit auto plants 3 weeks after reopening
Tennessee GM plant to lay off 680, end 3rd shift amid virus
SPRING HILL, Tenn. General Motors said Wednesday it will lay off 680 workers at its Tennessee assembly plant and eliminate the facilitys third shift, moves the company says are due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement about the Spring Hill plant, General Motors said it believes the best way to react to the unforeseen change in market conditions due to COVID-19 is to reduce output and continue to operate on two shifts effective immediately. The plant employs 3,700 people total and has union representation through the United Auto Workers. GM and other automakers temporarily shut down U.S. factories starting in March due to COVID-19. The Spring Hill facilitys first shift went back on May 18, and the second shift returned June 1.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan talks auto insurance changes
READ: Michigan launches website to make sure drivers are prepared for auto insurance changesItโs the medical coverage portion of your auto insurance that, up to now, had to be unlimited and the most expensive in the country. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan lobbied hard for insurance reform since Detroiters pay exorbitant premiums. WATCH: Detroit mayor walks through process of lowering auto insurance costโYou have to act for yourself or it wonโt change,โ Duggan said. You can keep your unlimited coverage if you want to. READ: Michigan governor and state agency announce order requiring auto insurance refunds due to COVID-19
Ford recalls about 2.5M vehicles for latch, brake troubles
DETROIT โ Ford is recalling about 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere because of a nagging door latch problem and a brake fluid leak. The door latch recall covers more than 2.1 million cars, SUVs and vans in the U.S. The recall covers vehicles in the U.S. and includes the 2012 to 2015 Ford Focus, the 2013 to 2014 Ford Fusion, the 2011 to 2014 Ford Fiesta, and the 2013 to 2015 Ford Escape and C-Max. Also covered are the 2013 and 2014 Lincoln MKZ, the 2015 Lincoln MKC, the 2015 Ford Mustang and the 2014 to 2016 Ford Transit Connect van. The brake fluid recall covers certain 2014 through 2017 F-150s in the U.S. and Canada.
Ford, VW to collaborate on vans, pickup, electric vehicle
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)DEARBORN, Mich. DEARBORN, Mich.Ford and Volkswagen will each offer a small city van, a larger cargo van, a small pickup truck and an electric vehicle as part of their global alliance announced last year. The companies announced some details of what the venture will yield Wednesday, with the city van created by VW and a 1-ton cargo van engineered by Ford to be sold by both companies. Also, VW will make a small pickup built on the underpinnings of Ford's Ranger, and Ford will build an unidentified electric vehicle for Europe based on VW's modular design, the companies said. VW would start selling the pickup truck in 2022, and the electric vehicle would come in 2023, the companies said in a statement. The companies also said last year that they would jointly fund autonomous vehicle development, with VW investing in Argo AI, a Pittsburgh company largely owned by Ford.