1997 Red Ford Ranger Xlt Extended Cab Stepside Bedliner on 2040-cars

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Toyota fears supplier pressure in Australia with GM pull out

With Ford and General Motors both announcing an end to production in Australia, the country's auto industry is in a bad way. With the exit of two big players, there's increased concern that a third Australian manufacturer, Toyota, will be forced out, as well.
"We are saddened to learn of GM Holden's decision. This will place unprecedented pressure on the local supplier network and our ability to build cars in Australia," Toyota Australia said in a statement. The GM closure of Holden production will be the direct end to 2,900 jobs, but will also force a dramatic reduction in the size of the country's supplier network, as there will simply be fewer cars to build.
In the same statement, Toyota Australia said it would work with suppliers and local government to figure out whether continuing production Down Under was even feasible. According to Automotive News, a representative for the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union told reporters it was "highly likely" that Toyota would also close up shop within the next few years.

Ford Mondeo Hybrid could beat unloved diesels in Europe

Predicting changes in the European auto market isn't easy, and Ford is hedging its bets there with the introduction of the Mondeo Hybrid. The Blue Oval has no expectation of the electrified version of the sedan being a rollicking sales success, but the model is a fuel-efficient alternative in case the recent backlash against diesel turns into an outright ban somewhere. This is the first time Ford is selling a hybrid version of the Mondeo (a cousin to the Fusion in the US) in Europe. The vehicle pairs a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder with a 1.4-kWh battery pack to make a total of 185 horsepower and emit 99 grams per kilometer of CO2. The Blue Oval expects to sell around 100,000 units of all versions of the sedan annually there, according to Automotive News Europe. However, fewer than 5,000 of those are predicted to be the gas-electric model. "Legislation around Europe is so different it's very difficult to predict," Roelant de Waard, Ford of Europe sales boss, said to ANE. "If you're betting only on one horse you might be lucky, but you also may be very unlucky." Ford is probably smart to have alternatives ready, and it also already offers the Focus Electric and hybrid C-Max there. Governments in Europe are rapidly turning against diesel, especially in France. The country considered offering buyers 10,000 euros ($11,300) if they trade in an old oil-burner on a new electric vehicle, and the prime minister calls backing the fuel for so long a mistake. The UK's Labour Party is making similar declarations. News Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req.Image Credit: Ford Government/Legal Green Ford Emissions Green Driving Diesel Vehicles Hybrid Sedan

Who would win in a race if the Super Bowl teams were cars?

Until the last down is played this Sunday, we will have the annoyance pleasure of listening to analysts bicker between who will win the Super Bowl, not unlike automotive analysts who do the same thing with cars. If I had a dollar for every conversation about what car would win against another on a specific track, I wouldn't be buying the raw avocados this year for my guacamole. Instead I would be purchasing organic avocados and have the guacamole served in a Ferrari-themed bowl. Yes, those exist. Even so, we still watch year after year knowing full well that the pre-game analysis typically adds up to less than what is left over in the chip bowl after the last guest leaves. Let's take a different approach to analysis this year, let's compare these teams to their vehicle equivalent to decide who would win in a fair race. How do you determine a fair race? When I think of a fair race I think of the Nurburgring. A track that is 12.9 miles, has 1,000 feet of elevation change, and is famously nicknamed The Green Hell by famed driver Jackie Stewart. Although your Supra may beat The Flash himself in a straight line, chances are once you push it to the limits on a 12.9-mile track your brakes will smell like a bonfire and your suspension will have gone into cardiac arrest twice. So if we're racing The 'Ring, what are we driving? To best answer that question we must determine what characteristics define these teams. Not being someone who knows more about my fantasy league than my significant other, I can only go off what I have heard from "experts." The Panthers are honestly known for Cam Newton. Cam is a versatile, fast, brash, and fairly young quarterback. He apologizes for nothing and has Ali-like confidence that shows in his choice of Liberace-type attire. Although he looks to be the favorite, he hasn't yet won a Super Bowl and the team's second-half performances are less than climatic. In racing terms, he has won a lot but no one has seen him race in the dark at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Panthers have a ton of acceleration, a brand new chassis, and a driver who is hungry for that first big win. On the other side of the track are the Broncos. It seems as though the Broncos are known for two things, a nostalgic quarterback and a defense that could strike fear into a Honey Badger. If the Broncos were just one component of a vehicle they would be the brakes, and these brakes are outfitted for a locomotive.