article thumbnail

Rivian develops a sliding door patent, hinting toward a minivan

Teslarati

Rivian has filed a new patent that describes a dual guide rail sliding door that would be perfect for a minivan. The design is driving speculation that Rivian could be on its way to develop the market’s first electric minivan just after it produced the industry’s first production version of an all-electric pickup truck.

Minivan 145
article thumbnail

Google Self-Driving Car Project and FCA to integrate self-driving technology into 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan

Green Car Congress

The Google Self-Driving Car Project and FCA announced will collaborate to integrate Google’s self-driving technology into all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans ( earlier post ) to expand Google’s existing self-driving test program. Engineering responsibilities will be shared based on each company’s respective expertise.

Minivan 150
article thumbnail

Volkswagen wagons in US fall to SUV surge

Green Car Congress

Volkswagen will continue building the Alltrack at the Puebla, Mexico plant through December 2019 to provide enthusiasts additional opportunity to own an affordable, European-designed wagon. Through the first half of 2019, SUVs account for 47% of the industry sales, and more than 50% of Volkswagen sales. 2019 Gold Alltrack.

SUV 186
article thumbnail

Honda begins production of new 10-speed transmission in Georgia; nearly $150M investment

Green Car Congress

Honda also announced that it has invested nearly $150 million in two US manufacturing plants for production of the industry's first 10-speed automatic transmission (10AT) for front-wheel-drive vehicles. of America, Inc. The amount adds to the more than $3 billion that Honda has invested in its U.S. plants over the past four years.

Georgia 150
article thumbnail

Nissan licenses NMRP spray-coated cylinder bore technology to HELLER; production of efficient engines

Green Car Congress

Rather than limiting the use of our own technologies like NMRP within the company, Nissan is contributing to the technological advancement of the industry by making them widely available. Nissan will also advance its research and development by investing the profit gained from licensing assets like NMRP.

Nissan 287
article thumbnail

2017 Chrysler Pacifica wins Altair Enlighten Award for weight reduction in full vehicle category; Toyota, Faurecia and AP&T module, technology winners

Green Car Congress

Among the innovative aspects of the new Pacifica’s design is its tailor-welded-blank door structure, which utilizes ultra high-strength hot-stamped steel, and its hydroformed loadbeams, also made from ultra high-strength steel. In addition, the all-new Pacifica minivan also makes strategic use of aluminum. Click to enlarge.

Chrysler 150
article thumbnail

Honda Reveals Saloon Electric Concept, Announces New EV Line

The Truth About Cars

Honda's ‘Zero Series’ vehicles are supposed to be the next generation of all-electric transportation and appear to be hellbent on embracing every industry trend that’s currently in fashion. The Saloon looks like a minivan concept from the early 1980s — boasting a wedge shape and tons of glass.

Honda 59