NEW YEAR, NEW LOGO
Kia has revealed its new corporate logo and global brand slogan that signify the automaker’s bold transformation and all-new brand purpose. The logo is a representation of Kia’s new brand identity and the values it promises to offer customers, through future products and services, a great experience. The unbroken line is to convey the brand’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration and confidence to its customers.
The logo was during a pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, South Korea. The event saw 303 pyrodrones launching hundred of fireworks in a synchronized artistic display, igniting and celebrating Kia’s new beginning. As a result, this event set the new Guinness World Record for “Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously.”
POSITIVELY RIVETING
Ford has announced an update to its I-CAR procedure for replacing the outer box side of F-150 trucks, announced in mid-December. This latest update from Canada’s most popular OEM announced that the replacement of F-150 outer box sides may now “now include the use of self-piercing rivets (SPRs) in specified locations.” This update only affects F-150 models including and newer than the 2015 model. Super Duty trucks will not be able to use SPRs for the repair procedure. Ford said that they made the update to account for a newly sourced SPR that allows the specialized rivets to be used in outer box side replacements.
TOYOTA TAKES THE TOP
For the first time in five years Toyota claimed the title as the world’s top-selling automaker for 2020, overtaking Volkswagen Group. Toyota saw its total sales fall 11 per cent in 2020, the sales include its subsidiaries Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino, coming to a total of 9.53 million units sold. On the other hand, VW’s global sales fell by 15 percent to 9.31 million units, which includes the Audi, VW, Porsche, Seat, and Skoda brands in the figures.
‘EVERYBODY IN’
General Motors is debuting a new marketing campaign as part of the company’s comprehensive efforts to accelerate mass adoption of electric vehicles. The “Everybody In” campaign is a call to action meant to reflect a movement that’s inclusive and accessible.
The campaign sets an optimistic and inclusive tone for the company’s EV future and focuses on three themes: exciting a new generation of buyers and accelerating EV adoption; demonstrating GM’s EV leadership, which includes the investment of $27 billion in EV and AV products through 2025 and the launches of 30 new EVs globally by the end of 2025; and highlighting the range, performance and flexibility of the Ultium platform.
NISSAN NET NEUTRAL
Nissan has set the goal to achieve carbon neutrality across the company’s operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050. As part of this effort, by the early 2030’s every all-new Nissan vehicle offering in key markets will be electrified. Nissan will pursue further innovations in electrification and manufacturing technology to make progress on the company’s carbon neutrality goal in battery innovation, its e-POWER electrified powertrain efficiency, a battery ecosystem to support renewable energy sources and manufacturing innovations to support higher productivity in vehicle assembly.
EVERY STEP COUNTS
Toyota is trying to help address major environmental issues facing the global community, such as climate change, water scarcity, resource depletion and habitat loss. To minimize environmental impact across its business and maximize positive outcomes, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has focused its 2020 environmental sustainability efforts on five key areas – carbon, water, materials, biodiversity and outreach.
This year’s North American Environmental Report highlights include: Waste Reduction and Recycling: At Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC), team members developed a method for recycling the plastic resin waste used to mold front and rear bumpers; reduced absolute greenhouse gas emissions by nine percent in Fiscal Year 2020 compared to Fiscal Year 2019 and new electrified product launches including the RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid, Sienna Hybrid and Venza Hybrid.
