Production

Subaru heads toward mass electrification as the automaker lays out 2030 model goals

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Jan 21, 2020, 11:34 am

Subaru recently debuted its VIZIV Tourer concept.

Photo courtesy of Subaru Corporation

Subaru has a goal. By 2030, they want at least 40 percent of their globals sales to come from electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles. To get there, the automaker will be continuing to work on electrification via the application of the technology to Subaru's current lineup.

"Although we're using Toyota technology, we want to make hybrids that are distinctly Subaru," Chief Technology Officer, Tetsuo Onuki, recently commented to Reuters. "It's not only about reducing CO2 emissions. We need to further improve vehicle safety and the performance of our all-wheel drive."

Subaru VIZIV Touring concept the VIZIV Touring concept has a WRX-like front end.Photo courtesy of Subaru Corporation

At first, this plan likely means more model variants in the same vein as the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Reuters has reported that the first new model that will enter the Subaru lineup under this plan will be a "strong hybrid" vehicle using Toyota technology. But, it's not coming until later this decade. Subaru previously activated this partnership in the marketplace to launch the Crosstrek Hybrid.

The automakers are also working together to launch an all-battery electric car (BEV) around that time as well.

Don't set your calendar yet. Plans are continually developing and timelines are bound to shift as the market for new vehicles changes. Subaru will likely keep the public updated as their plans develop by releasing concept car versions of their designs ahead of any big news.

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Government

USPS selects Oshkosh Defense to create next-gen mail delivery vehicles, including a new EV

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Postal Service

The long process to design, engineer, and award a contract for the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) next-generation mail delivery vehicle (NGDV) has finally come to an end. The government has awarded Oshkosh Defense a contract to produce the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle for service. Oshkosh Defense is a a wholly owned subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK).

The NGDV project is the USPS's first large-scale fleet procurement in three decades. Over the next 10 years, the contract allows for the delivery of between 50,000 and 165,000 new vehicles.

"Oshkosh operates with unparalleled commitment to those who depend on our products and services to build, protect and serve communities around the world. We are honored to have been selected by the USPS to support their important work by manufacturing American-made Next Generation Delivery Vehicles that will connect every home and business across the United States for decades to come," said John Pfeifer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Oshkosh Corporation.

U.S. Postal Service's Next-Generation Mail Delivery Vehicle

USPS Oshkosh Defense Next generation mail delivery vehicle

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Postal Service

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The new mail trucks will have multiple powertrain options, just like many passenger vehicles on the road today. There will be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) version that runs exclusively on electric power and a fuel-efficient low-emission internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE) variant.

Under the contract awarded today, USPS has committed to paying Oshkosh Defense $482 million as a first step toward the new vehicles' production. The money will be used to finalize the production vehicle design and complete factory build-out, all of which is necessary before production gets underway. The process is similar to ones mass market vehicle manufacturers use.

"Our century-long history of delivering products to customers, operating in some of the most demanding and severe conditions on the planet, uniquely positions us to bring exceptional reliability, safety, and maintainability to USPS's Next Generation Delivery Vehicles," said John Bryant, Executive Vice President, Oshkosh Corporation, and President, Oshkosh Defense. "Partnering with trusted suppliers, we have developed a purpose-built solution to support the current and future needs of the USPS," Bryant concluded.

In addition to a new exterior and powertrain options, the NGTV also gets modern features and amenities like a rearview camera, walk-in cargo area, air condition, telematics, and a sliding cargo door. There's also a host of safety technology and equipment including airbags, automatic front and rear braking, blind spot warning, a 360-degree camera, and forward collision warning.

Production of the next generation delivery vehicle is expected to begin in 2023.

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New Car

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets an redesign fit for the S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been redesigned for the 2022 model year.

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has sold more C-Class models than any other vehicle in the last decade. The current generation has been around since 2014 so it's time for a redesign. Enter the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The longer and wider C-Class features dynamic design that is meant to combine with the short front overhang, long wheelbase, and rear overhang to create a vehicle that looks like it's moving even when it's standing still. In this respect, the car isn't much different than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan: Exterior

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan: Exterior

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

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At the front of every C-Class model is a grille with a central star. The grille and front bumper feature chrome surrounds. At the rear, two-piece taillamp divide the side wall and the trunk lid. Bumper design changes based on trim level. The car rides on either 18- or 19-inch wheels depending on the grade. Mercedes will offer the C-Class in a number of paint jobs including three new ones: Starling Blue, Cirrus Silver, Moonlight White, Graphite Grey, and Selenite Grey Magno.

The 2022 Mercedes C 300 and C 300 4MATIC are both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid (48-volt) technology that provides an electric boost on demand. The result is the delivery of 20 more horsepower and 148 pound-feet more torque when the mild-hybrid tech is employed, on top of what the engine is already capable of.

Front-wheel drive capability is standard and all-wheel drive is available for a surcharge. The system is more efficient than it was in the previous germination of the model.

Mercedes has given the model an Agility Control suspension with continuously adjustable damping. Buyers who opt for an AMG Line model get a sport suspension.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon: Exterior

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon: Exterior

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

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Like in the new S-Class, the dashboard of the C-Class is divided into two sections - upper and lower. The new compact car has flattened round vents up top while the center console and lower dashboard flow together. The dashboard and central display, which is orientated portrait style, are slightly tilted toward the driver.

Directly in front of the driver is a 12.3-inch high-resolution display and the infotainment touch screen is slightly smaller- 11.9 inches. The central display is surrounded by jet black trim and finished with a chrome insert.

Minimalist design on the door panels frames the dashboard with the center panel featuring an elongated armrest that has design reflecting the aesthetic of the center console.

Mercedes has re-engineered the seats in the car to use layers of enveloping surfaces to create an impression of lightness. The head restaurants also have a new design.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan & Wagon: Exterior Details

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan & Wagon: Exterior Details headlight

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

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The dashboard is covered with MB-Tex. AMG Line models get the buyer's choices of belt line detailing including natural grain wood in black and brown, as well as genuine aluminum.

Also like the new S-Class, the new C-Class is equipped with the second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). Mercedes-Benz developed a new display aesthetic for the S-Class, which is now systematically used as the basis for other models.

Owners can customize the look fo the driver information display and infotainment screen with three distinct styles (Sporty, Classic and Understated) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). The new C-Class is equipped with 64-color ambient lighting as standard, with an optionally available enhanced version.

  • In "Classic" style, the driver is welcomed with a familiar display environment. The proven display with two tubes and changing content between them provides all the information relevant to the driver.
  • "Sporty" is dominated by the color red, with a dynamic design for the central rev counter.
  • In "Understated" style, the content is reduced to what is essential. In addition, both screens can be shown in seven color schemes with the ambient lighting. This makes for an impressive color experience in the interior.
  • In "Assistance Mode," the traffic situation is shown in real time and supplemented with important displayed information.

The full-screen navigation also was adopted from the S-Class.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan & Wagon: Interior

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan & Wagon: Interior

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

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Merceds is making the latest generation of the company's Driver Assistance Package available on the C-Class. Also, the company's advanced driver assist system technology has been advanced for the latest generation and works on highways, country roads. A new lane recognition 360-degree camera is employable in these scenarios.

Improved sensors are designed ot make Park Assist more effective.

The new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2022. The company will produce the model in Bremen (Germany), Beijing (China) and East London (South Africa).

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