More than one million people are employed in automobile and auto parts manufacturing in the United States, and 1.3 million work for auto dealerships.

The companies bowed to pressure from union leaders and employees who called for protection from the pandemic that’s spread to more than 212,000 people in nearly every country across the globe.

According information which we receive from Ford Company the plans to close its factories from March 30 up to end of April in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. That pressure intensified after it was revealed on Wednesday that a worker at a Ford truck plant in Dearborn, Mich., had tested positive for the virus.

In addition to G.M., Ford and Fiat Chrysler, Honda, Toyota and Nissan also said they would idle their North American factories. The shutdown of car plants will force hundreds of companies that produce parts and components to follow suit over the coming days.

Ford, which has 55,000 U.A.W. employees, said those with at least one year of service would receive 75 percent of their regular pay through a combination of unemployment benefits and supplements paid by the company. G.M. is discussing a similar plan with the U.A.W.

From Honda we receive information that that will restart production at first week in April. They stop with production on Marth 23. They will provide full pay for the 27,000 employees in North America affected by the decision.

Nissan stop production on Mart 27, and also make a plan to restart production at first week in April.

According information from General Motors all North American factories will be closed and will evaluate the situation on a weekly basis after that. 

Adjustment regarding stocks - that fallout from the coronavirus could send global auto production down 16% in 2020, fueled partially by an expected 20% decline in U.S. sales. 

Volkswagen Group suspend production at plants in Italy, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain and is preparing to shut down the rest of its factories across Europe due to the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19). VW, like Ford, FCA, and Toyota, is looking to resume some manufacturing operations wherever it can.

Volkswagen spending about $2.2 billion (about 2 billion euros) a week on fixed costs. So this year the VW group probably will have a significant loss in balance sheet.  

Production will be halted at VW's Spanish plants, Setubal in Portugal, Bratislava in Slovakia and the Lamborghini and Ducati plants in Italy before the end of this week.

VW Group's powerful works council has concluded it's not possible for workers at its plants to maintain a safe distance from one another to prevent contagion and recommended a suspension of production.

VW Group, which owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Ducati, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat and Skoda brands, said on Tuesday that the uncertainty about the fallout from the pandemic of Coronavirus (Covid-19) meant it was impossible to give any forecasts for its performance this year. Definitely, 2020 will be a very difficult year. The Corona pandemic presents us with unknown operational and financial challenges. At the same time, there are concerns about sustained economic impacts.

Only last month Volkswagen had predicted that vehicle deliveries this year would be stable at 2019 levels and forecast an operating return on sales in the range of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent in 2020, but said this depended on external factors.

CFO Frank Witter said it is uncertain how severely or for how long the spread of coronavirus will also affect the automaker. "Currently, it is almost impossible to make a reliable forecast," he said.

VW Group said its full-year operating profit rose 22 percent to 16.9 billion euros ($18.5 billion) in 2019, thanks to strong sales of higher-margin cars and lower diesel charges, defying an industry downturn that has cut the earnings of rivals.

Earnings were driven by higher profits at its VW, Porsche, Seat and Skoda brands, and a return to profitability for Bentley.

Improvements in the mix and price positioning in particular compensated for lower sales of Volkswagen Passenger Cars models and for launch costs and negative exchange rate effects, the company said.

The new 2021 Lexus GX is a luxury vehicle built upon a durable and capable traditional SUV platform. Considering what we can find on the market this model is most likely Toyota 4Runner.

Interesting facts about owners of Lexus GX

Interesting fact is, compared to the segment, the Lexus GX is popular with women. Official data shows that 48% of Lexus GX owners are female, compared to 37% of all midsize premium SUV owners. The Lexus owner base is younger, too, with a median age of 53 (vs. 58). Their median household income is $193,750 (vs. $198,923).

For example, they are less likely to agree that they’re willing to pay extra for safety features (86% vs. 90% for the segment) or an environmentally friendly vehicle (46% vs. 52%). Only 30% of Lexus GX owners claim that a first consideration in a new vehicle is fuel economy (vs. 44%).

Similarly, GX owners are less likely to agree that they like a vehicle with responsive handling and strong acceleration (91% vs. 95%), or that they like a vehicle that stands out from a crowd (79% vs. 84%).

Lexus GX owners the most care about reliability. With 98% of GX owners agreeing that this factor is a first consideration when they choose a new vehicle (vs. 94%). Also, 91% of GX owners agree that they need a versatile vehicle that accommodates a busy lifestyle (vs. 85%).

Lexus GX owners say their favorite things about the GX are (in descending order) the visibility and safety, driving dynamics, exterior styling, interior design, and engine/transmission. Owners indicate their least favorite things about the GX are (in descending order) the seats, climate control system, storage and space, infotainment system, and by a significant margin, fuel economy.

2021 Lexus GX Exterior

When we take a look on new model, we can say that the 2021 GX is immediately recognizable as a Lexus. Though it remains boldly proud of its jutting snout, the redesigned grille and new triple-beam LED headlights with signature L-shaped running lights bring greater cohesion to the SUV’s styling. Also, with the Sport Design Package, bigger 19-inch aluminum wheels help to fill the GX’s wildly flared fenders. Nevertheless, the Lexus GX remains a love-it-or-hate-it proposition.

2021 Lexus GX Interior

There are two big changes when we speak about interior.

The first is replacement of the Mahogany wood trim in the Premium and Luxury trim levels with a trendy new gray Sapele wood, as well as, a new Rioja Red upholstery color is available, complete with a black headliner.

All other things will be more or less the same. Equipped with an analog cabin in a digital world, the GX’s controls, switchgear, and comparatively remedial technology reveal the SUV’s advanced age more than anything else. At the same time, fans of buttons and knobs will be in heaven, especially since the GX’s controls are clearly labeled and easy to use.

Shorter people might find the GX a bit of a climb to get into, but this Lexus GX is comfortable once you’re inside. It doesn’t offer front seat massage, though, and the range of adjustment is limited compared to many other midsize premium SUVs.

Adults relegated to the third-row seat will be unhappy, especially since access to them is awkward at best. Most suitable for children, this seat is located alarmingly close to the GX 460’s tailgate, which means you might want to think twice about carrying youngsters back there.

With triple-zone climate control, overhead air vents for rear passengers, and the previously mentioned ventilated front seats, the Lexus GX easily combatted high summertime temperatures. The controls are, however, oddly located between the stereo controls and the infotainment system’s touchscreen display.

According official information from Lexus you can use the voice recognition system to adjust the cabin temperature. On my first attempt, the system instead changed to satellite radio channel 75. On my second attempt, I successfully changed the climate control to 75 degrees.

Embedded touchscreen display to its lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, the Lexus GX’s infotainment system represents yester-tech in a vehicle that costs this amount of money. Furthermore, the voice recognition system isn’t as advanced as what many competing models offer.

Perhaps the most advanced feature is Lexus Enform Remote. Both smartphone and smartwatch compatible, this app-based technology works with Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa to provide remote access to certain vehicle functions and data, to monitor vehicle usage, and to find the SUV when you can’t remember where it's parked. This service is free for one year, along with Lexus Enform Destination Assist personal concierge service.

Considering the space, the Lexus GX will have the lack of cargo utility is a concern. There is little cargo space when the third-row seat is raised. You can line up grocery bags, and that’s all. Space measures 11.6 cu.-ft., but that figure is only relevant if you’re stacking items. Third, maximum cargo space measures 64.7 cu.-ft. This isn’t much for a midsize SUV that weighs more than 2.5 tons.

Most people are likely to use the GX with the third-row seat folded down. So configured, it holds a generous 46.7 cu.-ft. of cargo. Note, however, that the load floor is high, making it more difficult to load heavy items.

Interior storage is not generous, either. The center console bin is adequate, but otherwise, there are few places to stash things. This is especially true given that the glove box is stuffed full of vehicle documentation such as the thick owner’s manual.

Visibility is excellent all around. Tall glass, large side mirrors, and various camera views help to make the GX maneuverable. However, the low-resolution reversing camera is another example of the SUV’s old technology, resembling grainy security camera video after dark.

For 2021, Lexus makes several driver assistance and collision avoidance features standard for the GX. They include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Lexus Enform Safety Connect is also standard, free for the first 10 years of GX ownership. It provides automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and quick access to roadside assistance.

Like the rest of the GX’s technology offerings, these systems are basic rather than advanced. The adaptive cruise control does not operate at low speed and cannot bring the SUV to a stop let alone accelerate again after stopping. The forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems use the same chime, making it hard to discern which feature is attempting to get your attention. And that chime is irritating, prompting disuse of the lane departure warning technology.

2021 Lexus GX Engine

All models of Lexus GX 460 are equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine making 301 horsepower and 329 lb.-ft. of torque. Notably, the torque peaks relatively low at 3,500 rpm. A 6-speed automatic transmission with a Sport driving mode distributes the power to all four wheels through a full-time 4-wheel-drive system.

The V8 engine delivers plenty of oomph, and the automatic transmission shifts unobtrusively at all times. When accelerating from a stop, the throttle response can be too eager, resulting in sudden leaps forward. Be careful in thick traffic, when parking, and when putting the GX into a garage. Lexus says that it takes this 5,130-pound SUV 7.8 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph and that the GX tows up to 6,500 lbs.

The 4WD system includes a transfer case and electronic engagement of 4-Lo. The GX 460 supplies 8.1 inches of ground clearance and features both downhill assist control and hill assist control.

A new Off-Road Package installs a Crawl Control off-road cruise control system that regulates speed while the driver focuses on steering the best line across difficult terrain. Additionally, this package adds a Multi-Terrain Select traction system that regulates power delivery based on the surface conditions underneath the tires. A fuel tank skid plate, a transmission cooler, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor that even shows what’s underneath the SUV add to the GX’s capabilities.

Light off-roading is no problem for the standard Lexus GX, especially with the adaptive variable suspension that can raise the vehicle for extra clearance. Add the Off-Road Package and some all-terrain tires, and this SUV likely matches Jeep and Land Rover in terms of its exploring capabilities. This is one of the GX’s key selling points.

2021 Lexus GX Fuel Economy

The new 2021 Lexus GX is not a fuel-efficient vehicle. It gets 15 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg in combined driving. This aligns with the testing average, which came to 16.1 mpg. Based on the EPA data and the 23-gallon fuel tank, the GX travels a maximum of 368 miles between stops at the gas station.

2021 Lexus GX Price expectation

Final pricing for the 2021 Lexus GX was not available as this review was published, but we expect that the price will be around $69,000.

Conclusion

The main reason to buy a Lexus GX is for its off-roading capability. Thirsty with fuel, sometimes difficult to drive smoothly, lacking utility, and technologically well behind the competition, the Lexus GX is overdue for a complete redesign.

The Geely Group announced on February 5 that it will spend 370 million Chinese yuan (US$53 million) to develop cars that purify the air and filter out viruses.

Geely Auto promote its latest model, the 2020 Icon, but it's no ordinary compact SUV.

It's a compact SUV equipped for the Coronavirus, as Geely said it comes with a filtration system capable of purifying air and filtering out viruses.

Geely, whose parent company has bought names like Volvo and Lotus,  released the SUV just three weeks after the company pledged it would spend 53 million USD to design cars to protect passengers from viruses such as Covid-19.

Geely launched the Icon only for the Chinese market, and described its production of the purification system in the Icon as "developed in record time." 

For now Coronavirus has infecter over 500.000 people all over the world. Forecast are that every 7^th citizen of the world will be infected.

2020 Geely Icon Certification of ventilation system

Regarding Certification the Icon's air filtration system is N95 Certified. That means he blocks at least 95% of small particles that measure 0.3 microns. The problem is when we speak about Covid19 or Coronavirus particles measure between 0.05 and 0.2 microns. So conclusion is that new feature may not be able to entirely protect occupants from an outbreak despite limiting exposure.

Beside that, Geely said it received more than 30,000 orders for the Icon in the hours before its launch through online pre-ordering.

"Geely ICON's launch not only showcases the core strength of Geely's global development network, it also shows our forward thinking and demonstrates the high-tech digital future we are all moving toward,"

Anyhow, we must admit that idea for virus-proof ventilation system in cars is very good, and they shoud keep forward to improve this system. Probably in near future, most of the cars will have similar virus-proof system.

Expected Release date for 2023 Ferrari Dino

Enthusiasts have long been waiting around for Ferrari to confirm the long-rumored Dino. According to rumors, release date for 2023 Ferrari Dino will be in 2023.

The mid-engine, back end tire generate sports car will rest beneath the Portofino (or perhaps its replacement) when it comes to Ferrari’s lineup and you will be the latest access–levels offering via Ferrari.

2023 Ferrari Dino Exterior and Interior

Ferrari initially planned to build a sedan but instead proceeded with the Dino following a huge response from fans, according to the magazine. For those who do not recognize, Dino was in fact Ferrari’s entrance–level sub-manufacturer from 1968-1976. 

2023 Ferrari Dino Engine

Ferrari used 8 and 6–tube engine as opposed to V12s that were booked by reviewing the premium products.

The new model Dino (codename: F17X) will probably obtain a 2.9-liter, two-turbo V6 labels the profit in the 6-cylinder engine about present-day Ferraris. The V6 is predicted to produce all-around 610 hp along with 442 lb-ft for torque, that is a lot more than just what the V8 engine inside the 458 produces. According to the report, the 2023 Ferrari Dino will share its platform with the 488 replacement, which is expected to debut in 2019.

This 488 replacing (codename: F173) has now begun testing round the roads involving Maranello. The car includes an enhanced V8 which happens to be expected to generate 723 hp along with 796 lb-feet involved with torque. The actual successor for the 488 may lock horns together with the Mclaren 720s, that will eclipses the actual technology car generally in most performance benchmarks. Presented the value of the mid-engine supercar section about Ferrari, it must make sure the vehicle is faster and better than anything at all it offers ever created.

2023 Ferrari Dino Price

Expected price for 2023 Ferrari Dino should be $240,000, the 488 alternatives will surely cost near $300,000.

2022 Volvo V40 ready to become the next new Volvo show up, as the company moves to complete its 40, 60 and 90 line-up.

The new V40 will turn into a pseudo-SUV. V40 Reborn on a CMA platform that supports XC40 will be much more inviting for electric longer drivetrain. Adding a crossover interior space will be more than that.The next generation 2022 Volvo V40 is prepared for US market.

Design of new 2022 Volvo V40

Volvo is in the form of a nice design, so if anyone can make a compact SUV with a coupe-roofed look half decent, that’s them. While the UK car market was shrinking seven percent at 2018, sales of Volvo grew nine percent, exceeding 50,000 milestones. Globally, Volvo sold 640,000 cars and is now on a mission to crack 800,000 in the next few years… And, like it or not, a small SUV option is the way to do it.

Volvo for the pure electric car that formed fifty percent of their total sales in the year 2025, the other fifty percent would be a 4-cylinder petrol and diesel hybrid. It’s only six years from now, hardly has a life cycle, and it doesn’t have electric cars on sale.

2022 Volvo V40 Engine

The 2022 Volvo V40 will share many similar components with the model XC40.

The new V40 should have a similar wheelbase, engine lineup, and technological features as XC40. As a result, we can expect an upcoming V40 to debut with a new plug-in hybrid powertrain. It can incorporate electric motors with a 1.5 L turbocharged engine.

The battery will have a capacity of almost 10 kWh. It should be enough to run a car from a zero-emission range up to about 20 miles in a drive in the real world.

2022 Volvo V40 Release date and Price

We hope the upcoming V40 should have a release date in second part of 2021. Some forecast regarding the price should be around $35,000.

The 2021 BMW 5-Series is seven generation of this popular model from BMW factory. In BMW tradition, the car will receive a facelift to keep it looking and feeling fresh over the second half of its life.

A prototype for the face-lifted version of the 5-Series sedan has just been spotted. The first test of new model 2021 BMW 5-Series was done, including high-performance M5 model as well.

According spy photos, camouflage material seen here suggests we'll be treated with a revised grille and front fascia. Likewise, the rear fascia will also be revised and we may also see tweaks to the taillight signature.

The grille in particular will likely adopt the merged double-kidney design that features on the latest 3-Series and 7-Series models. Thankfully, the changes don't appear to be as extensive as those on the facelift in 7-Series. The 5-Series in its current form is already a handsome brute.

Engine option for new 2021 BMW 5-Series

It will be the standard engine options as the 5-Series is already tapped to receive some new engine for the 2020 model year. For example, the 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid receives a new battery delivering more electric range and the M550i a more powerful V-8. 

There is possibility that the 530i and 540i could see more power or perhaps the addition of mild-hybrid technology with the arrival of the facelifted 5-Series. Also, there is an option that the facelifted 5 Series is expected to gain one new hybrid option.

It isn't clear if there any changes pegged for the cabin but an updated infotainment system and new electronic driver assist features are likely.

2021 BMW 5-Series Release date

Release date for new 5-Series should be in the second half of 2020. Considering current situation it’s possible that promotion will be postponed few month later.