This week, Honda announces a big investment in its Ontario plant, Porsche says the Boxster is going fully EV, pandemic problems plague production, VinFast will put you in a resort for buying a car, and the EQS gets more Hyperscreen.
Honda to upgrade Alliston plant
To help bring production of the next-generation Honda CR-V hybrid to its Alliston, ON, plant, Honda will spend $1.38b over the next six years to upgrade the automaker’s plant there. The investment will help retool to build the 2023 Honda CR-V, including the hybrid model that will come to Canada for the first time, as well as let the factory add new processes to the supply chain and new R&D programs. Both the provincial and federal governments will be contributing $131.6m toward the project. Honda of Canada has a capacity for more than 400,000 vehicles per year and 190,000 engines.
Electric Boxster
Porsche confirmed that the 718 Boxster and Cayman models would be going purely electric in the next couple of years. The automaker has hinted at the news before but confirmed it last week during the company’s annual press conference which also discussed the possibility of a Porsche public stock offering. “We are stepping up our electric offensive with another model: By the middle of the decade, we want to offer our mid-engine 718 sports car exclusively in an all-electric form,” said CEO Oliver Blume, adding that nearly 40 percent of all Porsches sold in Europe last year had a plug. An EV 718 would be the company’s first electric sports car.
Toyota cuts production
While pandemic restrictions are easing in Canada, the effects on the auto industry are far from over. Toyota said last week it was cutting its global production forecast by 17 percent for the month of April, cutting 150,000 units. The reason is the ongoing microchip shortage affecting every automaker, with COVID-19 measures in other regions also contributing.
VinFast will send you on vacation
VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker looking to break into the North American EV market has just announced pricing for its first two models here, with some unusual perks for reservations. The VF 8 crossover is set to start from $51,250 and should arrive before the end of the year, while the larger VF 9 crossover is expected to arrive in early 2023 from $69,750. Those who make a reservation before April 5th will be eligible for a discount on their vehicle of $3,500 for VF 8 or $6,000 for VF 9. They will also be offered with a mobile charger, smart service packages, and a seven-day stay for four (not including airfare) at one of the company’s Vinpearl resorts in Vietnam.
More screen for EQS
This is the interior of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS crossover, complete with door-to-door Hyperscreen and some seriously impressive touches. Though still mum on details about the electric vehicle, Mercedes-Benz is talking about the cabin and that optional 56-inch screen first seen in the EQS sedan. Innovative materials include the magnolia wood center console which has laser-cut Mercedes-Benz stars that are backfilled by a stainless-steel sheet for a unique effect. Mercedes also confirms this will be a three-row vehicle, with more comfortable rear seating than a GLE. It will even have its own special scent for the cabin air cleaner, called No. 6 Mood mimosa. Expect a full reveal of the EQS next month.
Mercedes-EQ. EQS SUV Interieur. Komfort und Platz für bis zu sieben Passagiere // Mercedes-EQ. EQS SUV Interior. Comfort and space for up to seven people.
Keyword: Weekly News Roundup: Honda Invests, VinFast Brings Reservation Rewards, More