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The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet is designed as an electric car. The drive system has an output of 550 kW (750 hp). The shallow underfloor battery allows a range of over 500 kilometres according to the NEDC (over 200 miles according to EPA). "The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet takes modern luxury into the realms of the ultimate in luxury, and
is the perfect embodiment of our design strategy. Breathtaking proportions combined with a luxurious "haute couture" interior help to create the ultimate experience," explains Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG. Maybach 6 Please to Turn Page 4
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The drive system has an output of 550 kW (750 hp). This allows performance characteristics typical of a sports car (acceleration from 0‑60 MPH 100 km/h in under four seconds, top speed electronically governed
Maybach 6 From Front Cover Exterior: powerful structural elements with sharp feature line Measuring almost six metres in length, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet incorporates the classic proportions of art deco design with its extremely long bonnet and puristic, flowing lines, and at the same time completely reinterprets these aesthetic principles. The curved basic body boasts a sporty, stretched design which is characterised by powerful structural elements in conjunction with the sharp feature line. This side feature line defines the upper vehicle body, from the radiator grille across the entire length of the vehicle through to the rear. The strong contrast between the dark blue paintwork in "nautical blue metallic" and the chrome highlights increases the fascinating relationship between the clearly defined areas with organically shaped wings and the chrome trim elements, which sit at the top on the edge of the wing as well as in the middle on the boot lid, where they also incorporate the vertical brake lights. This benefits the interpretation of the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille, which with its fine, vertical struts accentuates the front end. The grille was inspired by a pinstriped suit. The radiator grille rests on two 4
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aerodynamically shaped supports on the outer right and left of the bumper. The newly designed 24-inch light-alloy wheels feature a centre lock. This is painted in rose gold and as such reflects the colour shade used on all electric vehicle studies from Mercedes-Benz. The extended, round "boat tail" format of the Vision MercedesMaybach 6 Cabriolet's rear recalls a luxury yacht, and narrow tail lights which emphasise the width of the vehicle are integrated in its outer edges. Further distinctive features at the rear include the diffuser with aluminium frame and the air outlets behind the wheel arches. The transition between the vehicle rear, the area of the boot lid and the interior boasts a flowing design. Crystal white high-quality nappa leather creates an exciting contrast to the dark paint finish. The custommade fabric top with interwoven rose gold threads has been perfectly coordinated with the look of the vehicle. Interior: 360° open-air luxury lounge With the luxurious interior of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz demonstrates a new synthesis of intelligence and emotion. February 2019
At the same time, the designers have combined the unique tradition of the brand with a hitherto unknown hightech experience. The generous, flowing design idiom brings exterior and interior together in a holistic design. The formal flow of the areas from the rear into the interior gives rise to a typical yacht feeling. A light wing flows in a curve across the door trim and the centre tunnel into the seat landscape, creating a 360° open-air luxury lounge. The new "inside out" spatial design adds a particularly special feature. The sitting surface forms a horizontal plane, transitions into the vertical plane of the doors and finally becomes the underside of the dashboard wing. In addition to the flowing contours, the material composition produces a luxury experience of the highest order. Here, too, the interplay of the contrasts is both hot and cool. The brand's hallmark authentic materials and colours are used, such as rose gold on the trim elements, or the surfaces which come into contact with the skin, featuring a lavish, quilted crystal white nappa leather finish. In this luxury technique, familiar among other things from Chesterfield furniwww.IneedOEMparts.com
Traditional seat upholstery boasts a futuristic interpretation: each individual button of the quilting depicts a delicate Mercedes star, backlit in blue. The open-pore wood floor with inlaid aluminium underscores the lounge sensation and the connection to yachting. ture, the leather is put into folds in a diamond pattern and secured to the frame with buttons. In the case of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet, this traditional seat upholstery boasts a futuristic interpretation: each individual button of the quilting depicts a delicate Mercedes star, backlit in blue. The open-pore wood floor with inlaid aluminium underscores the lounge sensation and the connection to yachting. Above the 360° luxury lounge, the display strip links doors, dashboard and the rear area. All display elements are integrated into the continuous glass trim part. By way of contrast, classic round dials, such as the instrument cluster, are positioned prominently. The combination of digital displays with real needles is also totally on trend. By using "hyperanalogue" elewww.IneedOEMparts.com
ments, the designers are responding to the need of people to experience analogue luxury in what is an increasingly digital world. As a classic borrowing from aviation, three air vents are positioned beneath the wing which appear to float like engines. Another highlight comes courtesy of the floating, transparent centre tunnel, which visualises the drive system's electrical energy flow for the passengers by means of blue fibre optics. The main driving functions as well as information relevant to the location (e.g. restaurant recommendations or information on points of interest) are shown on the windscreen via two head-up displays. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet is designed to anticipate the needs of its passengers and to provide February 2019
the required information and solutions in real time. The user experience also combines ultimate luxury with intelligence. In addition to the touchonly control and intelligent navigation linked to the appointment calendar, another example is the Concierge function, it is possible to talk to the concierge like talking to a friend, i.e. freely, without using predefined voice commands. This enables full concentration of the tasks of driving. The latest generation of biometric sensors record the state of mind and health status of the passengers. Emission-free driving: electric drive system generating 550 kW (750 hp) The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is designed as an electric car. Thanks Maybach 6 Please Turn to Page 10 Southern Automotive Journal
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All-new Jeep® Wrangler: The Most Capable SUV Ever The 2018 Jeep® Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – builds on its legendary history with an unmatched combination of offroad capability, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, superior on- and off-road dynamics, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology features. “Jeep has always represented the ultimate in capability and open-air freedom, and our all-new 2018 Wrangler protects that important legacy and takes it into the future,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “The all-new Wrangler is instantly recognizable as a Jeep, staying true to the original, yet it is better in every way – delivering even more rugged capability, more ride comfort, more fuel efficiency courtesy of several advanced powertrain options, more interior comfort, more safety and more technology.” The 2018 Jeep Wrangler delivers legendary off-road capability courtesy of two advanced 4x4 systems, and for the first time in Wrangler’s history, a twospeed transfer case with full-time fourwheel drive and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio that is available on Sahara models. This new Selec-Trac full-time two-speed transfer case is intuitive and allows the driver to set it and forget it, while constantly sending power to the front and rear wheels. Wrangler Rubicon models offer improved articulation and total suspension travel versus the previous generation with help from an electronic sway-bar disconnect. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, Wrangler Rubicon has an impressive and improved crawl ratio of 84.2:1, and 77.2:1 on Rubicon models equipped with the new eight-speed automatic transmission – both of which makes scaling any obstacle on the trail easy. The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler builds on a sculptural design aesthetic that is immediately recognizable with its traditional Jeep design cues. Wrangler’s new exterior design is bold and rugged with a wide stance and lowered beltline with larger windows for better outward visibility, especially out on the trails. The Jeep design team gave the legwww.IneedOEMparts.com
The instrument cluster features a 3.5- or an available 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) information LED display. The 7-inch LED display allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways including current media being played, tire pressure, or digital speed readout. Integrated buttons on the steering wheel control audio, voice, and speed functions and allow the driver to keep their hands on the wheel at all times. endary seven-slot grille an updated look that now shows both of the outer grille slats intersecting with the headlights, paying homage to the Jeep CJ. The top of the keystone-shaped grille has been gently swept back for improved aerodynamics. On Sahara and Rubicon models, available LED headlamps and fog lamps offer crisp white lighting and add to the Wrangler’s distinctive look. These models feature daytime running lights that now form a halo around the outside perimeter of the headlights, and standard LED February 2019
forward turn signals are positioned on the front of the trapezoidal wheel flares. From behind, traditional square tail lamps feature available LED lighting. The windshield’s rake has been optimized for improved aerodynamics and features a new four bolt design at the top of the windshield’s frame to allow the windshield to fold down quickly and easily. A new header bar now connects the Wrangler Please to Turn Page 26 Southern Automotive Journal
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FCA US LLC Selects OEC RepairLink for their Mechanical Parts Marketing Program FCA US LLC has selected OEConnection LLC (OEC), the leading automotive technology provider for original equipment manufacturers' (OEM) distribution networks, for a comprehensive mechanical parts ordering and fulfillment program through the OEC RepairLink solution for use by franchised dealerships in the United States. With the addition of the FCA program, RepairLink now provides parts programs for all of the domestic OEM brands sold in the US and cover 63% of vehicles on the road. FCA is the ninth OEM that has incorporated OEC technology to offer competitive pricing programs through RepairLink to their mechanical repair shop customers. "With similar OEM programs, we have seen a significant lift in program/
competitive parts sales year over year," said Jon Palazzo, OEC Vice President & General Manager, Mechanical. "An OEM program also helps boost sales of nonprogram parts, as buyers will continue to use RepairLink to complete their orders." Another benefit to the program is that it builds loyal RepairLink customers, which benefits all OEM dealers using RepairLink. "Shops coming to RepairLinkShop.com to order program parts notice that the OE part prices are comparable to aftermarket parts across the board, so they end up ordering more OE parts at the best available price," Palazzo said. "The number of active shops using RepairLink has almost doubled across the US the past two years, and our dealer coverage has increased
45% within that same time period as shops continue to see more opportunities to buy OE through RepairLink." OEC technology solutions address critical problems across the OE parts ecosystem. RepairLink is the preeminent, online mechanical OE parts ordering solution, providing the mechanical repair market with best-in-class data and parts program capabilities. RepairLink currently boasts seven OEM programs, including the new program for FCA US dealers. Over 30,000 shops across the U.S. access the RepairLink application each month. RepairLink for independent repair facilities, along with CollisionLink for body shops, creates the industry's best solution suite to help dealers grow their wholesale parts business.n
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Fort Carson Soldiers Receive $12,000 Toolbox, Employment Offers as First Graduates of New Changing Lanes Program Innovative Program Eases Stress for Soldiers Transitioning from Military to Civilian Transitioning from a regimented military environment to the unpredictability of civilian life is one of the most stressful times for many soldiers. Four soldiers from Fort Carson graduated stress-free from Caliber Collision’s Changing Lanes Falcon Academy, armed with a $12,000 toolbox, a secure employment offer and new career in the fast-growing collision repair industry. Changing Lanes is an innovative, free training program for Fort Carson soldiers nearing the completion of their military service, to learn skills for a successful new career in the collision repair industry. Participants in 18-week Changing Lanes receive certification and employment opportunities prior to transitioning out of the U.S. Armed Forces. The first Changing Lanes Academy opened in 2017 with Ft. Bragg
The first Fort Carson graduates from Changing lanes Falcon Academy are (Left to right) Specialist Patrick Horn of Oakland, CA, Specialist Adrian Jimenez Cruz of Salinas, CA, Master Sergeant Robert Apfelbaum and Specialist McKinley Kerns, both of Colorado Springs in Fayetteville, North Carolina, followed by Ft. Hood in Killeen, Texas. With the addition of Fort Carson, Caliber Collision expects to train 300 Soldiers per year through Changing Lanes. Caliber Collision Centers is the larg-
est collision repair company in America with 651 I-CAR Gold Class Professional certified collision repair centers across 19 states. Caliber is consistently ranked among the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry and backs all repair work with a written, lifetime warranty available at any of its repair centers. n
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Maybach 6 From Page 5 to its four compact permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, it features all-wheel drive. The flat battery sits in the underbody. The drive system has an output of 550 kW (750 hp). This not only allows performance characteristics typical of a sports car (acceleration from 0‑100 km/h in under four seconds, top speed electronically governed at 250 km/h) but also a range of over 500 kilometres according to the NEDC (over 200 miles according to EPA). The quick-charge function is also visionary: as a result of DC charging based on the CCS standard, the system allows a charging capacity of up to 350 kW. In just five minutes enough power can be charged to achieve an additional range of around 100 kilometres. The wow effect: visionary show
cars with long-term prospects With its generous dimensions, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet (length/width/height: 5700/2100/1340 mm) continues the series of visionary design show cars from MercedesBenz. So far these include the Vision EnerG‑Force (Los Angeles, November 2012), AMG Vision Gran Turismo (Sunnyvale, 2013), Vision Tokyo (Tokyo 2015) and Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupé (Pebble Beach 2016). Thanks to the global nature of the MercedesBenz Design function, these concept vehicles take cues from local trends in design, culture and mobility and make these the focal point of the respective mobility concept. At the same time, these show cars are looking far into the future. Mercedes-Maybach: perfection blends with exclusivity Mercedes-Maybach stands for
the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality. The target group includes customers who place value on exquisite luxury, perfect workmanship and exceptional appointments. The latest vehicles include models launched in July 2017, namely the MercedesMaybach S 560 4MATIC, (fuel consumption combined: 9.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 209 g/km) and the S 650 (fuel consumption combined: 12.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 289 g/km), which blends the perfection of the Mercedes-Benz S‑Class with the exclusivity of Maybach. Limited to 300 examples, the Mercedes-Maybach S‑Class Cabriolet (fuel consumption combined: 12.0 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 272 g/km) is the first open-top Maybach for decades and a homage to open-top automotive refinement.n
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Subaru Certified Collision Network to Open Enrollment to Independent Collision Centers Nationwide Subaru of America, Inc. announced that the Subaru Certified Collision Network (SCCN), designed to ensure the proper training and equipment necessary to restore vehicles to original factory specifications, will open enrollment to independent collision centers across the country starting January 1, 2019. After a successful pilot in March 2018, and retailer enrollment in June 2018, Subaru is ready to begin adding independent collision centers to the newly formed Subaru Certified Collision Network. By adding more collision centers outside of the retailer network, Subaru will grow its footprint in the collision industry and better serve its owners by providing safe and proper repairs in more locations. Subaru has partnered with Wadsworth International's team of experienced business growth professionals to help administer the initiative; ensur-
ing that each collision center passes a rigorous audit and meets all necessary criteria. This includes I-CAR Gold Class certification, proper tools specifications, outstanding customer service, accurate documentation procedures, and the use of Genuine Subaru Collision Parts which are identically engineered to meet the same strict safety and quality standards as the Original Equipment (OE) used to manufacture the vehicle. One key differentiator that sets the SCCN apart from other vehicle manufacturers' certification programs is the requirement that all certified collision centers participate in at least one volunteer event throughout the year with a local 501(c)3 non-profit of their choosing. This aligns with the Subaru Love Promise which is the automaker's vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru and to
support its communities and customers nationwide. "Providing safe and proper repairs for our customers is the Subaru Certified Collision Network's top priority. We understand Subaru drivers love their vehicles; often purchasing for safety and handing beloved vehicles down to their children," said John Lancaster, National Wholesale Parts Manager, Subaru of America, Inc. "We believe we have a responsibility to ensure Subaru vehicles are fixed properly, so they remain as safe and reliable as the day they were purchased." For more information and to find a Subaru Certified Collision Center near you, visit www.subarucertifiedcollision. com. If you are a collision center interested in enrolling, email info@subarucertifiedcollision.com.n
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The Bmw i8 Roadster: Emotion-Stirring Design Promises an Intense Driving Experience Today, the allure of sustainable driving is poised to enter another new dimension as BMW introduced the BMW i8 Roadster matching BMW eDrive technology with the Ultimate Driving Machine. The BMW i8 Roadster takes the BMW i8’s combination of locally emissionfree mobility, high-caliber performance and adds the top- down driving experience. The Roadster offers a whole new sensation of freedom, opening the door to virtually silent driving with zero CO2 emissions and bringing an extra edge of purity to open-air driving. An optimized BMW eDrive technology means more power – total output increased to 369 hp (+12 hp), a refined high-voltage battery with increased capacity and range, the BMW i8 Roadster can cover up to 18 miles. in purely electric driving. With hybrid-specific all-wheel drive, combustion engine driving the rear wheels and the electric motor driving the front wheels, acceleration 0 to 60 mph takes just 4.2/4.4 seconds (preliminary) Coupe and Roadster respectively with both reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Vehicle concept and driving experience. The BMW i8 has performed the role of sports car of the future with extraordinary success since 2014. The progressively designed 2+2-seater doubles up as an eye-catching object of desire and a technological pioneer. Indeed, the BMW i8 has been the world’s best-selling hybrid sports car since it first hit the roads in 2014 and has collected an array of awards in recognition of its visionary design and trailblazing vehicle concept. The BMW i8’s plug-in hybrid drive system has won the International Engine of the Year Award three years in succession (2015 – 2017) and paved the way for the constantly expanding number of plug- in hybrid models from the BMW and MINI brands. The aluminum Drive module combines the powertrain, high-voltage battery, suspension, crash system and structural functions, while the Life module takes the form of a passenger cell made out of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster also benefits from a light-weight con14
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Innovative interior standard specification includes a sports steering wheel and multifunctional instrument display, plus Giga interior trim comprising full-leather upholstery.optional Halo interior trim featuring cloth/leather upholstery in a Carum/Dalbergia color scheme. struction, complete with low center of gravity and even weight distribution. The aerodynamically optimized exterior – with model-specific gullwing doors and a soft-top roof that also displays great visual lightness – is a fine exponent of the signature BMW i design language. The result is a two-seater boasting a distinctive and elegantly silhouette, and delivering an immediate promise of instantaneous power ready to be unleashed. February 2019
The BMW i8 Roadster: two-seater with electrically operated soft-top roof and additional on-board storage space. Passengers inside the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster can either enjoy the open sky or a high- quality, all-season fabric soft-top with additional soundproofing. The electrically operated convertible top, opens and closes in less than 16 secBMW i8 Turn to Page 16 www.IneedOEMparts.com
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BMW i8 From Page 14 onds and while the vehicle is in motion at up to 31 mph. The BMW i8 Roadster is alone among its rivals in offering owners a fabric soft-top which stows away into a perpendicular position in the rear when opened and therefore takes up very little space. The three segments of the roof fold vertically in a ‘Z’. Additional storage Powertrain, chassis and body. With its intoxicating blend of advanced BMW eDrive technology, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology internal combustion engine, sophisticated chassis technology, hybrid-specific all-wheel drive and rigorously applied lightweight design measures, the BMW i8 has come to epitomize the future of the Ultimate Driving Machine. Since its market debut in 2014, it has established itself as the world’s highest-selling plug-in hybrid sports car. It succeeds in melding sports car performance qualities with the sort of fuel economy and emissions usually associated with compact models. The LifeDrive architecture, meanwhile, ensures a perfect distribution of weight. The BMW i8 Roadster are pow16
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ered by a drive duo in the form of a hybrid synchronous electric motor and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology 1,499 cc 3-cylinder gasoline engine (228 hp and 236 lb-ft). The engine’s power is channeled to the rear wheels through a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, while the electric motor propels the front wheels via a two-speed automatic gearbox. The end result is a hybrid-specific all-wheel-drive system that glues the car to the road. A refined high-voltage battery and an electric motor with more power. The constant process of development has enhanced the performance capabilities offered by BMW’s eDrive technology. The energy capacity of the latest version of the model- specific lithium-ion battery is far greater, battery cell capacity having increased from 20 to 34 ampere hours (Ah) and gross energy capacity from 7.1 to 11.6 kilowatt hours (kWh, net energy capacity: 9.4 kWh). This advance is rooted primarily in advances made to the battery cell technology, which in turn stem from the BMW Group’s ever-increasing expertise in the field of electrical energy storage. These extra energy reserves have Jamuary 2019
made it possible to raise the electric motor’s peak output by 12 hp to 141 hp. In typical electric motor fashion, it generates its maximum torque of 184 lb-ft from standstill, which means it is ideally equipped to deliver razor-sharp responses to the slightest movement of the accelerator. The electric motor developed by the BMW Group also stands out with its consistent power delivery up to very high revs. The battery cells’ higher capacity means that the proportion of all-electric driving can be increased substantially, even in hybrid mode. With the default driving mode engaged, both the new BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster are capable of pulling away and reaching speeds of up to 65 mph purely on the electric motor’s power, making it possible to drive with zero local emissions. And if the eDrive button is pressed, the all-electric threshold of both models is increased to 75 mph. The new high-voltage battery benefits the electric range of the two plug-in hybrid sports cars too. The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster and BMW i8 Coupe can cover up to 18 miles in purely electric driving, BMW i8 Please Turn to Page 19 www.IneedOEMparts.com
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Certified Collision Group™ Adds 132 Locations for 2018 Now the Largest U.S. National Repair Network, Plans to Selectively Add 200 Locations in 2019 Certified Collision Group™ (CCG), the OE Certifications and KPI-focused solutions provider to the collision repair and insurance communities, announced that it will wrap up the year having added 132 U.S. locations in 2018, with plans to selectively add 200 OE Certified locations in 2019, extending CCG’s market reach to nearly 500 high-quality collision repair businesses across 40 states. CCG has scaled to the largest collision repair network in the nation with over $1.0B in collision repair revenues. Additionally, CCG continues to out-pace national chains in providing strategic insurance partners and consumers the opportunity to leverage the power of more than 1,500 OE certification badges within its national repair network.
“The accelerated pace of consolidation within our industry, including the recent Caliber-ABRA merger, continues to position CCG as the best long-term solution to the competitive challenges faced by independent owner-operators and CCG’s provider partners. Additionally, CCG’s market coverage, commitment to OE Certification and best-in-class KPI performance provides significant benefits to our strategic insurer clients”, stated Bruce Bares, President, and CEO of Certified Collision Group. Thomas Adams, CCG SVP and Managing Partner added, “We continue to reinvest in our platform, processes and people, staying firmly committed to our mission: Driving the successes of the best branded, best performing, OE Certified owner-operators by helping them compete on a more level playing field. The future remains bright for CCG
Affiliates and insurance partners, as our scale, OE Certifications and KPI performance positions CCG to more effectively compete in a rapidly consolidating industry that faces advancing structural, composition and technology-based repair requirements.” Certified Collision Group™ (CCG) provides non-intrusive competitive solutions to well-established OE certified automotive repair businesses with proven performance relative to advanced repair capabilities, customer satisfaction results and b2b client key performance indicators. CCG Affiliates benefit from CCG’s business development and scale-based supply chain that leads to increased revenues, profitability and stability. Consumers and insurers benefit from the repair and service capabilities of CCG’s OE certified Affiliates. For more information please visit www.certifiedcg.com. n
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BMW i8 from Page 16 almost 30 percent more than before. The i8’s combustion engine has also undergone further optimization to ready it for the new Coupe and Roadster. The turbocharged three-cylinder unit featuring direct injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing extracts a maximum output of 228 hp from its displacement of just 1.5 liters, plus peak torque of 236 lb-ft. It is pleasantly refined and generates a distinctive soundtrack that now has an even sportier note when its power reserves are called upon. The system output produced by the electric motor and gasoline engine acting in unison has increased to 369 hp in the new BMW i8 Coupe and firstever BMW i8 Roadster. The new BMW i8 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the first ever BMW i8 Roadster accelerates in 4.4 seconds Both models have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Combined fuel economy in everyday driving, both models return fuel economy and emissions figures that undercut those for conventionally powered sports cars with similar outputs by around 50 per cent, yielding approximately 70 MPGe. In hybrid mode, the electric motor provides a power boost to assist the engine when vigorous acceleration is required. The electric motor is also able
to recuperate energy and feed it to the high-voltage battery on the overrun and under braking. The gasoline engine’s high-voltage starter-generator can similarly generate additional reserves of electricity, thereby ensuring that sufficient energy is on tap at all times for the electric drive system in the new BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster. This blend of dynamism and efficiency is further honed by the intelligent energy management’s proactive function. When the navigation system’s route guidance function is activated, the energy management ensures the electric motor is employed as extensively and as wisely as possible from an efficiency point of view. The system analyses the route in full and prompts the powertrain management to run on purely electric power, particularly over low-speed sections of the journey. BMW i8 Roadster with model-specific chassis and body features. The high-end chassis technology in the new BMW i8 Coupe and first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is based on a doublewishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle, whose aluminum components have been engineered for optimum weight and rigidity using specific design techniques and production processes. Also standard on both models is Dynamic Damper Control. The bespoke tuning of the suspension and damping systems,
the specially configured steering characteristics, a firmer roll stabilization set-up and precise tweaks of the DSC parameters together ensure the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster boasts all of the plug- in hybrid sports car’s hallmark handling and performance qualities. The approach of making systematic use of lightweight design measures has been meticulously adapted to the specific requirements of the Roadster model. The open-top two-seater comes with newly designed frameless gullwing doors made from CFRP with analuminum outer shell, while the windscreen frame is made entirely from CFRP. This ultra- strong high-tech material is ideally equipped to provide exceptional rigidity, maximizing the car’s occupant protection in case of a roll-over situation. CFRP is also used to manufacture the side skirts with their extra-large crosssection. The skirts are a contributory factor in the body’s stiffness, as are the additional panels in the rear suspension and the specially designed struts for the front and rear axle. Thanks to the high-strength CFRP body, the chassis and body elements specific to the BMW i8 Roadster result in an extremely small weight gain when compared to other open-top models. The unladen weight of the new BMW i8 Roadster stands at 3,513 pounds, just 132 pounds more in approximate terms than that of the new BMW i8 Coupe.n
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CCC™ X Data Exchange Powers Telematics Innovations for State Auto Insurer is live with UBI and telematics-enabled claims, leveraging CCC's ecosystem and hyperscale platform CCC Information Services Inc. and its affiliates (CCC) announced that State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company (State Auto) is on the CCC™ X data exchange, activating a broad range of telematics capabilities in support of the insurer's vision to transform the policyholder experience through innovation. State Auto is using CCC X to connect with CCC ecosystem partners, including a major OEM, and to deliver usage-based insurance (UBI) programs and telematics-enabled claims, making it the first insurer in the industry to integrate crash event data into their CCC ONE® claims workflow. The CCC and State Auto relationship spans the carrier's Personal and Commercial lines of business. State Auto is a leading digital provider of property and casualty insurance, exclusively through independent agents. CCC is a leading Software as a Service provider to the automotive, insurance, and collision repair industries. "We're excited to extend our partnership with CCC as we move forward togeth-
er toward a more innovative future," said Paul Stachura, Senior Vice President/Chief Claims and Risk Engineering (CARE) Officer, State Auto. "Telematics is a strategic imperative for us. CCC's data exchange stands out as a way for us to quickly and easily access the data, providers, and applications needed to deliver exceptional experiences for customers, while creating efficiencies and bottom-line impact for our business." CCC X aggregates and normalizes connected data from a rich variety of sources including beacons, dongles, mobile applications, fleet and professional devices, and connected cars. Powered by the CCC ONE™ Platform, CCC X passes connected car data to customers on the CCC network through software-driven workflows that serve the automotive ecosystem. Data accessed via CCC X can be deeply integrated into existing insurer business operations for UBI programs, increased claims automation, and more. For State Auto, CCC X: Receives data streamed from multiple sources, including a major OEM and a third-party device provider. Within the
OEM program CCC has made available to the market, State Auto will use actual driving behavior to identify consumers to engage with by advertising discounted insurance policies. Ingests telematics data from enrolled vehicles and provides additional analytics to help identify when an enrolled State Autoinsured vehicle is involved in an accident. Information regarding the potential accident is shared automatically with a State Auto first notice of loss representative, initiating the first steps in a comprehensive claims experience. State Auto can use this data to inform its decision-making in real-time, including vehicle routing and preferred method of inspection (based on carrier guidelines). "CCC is proud to serve as the engine for State Auto's telematics and connected data efforts," said Naved Siddique, Group VP, Insurance Services Group for CCC. "We share their commitment to technology innovation and its power and impact on transforming the way insurance is delivered and serviced. We've worked with State Auto successfully for many years and are excited to help bring the full power of telematics to life." n
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The Jim Ellis Automotive Group Teams up with Clients to Raise Money for the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund. The Jim Ellis Automotive Group teams up with clients to raise money for the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund. Jim Ellis Automotive dealerships recently donated $10,600 to the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund (GBCCF) from money raised during Breast Cancer
Awareness Month. “It is our honor to work with Jim Ellis to help provide cancer patients with much needed services,” President of the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund Sheryl Cherico said. “The impact on these families is beyond words and we are proud
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to have Jim Ellis as a part of our team.” In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in October, Audi Marietta, Jim Ellis KIA of Kennesaw and Jim Ellis Volkswagen Kennesaw decided to give back to the community they serve. “This initiative was very important to me as my wife’s aunt passed away from breast cancer and also a longtime Jim Ellis Employee in my store is a survivor of breast cancer,” said Jim Ellis VW Kennesaw General Manager Steve Rotenstein. “I wanted to try and help as many as possible during this holiday season.” These three Jim Ellis Automotive dealerships, which each have multiple employees affected by breast cancer, joined forces to launch a campaign to raise money for the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund. “I initially came up with concept of my KIA store being involved with supporting the Breast Cancer Coalition, based on my awareness being heightened by one of my closest friends being diagnosed at a relatively young age (34) with breast cancer,” said Jim Ellis KIA of Kennesaw General Manager Terrence Liddell. “I met her and her twin sister in Graduate School and was deeply concerned for her life. Luckily her early diagnosis and treatment has led to a complete remission of the cancer causing cells in her body. “To aid in my efforts, I reached out to Randy and Steve and asked for their support in helping to continue to bring focus to this issue. Ultimately, my goal is for everyone to understand how important early diagnosis is to a successful recovery.” For the entire month of October, Audi Marietta and Jim Ellis KIA of Kennesaw donated $50 per new car sold and VW Kennesaw donated $25 per new and used car sold. For each car sold, the stores also displayed pink ribbons that had the customer’s name on it. Audi Marietta and Jim Ellis KIA of Kennesaw each raised $3,600 in donations and Jim Ellis VW Kennesaw raised $3,400, which resulted in the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund receiving a donation total Jim Ellis Please Turn to Page 25 Southern Automotive Journal
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Newly Unveiled Steel-Intensive Vehicles Make An Impression Many 2019 model year vehicles introduced in 2018 share a common attribute: an advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) structure. More than 65 AHSS-intensive vehicles debuted at major auto shows across the country this year. AHSS was represented in the composition of every vehicle segment and size, including the popular SUV, CUV and truck markets. "As vehicles evolve to become stronger, safer and more durable, high-strength steel continues to be the material of choice for automakers," said Dr. Jody N. Hall, vice president, automotive market, Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute. "Occupant protection is enhanced by using high-strength grades of steel in critical vehicle areas such as the frame and body. We are seeing more vehicles debut with predominantly steel structures because it is a proven, trusted and cost-effective material for automakers and consumers alike." SMDI survey results from earlier this year found 90 percent of consumers believe steel is stronger and more durable than other materials used by automakers. It was also revealed 75 percent of consumers regard safety as the most important factor when buying or leasing a vehicle, and automakers are meeting consumer safety standards by carefully designing their vehicles using high-strength steels.n
Here's what automakers and the media are saying about these notable vehicle debuts: 2019 Ram 1500 (finalist for 2019 North American Truck of the Year) Ninety-eight percent of the steel used in the frame is high-strength steel, making the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 the strongest ever High-strength steel use increased durability to deliver up to 12,750 pounds of towing capability and 2,300 pounds of payload 2019 Volkswagen Jetta (nominated for 2019 North American Car of the Year) Composed of 35 percent ultra-high-strength hot-formed steel, 12 percent ultrahigh-strength steel and 39 percent extra high-strength steel 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe (nominated for 2019 NA Utility Vehicle of the Year) The body is composed of 67 percent high-strength steel for added strength and reduced weight 2019 Kia Forte (nominated for 2019 North American Car of the Year) Composed of 54 percent advanced high-strength steel 2019 Chevrolet Silverado (finalist for 2019 North American Truck of the Year) The fully boxed steel frame is 88 pounds lighter than its predecessor, while offering 10 percent greater torsional rigidity Has a roll-formed, high-strength steel bed floor Eighty percent of the frame is made of high-strength steel 2019 Acura RDX (finalist for 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year) The body structure is composed of more than 50 percent high-strength steel increasing body rigidity and cabin quietness 2019 Jeep Cherokee To achieve lightweighting in the body, Jeep used of 65 percent hot stamped, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-class Thanks in part to high- and ultra-high-strength steels comprising the body, the new model lost 375 pounds Steel aided in rigidity and load-bearing functions of the vehicle 2020 Toyota Corolla Increased use of ultra-high-tensile steel for enhanced body rigidity and occupant safet Torsional rigidity is improved by 60 percent compared to its predecessor 2019 Subaru Forester Built on the Subaru Global Platform that uses extensive high-strength steel for long-lasting quality, enhanced crash safety and a quieter interior
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Mercedes Still Needs More Than 100 Certified Auto Body Shops to Reach Coverage Goal By John Huetter Mercedes collision manager Benito Cid last month said Mercedes only had 281 of the 400-420 certified collision repair facilities it wanted — a potential opportunity for repairers in certain markets. “We don’t have enough facilities on the program,” Cid said during the SCRS OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at SEMA. He declined in an interview after the panel to provide markets where Mercedes particularly needs shops, but he said the issue involved areas with too much work for the existing certified repair capacity, rather than areas lacking a certified shop altogether. You don’t want to tell a customer that a certified shop is best but make them wait a month for it, he said during the forum. Mercedes has a soft limit of two facilities in an area but will allow as many as will be needed, he said. Requirements Dealer sponsorship is required for the Mercedes program, a condition which led to a messy 2017 dispute between a
shop and a New York dealership which finally wrapped up in May. Cid said following the SEMA panel that it made sense to have sponsors, for the customers’ vehicles were ultimately coming to a Mercedes dealership anyway. Mercedes also requires certified shops to only use new OEM parts and buy them from their sponsor dealer, according to a brochure about certification. The certification network has three tiers: Base, Elite and Commercial Vehicles, according to Cid’s presentation. The Elite class is cleared to perform aluminum structural repairs and needs approved welders, Cid said. Mercedes also restricts its welded aluminum parts by drop-shipping them only to Elite shops. The Commercial designation generally requires a shop to have more space, and they’re also required to have either Base or Elite certification, according to Cid’s presentation. Cid said Mercedes has tried to make tool and equipment requirement compliance easier, but it won’t do the same for training.
“Training is our No. 1 priority,” he said. The company will even cover travel costs if the shop is far away. Anyone who works on a Mercedes needs a Mercedes ID and must meet minimum and ongoing training requirements. The facility needs either five trained staffers or 50 percent of its employees to have training — whichever is more, he said. Cid at the Nov. 1 session said Mercedes recently updated its training requirements for different roles and has informed its certified shops of the change. The new requirements can be seen in the chart below.Mercedes’ training also includes a requirement that technicians drive a vehicle to observe how advanced driver assistance systems behave, according to Cid. Then, Mercedes has them drive with a misaligned ADAS to see the difference and reinforce proper repairs, he said. He said technicians are more likely to understand the importance of a correct repair then. Oversight A shop is expected to look up repair procedures on every repair and keep a
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file showing they did so, according to Cid. Mercedes also expects the facility to provide a customer with signed proof it followed the procedures. Failure to do so could pose a liability issue, he said. Mercedes tells shops to look up the procedures anew online on every repair, for its engineers will find different ways of accomplishing the repair, according to Cid. “Technologies change,” he said. Unfortunately, the engineers don’t tell Cid when that happens; they just Jim Ellis From Page 21 of $10,600 to help patients with breast cancer. “When the opportunity was presented to participate in raising money for the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition, we did not hesitate,” said Audi Marietta General Manager Randy Pullen. “This is such an incredible organization that can help so many people who are directly affected by such a devastating disease.” The Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund is a non-profit education and advocacy organization that was founded in
change the instructions, he said. The only way to know is to look at the timestamp on the file, he said. He said he wished there was a feed of alterations, but that wasn’t the case. “It just changes,” he said. However, Cid also noted that sometimes so many things change that he could be flooded with notifications. Perks Besides the captive audience restricted aluminum parts brings to Elite shops,
certified repairers benefit from Mercedes promoting their businesses. The company recently launched the Collision Assistant feature on its “Mercedes me” app, according to Cid. Having facilities within a reasonable distance is important to the program’s success, he said. Mercedes has seen “pretty good usage” of the program already, he said. The company also offers customers free tows to certified shops, another incentive to use them.n
1994. The organization was formed when three breast cancer survivors came together for a common cause-to fight to eliminate breast cancer. The GBCCF is working to make a difference for the nearly 9,000 Georgians who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. “With the generous donation from Jim Ellis, the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition is able to provide groceries, transportation, and much needed services to patients fighting cancer in Georgia,” said Cherico. The Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund has been instrumental in breast
cancer education and advocacy. Through their collaborative efforts with the National Breast Cancer Coalition and other breast cancer advocates, dollars earmarked for breast cancer research have quadrupled and the fight to eradicate breast cancer has been brought to the forefront of the public’s awareness. “GBCC is working with patients at DeKalb and Emory to provide assistance to patients going through breast cancer,” Cherico said. “The unbelievable amount of money raised by Jim Ellis will allow us to help patients, and expand our reach to other hospitals in the state of Georgia.”n
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Wrangler Please From Page 7 A-pillars and stays in place even when the windshield is folded down. This allows the rearview mirror to remain in place even with the windshield folded. New lightweight, high-strength aluminum doors now feature the Torx bit tool size stamped directly onto the hinge to eliminate guessing which tool size is needed to remove the doors. As the only true open-air 4x4 SUV on the market, an all-new easy-to-use Sky One-Touch powertop strengthens Wrangler’s promise of utility and adventure by allowing occupants to retract the full-length open canvas roof with a push of a button Authentic interior design boasts premium features and technology The new 2018 Jeep Wrangler’s interior combines authentic styling, versatility, comfort and intuitive feature use. Precision craftsmanship and high-quality
materials are found throughout the cabin. The heritage-inspired center stack features a clean, sculpted form that complements the horizontal dashboard design and sports a finish dictated by the model choice. A hand-wrapped instrument panel features a soft-touch surface with accent stitching on Wrangler Sahara models. Functional features, including climate and volume control knobs, media charging and connectivity ports and Engine Stop Start (ESS) control are all sculpted for quick recognition and are easily within reach of the front-seat occupants. Inboard and outboard circular HVAC vents are surrounded by a platinum chrome bezel for a precise and premium yet rugged appearance with full functionality. Jeep functionality and versatility are celebrated in the center console and distinguished with metal-plated accents. A redesigned center console houses the gear shift selection, transfer case and
parking brake. Real bolts featured on the shifter, grab handles and frame the infotainment screen highlight genuine construction methods. The instrument cluster features a 3.5- or an available 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) information LED display. The 7-inch LED display allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways including current media being played, tire pressure, or digital speed readout. Integrated buttons on the steering wheel control audio, voice, and speed functions and allow the driver to keep their hands on the wheel at all times. A 7.0- or an available 8.4-inch touchscreen – the most advanced and largest display Uconnect system display ever offered on Wrangler – houses the fourthgeneration Uconnect system and now sits prominently atop the center stack. The fourth-generation Uconnect system Wrangler Please to Turn Page 32
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Online Car Dealership, Will Now Be Administering Full-Services Through Partnered Body-Shop
Through the new arrangement, Auto Group Collision will now be able to offer their clients everything from starting their lease, to helping with lease returns, as well as any accident issues. Signature Auto Group, New York City based online car dealership, offering a variety of makes and models, this week announced they will now be administering full-services through partnered body-shop, Auto Group Collision. Through the new arrangement, Auto Group Collision will now be able to offer their clients everything from starting their lease, to helping with lease returns, as well as any accident issues. "We are always looking for new
ways to extend our collision repair offerings and services, which is why we are so excited to be adding on the premiere services available through partner Signature Auto Group," said Dennis Roitman, of Auto Group Collision. "We want everyone to know they can now handle everything from lease negotiations and policies, to accidental problems, right on our platform." Auto Group Collision is a full-service collision repair facility that repairs cars back to the pre-loss condition, including limited lifetime warranties and 100% guarantee of the highest workmanship quality in the area. Presently, their services include 24/7 insurance
claims, lease return damage assessment, frame replacement and repairs, and now the new additional services that are offered full-time by Signature Auto Group. "After 12-years in business providing lease support and consultative feedback to everyone in the greater New York City region, we are always looking for new ways to extend our proprietary services," said Vladimir Shpigelman, Founder and CEO of Signature Auto Group. "We thank Auto Group Collision for this extended arrangement, and can't wait to support even more hardworking people with the leasing repair and assistance they deserve."n
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GMC Canyon Denali Elevates Midsize Truck Segment
Canyon features a unique chrome grille and specific 20-inch aluminum wheels; unique heated and ventilated front leather-appoined seats and additional special trim and content
The GMC Canyon is an midsize truck the segment and raises the bar for everything from horsepower and efficiency to refinement . “The Canyon is the segment’s premium midsize truck, delivering classleading capabilities with the brand’s signature refinement,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “It’s an efficiently sized, maneuverable package for customers who want the cargo-hauling and trailering versatility of a truck without the size of a full-size pickup.” Based on a proven global architecture and engineered for the unique demands and driving conditions of North American drivers, the new Canyon offers the segment’s best horsepower – 200 horsepower (149 kW) from a standard 2.5L I-4 and 305 horsepower (227 kW) from an available 3.6L V-6 – along with an available maximum trailering rating (when properly equipped) of 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg). Customer-focused technologies include available OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, segment-first available driver alert features such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning and a standard rear-vision camera. Designed for capability, comfort 28
Southern Automotive Journal
and refinement Inside and out, the Canyon is pure GMC, with a quiet, refined interior distinguished by premium materials and a commanding exterior presence that emulates the technology-infused design. Bold front-end styling incorporates the standard projector beam headlamps and GMC’s LED signature lighting. Three body configurations are offered: An extended cab model with a six-foot two-inch bed, a crew cab with a five-foot two-inch bed, and a crew cab with a six-foot two-inch bed. With the tailgate down, the longer bed allows eight-foot-long items to be hauled within the vehicle. Work and lifestyle accessories were developed in tandem with the Canyon to match the truck’s capabilities with integrated functionality and designs the complement its distinctive styling. The lineup includes the all-new, patent-pending GearOn™ system and a variety of accessories designed to make cargo hauling easier and more convenient, as well as exterior styling enhancement and interior items. The GearOn™ system is designed to fit perfectly within the bed, for significant storage and hauling flexibility. February 2019
It is upgradable, with modular cargo dividers and tiered storage to accommodate 4 x 8-foot sheets of plywood above the wheelhouses. It also uses the box’s four permanent and 13 tiedown provisions to allow for a variety of secure and convenient cargo stowage options. The interior of the Canyon is designed to be comfortable and well equipped, while delivering the connectivity features that are essential for customers with active lifestyles. The cabin also boasts exceptional attention to detail and premium materials such as soft-touch materials and aluminum trim on the instrument panel of SLE and SLT models. The GMC Canyon delivers the capability expected of a GMC truck, including offering a greater maximum payload – 1,620 pounds (735 kg) – than competitors and the segment’s best trailering rating: 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg), when properly equipped. A fully boxed perimeter frame which provides the strength to support its capabilities, and a ride designed to be smooth and quiet. Like the full-size Denali Please Turn to Page 30 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Gwinnett Place Ford (770) 813-6825 (866) 665-9318 (770) 662-6156 3230 Satellite Blvd. Duluth GA 30096
Denali From Page 28 Sierra’s frame, the Canyon’s comprises three sections – or bays – with specific strength and support characteristics, including a front bay made of hydroformed side rails and an integrated four-point front axle mounting system designed to reduce vibration. A coil-over-shock front suspension and the segment’s first electric power steering system help give the Canyon a very responsive driving quality, with a very direct feel to driver inputs. The front suspension uses aluminum steering knuckles that are low in mass and high in strength, contributing to the responsive driving experience and enhancing efficiency. The electric power steering system also enhances efficiency because it does not draw power from the engine. Additionally, the Canyon has a tight turning radius of 41 feet (12.6 meters), making it easier to maneuver when parking or backing into tight spots, such as garages or campsites. The rear axle is available with the GM’s venerable “G80” locking differential, which gives drivers a traction advantage when needed and everyday comfort when it’s not. It reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces. Without driver input of any kind, the rear axle engages when a wheel speed difference of 100 rpm or more is detect-
With customers who also own or likely transitioned out of a car, the Canyon’s interior design blends elements of its full-size sibling, the Sierra, with those typically found in more personal vehicles such as sports coupes – including standard front bucket seats and a center console with a floor-mounted shifter. ed between the left and right wheels, providing instant traction for confident driving. During normal driving conditions, the differential functions as a conventional light-bias limited-slip axle. The G80 axle is available on SLE and SLT, and standard with the AllTerrain package. Canyon is also offered with AutoTrac automatic four-wheel drive. It’s
a segment-exclusive feature, employing an electronically controlled, twospeed transfer case that allows the driver to shift from 2WD to 4WD. The driver can select four modes, 2WD, Auto, 4WD HI, or 4WD Lo. By selecting Auto mode, the transfer case will operate in 2WD and will automatically apply traction to the front wheels (4WD) when the vehicle senses wheel slippage.n
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Wrangler From Page 24 enhances the user interface and system performance with quicker start up times and improved screen resolution. A 5.0inch touchscreen is standard on Wrangler Sport. Proven body-on-frame design is the foundation for legendary Jeep capability The 2018 Jeep Wrangler receives a multitude of improvements to optimize ride, handling and sound characteristics, while reducing weight and improving fuel economy. Utilizing a body-onframe design, and featuring a superbly engineered five-link suspension system, Wrangler delivers even more capability, with improved on-road driving dynamics and passenger safety. To protect critical vehicle components while on the trail – including the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan – Wrangler employs four skid plates and bars. Rubicon models benefit from the use of heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails to curtail potential body damage inflicted while out on the trail. The use of lightweight, highstrength aluminum closures, including the doors, door hinges, hood, fender flares, windshield frame and magnesium swing gate, help reduce weight and boost fuel economy. Other ways the Jeep engineering team looked to reduce weight included using hollow track and stabilizer bars, aluminum engine mounts and steering gear, and a larger, lighter master cylinder.
The only true open-air 4x4 SUV on the market, an all-new easy-to-use Sky One-Touch powertop strengthens Wrangler’s promise of utility and adventure by allowing occupants to retract the full-length open canvas roof with a push of a button The all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with eTorque technology is rated a best-in-class 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque and mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I-4) engine’s torque output surpasses that of the V-6 engine offered in Wrangler. The all-new eTorque system improves fuel economy, launch performance, and driver comfort during start/stop operations. The eTorque system’s hybrid functions include auto stop/start, electric power assist, extended fuel shut-off, transmission shift management, intelligent battery charging and regenerative braking. Both the engine and fuel flow may be turned off during stops, coasting or when the engine is decelerating.
Jim Ellis KIA of Kennesaw
The all-new 2.0-liter I-4 engine features a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger with an electronically actuated waste gate for exceptional responsiveness and performance, even while traversing over difficult terrain. The turbo is mounted directly to the cylinder head to improve durability. A dedicated cooling circuit lowers the temperature of the intake air, throttle body and turbocharger. Direct injection, coupled with turbocharging, enables more efficient combustion and increased performance. The 2.0-liter I-4 engine’s fuel pump supplies the engine’s 2,900-psi high-pressure commonrail injection system. These high pressures produce better fuel atomization and allow for more precise fuel delivery than port fuelinjection systems, which in turn improves both performance and efficiency.n
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Ford to Bring OEM Auto Body Repair Certification In-House, Add Hotline, Visits, KPIs By John Huetter Ford announced Monday it would bring its certified collision repair program in-house next year and introduce new elements to the program, including the eventual incorporation of KPIs. The numerous shops certified under the current Ford National Body Shop Network administered by Assured Performance will have to reapply for the new Ford Certified Collision Network. Assured Performance, which allowed the Ford-certified shops a chance to easily add other OEMs’ certifications, will no longer be affiliated with the Ford program following the 2019 changeover. The Assured Program Ford program will, however, continue in Canada. Ford global collision business and strategy manager Jennifer Boyer said Ford’s philosophy was for its owners to have “quality, safe” repairs with OEM procedures and parts. It felt an opportunity to support this philosophy was to bring certification in-house. She said the importance of being ready for the future and the speed of industry evolution helped prompt that decision. Managing the program itself ensured Ford was ready for the future and had the necessary flexibility “to be nimble,” Boyer said. Another consideration: “We want to be close to repairers,” she said. Handling certification in-house offered
direct lines of communication to auto body shops and offered the opportunity to support repairers. “We are committed to delivering quality and safe collision repairs,” Boyer said in a statement. “The evolution of our collision repair certification program demonstrates this commitment and represents our desire to manage the program internally and include new benefits to certified repairers.” Boyer called the change “very positive” for owners, repairers and Ford. The existing Ford-certified repairers will be grandfathered into the new program temporarily, remaining on it until their renewal dates in 2019, according to Boyer. At that time, they would need to be approved by the new program. Assured Performance’s obligation to the shops and program ends Dec. 31; the grandfathered shops will be overseen by Ford starting Jan. 1. Contacted Monday, Assured Performance CEO Scott Biggs said his company had alerted their shops with the change in an email. He said in a statement: “We are staying true to our vision and the commitment we have made to the industry. Our offering to our Certified Repair Providers will actually be enhanced going forward. Assured Performance will continue to support all of our Network shops that selected the Ford Body Shop Program option
… and ensure they have a great choice moving forward. As each shop reaches their anniversary date, they will have options. ” Biggs said in a statement. “The changes will bring greater focus, support and significant improvements to Ford’s vehicle owners while enabling Assured Performance to strengthen our service to our certified network, insurers, Industry Suppliers, and the consumer. All of our Certified Repair Providers will continue to receive multiple OEM Certifications/Recognitions along with ShopOps, OE-QC, eLobby, business development tools, local press releases, and a wide range of marketing and promotional assets. And, now they will be able to offer ‘Certified Repairs’ under our new program being rolled out in 2019.” “Our team has done an amazing job and we are very proud of the work we did to overcome all of the numerous obstacles and litany of conflicts to build a Ford collision repair technically capable network with the intro of the aluminum F150,” Biggs also said. “We are looking forward to continuing to work with Ford and all other OEMs, insurers, industry suppliers, and the repair community to make a documented ‘Certified Repair’ a pervasive option for all vehicle makes and models. We are supportive of any efforts to improve programs and strengthen the deliverable to shops and the consumer. Reprinted with permission Copyright © 2019. DRIVEN COMMUNICATIONS INC. All Rights Reserved.n
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