Don't Bogart My Blog: Wheels: Amazon Invests in Rivian, a Tesla Rival in Electric Vehicles

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Friday, February 15, 2019

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Amazon Invests in Rivian, a Tesla Rival in Electric Vehicles

Rivian first showed its electric truck at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The key feature of each is a chassis that is shaped like a skateboard and includes all the components that propel the vehicles, including a large battery pack. Mike Blake/Reuters

By NEAL E. BOUDETTE

The deal is the latest example of how the auto industry is being reshaped by new technologies and nimble companies that have raced ahead of many traditional carmakers.

The Ferrari Portofino (starting around $212,000) features a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 591 horsepower.

Tom Voelk

Supercars That Will Still Put a Big Dent in Your Wallet but Not Drain It

By TOM VOELK

A car more super than the Lamborghini you once pinned to your wall can be had for half of what that Countach cost — obviously not cheap, but down from the stratosphere.

Chris Philpot

When the Windshield Helps Drive the Car, a Repair Isn't So Simple

By JOHN R. QUAIN

As vehicles rely more and more on sensors that are integrated with other parts, tuning them properly can be a life-or-death matter.

Many states have such weak lemon laws that consumers face a tough time getting a fair deal, according to the Center for Auto Safety.

Greg Miller for The New York Times

For Car Buyers Who Got a Lemon, State Laws Vary Widely

By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN

New Jersey has the best, Illinois the worst, and far too many fail consumers, according to a study from the Center for Auto Safety.

Sarah Quismondo and Alberto Ayala at an Our CarShare location in Sacramento.

Bradley Berman for The New York Times

Are Electric Cars Only for the Rich? Sacramento Is Challenging That Notion

By BRADLEY BERMAN

With funding from a surprising source, Volkswagen, California is making sure low-income communities have the chance to gain access to electric vehicles.

What's on Your Car? Winter Tires, We Hope

All-season tires, despite their name, fall one season short if it's a season of heavy snow. Jake May/The Flint Journal, via Associated Press

By NORMAN MAYERSOHN

All-season tires can indeed be driven all year, but for maximum control and safety, there's no substitute for tires that provide strong traction in snow. Here's why you need them.

News

Honda will close its plant in Swindon, England, in 2021.

Honda Confirms Plan to Leave Britain as Brexit Looms

By AMIE TSANG

The Japanese automaker, which employs 3,500 at its Swindon, England, plant, is set to close the site by 2021.

Carlos Ghosn Is Losing Millions in Renault Compensation

By LIZ ALDERMAN AND MAKIKO INOUE

The board's vote comes as Mr. Ghosn hires a star lawyer in Japan to defend him against charges of financial wrongdoing.

Jean-Dominique Senard, left, the new chairman of Renault, and Thierry Bolloré, the new chief executive, at the French automaker's headquarters on Thursday.

Renault Names New Leaders to Replace Carlos Ghosn

By LIZ ALDERMAN AND HIROKO TABUCHI

The French carmaker will focus on easing tensions within the world's biggest auto alliance, and may seek to install one of its own executives as the chairman of Nissan.

Tesla's chief executive, Elon Musk, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the company's Gigafactory in Shanghai this month.

Tesla Profit Declines, but Musk Says Cash Position Is Strong

By NEAL E. BOUDETTE

The electric-car maker reported a jump in sales and revenue and said it would have enough cash to pay off bonds coming due in March.

Ford Rangers at an auto show in Los Angeles in November. As part of an alliance, Ford will make a compact pickup, based on the Ranger, that it and Volkswagen may sell under their own names in South America, Africa and Europe.

Ford and VW Team Up, With Talk of Driverless and Electric Cars

By NEAL E. BOUDETTE

The automakers will develop and build pickup trucks and vans for various markets while pursuing wider cooperation on advanced technologies.

WIRECUTTER

There are precautions you can take to stay safe while driving in winter.

What to Take on Your Winter Road Trip

By WIRECUTTER STAFF

Thanks to many winters spent driving in the Rockies, the Sierra Nevada and icy New England, we have recommendations to keep you safe and warm on the road.