This week’s most impactful OEM headlines, including:
- Ford forces buyers to ‘apply’ for its $400K GT supercar
Evidently, Ford has made such an awesome version of the GT, you now have to fill out an application to become an owner. USA Today reports, besides the application, prospective owners will need to come up with the cash to buy it as well. Ford estimates it as being in the mid-$400,000 range. The company is now asking customers to fill out an application. - GM Phasing Out Vehicles Without Airbags
GM is phasing out vehicles without airbags. The Detroit Bureau says GM plans to spend about $5 billion to bring its worldwide fleet up to higher safety standards. All models worldwide will offer airbags, and safety features by 2019. - Jaguar Land Rover just launched its own tech start-up
CNBC reported that Jaguar Land Rover announced its own tech start-up and hopes to conform to the quickly-changing-demands of existing and new customers. The automaker says in-motion will build apps and develop on-demand services, which are expected to be implemented in North America in the next few months. - Reports: FCA sees Ford, Toyota, VW as possible partners
Fiat Chrysler’s CEO Sergio Marchionne has people speculating that there could be an eventual merger with a major automaker. The Detroit Free Press says Marchionne told reporters in Amsterdam that he sees Ford, Toyota and Volkswagen as potential partners for a big auto-industry merger.
