Nissan Maxima wins best interior design

ACDelco display at the Automechanika show in Dubai.

Harald Kruger: Planning a strategy for BMW growth.

Ford trucks now use aluminum structure.

Nissan Maxima interior: One of the top 10 in the world.

• Nissan Maxima was named the all-new 2016 as one of the “10 Best Interiors” for 2016.
The Maxima features a bold new exterior design and a premium-crafted interior anchored by a command central fighter jet-inspired driver’s cockpit that rivals luxury vehicles.
Maxima was chosen among a field of 47 nominees with all-new or significantly improved cabins, including 15 sedans.
Also included among the “10 Best” nominees were the freshened Nissan Altima and all-new Nissan TITAN full-size pickup.
The Maxima was honored at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference on May 11 in Detroit.
Now in its eighth generation, the flagship Maxima sedan was noted by the editors of WardsAuto for being the ideal front-wheel-drive sport sedan with a warm, inviting interior that competes with significantly more expensive vehicles from luxury brands.

• General Motors’ ACDelco — a global leader in replacement parts and related services — came out in full force on the first day of Automechanika Dubai 2016, showcasing its entire line-up of products ranging from batteries and oils to window films, spark plugs, filters, wiper blades, chemicals and brakes.
At the General Motors-sponsored event, ACDelco launched its innovative new battery, which utilizes a stamped grid technology that improves battery strength and power, and requires zero maintenance.
The battery is specially designed to suit the extreme climatic conditions of the Middle East. 
ACDelco’s participation in Automechanika Dubai 2016 — recognized as the Middle East and Africa’s largest international automotive aftermarket trade show — coincides with its 100th anniversary milestone and caps off an incredible year of growth for the brand.

• The BMW Group continued to steer a successful course at the beginning of an important year of centenary celebrations by posting new highs for sales volume and earnings in the first quarter of 2016.
“Our first-quarter performance is further proof of our ability to generate positive earnings with our core business, despite a volatile environment,” stated Harald Kruger, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG.
“The decisive factor for us is not short-term profit but sustainable, profitable growth. From this position of strength, we intend to play a pioneering role in transforming and shaping the world of individual mobility going forward.”
The BMW Group presented its “Strategy Number ONE > NEXT” in March, setting the framework for its continued commitment to drive the change of the future mobility.

• Ford’s F-150 was displayed at the AluSolutions international conference and exhibition in Abu Dhabi recently, showcasing Ford’s commitment to sustainability in end-use applications of recycled aluminum.
The toughest, smartest, most capable and safest F-150 ever is also the greenest F-150 — thanks to advanced materials like high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy.
Ford recycles as much as nine million kilograms of aluminum stamping scrap per month using the closed-loop system at Dearborn Stamping Plant, which provides parts to build F-150 at Ford’s Dearborn Truck and Kansas City Assembly Plants.
Opting for aluminum over steel in new automobile construction is the best way to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, according to Oak Ridge National Lab.