Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) delivered 71 jets in the fourth quarter of 2020, of which 28 were commercial aircraft and 43 were executive jets (23 light and 20 large), which represents a decrease of 10 aircraft in the quarter in comparison with 4Q19.The Company delivered a total of 130 jets in 2020, comprised of 44 commercial aircraft and 86 executive jets (56 light and 30 large), which represents a decrease of almost 35% compared to 2019, when 198 jets were delivered.
Although deliveries accelerated during the fourth quarter of 2020 relative to the three previous quarters, they were heavily impacted, mostly in commercial aviation, due to COVID-19 pandemic. As of December 31, the firm order backlog totaled USD 14.4 billion.
During 4Q20, Embraer Executive Jets delivered the first of the Praetor 600 fleet to Flexjet, the Praetor fleet launch customer. The business unit also announced a collaboration with Porsche to create Duet, a limited-edition Embraer Phenom 300E aircraft and Porsche 911 TurboS car pairing.
In commercial aviation, the Belarusian national air carrier Belavia took delivery of its first E195-E2 jet. Congo Airways placed a firm order for two E195-E2 jets, in addition to their existing two aircraft order for the smaller E190-E2. This new firm order was included in Embraer’s 2020 fourth quarter backlog.
Embraer Defense & Security delivered the fourth C-390 Millennium multi-mission medium airlifter to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in the fourth quarter. All 28 units of the aircraft ordered by FAB are equipped to perform aerial refueling missions, with the designation KC-390 Millennium. Embraer also delivered the first two modernized EMB 145 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft, designated E-99, to FAB. Three additional E-99 aircraft will be modernized as part of the contract.
Embraer announced the completion and delivery of the first European conversion of a Legacy 450 to a Praetor 500 for an undisclosed customer. The conversion was performed at the Embraer Executive Jets Service Center at Le Bourget International Airport, in Paris, France.
WASHINGTON – At Amtrak, we want to show customers how much we love them by offering a Valentine’s Day Buy One Get One Free Sale. Thursday, February 11, through Tuesday, February 16, customers can purchase one ticket and bring a companion along for free for nationwide travel between February 22 and August 27, Customers can receive discounted tickets by using the code C214 at checkout or at amtrak.com/vdaysale.
Customers can skip the flowers and chocolates this year and take advantage of the Amtrak Loves You, limited-time offer to buy one ticket and get another one free for a future getaway, through August. Travel is available on select trains nationwide including the Auto Train, Northeast Regional, Acela, Southwest Chief, Empire Builder, California Zephyr and many other popular routes throughout the country. Two customers can make it a date and travel together for as low as:
Route
Fare
Cities
Fare
Chicago – Milwaukee
$25
New York – Chicago
$112
Oklahoma City – Fort Worth
$31
Lorton – Sanford
$115*
Albany – New York
$45
Los Angeles – Seattle
$126
New York – Philadelphia
Coach: $46 Acela: $81
Charlotte – New York
$126
Philadelphia – Washington, DC
Coach: $46 Acela: $92
Washington, DC – Atlanta
$132
New York – Providence
Coach: $50 Acela: $94
Philadelphia – Savannah
$140
Boston – New York
Coach: $58 Acela: $98
Washington, DC – New York
Coach: $74 Acela: $128
Fares will vary by train
*Plus the cost of your vehicle
Before traveling on Amtrak, customers should review state-specific travel advisories and restrictions that may be in place for various destinations. Once onboard, Amtrak customers can enjoy the freedom to use their phones and electronic devices (no “airplane mode”), large spacious seats with ample leg room, no middle seat and one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry.
Amtrak is leading the way by setting a new standard of travel with enhanced safety and cleaning measures. In an effort to simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contact-free and convenience measures have been implemented into every part of the customer journey, including:
Face Coverings: Per federal law and Amtrak policy, all customers and employees must wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose, fits snugly against the side of the face, and secures under the chin at all times while onboard and in stations. Neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas, face shields, and masks containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind do not qualify as acceptable face coverings. Face masks can be removed briefly while actively eating, drinking or taking medication. Children under 2 years old are not required to wear a face covering. Refusing to wear a mask is a violation of federal law; passengers may be subject to penalties under federal law, denied boarding, removed from the train and banned from future travel in the event of noncompliance.
Enhanced cleaning: Amtrak has enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols at stations and onboard our trains.
Air Quality: All trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.
Physical distancing: Signage has been displayed at our busiest stations to indicate safe distances in high traffic areas. In addition, protective plastic barriers have been installed at customer counters at our busiest stations.
This sale is valid for one free companion rail fare traveling on the same reservation as one full adult fare. Adults must travel together and be booked in the same reservation. Upgrades to Acela First Class, and non-Acela Business Class are valid upon payment of full accommodation charge. Upgrades to sleepers are not permitted. This offer is not combinable with any other discount offer. All prices will be automatically discounted from the standard fare when accessing this promotion at amtrak.com/vdaysale or by using the discount code (C214) when booking their trip. Other terms and conditions apply.
On Monday morning, February 8th 2021, Tesla disclosed in a SEC filing that it had invested $1.5 Billion in Bitcoin, the most commonly known form of cryptocurrency. The company also noted that it is planning to accept bitcoin as a form of payment for its cars, though it did note that there could be some regulatory uncertainty involved with the payments. Following news of the investment, bitcoin prices jumped about 7% to more than $40,000 per coin.
Tesla’s filing shows that earlier this year it amended its investment policy to provide more flexibility to maximize and diversify assets and returns on cash that was not required to maintain adequate operating liquidity. The statement showed that it would have the option of putting its cash in certain alternative reserve assets, including digital assets, gold bullion, gold exchange-traded funds, and other assets as specified moving forward.
I guess we will have to stay tuned to find out what more the future may hold for Elon Musk. Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) certainly has become anything but your average stock over the last couple of years!
The Lexus LC 500 needs no formal introduction. It greets all encounters with a growl from its powerful 471-horsepower naturally aspirated V8 engine. Its artfully chiseled lines and refined curvature marry luxury and performance in a way that only Lexus can. The new 2021 LC 500 Inspiration Series takes the grand-touring coupe to the next level with an aviation-inspired design that will land in dealerships later this winter.
Inspiration Takes Flight
The new LC 500 Inspiration Series, the fifth on the LC platform, takes cue from a partnership between air race pilot Yoshihide Muroya and Lexus engineers. The Lexus team worked on ways to create efficiencies for Muroya’s aircraft for everything from the grip design of the control column to maximizing aerodynamics efficiencies using testing data learned on Lexus automobiles. The partnership ultimately assisted Muroya on his path to winning the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championships.
With some of the same engineers who built the Lexus LFA supercar on board, Lexus took a unique approach to the aerodynamic efficiencies of Muroya’s airplane by turning a preconceived concept on its head – literally. They found that taking an airplane wing and flipping it upside down created vortices that improved maneuverability and efficiency at the wingtips. After the team was able to prove their theory on Muroya’s aircraft through testing and competition success, the Lexus team then aimed to employ that knowledge onto the LC by creating an automotive wing prototype built from aluminum. The team knew the final version, which would span nearly six feet in width, would need to be light, durable and warp resistant. Carbon-fiber, the same material employed on Muroya’s aircraft, seemed like the appropriate material. Yet creating a carbon-fiber wing that large, much of which would be done by hand, would be a great challenge – but it’s one the engineers took head-on.
In the end, the engineering team created an exquisite carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) spoiler that meets the demanding production quality expected of Lexus vehicles. The wing serves as the defining attribute of the new LC Inspiration Series, following the trailing edge arc of the trunk and uniquely defined with two downturned winglets on either end. The winglets, of course, are fully functional and create a vertical vortex that helps smooth out the turbulence generated from airflow along the car’s flanks.
Limited Engagement
The 2021 LC 500 Inspiration Series certainly has an interesting backstory, but its aerial inspiration is only part of the narrative. With only 100 units available, the latest Inspiration Series is a limited edition of the highest order.
Standing apart from the standard LC 500, a magnificent vehicle in its own right, the 2021 Inspiration Series is accented with a combination of features not found on any other LC package. The limited-edition vehicle is offered in one exterior color, the superbly dark Obsidian, which is paired with bold and beautiful 21-inch black forged-alloy wheels that fill out the wheel wells. An eye-catching carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof is standard, and it proves to be the perfect complement to the carbon-fiber rear air wing spoiler.
The LC 500 Inspiration Series also gains some additional enhancements in driving performance thanks to the Torsen limited slip differential. The high-capacity torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential efficiently distributes engine power to the rear axle, helping to optimize traction, handling and control in a variety of conditions. The standard Yamaha rear performance rod with damper, an available option on other LC models, provides added rigidity to the suspension package.
Stepping inside, the serialized badge on the center console immediately identifies the limited nature of the vehicle and its sequence of the 100 produced. The cabin is adorned with black Alcantara-trimmed sport seats that feature elegant Saddle Tan accents and seat belts. The steering wheel and shift lever are also accented in black Alcantara trim. A carbon-fiber scuff plate accents the door, and once inside driver and passengers can bask in the sound of the standard Mark Levinson 13-speaker 915-watt Reference Surround Sound Audio system.
The LC Inspiration Series also comes standard with a large color Head-Up Display (HUD) that projects a range of information onto the bottom of the windshield glass. Relevant information can be displayed to the driver without taking their focus from the road such as: road speed, gear, engine speed; turn-by-turn directions; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control status; Pre-Collision System; Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Alert; master warning indicator; information icons; clearance sonar.
Standard on the Inspiration Series is the SmartAccess Card Key, which operates all of the same SmartAccess systems as a key fob without the manual button operation. Users can simply place the Card Key on their person and use the SmartAccess system to unlock/lock the doors by grasping the outside door handle and start the vehicle once inside. Each SmartAccess Card Key also comes equipped with a backup mechanical key to unlock the doors in the event the battery is depleted.
Key Evolutions for 2021
The LC 500 Inspiration Series benefits from the same updates to the standard LC 500 for 2021. Lexus engineers were able to trim 22 pounds of unsprung weight from the vehicle, which is highlighted by the use of aluminum lower suspension arms, lighter suspension stabilizers with a hollow design and revised diameter, new high-strength coil spring material, and lighter 21-inch rear wheels.
With unsprung weight reduced, the LC’s suspension was refined to provide a smoother, softer stroke for an enhanced connection to the road. This was accomplished with adjustments to the electronic absorber controls of the front suspension to increase the length of the stroke. Engineers then optimized the bound stopper rigidity to help create a smoother overall suspension stroke. Rear stabilizer rigidity was enhanced to aid front turn-in ability to provide more linear steering input.
Vehicle control at mid- to high-speed ranges are enhanced thanks to the 2021 LC’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system gaining Active Cornering Assist (ACA). This system helps with cornering by providing brake control to the inner wheels based on G-force and lateral acceleration demands during spirited driving.
High Performance
Upon startup, thundering through the variable Active Exhaust, the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 issues a full-throated engine note as a call to driving enthusiasts. The LC 500 has an output of 471 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The LC is also capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and has an EPA estimated 25 mpg rating on the highway.
Other key enhancements for the 2021 model were made to the 10-speed automatic Direct-Shift transmission on the V8-powered LC 500, as the shift logic was updated to help provide improvement for daily driving in what engineers refer to as the “active zone,” or the area where most drivers find themselves at in the 50-70% throttle range. The Direct-Shift transmission allows engine RPM to expand in this range to accentuate the feeling of acceleration before shifting into the next gear.
Lexus Enform for Safety and Convenience
Lexus Enform Safety Connect comes with a three-year trial with access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365. With Lexus Enform Service Connect, complimentary for the first 10 years, the vehicle can send alerts for specific factory recommended maintenance, simultaneously alerting a preferred Lexus dealer. The Lexus App can be used to set push-reminders and alerts for maintenance and service issues. The Lexus Enform Remote (three-year trial subscription included) mobile app lets you lock and unlock doors, start the engine and climate controls, check the fuel level, and more all through your smartphone, smartwatch or Amazon Alexa–enabled devices at home.
Advanced Safety Features and Driver Support
Lexus Safety System+ comes standard on the 2021 LC 500. Lexus Safety System+ features Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist. Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is standard and includes features such as Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Pedestrian Detection. All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is also included, as is Intelligent High Beam that will default to high-beam mode when the road ahead is clear but will temporarily switch to low beams when headlamps or taillamps are detected.
Intuitive Parking Assist comes standard on the LC Inspiration Series. It uses sonar sensors in the front and rear bumpers to detect obstacles in the vehicle’s path during low-speed maneuvering. The system gives an audible alert and the Multi-Information Display (MID) shows the position and distance to the obstacle. Blind Spot Monitor is standard equipment, as is a windshield de-icer.
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) reported December 2020 sales of 249,601 vehicles, an increase of 20.4 percent on a volume basis and up 7.5 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis compared to December 2019.
For calendar year 2020, TMNA reported sales of 2,112,941 vehicles, a decrease of 11.3 percent on a volume and a decrease of 11.9 percent on a DSR basis.
Toyota division posted December sales of 211,378 vehicles, up 22.9 percent on a volume basis and up 9.7 percent on a DSR basis. For the year, Toyota reported sales of 1,837,900 vehicles, down 11.9 percent on a volume basis and down 12.4 percent on a DSR basis.
Lexus division posted December sales of 38,223 vehicles, up 8.2 percent on a volume basis and down 3.4 percent on a DSR basis. For the year, Lexus reported sales of 275,041 vehicles, down 7.7 percent on a volume basis and down 8.3 percent on a DSR basis.
December 2020 and Year-End Highlights
TMNA:
Number one manufacturer of alternative vehicles sales – hybrids, electrified vehicles, fuel cells – for 21 consecutive years
December hybrid sales totaled 50,649 vehicles, an increase of 82.8 percent
2020 hybrid sales totaled 337,036 vehicles, an increase of 22.7 percent
Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) will be joining the S&P 500 index, expanding its investor base and putting the electric car maker in the same company as market behemoths such as Alphabet, Amazon.com, Apple, and Microsoft.
The announcement, made Monday afternoon by the S&P Dow Jones Indices, sent the company’s shares 13.7% higher in after-market trading. Tesla will officially join the benchmark stock index before the market opens on December 21, the index stated.
When Tesla joins the S&P 500, it will be one of the most valuable companies on the benchmark index. The weighting will be so influential that the S&P is debating whether or not to add the stock at its full market capitalization weight all at once, or in two separate tranches.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) – The head of the Berlin engine plant run by Mercedes-Benz has defected to rival Tesla <TSLA>, German union IG Metall said on Wednesday, calling on employees to protest over his departure.
IG Metall declined to name the head of the plant, which has been run by Rene Reif, one the most experienced manufacturing executives at Mercedes-Benz who helped expand manufacturing capacity for Daimler <DAI> in China.
Reif used to be head of engineering and manufacturing at Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Daimler’s Chinese joint venture, which has a manufacturing capacity of around 480,000 cars and started building the electric Mercedes-Benz EQC last year.
Tesla declined to comment on whether it had found a new manager for a Gigafactory being built on the outskirts of Berlin but the electric carmaker is on a global manufacturing expansion push, building or expanding new factories in Texas, Germany and China.
Last month, a source told Reuters that a Tesla manager who oversaw the construction of the electric carmaker’s Gruenheide plant, had left his position.
Daimler said on Wednesday that Reif, 57, the manager of its Mercedes-Benz Berlin plant, which makes powertrains, would go into early retirement at the end of the year, at his own request.
Mercedes-Benz Werk Berlin, Deutschland: Montage des Mercedes-Benz V6 Dieselmotor OM642
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Mercedes-Benz Berlin Plant, Germany: Assembly of the Mercedes-Benz V6 diesel engine OM642
German unions have lamented the fact that traditional carmakers are cutting investment into combustion engine technologies as regulators clamp down on emissions and as demand for vehicles is hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
IG Metall said there would be a protest in front of the Mercedes factory on Thursday and called on Daimler to present solutions that would help to guarantee the future of the plant.
The union said Daimler managers had outlined cost savings plans and union officials fear the Berlin plant’s future is at risk.
Daimler said Clemenz Dobrawa, who currently heads up the Mercedes-Benz battery manufacturing plant in Kamenz, had taken over leadership of the Mercedes-Benz plants in Hamburg and Berlin earlier this month.
“Thanks to his activity as representative in Kamenz, he brings important know-how for the transformation toward electromobility,” Daimler said, adding the Berlin plant would be restructured to serve an ‘Electric First’ strategy.
(Reporting by Edward Taylor and Ilona Wissenbach. Editing by Jane Merriman)
Melbourne, Florida, November 5, 2020 — Two global companies at the forefront of technology and innovation, Embraer and Porsche, have collaborated to create Duet, a limited-edition, limited-quantity Embraer Phenom 300E aircraft and Porsche 911 Turbo S car pairing. Both known for world-class engineering, performance, and design, Embraer and Porsche will produce just ten pairs of business jets and sports cars, providing a truly seamless experience from road to sky, for the first time in history.
“Duet is an exclusive package developed in a unique design collaboration with Porsche. This rare, refined combination will only be available through this one-time-only pairing,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “In the spirit of delivering the ultimate customer experience, we are fusing two of the most notable brands in the aerospace and automotive industries, bringing together the pinnacle in production sports cars with the market benchmark in light jets, once again proving that we don’t simply follow trends — we create them.”
Duet brings the Phenom 300E and the 911 Turbo S into perfect harmony. As the world’s fastest and longest-ranged single-pilot business jet, the Phenom 300 series transformed the light jet category. From its revolutionary, award-winning interior design, with an abundance of cabin and baggage space to its highly intuitive avionics, this well-rounded machine delivers unmatched performance, exceptional comfort, and class-leading technology, at enviably low operating costs, with features previously available only on much larger jets. The 911 is the heart of the Porsche product portfolio and has one of the longest and most celebrated traditions in the automotive industry. The 911 Turbo S is the peak of the 911 models and stands for both performance and usability.
“Porsche and Embraer share a host of common values,” said Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualization and Classic at Porsche AG. “As part of our cooperation, we used the know-how of both brands to work jointly on a unique pair of vehicles that are equally attractive for the customer group of jet and sports car owners.” Designed in tandem, Duet fuses speed and style, luxury and power — signatures of both the Phenom 300E and Porsche 911 Turbo S. The most successful business jet of the decade (2010-2019) meets the gold standard in production sports cars, resulting in a uniquely designed jet and car, both featuring a customized interior and paint scheme inspired by one another.
“This is the perfect marriage of car and jet, as personified by the exclusive collaboration logo. The logo brings together the aeronautical requirement of lift — depicted by the Phenom 300E winglet — with the automotive requirement of downforce — depicted by the rear wing of the flagship 911. To further solidify this symbiotic partnership, the aircraft registration number appears on both the car’s rear wing and the sides of its key,” said Jay Beever, Vice President of Embraer Design Operations.
The exclusive collaboration logo is embossed on the seat headrests of the aircraft (lift) and debossed on the seat headrests of the car (downforce), as well as featured on the aircraft sideledge, speaker grills, and mounted near the main door. Each pairing also features a special badge, representing one of only ten delivered. The customer will have the option to select the location of a blue chip, reflective of their position among the ten units, according to their preference.
To create a seamless transition from aircraft to car for this exclusive set of customers, design inspiration for the aircraft mirrors that of the car, and vice versa. Starting with seats, the sew style on the Phenom 300E seat was patterned after that of the 911 Turbo S. The seats in both vehicles feature red pull straps, a Speed Blue accent stitch, and carbon fiber shrouds to create a shared connection. The cockpit seats of the Phenom 300E were redesigned to match the car. In the 911 Turbo S, Porsche introduced a unique color combination for the steering wheel to match the aircraft’s yoke, with a Speed Blue accent at 12 o’clock, as well as the first Chalk Alcantara trim roof lining — an homage to the aircraft. To round out the interior, the stopwatch of the Sport Chrono package features an artificial horizon inspired by instrumentation in the aircraft cockpit.
The aircraft and car share the same exterior paint pallet and general scheme. For the first time, Porsche has combined gloss and satin-gloss paintwork. The upper part of the car is finished with Platinum Silver Metallic, transitioning to Jet Grey Metallic at the bottom. Dividing the two paint colors is a trim strip with lines in Brilliant Chrome and Speed Blue. The car is entirely hand-painted, which is unique to this project and reflective of the Phenom 300E paint process. The alloy wheels of the 911 Turbo S are painted in Platinum Silver Metallic, using a revolutionary laser process to expose a Speed Blue underlay on the rim flange. The air intakes of the 911 Turbo S are painted in Brilliant Chrome to match the leading edge nacelles of the aircraft. The LED door projectors cast the Duet collaboration logo on the ground, and the door sill trims feature “No Step” lettering, like the messaging on an aircraft wing.
The exclusive Duet Porsche 911 Turbo S can only be purchased in tandem with its sibling Phenom 300E. To mark this first ever collaboration between Embraer, Porsche AG, and Porsche Design, Duet customers will also receive a custom Duet logo luggage set with a pilot’s bag and two weekenders, as well as a special edition Porsche Design 1919 Globe timer UTC titanium-case watch inspired by the aircraft’s cockpit.
Ten limited-edition pairs of the Duet are now available for order. Deliveries will begin in 2021.
FRANKFURT, Sept 7 (Reuters) – Volkswagen’s Chief Executive Herbert Diess on Monday sought to quell speculation that the world’s largest carmaker, which is on a mass production push for electric cars, has plans to develop deeper ties with start-up rival Tesla.
Diess met with Tesla’s Chief Executive Elon Musk in Braunschweig, Germany, last week, and during his visit VW let Musk drive its new ID.3 electric car.
“Just to be clear: We just drove the ID.3 and had a chat – there is no deal/cooperation in the making,” Diess said in a post on Linkedin which included a video of the two executives driving the vehicle on an airfield.
“Thanks for the visit, Elon! Hope you like the video. It was great driving the ID.3 with you! You were just quite critical with the available torque at higher speed. I told you: “Yes, we are on the runway – but no need for take off – its not a sports car.”
