Here's a top ten list of sorts. Things that happened in the automotive world in 2013! Some are huge achievements, others are amazing, and a few are firsts!
1. Diesel makes an impression on us.
Diesel powered vehicles are commonplace in Europe. What makes us not want to jump on board here? Many newer cars/trucks are slowly embracing it as engines become cleaner and quieter. 2014 will be the turning point I think! The 2015 Nissan Titan gets a 5.0 Liter V-8 Cummins diesel engine! The Titan marks the first full size 1/2 ton truck from a non-Detroit company to get a Diesel power plant!
Nissan Titan to get Diesel engine!
2. GM selects first female to lead company!
GM made headlines this year as they announced that the former executive vp of global product development would take over the helm of the company.
First female CEO in global auto industry!
3. Paul Walker killed in car crash.
Perhaps the worst news in the automotive world was hearing Paul Walker had died. He was beloved by, friends, family, fans of his movies, and so many more. He will be missed by all.
Paul Walker killed in crash.
4. Toyota hybrid sales hit record numbers!
Toyota US sells 2 million hybrid vehicles, contributing to 5 million total worldwide Toyota hybrid vehicles sold. It's a HUGE accomplishment given that most hybrids just don't hold their footing long. Toyota has a hit with the Prius and other vehicles.
Toyota hits big hybrid numbers!
5. Ford's assembly line turns 100Not many people think about the vehicle assembly line anymore, but Henry Ford and his team changed the industry forever. Originally workers went to the vehicles to put them together. Ford and company though it would save time, money, and amount of labor needed if the cars came to the workers. This process not only worked, but it's the same (with a few tweaks) that we use to this day!
Assembly line is a century old!
6. Batmobile doesn't lose a wheel, sells for big bucks!
The original Batmobile from Adam West's Batman sold for a healthy sum this year. A businessman ponied up $4.6 MILLION after fees to purchase the classic ride. He plans on keeping it in his living room.
Batmobile brings big money!
7. Windshield wipers may get wiped out!
McLaren, as well as the military utilize a new technology to keep debris from attaching to the windshield. Either in F1 cars, or Jets, a sonic barrier keeps anything from sticking to the glass surface. Gov. regulations would keep it from coming to our shores unless they are amended though. Currently windshields are required to have some sort of motorized wiping device with at least 2 speeds.
Sound waves blast away wipers!
8. The presidential Cadillac gets topped off!
Whoops....someone made the mistake of the year. Transferred with the president to Israel on a trip, the limo was filled with the wrong fuel. No one knows for certain what kind of engine is in the car, but it's either filled with diesel when it shouldn't be, or gasoline when it shouldn't be. Either way is bad, but it resulted in a giggle from the rest of us.
OOPS! Wrong Fuel Fool!
9. First time ever vehicles are available on Amazon.
Amazon doesn't directly sell them, but a partnership with Nissan lets them spread the word about the new Versa Note. It was a first for the online retailer. Don't think it will be the last either!
Shop for your car online.
10. Man jumps from space
People remember where they were for the moon landing, the JFK assassination, 9/11, and more. I think that the feat of Felix Baumgartner will also be remembered. He is the only human to go up far enough that you can see the curve of the earth, and jump. It was awe inspiring! There was real fear he might not make it just like the Apollo astronauts coming back from the moon. Read more here:
Felix Baumgartner jumps from space...and lives!
All in all, 2013 was a great year. There were ups and downs, but each year more advancement, more technology, and more discovery spur us to keep going. All the things we take for granted today, were totally and completely far fetched at one point.
Take a new year, and try to change the world. If you keep focused on your dreams, NOTHING is impossible! Let's have one great year!!!
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