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52 » PEOPLE&BUSINESS July 2018 | AutoData BORN IN THE USA Volvo Cars inaugurated its first factory in the United States, in Charleston, South Carolina. The unit starts production of the new S60 sedan in the second half and from 2021 will also be responsible for manufacturing the next generation of the XC90 sports utility vehicle. The models will be destined to the local domestic market and exports as well. Capacity of 150 thousand units/year, an investment of more than US$ 1 billion. VIRTUAL LAB Volkswagen of Brazil inaugurated a virtual reality laboratory at the Anchieta plant in São Bernardo do Campo, SP. According to the company, the unit represents a more advanced stage in simulation of new jobs and vehicle prototypes: technology allows planning and validating future installations, productive processes and new products in a virtual environment with precision level never imagined before. TOTAL WANTS TWENTY MORE Total Lubrificantes of Brazil plans to inaugurate twenty express oil change stations until December. The company has 56 units in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Paraná and Distrito Federal. The business model is centered on partnerships with stores already in operation. FROM THE SERIES ‘WE NEED IT!’ Pirelli launches, in partnership with Ixoost, a wireless high- definition speaker with Bluetooth system for smartphone connection: identical design of Formula 1 tires, in small size. For nothing more nothing less than 2.4 thousand euros, or something around R$ 10.5 thousand. This price is for sales in Italy and tax amounts must be added. Oh! And also the freight cost. MARCOPOLO AND FÊNIX Marcopolo has named Fênix Group as its new representative in Argentina. The new partner will be responsible for vehicles’ sales, aftermarket services and technical assistance in its market and will commercialize, initially, coach buses produced in Brazil. FORD-VW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Volkswagen and Ford signed a memorandum of agreement to create a global strategic alliance aimed at “joint development of a variety of commercial vehicles”, according to a statement. The potential alliance would not involve financial contributions or share exchanges, according to the companies. Inevitable here, but not useless, to remember Autolatina. Disclousure/Volvo Disclousure/Total Lubrificantes Disclousure/VW Disclousure/Pirelli