AUTOMOTIVE

FCA selects Falken Wildpeak M/T as OE on Wrangler Rubicon

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.—FCA has selected the Falken-brand Wildpeak Mud Terrain tire as an optional OE fitment on the company's 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

ACQUISITIONS

Evonik buying 3D printing material specialist

AUSTIN, Texas—Specialty chemicals company Evonik is acquiring a Texas-based maker of powered polymers used in 3D printing.

MANUFACTURING

Hoosier named Formula Vee spec tire supplier

TOPEKA, Kan.—The Sports Car Club of America has designated Hoosier Racing Tire as the exclusive race tire supplier for its Formula Vee class for the 2019-21 seasons for all club events.

AUTOMOTIVE

Federal shutdown threatens to delay vehicle launches

DETROIT—Vehicle certification is among the functions halted by the nearly four-week partial shutdown of the federal government, meaning auto makers could face delays in launching new and updated models if the impasse in Washington drags on.

AUTOMOTIVE

After better auto sales than expected in 2018, what will 2019 bring?

In 2019, demand for light vehicles will continue to be supported by at least one more year of accelerating wage growth and rising employment levels.

AUTOMOTIVE

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe: Making EVs is 'the hardest part' of being an auto maker

DETROIT—With its battery-electric concept pickup and full-size SUV now fully revealed and with orders on the books, upstart auto maker Rivian Automotive now hits "the hardest part" of becoming a full-on auto maker: actually making autos.

INDUSTRY

Wacker declares force majeure for HCR silicone products

BURGHAUSEN, Germany—Wacker Chemie has declared force majeure on its high consistency rubber silicone product line after a severe technical breakdown of key equipment at a facility in Germany.

AUTOMOTIVE

GM CEO Mary Barra 'understands' uproar over job cuts

DETROIT—General Motors CEO Mary Barra said she "understands" the political pushback and outcry around the company's decision to end production and potentially close up to five plants in North America.

INDUSTRY

New Products: FRX Polymers introduces Nofia non-halogenated polyphosphonates

CHELMSFORD, Mass.—FRX Polymers has made available its Nofia non-halogenated polyphosphonates for use in UL 94 V-0 high-temperature polyurethane flexible foams for the transportation and electronics industries.

DISTRIBUTORS

R.D. Abbott inks distribution deal with RDC

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—R.D. Abbott has reached an agreement with Italian firm RDC to be exclusive distributor in the U.S. and Canada of RDC's line of rubber dispersion chemicals.

SUPPLIERS

Chemours reopens headquarters office

WILMINGTON, Del.—Chemours reopened its renovated corporate headquarters in the DuPont Building in downtown Wilmington.