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U.S.-Mexico border congestion is complicating automakers' lives

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, there’s no denying that the U.S. has some significant challenges at its southern border. The droves of people attempting to cross the border from Mexico into the U.S. have complicated trade between the two countries as border authoritiesÂ’ limited resources and increasing political scrutiny have made it difficult to move goods. While that will have an impact on the prices of several consumer goods, it will also slow vehicle and parts shipments needed to keep the U.S. auto industry running. Automotive News reported that the Texas border has been particularly slow, as the state has implemented new screening measures for illegal crossings and drugs. That extra effort has had a severe impact on border logistics, to the point that Bloomberg estimated 19,000 trucks and $1.9 billion in cargo were stranded in Mexico waiting to cross. Officials said the delays have created wait times of up to 24 hours and a line of trucks 14 miles long. The delays will likely have a noticeable impact on the U.S. auto industry. Mexico manufactures millions of cars each year, the majority of which end up here. Nissan, General Motors, Stellantis and others have noted slight delays, but thereÂ’s little wiggle room for the Big 3 while the UAW strike rages on. Should the strike end, slowness at the border would make it difficult to ramp up production and make up for lost time. There have been some promising signs in recent times, such as the Bridge of the Americas between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, reopening after a three-week closure. Still, the challenges created by border congestion have led some to take drastic measures. A few manufacturers have begun flying parts over the border, while General Motors noted that it was shipping components “on a limited basis” by sea. Related Video:

Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell revisit bitter F1 rivalry in... Ford Fusion campaign?

Formula One World Champions Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell haven't been on good terms since the 1986 season, when Piquet joined Mansell at the Williams team and Piquet spent the year privately fuming about not being granted the status of number one driver. Things only got worse from there - even though Piquet won the title the following year with Williams, still partnered with Mansell, the fuming was a lot less private.
They're back together after a 25-year silence, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil to drive the new Ford Fusion. Called "Fusion Grand Prix," both men get the new Ford sedan, prepped to their liking - but still street legal, we assume - for a race to decide... well, who is faster behind the wheel of a Fusion.
There will be four episodes, with the first two having already aired. The third episode comes on January 29 and the race happens February 5. You'll find two video episodes and a press release below, but note - because it's a campaign for Ford Brazil, Piquet's dialogue in the vids isn't translated, so hit the Closed Captioning button to hear his side of the smack talking.

Watch Ken Block play traffic cop in ’Top Gear’ teaser

BBC is teasing a new series of 'Top Gear' starring the rally racer and Hoonigans honcho Ken Block and promising that series 25 is "coming soon." Block plays a police officer (with a Los Angeles Police Department badge, no less) in an off-road 4x4 vehicle in the 30-second clip, jumping off obstacles and tearing through dirt in an industrial area near snow-capped mountains. He gives chase to show hosts Matt LeBlanc, in a yellow Ford Mustang, Rory Reid and Chris Harris, who steers a McLaren 570S. It looks like they're having more fun that the rest of us. LeBlanc has said the next season of episodes will aim to attract a younger, more diverse audience with more comedy. Series 25 is expected to launch in spring, perhaps after the wrap-up of the second season of 'The Grand Tour.'Related Video: Celebrities TV/Movies Ford McLaren Off-Road Vehicles Performance Top Gear Ken Block