Mercedes-Maybach Planning Luxury Balloon Trips to “Space”
With rich people now wealthier than ever before, they need ways of spending that money that are novel, effective, and allow them to flex on their peers. One of the preferred ways of doing this in the modern era is by taking trips beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. It’s something SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and Boeing have been working on. But they’re about to get some new competition from Mercedes-Benz.
Unifor Strike Targets General Motors in Canada
While the United Auto Workers (UAW) decided to implement an aggressive strike campaign that bucks some of the historical trends American union leadership feels did not serve the cause in the past, Canada’s Unifor has vowed to take a more measured approach during its contract negotiations with the industry. However, that does not mean simply rolling over for automakers in order to strike any old deal.
Last week, Unifor criticized General Motors for failing to meet important elements of its pattern agreement with Ford Motor Company. With both sides failing to make any tentative agreements by the Monday deadline, Unifor has announced plans to strike in Ontario — hindering the company’s ability to manufacture light and heavy-duty pickups.
Risque Detroit Businesses Give Discounts to Striking UAW Members
United Auto Worker members don’t go completely without pay during a strike, but they’re certainly not getting their full salaries. Workers get a $500 per week stipend from the union, but that doesn’t go very far in today’s ultra-expensive world. Two Detroit-area businesses are looking to help stressed-out, cash-strapped UAW workers with unique discounts for recreational marijuana and visits to the gentleman’s club.
The Kia EV9 Starts at Around $55,000 and Goes On Sale in Late 2023
Kia has a hit on its hands with the EV6, the first in a line of unique, futuristic electric models. The larger EV9 is coming soon, with reservations opening next week, and Kia recently announced pricing for the upcoming electric family hauler.
Another Massive Airbag Recall Peers Over the Horizon
Just when it looked like the Takata airbag inflator recall was finally wrapping up, U.S. safety regulators have indicated that 52 million inflators made by ARC have likewise been placed under consideration for recall. The circumstances are unpleasantly familiar. Like the Takata units that ran the risk of spraying cabin occupants with deadly shrapnel during a crash, the ARC inflators may also pose a serious risk to those they’re supposed to save.
Nissan Recalls Almost 10,000 Ariyas for Unexpected Loss of Power
The Nissan Ariya had early delays that softened what could have been a significant EV release for the automaker, but the reviews are generally positive, as most are impressed with its cabin quality and comfort. Despite that, the SUV is facing a recall of almost 10,000 units for an issue with its software that could cause an unexpected shutdown.
JDM Mazda MX-5 Miata Updated
Mazda’s iconic roadster has undergone some changes in Japan for the 2024 model year that should likewise underpin the variant slated for our market. While some of this pertains to updated safety tech few MX-5 owners are likely to care about, there are also a host of mechanical upgrades that should actually make it a better performance machine.
Lucid Debuts Cheaper Air Sedan to Boost Demand in Late 2023
With inflation and the job market being as challenging as it is today, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some companies selling high-end products are having difficulty appealing to broad swaths of the American public. Lucid is one such company, and the automaker is coping with a slide in demand by offering less expensive versions of its vaunted – but very pricey – Air sedan.
Subaru Introduces WRX TR, No Longer a Stripped Base Trim
Set to be shown in person at tomorrow’s Subiefest in Florida, the new Subaru WRX TR adds a yaffle of performance-grade components to this boxer-engined all-wheel drive package.
Is Rivian Still Spending Billions Now to Make Billions Later?
Rivian lost an estimated $33,000 on every pickup it sold in the second quarter of this year, which is kind of impressive considering the cheapest model it sells still goes for a sizable $73,000. Considering its lofty initial public offering (IPO) and enviable product specifications, some are wondering why the company isn’t in better shape.
Though Rivian is hardly alone in selling cash-hemorrhaging electric pickups and SUVs. Ford is on track to lose $4.5 billion on EVs by year's end and is supposed to be underwater by more than $32,000 per average all-electric transaction. Frankly, it doesn’t look like any brand other than Tesla has managed to find a way to make volume electrification work in its favor.
GM Returns to Europe With Electric Crossovers
In 2017, General Motors sold Opel and Vauxhall to Frances PSA Group — which later merged with Fiat Chrysler to form Stellantis — basically ending its involvement with the European market. However, the company vowed a return in 2023 and that’s now taking place in Switzerland.
Alfa Romeo Announces Quadrifoglio Carbon Editions for 2024
Though electric vehicles can be brutally quick and offer staggering performance, there’s nothing like the sound of a howling exhaust and a rowdy gas engine. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia Quadrifoglio have one of the best-sounding V6 engines around, and the automaker recently announced a new appearance package for the pair that brings sinister styling to the supremely powerful Italians.
Hyundai Latest to Jump on NACS Bandwagon
In what must surely be some of the least surprising automotive news you’ll read today, the corporate duo of Hyundai and Genesis have announced they will be adopting the North American Charging Standard for its EVs. This change will debut in the final quarter of next year.
Toyota Trademark Could Preview Cool New EVs
After a slow start, Toyota appears primed for action, with new EVs coming in the next few years. A recent trademark application surfaced on the bZ forums, suggesting one of them could be a boxy electric off-roader or sports car.
Toyota 4Runner Fans Will Have to Wait Until 2025 for an Overhaul
The Toyota 4Runner may be a formidable off-roader with legendary capability and longevity, but the fifth-generation model introduced way back in 2009 is far from modern or refined. That won’t change for 2024, as Toyota is not giving the 4Runner a makeover like it did the Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra.
NY Judge Pauses Ford’s EV Dealer Requirements
A New York judge has halted Ford and Lincoln from instituting a specific set of requirements before allowing dealerships to sell the brands’ all-electric vehicles. This comes after five stores operating within the state launched a lawsuit against Ford Motor Co. for introducing a new certification process for EVs. The issue was that the automaker was asking too much from dealerships and effectively favoring those with deeper pockets by forcing changes that required significant financial investments.
Ford introduced its tiered dealer program nearly twelve months ago, splitting stores interested in selling electric into “Model e Certified Elite” and “Model e Certified.”
American Auto Sales Continue to Rebound in Q3 2023
With massive improvements in available inventory – and a strong demand despite gonzo interest rates – vehicle sales were very robust last quarter and indeed for the entire year to date. In fact, if it weren’t for Stellantis, our chart would be green across the board.
Government Auctions Dozens of Cars Seized From YouTuber
It’s easy to believe the hype you see on Instagram and YouTube is real, and younger audiences often hold the people on those channels and accounts up as role models. Of course, as it turns out, influencers can be pretty crappy people, just like anyone else. This auction for 32 cars seized from a YouTuber shows how far some people are willing to go to maintain their flashy on-camera lifestyles.
FIA Approves Andretti and Cadillac for Formula One
The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has confirmed that Andretti Formula Racing LLC has been granted approval to join Formula One. While Micheal Andretti first announced plans to have the family racing team join the F1 grid in 2022, FIA hadn’t taken the matter under serious consideration until the following year.
The FIA officially launched an application process to identify prospective teams by early 2023. Knowing that F1 was eager to continue drawing fans in the United States, Andretti immediately announced a partnership with Cadillac. We previously speculated that being backed by General Motors would make all the difference for Andretti Autosport.
UAW Strike News Roundup
With the United Auto Workers (UAW) still striking, there have been some minor updates. Though nothing that’s likely to result in any major changes.
The union has submitted a response to a General Motors offer as picketing continues against all three Detroit-based automakers, Ford is laying off an additional 300 employees due to supply chain complications created by the strike, and the UAW has successfully negotiated a tentative deal on its 5-year contract with Mack Trucks.
Flash Mob: Ford Introduces F-150 Lightning Flash
Yes, I had to check the calendar to learn if this is April Fool’s Day. It is not. Ford announced this morning a new trim for their all-electric pickup truck. It has an extended range (320-mile) battery, popular equipment, and a price tag right at $70,000.
Pedestrian Trapped Under Cruise Vehicle in San Francisco
On Monday, a pedestrian ended up being trapped beneath an autonomous test vehicle owned by Cruise. The incident took place in San Francisco (Fifth Avenue just south of Market Street) and has already become the subject of some rampant speculation as the company hopes to avoid another public relations nightmare.
Cruise quickly put out a series of statements via Twitter (now X) claiming the pedestrian was actually tossed in front of their robotaxi after being struck by a hit-and-run vehicle that was traveling in the accompanying lane. While the investigation is technically ongoing, numerous media outlets have run with the premise after having seen the on-board footage.
Some IPhone 15 Owners With BMWs Report Damaged Devices From Wireless Charging
Apple has no trouble selling every new iPhone unit it can make, but the tech giant has run into quality and usability issues with fresh tech over the years. There was the “you’re holding it wrong” debacle with the iPhone 4 way back in 2010, and subsequent models have faced questions over durability. Now, iPhone 15 early adopters who own BMW models with wireless phone charging are finding that their cars are frying their new phones.
Lobbyists Estimate Billions in Fines If New Fuel Economy Rules Adopted
A letter from talking heads at an outfit called the American Automotive Policy Council outlines what it estimates billions of dollars in fines could be levied at companies like General Motors and Stellantis if a government proposal to hike fuel economy standards through 2032 is adopted.
Elon Musk Sued for Spreading Conspiracy Theories on Twitter/X
Elon Musk’s Twitter – umm, X – finger has led him into quite a bit of controversy over the years, including some that ended in the courtroom. Earlier this year, Musk echoed claims that a California college student was involved in a public confrontation between two neo-Nazi groups in Oregon. That turned out not to be true, but the Tesla CEO tweeted about it anyway, and the victim at the center of the hoax is now suing.
U.K. Dealer Sells 'Death Trap' Twice, Faces Jail Time
The United States doesn't have a monopoly on shady car dealerships.
Volkswagen Temporarily Cutting Production of European EVs
Volkswagen intends to temporarily limit production of the SEAT Cupra Born and its very own ID.3 EV in October. The company has cited market forces as the cause, noting that its Zwickau and Dresden plants in Germany would be throttled down for a couple of weeks.
Hyundai Adds GV80 Coupe to Lineup
If, like us, you often recoil in horror when automakers add the word ‘coupe’ to a four-door SUV or crossover, it’s best to look away right now. Genesis has fallen to the trend, adding a swoopy-roofed GV80 Coupe to its range as part of a refreshed GV80 lineup.
Toyota Announces an Ultra-Plush Tundra 1794 Limited Edition for 2024
Automakers have capitalized on the American truck craze with ever more expensive luxury and off-road models. Toyota hasn’t gone as overboard as most, but its recent redesign of the full-size Tundra ushered in a new era for the auto giant. The 1974 Edition has long been a plush, leather-packed entry near the top of the Tundra lineup, but Toyota announced a new Limited Edition variant that pushes the 1794 deeper into premium territory.
UAW Announces Another Strike Expansion
The United Auto Workers (UAW) has decided to broaden its strike on Friday. This week’s targets include Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, responsible for the Explorer and Lincoln Aviator, and General Motors’ Lansing Delta Township Assembly, responsible for the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave.
Stellantis managed to dodge the bullet this time around, with union leadership citing progress made in contract negotiations. It seems the union liked what the automaker had to say regarding the right to strike over plant closures and cost-of-living adjustments. Ford managed to achieve something similar last week. But with the UAW hoping to pit the companies against each other by subjecting them all to strikes, it was inevitable that Blue Oval would be back under union scrutiny.
Long Live the Wienermobile: Oscar Mayer Ditching Frankmobile Name
Change is inevitable and can be a great thing for business growth. Even so, making significant changes without considering their impact can break more than it fixes, which is how Oscar Mayer ended up where it is today. The iconic wiener brand recently – as in, just four months ago – announced that it was changing the name of its most recognizable marketing tool but is now rolling that decision back.
Honda Previews the 2024 Prologue
Honda has formally unveiled the all-electric Prologue, indicating that the brand hasn’t given up on electrification. The midsize crossover boasts an agreeable estimated range of (up to) 300 miles and is designed to cater to more mainstream tastes.
As a preeminent manufacturer of modestly sized combustion engines, it makes sense that the company would want to stick to what it knows best. Like several other Japanese brands, Honda has been hesitant to embrace electric vehicles with the same zeal as its European or American rivals. However, external pressures are beginning to force the issue, and this seemed an agreeable solution for the company.
Subaru Promises WRX TR Will Be ‘Enthusiast-Focused’
Fans of the Exploding Galaxy will be interested to learn the company is bringing back a TR variant of its WRX. When last seen about 15 years ago, the TR stood for ‘tuner ready’ – essentially a base WRX with a few deleted features and lower price tag.
Mercedes to Roll Out Level 3 Semi-Autonomous Driving Systems in 2024
Marketing buzzwords and questionable advertising practices have led many to believe that self-driving cars are a real thing that people can go out and buy today. However, despite the fact that some automakers literally call their driver assistance tech “self-driving,” there are precisely zero fully autonomous cars on sale. While it will be years before truly self-driving cars become a reality, automakers are developing more advanced systems that have much of the autonomous experience with some caveats. Mercedes is set to be the first company to offer a Level 3 system, which enables hands-free driving in most situations but requires a human’s attention at all times.
Fire Risk: Hyundai and Kia Recall More Than Three Million Vehicles
Though EV fires receive a tremendous amount of attention in the news, they are far less common proportionally than gas vehicle fires. Sure, we’ve seen a few massive recalls for EV fires in recent years, including a massive campaign involving every Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV made between 2017 and 2023, but gas vehicles are still more likely to catch fire. Hyundai and Kia are the latest manufacturers to issue a fire-related recall, this time for millions of gas vehicles with faulty hydraulic electronic control units (HECU) and antilock brake modules.
Ferrari Patents Augmented Reality System Designed to Merge Real and Virtual Racing
Ferrari has filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office that leverages augmented reality to allow real-world racing to crossover into the virtual realm. By using wireless networks and the real vehicle’s positional data, Ferrari thinks it can replicate it on screens at home with a high degree of accuracy.
But the really slick stuff comes into play once that experience is replicated the other way round. The special interface device the automaker has filed its patent for also replicates virtual vehicles competing against it via an advanced head-up display (HUD) and some feedback features made possible by electronic controls.
Lawmakers Demand Details On Ford’s Battery Partnership
The chairs of three U.S. House of Representatives committees have demanded Ford turn over documents pertaining to its partnership with Chinese battery company Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) while threatening to call in CEO Jim Farley to testify before Congress.
This comes after Ford elected to pause work on its $3.5-billion Michigan battery plant using technology. While the official reason given was that the facility may not be able to operate competitively depending on how contract negotiations progressed with the United Auto Workers, there seems to be members of Congress fretting over the prospect of U.S. tax subsidies benefiting Chinese businesses.
Report: Jeep May Ditch V8s in Wagoneer Brand in Favor of Hurricane Six-Cylinder
Despite electrification taking over the national conversation, the automotive world isn’t going electric overnight. The transition to an electrified future will be a multi-step process that includes shifting away from fuel-thirsty powertrain configurations in favor of more efficient turbocharged and hybrid engines. Some automakers are taking that step already, and a new report suggests that Jeep could be next.
Ohio Mom Pleads for Police to Lock Up Her Teen for Repeated Car Thefts
Thieves targeting older Hyundai and Kia models have gotten so brazen that some insurers have stopped issuing policies for the cars. Despite efforts to retrofit a solution for the cars’ missing immobilizer systems, the cars are still being stolen in crazy numbers. One mother in Columbus, Ohio, is fed up with her son’s thieving ways, begging police to lock him up for his crimes.
Biden Visits UAW Picket Lines
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden went to Michigan to join the United Auto Workers auto workers on the picket line after the union expanded striking to 38 additional GM and Stellantis facilities. While Ford has made significant headway with the UAW, even stalling construction of a Michigan battery plant as talks progress, it’s likewise still subject to strikes.
Considering UAW leadership has been extremely clear that it doesn’t want politicians interfering with negotiations since day one, it’s unclear what Biden will be doing during his trip. Thus far, he’s given a few speeches and pledged his support for unionized labor. But his position on electric vehicles has left the UAW with a lukewarm attitude.
2024 Toyota GR Corolla Pricing Revealed, New Trim and Performance Parts
Pricing for the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla has dropped. But that probably won’t matter much due to the fact that the model will undoubtedly be subjected to horrid dealer markups. Though that issue may be improving as Toyota ramps up production and adds a new trim that’s clearly targeting how most people were already configuring the rally inspired hatchback.
U.S.-Bound Polestar 3 Finishes Testing and Heads for Production
Polestar’s EVs are elegantly styled and offer great tech and safety equipment, but the automaker only has one model on sale in the U.S. right now. That’s about to change, as the Polestar 3 is nearing the completion of its development phase, and the U.S. model is expected to enter production early next year.
Porsche Announces Yet Another PHEV Cayenne Variant
There may be some debate as to whether the Cayenne saved Porsche, but there’s no denying its popularity. The growing number of powertrain and configuration options attest to that fact, and Porsche recently announced another. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid will land for the 2024 model year and will be available in coupe and SUV body styles.
Mercedes-AMG Unveils New GLC Coupe
Yes, we know – news of a crossover with ‘coupe-like’ styling isn’t likely to raise the pulse of many commenters, especially one painted approximately the same color as the pavement on which it is driven. The new GLC Coupe may be a stern German shown in a dour shade of paint, but its 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque make it anything but boring.
Toyota May Have Leaked the 2025 Camry UPDATED
Toyota may have revealed the design of the next Camry sedan in an unrelated video. The supposed leak comes via a rather straightforward clip from the automaker explaining the difference between buying and leasing. It uses the Camry as its demonstration vehicle, usually represented by die-cast toys scaled to fit in the palm of the hand.
Report: Dealers Worried About Getting EV Refunds From the Government
Nobody likes bureaucratic red tape or waiting on payment and this seems to have become a sticking point for retailers nervously waiting to see how the United States’ updated EV tax credit scheme plays out.
According to a report from Automotive News, dealers are getting worked up about the prospect of not receiving money swiftly enough — mimicking some of the hardships endured during the Cash-for-Clunkers period.
Ford to Offer Digital License Plates
License plates are an ever-present part of our vehicles’ exteriors, but they aren’t always in the best shape and aren’t always visible. Some states have introduced digital license plates as a way to combat poor legibility, and now automakers are jumping on board. Ford and Reviver, a digital license plate manufacturer, have teamed up to install the technology on new vehicles at the dealer.
Canadian Order Book for 2024 Tacoma Has Leaked
Toyota announced the all-new Tacoma a while ago, but we’ve yet to see details on the truck’s available configurations. That changed over the weekend, as The Drive found a leaked Canadian order guide for the pickup that shows the trims and options for Toyota’s newest ‘ute.
Hyundai/Kia Lock Solution Panned by Security Pro
It’s a rare day this author gets to combine his interests of the automotive industry and the YouTube channel for security expert LockPickingLawyer. A video uploaded earlier this week provides opportunity for such a crossover.
Report: FIA to Reject Every F1 Team Application Except Cadillac
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is expected to reject three applications for new Formula 1 teams with the Cadillac-backed Andretti Global being the only exception.
Hyundai Offering Free Chargers to EV Buyers, Swelling Industry Incentives
Hyundai is offering customers willing to buy an all-electric vehicle a Level 2 home charger for no extra cost. While the ChargePoint device is framed as being free, it does require the purchase of a new automobile through the automaker’s captive finance arm Hyundai Capital America.
That makes the $33,550 (before any federal tax credits or state incentives) Kona Electric the most affordable way to take advantage of the deal. But you’ll still have to find someone to install the unit into your home, to which the manufacturer has offered a $600 credit toward installation.
Ineos Starts Production of Grenadier for North America
Moneyed types in this country who’ve been pining for the spiritual successor to Land Rover’s old-school Defender will be gratified to learn the first series production Grenadier models for North America have started rolling off Ineos Automotive’s factory floor.
Report: Suppliers Asking Automakers for Pricing Concessions Over UAW Strike
Ramifications from the UAW's strike against Detroit automakers was always going to reverberate throughout the industry and suppliers are asking for some concessions. But the reason isn’t wholly down to some of the obstacles created by the recent work stoppages and the long term implications are beginning to mount.
U.K. Government Pushes Gasoline Car Ban to 2035
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Wednesday that he’s delaying bans the government had previously made for gasoline-powered vehicles. The scheme was to have the United Kingdom restrict citizens from purchasing new combustion vehicles by 2030. But Sunak has questioned the previous timeline’s viability, opting to push things out to 2035.
This probably isn’t a huge surprise for anyone with at least one foot planted in reality. EV mandates have frequently been accompanied by target dates that are wholly ridiculous. Manufacturers aren’t producing these vehicles in sufficient quantities, the supportive infrastructure isn’t in place, and there's a significant portion of consumers that appear disinterested in buying non-traditional powertrains.
Hyundai Applies to Trademark "N74" Name
Hyundai’s EVs are some of the most strikingly styled vehicles around, but its N Vision 74 concept car previewed a future with even wilder designs. We’re now learning that the car may make it to production, as a recent patent application suggests the automaker might actually build and sell it.
Polestar Forum Users Are Not Keen on Buying the Company's Smartphone
Polestar recently announced that it would sell smartphones in China, home of its parent company, Geely. Though odd, the move wasn’t a total surprise, given the automaker’s move to electrification and the often tight integration between owners’ phones and their vehicles. We poked fun at the announcement, but Polestar forum users took things a step further with a survey on whether owners would buy the phone should it be offered here.
Volvo: No More Diesels After 2024
It’s no secret that Volvo wants to become a completely climate-neutral company, and the automaker has promised to go fully electric by the end of the decade. As part of that transition, Volvo is completely phasing out its iconic diesel powertrains by early next year.
IIHS: Minivans Don't Do Enough to Protect Rear Passengers
Minivans are undefeated as family haulers, but a recent announcement from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) casts doubt on their ability to protect the precious cargo in their back seats. The crash-testing organization gave all four American minivans below-acceptable ratings in its new moderate front overlap test, which was recently updated with a stronger focus on back-seat protection and safety.
American Fuel Consumption Goes Down, Prices Do Not
Fuel prices have been climbing this year and continue to do so. However, consumer demand can no longer be blamed as we enter into the autumn months when consumption consistently drops. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that Americans were burning through a million fewer barrels of oil last week than they were the week before.
What isn’t dropping is oil prices and that seems to be making all the difference.
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