Aston Martin’s DBX SUV a Huge Success

Posted on July 30, 2021 by Victor Crew

Aston Martin recently reported a massive 224% sales increase to its dealerships. These sales numbers were largely due to their first SUV, the DBX.

The DBX SUV, which has only been available for about a year, accounted for more than half of Aston Martin’s sale of 2,901 vehicles between January and June.

Aston Martin stated that with the success of their first SUV, the DBX, they have delivered two other new vehicles will help position the company for continued growth.

The DBX went into production in July 2020 has widened the appeal of the company in one of the most lucrative segments of the auto market, SUVs, and has been profitable for Aston Martin’s rivals.

In the first half of 2020 Aston Martins losses were at about 315 million dollars and fell to just $126 million by the end of 2020.

Ford May Ship Chip-less Vehicles to Dealerships to Be Finished Later

Posted on July 23, 2021 by Victor Crew

As a fix to the global chip shortage Ford Motor Co is considering shipping unchipped vehicles to dealerships to finish as chips become available. While the vehicles would be un-driveable to consumers, the vehicles would help fill dealership lots which are becoming more and more baren by the day.

When the chips on back-order become available dealership techs would insert the components in the vehicles, some of which might even be pre-sold and then immediately sent to the homes of consumers.

Ford spokesperson Said Deep stated that Ford is still investigating if dealerships are interested and noting is for certain yet.

Shipping won’t happen right away. If Ford goes forward shipping could happen by the end of the year.

Dealership technicians already possesses the skill set and tools to do the work as it is very much like recall orders and repairs they deal with all the time. The logistics are all in place, Ford and its dealerships just have to make the decision to move forward.

For would hold vehicle titles until the vehicle is 100% complete and drivable for a buyer. This doesn’t allow Ford to record the sales any sooner than normal.

SAIC States Chip Shortage Will End After 3rd Quarter

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Victor Crew

The Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation has stated that they expect the semiconductor crisis in the global auto industry that they expect the situation to be alleviated by the 3^rd quarter.

SAIC Chairman Chen Hong made the statement during the annual shareholders general meeting. He stated specific that the chip shortage can be ended by late July. While OEM manufacturers struggled to produce in June, according to SAIC, things will be back to normal in the 3^rd quarter.

Chen, when pursued further, said that the chip shortage would not affect the company’s annual target of selling 6.8 million vehicles.

Company president Wang Xiaoqiu state the lack of chips has had a great impact on the company. Though he also noted that SAIC’s total performance had not been affected.

Chen Hong noted that the shortage of chips had changed the relationship between OEM’s and chip makers. While previously OEM’s didn’t work directly with the chip makers, they now do. And with the increase in smart vehicles, SAIC is trying to increase its supply chain.

Porsche Recalls 43,000 Taycan EVs Over Software Issue

Posted on July 9, 2021 by Victor Crew

Porsche, well known luxury sports car maker, recalled 43,000 electric Taycan cars when they found a glitch in the software that can cause the electric engine to suddenly shut down.

The recall is out for all Taycan vehicles produced and delivered by June according to Porsche. Porsche is offering a free software update to fix the issue.

The Taycan was launched just last year.

Porsche told the press that while there are no known accidents associated with the software issue, it had been observed in 130 Taycan vehicles.

The Taycan is a low riding, four-door, sports car. It has a 280 mile range. It is Porsche attempt to attract high-end customers into their EV market.

Porsche noted that an over-the-air software update would not be possible for the Taycan and that owners should expect a one-hour visit to fix the issue.

General Motors Invests in Lithium to Supply EV Production

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Victor Crew

General Motors has invested in a U.S. lithium plan to might become the country’s largest. This would also make GM the first automaker to create its own source for a resource critical for batteries and the electric vehicle industry.

The deal comes at a time as automakers worldwide race for access to lithium and other important EV materials.

GM said it’ll make an investment in the multimillions to help develop the Controlled Thermal Resources ltd’s Hell’s Kitchen geothermal brine project which is near California’s Salton Sea southeast of LA.

GM stated that this will potentially supply the automaker with a large amount of the lithium they need. The company declined to mention a specific investment amount. As travel restrictions ease GM’s scientists and engineers will visit the site.

While Great Wall Motor Co and BYD (both Chinese automakers) have previously made a similar move to invest in lithium producers, GM is taking it more than just one step further. Other automakers may make similar investments as lithium demand is suspected to increase by 20% over the next four years.

Ferrari Reveals New Hybrid Sports Car

Posted on June 25, 2021 by Victor Crew

Ferrari revealed their new plug-in hybrid sports car, though known for their roaring gas engines Ferrari makes another step into the electric motor era.

The 296 GTB is Ferrari’s third hybrid in series production. The SF 90 Stradale and convertible SF 90 Spider came before.

Ferrari stated the 296 GTB was designed for the peak of pleasure driving and that they hope the new model may attract those who were not interested in Ferrari before.

The basic two-seater will start at $321,000 USD and the high-performance version, Assetto Fiorano,” will cost about $359,000 with a top speed over 205 mph.

The296 GTB will be fitted with V6 turbo engine with the 122KW electric motor will produce 830 horspower. The electric only range of the vehicle will be around 25 km.

The Italian sports car and racing company known worldwide stated that their goal is to have a fully electric vehicle by 2025.

Apple Hires Former BMW VP Ulrich Kranz

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Victor Crew

Ulrich Kranz, formerly a BMW executive and autonomous electric vehicle startup Canoo co-founder, has been hired by Apple to work on its own electric car.
Apple Hired Kranz in recent weeks, just about a month after he stepped down from Canoo. He will report to Doug Field, who once worked at Tesla, and heads up Apple’s electric car project.
Apple’s goal is to build a self-driving electric car by around 2024 and has spoken with Hyundai, Kia and Nissan about partnerships according to online posts though Apple has not yet confirmed any electric vehicle plans.
Kranz worked at BMW for thirty years and was senior VP for about half of those years. Kranz worked on the development of Minis, sports cars and the company’s first SUV. He was also in charge of Project I, BMW building electric vehicles for large cities.
He worked for Faraday Future before leaving for the self-driving startup Canoo in 2017.

Fiat Will Go 100% Electric by 2030

Posted on June 4, 2021 by Victor Crew

Fiat, Italian auto manufacturer, has dedicated itself to becoming a brand who builds only 100% electric vehicles by 2030. They’ve stated they will phase out all combustion style engine vehicles from their lineup by 2025.

Fiat recently released a new all-electric version of its very popular 500 city car. Which, for now, will be sold along with the combustion engine 500.

Fiat stated they wanted to increase access to electric vehicles by lowering the barriers of entry which include charging station infrastructure.

As more countries enact legislation banning all but zero-emission cars Fiat’s move, like other manufacturers, come as no surprise. The move also fits with Fiat’s new focus on city cars, leading the way with their popular 500.

The company has given no further specifics on new electric vehicles. In 2019 they released a concept electric vehicle, the Centoventi, which seems to be a next gen Fiat Panda

New Peugeot 5008

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Victor Crew

The Peugeot 5008 GT is an SUV. Kinda. But it has a distinct Euro styling. Like its sibling the 3008 the new 5008 will come with a new look on the outside and tech upgrades on its inside.

The bumper has been completely redesigned and the grille spreads itself between the 5008’s new LED lights. New fanged DRLs draw a line down into the lower valance. This all leads to quite a striking new look for the Peugeot’s new 5008. Look at one side by side with the old model.

As for the tech upgrades inside of particular note is the new 10-inch screen for the infotainment system. It has also been redesigned at the user experience level where the most used functions are easier to access in the revision. Peugeot engineers have rethought the configurable digital dials making them easier to read after the rendering and contrast have been adjusted.

The vehicle range starts with the Allure at $53,990, which is up $6k with the same 121kW/240Nm 1.6 turbo petrol engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GT variant comes with a 133kW/250Nm version of the 1.6 turbo and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GT variant will cost you $60, 990 sticker. There is also a GT diesel available at $62,990 (up $5k). The diesel runs at 130kW/400Nm and is a 2.0 liter which is now paired with the eight-

Joe Victor

On the Road in Style!