Author: Christopher Harrison

In a strategic shift, Tesla has veered away from its ambitious goal of delivering 20 million vehicles annually by 2030, as outlined in its latest impact report. The company, led by CEO Elon Musk, had previously set its sights on this target, which would have doubled Toyota’s current sales figures, the world’s largest automaker. The electric vehicle (EV) giant has altered its course by canceling plans for an anticipated $25,000 model, emphasizing instead its commitment to autonomous driving technology and the imminent launch of its robotaxi. Musk expressed enthusiasm for these developments, noting their potentially “profound” impact during a video-link…

Tesla founder Elon Musk expressed opposition to U.S. tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) during a tech investor conference in Paris on Thursday, reversing his January stance that trade barriers were necessary to prevent China from “demolishing most other car companies in the world.” Musk stated that he did not support measures that distorted the market. “Neither Tesla nor I asked for these tariffs; in fact, I was surprised when they were announced. Things that inhibit freedom of exchange or distort the market are not good,” he said at the Viva Technology conference via video link. This month, U.S. President…

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a recall inquiry involving approximately 51,500 Volkswagen America electric vehicles (EVs) due to concerns over doors opening while the vehicle is in motion. The affected vehicles are reportedly Volkswagen’s electric ID.4 SUVs manufactured between 2021 and 2023. This action follows the NHTSA’s receipt of 12 complaints regarding the EVs’ doors intermittently opening while driving, with no apparent cause. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities linked to this issue. Notably, the affected vehicles were previously subject to a recall by the automaker to address water seepage from the…

Honda is set to debut a groundbreaking hydrogen semi truck concept at this year’s Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Las Vegas, focusing on clean medium and heavy-duty vehicles. While Honda has been perceived as lagging behind in electrification, particularly compared to other Japanese automakers, under the leadership of CEO Toshihiro Mibe, who assumed the role in April 2021, the company has begun to accelerate its efforts. In addition to unveiling new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) like the Honda Prologue and the Acura ZDX, developed in collaboration with GM, Honda has introduced a unique fuel cell plug-in hybrid version of its CR-V.…

The U.S. government’s announcement of stringent import restrictions targeting China, including a plan to increase tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles to 100 percent, has put the Korean auto industry on high alert. According to trade statistics from the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) released on May 16, Korea’s auto parts imports in the first quarter of this year totaled US$1,665.98 million, with US$685.2 million coming from China. Germany was the second-largest importer at US$162.36 million, followed by Mexico (US$160.71 million), Japan (US$112.38 million), and Vietnam (US$106.67 million). This year marks the first time China has surpassed the 40 percent mark…

In a strategic move to rival the United States and China in the electric and autonomous vehicle market, Japan’s leading automakers – Toyota, Honda, and Nissan – have announced a groundbreaking collaboration. The trio plans to jointly develop automotive software, aiming to reduce costs and enhance economies of scale, according to a report by Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun on May 16. The collaboration, set to begin in 2025 and beyond, is part of Japan’s upcoming automotive digital strategy, jointly announced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, expected by the end…

Brazilian mining company Vale is collaborating with Caterpillar to introduce a massive 240-ton battery-electric haul truck, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions at its mines by 2030. Under the agreement, Caterpillar and Vale will conduct tests on severe-duty battery electric mining trucks, including the 793 BEV, as well as V2G/V2x energy transfer systems and alcohol-powered trucks. These tests will help Vale in making informed decisions regarding equipment choices as it strives to reduce direct and indirect carbon emissions by 33% by 2030 and eliminate 100% of its net emissions by 2050. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt0k3TYFh3k Vale’s energy and decarbonization director, Ludmila Nascimento, highlighted…

Tesla China has introduced a new promotion for potential buyers of Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles, offering the choice between zero interest or zero down payment. The promotion is set to expire on June 30. The marketing efforts of Tesla China have been notably active this year. In January 2024, the company slightly reduced the prices of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured in Giga Shanghai. Subsequently, in April, Tesla China announced new incentives for Model Y and Model 3 customers, similar to the current promotion ending in June. Meanwhile, Tesla recently raised the price of the…

Stellantis announced on Friday that Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Dodge and Ram brands, will retire after nearly 32 years with the automaker and its predecessors. Kuniskis, known for leading Dodge and being instrumental in the development of high-performance Hellcat models, has been a key figure in the automotive industry. During his tenure, Kuniskis guided Dodge to reestablish itself as a quintessential American muscle car brand. Under his leadership, Dodge introduced iconic vehicles such as the Challenger and Charger Hellcat models, which boasted over 700 horsepower, as well as the controversial Challenger Demon drag race cars. Kuniskis will be succeeded…

Gatik, an autonomous driving company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Isuzu Motors to accelerate the mass production of self-driving trucks. Under the agreement, the Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer will invest $30 million into the California-based firm. The collaboration aims to establish a dedicated facility for producing trucks with Level 4 autonomy, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers. These vehicles will operate without human input in specific geographic areas, functioning on a “Freight Only” basis. Operations at the new facility, whose location is yet to be determined, are expected to commence in 2027. Gatik and Isuzu have…

After Chevrolet announced the retirement of the sixth-generation Camaro at the end of the 2024 model year, officials assured enthusiasts that this wasn’t the end of the iconic nameplate. Now, as details of the Camaro’s future emerge, GM President Mark Reuss has hinted at an electrified comeback for the beloved muscle car. Speaking to MotorTrend, Reuss expressed a desire for the Camaro to “return to its roots” as an affordable vehicle with broad appeal. He suggested that the next-generation Camaro could be an electric vehicle (EV), potentially with a base price similar to the $34,995 starting price of the Equinox…

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a visit to China, criticized U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, labeling them as examples of unfair competition. Putin’s remarks came as he sought to deepen the relationship between Russia and China, the two most powerful rivals of the United States. Putin stated, “Unfortunately, the way the world works today, sometimes situations arise related to unfair competition. This is how the Americans recently imposed sanctions on China on electric transport, on electric cars,” adding, “Why? Because Chinese cars have got better.” The comments from Putin follow Washington’s decision to increase tariffs on $18 billion worth…

Car buyers in the United States eyeing the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 could be in for substantial savings, thanks to enticing discounts available for the all-electric SUV. Shoppers considering a lease on the 2023 ID.4 are set to benefit from a $7,500 lease incentive, mirroring the federal EV tax credit of the same amount applicable to qualifying EV purchases in the U.S. Since May 1, Volkswagen has sweetened the deal with a Customer Bonus on the ID.4, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the trim level. For the base ID.4, customers can enjoy savings of up to $12,500 by combining…

Tesla has reportedly transferred responsibility for its Supercharger charging network to its team overseeing the solar and battery storage business, following a tumultuous period of layoffs and reorganization within the company. The move comes after Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Supercharger team, leading to the dismissal of former Supercharger boss Rebecca Tinucci and her entire 500-member team. According to a recent Reuters report, Tinucci had initially laid off around 15 to 20 percent of her team at the request of management, but Musk was not satisfied and demanded further staff cuts. When Tinucci expressed…

General Motors and South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, along with LG Electronics, have agreed to establish a $150 million fund to provide relief to Chevrolet Bolt EV owners affected by defective batteries, according to documents filed in a U.S. court on Thursday. General Motors, which first launched the Chevrolet Bolt EV in 2015, utilized batteries supplied by LG entities under a business arrangement. In 2020, General Motors began issuing recalls following numerous complaints about fires in some vehicles. “General Motors, LG Energy Solution, and LG Electronics have agreed to a settlement with plaintiffs to resolve class action litigation related to…

Eli Electric Vehicles has announced the opening of reservations for its Eli Zero micro-electric vehicle (EV) in the United States, priced at $11,990. The company, already successful in Europe and French Polynesia, where hundreds of vehicles are in use for various purposes, is now targeting the US market with its street-legal micro-EV. The Eli Zero, measuring 4.5 feet wide and 7.4 feet in length, is designed to comfortably seat two people. It boasts a range of up to 90 miles and comes equipped with features like keyless entry and start, power-assisted steering, ABS, radar parking sensors, and a rear-view camera.…

Tesla has raised the price of its Model 3 Performance by $1,000, bringing the new cost to $54,990 as of Thursday night. This marks the second price increase since the vehicle’s launch on April 23, when it was initially listed at $52,990. The Model 3 Performance, known for its top speed of 163 MPH and an impressive 0-60 MPH acceleration time of just 2.9 seconds, had its price first adjusted to $53,990 shortly after its release. Tesla’s tendency to make spontaneous price adjustments has been evident once again with this latest increase. In addition to the price hike on the…

Tesla received a boost in Germany on Thursday when the local council in Grünheide voted in favor of the electric vehicle maker’s plans to expand its Gigafactory in the region. The vote tally showed eleven councilors supporting the expansion, while six voted against it and two abstained. The Austin-based company faces several hurdles before commencing the expansion project, which includes a train station and new roads aimed at reducing heavy truck traffic in the area. Tesla had to revise its original plan in response to local criticism. Despite these challenges, Tesla maintains a long-term goal to double the site’s capacity…

China’s leading electric car maker, BYD, achieved a new year-to-date EV sales record last week in its home country, signaling strong momentum that is expected to continue with the rollout of new EVs in key segments globally. Recent data from Morgan Stanley, reported by Investing.com, indicates that electric vehicles surpassed their gas-powered counterparts last week, rebounding from a recent holiday lull in China. Domestic brands, including BYD, Li Auto, and NIO, saw significant week-over-week (WOW) sales improvements, with BYD leading the pack with a 30% increase to 69,500 registrations. BYD’s impressive sales performance extends beyond the recent week, with 101,300…

Nio announced plans to introduce a new model annually under its budget-friendly Onvo brand. The company aims to align Onvo’s pricing with that of traditional gasoline vehicles, a strategic move to penetrate the competitive Chinese auto market. Nio’s latest unveiling, the Onvo L60 SUV, comes with a price tag starting from 219,900 yuan ($30,476), positioning it 12% below Tesla’s Model Y, which starts at 249,900 yuan in China. According to Nio, the next Onvo model will target larger families, with the company anticipating a positive impact on overall profitability once monthly sales reach 20,000 units. Nio’s CEO, William Li, noted…