Author: Sibley Presley

In a remarkable turn of events, the European manufacturers’ association ACEA reports that, for the first time, electric cars have outpaced diesel cars in new registrations across the EU in June. The surge in popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has been unprecedented, with new registrations of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) skyrocketing by an impressive 66.2 per cent compared to the same month last year, totaling 158,252 cars. This notable achievement translates to a 15.1 per cent share of new registrations, a significant leap from the 10.7 per cent recorded in June 2022. Conversely, diesel cars’ market share experienced a decline…

Renault, known for its successful 1996 Scenic model that ignited the popularity of C-segment minivans in Europe, is now looking to regain its footing in the market. The automaker is set to unveil the Scénic E-Tech Electric, a crossover-style electric vehicle (EV) designed to compete with the likes of VW’s ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Explorer EV, and its own relative, the Nissan Ariya. While the full reveal of the Scénic E-Tech Electric is scheduled for the Munich Auto Show in September, Renault has provided a glimpse of the production version through a series of camouflaged images. The…

Burnaby, Vancouver is gearing up for the grand opening of Rivian’s innovative ‘Spaces’ showroom on July 28. This exciting development marks Rivian’s foray into the Canadian market and promises to offer a distinctive retail experience for customers. Situated in the bustling Amazing Brentwood shopping mall, the Rivian Space aims to captivate automotive enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike. Recognizing the importance of bolstering their physical retail presence, Rivian has predominantly conducted their buying experience online. However, the company has been actively working towards enhancing the customer journey by introducing Spaces across various locations. Last month, the inaugural Rivian Space debuted in…

French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, expressed his optimism on Sunday, stating that he is “very hopeful” that Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, will select France as the destination for a significant investment connected to the production of electric vehicles in Europe. Musk recently engaged in discussions with French government officials, including President Emmanuel Macron, as he explores various possibilities for future production sites. When questioned about the nature of the potential investment, whether it would involve battery cells or other aspects of Tesla’s business, Bruno Le Maire informed LCI television that “several options are on the table.” Le Maire further…

Tesla has reportedly initiated the deployment of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta version 11.4.4, as unveiled through the release notes of the latest update. Earlier last week, accounts from Tesla’s FSD Beta tester fleet indicated an escalated release of version 11.4.3. Responding to user reports, CEO Elon Musk confirmed that FSD Beta V11.4.4 would be making its way to users by the end of the week. Although FSD Beta V11.4.4 appears to be a minor update succeeding V11.4.3, the release notes indicate a series of notable enhancements. Among the highlighted improvements are refined maneuvering during lane changes with tight deadlines…

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) and Vodafone Business have announced the extension of their strategic partnership to provide enhanced in-car connected streaming and infotainment services in Europe. The collaboration aims to leverage Vodafone Business’s Global Internet of Things (IoT) Connectivity to offer customers of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models a range of advanced connected car services. This partnership builds upon their initial agreement established in 2018. As in-vehicle connectivity becomes increasingly prevalent, Vodafone Business, a leader in IoT, is well-positioned to deliver unique and innovative solutions that drive technology adoption. Erik Brenneis, Director of IoT at Vodafone Business, expressed enthusiasm about…

In the ever-growing market for electric vehicles (EVs), automakers are engaged in fierce competition to attract prospective buyers. As a result, consumers seeking brand-new EVs are being presented with increasingly enticing deals as manufacturers introduce new models. The latest contender in this ongoing race is the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6, which has recently made significant price reductions for leasing and purchasing. In an effort to further boost sales, Hyundai is now offering a substantial $5,000 rebate and appealing financing rates as low as 0.99 percent APR on the Ioniq 6. A communication sent to Hyundai dealers, which was obtained by…

Rolls-Royce, the renowned British luxury automaker, has recently announced the successful completion of the 2.5-million-kilometer (1.5-million-mile) testing program for its groundbreaking all-electric super coupe, the Spectre. This comprehensive assessment, equivalent to more than 400 years of usage, involved a series of rigorous automotive evaluations conducted by Rolls-Royce engineers. Over the course of the testing program, the Spectre underwent extensive technical road tests and Lifestyle Analysis simulations, which aimed to replicate real-world scenarios and enable a comprehensive understanding of how future owners would utilize the vehicle in their daily lives. These assessments accounted for an impressive total of 50,000 combined driving…

In a bid to enhance their appeal, NIO, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, has expanded the customization options for three of its models. Effective immediately, both the ET5 sedan and ES7 SUV now offer a gold exterior option, priced at RMB 10,000 ($1,400), according to an article released on the NIO App. Furthermore, all three models, namely the ET5, ES7, and the recently launched ES8, now come equipped with a new front wiper defrost function. This feature, priced at RMB 1,000, helps the wipers quickly return to normal operation during cold weather, ensuring effective snow clearance and maintaining clear visibility.…

Seoul Plans to Replace 1,300 Buses with Hyundai Fuel-Cell Buses by 2026 In a collaborative effort between Hyundai Motor, the Seoul city government, the South Korean Ministry of the Environment, SK E&S, and Tmap Mobility, the capital city of South Korea, Seoul, has announced its ambitious plan to replace 1,300 existing buses with new fuel-cell buses from Hyundai by 2026. This groundbreaking agreement aims to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions in the city. The comprehensive plan entails replacing 1,000 city and commuter buses, as well as 300 airport buses, with environmentally-friendly fuel-cell alternatives. By 2030, Seoul plans to…

Great Wall Motor (GWM), the Chinese carmaker, has appointed Steffen Cost, a seasoned automotive executive, to its European management team. Cost, 56 years old, has taken on the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at GWM’s European headquarters since June 1st. Having previously held high-ranking positions at Renault, Nissan, and Kia, Cost most recently served as Vice President of Operations at Kia Europe. In his new position as COO at Great Wall Motor, Cost will report directly to Henry Meng, the President of GWM Europe. Great Wall Motor currently offers the BEV compact model Ora Funky Cat and the PHEV…

Nikola Corp, the electric truck manufacturer, may resort to a reverse stock split if its stock fails to meet Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirements within a specific timeframe, according to the company’s CEO, Michael Lohscheller. The announcement came on Thursday as Nikola’s stock closed at approximately 57 cents, revealing ongoing struggles with significant losses, high cash burn, and sluggish demand for its battery-powered trucks. Last week, the company received a delisting notice from the stock exchange. To comply with Nasdaq regulations, shares must trade above $1, and a notice is issued if they remain below this threshold for 30 consecutive…

Revel, the Brooklyn-based electric rideshare company, is expanding its fleet by introducing the Kia Niro EVs alongside its existing lineup of Tesla Model Ys and Model 3s. This addition brings more diversity to Revel’s fleet, which is rapidly approaching 300 electric vehicles (EVs) in operation throughout New York City. Revel’s primary goal is to promote electric mobility in the public sector by establishing the necessary infrastructure and accompanying services to facilitate a smoother transition. Since 2021, the company has operated a fleet of over 230 EVs, predominantly comprised of sky blue Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles, which have…

BYD, in partnership with Spanish chassis builder Castrosua, has unveiled its latest electric bus, marking an important milestone in their joint manufacturing venture. The electric bus, which will soon be operational in Spain, showcases the combined expertise of both companies. The BYD-Castrosua electric city bus measures twelve meters in length and provides ample space for up to 92 passengers. Equipped with a 422 kWh battery, it boasts an impressive range of over 450 kilometers, making it an efficient option for transportation. However, it is worth noting that energy consumption may vary depending on seasonal and geographical factors, with the average…

In order to meet its ambitious output goals, Stellantis (STLAM.MI) CEO Carlos Tavares has revealed that the automotive giant will require not just one, but potentially two large-scale electric vehicle (EV) battery factories in the United States. Tavares made this announcement during the inauguration of a gigafactory in northern France, emphasizing the need for further facilities akin to those already planned for North America. The decision to pursue additional factories in the United States stems from the favorable investment conditions created by the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. Tavares expressed his appreciation for the conducive environment that has been established, highlighting…

Michigan-based manufacturer, Shyft Group, is gearing up to introduce a new line of electric trucks and vans under the Blue Arc brand. With expertise in producing medium-duty specialty vehicles, the company aims to tap into the growing demand for medium-duty electric vehicles in the commercial trucking sector. Shyft Group plans to compete with both startups like Arrival SA and established manufacturers such as Daimler Trucks, who are also venturing into this space. To kickstart production, Shyft Group intends to initiate pilot production of its first Blue Arc vehicle, a step-in van, in Charlotte, Michigan, located near its Novi headquarters. The…

Arcimoto, the renowned manufacturer of three-wheeled vehicles known as Fun Utility Vehicles (FUV), has expanded its product lineup with the introduction of the Arcimoto MUV (Modular Utility Vehicle). The MUV, built on a similar platform as the FUV, offers a modular design that allows for customizable bed configurations catering to various industries and applications. Positioned as a work-oriented vehicle, the Arcimoto MUV has been specifically designed to meet the needs of industrial mobility customers who require reliable, sustainable, and versatile electric vehicles for moving goods, materials, supplies, and equipment. The CEO of Arcimoto, Chris Dawson, expressed the company’s commitment to…

Great Wall Motor, a Chinese automaker, is in the final stages of planning a substantial investment of up to $30 million to establish a battery pack assembly plant in Thailand. This move comes as the company aims to start production of a compact electric car in the country next year. In addition, Great Wall Motor is considering the establishment of a research and development center in Thailand, with a focus on battery-powered pickup trucks. Narong Sritalayon, the managing director of Great Wall Motor Thailand, shared these details in an interview. The company already operates 10 similar development hubs globally, dedicated…

Tesla has stirred controversy with its unconventional steering wheel designs, most notably the yoke steering wheel introduced with the Model S and Model X refresh in 2021. While the yoke steering wheel remains a paid option for these flagship vehicles, it seems that the upcoming Cybertruck may offer customers a choice between two steering wheel options. During Tesla’s Investor Day, the Cybertruck showcased its own version of the yoke steering wheel. Unlike the traditional yoke design seen in the Model S and Model X, the Cybertruck’s steering wheel includes an upper piece, making it more of a hybrid between a…

Neta Auto, the electric vehicle (EV) brand under Hozon Auto, has inaugurated its global headquarters in Shanghai with the aim of cultivating a more prestigious brand image. The newly opened headquarters in Shanghai’s Putuo district serves as a hub for various key functions, including strategy planning, resource allocation, decision-making, and coordination of Neta’s global operations, as stated in a press release issued today. Additionally, the facility serves as Neta’s flagship experience center, research and development center, data center, and service center. It also features a display of Neta vehicle models, including the Neta S, Neta GT, Neta U-II, and Neta…