Category Archives: electric vehicles

Polestar to Use Google Maps Live Lane Guidance

Posted on 4 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Polestar* (Nasdaq: PSNY), the struggling Swedish electric car brand facing de-listing by Nasdaq, said today that it will become the first automotive OEM to integrate Google Maps’ new live lane guidance into the driver display in one of its vehicles. The applies to cars with Google built-in. “It will help drivers stay on course with ease while navigating complex highways and intense rush-hour traffic.”

“Over the past five years, Polestar’s collaboration with Google has delivered many new features for Polestar owners. Live lane guidance continues the path of Polestar’s driver centric UX strategy, reducing driver stress and improving safety by making missed exits and last-minute lane changes much less of a worry,” said Sid Odedra, Head of UI/UX at Polestar. Continue reading →

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UAW Endorses Sherrod Brown for US Senate

Posted on 3 November 2025 by Ken Zino

The UAW today officially endorsed Sherrod Brown for US Senate. Approximately 100,000 active and retired UAW members live and vote in Ohio. The UAW Ohio CAP (Community Action Program) Council formally voted to endorse Brown and said it will mobilize hundreds of thousands of working-class Ohioans to elect Brown to the US Senate.

“Sherrod is more than an ally of the UAW; he is an honorary union brother,” said UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green. “Ohioans don’t need another representative who leaves us wondering whose side they’ll be on when it matters. We know exactly where Sherrod Brown stands, because he has been in the fight with the UAW and the working-class time and time again. I am proud of our members for committing to elect working-class fighters like Sherrod.” Continue reading →

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Volkswagen ID – Money Back in 100 Days

Posted on 3 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In a marketing move that likely will have international implications, Volkswagen* in the U.K. today announced the so-called ID. Promise. This allows its retail electric car customers between 80 and 100 days after collection to ‘drive and decide.’ The time frame in which people can return vehicles is from the point that they take delivery of their new cars. They just need to inform their retailer, who will then arrange a refund minus a 3% fixed usage charge, as well as the cost to repair any damage or modifications to the cars since they were handed over.**

“Official figures show more than 1.3 million UK motorists have already converted to electric, and time and time again our customers tell us they would never go back to petrol or diesel having made the move,” said Rod McLeod, Director of Volkswagen UK. “But there are many more people who want to go electric but feel unsure. This straightforward initiative gives them the perfect opportunity to ‘drive and decide’ with no strings attached.” Continue reading →

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Porsche Cayenne Electric – Resourceful Performance

Posted on 24 October 2025 by Ken Zino

“With the Cayenne Electric, we are taking e-performance to a new level,” said Dr Michael Steiner, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development. “Our innovative high-voltage system combines maximum efficiency with the driving dynamics typical of Porsche.” Continue reading →

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GM Ends Production of BrightDrop EVs in Canada

Posted on 21 October 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) today confirmed the end of production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van built at CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll, Ontario. BrightDrop production will not be moved to another site. GM said “The commercial electric delivery van market … Continue reading →

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World Premiere – New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

Posted on 21 October 2025 by Ken Zino

“Launched originally as the Toyota BJ in 1951, the Land Cruiser immediately became the first vehicle to climb to the sixth station of Mount Fuji. Since then, it has fulfilled its mission of delivering safety and security to all types of people in places that only the Land Cruiser can reach. Developed and refined based on global, real-world customer usage, it provides reliability, durability, and off-road performance that allows people to go anywhere and everywhere and return safely. This concept has been carried forward and continues to evolve to this day. With cumulative sales of about 12.15 million units [footnote 1] in over 190 countries and regions around the world, the Land Cruiser has supported the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere. It is a flagship Toyota model that has been developed and refined by customers around the world for over 70 years,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2026 Mustang Mach-E GT

Posted on 20 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company(NYSE: F) said today that it is introducing the 2026 Mustang Mach-E® GT California Special. It’s a special edition as an optional package that brings a heritage-inspired design to the Mustang family’s newest member. In the 1960s, California dealers were responsible for a large portion of all Mustang sales and wanted their contributions to the vehicle’s success commemorated through a unique package. In 1968, the original California Special was born. The coupe’s original red and black accents and aero features would define the trim package for years. Just over 4000 of the original California Special Mustang vehicles were built. Continue reading →

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Porsche Sales Tank in China. So-So Elsewhere

Posted on 9 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche (P911.DE) said today that a total of 212,509 cars were delivered to customers worldwide between January and September, of which 35.2% were electrified (+12.8 percentage points). However, in China the world’s largest market, Porsche has lost its once gleaming image and lucrative result. In China, 32,195 cars were delivered to customers (-26%.) The primary Porsche excuses for this decline “remain the challenging market conditions, particularly in the luxury segment, and the intense competition in the Chinese market.” The gleam is also fading elsewhere for Porsche.

“Porsche continues to maintain robust delivery figures this year. The level is in line with our expectations, especially considering the ongoing geopolitical and economic conditions,“ claimed Matthias Becker, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “In the coming months, our customers can look forward to many exceptional product offerings. We recently unveiled the new 911 Turbo S at the IAA, the range-topping version of our iconic sports car. This strengthens our brand core. Demand for the new flagship is very strong, and the car has received a lot of praise from the media and prospective customers.” Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Bolt Returns as 2027 Model at ~$30,000

Posted on 9 October 2025 by Ken Zino

“The Chevrolet Bolt was the industry’s first affordable mass-market, long-range EV and it commanded one of GM’s most loyal customer bases thanks to its price, versatility and practicality,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “After production ended, we heard our customer’s feedback and their love for this product. So the Bolt is coming back, by popular demand and better than ever, for a limited time. Continue reading →

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Bosch Puts Its First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Into Service

Posted on 8 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Bosch said today that it has taken another step toward climate-friendly logistics. Its Nuremberg plant recently started using a fuel-cell electric truck in plant traffic. The truck is equipped with the Bosch fuel-cell power module (FCPM). [The Germans, who once scoffed at Japanese technological prowess  appear to be trailing them in fuels cells – AutoCrat.]

“When we decided to make our plant traffic more climate-friendly, it was clear that we wanted a truck featuring Bosch’s FCPM,” said Alexander Weichsel, the commercial plant manager in Nuremberg. “This deployment is an important building block that helps us reduce our emissions in logistics. The fact that several thousand trucks with Bosch fuel-cell systems are already on the road worldwide shows that the concept is proving its worth.” Continue reading →

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First FIA Extreme H World Cup Starts Tomorrow

Posted on 8 October 2025 by Ken Zino

The first-ever FIA Extreme H World Cup kicks-off tomorrow, Thursday 9 October, with the Time Trial contest.* Eight teams and 16 drivers have been getting their first runs of the new Pioneer 25 hydrogen-powered race car in Qiddiya City ahead of the real racing.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s been great to hear the teams are talking about how to get the best performance out of the car, rather than talking about reliability issues,” explained Mark Grain, Technical Director, FIA Extreme H World Cup. “The drivers are using all the tools that are available to them, the new tools like the Fox live valve and those damper maps are actively being used. The more toys you can give great racing drivers, the better – they love all this.” Continue reading →

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First Look -Volvo Car USA 2026 EV Lineup

Posted on 7 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Car USA today announced details of its 2026 fully electric lineup with upgrades to the 2026 Volvo EX90, as well as the arrival of the EX30 Cross Country and Single Motor variants for U.S. customers.

“The 2026 EX90 has a new 800-volt electrical architecture that delivers faster, more efficient charging**- adding up to 155 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a compatible 800-volt charging station. This figure is the typical time to charge from 10 to 80 % at a 153kW DC fast charging station (CCS2). Figures are preliminary and derived from estimates and calculations performed for the Volvo EX30,” Volvo Cars said. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Group Posts So-So Q3 Sales

Posted on 7 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported Q3 2025 retail sales of 73,500 passenger cars. Year-to- date, U.S. retail sales to customers rose 6% to 223,800 units, helped by strong demand for Mercedes-Benz SUVs and expensive models. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported third quarter 2025 sales of 9500 units. The MBUSA overall total is 83,000 units retailed in the third quarter. Mercedes-Benz Group globally sold 441,500 cars in Q3 2025. [This gives the bragging rights to BMW Group at 588,300 – AutoCrat. BMW Group – Small Sales Increase YTD. Board Slashes Outlook]

“With sustained strong demand across our entire product lineup, our third-quarter sales results demonstrate the strength of the Mercedes-Benz brand and reflect the hard work and determination of our employees and outstanding dealer partners. We remain focused on consistently delivering our customers class-leading products and benchmark experiences with our 2026 models now arriving, including the stunning Mercedes- Maybach SL 680 at the very top end of the portfolio through to a highly compelling new all-electric entry point to the brand with the CLA that will reach U.S. dealerships before the end of the year,” said Adam Chamberlain, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Sales – Small Increase YTD. Board Cuts Outlook

Posted on 7 October 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group today posted Q3 Sales that increase of +8.8%. From January to September 2025, the BMW Group delivered a total of ~1.8 million BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers, This is a sales growth of only +2.4%. During the same period, the company increased sales of fully-electric vehicles by +10.0% to 323,447 units. Between January and September, the BMW Group delivered a total of 470,313 electrified vehicles (BEV and PHEV) to customers (+15.0%). However, the Board of Management of BMW AG today changed the outlook downward for the 2025 financial year. Continue reading →

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Porsche Dumps World Endurance Cup!

Posted on 7 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche AG (P911.DE)* said this morning will in future focus on two factory projects in motorsport. Porsche Motorsport will run the Porsche 99X Electric in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Porsche will also run 963 in the North American IMSA WeatherTech series SportsCar Championship. The surprise move abandons some racing that Porsche was long involved with. Porsche Penske Motorsport will end its involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the end of the current season. (However, the cost of new model introductions as well as Trump’s tariff wars and formidable Chinese competition on EVs, dividends for shareholders no doubt weighed heavily on the retreat – AutoCrat.)**

“We very much regret that, due to the current circumstances, we will not be continuing our involvement in the WEC after this season,” said Dr Michael Steiner, Deputy Chairman and Member of the Executive Board Research and Development, Porsche AG. Steiner has been at Porsche since 2002 after leaving Daimler AG. Continue reading →

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