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Category Archives: new vehicle
Mexican-Built 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid Shrinks Size, Price
To AutoInformed, it looks like a clever updating and use of the former Mazda-derived Ranger pickup. Ford Motor, of course, once dominated the compact pickup truck market in the U.S. until years of product neglect combined with an assault by Toyota and Nissan pushed it to a footnote in the segment. Continue reading
Hyundai Motor Teases “Enhanced” XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck
In a running battle with Toyota, Hyundai claims this will be the world’s first mass-produced, heavy-duty truck powered by hydrogen. Hyundai will begin production of 2021 XCIENT Fuel Cell in August this year. Continue reading
Hyundai Revises Ioniq 5 EV for 2022 with New Platform
IONIQ 5’s interior uses the E-GMP’s all-electric packaging, steer-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems to provide a close to flat floor for passenger and cargo space. With the battery pack mounted beneath the floor, between the front and rear wheel axles, the E-GMP architecture creates a flat floor for the cabin. This provides more legroom for passengers, while enabling various arrangements for the front and rear seats. Continue reading
Ford Introduces All-Electric F-150 Lightning Pro – Bring Money
Ford is the only automaker, thus far, to offer an 80-amp charge station as standard equipment with the so-called extended-range truck. It uses the only dual onboard charging system in the industry to cut the 15%-to-100% charge time to roughly eight hours for the hoped-for EPA-estimated 300-mile-range. This might help “reduce charging infrastructure investments and battery wear,” but this is Ford speculating about what remains a core issue with EVs – the ability to charge them and America’s outdated grid and infrastructure that the Republicans refuse to cooperate with job-creating Democrats to update. Continue reading
First Look – 2022 Hyundai Tucson
Caveat here: The whole industry has moved rapidly toward small displacement force-fed, aka turbocharged, engines, but real-world fuel economy improvements – if any – are heavily dependent on where you drive and how smooth your driving technique is. In stop and go conditions, whether induced by traffic or by drivers that are first to every red light with late braking, will not see any gains in our experience. They might even use more fuel. Continue reading
EV Pickup! Ford is Betting Lightning Can Strike Twice
Two giant questions lurking the floors of the Dearborn Glass House are: When Ford builds it next year in 2022 will they come; Can Ford build a complicated new technology vehicle without a series of recalls, glitches and bugs that have been standard equipment on previous high-technology launches including the current generation Explorer? (See AutoInformed* below) Another unknown is EV tax credits. The maximum Federal tax credit is $7,500 for any vehicle no matter the cost. It ceases for automakers at 200,000 total EVs sold. Both General Motors and Tesla have hit the subsidy wall and currently do not qualify for the $7,500 tax credit. The Biden Administration could change this. Continue reading
Canoo Lifestyle Van or Pickup Priced at $35-50k
It’s not coincidental that Zoom is scheduled to announce its Q1 financial results after the New York markets close. The larger story, perhaps, is the company, not the vehicle. Canoo is a Los Angeles-based company that has, arguably, pioneering technologies. Its business model drops traditional ownership and is a glimpse at the future of automobility that other companies are also pursuing. Canoo will not have a physical sales network. The company will offer its product directly to customers via subscription, not ownership. Continue reading
Volkswagen de México Exporting Taos SUVs to US
Since its foundation, Volkswagen de Mexico has produced more than 13 million of vehicles. Currently, the Puebla Plant produces the Jetta, Tiguan LWB and Taos models; the Silao Plant produces the engines EA888 and EA211, which are integrated in the production of vehicles for the Volkswagen Brand and Audi, in North America. Continue reading
Posted in manufacturing, new vehicle
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino, volkswagen group
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Maserati Debuts Levante Hybrid SUV at Shanghai Auto Show
“Shanghai Auto Show is an extremely important event for our Brand. The Show marks a rebirth in difficult times. We believe strongly in this new beginning, and today we are showcasing several world premieres that project us straight into the future,” said Maserati CEO Davide Grasso. Continue reading
Mazda Finally Joins the Electric Vehicle Parade
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today semi-announced the introduction of the Mazda MX-30, its first battery-electric vehicle, in the US market beginning in fall 2021 at California dealerships. This is the first step in Mazda’s “multi-solution electrification strategy” that is lagging numerous other industry leaders. Continue reading
First Look – 2022 Infiniti QX55
The ’22 Infiniti QX55 is now reaching North American showrooms. For US consumers, the Nissan sub-brand had a new digital reservation program that allowed shoppers to buy their car. QX55 has – it’s claimed – “generous” standard equipment, including wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, 20-inch wheels, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for $46,500 MSRP to start. Continue reading
Posted in new vehicle
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, Infiniti Now, Ken Zino, Nissan Infiniti QX55
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GMC Adds Hummer SUV EV. Direct Selling Without Dealers?
Perhaps even bigger news is that the Hummer will be sold by GM online, with dealers playing only a supporting role at the introduction. Customers who reserve a vehicle can choose the dealer where they would like the vehicle to be delivered. That dealer will then complete the sale/transaction. It’s clearly part of the strong US retail trend – accelerating from Covid – that consumers are becoming more comfortable and more apt to us computers and phones to buy goods and services. Ultimately, we think traditional dealers will play a diminishing role. Continue reading
Posted in marketing, new vehicle
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, Hummer EV models, Hummer SUV EV, Ken Zino
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Battery Powered – Mercedes-Benz Trucks to Unveil eActros
It’s been a long time coming, allowing Japanese maker Toyota through Hino to seize the apparent lead. Daimler first showed a concept for a heavy-duty electric truck back in 2016. It took two years to get ten prototypes into testing during 2018. The key of course will be customer adaptation and government incentives to fight climate change that spur purchases and above all retirements of diesels. Continue reading →