Tag Archives: Markets

SEC Investigating VW Due to the “Voltswagen” Stunt

admin • April 30, 2021

The “Voltswagen” April Fool’s Day prank has led to an investigation by the SEC.

What started out as a “humorous” advertising and marketing ploy could land German automaker Volkswagen in serious trouble with the federal government.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is apparently looking into VW’s “Voltswagen” marketing stunt to determine if it hurt company stock prices and may have broken any U.S. securities laws, according to German news outlet Der Spiegel.

The incident in question dates back to March 29. As a sort of early April Fool’s Day prank (and marketing ploy), VW “accidentally” released a rough draft of a press release declaring the company was going to change its name to “Voltswagen” as part of a larger effort to promote its ever-growing line-up of electric vehicles (EVs).

This action was picked up by the worldwide automotive press and on March 30 VW issued an official press release to several news outlets, including the Associated Press, confirming the leaked statement from the day before.

This action resulted in VW’s stock price going up. At one point it was 12.5% above its price before the whole incident.

SEC looking at jump in stock price

VW of America President Scott Keogh took responsibility for the poorly received April Fools’ prank that wasn’t on April 1.

This is what caught the attention of the SEC, taking what many considered a fairly unfunny publicity ruse to a possible federal offense.

After the April Fool’s stunt failed in the eyes of the media and the public, VW issued a press statement saying the releases were actually part of a larger tradition in which companies often issue prank statements.

This one just meant to also focus the world’s attention on VW’s growing EV portfolio.

But public statements that affect stock prices usually don’t get an “April Fools” immunity. An SEC investigation could result in charges against the company.

Several news organizations, including The New York Times and Reuters, have asked for a comment from VW. So far, the company has declined to issue one.

Just one of many VW legal scandals

This is not the first time VW has gotten into trouble for the way it conducts its business.

Oh those wacky Germans!! As quickly as it got here, VW took it away: Voltswagen is the company that never was.

In October 2015, as Volkswagen struggled to deal with its diesel emissions scandal, new data raised questions about whether the automaker properly reported death and injury claims to U.S. regulators during the past decade.

A study by the financial advisory firm Stout Risius Ross Inc., found that Volkswagen of America reported nine times fewer deaths and injuries than the average of the 11 largest automakers operating in the U.S. market. Significantly, VW reported less than half as many incidents as either Fiat Chrysler or Honda, both of which have been fined for underreporting their own death and injury data.

Back in September 2015, the EPA accused the German maker of using a so-called “defeat devices,” software designed to fool government emissions tests, on a variety of luxury models from the Audi and Porsche brands. The feds charged VW took steps to cover up excess emissions on 482,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. during a 7-year period.

The end result was VW paying billions of dollars in fines to various governments around the world. The company also faced numerous consumer lawsuits that further cost the company money.

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Lyft Sells Self-Driving Business Unit to Toyota for $500 Million

admin • April 27, 2021

Lyft has been using the autonomous prototypes in the Las Vegas market.

Lyft Inc. sold its autonomous vehicle technology unit, Level 5, to Toyota Motor Co. for $550 million, following the lead of its rival, Uber Inc.

The company launched Level 5 in 2017 to build a self-driving system for its network of vehicles. The goal, ultimately, was to eliminate the need for drivers. The company grew to nearly 400 employees, but as Lyft continues to lose money overall, it needed to find ways to end its string of quarterly losses.

Not only will it get $550 million from Toyota, it will also stop funneling multiple millions of dollars into a development project with no finish line in sight for a payoff. Lyft gets $200 million immediately and the remaining $350 million will be paid in installments during the next five years.

Uber finalized a similar deal last fall, selling its autonomous vehicle unit called Advanced Technology Group to Aurora led by former Waymo chief Chris Urmson for $400 million.

Immediate financial relief

Lyft has provided 100,000 self-driving rides as part of its autonomous technology development.

The ride-hailing company said selling its Level 5 subsidiary puts it back on the path to profitability. First and foremost, it cuts $100 million of annualized non-GAAP operating expenses on a net basis, Co-founder and President John Zimmer noted in the announcement.

“Assuming the transaction closes within the expected timeframe and the COVID recovery continues, we are confident that we can achieve Adjusted EBITDA profitability in the third quarter of this year,” Zimmer said in a statement.

The company isn’t getting out of the robotaxi business. It’s already partnered with Motional and Waymo to develop self-driving tech and now it will just rely on that partnership to move toward autonomous vehicles. Working with the pair, Lyft’s already provided more than 100,000 self-driving rides in its vehicles in the last three years.

However, Lyft can now focus on what it can do best with autonomous vehicles by offering services such as routing, consumer interface and managing, and maintaining and cleaning partners’ autonomous vehicle fleets, which could mean added revenue, it said.

Uber made a similar choice

Lyft’s deal is similar to Uber’s move last December to sell its Advanced Technology Group, or ATG, to Aurora, the autonomous vehicle technology company founded by Google and Waymo veteran Chris Urmson. The deal came in at $400 million.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi noted after the sale of its ATG unit the company’s path to profitability had been shortened.

AVs were a critical component of the path to profitability by Uber, which now relies on part-time drivers or gig workers to ferry passengers, using its celebrated phone app. Uber invested huge sums in its internal AV project; however, was crippled in 2018 when one of its test vehicles struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. It never really recovered.

Uber also ended up with a 26% ownership interest in Aurora on a fully diluted basis, the company said in a filing.

Aurora and Uber agreed to collaborate to launch self-driving vehicles on its ride-hailing and food delivery network. Uber is also working on building out its freight logistics platform but is not operating its own trucks at present.

The completion of the deal caused Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi to utter a familiar refrain to Reuters: “This essentially advances our path to profitability.” He said the deal should put the company on track for profitability by the end of this year, largely due to the fact Uber would no longer be investing vast sums of cash into ATG.

Automakers Suspend Operations, Change Equipment Due to Chip Shortage

admin • April 21, 2021

Ford is temporarily suspending production at its Kansas City assembly plant to deal with the shortage.

Automakers continue to search for ways to deal with the semiconductor chip shortage impacting the industry on a global scale.

Most companies cut back production and shift available chip inventory to high-profit vehicles like pickup trucks. Seemingly no automaker is immune to the problem, including pricey luxury and sports car makers. Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and others all recently announced moves to deal with the shortage.

This week is not different with Daimler, Stellantis and Subaru reporting today they are taking new measures to account for current run of chip shortages, both in the U.S. and in other facilities around the world.

New announcements

Ford plans to extend the shutdowns at plants that build its F-150, Ford Transit, Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator, Ford Edge/Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Mustang. The Kansas City Assembly Plant that builds its top-selling F-150 and Transit commercial van suspend operations for the weeks of May 3 and 10. It’s currently closed down.

GM is slowing production of its van at its Wentzville plant to deal with the chip shortage.

The Flat Rock, Michigan plant, which builds the Mustang, and Chicago plant that builds the Explorer and Aviator will also be down the first two weeks of next month. They’ve been down since the week of April 12, according to Automotive News.

The company plans to continue the reduced production of its Super Duty and medium-duty trucks at the Ohio Assembly Plant near Cleveland.

General Motors plans to move its Wentzville (Missouri) Assembly plant from three shifts to just two on a temporary basis starting the week of April 26. It’s cutting van production at the site. Production of its midsize pickups, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, are unaffected. The company just restarted operations at the facility last week after a two-week shutdown.

Other moves

In what may be the most novel approach to dealing with the issue thus far, Stellantis is using analog speedometers in some its Peugeot models instead of the digital ones they would normally come equipped with.

Daimler is cutting hours for 18,500 workers at two plants in Germany as it waits for more chips.

The move affects only the Peugeot 308, Reuters reported, which are built in France. The brand sold about 98,000 of the 308 model last year. The 308 is being phased out this fall in favor of a new vehicle. The company may reduce the price as a result of the less advanced speedo.

Daimler plans to reduce hours for 18,500 employees and idle production at its Bremen and Rastatt plants in Germany. Bremen builds the C-Class as well as the GLC, GLC Coupe and the all-electric EQC. The Rastatt plant produces the A-Class hybrid as well as the A-Class sedan, B-Class and GLA compact SUV.

Japanese automaker Subaru Corp. revealed plans to temporarily suspend production at its plant in Lafayette, Indiana. The closure will be in place until the end of April, according to officials. It will affect about 15,000 vehicles for North America, officials noted. The company builds the Ascent, Outback, Legacy and Impreza at the site.

With EQB, Mercedes Launches Third All-Electric Model This Year

admin • April 18, 2021

The Mercedes EQB is the third all-electric model the automaker has rolled out so far this year,

After a slow start, Mercedes is ramping up its assault on the battery-car market with the launch of the new EQB sport-utility vehicle at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Available with up to seven seats, the EQB debuts barely a week after the automaker unveiled its all-electric flagship, the EQS, the latter to serve as the battery-powered alternative to the classic Mercedes-Benz S-Class that also has been redesigned this year. The year began with the rollout of the EQA, bringing to three the number of battery-electric vehicles the German automaker has debuted in less than four months, with still more products to come.

“With the all new EQB we have created an iconic electric SUV that takes the heritage of our boxy off-road vehicles and transforms this into the future,” said Gorden Wagener, chief design officer of Daimler Group — who spoke to TheDetroitBureau this past week in an exclusive Q&A. “We combine the significant boxy silhouette with futuristic elements such as the black-panel front to create the extraordinary look of the vehicle.”

Lot’s in common with the familiar Mercedes GLB

The EQB will debut in its most premium form on the Chinese market, with Europe and the U.S. to follow.

At 184 inches in length, 72 inches in width and 66 inches in height, and with a wheelbase of 66 inches, the Mercedes EQB’s dimensions are nearly identical to those of the conventional GLB crossover. But, like the rest of the new Mercedes EQ family, the new model mounts batteries, motors and other key electrical components below the load floor in a skateboard-like platform.

The design is not nearly as radical as that of the new EQS sedan, with its breakout “one-bow” styling. The EQB could be confused, at a casual glance, with the more familiar GLB, starting with the traditional two-box SUV silhouette.

But a closer inspection reveals a number of distinctive details, starting up front with a large black grille with the Mercedes tri-star that is there primarily for appearance sake. As with other BEVs, there is little need for airflow under the hood without an internal combustion engine. Smaller air intakes below the bumper provide cooling air for the battery pack, brakes and electronics.

Another distinctive touch is the fiber-optic lighting strip that runs just below the hood cutline, linking the EQB’s LED headlights and daytime running lights.

Plenty of room

The Mercedes EQB will offer an optional third row.

The interior is likely also to feel familiar to current EQB owners, starting with the large, twin videoscreens, one replacing a conventional gauge cluster, the other serving the infotainment unit. That system can be operated by voice, a console-mounted touchpad, controls on the steering wheel or by using the MBUX operating system. The Alexa-like voice assistant recognizes plain language commands and can also perform tasks like checking the weather.

The new model also integrates what Mercedes calls “Navigation with Electric Intelligence” which, it says, “contributes to the effortless handling of the EQB in everyday life. It calculates the fastest route to the destination, taking into account maximum charging power and the duration of possible charging stops. In addition, the Navigation with Electric Intelligence ensures that the high-voltage battery is brought to an optimal charging temperature before a planned charging stop, as needed.”

The new Mercedes EQB comes standard in a five-passenger configuration. But it also can be ordered with a third row adding room for two more. The center row can tilt and slide fore and aft by as much as 5.5 inches.

A staggered global rollout

A variety of different powertrains and battery packs will be offered for the Mercedes EQB.

The automaker plans to offer the EQB in a number of different markets and a variety of different configurations. It will reach showrooms first in China, not surprisingly, a country that has laid out an aggressive plan for growing its electrified vehicle market. The initial Chinese version, said Mercedes in a statement, will be “a fully equipped top-of-the-range model with AMG Line and an output of 288 horsepower.”

Europe will get the EQB later this year and, said Mercedes, “customers will have the choice between several models with front-wheel and all-wheel drive and various power levels, some rated at over 268 hp.”

The U.S. introduction is scheduled for 2022, but the automaker is being vague about the details of what will be offered in that market. It is considered likely that American buyers will have at least one of the higher-output drive systems with all-wheel drive available as an option, if not a standard feature.

Quick charging

The cabin will be relatively familiar to current Mercedes-Benz GLB owners.

Mercedes noted that the European battery pack will be a relatively modest 66.5 kilowatt-hours, only a fraction larger than what Chevrolet offers in the Bolt EV and newer Bolt EUV. But “a long-range version also is planned” for different markets, said the company.

The EQB features an 11 kilowatt onboard charger. It also can plug into a public quick charger and, with at least 100 kW of DC power will go from a 10% to an 80% charge in 30 minutes.

There has been speculation that a higher-power version of the EQB also may be in the works. The gas-powered, seven-seat Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 punches out 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, getting it to 60 in about 5 seconds. The EQB does have the advantage of instantaneous torque from its electric drive system, though Mercedes has not released performance figures yet.

Pricing yet to be announced

Also yet to be revealed: pricing for the various EQB models.

The new Mercedes EQB will be assembled at the automaker’s plant in Kecskemet, Hungary. It will be the factory’s first all-electric model, though it has already handled plug-in hybrid versions of the Mercedes-Benz CLA line and will add the A-Class plug-in sometime in the future.

All told, Mercedes says that most of the $85 billion product development money it has outlined for 2021-2025 will go towards battery and digital technologies. By the end of 2022 it plans to have eight all-electric models in showrooms around the world.

“The company envisages that more than 50% of its passenger car unit sales will be accounted for by plug-in hybrids or all-electric vehicles by 2030,” it said in a statement released last week.

EV Interest on the Rise, But Purchases Coming When Prices Drop, Study Says

admin • April 12, 2021

Interest in electric vehicle ownership continues to grow, but prospective buyers want prices to drop before they commit to buying one.

While EVs have been in the news a lot lately, consumer concerns about the cost of an initial purchase are a real thing.

Those worries came to light as part of a survey by OC&C Strategy Consultants, Reuters reported. Consumers around the world are much more interested in purchasing EVs than ever before, the study showed, but remain wary about the price of battery-powered cars, which are generally more expensive than their internal combustion engine counterparts.

The report shows that more than half of potential new-car buyers in Italy and France are interested in purchasing an EV. Numbers in the U.K. and the U.S. are even higher — 81% and 61%, respectively.

This problem is nothing new. U.S. News & World Report reported last year EVs are frequently more expensive up front than comparable gas-powered vehicles. “Sticker shock” can turn shoppers away from EVs, especially since initial prices are more widely considered than the overall cost to own.

But concerns about initial cost remain a barrier.

Automakers are preparing an overwhelming number of electric vehicles for U.S. consumers.

Of the consumers likely to buy an EV, 69% said they would not pay more than a $500 premium compared to a gasoline-powered car — an unlikely scenario without government subsidies.

Countries with purchase incentives have seen a faster uptick in EV sales and European countries have introduced several generous incentives.

Help might be on the way in the U.S.

President Joe Biden recently unveiled a $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan for the country. Included is a proposed $174 billion to promote U.S. EV manufacturing, sales and the development of infrastructure.

Part of the sales promotion part is to give EV buyers “point of sale” rebates and tax incentives to buy American-made EVs. This reflects the reality that consumers are still worrying about purchase costs.

And OEMs are also aware of the cost problem. One solution is to reduce the cost of EVs, and some are moving in that direction. GM spokesman Phil Lienert said that GM sees a lot of promising technological improvements that will really help reduce EV costs to the consumer.

GM showed of its third-generation global electric vehicle platform with its Ultium battery technology.

“Our third-generation EVs will use the Ultium platform,” Lienert said. “This is about 40% less expensive than the Bolt EV platform. We are working to get that number closer to 60% less expensive.”

And as production of EVs ramp up, economies of scale kick in, further reducing EV prices. But despite the dropping costs of batteries and EVs, it is believed that consumers still need incentives to buy more expensive electric cars.

To help with that, Biden plans to extend the current $7,500 federal tax credit, an amount that diminishes for vehicles built by automakers including Tesla and General Motors that already have sold more than 200,000 electric vehicles. Biden could eliminate that 200,000 ceiling as well as enhance incentives for EV buyers in disadvantaged communities.

Incentives matter

“EV buyers love their cars, even there are challenges along the way,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America, an EV owners advocacy group in February.

Already the top seller of EVs in the world, Tesla would definitely benefit from the reinstatement of the $7,500 tax credit for buying a battery-powered car.

The phase out of federal tax credits, said Levin. Both Tesla and General Motors no longer can offer the $7,500 incentives after hitting a Congressionally mandated sales threshold. Nissan and Ford are approaching the phase-out point, as well.

“It certainly hurts the market, especially for those who want to buy American,” said Levin.

While the upfront cost of purchasing an EV might be higher than an ICE car, there are other cost factors to consider.

Throughout a vehicle’s lifetime, the cost maintaining the typical vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine will add up to around 6.1 cents per mile, according to research by Consumer Reports. By comparison, BEV owners can expect to spend about 3.1 cents per mile. Surprisingly, the study found that maintaining a plug-in hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius Prime, can be even slightly less expensive, at 3 cents per mile.

“Electric vehicle owners don’t need a coupon to get half-off typical maintenance and repair costs from their dealer, it comes standard,” said Senior Transportation Policy Analyst Chris Harto, author of the study which is based on real-world data from Consumer Reports. “These savings are going a long way to offset the upfront costs for consumers.”

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium is part of the wave of new EVs coming available.

Sell the concept, not individual concerns

GM spokesman Stuart Fowle said the company’s goal is to reach beyond early adaptors and tech nerds. To do that GM plans to launch 30 new EV models by 2025.

“I have two children,” Fowle said. “I need a car bigger than a Bolt but I don’t need one as big as a Hummer. Once you get a line-up that matches consumer needs, you can sell EVs.”

But selling EVs is not about going line by line and saying they are cheaper in the long run or easier to maintain or improving range, Fowle said. It’s about getting the public comfortable with the tech.

As more consumers see friends and neighbors drive EVs, a tipping point will be reached where people will feel left out if they don’t buy an EV.

“That day is coming sooner than many people think,” Fowle said.

Honda Looking to Get a Little More Rugged with Trailsport Moniker?

admin • April 9, 2021

The new Honda Ridgeline gets a more rugged exterior update for the 2021 model year. Could a Trailsport edition be coming soon?

Is Honda trying to make its trucks and SUVs appear to be tougher? Maybe.

The Japanese automaker’s secured a new name: Trailsport. When compared to RAV4, Passport and Pilot, Trailsport seems almost vicious by comparison. The automaker registered the name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and website Carbuzz tracked it down.

The application reads as follows: “The mark consists of a miscellaneous design set above the term TRAILSPORT with the letters ‘R’ and ‘S’ connected together all in a stylized font. This trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of land vehicles, namely, sport utility vehicles, automobiles, trucks, and structural parts for the foregoing.”

Getting a little tougher

There’s no clear indication if Honda intends to use it for new vehicle or, more likely, a special edition or trim package, such as the Honda Ridgeline Trailsport.

Subaru is offering up a beefed up version of the Outback called the Wilderness edition.

Regardless, the company’s been looking to add more capability to its trucks and utes, toughening up the look of aforementioned Ridgeline for the 2021 model year after the previous iteration was roundly criticized for its “soft” or non-traditional appearance.

In addition to the new look, it also got additional tweaks to keep the functionality the Ridgeline has touted both in terms of utility and performance, including the top standard payload capacity for a V6 all-wheel-drive truck.

The biggest change for 2021 is the truck’s overall exterior shape, which is altered by getting an entirely new front-end design. The new look is a bit more aggressive with a “power bulge” on the hood accented with a more squared-off front end and bigger, more upright grille. Most of its competitors have been upsizing the grilles on their trucks and looking for “tougher” monikers for their vehicles too.

Following a trend

Subaru just launched a new family of more rugged off-roaders with its new Wilderness edition offerings, starting

The new Pathfinder’s sporting a more rugged look for the 2022 model year.

with the new 2022 Outback Wilderness. The automaker described the ’22 Subaru Outback Wilderness as “the most rugged and capable” version of the crossover in its history.

Once little more than a gussied-up station wagon, the new Wilderness model adds features designed to give it serious off-road credibility, starting with an increase in its ride height, upgrades to the suspension, revisions to its all-wheel-drive system and a standard front skid plate. The automaker will expand the line-up to include Forester and Crosstrek in the near future.

With competition like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Gladiator Mojave and the Ford Bronco harkening back to a rougher, tougher time and the increasing desire of owners to take these vehicles that look like SUVs out to do SUV-like things, it’s no surprise that other automakers are hustling to bolster their crossovers and urban-friendly utes.

Don’t forget Nissan

For the 2022 model year, Nissan’s finally given the Frontier midsize pickup a major makeover.

Nissan did the same with its 2022 Pathfinder and Frontier entries with one executive proclaiming the Pathfinder has “returned to its rugged roots,” for the new model year. While the Pathfinder got a more muscular look and a few small upgrades to improve its off-cement capability, it was the Frontier that got a big boost.

The new Frontier adopts a more solid and upright appearance with a bolder, less derivative front end. All versions of the truck get enhanced ground clearance and enhanced approach and departure angles, with a prominent front skid plate.

For those who are serious about off-roading, there’s a new Pro-4X version featuring an electronic locking differential, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and underbody skid plates. That could enhance Frontier’s appeal to those who might otherwise consider the Toyota Tacoma, for many the off-road benchmark of the segment. The Pro-4X is all-wheel drive but for those who want a 2WD model, the new Pro-X adds LED head, DRL and fog lights for a more rugged appearance.

Krafcik Leaves Waymo After Five Years as CEO

admin • April 2, 2021

Waymo CEO John Krafcik is way gone, announcing his departure and the company’s plans to move the current COO and CTO into the role of co-CEO.

Add “former” to the title of Waymo CEO John Krafcik, who announced today he’s left the company.

The former Hyundai Motor America chief spent five years heading up the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Google, which, according to his farewell on LinkedIn, “was called ‘Chauffeur’ internally.”

Tekedra Mawakana and Dmitri Dolgov, of whom Krafcik said “having seen their brilliance, vision, and commitment in play for years — I assure you they are very well suited for this,” take over as co-CEOs of the Mountain View, Calif.-based AI-focused company. As is often the case with senior executives, Krafcik will stay on in an advisory capacity.

“So now, with the fully autonomous Waymo One ride-hailing service open to all in our launch area of Metro Phoenix, and with the fifth generation of the Waymo Driver being prepared for deployment in ride-hailing and goods delivery, it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to pass the baton to Tekedra and Dmitri as Waymo’s co-CEOs,” he wrote.

Next steps

Waymo named former COO Tekedra Mawakana as its new co-CEO to replace Krafcik.

Krafcik didn’t offer many details what the future holds, although it could be that he’s uncertain himself. He said he and his wife, Leila, will take a “coupbatical,” which he described as “a refresh period where we look forward to reconnecting with old friends & family, and discovering new parts of the world.

“After that, we’ve got a few ideas for focus and contribution that we’ll flesh out together and share when the time is right. We’ve already relocated to Austin, Texas, and we look forward to seeing some of you there, or on our travels.”

Krafcik once headed up Hyundai’s U.S. operations, helping lead the brand through an image renaissance and a period of rapid growth. He even earned the “Automotive Executive of the Year” in 2013. However, his run there ended in late 2013 after the South Korean automaker declined to renew his contract — despite the accolade.

However, he quickly landed on his feet, taking over as CEO of TrueCar just as the automotive sales and data website was readying to go public. His tenure there was short, however, as he moved on to Waymo, then-Google’s self-driving car project, just a little more than a year later in September 2015.

Dynamic duo

Waymo CTO Dmitri Dolgov joins Mawakana as co-CEO with Krafcik’s departure.

As for the company, Mawakana and Dolgov now step into new roles. Previously the COO and CTO respectively, they are described as having “complementary skill sets and experiences.” Due to the nature of their roles, they’re already accustomed to working together.

Dolgov, who started in autonomy as part of Stanford’s DARPA Urban Challenge team, joined the company in 2009, when it was still referred to as Google’s self-driving car project. Over time, his influence and responsibility grew. He became CTO late in 2016.

Mawakana, joined Waymo as a policy lead. Prior to joining the company in 2017, she led global policy teams at eBay, AOL, Startec and Yahoo, after beginning her career as Washington, D.C.-based law firm Steptoe & Johnson LLP.

Mercedes-Benz Building Electric Sprinter Vans in U.S.

admin • March 31, 2021

Mercedes-Benz has developed a new, more flexible platform for its eSprinter.

As part of its plans to electrify its fleet, Mercedes-Benz announced Tuesday it is finalizing plans to build the next generation of its eSprinter van at its plant in North Charleston, South Carolina, as well as its manufacturing facilities in Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde in Germany.

The new eSprinter will be built on a new platform announced at the end of 2020. Dubbed the Electric Versatility Platform, it’s offered with three battery and multiple body configurations and developed at a cost of 350 million euros, or $410.3 million. It’s part of the company’s overall electrification efforts.

“The future of mobility is electric in the transport sector, especially in the last mile delivery segment. Our share of battery-electric vehicles is constantly growing. We have consistently aligned our strategy accordingly,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, in a statement. “With our newly developed Electric Versatility Platform, we are significantly expanding our offering in the commercial series.”

Tough competition

The eSprinter EVP offers more configurations for its vans.

While final details of the new van will become available when it debuts, the current Sprinter is offered in three wheelbases, four body lengths, three roof heights, four powertrains, and four instrument panels, which are offered in various configurations of storage compartments, cupholders, infotainment options, and climate controls.

All models will have push-button start and new driver-assistance features. The Sprinter van was first introduced in the United States in 1995, updated in 2010 and last redesigned for the 2019 model year, and available with gas or diesel powertrains. The eSprinter, available in Europe, was not offered in the United States, although a badge-engineered Freightliner Sprinter was offered stateside.

Overall, the Sprinter ranked fourth in full-size van sales in 2020 at 41,916 units, behind the-place Ram ProMaster at 50,556 units, second-place Chevrolet Express at 55,131 units and first-place Ford Transit at 131,556 units.

Only the Nissan NV (15,247 units) and GMC Savana (15,108 units) trailed the Sprinter in popularity. Of the Sprinter’s competitors, only the GMC and Chevrolet compete with the Sprinter’s diesel engine option, and none are electrified.

A slew of electrified full-size cargo vans planned

Daimler’s facing tough competition for the eSprinter, starting with the 2022 Ford E-Transit – an all-electric version of the world’s best-selling cargo van.

That should change with the arrival of the 2022 Ford E-Transit, which Ford says will have a range of 126 miles, 33% more than the 74-mile average daily range for commercial vans in the U.S. The company builds the van at its Kansas City Assembly plant.

General Motors has also announced a new standalone EV commercial vehicle brand named BrightDrop, with plans to produce the EV600 electric cargo van by the end of 2021. Powered by GM’s Ultium battery, the EV600 has an estimated range of 250 miles and is capable of 120-kw DC fast-charging 170 miles of range in about an hour.

Also on the horizon is Rivian’s delivery van — already engaged in real-world testing — built in partnership with Amazon, EV startup Canoo, which plans to offer the MPDV2, with EPA estimated ranges from 90 miles to 190 miles. Not to be outdone, Karma Automotive unveiled an extended-range electric cargo van concept called the E-Flex, a battery-electric vehicle with a range of 200 miles. And that’s just the beginning.

Three plant strategy

By building the eSprinter in three locations, the company hopes to optimize production to meet demand worldwide. Currently, the company already builds a version of the eSprinter at its Düsseldorf factory on a line alongside conventionally powered Sprinters.

Powered by the Ultium battery system, the BrightDrop EV600 is targeted to have an estimated range of up to 250 miles on a full charge.

“In the future, we will be able to quickly meet the ever-increasing demand for electrically driven vans and, thanks to our intelligent and flexible production, be able to respond very precisely to the requirements of the different markets,” said Ingo Ettischer, head of Production for Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The expertise the company has developed at building differing Sprinters will be implemented at its North Charleston and Ludwigsfelde plants. In addition to the Sprinter panel van, the company will also construct a chassis model that can used for ambulances, motorhomes or refrigerated transporters, and other types of vehicles. Production of the eSprinter is expected to begin in the second half of 2023.

Pandemic accelerates trends planned for years ago

With the pandemic shutting down retailers and restaurants, and driving to the store is no longer a choice, having the store come to the customer is now an essential part of life. Mercedes-Benz already foresaw the accelerating growth in deliveries four years ago, when the company introduced its current line of Sprinters.

“The biggest issue is that there is not enough capacity out there to deliver the parcels to the customers,” said Volker Mornhinweg, then the head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The platform allows for vans of all sizes within the eSprinter line-up.

And that was before COVID accelerated delivery growth to unprecedented degree.

At the time of the current Sprinter’s introduction, Mercedes-Benz debuted Mercedes Pro, a telematics system that communicates between fleet manager and driver, providing vehicle status, vehicle logistics, fleet communications, maintenance management, accident recovery and a digital vehicle log.

The web-based service enables managers to optimize a driver’s efficiency by providing a vehicle’s location, fuel level and maintenance intervals in real time. The system can even track the items in the Sprinters cargo hold, allowing companies to track inventory, and alert a driver about job changes and reroute the van to guarantee to timely deliveries.

A mix of manufacturing facilities

The Mercedes-Benz plant in North Charleston, S.C., is the smallest of the Sprinter plants. Founded 15 years ago for Sprinter and Metris vans, it was expanded to full Sprinter production in 2018 and currently has 1,600 employees.

By comparison, the Ludwigsfelde plant, now 30 years old, employs about 2,000. The Düsseldorf is the oldest of the three plants at 59 years old, and is the largest, employing 6,000. Going forward, Mercedes-Benz is also looking to make its factories carbon-neutral worldwide by cutting emissions generated from vehicle production or from the energy supply used by the plants.

A Week With: 2021 Lincoln Corsair Reserve AWD

admin • March 25, 2021

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair Reserve is powered by a 2.3-liter turbo delivering 280 horsepower.

Since its introduction for the 2020 model year, Lincoln’s compact crossover SUV is its most popular model, much like the unmemorable MKC that it replaced. Now in its second season, the Corsair gets a new plug-in-hybrid model dubbed the Corsair Grand Touring.

Other updates for 2021 are cosmetic. There’s a Monochromatic Package with black wheels, and exterior trim, while the Sport Appearance adds polished wheels, body-colored bumpers, a black mesh grille insert, and illuminated scuff plates. Finally, Lincoln is adding a towing package, so you can yank your favorite lifestyle plaything behind you.

Overview

Corsair is Lincoln’s most refined vision of where the brand is heading, designed by the same team that created the Navigator and the Aviator. Its personality is distinctly American, with a quiet ride, powerful – yet fuel efficient – engines and beautifully lush interiors. Lincoln calls its approach Quiet Flight.

The Corsair is the Lincoln brand’s best-selling model.

The Corsair shares its architecture with the Ford Escape, but there’s far more differentiation than there was between the Escape and MKC. Longer and wider than its Ford cousin, the Corsair is the sportiest interpretation of Lincoln’s new SUV style, offered in Standard and Reserve trim levels. Lincoln supplied a Reserve for a week-long test.

Exterior

If you’ve seen its larger siblings, the Corsair’s exterior style will strike a familiar chord. Yet this is not merely an Aviator that’s been left in the dryer too long.

While boasting familial styling cues, they’re executed appropriately for the Corsair’s smaller scale, lending it a sportier appearance. But it retains its allure of modern classic style, capped by Lincolns distinctive new grille and horizontal tail lamps — a Lincoln hallmark.

“… Corsair indulges its occupants with a resplendent lavishness … a rebuke of the European austerity design aesthetic that automakers use as an excuse to cut costs …”

Interior

The interior of the Corsair Reserve is a luxurious and comfortable place to spend some time.

Given the parsimonious starkness that defined the MKC’s interior, the Corsair’s cabin is a revelation. Like its larger Navigator and Aviator siblings, the Corsair indulges its occupants with a resplendent lavishness, lined in soft leather.

It evokes a modern classicism, one that’s up-to-date yet timeless. It’s a rebuke of the European austerity design aesthetic that automakers use as an excuse to cut costs.

The front seats are roomy and comfortable, being soft enough to coddle, yet firm enough to offer support. The rear seat is surprisingly comfy as well, and able to slide forward or back six inches, so you can prioritize room for people or stuff.

Other indulgences include 24-way power-adjustable massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and rain sensing wipers.

Powertrain

New Lincoln interiors debut with the all-new Corsair including Beyond Blue with its vivid blue and white palette.

Corsair is powered by a turbocharged 250-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4, or a turbocharged 280-hp 2.3-liter inline-4 powerplant. Both mate to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front- or all-wheel drive is offered on 2.0-liter models; all-wheel drive is standard with the 2.3-liter engine.

Five driving modes are standard, including Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Conserve. Lincoln also offers the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor, a continuously variable automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and an all-electric driving range of 28 miles.

It’s rated by the EPA at 33 mpg in combined city/highway driving, as compared to 24-25 mpg in combined fuel economy for the other models.

Safety and Technology

The 2.3-liter inline-4 is authoritative and refined, appropriate for the vehicle’s class.

All Corsairs come with such driver assistance safety systems such as forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot alert, cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a rearview camera and automatic high beams.

It can be upgraded with optional adaptive cruise control with lane centering and speed sign recognition, 360-degree camera with front washer, front sensing system, evasive steering assist, reverse braking assist, and active parking assist, all of which are offered in an option package. The Corsair scored a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, and it earned a Top Safety Pick designation from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Better yet, Lincoln has packed the Corsair with true high-tech touches. An 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard; a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is optional.

2021 Lincoln Corsair Reserve touchscreen

The Corsair has an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3.

The Reserve test vehicle indulged its driver with a head-up display, an impressive 14-speaker Revel audio system, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a vertical wireless charging pad tucked inside the center console, which keeps your smartphone hidden and out of the way. Smart? This is even smarter: Lincoln’s new app lets you use your smartphone instead of the vehicle’s key fob.

Driving Impressions

Driving a Reserve with the Corsair’s larger 2.3-liter engine, you’ll find it furnishes effortless yet graceful power. Authoritative yet refined, it seems appropriate given this vehicle’s class.

However, the 2.0-liter seems more than sufficient at moving the Corsair with authority, particularly with front-wheel drive.

The all-wheel-drive system is rear biased, and can send 100% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels if needed, adding an element of sportiness to its character.

Trading some sportiness for serenity, the Corsair’s ambience is best described by their marketing slogan: quiet flight. This is very much the grand tourer, with a quiet, composed driving experience that’s sporty enough to keep things interesting, with accurate steering and little body roll in corners, although that’s not its milieu. Be sure to try the optional adaptive damping package; it significantly improves the Corsair’s overall deportment.

Wrap Up

Unlike every diminutive Lincoln that preceded it, the 2021 Lincoln Corsair lives large despite its small size. Its technology, safety, performance and interiors deliver a different driving experience.

Yes, it can hustle, but that’s not its intent. The Corsair delivers the quiet, comfortable, opulent experience one demands of a luxury vehicle regardless of size. And it does to in a very American fashion, something that seems to be foreign to other domestic automakers, and a few foreign ones as well.

Land Rover Embellishing 2022 V8 Defender Portfolio

admin • February 26, 2021

Land Rover is bringing out the newest iterations of its Defender, the V8 series.

Starting next summer, Land Rover is bringing on new versions of the Defender V8 for the 2022 model year as part of an enhanced Defender 90 and 110 line-up.

Earlier this month, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Thierry Bollore said the company’s new “Reimagine” strategy calls for the Land Rover brand to introduce six BEVs by mid-decade. The first all-electric model is scheduled to reach the market by 2024. The all-electric models are expected to generate 60% of Land Rover’s volume by 2030, according to the company’s planning projections.

“It’s time to re-imagine the next chapter for both brands,” Bollore said in a statement revealing the company’s BEV strategy.

Nonetheless, Land Rover is not about to turn away from wealthy buyers looking for power from a bit engine.

Gas power lives on a bit longer

The new Land Rover Defender 90 V8 should hit the U.S. this summer.

The 5.0-liter, supercharged V-8 in the 2022 Defender 90 and Defender 110, which will be available next summer, will produce 518 horsepower, JLR said.

In addition, the new Defender V8 and flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition will offer performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings capable of delivering new levels of driver engagement and agility both on and off-road, JLR executives said.

The new V8 models also are engineered specifically to be the fastest and most engaging production Defenders with unrivalled agility and driver appeal, they added.

The exclusive Carpathian Edition based on the Defender V8 is described as representing the ultimate expression of Defender design, performance, and capability, while a new XS Edition replaces the successful First Edition and combines bespoke exterior and interior design elements, according to JLR officials.

New vehicle performance

“The introduction of our V-8 powertrain adds a new dimension of driving engagement and off-road capability to Defender. Fast and fun to drive, it represents the pinnacle of the Defender family and is as rewarding on the road as it is capable off it,” said David Hemming, chief product engineer, Jaguar Land Rover.

Land Rover pricing for the Defender V8 series begins at $97,200 and tops out at $107,200.

“We’ve also broadened the appeal of the entire Defender lineup with new derivatives, option packs and enhanced connectivity, so there really is a Defender for everyone,” he added.

The Defender 90 V8 accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.9 with a top speed of 149 mph, according to specification released by the company.

The Defender V8s also come with an additional layer of driver appeal, through the introduction of a new Dynamic program within the Terrain Response system, which is available only on V-8-powered Defender vehicles. It allows drivers to exploit the more dynamic character and handling balance of the V8 model on tarmac and loose surfaces, according to Land Rover engineers.

Larger-diameter solid anti-roll bars are designed to help reduce body roll in cornering, while the unique Electronic Active Rear Differential introduces a Yaw Controller that allows fine control of the cornering attitude of the Defender V8, they said.

The Defender V8 also features several exterior enhancements such as unique exterior badging, distinctive quad exhaust tailpipes and unique 22-inch alloy wheels combine to set the most powerful model in the line-up apart.

Design and technology

Ready for the rugged world outside, nothing but comfort and opulence inside.

The Defender V8 also is set apart by its Xenon Blue front brake calipers and 15-inch from brake discs.

Land Rover also is expanding the personalization potential with the introduction of new optional exterior design packs. The Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack boast unique exterior features that will enhance the silhouette of the Defender, Land Rover’s announcement said.

Heightened connectivity is also part of the updates for 2022 with the Pivi Pro infotainment system making available new features, including an 11.4-inch touchscreen. Wireless device charging with integrated signal booster is now as standard for improved convenience and call quality also is included for 2022.

The new models go on sale this summer starting at $47,700 for the Defender 90. The Defender 90 V8 begins at $97,200 and works its way up to $107,200 for the Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition.

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