Interesting Car/Truck Manufacturer News

[Weather Man]

Toyota to build $1.25B electric vehicle battery plant in North Carolina​

TM +1.14%Dec. 06, 2021 2:24 PM ET7 Comments

• Toyota Motor Corp. (TM +1.3%) will build a $1.25B electric vehicle battery plant near Greensboro, North Carolina as part of the automaker's $3.4B U.S. EV battery plant.
• State and local governments approved incentive packages worth up to $435M over 20 years for the plant that will create around 1,750 new jobs. Access to plentiful water and cheap energy in the area played a role in the location decision as battery factories can use up to five times as much energy as typical auto plants, according to analysts. Utility rates in the county are 30% lower than the U.S. national average.
• Toyota, like Ford (F +1.3%), is choosing to manufacture its batteries in-house, giving it greater control over the supply chain than if it were to rely on an outside party. The company intends to spend $9B on battery factories and says it will sell 15 battery electric vehicle models by 2025. Toyota currently doesn't offer any pure EVs but hybrids and other EPVs accounted for 28% of total sales in November.

 

[Weather Man]

Ford CEO Farley says these customers aren't ready for electric cars​

Gary Gastelu 2 hrs ago
Ford is going electric, but not yet all-electric.

The automaker plans to be building 600,000 EVs annually by 2025 and have 40% of its new vehicles fully battery-powered by 2030, but hasn't yet put a date on when that number will be 100%.

Ford CEO Jim Farley explained to Automotive News that not all of its customers are ready to make the transition, due to their specific needs.
"We have a lot of rural customers at Ford that a lot of other brands don't have. We have Super Duty customers who do heavy-duty towing: horse trailers, people in the energy business who are towing big-time loads over very long distances. It's hard for me to imagine that all those customers will go electric in the next 10 years," Farley said.

"They're actually as interested in the technology as anyone, it's just their use case is different than how we've designed the vehicles so far. It does feel, at least for Ford, the transition's happening faster than we thought. But again, it's the first inning of a maybe nine-inning game."

Ford will be launching the all-electric F-150 Lightning in 2022, which has a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds and a range of up to 300 miles, but has not announced any plans to introduce an electric Super Duty EV. Farley said the company has nearly 200,000 reservations for the F-150 Lightning and that its next-generation full-size electric pickup will be built in high volumes at its new Blue Oval City factory in Tennessee.

Unlike GM, which has said it will go all-electric in the U.S. by 2035, Ford sees hybrids playing a role in its lineup for years to come. This sentiment is shared by Toyota, due in part to the difficulties of electric car ownership for urban customers with limited access to charging stations as the infrastructure is built-out.

Ford this month will start deliveries of its Maverick Hybrid compact pickup, which has an EPA rating of 37 miles per gallon combined,

 

[Weather Man]

Truist partners with commerce platform company, AutoFi​

TFC -0.88%Dec. 08, 2021 11:03 AM ET

• Truist Financial (TFC -1.0%) through its Dealer Finance and Regional Acceptance business groups announced a partnership with commerce platform company AutoFi.
• Under the agreement, financing options will be available to clients who are shopping for a car through a dealer that partners with Truist or Regional Acceptance as well as the AutoFi platform.
• Currently, Truist Dealer Finance and Regional Acceptance have ~1K automotive dealer relationships using the AutoFi platform.
• With the AutoFi service, clients who apply online will see the Truist financing offer next to several competitors; clients can get the benefit of seeing available financing options in real time.

 

[Weather Man]

Sorry, you weren't lightning-quick enough.

Ford has stopped accepting reservations for the upcoming F-150 Lightning pickup to prepare to begin converting the ones it has into orders before production kicks off next spring.

Reservation holders are also being informed that they' weill be able to start placing orders in January, but that some may not be fulfilled until after the 2022 model year, according to Ford Authority.

A brand spokeswoman told Fox News Autos "Ford will communicate when the non-reservation holders have the opportunity to place orders in a later model year."

Ford CEO Jim Farley told Automotive News this week that the automaker has received nearly 200,000 reservations for the all-electric truck and expects around 80% of those to generate sales.

Farley said Ford is working to increase its production capacity for the truck, which is about half of what the current demand is.

The F-150 Lightning is available in several trims with prices ranging from just under $40,000 to over $90,000, while two battery sizes will be offered providing estimated ranges of 230 miles and 300 miles per charge.

 

[Weather Man]

Thanks Apple

You’re not the only one tracking your belongings.​

Apple created AirTags to help users find commonly misplaced items like keys or luggage. When paired to an Apple device via Bluetooth, each AirTag allows the owner to track the item’s whereabouts. Hidden AirTags have even been used to track down stolen vehicles, including motorcycles.

However, AirTags don’t just let the user track their belongings, they also allow thieves to track other people’s property. Authorities in Ontario, Canada, have discovered that crooks are stashing AirTags on luxury vehicles, out of the owner’s sight. Once the thief tracks the automobile to the owner’s residence, they can steal the car out of the public eye.

"Inspect your vehicle regularly and call police if you notice any suspicious potential tracking devices,” suggested the York Regional Police in a prepared statement. “If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage. Most vehicles are stolen from a driveway."

While AirTags alert any Apple device in the vicinity to its presence, those notifications may not be delivered for hours or days. Also, non-Apple users wouldn’t receive any alerts, as the proprietary technology doesn’t pair with competing platforms. With burglars tracking vehicles back to residences, the matter quickly becomes a question of home security, and the Canadian authorities are asking targeted owners to take the proper precautions.

"Consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system,” the statement concluded. “Ensure cameras are properly placed and functioning for day and night time use. Familiarize yourself with the system so it can be reviewed and accessed easily.”

Of course, the most ideal remedy to the situation would include more regulatory features by Apple. If burglars are targeting cars, they can also use the technology on motorcycles. AirTags may present a convenient and non-obtrusive way to find lost items, but they also give thieves the tools to track those same precious belongings.

 

[Weather Man]

Ford CEO: We have to scale EV capacity to beat Tesla; Rivian stake gives us optionality​

Dec. 09, 2021 1:48 PM ETFord Motor Company (F)TSLA, RIVNBy: Brian Stewart, SA News Editor55 Comments

fredrocko/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

• Ford CEO James Farley said Thursday that the company will have to scale its EV capacity to compete with Elon Musk's Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA).
• Speaking to CNBC.com, the head of Ford (NYSE:F) also discussed the auto maker's 12% stake in EV truck and van maker Rivian (NASDAQ:RIVN), noting that the firm's well-received IPO "gives us lots of optionality" about what to do with its investment.
• "You should expect us, as we go electric, ... to reinvent the brand," Farley said.
• Farley reported that it was "too early to tell" what F will do with its RIVN stake, but suggested that the company would consider liquidating some of its shares to fund acquisitions if the opportunity arose.
• On TSLA and other competitors in the EV space, Farley said F was eyeing 1M in EV production capacity. He also contended that the firm would need to produce more profitable EVs to compete effectively in the space.

 

[Weather Man]

New car prices hit record $46,329 in November​

Eight straight months of price increases​

By Gary Gastelu FOXBusiness


According to Kelly Blue Book, the figure marks a 13.2% increase from November 2020, when it was $40,937.

Sales are down due to short supply, which has reduced incentives as the continuing consumer shift from cars to SUVs and trucks has helped drive up the ATP.
Cars comprised just 21.7% of November sales, down from nearly 30% during the same month in 2018, but even subcompact cars saw increases of 16.7%.
USED CAR PRICES WILL CONTINUE TO RISE AMID MANUFACTURING SHORTAGE, CEO SAYS

"High prices and limited choices likely are keeping many car buyers on the sidelines," Cox Automotive analyst Kayla Reynolds said.

"It's still a seller's market, and we don't expect things to change anytime soon. However, with high prices being the norm right now for both new and used vehicles, that means trade-in values are very favorable and can help soften the blow for consumers as they purchase their next vehicle."

 

[Weather Man]

How can this not cost Toyota sales in Northern tier states?

 

[Weather Man]

Just out of PRI yesterday…. The NHRA has made a rule change announcement that 2014 and later cars will not need to have the required 8.5 cert cage until 9.0 seconds and/or 150 mph. The current rule has been 10.0 (9.99) and over 135 mph. So I assume the the new et requirement will be 8.99 and 150 or faster. This came from reliable sources at PRI. There has not been a official press release from the NHRA so far but more than one source is confirming.

 

[CobraBob]

I see that Ford has just increased prices on the Mach-E. $1,000.00 increase on the entry level Select model, and a $2,000.00 increase on the extended-range battery versions of the Premium and the GT.

 

[365 Saleen]

What is also interesting is that the extended range version is actually slower than the regular Mach E. Probably due to extra battery (weight) and some limits on power output to extend range.

 

[CobraBob]

Yeah, I would think the extra weight is a factor in that. And your point about possible limits on output to attain the extended range is very plausible.

 

[365 Saleen]

Yeah, I would think the extra weight is a factor in that. And your point about possible limits on output to attain the extended range is very plausible.

It was in the technical specs when the Mach E first came out. The extended range version is rated at a lower HP output than the regular Mach E

 

[CobraBob]

I didn't know that. It sounded like in your post that you were just stating a possibility. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[CobraBob]

How can this not cost Toyota sales in Northern tier states?

Some of his comments are sheer stupidity, meaning he's really stretching what "could" happen. No doubt the auto industry will try to find ways to apply a subscription fee to certain features like remote connections of any type. Very dumb for Toyota to push this, but if the other manufacturers jump into the fray, we could easily see more feature subscriptions. Heated seats being subscription based? No way! That's a feature paid for in the cost of the vehicle. That's just one example.

 

[CobraBob]

Rivian R1T pickup named Truck of the Year by MotorTrend​

First electric pickup to win the award​

The magazine has picked the Rivian R1T pickup as its Truck of the Year following November's announcement that the Lucid Air is its Car of the Year.

Each marks the first time a startup's first vehicle has received the awards, which is often featured in manufacturer advertising.

MotorTrend called the R1T "a monumental achievement and astonishes with a quality of design, engineering, materials, and technology unmatched in trucks today, while providing a driving experience like that of a high-performance luxury car."

The R1T entered limited production at Rivian's Normal, Ill., factory this fall with a $73,000 Launch Edition and the company hopes to deliver 1,000 trucks by the end of the year before ramping up production in 2022 and starting production of an entry level model that starts at $67,500.

The midsize pickup is available with a four-motor drive system rated at 800 hp, an computer-controlled air-suspension system and a maximum tow rating of 11,000 pounds.

Rivian R1T pickup named Truck of the Year by MotorTrend

The Rivian R1T has been named MotorTrend Truck of the Year. It is the first electric pickup to win the magazine's award.

www.foxnews.com

 

[Weather Man]

General Motors begins delivering electric Hummers and EV delivery vans​

GM -5.25%Dec. 17, 2021 12:31 PM ET14 Comments

• General Motors Company (GM -5.5%) says a new era has begun for the automaker with deliveries out on the GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 Pickup and BrightDrop EV600 light commercial vehicle. Both those electric vehicles were built on the Ultium Platform, which is called the foundation for GM's all-electric future.
• GM says the Ultium Platform will be able to make nearly every type of vehicle across brands and will allow third-party licensing of its EV technology, co-development agreements and partnerships.
• GM's next-gen Hummer lists for $113K and is the second all-electric pickup on the market after Rivian's R1T. The first 500 BrightDrop vans are going to FedEx.
• Shares of GM are having a rough session after Cruise CEO Dan Ammann stepped down. In comments today, GM says the departure has not impact on the target for the robotaxi launch.

 

[CobraBob]

Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid prototype caught on camera
Hybrid Corvette expected to have a V8 engine and three electric motors​

A likely prototype of the still-secret Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid sports car has been photographed while being tested without any camouflage, suggesting its official reveal could be coming soon.

This suspected prototype of the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid was spotted undergoing testing. (Spiedbilde)

Chevrolet hasn't yet confirmed it is working on such a model, but it's a well-known secret in Detroit that's expected to combine the Corvette's 6.2-liter V8 with an electric motor and two additional electric motors mounted up front to give it all-wheel-drive capability.

The Corvette E-Ray prototype features the widebody design of the Corvette Z06. (Spiedbilde)

Previous test cars have been spotted along with an Acura NSX, which features a similar mid-engine all-wheel-drive hybrid layout. The NSX uses a turbocharged V6 and three electric motors in its all-wheel-drive system.

GM trademarked the E-Ray name in 2015 near the start of development for the current mid-engine Corvette platform -- which has a secure tunnel down the middle that's perfect for a small hybrid battery pack -- but has never explained what it is for.

The exhaust setup is a giveaway that this is not a standard Corvette Z06. (SpiedBilde)

The undisguised car features the widebody of the recently unveiled 2023 Corvette Z06, but with a different exhaust setup and the photographer reports to Fox News Autos that it sounded very different from the Z06, which is powered by an exotic flat-plane-crank V8, unlike the pushrod engine used in the Corvette Stingray.

Rumors point to the E-Ray being a competitor to the NSX with about 600 hp, but there's also been talk of a hybrid Corvette ZR1 that could follow it with up to 1,000 hp.

 

[Weather Man]

Approximately 122 brand new Chevrolet Corvette Stingrays have been destroyed after a tornado hit the Bowling Green Assembly Plant last weekend.



It is reported that Chevrolet dealerships recently received word that more than 120 Corvettes that were inside the factory at the time the tornado hit have been damaged beyond repair and will be scrapped. It is unclear exactly what damage they sustained but the Corvette Action Center reports that there was a fire at the plant caused by a ruptured fuel line.

Read More: Corvette C8 Production Halted Following Tornado Damage At Bowling Green Plant



It is likely that even more Corvettes will be scrapped. Reports state that cars that were sitting outside the factory awaiting shipping are still being examined for damage and will not ship until a full damage assessment is completed.

The owners of vehicles destroyed by the tornado will be contacted by their dealership and will need to resubmit their orders. Taking to the C8 Corvette Owners page on Facebook, Tom Ringelstetter was recently told that his car was on the line when the tornado hit.

“Heads up everybody,” he wrote. “My VIN was 10109 and scheduled to be built this past Monday the 13th according to the spreadsheet here. I just got a call from my dealer that my car was actually built last Thur/Friday. Unfortunately, it was damaged and has to be rebuilt. He said all of the damaged cars are going to go back to the front of the line. If you had a VIN # somewhere around mine, there is a chance your car was built and is fine hopefully.”

 

[CobraBob]

What a shame! As bad as production dates/deliveries have been, and now so many were damaged by the tornado.