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☆ General Motors' U.S. sales jump 18% in the first quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( John Rosevear | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A GMC pickup truck is displayed for sale on a lot at a General Motors dealership on January 05, 2023 in Austin, Texas. General Motors said Monday that its first-quarter U.S. sales rose 18% from a year ago, to just over 600,000 vehicles delivered, as it continued its rebound from the supply chain problems that limited global auto production in 2021 and early 2022. Most of those electric vehicles were Chevrolet Bolts, but GM did sell 968 of its brand-new Cadillac Lyriq EVs, built on the company's next-generation Ultium EV architecture. GM has been working to ramp up its production of its Ultium-based electric vehicles, with new high-volume Ultium-based models including an electric Chevrolet Equinox crossover due later in 2023. The company's EV sales volumes are expected to ramp up sharply from there in 2024 and 2025.

☆ General Motors will phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in future EVs, opting to introduce its own Google-supported system
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-02 | by ( Aidan Pollard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be phased out of future GM electric models. The manufacturer plans to replace CarPlay with its own Google-supported system. Instead of CarPlay, GM will offer its own Google-based software for drivers, including access to Google maps and Google Assistant. GM executives told Reuters the company intends to separate cars from cell phones by phasing out technology like CarPlay. Additionally, GM plans to implement a subscription model for services like Google Maps and Google Assistant several years down the line, Reuters reported.

☆ The Perils and Pitfalls That Bedevil Drivers in St. Paul
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( Joe Barrett | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Officials in St. Paul, Minn., say the weather has created the worst pothole season in a generation. Hanaa Kadry was driving two clients home from the airport on a recent night in St. Paul, Minn., when her Chevrolet Suburban hit one of the harsh facts of life in the northern city. “My whole front end just kind of popped in and popped back out” as they hit the biggest pothole she had ever encountered in her 13 years as a limo driver, she said.

☆ GM plans to phase out Apple CarPlay in EVs, with Google’s help
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems allow users to mirror their smartphone screens in a vehicle’s dashboard display. GM is designing the on-board navigation and infotainment systems for future EVs in partnership with Alphabet’s Google. GM’s Chevrolet brand in the past boasted of offering more models with CarPlay or Android Auto than any other brand. GM plans to continue offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring systems in its combustion models. Owners of vehicles equipped with the mirroring technologies will still be able to use the systems, GM said.

☆ GM says it expects some EVs to receive $7,500 US tax credits
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, March 31 (Reuters) - General Motors Co (GM.N) expects some electric vehicles (EVs) will qualify for $7,500 U.S. tax credits after stricter Treasury Department guidance takes effect April 18, the U.S. automaker said on Friday. The EV battery sourcing guidance issued on Friday triggers new requirements for critical minerals and battery components. GM currently also receives $7,500 tax credits for the Chevrolet Bolt and is eligible for $7,500 for the forthcoming 2024 model Chevrolet Silverado. Vehicles not eligible for consumer tax credits can qualify for clean commercial tax credits including in leasing. The government will publish by April 18 a revised list of qualifying models and tax credit amounts.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems allow users to mirror their smartphone screens in a vehicle's dashboard display. GM is designing the on-board navigation and infotainment systems for future EVs in partnership with Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google. GM's Chevrolet brand in the past boasted of offering more models with CarPlay or Android Auto than any other brand. GM said the future infotainment systems will offer applications such as Spotify's (SPOT.N) music service, Audible and other services that many drivers now access via smartphones. GM plans to continue offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring systems in its combustion models.

☆ You only have until April 17 to get a hot deal on an electric car before stricter tax credit rules go into effect, making some models ineligible
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Alexa St. John | Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The US has provided more detailed information on whether certain EVs will qualify for tax credits. The new rules will halve the current credit amount for certain models and disqualify others. The new rules halve the credit amount for certain models and disqualify others entirely, so it could pay to act 3ast. Starting on April 18, the EV tax credit will be split into two halves. "In fact, this period may go down as the highwater mark for EV tax credit eligibility since the IRA passed last year."

☆ Don't but an EV — lease one instead. Here's why.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Why you might lease instead of ownMany buyers might opt to lease EVs as a way to drive electric but not fully commit to an expensive purchase — especially if they think battery technology will get better. While Teslas have always had a higher purchase rate, EV leasing overall took a tumble in 2022, according to Experian. Car buyers obviously wouldn't get the new EV purchase tax credit with a lease, but there is a sort of loophole. Lucid recently encouraged its customers to consider leasing in order to qualify for the commercial EV credit (for cars that are too expensive or don't otherwise qualify for the purchase credit). It's why companies like Tesla and Ford don't allow customers leasing their EVs to buy the vehicle once its lease contract is up.

☆ People are so desperate to get an EV that they're putting deposits down on multiple and buying whichever one is built first
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Nora Naughton | Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Without dealers, startups are learning new lessons in customer service. "At this point I've pretty much made up my mind," Pao said, "I'm just going to cancel my Rivian order." EV startups learn customer serviceElectric vehicle startups are learning a tough lesson in customer service, Caldwell said, as they try to keep would-be buyers on the hook for years on end. Some of Rivan's order-holders are losing hopeInsider has spoken or corresponded with nearly three dozen current and former Rivian order holders in recent months. Are you a current or former Rivian employee, Rivian vehicle owner, or Rivian order holder?

☆ Americans love to buy more car than they need. It's making electric cars more expensive.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But Americans love SUVs and trucks, and they're going to have to pay for them in the near term. A lot of prospective EV buyers just haven't yet found the types of EVs they're looking for. They don't necessarily need more luxury electric sedans — they want the trucks and SUVs they're used to. A recent study found most car-buyers don't want to spend more than $50,000 to go EV, but they also want electric trucks and SUVs that inherently cost more. Bigger vehicles are often just more expensive, largely because they require bigger batteries — the most expensive part of these new EVs.

☆ The cheapest electric Ford F-150 now costs $20,000 more than it did a year ago
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Tim Levin | Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Ford has raised prices on the F-150 Lightning electric pickup again. The cheapest Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup now costs a whopping $59,974 — $20,000 more than it did when it first hit the market a year ago. In October, Ford raised prices by another $5,000, making the Pro cost $51,974. The latest price hikes also bring the mid-level Lariat model's starting price up by $1,500 to $75,974. Ford's move could be good news for Chevrolet, whose Silverado electric truck is supposed to start at around $39,000 when it becomes available in the summer of 2024.

☆ Ongoing supply shortages threaten U.S. infrastructure and war efforts
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Lisa Baertlein | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"One of the big issues as we're trying to ramp up the military industrial base is having enough electronic components," Miller said. Companies that make war weapons like shoulder-fired Javelin and Stinger missiles are awaiting U.S. funding before starting new production for Ukraine. "Any general shortage in semiconductors will affect defense," said Brad Martin, director of Rand Corp's National Security Supply Chain Institute. On the other hand, ongoing demand for auto and farm equipment has kept stocks of microchips that act as electronic brains in that machinery tight. "As we've moved through the past year or so, we have seen gradual improvement in our supply chain, including semiconductors ... Short-term disruptions will continue to happen," GM spokesman Dan Flores told Reuters in an email.

☆ Electric cars I'd never buy, after driving 24 different models
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I've driven more than 20 different electric vehicles. Those models are the the GMC Hummer EV, Nissan Leaf, and ElectraMeccanica Solo. GMC Hummer EVThe GMC Hummer EV Edition 1. Nissan LeafFast-charging the 2022 Nissan Leaf. 2023 Nissan Leaf.

☆ I drove the $40,000 Kia Niro EV and found it's a solid electric SUV for people who want something more traditional than a Tesla
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

I tested the 2023 Kia Niro EV, a $39,550 electric SUV. The 2023 Kia Niro EV is none of those things. The 2023 Kia Niro EV. The 2023 Kia Niro EV. The 2023 Kia Niro EV.

☆ These electric vehicles need their batteries replaced most often
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

EV battery replacements could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, according to Recurrent. Recurrent studied how common it was for early EV models' batteries to be replaced. Including the two well-known EV battery pack recalls raises that percentage of battery replacements to 6.5%, according to Recurrent, or 975 of the 15,000. The Tesla Model 3 had one of the lower rates of battery replacement. David Zalubowski/APWhy does the likelihood of battery replacement matter?

The supply chain woes that sent costs soaring and spurred shortages of everything from toilet paper to passenger cars are easing for retail-focused industries, but remain stubbornly persistent in important growth sectors like autos, machinery, defense and non-residential construction, experts said. "One of the big issues as we're trying to ramp up the military industrial base is having enough electronic components," Miller said. Companies that make war weapons like shoulder-fired Javelin and Stinger missiles are awaiting U.S. funding before starting new production for Ukraine. "Any general shortage in semiconductors will affect defense," said Brad Martin, director of Rand Corp's National Security Supply Chain Institute. "As we've moved through the past year or so, we have seen gradual improvement in our supply chain, including semiconductors ... Short-term disruptions will continue to happen," GM spokesman Dan Flores told Reuters in an email.

☆ Gen Z's top car is a Toyota Camry and Boomers love the RAV4. Here's every generation's favorite ride.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Gen X (45 to 54 years old): Chevrolet Silverado2021 Chevrolet Silverado. ChevroletAfter the Silverado, the top cars for Gen X between the ages of 45 and 54 years old were the Ford F-Series, Ram, Toyota RAV4, and Tesla Model Y.

☆ Photos: Every generation of the iconic Chevy Camaro as GM announces final production run
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Aaron Mcdade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Chevrolet announced a final production run of the sixth generation of the iconic Camaro muscle car. The final models, including "Collector's Edition" models, will be produced in Michigan in January 2024. Here's a look back at the nearly 60-year history of the famous American muscle car. "As we prepare to say goodbye to the current generation Camaro, it is difficult to overstate our gratitude to every Camaro customer, Camaro assembly line employee and race fan," Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet said in a statement. The final sixth generation Camaros will be produced in January 2024.

☆ GM to stop making Chevy Camaro, leaving muscle car’s future uncertain
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Stellantis had earlier announced it would stop production of the larger Dodge Challenger at the end of this year. Around the same time, Dodge executives revealed an electric muscle car concept car that, they said, provided a preview of a future model. GM has not announced any future versions of the Camaro, although it teased that there will be some future for the brand. After five generations of redesigned models, the Camaro was dropped from the lineup in 2002, but brought back in 2010. These muscle cars or pony cars are also among the last car models – as opposed to SUVs or trucks – manufactured by the three automakers.

☆ The Chevrolet Camaro as you know it will fall out of production next year, GM says
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 starts at about $62,000 and is powered by a 650-horsepower V8 engine, a considerable upgrade over the roughly $26,000 base model. DETROIT – General Motors will end production of the Chevrolet Camaro in its current form early next year, as the automaker transitions to all-electric vehicles. The current car entered production in late 2016 but has produced mediocre sales in a declining segment of American-made performance cars. To commemorate the Camaro's end of production at a GM plant in mid-Michigan in January 2024, the automaker will release a "collector's edition" package on several 2024 Camaro models, including the top-end ZL1. A company spokesman declined to disclose whether GM plans to use the Camaro name for an EV, as it looks to exclusively offer electric vehicles by 2035.

☆ One-third of Americans would consider EV purchase -Reuters/Ipsos poll
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) - Just over one-third of Americans would consider buying an electric vehicle for their next model, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found. The seven-day poll completed on Monday found 34% of all respondents would consider an EV, while 31% said no. Among Democrats 50% said they would consider an EV, while 26% of Republicans and 27% of independents said they would consider. There are now more than 80 EV models for sale in the United States. President Joe Biden wants 50% of all new vehicles sold in 2030 to be EV or plug-in hybrid models.

☆ Volkswagen's Scout unit wins $1.3 bln in incentives for South Carolina factory
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The project could also receive up to $180 million in job development tax credits based on hiring, said South Carolina Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey. In May, VW said it would reintroduce the Scout off-road brand in the United States, offering new electric pickup and sport-utility vehicles. Scout said it hopes to eventually create 4,000 jobs and produce 200,000 Scout vehicles annually. Volkswagen has moved away from cars in the United States. Monday's event was the latest major auto announcement for South Carolina, home to BMW's (BMWG.DE) U.S. operations and its largest plant by volume.

☆ Last Dodge Challenger makes 1,010 hp, has optional parachute
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The unveiling of the 1,025 horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 has been long anticipated, and long delayed. Dodge had originally expected to just modify the Dodge Challenger Demon engine, which is capable of producing up to 840 horsepower. The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 can reach 60 miles per hour in under two seconds. StellantisIntroduced in 2008, the modern Dodge Challenger shares much of its engineering with the four-door Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans. Options for the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 include a Direct Connection Parachute Mounting System.

☆ Volkswagen beats Elon Musk in the race to cheap EVs, revealing a car it plans to sell for $26,600
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Tim Levin | Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

2all concept car won't ever make its way to the US. 2all concept: a small, battery-powered hatchback that it plans to sell for 25,000 euros ($26,600) or less when it goes into production in 2026. The Volkswagen ID. Volkswagen AGMusk's complicated, yearslong journey with the $25,000 EVIn 2020, Musk promised a fully autonomous, $25,000 vehicle as battery costs came down. At Tesla's first-ever Investor Day earlier this month, which many anticipated would bring news about a sub-$30,000 model, Musk mentioned almost nothing of the sort.

☆ General Motors' China business is hurting, and it's not just because of Covid
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

He purchased his Nio over models from rival Chinese automakers Xpeng , Li Auto and IM Motors. GM's operations in the country are much larger than those of its crosstown rival Ford Motor, for example. Equity income from GM's Chinese operations and joint ventures has fallen 67% since its peak of more than $2 billion in 2014 and 2015. And the rising quality of domestic-made electric vehicles helped support — and tap — growing nationalistic pride among China's consumers. In February, Ford named Sam Wu, a former Whirlpool executive who joined the automaker in October, as president and chief executive of its China operations, starting March 1.

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