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☆ Tesla axes electric vehicle charging team
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Hanna Ziady | Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London/New York CNN —Tesla has abruptly fired the team running its electric vehicle charging business, raising doubts about the future of one of the largest US charging networks, which other carmakers, such as General Motors and Ford, have said they will also use. Tesla “has let our entire charging org go,” William Navarro Jameson, strategic charging programs lead at Tesla, wrote on X. Following an invitation by Tesla chief executive Elon Musk, virtually every big automaker in the United States has committed to making EVs compatible with Tesla’s charging technology, now known as the North American Charging Standard. In response, major EV charging providers such as Electrify America and EVgo have also announced they will begin building chargers with NACS cables. “What this means for the charging network, NACS and all the exciting work we were doing across the industry, I don’t yet know,” Jameson wrote in his post.

Persons: New York CNN — Tesla, Tesla “, ” William Navarro Jameson, Lane Chaplin, Tesla, Elon Musk, ” Jameson, Musk, Dan Ives, ” Organizations: New York CNN, Motors, Ford, The, Tesla, American, EV, Wedbush Securities, CNN Locations: London, New York, United States, America

☆ Fisker's woes are another reason to consider leasing an EV over buying
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Graham Rapier | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

There are several reasons to consider leasing an EV over buying. To be sure, the vast majority of EV owners don't have to worry about the maker of their vehicles imminently going out of business. AdvertisementUsed EV prices are a huge question markThere's limited data on EV resale prices. Pre-owned EV prices have fallen in line with new EV prices. EV leasing is growing in popularityLeasing an EV is no longer a niche concept.

Persons: —, Fisker, Cox, Polestar, Paul Jacobson Organizations: Service, EV, Leasing, International Energy Agency, American, Tesla, Cox Automotive, Electrek, Lease

☆ Tesla may try to rehire some of the employees it laid off
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Tesla CEO may be rehiring some of the laid off staff, according to a Bloomberg report. Musk confirmed a slower growth rate for Tesla, which could impact other EV carmakers. Still, the job cuts concerned EV executives at companies like Rivian, Ford, and General Motors, according to the Bloomberg report. AdvertisementThe departure of the senior director for charging infrastructure, Rebecca Tinucci, meant these brands lost a main point of communication, the Bloomberg report said. "It may be possible Mr. Musk will reconstitute the EV charger team in a bigger, badder, more Muskian way," Pinter said.

Persons: Elon, Tesla, Musk, —, Elon Musk, Rebecca Tinucci, Andres Pinter, Pinter Organizations: Bloomberg, Tesla, carmakers, Service, General Motors, Solutions, Reuters

☆ To train car dealers on EVs and other topics, Ford turns to gamification and AI-powered education
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Ford says the main goals of the "Ford University" platform are to improve customer service, better engage employees — especially younger ones who are accustomed to binge-watching videos — and provide dealers and the company with more data to assist business. Vietor, who joined Ford in March 2023 after leading global games learning for Amazon Web Services, will oversee Ford University. She declined to disclose how much the company has spent on the new training. Dealership employees, who are independently employed by dealers, are crucial to the company's sales, performance and customer engagement and satisfaction. Automakers have long touted the idea that better dealer experiences lead to happier customers who are more likely to become repeat customers.

Persons: Abby Vietor, Vietor Organizations: Netflix, Ford, Amazon Web Services, Ford University Locations: Mich

☆ Elon Musk is going hardcore again
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Elon Musk said Tesla needs to be "absolutely hard core about headcount," The Information reported. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementElon Musk wants there to be no doubt that Tesla needs to be "hardcore." This isn't the first time Musk has sent a threatening late-night email to his employees or talked about the importance of a "hardcore" culture. AdvertisementThe latest cuts at Tesla arrive weeks after Musk announced Tesla layoffs that would impact more than 10% of its workforce.

Persons: Elon Musk, Tesla, Musk, —, Rebecca Tinucci, Daniel Ho, Tinucci Organizations: Service, Twitter, EVs

☆ Europe may need to impose tariffs of up to 55% to curb Chinese EV imports: report
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Dylan Butts | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Vehicles set to be shipped to Europe, at Taicang Port on Dec. 19, 2022, in Suzhou, China. The European Union will need to levy higher-than-expected tariffs of up to 55% on Chinese electric vehicles to curb their imports into the bloc, according to a new analysis by Rhodium Group. The findings, released Monday, come amid the EU's ongoing anti-subsidy investigation into EV imports from China. Rhodium Group, which expects the EU to impose tariffs in the 15% to 30% range on Chinese EVs, said those tariffs were unlikely to be enough to check competition from China. Chinese EV makers are locked in an intense price war in their home market.

Persons: Tesla Organizations: Taicang Port, European, Group, EV, EU Locations: Europe, Taicang, Suzhou, China

☆ South Africa has one of the world’s largest manganese reserves. So why does it outsource for processing?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Jackelyn Prager | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —On delivery day at the Manganese Metal Company’s industrial complex in Mbombela, South Africa, truckloads of manganese ore from the Kalahari Basin in the Northern Cape are ushered inside for processing. South Africa has the world’s largest manganese reserves; however, the International Manganese Institute estimates only 2% of the manganese ore produced within the country is locally processed. The Manganese Metal Company says it receives 80,000 tons of ore every year, with plans to build a $25 million commercial processing plant by the end of 2026. With an abundance of manganese reserves, South Africa has potential to become a leader in high purity manganese sulfate production, but d’Harambure says “issues with the electricity sector in South Africa” and “an increase in electricity prices” have made it difficult to produce manganese chemicals and alloys there. Green potentialThese obstacles are not stopping the Manganese Metal Company from trying to capitalize on the EV boom and expand its processing facilities.

Persons: Louis Nel, ” Nel, Aloys d’Harambure, Nel, ” d’Harambure, ”, d’Harambure, D’Harambure, It’s Organizations: CNN, International Manganese Institute, Metal, International Energy Agency, Metal Company, Employees, Manganese Locations: Mbombela, South Africa, Northern, EVs, China, Mexico, Australia, Europe, Africa

☆ GM and Ford's gas-powered profits and hybrid successes show how hard it will be for Tesla to weather an EV slowdown
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Tesla finally has to deal with the EV slowdown. The EV company can't rely on hybrids and gas cars like competitors. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Both Ford and GM exceeded analyst expectations for the first quarter thanks to cost cutting and stronger demand for gas-powered cars. But the tables have turned now as traditional automakers are able to tap into a newly popular segment unoccupied by Tesla: hybrids.

Persons: Tesla, Musk, —, Elon, Mary Barra, Barra, ruffle Musk Organizations: EV, Service, Ford, GM Locations: North America

☆ Musk's visit to China was a much-needed win for both sides — and a snub to India
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Meghan Morris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

And Musk notably skipped a recent visit to India, underscoring how important China is for Tesla. AdvertisementElon Musk's two-day trip to Beijing looks like a mutually-beneficial win for Tesla and for China — and a snub for India. AdvertisementMusk needs China — but China also needs Musk, as a sign that the country is open for business with high-profile US companies. Musk's visit was going to include an announcement about Tesla entering India, Reuters reported. AdvertisementMusk's India visit would have been a win for Modi, who is seeking to boost India's status as a manufacturing hub, especially as businesses leave China.

Persons: Elon Musk, —, Elon Musk's, China —, Premier Li Qiang, That's, Tesla, Dan Ives, Ives, India Musk, Janet Yellen, Antony Blinken, Musk, crackdowns, Bain —, Narendra Modi, Musk's, Modi Organizations: Tesla, Service, India, Premier, Baidu, Reuters, EV, FSD, Financial Times, China, Communist Party, Gucci, Apple Locations: China, Beijing, India, Shanghai

☆ Volkswagen’s electric car orders double in Europe
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

London CNN —Volkswagen’s orders for electric vehicles shot up in Europe in the first quarter of 2024 compared with a year ago, countering suggestions that drivers may be losing interest in EVs. New orders for electric cars more than doubled in Europe, Volkswagen said in an earnings statement Tuesday. He acknowledged, however, that the pace of EV sales growth in Europe and the United States had been slower than the German carmaker had originally anticipated. As for Volkswagen’s EV deliveries, they declined 16% in Europe in the first quarter compared with the same period in 2023. “With these actions and our highly profitable combustion engine car business, we are well-prepared to continue to play a leading role in China,” Antlitz said.

Persons: London CNN —, Arno Antlitz, carmaker, ”, Antlitz, ” Antlitz Organizations: London CNN, Volkswagen, Europe’s, CNN, EV, ” Locations: Europe, EVs ., United States, China

☆ How to back a lagging lithium miner and still generate income using options
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Today, I'm focusing my attention on minerals used in modern technology and presenting a way to use options to play a lithium miner. The strategy gives a lower-risk way to get somewhat long this beaten-up miner without going all-in, and generating some income in the process. Lithium is used, as the name suggests, in lithium-ion batteries which are crucial for portable electronics, energy storage, and electric vehicles. Combined with understandably elevated options premiums this could set as a spot to begin entering a partial position, with some options overlays. Or, if the stock falls, would add to the long position at the short-put strike.

Persons: Tesla, Elon Musk, Albemarle Organizations: Albemarle Corporation, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai, GM, Ford, Toyota, Kia, Renault, Nissan Locations: Charlotte , NC, U.S, Albemarle, ALB

☆ Elon Musk comes out fighting as China throws Tesla a lifeline
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Elon Musk made a surprise visit to China, meeting officials and striking a deal with Baidu. The deal brings Tesla a step closer to introducing its self-driving features in cars sold in China. AdvertisementElon Musk's surprise visit to China appears to have paid off. Elon Musk was taken by minibus to his private jet at Beijing airport on Monday after a surprise visit to China. Musk's battle planMusk's China visit came amid tough times for Tesla.

Persons: Elon Musk, Tesla, —, Elon Musk's, Narendra Modi, Musk, Li Qiang, Greg Baker, Dan Ives, Wall, Telsa, Musk's, he's Organizations: Baidu, Service, Tesla, Bloomberg, EVs, Getty, Bloomberg TV, Business Locations: China, Beijing, India, AFP

☆ Elon Musk will face intense competition if he tries to bring Tesla's full self-driving technology to China
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Tom Carter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Elon Musk has moved closer to getting full self-driving technology approved in China, reports suggest. One local EV boss welcomed the move, saying regulators should "let a hundred flowers bloom." Tesla has moved closer to securing approval to operate its full self-driving technology in China, according to multiple reports, after CEO Elon Musk made a surprise visit to the country over the weekend. Getting FSD approved for China would be a massive win for Musk, who has bet Tesla's future on self-driving cars and robotaxis. AdvertisementMany of Tesla's local rivals are rolling out their own versions of Tesla's Autopilot, which is available in China, and full self-driving technology as competition rages in the country's EV market.

Persons: Elon Musk, Tesla, —, Elon, Musk, XPeng's, William Li, Xiaopeng, EVs, Warren Organizations: EV, Service, Huawei, Xiaomi, Weibo, Bloomberg Locations: China, Guangzhou

☆ At least 123 Chinese automakers are facing off against Tesla for EV dominance
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

About 123 car companies sold electric vehicles, an auto consultant told WSJ. AdvertisementCompetition in the electric vehicle sector is only getting stiffer for Tesla in China, but what does that space exactly look like? AdvertisementAs Business Insider's Linette Lopez noted in February, automakers received a huge lift from Beijing as it doled out government subsidies to any car company that would contribute to the country's pivot to electric vehicles. AdvertisementStill, Tesla remains one of the country's top EV sellers, and only a few brands compete with the US-based automaker. The competition, however, comes amid a slowdown in EV sales that's being felt in the US and China.

Persons: —, Stephen Dyer, Insider's Linette Lopez, Lopez, Tesla, Dyer, BI's George Glover, BYD Organizations: EV, Service, Tesla, Wall Street, Kiel Institute, The Locations: China, Beijing, Germany, —

☆ Activist Jana Partners calls for a strategic review at Wolfspeed. Here’s how it may develop
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Kenneth Squire | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Activist Commentary: Jana is a very experienced activist investor founded in 2001 by Barry Rosenstein. Wolfspeed is the world's leading producer of silicon carbide, or SiC, and a manufacturer of silicon carbide applications. Jana also recommends that the board commences a review of strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company. At Freshpet, Jana also made operational and capital allocation recommendations in addition to reviewing a sale of the company. Here, there has been no such mention of a "Jana Dream Team," but it is a little too early for that.

Persons: Jana, Barry Rosenstein, Rosenstein, John Palmour, Wolfspeed, Renesas, Ken Squire Organizations: John Palmour Manufacturing, Silicon Carbide, Mitsubishi Electric, 13D Locations: Siler City, N.C, Marcy, N.Y, North Carolina, Mohawk, New York, Germany, Freshpet

☆ India 'confident' new EV policy measures will allow more foreign players to enter market
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"It was meant for all global EV manufacturers and domestic manufacturers." While much of the "buzz has been around Tesla," Singh underscored the initiatives will also attract other foreign automakers, highlighting that Vietnam's leading EV maker "VinFast has already announced its intent." In February, VinFast broke ground on its integrated EV manufacturing facility in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. As competition in India's EV sector remains limited, the entry of major players like Tesla, will level the playing field, MG Motor India's CEO Emeritus Rajeev Chaba told CNBC. Robust trajectoryAccording to Counterpoint Research, India's EV sales nearly doubled in 2023, driven by rising consumer interest and government initiatives, among other factors.

Persons: Rajesh Kumar Singh, CNBC's, Singh, VinFast, Elon Musk, Narendra Modi, Tesla, Rajeev Chaba, EVs, Modi, Ola, Bain Organizations: Department, Promotion, Industry, Internal, EV, CNBC's Sri, Motor, CNBC, Counterpoint Research, International Energy Agency, TVS Motor, Bajaj, Ampere, Bain & Company Locations: India, Tamil Nadu, China

☆ Ford tapped the brakes on EVs and bet on hybrids. It's paying off.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Tom Carter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewFord's bet on hybrids looks like it's paying off. By comparison, the company's pure EV business has struggled. Ford's crosstown rival General Motors, meanwhile, has reversed its "all-in" electric vehicle strategy and pledged to bring back hybrids into its North American vehicle lineup. Not to be outdone, Ford is also doubling down on hybrids, even as it cuts back on some EV investments. "The EV adoption rate globally is under pressure, and a lot of other auto manufacturers are pulling back on EVs and pursuing plug-in hybrids instead," said Musk in the company's earnings call.

Persons: —, Jim Farley, Farley, Ford, Elon Musk, Motors, Jim Baumbick Organizations: Service, Detroit, US, Toyota, Honda, Business, Ford Model, Motors, Volkswagen, EV, The New York Times, American, Elon Locations: North America

☆ Elliott takes $1 billion stake in Anglo American as miner faces takeover interest
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Rohan Goswami | In Rohangoswamicnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Elliott Management has built a roughly $1 billion stake in miner Anglo American in recent months, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC. Anglo American shares were up 5% on the news Thursday. News of the activist's position comes as the $43 billion, London-based miner faces takeover interest from BHP, a mining giant with worldwide operations. Anglo rejected BHP's $39 billion takeover offer Friday morning, saying BHP's offer "significantly undervalues Anglo American and its future prospects." Anglo American declined to comment.

Persons: Elliott, Stuart Chambers, BHP, CNBC's Karen Gilchrist Organizations: Elliott Management, CNBC, BHP, Bloomberg Locations: London, Australia

☆ You can get a crazy good deal on a used Tesla from Hertz right now — but know these risks
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Screenshot of used Tesla listing from Hertz Car Sales website. Hertz Car SalesIt's a screaming deal for shoppers in the market for a used Tesla or any budget-minded EV shopper, a demographic slowly making up most of the electric car market. AdvertisementMileage and battery usageA used Tesla that has been in a rental fleet is likely to used much more frequently than one that's been personally owned. You can see that in the difference in mileage when you look on Kelley Blue Book for a used Model 3. Screenshot of a used Tesla Model 3 listing on KBB Business InsiderAnother $20,125 Model 3 we found on the Hertz website in January, a 2021 model, was listed with 92,789 miles.

Persons: —, Hertz, Kelley, Tesla, iSeeCars Organizations: Service, Hertz, Business, Tesla, KBB, EV, quicken Locations: Southeast Michigan

☆ Honda to build $11 billion electric vehicle hub in Canada
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A Brand new Honda Pilot is displayed on the sales lot at Honda Marin on February 06, 2024 in San Rafael, California. DEROIT – Honda Motor and yet-to-be-named joint venture partners plan to invest $11 billion in Ontario, Canada, to create a "comprehensive EV value chain," the Japanese automaker announced Thursday. Honda said vehicle production will begin in 2028, with annual vehicle capacity of 240,000 units once it's fully operational. Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau said during a livestreamed press conference Thursday that Honda's investment, $15 billion Canadian, is the largest ever for the country's automotive industry. The investment is a major win for Canada and comes after Honda last year confirmed a $4.4 billion investment for a new U.S. battery plant in Ohio.

Persons: Honda Marin, DEROIT, Honda, Canada Justin Trudeau, Toshihiro Mibe Organizations: Honda, North, Canada, LG Energy Locations: San Rafael , California, Ontario, Canada, Alliston , Ontario, North America, U.S, Ohio

☆ Billionaire investor Ron Baron says Tesla stock has bottomed out and will 'go up huge' on the promise of more affordable vehicles
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Billionaire investor Ron Baron told CNBC that Tesla is "going to go up huge." The stock has reached bottom after investors were unsure if the firm was scrapping plans for a low-cost model. "Oh, it's going to go up huge," he told CNBC on Wednesday. He also cited that Tesla could make a profit by eventually selling its full-self driving technology to other carmakers. Previously, Baron disclosed that he has made nearly 20 times its Tesla investment since buying the stock a decade prior.

Persons: Ron Baron, Tesla, Baron, —, Elon Musk, Musk Organizations: CNBC, Service, Baron Capital, Baron Partners Fund

☆ Tesla’s entry into India’s EV market will be 'good news’ for the country, says MG Motor India
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Charmaine Jacob | In Charmainemariajacob | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"When India as a market gets attention, more and more players and investments will come in. Numbers are still constrained because consumers don't have compelling choices," Chaba told CNBC's Sri Jegarajah in Gurugram, India. India's electric vehicle sector still lacks competition, but entry from international automakers like Tesla will level the playing field, MG Motor India's CEO Emeritus Rajeev Chaba said. Tesla CEO Elon Musk postponed a scheduled trip to India this week where he was to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing "heavy Tesla obligations." It'll be good for the industry, good news for the country, and for serious players like us."

Persons: Tesla, Chaba, EVs, CNBC's, Rajeev Chaba, Elon Musk, Narendra Modi, Maruti Suzuki, It'll, Musk Organizations: Bain & Company, CNBC's Sri, Motor, Reuters, Tesla, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Maruti Locations: India, CNBC's Sri Jegarajah, Gurugram, New Delhi, Mumbai

☆ What if no one wants a cheap Tesla?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Matt Turner | Hayley Peterson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Even at a lower price, say $25,000, it's a very significant purchase — likely one of the most expensive purchases a person will make. AdvertisementSo let's for a second look at why a lower ticket price might not be a panacea for Tesla. There are many other Tesla buyers, of course, but as Tesla introduces lower-cost models in search of different buyers, needs will shift. Musk and Tesla are politicizedAs Tesla looks to lure potential new buyers with a cheaper car, it will have to contend with souring consumer sentiment toward the EV maker. Maybe the pool of buyers for a cheap Tesla will be ginormous.

Persons: —, Tesla, Elon Musk, TSLA, EVs, It's, BYD, Musk, it's Organizations: Service, Business, Tesla, EV, UBS, Infrastructure, Honda Civic, Toyota, Reuters, Bloomberg, Association, Renault, Elon Locations: California, headwinds, China, India

☆ Elon Musk gave Tesla investors the one thing they've been demanding — and it worked brilliantly
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Shubhangi Goel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Elon Musk said Tesla will get cheaper electric vehicles out sooner. AdvertisementElon Musk dangled a long-awaited prize — cheaper Tesla models — in front of investors on Tuesday. But it was enough to calm investors, and Tesla's stock rose 13% in after-hours trading. Significant challenges and a plummeting stockWhile a promise of cheaper cars relieved investors, Tesla's troubles are far from over. Tesla's stock is down 42% year-to-date.

Persons: Elon Musk, Tesla, Tesla's, —, Elon, Musk, Jay Woods Organizations: Service, Freedom Capital Markets, Reuters, EV Locations: China, Europe

☆ Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

But it is the only traditional automaker to break out results of its retail EV sales. And the results it reported Wednesday show another sign of the profit pressures on the EV business at Ford and other automakers. The EV unit, which Ford calls Model e, sold 10,000 vehicles in the quarter, down 20% from the number it sold a year earlier. Some are also sold in its Ford Pro unit, which handles fleet sales to businesses and government buyers. The number of vehicles sold by Ford Pro was up 21% to 409,000.

Persons: Ford, John Lawler, Jim Farley, Tesla Organizations: New, New York CNN, Ford, ”, Ford Pro, US Postal Service, General Motors, American EV, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, European EV Locations: New York, EBIT, North America

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