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☆ An alphabet soup of 'electrified' vehicles awaits new car buyers as EV sales stall
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-29 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

A car shopper today has their pick of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles; mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs); hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs); plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs); fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also commonly known as EVs. Here's a breakdown: Internal combustion engine (ICE): A "traditional" vehicle with an engine that's fueled with gasoline or diesel. Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV): Think of the Toyota Prius, a vehicle that has a hybrid powertrain system combined with an engine. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) : These vehicles feature an internal combustion engine combined with a hybrid system, including a larger battery than traditional hybrid vehicles as well as a plug to recharge the vehicle's battery. : These vehicles feature an internal combustion engine combined with a hybrid system, including a larger battery than traditional hybrid vehicles as well as a plug to recharge the vehicle's battery.

Persons: Paul Waatti, Heather Seymour, Seymour, Stellantis, Waatti, Michael Wayland, Antonio Filosa, Russell Wager, Jérémie Papin, BEV Organizations: DETROIT —, Pacifica, Toyota, CNBC, Motors, Chevrolet, Kia America, EV, Kia, GM, Detroit, GM Energy, Ford Motor, Auto, Nissan, ICE, Toyota Prius Locations: U.S, Stellantis, St, Johns , Florida, Detroit, Japan, South Korea, Germany

☆ Jeep expects to grow plug-in hybrid SUV sales by as much as 50% in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) during the 2023 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in New York, on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. NEW YORK – Jeep plans to grow U.S. sales of its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles by as much as 50% this year as it leans into the technology as a bridge between its traditional gas-guzzling SUVs and all-electric vehicles amid a slower-than-expected sales pace of EVs. The Stellantis brand expects to sell 160,000 to 170,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, in the U.S. this year, an increase of 40% to 50% from last year, Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa told CNBC. "One of the pillars of growth for the market is going to be freedom of choice." PHEV sales at the level Jeep is expecting this year would top Stellantis' total 2023 U.S. sales of the vehicles, at roughly 143,000 units.

Persons: Antonio Filosa, Filosa Organizations: New York, Auto, CNBC, Jeep Locations: New York, U.S

☆ GM all-electric Chevy Equinox goes on sale as the latest test for EV production and demand
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The Equinox EV is launching with higher-priced models that start at roughly $43,000 to $51,100 (without any incentives). The Equinox EV is arriving to market following the Blazer EV and alongside GM's more than $96,000 Silverado EV RST. Equinox EVAll of that being said, the Equinox EV is an Equinox in name only. Outside of the U.S., the Equinox EV will be sold in Canada, Mexico, the Middle East and some South American markets such as Brazil. GM's 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV (right) next to a gas-powered Chevy Equinox on May 16, 2024 in Detroit.

Persons: Michael Wayland, Mark Reuss, Tesla, Kathleen Murawski, Chevy Bolt, It's, We've, Rory Harvey, we've, Marissa West, West, Paul Waatti, Waatti Organizations: CNBC DETROIT, General Motors, GM, CNBC, Chevy, GMC Hummer EV, Blazer, Global, Silverado EV RST, Silverado, GM North America, Chevrolet, Motors, EV Locations: Detroit, China, U.S, Canada, Mexico, Brazil

☆ Cars are one of the few purchases Gen Z is reluctant to make online. Here's why that can be smart
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Growing up in the age of the internet and technology, online shopping is second nature for Gen Zers. One-third, 32%, of Gen Z consumers shop online at least once a day, according to data from marketing firm Tinuiti. Yet, 80% of Gen Z drivers prefer to shop for a car in person. Only 9% prefer to do so online, according to a recent report by Cars.com, which defines Gen Z adults as those between ages 18 and 28. Baby boomers were the only generation more likely than Gen Z to purchase a car in person, with 89%, while millennials were the most likely to prefer buying online, with 16%.

Persons: Zers, Rebecca Lindland, boomers, millennials, Paul Waatti Organizations: Cars.com, Finance

[1/3] Tesla's new Cybertruck is shown on display at a Tesla store in San Diego, California, U.S., November 20, 2023. Cybertruck, Tesla's first new model in nearly four years, is critical to its reputation as a maker of innovative vehicles. "We dug our own grave with Cybertruck," Musk said last month, warning that it would take a year to 18 months to make the vehicle a significant cash flow contributor. The billionaire has said Tesla was likely to reach a production rate of roughly 250,000 Cybertrucks a year in 2025. Tesla has faced "enormous challenges in reaching volume production" with the Cybertruck because of its new technology and design, Musk said.

Persons: Mike Blake, Elon Musk, Tesla's, Musk, Tesla, Eric Noble, Rivian, R1T, Rivian's R1T, Ford's, Seth Goldstein, Paul Waatti, Akash Sriram, Hyunjoo Jin, Sayantani Ghosh, Bill Berkrot Organizations: REUTERS, New York Times, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, Hummer, Morningstar, Thomson Locations: San Diego , California, U.S, Bengaluru, Hyunjoo, San Francisco

☆ 2 days before delivery, Cybertruck buyers still don't know what they're getting — or how much it'll cost
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Nora Naughton | Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Would-be Tesla Cybertruck buyers still don't know how much they're spending. Apart from the few remaining details listed and the occasional cryptic tweet from Musk, there isn't much information to tell Cybertruck buyers what they're getting into. Tesla Cybertruck. That makes it even more important to give loyal truck buyers some details to work with. "If you're looking to convert average pickup truck buyers to something different, that's a little harder," Fiorani said.

Persons: Tesla, —, Elon, It's, Musk, Cybertruck, William Huston, he's, Ed Kim, AutoPacific, Sam Fiorani, Fiorani Organizations: Service, Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, AutoForecast Locations: San Francisco

☆ Elon Musk just served a lesson in free advertisement for the Tesla Cybertruck
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Kai Xiang Teo | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Tesla CEO Elon Musk pulled up to the F1 race in Austin, Texas on Sunday in his company's new Cybertruck. A video showing Musk's arrival at the race venue racked up over 600,000 views. One X user, resharing a recording of Musk pulling up at the race venue, called the move "the best ad ever." "I mean we dug our own grave with Cybertruck," Musk said on the call. Representatives for Tesla and Musk did not respond to requests for comment from Insider, sent outside regular business hours.

Persons: Elon Musk, —, that's, Max Verstappen, Grimes, Musk, Tesla, Elon, Ed Kim, AutoPacific Organizations: Service, F1 United States, Tesla Locations: Austin , Texas

☆ Tesla's Cybertruck is almost here — but don't bet on it being affordable
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

In 2021, all that information vanished from Tesla's website, leaving future customers in the dark about their dream truck's eventual price. AdvertisementAdvertisementMusk tempers expectations about an affordable CybertruckOn Tesla's earnings call on Wednesday, Musk attempted to dispel any expectations of an accessible Cybertruck — at least initially. The more trucks Tesla can churn out of its Texas Gigafactory, the cheaper it can sell each one for. And Musk said he foresees "enormous challenges" in ramping up Cybertruck production, mainly because the unusual truck requires new manufacturing processes. Tesla's website says the Cybertruck will offer up to 500 miles of range and hit 60 mph in a brisk 2.9 seconds.

Persons: Tesla, it's, —, Elon, It's, Musk, Ed Kim, AutoPacific Organizations: Service, GMC Hummer Locations: Texas

Now, given the current high car costs and interest rates, drivers are shifting their focus to less expensive models. That shift shows in so-called "days to turn" numbers, which measure how long cars are in dealer inventory before being sold. "People have stopped going for top-of-the-line cars and are going for mid-trim cars," he added, "That's where we're starting to see the shift." Paul Waatti industry analyst at AutoPacificFive years ago, there were 12 vehicles selling for an average price of more than $100,000. Know your budget — really Most car buyers use monthly payments to conceptualize how expensive a car is.

Persons: Patrick T, Joseph Yoon, homebuyers, Yoon, Edmunds, Brian Moody, Kelley, Moody, Paul Waatti, Waatti, they're, Tom McParland Organizations: Fallon, Bloomberg, Getty, Finance, Mitsubishi Mirage, Consumers, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen —, Auto, AutoPacific, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Royce, Automatch Consulting Locations: Autonation, Carvana, Buffalo , New York, Edmunds

☆ Cybertruck buyers still don't know what they're buying or how much it costs, and they are just weeks from delivery
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Nora Naughton | Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Persons: Tesla, Elon, Musk, It's, Cybertruck, William Huston, he's, Ed Kim, AutoPacific, Sam Fiorani, Fiorani Organizations: Morning, Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, AutoForecast Locations: San Francisco

Consider this: In July, just one car model — the Mitsubishi Mirage — had an average new-vehicle transaction price below $20,000, according to Kelley Blue Book data. The $20,000-or-below barometer is a sort of unofficial price threshold for an affordable new car, said Brian Moody, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book. Five years ago, there were 12 vehicles selling for an average price of more than $100,000. The average new-vehicle purchase price today is about $48,000, up from about $30,000 in 2012, according to Kelley Blue Book. Know your budget — really Most car buyers use monthly payments to conceptualize how expensive a car is.

Persons: Kelley, Brian Moody, Moody, Tom McParland, Paul Waatti, Waatti, Joseph Yoon, they're, Yoon, McParland Organizations: Mitsubishi, Manufacturers, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, Mitsubishi —, Automatch Consulting, Consumers, Edmunds, Auto, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Royce

☆ I drove a new Tesla rival that uses facial recognition and fingerprints instead of a key — but I think a regular key beats the futuristic feature 99% of the time
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

I drove the Genesis GV60, a new Tesla rival from Hyundai's luxury brand. It's practically impossible to misplace your car keys if you buy the new Genesis GV60 SUV. The Genesis GV60. The Genesis GV60. The Genesis GV60.

Persons: Tim Levin, who's, robotically, I'm, it's, Ed Kim, Kim Organizations: Morning, Apple

☆ The EV price wars could hurt automakers when it comes to one of their most important groups of customers
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Alexa St. John | Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Electric trucks, long touted as a key to broader EV adoption, are a wildcard in the electric vehicle price war. Automakers are investing billions of dollars to electrify their product lineups not just for the average car buyer, but also for these fleet customers. "You're watching your numbers, you're watching your budget, you're watching the profit you're making." Still, automakers can't afford to jerk these buyers around with EV price changes. Smaller fleet customers are also very important for dealers, and electric trucks are a big gamble to sell to these customers, dealers who spoke with Insider said.

Persons: they're, Robby DeGraff, Tyson Jominy, Ford, Jominy Organizations: Morning, Car, EV, Amazon, FedEx, Walmart, Silverado Locations: .

☆ Car companies think fake vroom vroom sounds will make you want an electric car
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Some car companies think that fake engine noises will get drivers to consider going electric. Hyundai and Dodge have both unveiled EVs that blast fake exhaust noises outside the car. Electric cars are inherently quiet. Last year, the brand showed off an electric concept car with a multi-speed transmission and a phony exhaust sound that mimics a supercharged V8 engine. "Automakers are responding to some enthusiasts' worries that electric cars have no soul," Ed Kim, president and chief analyst at AutoPacific, an automotive research and consulting firm, told Insider.

Persons: Bill Pugliano, Stringer, Dodge, EVs, Ed Kim Organizations: Hyundai, Dodge, Toyota, Wall Street, EV

☆ GM positions new Chevy Trax, Buick Envista crossovers to fill an affordability gap
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

In this article GM Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT2024 Buick Envista GMDETROIT – General Motors is positioning two new crossovers from Chevrolet and Buick as its answer to affordability issues left by discontinued, cheaper sedans. GM's new 2024 Buick Envista and redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Trax crossovers start at $22,400 and $20,400, respectively. 2024 Chevrolet Trax (left) and 2024 Buick Envista Michael Wayland / CNBCExecutives from Buick and Chevrolet say they expect the vehicles to be among their bestsellers as production ramps up and the crossovers are imported from factories in South Korea. 2024 Buick Envista GMThe new Trax and Envista are sibling vehicles as they share the same platform and have similar interiors and silhouettes. 2024 Chevrolet Trax (right) and 2024 Buick Envista Michael Wayland / CNBC

Persons: Cox, Michelle Krebs, Envista Michael Wayland, Sam Russell, Russell, Chevrolet hasn't, Steve Majoros, Paul Waatti Organizations: DETROIT –, Motors, Chevrolet, Buick, Cox Automotive, GM, Toyota Motor, Hyundai, Trax, CNBC, Silverado, Chevy, Trailblazer Locations: South Korea

☆ The sneaky way automakers are keeping car prices high
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Throughout the height of COVID, carmakers got used to getting high prices. Car companies have a new way of keeping prices up: limiting options on the dealer lot. Since recovering from COVID-related plant shutdowns and an extended shortage of chips required for today's tech-laden cars, companies like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis have finally seen more cars head to dealer lots. But they got used to selling vehicles for high prices with minimal inventory on their lots. But shoppers shouldn't necessarily see some automaker's low inventory as a signal of high demand for a vehicle that they'd have to pay big dollars to compete on.

Persons: carmakers, that's, Karl Brauer, We've, Brauer, Kelley, Ed Kim, Kim Organizations: Morning, Ford, General Motors, Deutsche Bank, Fort Locations: COVID, Fort Wayne

☆ Automakers are pausing factory lines to help keep inventory low and prices high
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Throughout the height of COVID, carmakers got used to getting high prices. But some carmakers might limit their inventory to keep supply down and prices up. Since recovering from COVID-related plant shutdowns and an extended shortage of chips required for today's tech-laden cars, companies like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis have finally seen more cars head to dealer lots. But they got used to selling vehicles for high prices with minimal inventory on their lots. But shoppers shouldn't necessarily see some automaker's low inventory as a signal of high demand for a vehicle that they'd have to pay big dollars to compete on.

☆ Rivian and Lucid's Q4 struggles signal an even tougher 2023 for EV startups
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Nora Naughton | Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The results from Rivian and Lucid signal a tough year ahead for EV startups, said Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions. "As an investor you're going to be watching for every sign of trouble because you're now expecting a larger return on your investment." Rivian and Lucid's results came just after Tesla also missed analyst expectations for its fourth-quarter delivery results — and it has investors concerned. Previously, Rivian delivered more vehicles than it built in Q2 (accounting for vehicles built before the quarter that didn't make their way to customers), but only delivered about 89% of what it built in Q3. "With newcomers like Rivian and Lucid, that is going to be a warning sign for some people to begin with."

☆ Forget the F-150 Lightning and Hummer EV. Ford and GM's real battle is for electric delivery vans.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But perhaps their real battle will happen with electric delivery vans. "But the electrification of the commercial vehicle market," he said, "I think is underappreciated." Now, government support through incentives has bolstered EV momentum, and as a result, companies looking for electric fleets will only ask for more. How electric delivery van-makers plan to nail this downFord and GM's inherent advantages over rivals include name recognition, robust supply bases, and ample resources. "We've seen over the decades how strong brand loyalty is in the commercial vehicle segment," said AutoPacific analyst Robby DeGraff.

☆ Exclusive: Tesla readies revamped Model 3 with project 'Highland' -sources
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/2] A Tesla Model 3 sedan, its first car aimed at the mass market, is displayed during its launch in Hawthorne, California, U.S. March 31, 2016. Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory will put the redesigned Model 3 into production in the third quarter of 2023, they said. CHANGE YOU CAN SEEThe redesign for the Model 3 builds on the revamp of the Model S -- Tesla’s premium EV sedan -- that was released last year. The Model 3, Tesla’s cheapest EV starting at just under $47,000 in the United States, had been the automaker’s best-seller but is being overtaken by the Model Y crossover. KEEP IT SIMPLEMusk has pushed a simplified approach to design and production at Tesla that the Highland project extends, said the people with knowledge of the development.

☆ Tesla's California EV market share slips as rivals step up
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Hyunjoo Jin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Tesla vehicles are shown at a sales and service center in Vista, California, U.S., June 3, 2022. REUTERS/Mike BlakeSAN FRANCISCO, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Tesla's (TSLA.O) dominant market share of the electric vehicle market in California slipped again this year, according to Reuters' calculations based on government data from January to September, as rivals up their game. Tesla controlled 73% of the battery electric market in California from January to September, the lowest level since 2018, according to new vehicle registration data from the California Energy Commission. "We are reaching a saturation point for Tesla market share in California," said Ed Kim, president of AutoPacific. He expected rivals to continue to take away market share, while also expecting Tesla sales would still grow.

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