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☆ German premium car brands handled supply chain woes better than VW
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Victoria Waldersee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] The new hybrid-electric BMW XM is displayed at the BMW manufacturing plant in Greer, South Carolina, U.S., October 19, 2022. Though the fourth quarter provided universal relief for the carmakers, China's extensive lockdowns early in the year were particularly hard on sales volumes. Audi's deliveries fell 3.9% to 1.61 million, with Europe the only region to register marginal growth after an 18.7% jump in German sales. That compared with only a 1% drop in Mercedes-Benz total sales and its 143% leap in deliveries of electric and hybrid vehicles. The Volkswagen brand fared worst year on year, with a 6.8% fall in sales attributed to supply chain issues affecting all model types.

☆ I've driven 19 electric cars. Here are 4 reasons you should consider buying one (that have nothing to do with the environment).
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I've driven electric cars from Tesla, Audi, Porsche, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Rivian, and more. EVs are quick, fun, and quietThe 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line. Tim Levin/InsiderAlmost all EVs, from budget Chevys to sporty Audis, have more pep in their step than comparable gas cars. The 2022 Kia EV6. Tim Levin/InsiderSince electric cars lack bulky components like an engine and transmission, automakers enjoy lots of flexibility to add extra interior room for people and stuff.

☆ Fed-up Tesla owners say they're so sick of Elon Musk's antics that they're ditching their cars
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Some Tesla owners are done with the electric-car brand over Elon Musk's antics. We spoke to three Tesla owners who say Musk has made them rethink their relationship with the brand. Perkowitz is one of many Tesla owners rethinking their allegiance to the brand as Elon Musk becomes an increasingly erratic and polarizing figure online. "Elon was a really good reason to buy the car," Perkowitz told Insider. "I've been kind of stalling waiting for Elon to come to his senses and say something that makes sense," Perkowitz said.

☆ Andretti joins forces with General Motors for Cadillac Formula 1 entry bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Michael Andretti, team owner of Walkinshaw Andretti United, looks on during qualifying for Supercars Adelaide 500 on March 2, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. Andretti have teamed up with General Motors in a bid to enter Formula 1 which, if successful, would also see the famous Cadillac name join the grid. Andretti's main headquarters would be in Indiana while General Motors would be their engine and manufacture partner, with GM brand Cadillac to form part of the entry. "It is particularly pleasing to have interest from two iconic brands such as General Motors Cadillac and Andretti Global. "Well, we're bringing one of the biggest manufacturers in the world with us now with General Motors and Cadillac.

☆ More than 20 people, including 3 children, injured after car crashes into NYC sports bar
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-03 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Mirna-Alsharif-Byline-Jm.Jpg | Mirna Alsharif | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

At least 23 people, including three children, were injured after an SUV operating as an Uber crashed into a sports bar and restaurant in New York City Monday night, officials say. An SUV crashed into Inwood Bar & Grill in Manhattan, N.Y., on Jan. 2, 2023. This caused the 31-year-old male driver of the RAV4 to lose control of the car, mount the curb and crash into the Inwood Bar & Grill, police said. It was not immediately clear if there were passengers in Toyota RAV4, and Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Nineteen people, including the driver of the RAV4, were taken to area hospitals while the others refused medical care.

☆ My first time driving a Tesla showed me why people are so obsessed with Elon Musk's electric cars
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-31 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

First, the basicsThe Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderThe Model Y is Tesla's small SUV and its most popular product. The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderThe display is super responsive to taps and swipes and features crisp graphics. The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderPlus, the Model Y lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our impressions: An excellent choice, but not the only optionThe Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderAs it turns out, the Tesla fans have a point. The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderThe Model Y is a great choice for many buyers, but Tesla isn't the only game in town anymore.

☆ Audi workers in Mexico extend strike deadline to Jan. 11
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

MEXICO CITY, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Worker representatives at German automaker Audi's Mexico plant have extended a strike deadline to Jan. 11 from Jan. 1 as they aim to reach an agreement with the firm over pay raises, a union document seen by Reuters on Friday showed. The Independent Union of Audi Mexico Workers (SITAUDI) and Audi had previously negotiated two options to raise wages for the plant's 4,000 unionized employees in the central state of Puebla. Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon; Writing by Anthony EspositoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Electric vehicle sales hit a tipping point in 2022
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Bloomberg includes plug-in hybrids in its count of “electric vehicles,” but a large majority are purely battery-powered models. It’s unclear exactly why 5% seems to mark the point where EV sales really take off. The Mustang Mach-E, which hit the market in in 2021, was the first electric vehicle to take a notable chunk of Tesla’s still-dominant EV market share. The act, passed this year, changes the rules around which electric vehicles are eligible for consumer tax credits. Given their popularity and already high sales, incentive rules could help push EV sales significantly higher.

☆ Audi union in Mexico sets Jan. 1 strike deadline as workers eye higher pay
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MEXICO CITY, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Worker representatives at automaker Audi's Mexico plant have set a Jan. 1 deadline to reach an agreement with the company over pay raises without launching a strike, the union said on Thursday. The Independent Union of Audi Mexico Workers (SITAUDI) and Audi had previously negotiated two options to raise wages for the plant's 4,000 unionized employees in the central state of Puebla. Workers last week voted down both proposals, sending their union and employers back into discussions. Audi, which is owned by German carmaker Volkswagen , said it would continue talks with SITAUDI in hopes of reaching a deal that benefits the company and workers. Workers at a nearby Volkswagen plant initially rejected an offer negotiated by their union for 9% raises, one of the highest at an automaker in recent years.

Huawei, known for its telecoms equipment and smartphones, signed or renewed over 20 patent licensing deals this year, said Steven Geiszler, the company's U.S. chief intellectual property counsel. "By getting a return on our R&D investment, it allows us to re-invest and re-invent," Geiszler said, referring to research and development. Huawei generated about $1.2 billion globally from licenses over the three years ended 2021, or roughly hundreds of millions of dollars annually, Geiszler said. Its full-year sales figures for 2022 will not be tallied until next year, and the licensing unit's profits or losses are not accounted for independently, he said. As publicly disclosed technology, the patents are not subject to the U.S. restrictions, Geiszler said.

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☆ Turned off Tesla by Elon Musk? Here are 4 great electric alternatives to its sedans and SUVs.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Instead of a Model S, consider:The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580. Tim Levin/InsiderTesla's Model S sedan has historically been the electric car against which all new EVs are measured. Instead of a Model X, consider:The Rivian R1S. Rivian SUVs are backordered into oblivion as the company ramps up production, but they are available lightly used. Tim Levin/InsiderThere's a swarm of small electric SUVs on offer from Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, and more.

☆ U.S. Senator Warren questions Tesla board oversight of Musk purchase of Twitter
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Warren said Musk had not explained how he is managing conflicts between his role as Twitter CEO and his position at Tesla. “As the owner of Twitter, Mr. Musk may decide to run the company to maximize badly-needed revenue, even if that includes great deals for Tesla’s competitors and potential injury to Tesla." She asked for "detailed information on how the Tesla Board is monitoring these conflicts of interest and Mr. Musk’s appropriation of Tesla assets to Twitter, what guidelines the Tesla Board has put in place to protect Tesla" by Jan. 3. Leo KoGuan, a major individual Tesla shareholder, wrote on Twitter earlier that Musk "abandoned Tesla and Tesla has no working CEO. Separately, Twitter users voted in a poll for Elon Musk to step down as Twitter CEO.

☆ U.S. senator Warren questions Musk purchase of Twitter
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) takes part in an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) phone bank in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. December 2, 2022. Warren said Musk had not explained how he will manage conflicts between his role as Twitter CEO and his position at Tesla. "Twitter relies on advertising revenue from automobile companies that are in direct competition with Tesla, including Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Jeep, and Volkswagen,” wrote Warren. “As the owner of Twitter, Mr. Musk may decide to run the company to maximize badly-needed revenue, even if that includes great deals for Tesla’s competitors and potential injury to Tesla." Separately, Twitter users voted in a poll for Elon Musk to step down as CEO.

☆ Analysis-Bumper green aluminium output is good news for carmakers, and climate
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Eric Onstad | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Next year’s forecast increase in “green aluminium” output would reduce that by 13 million tonnes, or about 1.2%. Polestar said it pays slightly more for green aluminium, partly due to the administrative costs of changing suppliers, but did not say how much more. Producers, however, are still managing to sell some of their low-carbon output at higher prices under quarterly and annual contracts. Rising output of both will keep green premiums relatively low in the coming years, said Marcelo Azevedo at the McKinsey consultancy. GRAPHIC: Abundant Supplies of Green Aluminium - here

☆ Analysis: Bumper green aluminium output is good news for carmakers, and climate
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Eric Onstad | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Next year's forecast increase in "green aluminium" output would reduce that by 13 million tonnes, or about 1.2%. Polestar said it pays slightly more for green aluminium, partly due to the administrative costs of changing suppliers, but did not say how much more. "The cost per reduced kg of CO2 emissions when shifting to green aluminium is still significantly lower than many other ways of reducing raw material emissions," a company spokesperson told Reuters. Producers, however, are still managing to sell some of their low-carbon output at higher prices under quarterly and annual contracts. Rising output of both will keep green premiums relatively low in the coming years, said Marcelo Azevedo at the McKinsey consultancy.

☆ U.S. court decision paves way for depositor case against Lebanese bank
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The court decision, issued on Dec. 15 in a case brought by Lebanese depositors against leading lender Bank Audi, overturned a lower district court's decision that said Beirut courts had "exclusive jurisdiction" to try cases against Lebanese banks. A district court dismissed their claim on the reasoning that such cases should only be heard by Lebanese courts. There was no immediate response from Bank Audi in Beirut to a request for comment filed outside business hours. Jeffrey Rotenberg, a lawyer from DLA Piper representing Bank Audi in the case, said the decision was "non-precedential." Abdelsater said the Raads wanted access to $17 million they had in savings at Bank Audi.

☆ Buying a car is finally easier — but watch out for high interest rates and lingering inventory issues
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Easing supply chain crises mean more vehicles on lots, used vehicle prices are down, and demand is normalizing. "There's really not a lot of ways to escape them unless you are willing to change the car that you're buying," Drury said. As far as luxury cars go, there aren't many deals to be found, he added. Used cars are displayed on the sales lot at Marin Acura in July 2021. Car-buyers might find a used vehicle could suit their needs while they hold out for lower prices surrounding new vehicles.

☆ Twitter will lose over 32 million users by 2024 as Elon Musk's takeover causes more hate speech and technical problems, report says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Sawdah Bhaimiya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Twitter could lose over 32 million users in the next two years, Insider Intelligence found. download the app Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to be contacted by Insider Inc. and receive emails from Insider Intelligence and eMarketer (e.g. Twitter could lose more than 30 million users in the next two years after Elon Musk took over in November, data from Insider Intelligence showed. Users will abandon the platform as frustrations over mounting technical issues and increased hate speech and offensive content flood the platform, Insider Intelligence said. The forecast for Twitter ad revenue growth was also cut to "essentially flat," over the next two years, Insider Intelligence said.

☆ Lamborghini Looks to the Past as It Plans an EV Future
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( William Boston | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Lamborghini, one of the best-known super luxury car brands, is hoping a little help from old friends will drive its first fully electric sports car straight into the hearts—and garages—of future fans. In designing its first all-electric model, the Italian luxury car maker owned by Volkswagen AG’s Audi brand is drawing inspiration from the Gran Turismo, an iconic 1960s-era sports car that Paul McCartney drove and that was parked outside Apple Studios during the Beatles’ last live performance, the rooftop concert featured in the “Get Back” documentary.

☆ GM to roll put thousands of electric vehicle chargers in rural America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN Business —General Motors is moving ahead with plans to install as many as 40,000 electric vehicle chargers in, mostly, rural parts of America. The chargers will have industry-standard J1772 charging plugs that can be used by most electric vehicles, not just GM (GM) models. Many GM dealership owners — these are independently owned businesses — own more than one dealership. Today, most electric vehicles in America are sold in coastal areas like New York and California. GM declined to say how much it’s spending on this particular program, but it’s part of an overall $750 million the automaker plans to spend on electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

☆ Volkswagen CEO to present software 'reality check' to board on Dec 15
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Jan Schwartz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HAMBURG, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) CEO will outline a new software and vehicle platform strategy to the carmaker's supervisory board on Dec. 15 as he tries to turn his predecessor's vision into deliverable goals, three company sources told Reuters. But he was also criticised for sometimes erratic leadership, and in particular for delays and cost overruns at software arm Cariad. "First up is the software and the reality check in that area. Handelsblatt, which first reported the Dec. 15 board meeting, has said keeping software competitive to the end of the decade under Blume's new plans would cost 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion). ($1 = 0.9511 euros)Reporting by Jan Schwartz Writing by Victoria Waldersee Editing by Mark PotterOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Volkswagen to discuss new software roadmap on Dec. 15 -Handelsblatt
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) Chief Executive Oliver Blume will present a long-delayed new software strategy for the carmaker at a supervisory board meeting on Dec. 15, Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Monday, citing company sources. The Audi brand will hand over leadership on autonomous driving software to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the report added. The supervisory board called in May for management to present a roadmap for the carmakers' software unit Cariad, after multiple years of delays to planned new software iterations and overspending. The board expected a new roadmap by the summer break, Reuters reported, but former Chief Executive Herbert Diess' departure from the company delayed plans. New chief Blume wants to first determine what the software will look like, and then the car models will follow, Handelsblatt reported.

☆ Apple and Amazon resume advertising on Twitter, reports say
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 3 (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) and Apple Inc (AAPL.O) are planning to resume advertising on Twitter, according to media reports on Saturday. Twitter billed the offer as the "biggest advertiser incentive ever on Twitter," according to the email reviewed by Reuters. On Saturday, a Platformer News reporter tweeted that Amazon is planning to resume advertising on Twitter at about $100 million a year, pending some security tweaks to the company's ads platform. However, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Amazon had never stopped advertising on Twitter. Separately, during a Twitter Spaces conversation, Musk announced that Apple is the largest advertiser on Twitter and has "fully resumed" advertising on the platform, according to a Bloomberg report.

☆ BYD set to be China's top-selling car brand for Nov, Tesla gains -data
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Toya Sarno Jordan/File PhotoSHANGHAI, Nov 30 (Reuters) - BYD was the top-selling car brand in China in the first four weeks of November, brokerage data showed, outperforming the Volkswagen brand in a reversal that highlights the pressure on legacy brands in the world's largest auto market. Tesla's (TSLA.O) retail sales in China also nearly doubled in November, from a year earlier, after the U.S. automaker cut prices and offered incentives on its Model 3 and Model Y, the data from China Merchants Bank International (CMBI) showed. Retail sales for BYD totaled 152,863 vehicles from Nov. 1 to Nov. 27, logging a nearly 83% increase in average daily sales compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the data. BYD's tally was higher than Volkswagen's retail sales of 143,602 retail sales and Toyota Motor Corp's (7203.T) 115,272, which were 0.3% and 0.5% lower, respectively, on the year. However, the Volkswagen AG group still outsold BYD, when the 36,847 units sold under the Audi brand are included.

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