A update for the Genesis G70 2024

The Genesis G70 sedan undergoes a facelift for the 2024 model year, focusing on performance and technology. Here are the key updates:

– Four or six cylinders: The 2024 G70 comes standard with a 2.5L turbo engine, delivering increased power with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3L turbo V6 engine with 365 horsepower remains an option for those seeking a sportier driving experience.

– Technological evolution: The interior benefits from a new touchpad climate control system and a frameless rearview mirror. Adjustments to switches, trim, and air vents aim to enhance the occupants’ experience. A new era of connectivity with Genesis Digital Key allows you to use your smartphone as a remote control, share access with others, and control usage permissions. The driver assistance suite is now standard, providing more assisted driving on highways.

– Refined aesthetics: Design enthusiasts can choose from new paint options inspired by Iceland and Indonesia. The interior also offers new color palettes.

– Price range:
– Genesis G70 Advanced 2.5T: Starting at $53,000, including delivery and fees.
– Prestige version: Available at $58,000.
– 3.3T Advanced and Sport: Offered at $58,000 and $64,000 respectively.

The models are now available at dealerships.

A difficult start to the year for Tesla

Tesla had an exceptional year in 2023, with its stock increasing by over 100% in 12 months. However, 2024 is starting off differently. The company has lost over $94 billion in market value in the first two weeks of 2024. The reasons behind this decline are not hard to understand, as the electric vehicle manufacturer has been hit by a series of negative news: a reversal on EVs from car rental giant Hertz, a price decrease for its cars manufactured in China, and signs of rising labor costs.

This all comes amidst slowing growth in EV demand in the United States. The stock decline at the beginning of the year is the largest the company has experienced in a similar period since going public in 2010. In terms of percentage, the 12% decrease since the beginning of January is the worst since 2016, when the stock dropped 14% in the first nine trading sessions of the year.

To make matters worse, the chances of an imminent turnaround for the EV manufacturer do not look good. Tesla has aggressively lowered prices of its cars since the beginning of 2023 to stimulate demand, but this has led to a steady erosion of its once significant profit margin. Tesla’s automotive gross margin, excluding regulatory credits, dropped to 16.3% in the third quarter, down from 27.9% a year earlier. And the pressure is only increasing, as workers at Tesla’s US factories are getting wage increases.

Adding to the problems, Tesla had to reroute shipments destined for its Berlin factory due to Western military actions and security concerns in the Red Sea. Production at its factory near Berlin will be suspended from January 29th to February 11th, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Elon Musk has seen his net worth decrease by $23 billion so far this year, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Musk took the top spot on the Bloomberg wealth index last year, surpassing Bernard Arnault, but now Jeff Bezos is quickly catching up, with $179 billion compared to Musk’s $206 billion at Friday’s close. Most of Musk’s net worth comes from his 13% stake in Tesla and around 304 million exercisable stock options. He also owns about 42% of SpaceX, valued at around $53 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

However, Tesla remains a key player in the electric transition. The reason is simple: it is well ahead of its potential rivals. Chinese company BYD may have surpassed Tesla in terms of units sold, but it lags behind in terms of revenue and profits. Additionally, BYD does not sell cars in the United States, where Tesla remains the market leader.

Ultimately, Tesla’s continued success will depend on its ability to overcome these obstacles, maintain its leadership in the US market, and deliver on its promises regarding autonomous vehicles. While 2024 is starting off challenging, the future of Tesla remains a closely watched topic, not only for investors but also for car enthusiasts like you.

How to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in 10 points

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is experiencing a slowdown, but the automotive industry is looking to expand its customer base. What are the current challenges and potential solutions?

1- Accessibility: Previous EV growth was driven by affluent users. Today, price disparities between EVs and traditional models hinder progress. Manufacturers need to adjust.

2- Segment Gap: Electric sedans and SUVs have a premium of nearly 40% in North America. This reality leads to a saturation of traditional models, slowing overall sales.

3- New Buyers’ Needs: The new wave of EV buyers is primarily looking for practicality. Manufacturers can boost sales by optimizing the design of EVs according to specific customer needs.

4- Overcoming Concerns: Concerns about range anxiety and accessibility of charging remain obstacles. Regions with strong charging networks show a decrease in range anxiety.

5- Towards a Common Charging Technology: Manufacturers’ commitment to a common North American charging standard is promising to ensure charger accessibility.

6- Cost Reduction, Increased Accessibility: Optimizing the design of EVs can bring costs closer to those of combustion vehicles. Models with a range of about 200 miles can meet the practical needs of most users.

7- Batteries and Design: The battery represents a significant portion of costs. Design can reduce costs by optimizing various aspects.

8- Battery Types: The use of alternative battery types, such as LFP cells, can reduce costs while meeting the needs of models with less range.

9- Simplify Manufacturing: Reducing the number of processors and standardizing parts simplifies manufacturing, accelerating time to market and reducing costs.

10- Competitive Pricing through Innovation: Standardizing parts, increasing modularity, and identifying a targeted set of features enable manufacturers to offer competitive pricing without compromising profitability.

Conclusion: By overcoming these challenges through innovative solutions, the automotive industry can unlock the potential of the next cohort of EV buyers, paving the way for a sustainable and accessible future.

A first look at the Dodge Daytona

Dodge surprised fans today by discreetly unveiling images of the next generation Charger on its Facebook page, before the official reveal later this year. The new model appears to be heavily inspired by the Charger Daytona SRT concept unveiled in the summer of 2022. Despite partially obscured images, the similarities between the concept and the production model are evident.

Resolutely sporty

The retro design of the front fascia of the concept, characterized by a slim rectangular opening housing the headlights, a central pylon, and two large air channels, clearly recalls the iconic aesthetic of the 1969 Charger. Below, the aggressive vertical and horizontal air intakes from the concept can be seen, as well as an imposing front splitter.

A coupe

One intriguing feature is that, like the concept, the vehicle shown in the latest photos is a two-door coupe, suggesting the possibility that Dodge may opt for the name “Challenger” for the production model, leaving the name “Charger” available for a potential future sedan. Notable adjustments between the announced model and the Charger Daytona SRT concept include production-ready side mirrors, replacing the slim units of the concept, and potentially a slightly higher roofline, although this may be an illusion created by the camera.

Will there be a gasoline engine?

Although the concept was presented as fully electric, Dodge has confirmed that the next muscle car will be available in both electric and gasoline versions. Specific details about the model shown in the photos remain unclear, but it is confirmed that the current Hemi V8 engine will be replaced by the new turbocharged six-cylinder Hurricane engine.

More details to come

The anticipation for all the details regarding this exciting model is expected in the coming months, with the official reveal of the future Charger (or Challenger) planned by the end of 2024. Stay tuned for exciting updates.

With information from Motor Illustrated

A sports car worth 1.5 to 2 million dollars transformed into a boat anchor.

The Carrera GT, Porsche’s iconic sports car equipped with a V10 engine, is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year. However, for almost a year now, it has been dormant, sparking growing impatience among its owners.

A Worrying Recall

In April 2023, Porsche issued a recall affecting 489 units out of the 1300 Carrera GTs produced in 2004 and 2005. The reason? A possible catastrophic suspension failure. This alert was quickly expanded to include all Carrera GTs, advising owners to temporarily stop using them.

A Missing Parts Problem

However, an anonymous source revealed that Porsche has neither spare parts nor a timeline for repairs, creating a delicate situation. Currently, the purchase of a Carrera GT, estimated to be around $1.5 million, does not guarantee immediate use.

Details of the Recall

According to recall campaign number 23V241000, the spherical joints of the suspension may break due to mechanical stress and corrosion. Owners are strongly advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair is performed.

Porsche’s Response When Contacted for a Statement

Frank Wiesmann, Director of Product Communications at Porsche Cars North America, confirmed the situation. He emphasized the priority of safety, recommending owners not to drive until the replacement has taken place.

Contradictory Reactions

Some owners continue to drive their Carrera GT despite the warning, while others leave it parked. In the UK, insurance issues have emerged following Porsche’s stop-use message.

Impact on the Market Value

Curiously, the value of Carrera GTs in the collector car market does not seem affected by this risk. Recent sales even indicate an increase in value, suggesting that collectors are not deterred by the suspension problem.

Conclusion

As owners await spare parts, Porsche’s Carrera GT rests in a precarious balance between its prestigious legacy and the current safety challenges. The question remains as to how this situation will influence the long-term perception and value of this exceptional sports car.

With information from Autoblog

The text Un bolide de 1,5 à 2 million de dollars transformé en ancre de bateau comes from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile

Stellantis is investing in a French sodium-ion battery manufacturer for the production of electric vehicles.

Stellantis announced on Friday that it is investing in a French start-up called Tiamat, specialized in sodium-ion batteries, in order to diversify its portfolio and mass-produce electric vehicles while reducing its exposure to rare resources.

The exact amount of the investment, which is part of Tiamat’s first funding round of 150 million euros, has not been disclosed. The funds will be used in part to build a battery factory in northern France, said Hervé Beuffe, CEO of Tiamat.

This facility, the fifth “gigafactory” for the electric vehicle supply chain in the region, is expected to have an initial capacity of 0.7 gigawatt-hours by 2026, which could be increased to 5 GWh by 2029, he added.

Founded in 2017 by CNRS, Tiamat claims to be able to produce competitive batteries without lithium, a highly sought-after metal due to the global electrification boom, which it replaces with sodium, a much more abundant resource. Its batteries, which are cheaper but also have a shorter range, will be suitable for small vehicles. The reduced range can be compensated by faster charging capacity, according to Tiamat.

“Exploring new options for more sustainable and affordable batteries using widely available raw materials is a key element of our ambitions under the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which will enable us to achieve a carbon-neutral balance by 2038,” said Ned Curic, Head of Engineering and Technology at Stellantis.

With information from Reuters

Tesla is forced to suspend production in Germany due to attacks in the Red Sea.

Tesla is forced to suspend a large portion of its car production at its German factory from January 29th to February 11th. This decision is not a result of decreased demand, but rather a shortage of components caused by changes in shipping routes following a series of attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

The attacks carried out by Houthi militants, backed by Iran and in solidarity with Hamas, have caused disruptions in Tesla’s supply chains. The company stated in a statement that these attacks would result in significant disruption. The conflicts in the Red Sea and adjustments in shipping routes between Europe and Asia via the Cape of Good Hope have also impacted production in Gruenheide, with significantly longer transportation times creating gaps in the supply chains.

While other companies may have been affected by similar delays, Tesla is the first to publicly address these issues, according to Reuters reports. The reliance on many key components from Asia, particularly China, exposes a potential vulnerability in the supply chain for any automaker.

Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions, points out that Tesla’s dependence on China for its battery components, transported to Europe via the Red Sea, is a potential weak point in the supply chain. He suggests that other automakers may also face similar issues in the future.

In addition to supply chain issues, Tesla is currently in conflict with the Swedish union IF Metall over the signing of a collective agreement in Europe.

Tesla announces that production will resume at full capacity on February 12th. However, the company has not specified the specific components that it is having difficulty acquiring. This situation highlights the challenges that automakers face due to the complexity of their interconnected supply chains.

The Detroit Auto Show returning to its traditional January date next year

Next year, the Detroit Automobile Dealers Association announced the return of the International Auto Show in January 2025, after two years of summer events in September. This decision aims to create an impactful automotive event that showcases the city and the industry.

The show will take place from January 10th to 20th, with a charity preview on January 10th. Public days will be held from January 11th to 20th. Rod Alberts, executive director of the association, emphasizes the goal of creating an exciting show for car enthusiasts that reflects the constant changes in the global automotive landscape.

Alberts stated that, after discussions with various partners, the January date was considered the most appropriate. In a changing automotive context, this update aims to reimagine the show while keeping in mind the enthusiasm for cars.

Details regarding the media and industry/technology days will be announced later, although these days have been essential in the past for presenting new vehicles.

The summer show, launched to revitalize the event, had a hybrid indoor-outdoor model aimed at engaging the community. However, critics highlighted distractions such as hoverboards and dinosaurs, and the last edition reduced these elements to refocus attention on cars.

After two years in September, the show returns to its traditional winter date. The Automobile Dealers Association informed that the summer show would be canceled this year in favor of the traditional date.

Claude Molinari, CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, believes that the return of the show in January will have a positive impact on local restaurants, hotels, and attractions. This decision comes as the automotive world turns to CES in Las Vegas, highlighting the competition between events.

In 2024 in Las Vegas: Xpeng AeroHT’s flying vehicles are coming very soon.

Xpeng AeroHT, a subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng, aims to deliver its first flying vehicles as early as 2025. This announcement was made at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 presented this week in Las Vegas.

The first model that will be available for use by a new generation of travelers (who will have training as both a road vehicle driver and an aircraft pilot, hopefully) will be the Land Aircraft Carrier (LAC). This modular vehicle with six wheels and electric propulsion is designed to transport a small vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

Unique in its kind, this “road aircraft carrier” will be able to transport 4 or 5 people and its propulsion will drive all six wheels. It will even have all-wheel steering.

The LAC can be used as a recreational vehicle, but its “air mode” is what’s really interesting. Once engaged, in the blink of an eye, says the manufacturer, an elegant ballet will animate articulated panels at the rear of the vehicle. They will unfold to allow the unloading of a small aircraft.

Once on the ground, the electric motor-powered aircraft can fly at low altitudes. This aircraft will have a panoramic two-seater cabin offering a 270-degree view and can be piloted in manual or automatic mode. Additionally, its electric propulsion system will meet safety requirements in case of malfunction, the manufacturer assures.

Described as a “low-altitude aerial mobility exploration system,” the manufacturer hopes to open its order book by the end of 2024. The LAC may also be of interest to various public and private public service and emergency service providers.

Interestingly, the LAC was absent from the Xpeng AeroHT booth at CES. In a press release issued yesterday, the manufacturer acknowledged that “its final design is still in progress.” It is currently in the final validation stages, which will lead to mass production, the manufacturer explains.

However, the Chinese manufacturer showcased its latest version of the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) vehicle, the flying car that it intends to commercialize “when the ideal political, regulatory and usage scenarios are met,” according to Xpeng’s statement.

CES visitors were able to get a close look at this prototype, as well as witness a demonstration of its operation on a large screen.

In road mode, the vehicle looks like a sleek two-seater with an unusually long but aesthetically integrated rear end.

When it switches to aerial mode, the eVTOL deploys four arms with rotors and blades. It can then perform vertical take-off. Like the small aircraft of the LAC, this electric flying car will be designed for short-distance trips at low altitudes.

“In 2013, we launched AeroHT dreaming of flying cars,” said Tan Wang, co-founder and vice president of Xpeng AeroHT, during the presentation of the eVTOL in Las Vegas.

“Fast forward to 2024, this dream has become a reality. Today, we are excited to unveil our two latest innovations that will soon allow people to go from driving on the road to flying in the air. The future is here today, and the whole world is ready to fly,” Mr. Wang adds.

It remains to be seen if the leaders of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will agree with Mr. Wang’s last statement…

Xpeng, an electric vehicle manufacturer (short for Xiaopeng) was founded in 2014 in Guangzhou by a quartet of businessmen, including He Xiaopeng, a former executive of Alibaba, and He Tao, a veteran of the Chinese automaker GAC.

Its current lineup includes five different models that cover the main segments of the Chinese automotive market. Its latest model, the seven-seater X9 van, debuted on January 1st of this year.

Far from being a giant like BYD, this manufacturer only delivered 141,601 electric vehicles in 2023. This brings its total deliveries to 400,311 vehicles since the first Xpeng P7 sedan, a model very similar to a Tesla Model S, was handed over to its buyer in June 2020.

However humble, this progress has not stopped this manufacturer from having big ambitions. It is already heavily focused on exports. in November 2020, Xpeng entered the European market. After establishing itself in Norway, it entered Denmark, then the Netherlands and Sweden. The company is now preparing to launch its products in Germany and will do so later this year in ten other markets, including the UK, Italy, and France. Xpeng has also been present in Israel since 2023.

Audi and Porsche are preparing an even larger SUV.

Although the seven-seat Audi Q7 may be impressive, its interior does not rival that of the BMW X7 or the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Rumors are circulating about a three-row SUV from Porsche and Audi, adding spice to the competition.

Strong Trends

Three-row SUVs, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, are not the best-selling, but they are crucial for certain brands that focus on profit margins. Audi, aware of the competition, has been working on the Q9 for several years. Rumors and spy images suggest that the official announcement is imminent. A robust electric model could compete with the G-Class and the Defender. Porsche, a member of the VW group, is preparing a family electric SUV. Although little information is available, it seems to be an interesting challenge for the sports brand, already known for its Cayenne.

The Quest for the Holy Grail: Space and Elegance

While some fear that the Q9 will be nothing more than a fancy VW Atlas, indications point to an elegant six or seven-seat SUV, taking notes from the success of the Bentley Bentayga. Dealers are already informed, hinting at an imminent presentation. Porsche, after shocking purists with an SUV, could take on a new challenge with a large electric SUV. The details about this model are still secret, but Porsche enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting further developments.

The text “Audi et Porsche préparent un VUS encore plus grand” is from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile.