Honda is considering investing $18 billion in an electric vehicle factory in Canada.

Honda Motor, with the aim of expansion, is exploring the possibility of building an electric vehicle (EV) factory in Canada, potentially including an in-house battery production capacity. This plan represents a massive investment of $14 billion, aimed at positioning the Japanese automaker on equal footing with its American and European rivals in the EV sector.

In terms of implementation strategy and timeline, Honda is currently in the phase of analyzing several potential sites, with a focus on an existing automotive factory in Ontario. The final decision is expected to be made by the end of 2024, with the new factory anticipated to start operations by 2028. If successful, this facility will become Honda’s second factory in North America, complementing its planned production site in Ohio starting in 2026.

The decision by Honda is also influenced by Canada’s initiatives, announcing the phasing out of sales of gasoline or diesel vehicles by 2035, and benefiting from an abundance of renewable energy sources, thus reducing the carbon footprint per unit of electricity produced. These favorable conditions are encouraging Honda to consider Canada as a suitable location for EV production.

In terms of production and technological development objectives, currently the majority of Honda’s sales in North America are comprised of gasoline vehicles, but the future strategy aims to achieve 40% EV sales by 2030 and 80% by 2035. This Canadian factory would be crucial in achieving these ambitious goals.

Regarding batteries, while Honda has already planned for mass battery production in Ohio in partnership with LG Energy Solution starting in 2025, the company is considering producing its own batteries in Canada. This initiative is accompanied by an exploration of new technologies, including solid-state batteries, in collaboration with various companies, considering partnerships for battery production in Canada.

From a commercial perspective, Honda had previously canceled a project with General Motors to develop low-cost EVs. However, the Japanese company is moving towards increasing in-house production of EVs in the long term. As EV sales slow down in the United States, Honda is maintaining its long-term vision, anticipating an increase in EV demand in the coming years.

In terms of the American perspective and the impact on subsidies, in view of the goal set by the Biden administration – that half of all new vehicles sold by 2030 be EVs – and the bans planned by several states, Honda could take advantage of tax incentives offered by the US government to EV buyers. The sourcing of key materials such as lithium in Canada could allow vehicles produced in Honda’s Canadian factory to be eligible for these subsidies.

This initiative by Honda aligns with a global trend to accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles and reduce the carbon footprint of the automotive industry.

A new 16-year-old Ram truck will still be offered in 2024.

In the automotive world, a peculiar practice persists: the coexistence of old models alongside their recent successors. This tradition often stems from the persistent popularity of the older versions. Notable examples include Nissan’s Rogue Select, classic Chevrolet models, and currently, the previous generation of Ram 1500 from Ram.

The Ram 1500 Classic: Returning in 2024

Initially reported by Motor1 and confirmed by Stellantis, the return of the Ram 1500 Classic for the year 2024 is attracting attention. But why is it generating so much interest? The answer lies in its longevity. This vehicle belongs to the fourth generation of Ram, launched at a time when these vehicles were still marketed under the Dodge brand. Its release dates back to 2008 for the 2009 model year, which is 15 years in an industry where age is rare.

Persistent Success

The persistence of the Ram 1500 Classic on the market suggests strong sales, although Stellantis does not explicitly list it in its sales figures. Its appeal probably lies in its competitive price compared to other similarly sized trucks. Prices for the 2024 model start at $51,820 for the base 4×2 model, reaching $59,920 for the Big Horn 4×2 model.

V8 Accessibility and Affordable Prices

Notably, the Ram 1500 Classic stands out as one of the most economical options for acquiring a truck with a V8 engine in the market. Opting for the regular cab model equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, without any additional features, offers the possibility of the most affordable price for a V8. In a context where the costs of full-size trucks continue to rise, the longevity of the Ram 1500 Classic at attractive prices is hopeful for consumers.

Future Perspective

With its competitive prices and the rising costs of trucks, it is conceivable that the Ram 1500 Classic will continue to thrive in the automotive market for an additional period of time.

You could buy Donald Trump’s Lamborghini Diablo

If you’re looking for the perfect birthday gift, you’re in luck: Donald Trump’s 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster will soon be up for auction. A Diablo for the demon politician, it’s hard to find a vehicle that can so perfectly match its former owner.

Special order
This exceptional car is special, having been specially ordered by Trump through a privileged relationship with Lamborghini. It stands out with its Le Mans blue paint, which was not officially available in 1997, and a “Donald Trump 1997 Diablo” plate on the driver’s door, personalizing the car.

In his hands for 5 years
Ordered new by Trump, he owned it until the summer of 2002 before passing it on to two other owners, totaling only 24,836 miles (39,970 km). However, a CarFax report highlights a possible mileage inconsistency or rollback.

One-of-a-kind
Despite this controversy, this car represents a piece of automotive history. Equipped with a 5.7-liter V12 engine in a mid-mounted position, producing 492 hp (367 kW / 499 PS) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque, it features a five-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. It reaches 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 202 mph.

An unconditional sale
Aside from these details, the auction offers the car with no reserve, accompanied by its documentation, tool bags, and a cover. The overall condition seems excellent, with almost new paint and wheels.

The two-tone interior includes an analog clock, digital air conditioning, an Alpine audio system, and an H-pattern gear lever, adding a touch of exclusivity.

Although there is no official estimate, this car is one of the 132 units produced for the United States between 1997 and 1999, making it a rarity even before its association with Trump.

Information from Carscoops

Volvo is preparing an electric replacement for the S90.

Volvo is actively working on its all-new electric sedan, the successor to the S90, which could be called the ES90. This promising model is currently in development and is expected to be launched as early as 2025, offering direct competition to the Audi A6, BMW i5, and Mercedes-Benz EQE.

Key features:

– Battery power: 111 kWh for an estimated range of 600 km on a single charge.
– Platform: Based on Volvo’s SPA2 platform, already used for other models such as the Volvo EX90 SUV and the upcoming Polestar 4.
– Engine options: Available in rear-wheel drive with a single motor or all-wheel drive with two motors.
– Dimensions: The Volvo ES90 will measure 4,990 mm in length, 1,547 mm in height, and 1,945 mm in width, with a massive wheelbase of 3,102 mm, making it shorter than the BMW i5 but taller and wider. It will offer spaciousness, surpassing even the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

Development and Production:

– Volvo has shared a photo of the prototype on its intranet portal, indicating an advanced stage of development.
– Development work has been carried out simultaneously with the Galaxy E8 sedan and the Zeekr 007 sedan.
– Mass production could begin as early as May.

Design and Outlook:

The exact design remains a mystery, but it could be inspired by the electric EX30 SUV, including distinctive LED headlights and likely without the traditional grille.

This new electric sedan, the Volvo ES90, promises to not only be competitive in the growing electric market but also spacious and equipped with impressive range, offering an attractive alternative to other models in its category.

Hyundai and Kia are partnering with Samsung Electronics.

Hyundai and Kia have partnered with Samsung Electronics to enhance connectivity between residential spaces and mobility through Samsung’s “SmartThings” IoT platform. This alliance aims to seamlessly integrate the car manufacturers’ connected car services into Samsung’s internet of things ecosystem.

Drivers of Hyundai and Kia vehicles will now be able to remotely control various home devices through the touchscreen and voice commands of their car’s infotainment system. For example, by activating the “Home Mode” during a journey, they can turn on their home’s air conditioning, start a robot vacuum, and control the lights. This system also allows for pre-activating the vehicle’s air conditioning from home.

Electric vehicle users will be able to benefit from SmartThings integration to monitor and adjust their home and car energy consumption, by adjusting charging times according to their needs.

Haeyoung Kwon, Vice President of Hyundai and Kia’s infotainment development center, emphasized the importance of making connected car services more convenient for customers. This collaboration aims to improve the driving experience for Hyundai and Kia users.

Over-the-air (OTA) and USB updates of the existing infotainment systems of both South Korean manufacturers will activate this innovative technology. However, no specific information about deployment and initial markets has been announced at this time.

Chanwoo Park, Vice President of Samsung Electronics, expressed the perspective of creating effective communication between homes and cars, thus offering integrated energy management services tailored to future lifestyles. This collaboration aims to transform the customer experience both at home and on the go.

The announcement of this new revolutionary system marks a significant advancement in the field of intelligent connectivity between cars and homes. Details regarding deployment will likely be communicated at a later time.

The Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in 2023 in Canada and the United States.

For the 58th consecutive year, the Ford F-150 remains the best-selling truck in Canada with 123,267 units sold in 2023, an increase of 7.4% compared to 2022. The F-150 also takes the title of best-selling vehicle overall for the 14th year.

The same honor goes to the United States. 2024 marks the 47th consecutive year where the F-series is the best-selling truck in the United States. Over 700,000 units were sold in 2023, an increase of 646,000 from the previous year.

The Ford trucks have been awarded for the fourth consecutive year by the North American Car, Utility, and Truck Awards committee, which named the Ford F-Series Super Duty 2024 Truck of the Year for North America.

Ford attributes the enduring success of the F-series to its continuous quest for improvement, as well as the trust between the company and its customers. They are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve their customers and are committed to continuing to earn their trust every day.

Ford is recalling nearly 113,000 F-150 pickups.

Ford has announced the recall of 112,965 F-150 trucks from model years 2019 to 2021 due to potential issues with their rear axles, which could lead to accident risks.

Accident Risk:
Malfunctioning rear axles may have damaged splines at the axle hub, which can cause unexpected vehicle movement or reduce power. This situation can significantly increase the risk of accidents.

Technical Details of the Problem:
The affected F-150 models are those equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and have a heavy-duty rear axle. The problem lies in the possibility of the hub bolt breaking, thereby damaging the splines of the axle hub.

Recommended Actions for Owners:
Ford strongly urges owners of affected F-150s to take immediate action if they notice signs of failure, such as unusual noises (like rattling or grinding). Owners are advised to contact a Ford dealer as soon as possible to have the necessary repairs done.

Next Steps for Owners:
The company plans to send notification letters to affected owners by January 29. Ford is actively working to address this safety issue, but it is crucial that owners take action as soon as they notice signs of malfunction to prevent any potential accident risks.

Information from Car and Driver.

Stellantis is withdrawing from all auto shows in Canada and the United States.

The decision by Stellantis to withdraw from auto shows in the United States and Canada heralds a new era, leaving behind iconic exhibitions such as Camp Jeep and interactive experiences from Dodge. Stellantis cited the challenges of the automotive market as the reason for this move, prompting deep speculation about the future of traditional auto events.

Stellantis’s dynamic presence, with popular brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, was a major feature of auto shows. The withdrawal of Stellantis means the gradual disappearance of interactive presentations like Camp Jeep, where enthusiasts could test their skills on off-road courses, and the unique experiences offered by Dodge, featuring Hemi muscle cars.

Stellantis justifies this withdrawal by emphasizing its desire to focus on the fundamentals of the business in the face of growing challenges in the automotive market. However, this decision raises questions about the relevance of auto shows in an increasingly digital world. Brands are increasingly opting for digital interactions or private events, challenging the role of shows as media spectacles.

While Stellantis allows dealerships the freedom to participate in local events, the future strategy for auto shows remains uncertain. Stellantis’s decision to consider each participation on a case-by-case basis underscores the constantly evolving automotive landscape and questions the importance of major shows.

The withdrawal of Stellantis from auto shows in North America marks the end of an era of spectacular presentations and interactive customer interactions. This decision raises questions about the future of traditional auto events in a world where brands are increasingly prioritizing digital interactions and exclusive events.

The Volkswagen Group announces promising advances in solid-state batteries.

The partnership with QuantumScape: Positive test results

The Volkswagen Group has revealed that the new solid-state battery cells, developed in collaboration with QuantumScape, have shown outstanding performance in recent tests. These advancements promise increased autonomy and significantly reduced degradation compared to existing lithium-ion batteries and rival solid-state cells.

Superior performance in tests

According to tests conducted by PowerCo, Volkswagen Group’s battery division in Germany, the cells showed minimal loss of only 5% of their storage capacity after over 1,000 charging cycles. This is equivalent to approximately 500,000 km on the road for an electric vehicle with a range of 500 to 600 km, according to the German automaker. In comparison, current industry standards for automotive batteries foresee 700 charging cycles with a maximum loss of 20% of storage capacity.

Positive reactions and prospects

PowerCo highlighted that these new cells also met other essential criteria such as fast charging capability, safety, and self-discharge. Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo, expressed optimism: “These results are very encouraging. The end result of this development could be a battery cell offering long ranges, fast charging, and practically negligible aging.”

Characteristics of solid-state batteries

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte and separator of lithium-ion batteries with a solid separator typically made of ceramic, polymer, or glass. The ceramic separator developed by QuantumScape is crucial for these new cells.

Future prospects and market competition

QuantumScape aims to start mass production of its new cells as soon as possible, while other players such as Nio and Toyota are also working on similar solutions. Nio plans to introduce a semi-solid battery by 2024, while Toyota aims to commercialize solid-state batteries by 2027.

Volkswagen Group’s sustainable partnership with QuantumScape

The Volkswagen Group has been collaborating with QuantumScape since 2010 and has made significant investments in the development of this technology. Becoming the main shareholder of QuantumScape in 2012, the German automaker has since increased its investments to make electric vehicles more efficient and affordable, with a total investment reaching hundreds of millions of dollars.

This technological breakthrough promises a more sustainable future for electric vehicles and could play a key role in the transition to cleaner and more efficient transportation.

Source: Le groupe Volkswagen annonce des avancées prometteuses dans les batteries à l’état solide (The Volkswagen Group announces promising advancements in solid-state batteries) from L’Annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile.

BYD is once again the world champion in sales of electrified vehicles.

BYD finished 2023 with a record number of sales of electrified vehicles (electric and plug-in hybrid), becoming the global champion in this field. By surpassing the target of 3 million annual sales they had set for themselves, this Chinese manufacturer has outpaced American manufacturer Tesla for the second consecutive year.

In a statement released today to announce this, BYD also revealed that it has made it onto the list of the top 10 brands with the highest number of passenger vehicle sales worldwide for the first time. Additionally, in the Chinese market, they maintain their position at the top of the passenger vehicle sales rankings.

In December, their sales reached 341,043 units, an increase of 45% compared to 2022. Their annual sales totaled 3,024,417 vehicles, representing a 61.9% increase compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, this morning Tesla announced that their vehicle deliveries totaled 1,808,581 units in 2023, compared to 1,313,851 in 2022.

BYD’s success, which stands for “Build Your Dreams,” reflects a business strategy aimed at entering new markets. In 2023, for example, the brand expanded to Mexico, Finland, Iceland, Spain, Colombia, Brazil, Panama, and Hungary. Founded in 2003, BYD is now present in over 70 countries on six continents. This explains why their exports increased by 334.2% to 242,765 units last year.

Clearly, this manufacturer does not intend to stop there. In December, they announced the construction of a new factory in Szeged, Hungary. It will be their second assembly plant in the country and their third in Europe. The other two, in Hungary and France, have been producing electric buses since 2018. However, this one will be dedicated to the assembly of passenger vehicles.

Furthermore, BYD continues to diversify its product range. At the Shanghai Auto Show last April, they unveiled three new mass-market models: the BYD Seagull and Chaser, as well as the Song L concept. The manufacturer also presented new offerings for the Fangchengbao and YangWang brands, both launched in 2023 to target the luxury segment, as well as for the Denza brand, which was created in 2012 in partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

Many industry analysts believe that BYD’s entry into the Canadian and US markets is only a matter of time. Mexico, where the brand was launched in November 2022, could serve as a stepping stone.

It’s worth noting that the BYD brand is already present in Canada. In addition to the handful of e6 taxis imported to the country in 2018 for the “E-Taxi” project, which did not last long, the manufacturer opened an electric bus assembly plant in Newmarket, Ontario, in 2019.