News Roundup: EV vans, Mercedes-EQ models, Augmented Reality Showroom and More
Electric vehicle maker Canoo revealed a pair of electric commercial van models that look to be coming to Canada shortly after their U.S. production start in 2022. The vans, called the MPDV1 and MPDV2 are all-electric, built on a chassis intended solely for EVs, and offer cargo-friendly features like a high roof, roll-up door, sliding ramps, and other accessories that would normally be aftermarket features. City-friendly steering is available thanks to a variable-ratio and steer-by-wire rack. More than 15,000 L of cargo space is available in the larger of the two vans, and with 40, 60, and 80 kWh battery packs available estimated range is as high as 420 kilometres. Though the smallest pack in the largest van still allows for 146 km of range, plenty for most parcel delivery routes, and boasts a higher payload capacity.
Mercedes-Benz says it will have four new electric vehicle launches wearing the EQ brand during 2021 and two more in 2022, built at factories across the globe including in the U.S. The biggest is likely the EQS full-size flagship sedan, sharing a platform with the conventional S-Class. An EQA compact electric crossover is set to debut next week, the first electric A-Class. An EQB will follow later in the year. Last for 2021 is an EQE, the electric E-Class. For 2022, U.S.-built EQE SUV and EQS SUVs will arrive, again sharing an assembly line with their gas counterparts.
A settlement involving Hyundai and owners of certain 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre four-cylinder engines found in various 2011 through 2019 model- year vehicles has been reached, covering four class-action lawsuits in Canada. Owners of vehicles with the engines, called “Theta II,” and installed in 2011-2019 Sonata, 2013-2019 Santa Fe Sport and 2014, 2015, and 2019 Tucson models, can choose to submit claims, exclude themselves, or object to the settlement. The suit claims that the engines can suffer from seizure, stalling, failure, and/or fire, while Hyundai denies the allegations but agreed to the settlement to avoid further costs and risks. The settlement provides warranty extensions, a software update, compensation for repairs, and other compensations for owners. The settlement must be approved by the courts, which is expected to happen in February.
Honda is recalling close to 100,000 vehicles in Canada, including some Acura models, for an issue with front axle shafts on 2007-2015 vehicles. Those cars, including 2007-2014 Honda Fit, 2012 Civic Hybrid, 2013-2015 Acura ILX and 2013-2015 Honda Accord vehicles have front axle shaft paint that could be damaged by road debris. Missing paint could lead to corrosion, which could eventually lead to the shafts breaking and a loss of power to the wheels or a vehicle rolling away while parked. Honda will notify customers by mail with instructions to head to a dealer for inspection and possible replacement of the axles.
Volkswagen of America has just launched a cool augmented reality experience that lets you look at the electric ID.4 crossover as well as the upcoming Taos compact crossover from the comfort of your driveway. Using your smartphone, the mobile experience lets you look “around” the cars from your couch or driveway, or, really, anywhere. The browser-based system lets you change paint colours and wheels, and lets you see the interior of the vehicles as well. VW said that depending on feedback, they could expand the AR system that could include other vehicles and improvements to the product.
The post News Roundup: EV vans, Mercedes-EQ models, Augmented Reality Showroom and More appeared first on WHEELS.ca.
