Events and Perspective

Toyota's Strategic Shift to Electric Vehicles

• Selling a $4.7B Stake in Denso: To finance EV development.
• Largest Auto Industry Sale in a Decade: A significant step in Toyota's EV push.
• New EV Technologies: Showcasing next-gen EV batteries and manufacturing innovations.
• Extensive EV Range Planned: Promising nearly 500 miles of range by 2026.
• Adopting Tesla's Production Techniques: Introducing Giga casting for efficiency.
• Maintains Investment in Denso: Despite the sale, it remains the top investor.
• Market Challenges: Accelerating EV production due to market share loss.
• Hybrid to EV Transition: Using hybrid tech as a bridge to full EVs.
• Brand Image Update: Introducing a new blue dot symbol for electrified vehicles.

While some people are unable to imagine a world where EVs are a viable option for everybody, Toyota is unwilling to imagine a world with an EV market where they aren't a major player.

Rivian R1T's New Leasing Program

• Available in 14 States, Including NY, FL, CA, and TX.
• Leasing Terms: Starting at $899/month with $6,794 due at signing.
• Bypassing EV Tax Credit Cap: For models over $80,000.
• Strategic Financing: Offering flexibility in acquiring EVs.

Anecdotes aren't evidence, but has anybody met one of these people wishing they could pay $900 a month to borrow a Rivian??

Pierce's Electric Firetrucks

• North America's Largest Firetruck Manufacturer: Pioneering with the Volterra model.
• Nationwide Deployment: Delivering electric firetrucks across several departments.
• Oshkosh Corporation's Strategy: Broad electrification initiative.
• Diverse Vehicle Manufacturing: From mail trucks to military vehicles.
• Cross-Application Technology: Electrifying various vehicle types.

Ain't no wrong way to get water on un-requested fire, y'all.

GM's Strategy Post Cruise Incident

• Cuts in Cruise Investment: Following a pedestrian accident.
• Safety Review and Leadership Changes: Prompted by the incident.
• Focused Relaunch Plans: Prioritizing Bolt-based autonomous vehicles.
• Dividend Announcement: $0.09 per share on Dec 14.
• Sustainable Dividend: Indicating a stable dividend despite past fluctuations.
• Risk Awareness: Advised of potential GM stock risks.

Imagine keeping your license after hitting this many people, places, and things with your car. #CruiseVSNouns

More about The Amazon & Hyundai Partnership

• Selling Vehicles on Amazon: Starting in 2024 enhances dealer visibility.
• Hyundai Chooses AWS for Integrating AI and IoT Technologies.
• Alexa in Hyundai Models: Built-in feature in future cars.
• VADA's Stance: Embracing innovation while upholding franchise laws.
• Franchise Laws Impact: Monitoring the partnership's alignment.
• E-commerce Flexibility: Permitting dealer use, barring OEM infringement.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Protecting dealer and consumer interests.

It's always good to get more perspective on these matters. Shout out to Don Hall from VADA for sharing this thoughtful analysis.