Info and News

General Motors Leads US Sales in ‘23

GM maintained its status as the top-selling automaker in America in 2023, outpacing its closest competitor, Toyota, with impressive sales growth.

• 📈 Sales Surge: GM's total U.S. vehicle sales rose 14.1%, leading an industry-wide upsurge to the highest sales since 2019.
• 🌟 Standout Stars: Notably, Buick sales skyrocketed by 61%, and Chevrolet saw a 13.1% increase.
• 🏗️ Overcoming Obstacles: Despite a costly auto strike, GM maintained its lead, contributing to nearly 2.6M vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2023.

Zipcar's Electrifying Leap

Zipcar hears people aren't as hype about owning EVs as automakers once thought. But they figure "borrowing" can't be off the table, right?

• 🌆 City Rollout: Launching in metropolises like New York, LA, Seattle, and Denver, Zipcar aims to boost urban sustainability.
• 🔋 Fleet Expansion: Plans to double its EV fleet by 2024 show a charged commitment to greener transportation.
• 🤝 Community Commitment: Allocating 25% of its electric fleet to less privileged areas, Zipcar drives toward equitable mobility access.

It takes me two months to figure out where things are in a new ride. Can you imagine going through that multiple times a day?

Hyundai and Kia Set for a Modest 2024 Rise

Hyundai and Kia are playing "Underpromise, overdeliver," or they simply do not think 2024 will be a breakout year for their business.

• 📈 Sales Forecast: Eyeing a 2% global sales increase in 2024, Hyundai and Kia aim to rebound from last year's shortfall.
• 🚘 EV Drive: With a focus on electrification and new model launches, Kia anticipates a 4% rise, while Hyundai targets a 0.6% increase.
• 💼 Strategic Shift: Amid economic headwinds, the duo emphasizes customer trust and swift adaptation to market changes for sustainable growth.

The economy is a pond. In every pond, there is something to eat the algae, and something to eat the things that eat the algae. We aren't sure if EV sales are algae or tadpoles. Hyundai and Kia are for sure amphibians though. Is any of this analogy making sense?

Porsche Taycan's Transformation

Porsche's Taycan super-EV is sporting a new look in 2024 and setting some new records on the track. (where driving fast records should be set)

• 🏁 Nürburgring Champion: The refreshed Taycan, with test driver Lars Kern at the wheel, blazed through the Nürburgring in 7:07.55 minutes, outpacing its previous record and rival EVs.
• 🚗 Stylish Overhaul: Slated for a 2024 release, the Taycan sports a revamped nose, flush headlights, and sharper tail, along with potential powertrain upgrades and a swanky interior.
• 🚀 Performance Prowess: A new Turbo GT variant reportedly packs at least 1,000 horsepower, showcasing Porsche's commitment to leading the electric hypercar league with its fastest model yet.

Rivian's Swift Software Solution

Rivian saw a recall on the horizon and got a software patch out before in-person visits were needed. Take note, medical science.

• 🛠️ OTA Fix: Rivian's software update has already reached 85% of the 7,800 affected R1T and R1S vehicles, preempting the need for physical service visits.
• 🚗 Safety First: Addressing issues of unintended movement in extreme heat, Rivian ensures safety with both a software patch and an optional hardware replacement.
• 🤝 Proactive Partnership: Collaborating closely with the NHTSA, Rivian's quick response and customer-focused approach highlight its commitment to reliability and regulatory compliance.

For real, though, all this science, and we can't just download cold medicine?

A New Autonomous Robotaxi on the Horizon?

Robo-taxi tech has been a hard nut to crack; time for a Croatian supercar company and Kia to take a swing?

• 🚕 Robotaxi Reveal: Rimac's Project 3 Mobility, backed by Kia, is set to unveil this year, promising a futuristic shift in city transportation by 2026.
• 🌐 Global Ambitions: In talks with 20 cities across Europe and the Middle East, Rimac plans an extensive pilot in Zagreb before going international.
• 🏭 Dedicated Dynamics: Aiming for premium yet accessible service, Rimac is constructing a specialized factory for the autonomous fleet, with plans to export thousands annually.

Have you ever seen those bulletproof glass demonstrations where the CEO sits behind the glass, and somebody shoots an AK at it? ALL robotaxis CEOs should pass a similar test before normal people are forced to share roads with them.