Monday News to Know

News moves fast. Just yesterday, we were reading about shifting toward hybrids working out for a lot of auto brands, but now Nissan is reporting they were hit by a hybrid-powered bus. Which is still a bus.

What’s the next plan? Some new direction, you may guess? Nope, they are going to do MORE hybrids.

Living up to the old adage, “if at first, you don’t succeed, try again.” While also falling prey to the old adage, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.”

Time will tell which adage is more adage-y..

--

Nissan's Tough Quarter: A Closer Look

Nissan reported a significant drop in profits for Q2, raising concerns about its ability to compete in a changing market.

• Profit Plunge: Nissan's profits fell 99%, dropping from $835.5 million last year to just $6.5 million this quarter.
• Sales Incentives: To combat declining sales, Nissan offered aggressive incentives, including 0% financing and dealer bonuses, impacting its bottom line.
• Future Plans: Despite current challenges, Nissan is committed to launching seven new hybrids and EVs by 2028 as part of its "The Arc" business plan.

CEO Makoto Uchida remains optimistic, stating, "We'll recover our performance by taking clear measures to address the challenges and launching new models." With a focus on refreshing 60% of its ICE-powered cars by next year, Nissan aims to regain its footing in the competitive automotive market.

GM's Promising Future: Scaling EV Growth

General Motors (GM) has reported a strong Q2, raising its FY 2024 guidance and preparing for a significant phase of EV growth. The automaker's recent financial performance has some data nuggets worth checking out.

• Record Revenue: GM's Q2 revenue rose 7.2% to nearly $48 billion, beating Wall Street expectations.
• EV Expansion: GM is scaling the Chevy Equinox EV production, boasting over 300 miles of range and an affordable starting price.
• Future Launches: New GMC and Cadillac EV models are set to roll out soon, with the aim of strengthening GM's position in the EV market.
• GM Corvette E-Ray: The 2024 Corvette E-Ray debuts as GM's first hybrid Corvette, featuring a V8 engine paired with an electric motor, delivering all-wheel drive and enhanced performance with sustainable technology.

GM is planning to keep increasing supply as they notice demand. Which seems like a real 101 sorta plan, but there are so many shapes of demand that sometimes the supply doesn’t fit.

Ram Trucks in Twisters: A Double-Edged Sword

Ram Trucks star in the new Twisters remake, making claims on their rugged reliability in extreme conditions. However, behind the scenes, Ram faces significant production challenges.

• Movie Spotlight: The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO features prominently in Twisters, driven by actor Glen Powell, showcasing the brand's adventurous spirit.
• Production Woes: CEO Carlos Tavares revealed issues at the Sterling Heights plant, where too many trucks require repairs before delivery, causing delays and increased costs.

Tornado-proof doesn’t suggest anything about quality, just that really really angry wind won’t hurt it while a movie camera is watching.

Coast-to-Coast in a Solar-Powered Car: A New Record

Four friends from Michigan set a new record by driving a solar-powered car from New York to Los Angeles in 13 days, 15 hours, and 19 minutes.

• The Journey: The Cannonball Sun, a solar-powered car built by the team, completed the cross-country trip, enduring extreme conditions and mechanical challenges.
• Engineering Marvel: The vehicle, Sunstrider, featured efficient components, a homemade battery pack, and solar panels, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy in automotive applications.