Some Quick Updates

GM's Cruise and Manufacturing Hurdles: GM faces significant workforce reductions following a Cruise robotaxi incident and production challenges, indicating a broader struggle within the company, especially in its electric vehicle initiatives.

• 🤖 Cruise Control Setback: GM's Cruise lays off 900 employees post-incident.
• 🚗 Production Cuts: GM's Michigan layoffs follow the end of Chevrolet Bolt and Camaro production.
• ⏰ Delayed EV Drive Production: Pushed to the end of 2024, affecting Toledo's workforce and electric truck production.
• 📉 EV Race Struggles: GM lags behind in the U.S. EV market as competitors ramp up.

Loyalty is a big part of moving from transaction to relationship. Layoffs at Christmas are a pretty bold way to check consumer loyalty. Ghosts literally visited Scrooge for less.

Volvo's Electric Surge: Volvo CEO Jim Rowan reports strong demand for their electric vehicles, C40 and EX30, amidst economic challenges, confidently driving towards an all-electric future.

• 🔋 Robust EV Orders: The C40 and EX30 are in high demand, countering notions of waning EV interest.
• ⚡ Strategic Electric Transition: Volvo's 2030 all-electric goal is on track despite economic headwinds.
• 🚗 EX90's Upcoming Launch: A premium electric SUV set to enhance Volvo's electric lineup.

All for EVs getting to people who want to drive EVs, but “Strong demand” isn’t a number, and numbers are what Data looks like. You could say there is a “strong demand” for a Playstation 5 in my house right now, but that doesn’t mean my wife is going to let me buy one (If you’re reading this, please let me buy one, we can watch movies on it too, it’s for the whole family.)

Tesla's Moves in Mexico and with Uber: Tesla garners incentives for a new factory in Mexico and partners with Uber, offering discounts to drivers, marking a strategic shift in Tesla's approach to vehicle sales and ride-hailing services.

• 🇲🇽 Tesla's New Factory Incentives: Nuevo Leon offers $153 million for Tesla's upcoming facility.
• 🚗 Uber Partnership: Discounts up to $3,000 on Tesla models for Uber drivers.
• 💡 End-of-Year Delivery Push: Tesla aims to hit record vehicle deliveries in 2023.

Does this mean you can download the Uber Driver app and get the discount?

Nio's European Strategy: Chinese EV maker Nio plans to launch its 'Firefly' brand in Europe by 2025, targeting affordable family cars, as it navigates a competitive market and regulatory scrutiny.

• 🌍 Firefly's European Debut: Set for a 2025 launch targeting family-friendly EVs.
• 💸 Pricing Yet to Be Revealed: Firefly and Alps brands' costs are undisclosed.
• 🇨🇳 China's EV Push in Europe: Nio joins other Chinese EV makers in expanding into Europe.
• 🔍 EU's Regulatory Eye: Potential competition rule breaches under scrutiny.
• 💰 Nio's Cost-Reduction Efforts: Workforce cuts and strategic partnerships aim to boost efficiency.

Folks are about to reevaluate or double down on what “Made In China” means to them.