Today, we’re talking about relationships. This is essentially what we talk about every day—consumers with brands, dealers with manufacturers, nations with currency, whatever.
To honor the holiday, we made you a playlist; it’s like a mixtape in a post-cassette society.
Enjoy the news and spread the love.
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Ford is taking its new main squeeze out on the town for all to see. As of yesterday, the F-150 Lightning is international, with its first non-North American delivery taking place in Norway.
Why Norway? Europe's EV adoption is increasing as the US cools, and Norway specifically had an 82.4% market share last year and is still aiming to reach 100% zero-emission car sales by next year.
Who is the lucky Norwegian? Texans living in Oslo are running an American BBQ restaurant, actually. We will see if the Lightning gains the widespread reach of the F-Series, or at least of American BBQ.
It's hard to be the last single one in your friend group; it's strange to be the last member of your friend group to date the same person. This metaphor is weird.
Stellantis has become the last big-name auto brand to adopt Tesla's charging standard. All of their brands' (Chrysler, Jeep, etc.) EVs will feature the NACS tech starting in 2025, with adapters for existing EVs coming soon.
Happily ever after? Stellantis also announced a $103M investment in electric drive module production in Hungary as part of their $50B plan to go all BEV in Europe by 2030.
Definitions change. Like, how "dating" used to mean overpaying for popcorn to sit silently next to a semi-stranger and hope they like you; whereas now it means...something with swiping on phones? Forgive us, some of us have been married for ten years.
"Affordability" has also changed. Aiming for the most affordable EV in the U.S., GM's 2024 Chevy Equinox EV will start at about $35K but qualify for the full clean energy vehicle tax credit, so some customers will get out for about $27K.
Production of the 300-mile range 213-hp FWD and 288-hp AWD variants has begun in Mexico, with delivery expected to start mid-year.
Breakups hurt. But, breakups after lying, cheating, and a bit of safety test rigging are a little easier.
Toyota announced the President and Chairman of the Daihatsu brand will step down as part of Toyota's work to restore the compact car maker's reputation with its Japanese consumer base.
Opposites attract. At least when they want victory over a foe they must vanquish. Thousands of U.S.-based Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash drivers plan to strike on Valentine's Day.
What do they want? Fair pay, as most of these things boil down to. Drivers express concern and discontent with decreased earnings and algorithmic pricing.
When do they want it? Soon, we assume, but the strike is one day for now. Showing the companies how much they stand to lose from a longer strike is important, but losing a day of income is an expensive way to beg for an open and honest conversation.