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In the S&P Global Mobility’s Loyalty Awards for 2023, Tesla won four championships, matching its 2022 total of first place honours.

In 2023, Tesla took home the prizes for Highest Conquest Percentage, Alternative Powertrain Loyalty to Make, Overall Loyalty to Make, and Ethnic Market Loyalty to Make. With GM, Lincoln, Acura, Nissan, and Mitsubishi taking home awards in various categories, it was the only manufacturer to win multiple times.

Tesla dominated the list of manufacturers to win significant prizes in these categories in 2022, winning the same four titles.

From January to December, S&P Global Mobility monitors consumer purchasing behaviour to identify market trends and assess the overall performance of the sector. The business “is showing continued signs of recovery, as both retail sales and loyalty increased year-over-year,” according to the firm, in 2023.

Thanks to its dominance in market share, Tesla has enjoyed sustained success in the EV industry in the United States. No other electric vehicle manufacturer has even approached Tesla’s market share, and while the firm may be witnessing a decline in that number, this may be attributed to the fact that more American automakers are switching to more aggressive plans for electric vehicles.

It won repeatedly in the categories of “Overall Loyalty to Make,” “Highest Conquest Percentage,” “Alternative Powertrain Loyalty to Make,” and “Ethnic Market Loyalty to Make” thanks to its widespread appeal and consistent performance in the EV industry.

Because of the success of the Model 3 and Model Y, which have been the best-selling EVs in the United States for a number of years, Tesla has essentially controlled the industry.

Many Tesla enthusiasts are among the world’s most knowledgeable and devoted automobile owners, possessing a thorough understanding of their vehicles and their operation. This is what distinguishes the business so much. Many owners of vehicles from other OEMs merely drive the vehicle due to aesthetics or personal taste, but it’s possible that they are unaware of all the details of the business and how it operates.

Tesla has a reputation for having some incredibly devoted customers and owners, and it appears that the company’s owners are indeed in a class by themselves, as demonstrated by S&P Global Mobility’s most recent awards for 2023.

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The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox is renowned for being a family car, but because of its adaptable styling, it’s also a great vehicle for road trips and commutes. Here are the benefits that each Equinox model offers, from its useful tech tools to its clever safety features.

LS

The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine of the base Equinox model may achieve up to 31 mpg on the interstate. This crossover SUV has accommodation for five people in addition to a large second row that can accommodate adults and teens. 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space is available when the back seats are folded down.

It features a 7-inch infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, charging-only USB ports, Bluetooth wireless streaming, and standard Chevy Safety Assist.

LT

There are some improvements between the base LS model and the LT model. The exterior features include power programmable liftgate and LED daytime running lamps as standard. Other options include heated power outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, aluminium wheels measuring 18 and 19 inches, a panoramic power sunroof, roof rails, and the Blackout Package, which is an optional feature. A gloss black set of emblems, a black mirror cap, and a black finish grille are added with this customisation option.

Additional features of its interior include heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-way power driver seat as standard. In addition, the Equinox LT is the first version of the SUV to come equipped with an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with integrated navigation, side blind zone alert, HD surround vision, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear park assist.

RS

There are certain improvements over the previous two trim levels with the aggressive RS model. With its unique badging, black emblems, Jet Black interior with red highlights, and optional leather upholstery, it sticks out from the lineup. It has a luxury 7-speaker Bose audio system installed inside.

Premier

There are certain basic and optional niceties only found on the top-of-the-line Premier model. Standard features include data USB ports, an SD card reader, heated steering wheel, driver seat memory, leather upholstery, and a wireless phone charging station. Heated rear outboard seats, ventilated front seats, and automated parking assistance are among the available amenities.

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Early this month, Ford stopped shipping the 2024 F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to a reported backlog of hundreds or maybe thousands of Ford vehicles accumulating in holding lots in Detroit.

Ford ceases shipping F-150 Lightning in 2024.

Due to an unidentified quality problem, production of all 2024 Lightning variants has been suspended. While hundreds, if not thousands, of trucks lined up in Detroit yards, delivery of the gas-powered 2024 F-150 resumed last week.

Automotive News was informed by a Ford representative that the manufacturer ceased shipping Lightning on February 9. When the stop-ship will be cleared is not stated.

According to Ford spokesperson Emma Bergg, “MY24 Lightnings started shipping last month,” according to Electrek. Bergg continued, “As we finish extensive launch quality checks to ensure these new F-150s meet our high standards and delight customers, we expect to ramp up shipments in the coming weeks.”

Berg did verify to Electrek that Ford will “ramp shipments once quality checks are completed” and that the Lightning stop-ship began on February 9. The spokesman pointed out that stop ships are used in the production process to guarantee quality.

Early this month, Ford stopped shipping the 2024 F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to a reported backlog of hundreds or maybe thousands of Ford vehicles accumulating in holding lots in Detroit.

Ford ceases shipping F-150 Lightning in 2024.

Due to an unidentified quality problem, production of all 2024 Lightning variants has been suspended. While hundreds, if not thousands, of trucks lined up in Detroit yards, delivery of the gas-powered 2024 F-150 resumed last week.

Automotive News was informed by a Ford representative that the manufacturer ceased shipping Lightning on February 9. When the stop-ship will be cleared is not stated.

According to Ford spokesperson Emma Bergg, “MY24 Lightnings started shipping last month,” according to Electrek. Bergg continued, “As we finish extensive launch quality checks to ensure these new F-150s meet our high standards and delight customers, we expect to ramp up shipments in the coming weeks.”

Berg did verify to Electrek that Ford will “ramp shipments once quality checks are completed” and that the Lightning stop-ship began on February 9. The spokesman pointed out that stop ships are used in the production process to guarantee quality.

The problem did not impact F-150 Lightning vehicles prior to or following the temporary closure that occurred last month, according to the carmaker.

During the Q4 results call, CEO Jim Farley stated that quality was the company’s primary goal. “Quality now factors into 70% of the short-term incentives” for Ford’s management, according to Farley.

The announcement follows Ford’s last-week introduction of substantial additional incentives for the 2023 F-150 Lightning. The XLT, Pro, and 2023 F-150 Lightning Lariat trims from Ford are qualified for a $7,500 retail credit.

Bonus cash of $7,500 is available for the Lightning XLT Extended Range, among other benefits. For both the Lariant Standard and ER versions, a $5,000 retail cash bonus. And for the Platinum trim, a whopping $12,500 in retail bonus cash.

Now is the ideal time to start looking if you’ve been eyeing Ford’s all-electric truck. The manufacturer is getting rid of its 2023 models.

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These days, Tesla has been spotted producing multiple new promotional videos. In addition to the “Superchargers for all” advertisement that emphasises how simple it is to charge non-Tesla vehicles, a pre-release film is now being produced for the 2024 Model 3 Highland Performance variant.

Now in Valencia, Spain, the Tesla film crew is filming the Model 3 Performance—finally free of the test mule camouflage. The Performance sedan’s exterior is immediately and visibly different from the Model 3 Highland LR.

Indeed, a badge featuring Tesla’s ridiculous vortex on the rear exists, derived from the Spaceballs parody film from the 1980s. It has an aggressive and more aerodynamic appearance thanks to the trisectional diffuser, rear spoiler, and front lip split. The red brake callipers and lower suspension that the 2024 Performance previously broke also do this.

Last but not least, the white leather bucket seats improve the lateral support during rapid turns, which the car will undoubtedly be able to perform, and they also contribute to the interior’s sportier vibe. Range and acceleration are the only 2024 Model 3 Performance specifications that are currently known, however it is quite likely that the 0–60 mph time will be less than three seconds.

However, the Model 3 LR will likely cost around 30% less than the Highland’s Performance version, meaning that all that ridiculous acceleration will come with a price.

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Local markets will start offering leases on Chevy Blazer EVs with the RS trim level in February 2024. The $7,500 Ultium Promise cash rebate is being offered by GM for all inventory units of the all-electric midsize crossover that aren’t eligible for the $7,500 EV tax credit.

The following are the Chevy Blazer EV leasing deals for February 2023:

Offer to Purchase: $7,500 Ultium Promise Bonus Cash (for units that are in stock but do not qualify for the US EV tax credit)

Offers to Lease:

  • Blazer EV RS RWD in 2024
  • $971 monthly for a 48-month period
  • Extremely low annual mileage lease of 10,000 miles
  • At signing, $3,471 is required (after all offers)
  • Zero dollars is the security deposit
  • accessible inside the Miami market
  • Blazer EV RS AWD in 2024
  • $955 monthly over a 48-month period
  • Extremely low annual mileage lease of 10,000 miles
  • At signing, $3,344 is required (after all offers)
  • Zero dollars is the security deposit
  • accessible inside the Miami market

Here are the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV model levels and beginning MSRPs for your reference, which include a $1,395 destination freight charge:

$53,195 for a 2LT AWD
Convenience and driver confidence packages for 2LT AWD are available for $56,715, RS AWD for $57,595, and RS AWD with these packages for $60,215, RS RWD for $61,790, and SS AWD for $65,995.

Concerning the Chevrolet Blazer EV

With the formal release of the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV in July 2022, the Bow Tie’s mass-market midsize battery-electric crossover officially began. Featuring a 320-mile maximum range, as estimated by GM, the Chevy Blazer EV is set to be offered in front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive configurations. The trim level lineup will comprise of two models: 2LT, RS, and Blazer EV SS. Additionally, there will be a Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) model for law enforcement, making it the fastest police package that Chevy has ever offered.

The Chevy Blazer EV 2LT AWD and RS AWD are the first two trim levels available; however, the forthcoming RS RWD will come with a larger battery pack than these trim levels.

Even more, the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV SS will be the first-ever Super Sport vehicle offered by the Bow Tie brand. With the Wide Open Watts (WOW) acceleration setting, the crossover’s base performance AWD propulsion combination can generate up to 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to reach 60 mph in less than four seconds. Extra performance-oriented components include Brembo front brakes and a specially tuned sport chassis.

See the 2024 Blazer EV RS RWD’s horsepower and torque ratings in addition to those of the 2LT AWD and RS AWD versions.

One of the ten semifinalists for 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and one of the 25 cars that advanced to the final round of the 30th annual North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards, the Chevy Blazer EV was listed among NACTOY’s “Best of 2024” list.

Furthermore, the 2024 MotorTrend SUV of the Year award went to the Chevy Blazer EV. According to the article, the 2024 Blazer EV has a “fiery” look with genuine “swagger” and is “easy to drive, easy to live with, and easy to use.”

Notably, unlike some owners of the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, the Chevy Blazer EV does not come with complimentary home charging station installation.

Based on the GM BEV3 platform, the all-electric midsize crossover is powered by GM Ultium batteries that work in tandem with GM Ultium Drive motors.

While GM diligently works to fix software flaws, a January stop-sale order for Chevy Blazer EVs remains in place.

The 2024 Blazer EV online configurator is currently available.

  • Delivery must be accepted by June 3rd, 2024.
  • For information, see the dealer.
  • Unless otherwise noted, incentive for the United States of America.
  • These Chevy Blazer EV leasing and savings offers might not be available to all consumers.
  • There are residency requirements.
  • Certain deals, such as those involving special financing or leasing, might not be available.
  • Unless otherwise stated, all offers are valid across the country.
  • In some markets, there can be further savings.
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The massive South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Corporation is preparing to list Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), its Indian affiliate, in what may turn out to be India’s largest-ever initial public offering (IPO). It was previously stated that HMIL planned to hold an initial public offering (IPO) later this year. For the IPO in India, the company has now hired merchant banks and legal companies in an effort to speed up the process. According to reports, regulatory documents for approval might be submitted as early as May or June.

The Hyundai IPO is expected to be the biggest in India to date, with a valuation of between $3–3.5 billion (or Rs 25,000 crore). Hyundai’s Indian operations might be worth up to $30 billion according to this assessment. At $2.6 billion (Rs 21,000 crore), Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC IPO) now holds the record for the largest initial public offering (IPO) in India. Hyundai’s decision to list its subsidiary in India highlights its dedication to the Indian market.

Hyundai has hired domestic Indian investment banks and well-known merchant banks like JP Morgan, HSBC, and Citi to provide advice on its anticipated $3 billion initial public offering (IPO) in India. It is anticipated that the IPO will value Hyundai’s Indian division at more than half of the company’s approximately $47 billion market capitalization in Seoul.

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas (SAM) has been engaged by Hyundai as the legal counsel for the IPO of Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Furthermore, Latham & Watkins, a worldwide law firm, has been engaged as international legal counsel. Hyundai’s choice of these companies demonstrates its dedication to a seamless initial public offering (IPO) procedure and adherence to Indian regulatory mandates.

There is a lot of curiosity in how Hyundai’s IPO may affect rival Maruti Suzuki, the biggest passenger car maker in India. The IPO of Hyundai, which has the second-largest market share in India, may affect Maruti Suzuki’s standing in the industry. Hyundai’s impressive 2023 performance, which included record-breaking 6.02 lakh domestic sales and a 10% rise in exports, is indicative of the company’s expanding market share in India.

Conversely, Maruti Suzuki has been progressively increasing its market share due to the triumph of its introduction of SUVs. But if Hyundai’s valuation is seen as a benchmark, then Maruti Suzuki shares may be exposed to upside risks as a result of Hyundai’s IPO. Analysts speculate that Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai would trade at comparable prices because of things like Suzuki’s substantial market share in India and Hyundai’s standing in the world.

An important move for the Indian auto sector, Hyundai’s IPO has ramifications for Maruti Suzuki and other rivals as well as for Hyundai itself. The Indian automobile market’s competitive environment and investor attitude may change as a result of the IPO.

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Ford has been holding its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickups for quality tests since February 9, when it ceased shipping the vehicles.

A representative for Ford, Emma Bergg, declined to identify the specific quality issue that led to the shipment delay, referring to such delays as a normal aspect of production when cars are being produced for a new model year. Ford has started distributing new gasoline- and hybrid-powered F-150 pickups for the 2024 model year.

The trade publication Automotive News broke the initial news of the shipment halt.

Compared to the battery-powered Lightning, Ford sells a lot more F-150s with gasoline and hybrid engines. For over forty years, the F-series full-size pickups have been the best-selling vehicle of any kind in the United States. Of the 750,000 F-series trucks sold by Ford in the previous year, roughly 24,000 were Lightnings.

According to Berg, F-150 Lightning vehicles are currently available for purchase at Ford dealers, so buyers should be able to find trucks to purchase until shipments resume.

Ford stopped producing the Lightning because to a potential battery problem almost exactly a year ago. After a few weeks, production was resumed.

Ford provides two all-electric cars in the US, including the Lightning. The other is the Mustang Mach-E, which the Tesla Model Y is directly rival to. Ford sold a little over 40,000 Mach-E SUVs in the previous year.

Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford, recently disclosed that the company has an engineering team developing future electric vehicle technology.

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For a very long period, India has not had the finest reputation for having safe automobiles and roads. However, since road safety is becoming a bigger issue in the nation, automakers have started placing a lot of emphasis on the safety features of their vehicles in recent years. India offers a lot of safe automobiles as of February 2024. If you’re one of the prospective purchasers and want to know the full list of the top 10 safe cars in India, you’ve come to the right place.

The Tata Safari

Right now, the safest car in the nation is the redesigned Tata Safari. It just received a total score of 33.05 out of 34 for adult occupant protection in the Bharat NCAP tests. Meanwhile, it received a commendable 45 out of 49 points for kid occupant protection. The current starting price for the 2024 Tata Safari facelift is Rs 16.19 lakh.

The Tata Harrier

The all-new Tata Harrier facelift, which is the five-door twin sibling of the Tata Safari facelift, has likewise succeeded in receiving the same scores as its sibling. In terms of adult occupant protection, the Harrier facelift has received the same rating of 33.05 out of 34 stars. Additionally, it scored 45 out of 49 marks for protecting young occupants. Bharat NCAP conducted tests on both vehicles. The initial cost of the Harrier facelift is Rs 15.49 lakh.

Lenovo Nexon

The Tata Nexon facelift, another vehicle from Tata Motors, is ranked third on this list. Recently, Global NCAP was tasked with conducting crash testing on the newly redesigned vehicle. In terms of adult and child occupant protection, it received scores of 32.22 out of 34 and 44.2 out of 49, respectively. Right now, the new Nexon costs at Rs 8.15 lakh.

Volkswagen Virtus

The Virtus mid-size sedan from German automaker Volkswagen is the fourth vehicle on this list. The Volkswagen Virtus has a commendable adult occupant protection rating of 29.71 out of 34 stars. In contrast, it received about 42 out of 49 marks for protecting children in vehicles. In India, the Virtus currently starts at Rs 11.48 lakh.

Skoda Slavia

In the crash testing, the Volkswagen Virtus’ cousin, the Skoda Slavia, achieved an identical score of points. Additionally, the Slavia received scores of 42/49 for child occupant protection and 29.71 out of 34 for adult occupant protection. It has gained a lot of popularity in the nation because to its robust body structure and active safety features, and its starting price is Rs 11.53 lakh.

Kushaq Skoda

The mid-size SUV from Czech automaker Skoda, the Kushaq, has taken sixth place on this list, following in the footsteps of its brothers. In terms of adult and child occupant protection, the Skoda Kushaq has received scores of 29.64 out of 34 and 42 out of 49, respectively. In the nation, this well-liked SUV starts at Rs 11.89 lakh.

Toyota Taigun by Volkswagen

The Taigun, the fourth vehicle built on the MQB A0 IN platform, has received the exact same score as its cousin, the Skoda Kushaq, as part of Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 strategy. In terms of adult and child occupant protection, it received the exact same scores of 29.63 out of 34 and 42 out of 49, respectively. In India, the starting price of this mid-size SUV is currently Rs 11.70 lakh.

Mahindra Scorpio-N

The most well-liked vehicle from Mahindra, the biggest SUV manufacturer in the nation, the Scorpio N, has also managed to get a commendable 29.59 out of 34 for adult protection. Its grade for child protection, which stands at 28.93 out of 49, is somewhat inadequate. In spite of this, the car, which has a starting price of Rs 13.6 lakh, has a large following in the nation.

Verna from Hyundai

Hyundai has produced another one of the safest sedans in the nation. The newly redesigned Verna received scores of 42 out of 49 for child occupant protection and 28.18 out of 34 for adult occupant protection. Starting at Rs 11 lakh, the South Korean automaker’s newest sedan is available.

Altroz Tata

Even though it was introduced some time ago, the Tata Altroz maintains its standing as one of India’s safest hatchbacks. According to outdated regulations, the Tata Altroz has achieved an outstanding score of 16.13 out of 17 for adult occupant protection. Its grade for kid protection, at 29 out of 49, is somewhat lower. The base price of this well-liked luxury hatchback is Rs 6.65 lakh.

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With a sleek new design and interior, the second generation Toyota GR86 arrived in shops in late 2021, offering roughly 10% more power than its predecessor.

In the United States, only over 11,000 units were sold in 2023—a negligible amount in comparison to the enormously successful RAV4, which sold over 434,000 units.

Put that idea aside for a second because the new GR86 range will come with a huge surprise. According to Best Car, the best-selling automobile magazine in Japan, a new 2-door model will go on sale in showrooms in 2025. And then, after about a year, thousands more drivers will find the GR86 much more appealing because Toyota is also going to make a 4-door version of it.

The 350 horsepower turbocharged hybrid powerplant in the new 4-door

With a larger consumer base of people seeking a 4-door sedan with a bit more excitement than the 232,000 Corolla and over 290,000 Camry models that were sold in 2023, the brand will be able to capitalise on this.

Speaking of “more exciting,” Toyota’s 300 horsepower, 3-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, which powers the GR Corolla, will power the new 4-door GR86. However, Best Car reports that the 1.6-liter engine in the 4-door GR86 will also be equipped with an electric motor, converting it to a hybrid. This addition will increase the output of the new 4-door GR86 to a robust 350 horsepower, which will still be sent to the rear wheels.

Another significant change is that Toyota will now be handling research and development duties for the GR86, replacing Subaru, which released the BRZ sibling vehicle to the first GR86. And in doing so, Toyota will use the new 4-door GR86’s Lexus IS platform.

Media and enthusiasts had criticised Toyota for working together to build sports cars such as the Supra with BMW’s Z4 and the GR86 with Subaru’s BRZ. Toyota, however, wants to take control of the development of their sporty cars and use their own chassis and power plants after experiencing enormous success with their GR Yaris rally vehicle in the World Rally Championships. The GR Yaris rally car shares the same engine as the GR Corolla.

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This year, Lotus Technology, a manufacturer of high-end electric vehicles (EVs), intends to launch its semi-autonomous driving system in sixty cities on the Chinese mainland.

CEO Feng Qingfeng told the Post on Friday that the company, a part of the British sports car company Lotus Group, in which Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding owns a majority stake, will concentrate on the premium category even as affordable models dominate the mainland EV market amid a slowing economy.

“We will offer car owners a better experience with our NOA [navigation on autopilot] system this year,”  he declared. Lotus intends to enhance its voice-activated control system in order to showcase its technological prowess.

Cars equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADASs) may automatically traverse city streets. These systems are able to change lanes completely, detect traffic signals at junctions, pass other vehicles, and make left or right turns.

In an effort to carve out a niche in the largest automotive market in the world, Lotus Tech, which this week raised US$880 million through the completion of a merger with Nasdaq-listed L Catterton Asia Acquisition, a special-purpose acquisition company, will begin delivering its second mass-production EV model to Chinese customers next month.

“Lotus Tech envisions building up an image as a luxury electric and intelligent car assembler, banking on the historical sports car brand,” Feng said. “By focusing on sporty features, we want to make Lotus distinct from other global marques like BMW.”

Since late last year, mainland EV manufacturers—including BYD, the biggest EV assembler in the world—have been lowering prices to maintain sales growth. This is expected to lead to a new price war amid heightened competition.

However, Feng predicted that if new models are successful in drawing in wealthy customers, luxury EV deliveries will continue to expand rapidly in the upcoming years.

The global luxury pure electric vehicle (EV) market is anticipated to increase at an annualised rate of 35 percent between 2021 and 2031, reaching a market size of about 1.9 million units in 2031, according to multinational management firm Oliver Wyman.

Lotus will face out against Tesla and a host of Chinese competitors on the Chinese mainland, including Xpeng, Nio, and Yangwang, the high-end EV brand of BYD.

A third of the 772,500 cars that were given to mainland consumers in 2023, with prices above 400,000 yuan (US$55,567), were battery-powered, according to the CPCA.

According to Feng, Lotus Tech plans to expand its global shop count from roughly 200 in the previous year to 300 by 2025. Lotus, which has over 60 stores in China, will continue to concentrate on the most prestigious cities.

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