Stellantis-backed electric flying car to launch in 2025 siro, 27/02/202428/03/2024 Stellantis has increased its share in Californian-based flying car manufacturer Archer Aviation in a bid to get a jump on rivals in the fast-growing electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVOTL) market. Toyota, Hyundai, SubaruPorsche, Mercedes-Benz, Geely and other car-makers have all invested in eVTOL ventures in recent years as a means to combat traffic congestion in the world’s growing mega-cities. Now Stellantis, the parent company of brands such as Jeep, Dodge, RAM, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Citroen (and already a major partner with Archer), has purchased another 8.3 million shares in the aviation firm, which plans to bring its first eVTOL aircraft to market as early as next year. The strategic partnership was forged in 2020 and strengthened last year when Stellantis announced plans to become the exclusive contract manufacturer of the Archer Midnight eVTOL, “thereby allowing Archer to strengthen its path to commercialization by helping it avoid hundreds of millions of dollars of spending costs” . A “high-volume” production facility in the US state of Georgia is expected to be completed later this year, churning out 650 aircraft annually. “Archer has established itself as a market leader in the electrification of aviation and we … Continue Reading
Renault boss calls for smaller cars and better charging in ‘Letter to Europe’ siro, 26/02/202428/03/2024 Business Automotive chief wants EU citizens to recognize struggles facing industry and get industrial ‘Champions League’ reward system off the ground Published: March 19, 2024 Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. They say the art of letter writing is dead, but Renault boss Luca de Meo is defying that trend having penned an eighteen-page missive entitled ‘Letter to Europe’. It’s no love letter. The Italian chief talks about the challenges facing the automotive industry in Europe, from the influx of Chinese imports, to the lack of sovereignty around raw materials. He warns a failure to implement a strategy to deal with them successfully will threaten European prosperity. Oh. Advertisement – Page continues below In the document, the CEO cites six key areas – decarbonisation, digitalisation, regulation, upskilling and volatility in technologies and pricing – hitting the car industry simultaneously. Adding in the objective of getting to net zero by 2035, de Meo said “no other industry is facing an ambition on this scale”. The ‘advocacy paper’ (as he phrases it) looks at how other big economies – namely China and the US – are managing such big-ticket changes. He points to China’s strategic planning that has … Continue Reading
Managing Transformation in the Auto Repair Industry siro, 25/02/202428/03/2024 The auto-repair industry stands at the threshold of transformation, shaped by a convergence of factors: soaring insurance and manufacturing costs, shifting consumer dynamics and advancing automation and technology. And with artificial intelligence, machine learning and cutting-edge innovations revolutionizing the landscape, industry leaders must understand these shifts and chart a new path forward. Navigating the Cost Challenge Auto insurance costs have skyrocketed, surging nearly 17%. While some of this surge can be attributed to inflation, there are actually multiple factors contributing to this sharp escalation in insurance premiums. Modern vehicles, including rapidly growing numbers of electric cars, have added complexity and costliness to repairs. The post-pandemic resurgence in accidents due to increased road activity has further exacerbated premiums. Simultaneously, manufacturing costs have surged due to labor shortages, supply-chain disruptions and regulatory changes. These mounting costs translate to pricier vehicle parts, extended repair durations and overall higher expenses. Inflated manufacturing expenses can significantly impact the insurance claims process, greatly affecting the affordability of insurance policies. In response to these rising costs, leaders in the repair industry must prioritize streamlining the claims process, fostering cost reductions and improving customer satisfaction. Adapting to Changing Consumer Behavior and Aging Vehicles Escalating insurance and manufacturing costs … Continue Reading
New Mercedes AMG GT 43 revealed: four-cylinder power for sporty coupe siro, 24/02/202428/03/2024 The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is an entry-level version of the brand’s flagship sports coupe, and it’s slower than an A45 S despite having the same engine. Read on for everything you need to know. New Mercedes-AMG GT 43 revealed Entry-level model gets four-cylinder engine from A45 S 421hp and 500Nm of torque 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds Toned-down styling over the 63 S Likely to cost over £100,000 This is the new Mercedes-AMG GT 43, and it’s the new entry point to the AMG GT range. Powered by the same 2.0-litre engine as the AMG A45 S, it’s actually slower to 60mph than the hot hatch. Unlike that car though, the GT is rear-wheel drive only for some tire-shredding thrills through the corners. This alternative to the Porsche 911 will go on sale later this year. New Mercedes-AMG GT 43 engine and performance Mercedes has resisted the urge to hybridize the AMG GT thus far, and this new entry-level version doesn’t use electrification to boost power. Under the bonnet you’ll find a very familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the same one used in the Mercedes-AMG A45 S. Using the power plant from a hatchback in an exotic sports car like this … Continue Reading
Why the VW ID7 and ID Buzz EVs are halo vehicles siro, 23/02/202428/03/2024 Why the VW ID7 and ID Buzz EVs are halo vehicles | Automotive News Skip to main content NEWS OPINION DATA CENTER VIDEOS EVENTS & AWARDS JOBS Resource Center +MORE Advertise Leading Women Network Podcasts Webinars In the Driver’s Seat Publishing Partners APCO HOLDINGS: Strategies for handling new F&I dynamics APCO Holdings: Connected cars create new challenges and opportunities in F&I APCO Holdings: The Wild Ride into the Future of F&I Allstate: Compliance standards are changing. Here’s what you need to know. Allstate: The ABCs of maximum F&I effectiveness Ally All Ears Podcast Episodes | The next evolution in virtual F&I Ally All Ears Podcast | How F&I is driving dealership profits Ally All Ears Podcast | building customer loyalty during challenging times Ally All Ears Podcast | reducing friction in the purchasing process Ally All Ears podcast: Tips for maintaining sales and F&I momentum in a higher-interest rate environment Ally and APCO: Adjusting to the changing F&I landscape Ally: All Ears Podcast : EVs & the service department of The future Ally: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealership and inventory against weather-related events Ally: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealerships against cyber-attacks Ally: All Ears Podcast | AI and … Continue Reading
New Genesis showroom offers a luxury automotive experience siro, 21/02/202428/03/2024 Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center has announced the return of its iconic “Ramadan Tent” at the Kingdom Ballroom with a new look, offering guests an exceptional iftar experience during the holy month. The Kingdom Ballroom tent will welcome guests in a luxurious décor inspired by the Arabian spirit with gold accents along with tradition-inspired embellishments for a truly opulent experience that complements the culinary delights. The hotel’s culinary team will present guests with an array of authentic local flavors across seven different culinary islands. Traditional delights such as authentic Saudi ouzzi, chicken kabsa, jareesh, and lamb qursan will be complemented by succulent grills from a Josper charcoal oven. Additionally, guests can enjoy Asian specialties like poke sushi cups and sourdough pizza from a pizza stone oven. To top it off, there will be a tempting selection of desserts including kunafa, gelato, and a chocolate fountain. “This year, our guests are in for a treat with our outstanding culinary offerings, featuring a lavish buffet complete with live cooking stations. Our talented chefs will showcase their skills by presenting a wide array of Saudi and international dishes,” said Lucas Glanville, senior executive chef at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. “Each dish … Continue Reading
12 Most Common Lies You’re Being Told About Your Car Repair siro, 21/02/202428/03/2024 skynesher/Getty Images According to Cox Automotive (Kelley Blue Book’s parent company), the average car owner spends $548 to fix their car. Higher-end or luxury vehicles usually cost more than that. Check Out: 6 Luxury Cars Mechanics RecommendLearn More: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money Along with this, AAA found that the average cost of vehicular maintenance is $792 a year. This is assuming general wear and tear and doesn’t include things like new tires or unexpected expenses. While keeping up with your car’s maintenance is important, chances are you’ll spend more than you should at the mechanic. Worse, you might be spending money on things you don’t even need. GOBankingRates spoke with Chris Pyle, a trained auto mechanic and car expert at JustAnswer, about the top lies people hear about their car repairs. Here’s what he said. Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. You Should Change Your Oil Based on Your Vehicle’s Age The idea that you need to change your oil based on the age of your car is, in Pyle’s words, “hogwash.” “It has been underground for thousands of years. … Continue Reading
Autocar magazine 20 March: on sale now siro, 19/02/202428/03/2024 This week in Autocar, we take a look at Bentley’s bold new EV for 2026, drive China’s bonkers Defender rival, and give our exclusive verdict on the latest Citroen Ami rival – the Silence S04. News Bentley’s first EV will be a 1000bhp statement of intent, offering up to double the power of any model in its current line-up – we speak to design chief Robin Page and offer all you need to know. The new Audi Q6 E-tron, meanwhile, kick-starts a whole new era for Ingolstadt’s electric cars as its first model to be built on a brand-new, high-tech platform. We cover everything from powertrains to exterior design. An electric Renault Clio will join its hybrid stablemate from 2026, sitting above the reborn 5 as a slightly larger and family-focused supermini. You’ll find full details in the magazine. Skoda has previewed an entry-level EV called the Epiq, and Mercedes-AMG is readying a 1000bhp all-electric Taycan rival. Reviews The fourth-generation Skoda Superb has arrived, sticking with tradition and retaining its very conventional estate car form. Does it still hit all the right notes? Electric cars might struggle to excite enthusiasts, but the new Maserati Grecale Folgore is promising fueling levels … Continue Reading
Lawmakers move to repeal parts of Maine’s new automotive right to repair law siro, 19/02/202428/03/2024 Lawmakers gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that would undo part of Maine’s new automotive right to repair law that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November. The law, which went into effect last month, requires car manufacturers to share advanced repair data with car owners and independent mechanics through a standardized platform intended to reduce the cost of accessing the information needed to make repairs. Jacob Sirois works on a Ford F150 at Jason’s Auto Service in Hollis this past fall. Sirois has worked at the shop for about a year and has been working on cars for almost 15 years. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer Members of the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee, however, expressed concerns that the current law puts consumers’ privacy and safety at risk and voted out a bill that would amend it by scrapping the standardized platform. Tuesday’s vote was 7-1, with five of 13 members absent. Those lawmakers will have two days to cast votes, but the outcome won’t change. The bill now goes to the full House and Senate for votes. Some lawmakers and right to reform advocates, who believe that the standardized platform is the most impactful aspect of the … Continue Reading
Video shows large explosion at Ohio auto shop that killed 3 people, injured 1 siro, 17/02/202428/03/2024 An explosion on Tuesday at an auto repair shop in Ohio killed three people and injured a fourth, authorities said. Security cameras caught the moment the blast happened at Jimbo’s Auto Repair in Hillsboro, about 50 miles east of Cincinnati. The explosion caused a large fire which took a 45-person fire crew around an hour to suppress, said Paint Creek Joint EMS & Fire District Chief David Manning. “The fire extended into the building immediately adjacent to the auto shop and there was debris all over the road,” said Manning, who helped respond to the explosion. Manning said he believes all four victims were employees at the auto repair shop. The woman who was injured was transported to the hospital and is in stable condition. The cause of the explosion is under investigation and the identities of the victims have not yet been released, said Manning. The blast was so strong that it was felt at the fire house five to six blocks away from the auto shop, said Manning. Neighbors of the auto shop told NBC affiliate WLWT of Cincinnati that it shook their homes. “When I heard about the explosion, I told my wife, she said it rocked … Continue Reading