Smart Cars
Tesla’s Distinctive Design Renders Logos Obsolete: Musk Explains Why Cybertruck Stands Alone
December 10, 2024 – Tesla CEO Elon Musk today shed light on why the company’s Cybercab and Cybertruck deviate from the traditional “T” logo that has become synonymous with the brand’s other four flagship models. The Cybertruck marks the first Tesla vehicle to forgo the iconic “T” emblem on its hood, yet its manufacturer remains…
BYD Claims Top Spot in Global NEV Sales, Outselling Tesla by 4 Times
December 9, 2024 – The global sales rankings for new energy vehicle (NEV) brands in October 2024 have been released by CleanTechnica, with Chinese brands dominating the top 20 list. In this month’s rankings, Chinese brands stood out particularly, occupying thirteen of the top twenty spots. German brands, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, secured three…
Thai Electric Car Market Faces Challenges: Manufacturers Mull Over Dropping Government Subsidies
December 8, 2024 – According to a report in the Bangkok Post today, the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) has revealed that due to the continued downturn in the automotive industry, many electric vehicle manufacturers are considering withdrawing from the government’s electric vehicle incentive program and adjusting their production plans accordingly. Companies participating in…
Tesla’s Cybercab Reveals Major Design Innovation: 60% Fewer Structural Components Than Model Y
December 6, 2024 – According to electric vehicle analyst Sawyer Merritt, quoting Tesla’s chief engineer EricE, the overall design of Tesla’s upcoming driverless taxi, the Cybercab, has undergone significant optimization. It is reported that the Cybercab boasts a remarkable reduction in component count, with approximately 50% fewer parts compared to the Model 3 and a…
Feintool to Shut Down German Plant, Lay Off 200 Amid EV Demand Slump
December 4, 2024 – Feintool, a prominent Swiss automotive component supplier, announced on Tuesday local time that it will shut down one of its factories in Germany and lay off up to 200 employees. The decision comes as a result of sluggish demand for electric vehicles and uncertainties surrounding the transition to renewable energy. According…
Tesla Highlights FSD Performance with Real-Car Demonstration Clips
December 2, 2024 – Tesla appears to be ramping up its promotion for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, evident in the recent addition of a dedicated section on its U.S. vehicle order page showcasing FSD videos in real-world driving situations. Previously, Tesla’s order page only featured a list of FSD capabilities and graphical representations of…
Future Emira Model May Feature Electric or Hybrid Technology, Suggests Lotus Europe CEO
November 30, 2024 – In a recent conversation with Autocar, Dan Balmer, the newly appointed CEO of Lotus Europe, hinted at the possibility of extending the lifespan of the iconic sports car, Emira, by equipping it with a hybrid powertrain. The current Emira, which debuted in 2021 as the successor to the Evora, Exige, and…
Tesla Launches New Rent-to-Own Program for Full Lineup in North America
November 30, 2024 – Tesla has introduced a new “Rent-to-Own” program in the North American market, offering customers the option to lease and then purchase a range of its vehicles, including the Model S, 3, X, Y, and the highly anticipated Cybertruck. Under this innovative scheme, consumers can choose to pay an initial deposit followed…
Stellantis to Shut Down Historic Luton Plant After 120 Years: Promises Fair Treatment for All Employees
November 28, 2024 – Stellantis, the parent company of the British automotive brand Vauxhall, announced yesterday its decision to shut down its car manufacturing plant in Luton, UK, where Vauxhall has been producing vehicles since 1905, and consolidate its operations in the country. Currently employing around 1,100 workers, the Luton plant manufactures internal combustion engine…
Tesla Model 3 Ranks Lowest for Second Year in a Row in German TÜV Reliability Tests
November 25, 2024 – According to a report by Carscoops, the latest reliability test results released by the German TÜV association reveal that the Tesla Model 3 has ranked at the bottom for two consecutive years in both the 2-3 year and 4-5 year age groups. The TÜV test, a compulsory vehicle inspection in Germany,…