Buick points toward it's future with the premium 2021 Envision SUV/CUV

Buick has kinda been on a roll of late especially in China, Buick's biggest market. The new 2021 Envision premium SUV (CUV?) will only improve said roll. The Envision is a looker and not your grandmother's Buick either. When the Envision arrives early next year (as a 2022 maybe?) it will include Buick's (and GM's) latest tech. a turbo four mated to a nine-speed automatic, available all-wheel drive, available Avenir luxury trim, and much more. Final specifications will be announced closer to the Envision's introduction. The body side sculpting, lower greenhouse, and Mercedes-esque grille are nice. Wouldn't this make a nice EV or at least a hybrid? GM does have the tech in-house to make it happen and the Buick brand could use the model-line update. Check back for more info later this year.

Source - Press release and pics courtesy of Buick

Chevrolet BOLT EV Academy opens online to inform you

Chevrolet has just opened the BOLT EV Academy online for current and future owners of Chevy's BOLT EV and electric vehicles in general. But some of the 15 videos contain BOLT specific info. Topics include home-charging, one-pedal driving, and more. This series is a good way to introduce yourself to EVs and what it's like to live with them. After the "read more" jump. there is a brief press release, a couple of videos (assuming they process properly) and links to the YouTube and various Chevy sites and channels.

Also for the next few days, Chevrolet is offering an incentive of $8,500 partially to offset the loss of 

Federal Tax rebates and to help get the Bolt metal moving. Any state incentives could bring a BOLT EV into economy-car pricing. Link to Inside EVs. It doesn't hurt that Chevy's BOLT is one of the better EVs available with a standard range of more than 250 miles. Previous post. Enjoy!

Source - Press release, pics and video courtesy of Chevrolet

2021 Acura TLX gets new look, dedicated platform

Years ago, I sold Acuras in my somewhat brief stint as a car salesman. At that time, they were considered "Japanese BMWs" but with build quality, economy, and efficiency. My how things change. BMW builds vehicles as good as anyone and Honda's Acura seems to want to disappear. (BTW - Lexus was considered the "Japanese Cadillac.")  When Lexus took off, Honda rethought what Acuras should be and "softened" their cars. Sales were good for a while, but dropped off. As a result of this, Honda started making Acuras from Honda platforms and you could feel and see the difference. Platform-sharing is commonplace, but somehow Honda blew it. I have a friend who leased an ILX about seven years ago and found the car acceptable, but uninspiring. He now drives a GTI. That's why it's good to hear that the new 2021 TLX is built on a dedicated Acura platform.

The TLX has been Acura's best-looking vehicle (the CUVs are getting frumpy and heavy) and this new one has a similar look, but with improvements. The '21 TLX is about 4 inches longer and a tad lower than the outgoing model so the result is a longer, sleeker profile. The interior (A-Spec version above) is a much nicer place to be with more luxurious materials even in the sport versions. Engines include updated versions of Acura's 2.0-liter turbo I4 and their 3.0-liter turbo V-6 from the NSX. Both engines have received new engineering to improve power output. A ten-speed automatic handles the shifting duties. Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel drive is available on the TLX for the first time and will be standard when the Type S arrives next year. The TLX will come in three basic versions, TLX, A-Spec, and Type S with options and packages allowing you to customize your vehicle to what you desire and can afford. Acuras are premium vehicles after all. For more on the new tech, features, and safety equipment, check out the press release after the "read more" jump. I hope Acura does well with those folks that still want a sedan. But one question I have is where is the hybrid version (the NSX is a hybrid) and the EV? Maybe that's what the new platform is for. Interesting...

Source - Press release and pics courtesy of Acura

Mini Countryman gets updates for 2021

Okay, so there's some updated shaping, but the basic design stays the same. That's not a bad thing though cause if you like Minis, you love the 2021 Countryman. The cool thing is the expanded availability of the hybrid ALL4 drive that uses an electric motor on the rear axle to provide all-wheel drive and improve efficiency. Minis are small, but the Countryman is the largest Mini available today (or ever) and the Countryman is right-sized for many folks. Mini technology receives updates (see press release) and some new twists have been added like the available Piano (gloss) Black trim that replaces chrome pieces (see pic below and after the jump). In many instances (like headlight surrounds) if you wanted them black you had to do it yourself. I also like the saddle interior color (see pic after the jump). As with past Minis, you can customize your ride as you like and your wallet will allow. The only complaint some have about the Countryman is the stiff ride partially caused by the run-flat tires. Also large wheels don't help if that's an issue for you. I believe a test drive is in order. You can get a Mini Cooper Countryman, Mini Cooper S Countryman, and the John Cooper Works (JCW) version that comes with  a powertrain that's good for more than 300 hp. All Countryman get Mini's eight-speed automatic and ALL4 is available on most trim levels (standard on the JCW model). Parent company BMW is keeping Mini current with the Mini E small EV. Now when they make a Countryman EV... For more check the info after the "read more" jump.

Source: Press release and pics courtesy of Mini

Ford turns on the heat to combat COVID-19 in police vehicles

Now this is interesting. Ford, in conjunction with Ohio State University, has developed software to help sterilize the interiors of Ford's Police Interceptor Utilities. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has taken the World by the throat, your local police are put at risk every day during the course of their essential jobs. Whether transporting the sick to local hospitals or arresting asymptomatic lawbreakers, police officers can come in contact with the COVID-19 virus. Most departments use wipe-down sanitation but at times a wipe down may not be enough or surfaces may be missed. Ohio State determined that a constant interior temperature of 133 degrees is needed (for a period of at least 15 minutes) to neutralize 99 per cent of Coronavirus on interior surfaces. The new software heats the engine quickly and turns on the heat. Once the interior reaches the required temperature, the software maintains the heat for the required time period. The vehicles exterior lights flash when the software is activated and stop flashing when the cycle is completed. An interior cool-down cycle then completes the process. Clever. Anyone that has gotten into a vehicle that is parked in triple-digit heat can attest to this process. Your car even smells clean. Before you try this at home, remember that police vehicles have special interiors with protected electronics and heavy-duty upholstery. But if the pandemic continues for any length of time, automakers may develop similar software for your car. Until then, you can feel safe getting into a Ford Police Interceptor Utility AKA highly modified Ford Explorer. BTW: this new software has been tested by numerous police departments including New York and Los Angeles. For more info, check out the press release after the "read more" jump.

Source: Press release and pics courtesy of Ford

Mazda reportedly begins production of MX-30 EV

Mazda has joined the rest of the world's automakers with the start of production of their first electric vehicle (EV), the MX-30.  Since Mazda's "hook-up" with Toyota a few years ago, the company's focus has not been on EVs and technology similar to Toyota's then road forward. Can you say "catch-up time?" First shown at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, The MX-30 is typically Mazda good-looking and press releases hint at exceptional handling. Of course, many of today's EVs are exceptional handlers in part because of the low-centers of gravity due to in-floor placement of the battery packs.  But the MX-30 has more in common with the BMW i3 than the Tesla Model 3. The MX-30 has a relatively small battery pack with a range of about 150 miles. The MX-30 even has suicide doors like the i3. More like a city car. Of course, many can do well with a "city car" and can survive with a vehicle that's not an "every car." That's why many buy giant SUVs. They might need the SUV's size and utility some day. Of course, they could always rent one for the few times they might need it and save some money, but...

The MX-30 is not a home run...more like a double. It's better for drivers to have more choices and I'm sure that many will be more than happy with their MX-30s. Since production just began, Europe can expect the first vehicles in late summer/early fall. For now the MX-30 will not be available in the US. If you want one, let Mazda know. Brief press releases and pics after the "read more" jump.

Source: Press release and pics from Mazda

TA.b - Mask Talk 5.20 - Update

If you've been keeping up with the COVID-19 information that has been released of late, while there are some conflicting reports, most agree that we're going to have to keep wearing masks for some time. A recent report from the WHO (World Health Organizaion) said it is possible that COVID-19 might become endemic, meaning that like HIV, we will need to be vigilant and guarantee our own safety (see "The Last Word" from May 18 on MSNBC) for some time. While 45 and his folks want to believe the files prepared by an economist can foretell the COVID-19 pandemic outcomes (shouldn't a medical degree or license be required?), the rest of us must continue to be vigilant. While there is one company that is having early success with a vaccine, the recent information from the Navy is troubling. A few of those sailors that were exposed to and got COVID-19 and survived on that battleship recently re-acquired the disease. This makes the efficacy of a vaccine questionable. All things considered, this could be "the new normal."

As such, I came across an article from c/net Health and Wellness that provides info from a few mask makers that have sprung up online. Many sites have clothing roots and have diversified. For example, the mask above is from Rendall Company based here in LA. The washable mask is made from two layers of woven cotton and includes a pocket for you to add your own additional filtration stuff and a built-in copper strip to improve fit. Not cheap but good looks and features should garner orders for Rendall. The article highlights 10 different companies including Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Disney to name three, that can fulfill your mask needs. Remember to be safe out there, social distance (yes it's still needed), and wear your masks. If this flares up again, and it might, be prepared.

Check out the c/net article here.

Updare 2 - A recent article looks at how the Japanese are handling the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been less than 15,000 infections and few deaths since January. The Japanese haven't had to close things down in a major way and their economy is still open. Besides learning lessons from the Chinese numbers and the cruise ships parked offshore, they have implemented the three Cs (see article). Also the Japanese wear masks, a lot. Hay fever is a big problem there and the wearing of masks is very common and almost routine for citizens. Hmmm. Is there a lesson here?  Article

Photo above courtesy of MaskClub.com - Photo below from Rendall Company..

Update: Came across a good article from CNN Business about new face mask businesses. Many folks are using the mask business to save their regular business and to maintain jobs. Most brands will allow their logos, etc. to be used if there is a charitable component to these new mask businesses. One company started MaskClub.com where you receive a new mask monthly or how often you choose. Not to mention that labeled masks are free advertising when someone wears a mask one has their favorite teams (characters, etc.). You know, like Da Bulls. Plus some of them look really good.

Link to CNN Business article.  Photo  from Rendall Company.

Toyota unleashes all-new 2021 Sienna Hybrid minivan for those who want and/or need it

Everyone (seemingly) wants an SUV or crossover. Not everyone needs one though. If you need to move a lot of people and/or stuff (and you don't want a high-liftover) a (gasp) minivan might just be your thing. Toyota, Honda, and FCA still make them and what you see here is the all-new Toyota Sienna for 2021. On the road to this latest fourth generation model, the Sienna has been severely updated. For one, all Siennas will be hybrids moving forward (Toyota estimates a 33 mpg combined rating). that uses a 2.5-liter four and Toyota's hybrid drive system. All-wheel drive is available and uses an electric motor driving the rear wheels combined with the hybrid system up front. This saves space and weight since an AWD transfer case and driveshaft are no longer needed. Cool. The new Sienna can be loaded with all of Toyota's tech, luxury, and features that you might need/want and can afford. See the extensive press release for more specific info like safety suites, luxury upgrades and whether 7 ports and 18 cupholders will be enough.

Since you can outfit your Sienna any way you choose like the XSE model above or the Platinum version below. either way, the vehicle design will probably be a love/hate thing. I'm still on the fence. The bloated lower body is distinctive (ugly?) and makes the Sienna seem very large. And remember, these minivans ain't mini. I am glad to see that Toyota (and others) are still making these. Like I said before, if you need to move a lot of folks and their stuff, these vans can't be beat. Now if you can live down the stigma...oh, and they're getting better mileage.

Source: Extensive press release and pics courtesy of Toyota

Yes, the BMW i3 and i3s are around and going strong (ish) - Update

The BMW i3 has been a favorite of mine since it was introduced almost a decade ago. I like the window cutlines on the side, the blue accents, the overall size, and the efficient space utilization. It even has a range extender (optional) for those with EV range anxiety. What is a range extender you ask? A range extender, unlike a hybrid, has a gas-powered motor that only drives a generator to charge batteries. In the i3's case, a small motorcycle engine, tucked away in the back, will provide enough additional juice for about 40 miles if the batteries are drained. This is in addition to the 150-mile range of the current i3. (The i3 started with just 85 miles of range.)

Let's be real here. The i3 and new i3s (more power and range, stiffer suspension, fully loaded) is technically what you'd call a city car.  Could you drive it for long distances? Yes but with lots of stops. The people I've spoken to who drive an i3, love the driving experience, looks, and reliability. It is a BMW after all. Most of those folks used the i3 for around town motoring or the daily commute. Charging is easy at home or at the numerous metro charging stations.

The i3 and i3s aren't cheap although like many cars, you can occasionally find base cars. But this IS a BMW. so why get a base car? The car comes standard with lots of tech and features, but the options list is quite long, like $50k+ long, so shop wisely. The standard motor produces 170 hp and will hit 60 mph in under 8 seconds. The new i3s adds about 20 horsepower to the mix along with a "sport suspension" and most of the goodies. For specifics check out the press release and specifications table.

State and federal rebates may apply to reduce the sting a bit. Additional pics and the press release from last year announcing the updates and new i3s after the read more jump. This is one of my fav EVs and you won't see them coming and going like you will with Teslas (I live in the LA area remember). The i3 should be around for a little over a year (they still sell a few thousand every year) until BMW's i4 sedan and iX4 crossover are ready. Enjoy! Update - BMW has had to increase production of their little EV due to demand. Cool.

Press release and pics courtesy of BMW.

Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD model heads to the streets

Volvo Cars of Sweden and the company's current owners Zhejiang Geely Holding of China have been on a roll since Geely's takeover in 2010. With the capital infusion that Volvo needed, the company's line-up has been totally overhauled with numerous additions like the model highlighted here, the Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD (say that ten times fast). The compact XC40 crossover is one of Volvo's stand outs with its good-looks and convenient size. Volvo is committed to releasing an all-electric version of each of its models (with the rest being hybrids) within the next few years. This will allow Volvo to reduce emissions, improve gas mileage numbers, and improve overall efficiency. Plus consumers are moving in this direction...

The XC40 Recharge's battery pack is mounted low in the car's frame (see pic after the jump) which improves space utilization and lowers the car's center of gravity for improved handling. Early tests reveal an expected 200 mile range with decent fast-charging rates. Horsepower numbers from the electric motors (front and rear for all-wheel drive) jump to 402 with instant EV torque.  More weight from the batteries will slow things down a bit, but expect a performance improvement over the gas model.

The interior is updated with a new infotainment system based on the Android Operating system that is fully integrated with Volvo On Call.

Overall this is a good-looking EV that should find many happy owners. Improvements over time will increase range to where the XC40 Recharge (the name for Volvo EVs) could become your every car. A 200-mile range figure before recharging is satisfactory for most folks though. I hope we see many of these out on the road. Not sure about the body-colored grille though. I guess there is satin black paint to fix that.

TA.b - Tesla Talk 5.20c

While I've been angry with Elon Muxk and his mouth (fingers?) of late, I must call him out when he goes overboard and when he is right. With this decision, I think he's right.

It has been reported today in two automotive sites ( 1, 2,) that Tesla has decided to build the next Terafactory (up from Gigafactory) in Austin, Texas. That is smart on so many levels. Tesla already has a presence in Austin with an office for AutoPilot programmers and it is smart to build a category-defying truck in the heart of what could be called truckville. Toyota and others build trucks in Texas btw. Hard for haters to hate if they (or their families) are putting the new Cybertruck together. Yes Tesla's bold electric Cybertruck will roll off the Austin assembly lines along with a few Model Ys. I think the Tesla shorts are kicking themselves yet again since Tesla will now have five factories around the globe (including the battery factory in Nevada) with Fremont, Shanghai, Berlin, and now Austin. Build 'em where they buy and use 'em.

Electrec.co (a daily read of mine) even posted about the dust-up around Musk's Tweets (twits) allowing that many of the Tesla faithful were upset or disappointed, but that a fringe group of Tesla folk (Poor Elon! Why are they picking on him?) have Musk's ear, unfortunately.

While I felt somewhat threatened by his actions in Fremont since I'm at risk for COVID-19, his screaming of 45's and the right-wing's arguments was like rubbing salt in an open wound. Time will tell, y'all, time will tell.

TA.b - Mask Talk 5.20

While most of the posts I make here are auto-centric, I felt the need to talk about face masks in this age of pandemic. Since COVID-19 grabbed the World by the throat and refused to let go, people have been forced into new ways of living...and thinking for that matter. One of the big questions (besides "Will I survive this disease?") is when will things go back to "normal" (insert your normal here). The answer is possibly never. Some of the changes we make today may be around for a long while and one of those changes is the wearing of face masks.

Face masks for health professionals provide some protection from those with COVID-19 and generally include some space-age paper/fabric and possibly a plastic shield. They are disposable and must be changed frequently to be effective.

The face masks we wear (usually fabric) are washable (unless made of paper) and provide minimal protection from folks spewing their pestilence upon us. What they mostly provide is protection for others from anything you may have including colds, etc. That's the big benefit. As such, they're also effective at reducing the spread of the virus. I live in the Los Angeles area and our local governments are taking this very seriously. The suburb I live in has required face masks outside the home for a couple of weeks (we had a spike in cases). Since then, the city and county of Los Angeles has implemented a similar ordinance. What really gets me are the folks that think that these regulations don't apply to them. Especially the joggers. Joggers typically say (speak in a whiny voice), "it's too hard," or "I can't breathe." Thought you were the "healthy ones." You (the joggers) should have great lung function. And, to make matters worse, when we jog the germs we spew travel farther (12 to 20 feet) so six-feet distancing doesn't work. I'm not saying stop jogging. I'm saying wear a mask. Remember more than a third of folks with the virus are asymptomatic meaning they don't look or sound sick, but they are contagious. 

You may ask why I'm so concerned.

I have had compromised lungs since childhood for one thing. This makes me at greater risk than most and means COVID-19 might be fatal for me. Am I or anyone sure that COVID-19 would kill us?  No and that's one of the points. There is xoooo much we don't know about this disease which means it will probably be around for a while. The fact that it might come back even stronger at some point in the future is also worrisome. At the time that I wrote this, there were 1.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 leading to more than 85,000 deaths in the US alone. Since testing isn't widely available still, there may be many more cases (probably asymptomatic).

Many online retailers are selling washable daily-use masks. like Old Navy and I think Etsy. I'm sure Amazon can hook you up too. My masks are fabric made from various textiles based on articles explaining which fabrics are best. An acquaintance makes masks (see pic) for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to a fund that buys PPE for healthcare workers. The cool thing about getting masks made for you is that changes can be made like the inclusion of pipe cleaners to improve the fit/seal around the nose. Plus they look cooler than most. I have one mask that has some denim in it (which is shown to be a good filter fabric) but it stretches easily and needs washing more than others. So get used to it. You might save someones life. Maybe your own. Link below explains hot to properly wash your masks. Signs posted around a local jogging/walking trail said it all. "Doesn't matter (I paraphrase) if you're Mark, Kate, or Larry, if you don't wear a mask, you're Typhoid Mary." Good one. Photo courtesy of Jason Jenn, mask maker.

Link

Chevrolet Bolt EV for 2020

Chevrolet's Bolt has received a few updates for 2020. Originally, it is believed that the updates would come with the new model that was expected, well now. But a global pandemic came to pass and the new model was put off for a while. How long? No one knows although some say for the 2021 model year. The new Bolt was supposed to grow a bit to provide more interior and battery room. Early pics showed a longer Bolt but with similar styling. And really, the Bolt is a good-looking battery-electric vehicle that has held up well. Why mess with success?

So for 2020 most of the changes are to the mechanical side of things. The new Bolt gets an EPA-rated increase to 259 miles of range per full charge. There is a new rear-vision and all-around vision system with high-def cameras and new exterior colors.

Chevy's Bolt comes well -equipped with most of GM's safety and driver assistance features (see release) either standard or optional. Bolt comes in two trim levels in either base LT trim (which starts at $37,495 plus taxes, license, fees and options), while the Premier version gets all the good stuff standard at a higher price point.

Every person I've spoken to that owns a Bolt, absolutely loves the car, although some wish the seats were more comfortable. With the longer range, better seats may become more of an issue for some. GM, fix those seats in the next update. For more specific info, check out the press release after the "read more" jump.

Source: Press release, and pictures courtesy of Chevrolet.

TA.b - Tesla Talk 5.20b - Updated

Tesla, or should I say Elon Musk, has been in the news a lot recently. Musk has decided to draw a lime in the sand in regards to the State of California, Alameda County and the steps required to reopen his Fremont factory. (Is this a result of Musk's recent private meeting with his new buddy 45.) Firstly, let's mention that the Bay Area in California (San Francisco, Berkeley, Alameda County - including Fremont, Silicon Valley, etc.) has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and was one of the earliest locales to put social distancing protocols in place which successfully slowing the spread of the disease. Did these steps stop the spread of COVID-19? No and that's why officials are being cautious. People are dying...painfully. So while steps are being taken to re-open the state and the economy, officials may be overly cautious. But then who needs to die so that folks can go to the beach, a restaurant or make more money? Not me. So when Alameda County officials told Tesla, "not yet." Musk went ballistic threatening to move his main offices out of California and move to Texas (where there are few restrictions, if any) or to Nevada (where taxes are almost non-existent mostly due to the State's casinos and gambling industry). I guess Musk forgot how the State of California and Fremont helped him get started a few years ago. Where was Texas then (lining up to protect the Oil Industry I suspect)? Is this an example of the "What have you done for me lately" Janet Jackson stndrome?

What's even more interesting is that Musk wasn't so vocal when the Chinese government put restrictions on his re-opening of his factory in China. China is weeks ahead of the US in this fight and have stalled the disease spread, although after weeks of no new cases of COVID-19 in the region, COVID-19 has recently reared its ugly head once again. The point is that until we get a vaccine or treatment protocol, we're all still at risk.

I understand why Musk is upset. He built his company from scratch and has succeeded against the odds and many pundits. Many of these naysayers are just starting to come around to the idea that Tesla is alive, well, and going to continue. Then COVID-19 changed the world, probably forever. 

Musk lashing out like this doesn't prove his case. Since Fremont was once a GM and Toyota facility, there may be some lingering resentment there, but Tesla is a large employer, so... as the saying goes, get over it. Both of you. We're all suffering from this global pandemic and will for some time.

But folks are starting to notice Musk's behavior. A recent article on CNN.com asked the question, "What happened to Elon Musk?" Muxk reportedly Tweeted that these restrictions were a violation of his rights and freedoms. What about my right to not die due to his uncaring behavior and restlessness. California officials okay-ed Tesla's re-opening but with a phased in schedule over the next week. Not good enough for Musk. He opened fully anyway. I guess laws and safety don't apply to him. The UK's right-wing-leaning Daily Mail reported this morning that Musk has listed several of his California holdings (valued at over $100 million) for sale. As a Californian (born and raised) and former Tesla supporter, I say go and take your company with you. I find it interesting that he sees a move to Texas as a good idea, especially since Big Oil has such a strong foothold on the state and few Tesla's are sold there. Almost half of Tesla's sales come from California. Will folks still line-up for Musk's EVs? Probably, but in reduced numbers. I think I'm angry because I saw the future in Tesla vehicles and Musk's behavior (which I've stood up for in the past) is threatening to stall the US's acceptance of battery-electric vehicles. Since the pandemic and social-distancing have taken most folks off the road, the air is much cleaner (and sweeter) here in the LA area. You know, fewer pollutants emitted by gas-powered vehicles. They even saw the difference at the International Space Station.

What makes this doubly sad is that Tesla's vehicles are years ahead of the competition and superior in many ways. Legacy automakers continued to roll out their products with out any thought to the future. I guess it was all about money. A similar thing happened in the 1950s/60s. Automakers were pushing out these giant road-behemoths and Volkswagen came in with the Beetle and Toyota with the Corolla. The automakers laughed, until they noticed folks were buying large numbers of these small(er) cars. Laughing no more, they rushed to prepare their own small cars and we got the Pinto, Vega, etc. The same thing is happening today. Tesla's cars are years ahead of the competition in design and implementation of software. Legacy automakers are scrambling once again. I guess they had no incentive to improve cars and trucks themselves since we were buying them anyway. That is until a start-up company from Fremont, California showed the public what was possible and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Musk deserves the kudos for Tesla. But maybe it's time for him to step aside and let others take the company forward (or close his Twitter account). I remember when Apple replaced Steve Jobs with a management team from Pepsi. The new team drove the company into the ground and near bankruptcy. Bringing Jobs back, saved the company and it's now one of the largest in the world. I would hate to see that happen to Tesla. Maybe Musk could stay on as a consultant and go to Texas with this young girlfriend and new baby and enjoy his money. I always liked San Antonio myself.

Kia's Niro EV receives updates for 2020

Kia's Niro has been on the market for a while, and for 2020 the popular model has received a few updates that further enhance Kia's crossover (and sedan). Kia's Niro is available as a Prius-like hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a full battery-electric vehicle or EV. The focus here is on the EV. While comparisons to the Tesla Model Y would seem like a natural, they couldn't be more different. The Niro is a smaller EV that will fit in tight garages and spaces. The Model Y is faster and drives like a computer on wheels, while the Niro is more like traditional cars. While the Tesla models were designed from scratch to be EVs, the Niro is a modified gas-powered vehicle. As such, the Tesla is more space efficient while the Niro sticks stuff where it can. The Niro's ride is geared more towards a softer, more luxurious ride while the Model Y is a handler. You know who you are and what you need. Another difference is pricing. A top-end Niro  comes in just over $44k, while the Model Y starts at $50k+ and prices increase quickly and dramatically to almost 6 figures. Again you know who you are and what you can afford. The car closest to the Niro EV is Chevy's Bolt EV in size, performance and price. The Kia Niro also qualifies (at this time) for the federal tax rebate ($7,500) and probably your state tax rebate as well. Tesla has used all of their tax rebate credits. So if your state has EV rebates, you can get a loaded Niro for well under $40k. For 2020 updates, pricing, and specifics, check out the info and video after the "read more" jump. There is also a link to a YouTube video specific to the new Niro. Enjoy!

Source; Press release, pics, and information courtesy of Kia.

TA.b - Tesla Talk 5.20a - updated

I've been a huge Tesla fan since the brand's first vehicle, the Roadster, hit the market. Because I didn't have the cash to own one, the Roadster was unattainable for me (and I'm over 6 feet tall and have a bad back, so). But today. Tesla's vehicles are more attainable and a better fit for most folks. I've pushed electric vehicles into my friends' minds since Tesla showed what was possible (much to the chagrin of traditional automakers). In fact, an acquaintance rented a Model S and came away totally converted. I mean after all, a battery-electric vehicle showcases a different type of propulsion and that's the main difference (well that and fewer pollutants and...). The fact that most Tesla vehicles are fast, good-looking, handle well, and have a software suite that is years ahead of its competitors should be enough. If it weren't for today's political climate, it probably would be. Imagine that, a car winning sales on its merits. But Big Oil doesn't want to lose sales so the smear began.  Then it was "red-staters" accusing "blue-staters" of pushing their climate-change agenda. No actually, it was people who like breathing clean air that got on board. (I live in the LA area and our air is much cleaner since the anti-smog regulations were put in place.)  

So now we're in 2020 with the world facing a pandemic that is killing thousands, possibly millions. Since we don't have a cure or a vaccine, social-distancing was put in place to minimize the spread of the disease and save lives. It's worked. Two months into this mess though and people are clamoring for the restrictions to be lifted. Not a good idea at this time. Some politicians and news outlets, claim this situation is overblown even though the statistics say otherwise. We expect things to improve with the summer heat, but with the return to cooler weather, the virus could be back with a vengeance. The problem is that in reality, we just don't know. So the question becomes, "Are you willing to risk your life or the life of someone you love when we're years away (if ever) from getting back to a semblance of normal?"

This is where Tesla-founder Elon Musk comes in. 

I understand that companies face financial ruin with the COVID-19 restrictions in place, but are these companies more valuable or important then people's lives? Some say yes (usually the ones with the most money to lose/gain who don't care about you). A lot of folks just want this all to go away (it isn't). Some state governments, including California, have a movement towards "re-opening." But not fast enough for Musk. 

He announced the re-opening of his factories with out getting any kind of approval. I'm sure the government would have worked with him and discussed possible changes that would preserve Tesla worker's health. But Musk acted like a petulant child when told "not yet." Immediately he stated that his headquarters would be moved out of California to Texas or Nevada - which would have zero effect on the reopening of the Fremont factory. Then he filed a lawsuit (that would take years to be adjudicated). trying to get his way.  And now he is ordering his employees to defy government orders and return to work. This could put them into potential harm and possible arrest.

As much as I like(d) Tesla, people are important. Laws are important. The government is important in fighting this pandemic. People are your customers and employees after all. If they die, you end up with fewer sales and trained workers. Not brain-surgery. Musk's total disregard for the safety of his workers makes him sound more like 45 than someone to look up to. If the company is that close to being in trouble get some money from the government. They gave the oil industry a reported $75 million bail out. Or you could give back some (or all) of the reported $750 million the company paid you in back- and current-salary. Lots of options that don't include killing folks needlessly or starting a political stand off with the State of California or the local county. (Which 45 would love btw even though he dislikes Tesla and Musk or at least he did.) Is this about money or being told what to do? Does Musk know who his current customers are (who wouldn't appreciate this)? Does he care?

I once had a fantasy where I owned a house covered with Tesla solar panels feeding electricity to several Tesla Powerwalls and charging my Tesla vehicle (for almost zero cost). Take that smog. But not anymore. I'm no longer on Team Tesla. When Rick Perry and 45 got Toyota to move to Texas (Ivanka was at the official signing), i wrote them off. No more Toyotas for me. And so it goes. 

When I can put my fantasy in place, there will be a lot more choices. There are a lot of solar panel choices now and the energy storage business is booming. Ford's Mustang Mach-E looks to be a strong competitor and Volkswagen's iD models also look strong (although we won't get the Golf-sized iD.3 in the US. Big mistake). I agree that Tesla seems to be at a crossroad. Care about your workers and put a muzzle on Musk if you want to succeed and see what was once a bright future. I honestly hope that I'm wrong about this one.

Buick updates Encore sub-compact luxury crossover with new GX ST model

A few years ago, Buick (and GM) took a leap and brought a new, Korean-made, smaller crossover into the US market with the intro of the Encore. Pundits and automotive insiders thought Buick was crazy, until they sold as many as they could produce. Seems folks wanted a little luxury with their small CUVs. Worked for Mini right? Soon, just about everyone had a "sub-compact" luxury crossover offering. But Buick's Encore was still (relatively) popular. For 2020, Buick has added a new model to the recently updated Encore with the addition of the GX ST. The Encore GX ST is meant to add a sporting flair to the littlest Buick and it does. The new Encore is more attractive and the black ST accents go well with the more sculptural design. Engines include the standard 1.2-liter turbo or the premium 1.3-liter turbo engine with the larger engine delivering up to 155 horsepower, 174 ft-lbs. of torque and offer a GM-estimated 31 mpg combined. FWD (front-wheel-drive) models will come with a CVT (continuously-variable-transmission) and 1.3-liter models equipped with AWD (all-wheel-drive) will be fitted with GM's nine-speed automatic. Yeah efficiency is in, drag racing is out. Most of GM's suite of safety- and technology-equipment will be either standard or available as an option (see press release after the "read more" jump). Buick's new Encore GX ST is an attractive option for those of who want a little lux in our mini-sized rides. The new Encore should be at your local Buick dealer now, Covid-19 allowing.

Source: Pics and press release courtesy of Buick.