2022 Volkswagen Taos compact SUV video walk-a-round

Source: Volkswagen/YouTube - Previous post.

GM creates BrightDrop for electrified delivery solutions

General Motors announced the creation of BrightDrop, a new division that will be focused on electric and electrified delivery equipment and software. The first major products are the EV600 delivery van and the EP1 electric palette (mover?) that will assist in package and product processing for companies such as Fedex Express, which is one of BrightDrop's first customers. The EP1 moves product and packages easily with little stress on workers and the ability to move larger amounts of payload. If you watch the video/animation (after the "read More" jump) it becomes clearer how the BrightDrop products (including software) can make product movement and management easy. Very clever. The EV600 can be equipped with opening side panels to facilitate loading and unloading as well as through the rear/front doors. Initially, the EV600 will have a EV range of about 200 miles using GM/s Ultium batteries, but range numbers can change based on need and future battery development. It's nice to see the development of electrified solutions for varying sectors of the economy. It is also smart that automakers are harnessing automotive EV developments for broader application. Some automakers have announced EV delivery vans of varying sizes and capacities, but GM has taken those developments one (or two) steps further. More to come...

Source: GM/BrightDrop - Media release, pics, and video.

Renault unleashes Renault 5 EV prototype and promises an electric future

Groupe Renault is in the process of re-inventing itself for the future with a program that they call the Renaulution Strategic Plan that will see the introduction of 14 "core" vehicles of which seven will be fully electric. All models will be available as an EV or a hybrid and most will fall into the compact or mid-size classes. The prototype shown here is the Renault 5 EV that is a modern interpretation of the iconic R5 (we saw it in the US as the Le Car). The Renault 5 prototype is an EV "citycar" that would make an attractive addition to any road (according to the video in 2025). I question the charging port in the middle of the hood in front of the driver, but there is still time for changes. No specifics were given, but I think the unveiling of the Renault 5 was to "test the waters" so to speak. Not everyone wants a giant car or SUV and VW is selling lots of the Golf-sized iD3 (which in some Euro markets is the best-selling EV) so the Renault 5 EV might sell well. BMW is still selling lots of i3s after almost 10 years on the market. Renault threatens to return to the US market every so often and I'm not certain of the status of their relationship with Nissan, but this little cutie should come quickly. I'm sure there will be more to come. For more information regarding Renault's Renaulution Strategic Plan and the Renault 5, check out the media release, pic, and intro videos after the "read more" jump.

Source: Groupe Renault - Media release, pics, and videos.

Amazon's Rivian electric vans coming to a street near you very soon

Amazon is getting ready to start making deliveries with the company's electric delivery vans that were developed by Rivian. Amazon has ordered 10,000 (initially and up to 100,000) of the custom vans and vans have been filmed out making test deliveries. The future of home delivery is almost here. Check out my previous post for more info. Also check out Drive Tesla Canada's video of Amazon's new van making test deliveries on LA after the "read more" jump.

Source: Amazon/Rivian/YouTube - Previous post

Quick Note: Hyundai teases upcoming Ionic 5 EV

Hyundai released these teaser images of their upcoming Ioniq 5 EV. The battery-electric Ioniq 5 will showcase Hyundai's global EV platform along with new vehicle tech and Hyundai's new design aesthetic for electric vehicles. The new Ioniq 5 will debut next month. More to come...

Source: Hyundai - Media release and pics

Groupe PSA and FCA to become Stellantis

Groupe PSA and FCA have agreed to merge effective January 16, 2021 to create Stellantis. PSA includes the Peugeot, DS, Citroen, Opel, and Vauxhall brands, while FCA (Fiat Chrysler) includes Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Ram, Mopar, Chrysler, and Dodge. The Boards of Directors, government agencies, and shareholders of each firm have overwhelmingly approved the merger. There has only been speculation at this point, but some cuts will be made and brands will begin to share platforms and technology. An early rumor suggested that the Chrysler brand might be in danger, but no official information has been released. If a brand is doing well, like Jeep, Opel, Vauxhall, and Ram you can expect them to be around in the future. Time will tell. Stay tuned. For the official media release and forward-looking statement click on the "read more" jump. More to come. Maybe we can get a version of the amazing Vauxhall Mokka-e now (below, previous post).

Source: Groupe PSA/FCA - Media release

Bentley goes green(er) with new Bentayga Hybrid

Bentley has taken the first step towards the future with the Bentayga Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid SUV.  The good-looking Bentayga features plug-in hybrid technology mated to a turbocharged V6 engine with a combined system that produces 443 hp and 516 lb./ft. of torque. That should be more than enough oomph to move the Bentayga down the road. The hybrid system can travel for about 31 miles on electric power alone for improved efficiency. EPA mpg numbers are not yet available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on hand along with My Bentley connected services on the almost 11-inch display and the Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Navigation program provides driver feedback through the SUV's pedals. The system also prioritizes trip planning that maximizes electric-only EV-mode trips when possible. The Bentayga is a Bentley after all so numerous options and Mulliner services will allow owners to customize their vehicles. Pricing was not announced, but then if you have to ask... Expect prices to start well into the six-figure range. Maybe Bentley can borrow EV platforms and tech from their Volkswagen or maybe Audi overlords. More to come. Check out the fairly extensive media release and video after the jump.

Bentley/YouTube - Media release, pics, and video (after the "read more" jump.

TA.b - Auto-themed fun - Update

I haven't done this in a while, in fact my last post like this was deleted because the video was no longer available. I'll admit that I like Geico's car insurance ads (there's the auto theme) due to their play on words and humor. I'll admit that I use Geico's services and have since the company was known as the Government Employees Insurance COmpany. That is a static screen capture above, but the actual video and others are available after the jump. Enjoy. Always makes me smile, you?

Update: One of my all-time favorites, the Woodchucks commercial, has seemingly been pulled (like I said above). I'm leaving it cuz it may be back.

Source: Geico/YouTube - 2, 3 Videos after the "read more" jump.

Nissan rolls out new online sales site - Is it enough?

Numerous online sellers have revolutionized how we buy (and sell) cars and trucks and the legacy automakers want in on it. Nissan developed a program with seven dealers in various areas that is called Nissan@Home. With their new site, prospective buyers can set up test drives, pricing, etc. without ever leaving their homes, which is getting more and more important these days. Buyers can visit the dealership or complete their transaction online and take delivery at home. Sound familiar? Have you seen the commercials online or on TV for other sellers? Nissan expects more and more of its dealers to sign up in future months. Many large dealers already offer this service from various manufacturers.

Okay. When I got this release, I expected Nissan to roll out a sales experience more in line with Tesla's selling model where vehicles are sold directly from the manufacturer. Nissan's new Ariya EV (above) would benefit from that arrangement as dealers are, well dealers and they have a tendency to mark-up prices on popular new models as reportedly some Ford dealers have on the new Mustang Mach-e (even though orders were placed online). Maybe the legacy automakers should offer their EVs through new divisions and adopt Tesla's selling model. For example, Ford could open Mercury (again, you know the God of flight and speed) and have greater control over the sales and service of EVs, which are the future. We shall see how this plays out. Traditional dealers may fade away if they don't adapt. Dealers could still be manufacturer-aligned and certified but would focus on service and sell only used cars (PS: that's where the money is anyway). They could even offer a delivery service if automakers so choose. According to published reports, about 150 of Cadillac's dealers took the company's buyout offer because they didn't want to sell EVs (short sighted especially since Cadillac will be EV only in a little more than a decade). Of course, they could have been in trouble, and GM wanted to decrease the number of Cadillac dealers, so... More to come.

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, Various reports