- What Do You Mean? -- GM told investors that it will save over $1 billion for each plant it converts to all-electric vehicles. But the maths is a bit suspect: that saving comes from not having to invest in new stamping, body assembly and paint facilities. These are exactly the same parts of the factory that would be re-used by an internal combustion engine model. So all GM is really saying is that it is better to convert a plant than bulldoze it and build a new one somewhere else (assuming there is no endemic workplace culture). But isn’t that kind of obvious?
- Friends Will Be Friends -- VW CEO Diess invited Elon Musk to address top managers at the German firm and show them what they were up against, and Musk agreed. Musk told the enraptured throng that Tesla was an amazing problem-solving culture created in his own image. They probably all clapped. Are we on our way to a new, happier, world where top executives exhort their rivals to attempt to outdo them in the spirit of ultimate competition? Or does Musk have an underlying reason for sprinkling his magic dust over VW… like, convincing Europeans that his company isn’t a threat?
- Make Some Noise -- AMG’s technical chief doesn’t think that artificial engine noises are the way to go for all-electric cars, fearing the creation of a pastiche. He still wants to give a nod to the internal combustion engine experience by incorporating vibration. Remember when polyphonic ringtones used to cost several pounds to download (looking at you, Crazy Frog fans)? Yet now everyone has their phones set to silent. Will there be a time when the whole discussion appears academic?
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 3rd October 2021
Tesla’s supply chain wrangling, Polestar’s IP-light strategy and GM’s cringe-worthy naming conventions. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 27th September to 3rd […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 26th September 2021
Volvo sees a cheaper future and GM is making money in customer’s homes. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 20th September to […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 19th September 2021
Tesla’s marketing miracle; Foxconn takes the road less travelled; and Ford’s electric F-150 might soon outsell the Lincoln brand. Please enjoy our auto industry and […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 12th September 2021
Ford’s expansion comes to an end; Hyundai’s continued quest for a hydrogen future; and premium CFOs promise to behave themselves. Please enjoy our auto industry […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 1st August 2021
Tesla moves out of shopping malls; Everyone wants an electric F-150 except Ford traditionalists; and off-street charging costs too much. Please enjoy our auto industry […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 25th July 2021
Question marks over battery factor reusability; more dosh for Rivian; and battery electric platforms with an ageing problem. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 18th July 2021
Audi’s rules for making electric cars look exciting; Aurora’s unclear path to profits; and Tesla wants driver assistance addicts. Please enjoy our auto industry and […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 11th July 2021
Rimac takes Bugatti under its wing; Stellantis aims to top the EV league; and battery swapping is spreading. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 4th July 2021
Tesla’s sales success; GM’s drop in the ocean; and ambitious profit targets. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 28th June and 4th […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 27th June 2021
BMW’s global perspective; German truckers aren’t keen on autonomy; and Tesla bets it all on cameras. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 23rd May 2021
BMW’s sustainable future; Stellantis looks to the future; and has Ford stolen Tesla’s thunder? Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 17th May […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 16th May 2021
Tough words from Tavares; asset light dealers making waves; and Ford gives electric cars fast names. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 25th April 2021
Honda walks away from ICE; Renault takes it slow; and EV start-ups shredding management. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 19th April […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 18th April 2021
Geely selling small stakes in everything; VW choosing one meaningless name over another; and workers and managers need to unite. Please enjoy our auto industry […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — fortnight ending 11th April 2021
Keeping strong residuals after an EV transition; Ssangyong’s collapse; and lessons learned the hard way. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 29th […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 28th March 2021
Volvo wants to sell its technology; Toyota buys into Isuzu (again); and no substitution at Porsche. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 21st March 2021
Geely’s unnecessary extra brand; boosting Tesla’s lobbying power; and Porsche’s enormous digital services target. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 15th March […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 14th March 2021
Ford plumps for young talent; Volvo’s clever plan to capture more aftersales market share; and flex-e-bility reigns supreme. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility […]Read More