- 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 25th October 2020
The internet marches on; Musk banishes the skateboard to oblivion; and questions over price parity. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 19th […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 18th October 2020
Fisker’s new groove; Foxconn’s bid for greatness; and Ford’s CO2 miss. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 12th October to 18th October […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 11th October 2020
Marvellous electric skateboards; Renault’s late CO2 credit gambit; and timid Tesla. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 5th October to 11th October […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 4th October 2020
Audi’s post-purchase upgrades; Ford’s inauspicious price drop; and Tesla’s lack of clarity. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 28th September to 27th […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 27th September 2020
VW in Tesla’s rear view mirror; Amazon makes things interesting; and no child left behind. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 21st […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 20th September 2020
Monthly charges for driver assistance; self-driving hyperbole; and start-up shenanigans. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 14th September to 20th September 2020. […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 13th September 2020
More blockchain speed required; massive money for advanced research; and the start of a big move in online retail. Please enjoy our auto industry and […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 6th September 2020
Saintly limited series cars; Renault’s massive punt on Alpine; and two powerhouses get together. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 31st August […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 30th August 2020
Porsche pushes forward with new retail models; trying to understand the markets; and in-wheel motors getting their time in the spotlight. Please enjoy our auto […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 23rd August 2020
Daimler: connecting people; learning to love battery swapping; and giving investors what they want. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 17th August […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — fortnight ending 16th August 2020
Honda’s splendid isolation; putting fleet sales in context; and lithium companies playing hardball. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 3rd August to […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 2nd August 2020
Big order numbers for Bronco; in search of working capital; and the French love E-FIRST. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 27th […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 26th July 2020
Waymo in sales mode; Ford lets MobilEye co-brand driver assistance; and GM’s sunny view of the future. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 19th July 2020
PSA and FCA choose a new name; Porsche keeps up product spending; and will cool technology make it into your car? Please enjoy our auto […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 12th July 2020
Calling for a dynamic duo; the power of Ad Punctum; and you can’t lose sales if you have no revenue. Please enjoy our auto industry […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 5th July 2020
Teeny tiny trials to reuse electric vehicle batteries; the troubling case of falling Model S and Model X sales; and VW’s plan for not so […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 28th June 2020
VW thinks about buying its former rental unit; Aston Martin the cash guzzlers; and should we bow to the inevitable dominance of Google? Please enjoy […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 21st June 2020
Making cars a little smarter; reading between the lines; and building cars for free.Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 15th June to […]Read More