- 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 9th February 2020
Fewer accidents on the way; the importance of ride hailing; and flip-flopping self-driving car developers. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 3rd […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 2nd February 2020
Aston Martin’s independence; the difference between electric winners and losers; and secret emissions trading is a thing. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 26th January 2020
Not enough money to go around; Mercedes EQC news is good and bad; and cars that last a really long time. Please enjoy our auto […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 19th January 2020
Facing up to reality in Europe; too little money to go around; and the benefits of getting the basics right. Please enjoy our auto industry […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 12th January 2020
A car company worth its weight in gold; early days for electric cars in Europe; and a worrying sign for self-driving enthusiasts. Please enjoy our […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 5th January 2020
Plug-in hybrids with serious range; solar roofs for all; and counterfeit cars. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 23rd December 2019 to […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 22nd December 2019
Car sharing on the rocks; a behemoth in search of a name; and festive cheer. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 16th […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 15th December 2019
Sustainable electrification strategy; faux insights from the top brass; and more ideas about low-cost hybrids. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for 9th […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 8th December 2019
Blurry maps give rubbish directions; customers seeing dealers less often; and electric cars in emerging markets. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 1st December 2019
Rosy assumptions for fuel cells; car companies vs capitalism; and is this how FCA butters up acquisition targets? Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 24th November 2019
Ride hailing companies acting like utilities; PSA surprisingly bullish on small electric cars; and Tesla keeps it simple. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 17th November 2019
A very expensive Ford; smaller and more powerful batteries; and making the right number of vehicles. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 10th November 2019
Good news for internal combustion engines; realistic break even figures for niche producers; and futuristic concepts that need more work. Please enjoy our auto industry […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 3rd November 2019
Promiscuous customers; visions of an all-powerful Tavares; and why do carmakers hate batteries but love hydrogen? Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility briefing for […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 27th October 2019
Yamaha says cars are a waste of time and money; remote control tanks with limited range; and Tesla gets all mushy about big cars. Please […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 20th October 2019
Daimler apps overly generous with location data; OEMs that still won’t commit to meeting CO2 targets; and a battery maker with an optimistic outlook. Please […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 13th October 2019
GM needing US workers as much as they need it; how long it really takes to reach automotive grade; and no more Dyson. Please enjoy […]Read More
Auto Industry Briefing — week ending 6th October 2019
The electric vehicle brand losing its shirt; Nissan’s artisanal robots; and Volvo and Geely do something very sensible. Please enjoy our auto industry and mobility […]Read More