Industry News
September U.S. Auto Sales Rate Up
While overall U.S. auto sales in September were lower than the previous year due to Labor Day timing and fewer selling days, the sales rate improved. Despite this, the auto market remains stagnant due to high interest rates and vehicle prices. Despite increasing inventory levels, pressure to sell the remaining 2024 models will grow as…
Read MoreGM joins Tesla Supercharger Network, expands plans with EVgo to offer more coast-to-coast charging
General Motors has announced that its customers can now access over 17,800 Tesla Superchargers using GM-approved NACS DC adapters. This expansion significantly increases the number of publicly available charging stations for GM EV owners, making it easier for them to charge their vehicles. GM plans to expand its charging network further by collaborating with various…
Read MoreQuicksheet Launches Collision Repair Estimating Smartphone Application
Quicksheet Mobile Collision Estimator is a new smartphone app that allows users to write collision damage estimates directly on their phones. This innovative app aims to disrupt the collision estimating market by offering a more accessible and affordable solution than traditional computer-based software. The app features a user-friendly interface that lets users quickly and easily…
Read MoreIIHS studies show drivers are more distracted with partial automation, even with safety alerts
Two recent studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that drivers are likelier to engage in multitasking behavior, even following the system’s safety rules. The first study examined participants driving a Volvo S90 with adaptive cruise control (ACC) and Pilot Assist (PA). It found that drivers became increasingly likely to disengage from…
Read MoreWholesale Used-Vehicle Prices Slightly Down in Early September
Wholesale used vehicle prices experienced a slight decline in the first half of September. Despite a seasonal adjustment that lowered the overall results, prices decreased by 0.2% compared to August. This decline is attributed to the Labor Day holiday week, which typically has a lingering impact on the industry. The decrease in prices has implications…
Read MoreGM and Hyundai Join Forces for Product Development
General Motors and Hyundai Motor have announced a partnership to explore joint product development, manufacturing, and clean energy technologies. The companies aim to reduce costs and bring a wider range of vehicles to market faster by leveraging their combined scale and strengths. The agreement will explore opportunities in electric, hydrogen, and internal combustion vehicles, as…
Read MoreU.S. Consumers Less Likely to Purchase an EV Than Last Year
The fifth iteration of the EY Mobility Consumer Index (MCI) found that despite record U.S. consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs) in 2023, only 34% of U.S. consumers intend to purchase an EV as their next car in 2024. This marks a 14-point decrease since the 2023 MCI findings, proving that EV education is not…
Read MoreChina’s Zeekr tackles EV range anxiety with 10-minute battery charge
Zeekr, a Chinese automaker, has made significant progress in addressing electric car range anxiety by introducing a new battery that can charge up to 80% in just 10.5 minutes using their V3 ultra-fast charging station. This breakthrough technology aims to alleviate the concerns of EV drivers who worry about running out of battery power before…
Read MoreWaymo robotaxis waking San Francisco neighbors with nightly honking
Waymo’s autonomous robotaxis have been causing a disturbance in San Francisco due to their excessive honking while parked overnight in a rented lot. Residents living near the lot have complained about being repeatedly woken up by the loud honking, which can last for over an hour at pre-dawn hours as early as 4 a.m. and…
Read More1.6 million Mercedes-Benz counterfeit parts seized last year, raids up 20%
Mercedes-Benz has reported a significant increase in counterfeit parts seizures in 2023. Over 1.6 million counterfeit parts were seized and 142,000 online offers were removed. The company conducted over 740 raids worldwide to combat this issue. Counterfeit parts pose a serious safety hazard to road users, as demonstrated by recent incidents involving faulty airbag inflators.…
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