01/15/24 - Sony-Honda Afeela EV will electrify 2026 🚗, Toyota Chairman - "Keep Making Engines!" 🏭, Standout Future Transportation Tech in CES 2024 🤖

GM. Rev up your day with the latest automotive news and insights delivered to your inbox in our exclusive newsletter! What we cover in today’s edition:

• 🚗 Car reveal/review: 

  • Sony-Honda Afeela EV: Unleashing Electrifying Revolution

  • Facelifted Toyota GR Yaris Gets More Power And Torque With New Automatic Transmission

  • 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Shown for First Time

• 🏭 Industry trend: 'Let's continue to make engines' - Toyota chairman, Hertz Rental Firm to Sell Off 20,000 EVs, Kia Partners with Uber for Electric Mobility

• 🤖 Auto Tech: All the future of transportation tech that stood out at CES 2024

Are You Not Entertained? 2026 Sony-Honda Afeela EV Is Here to Fix That (5 mins read)

Sony debuted the Afeela electric concept car at CES 2024, a joint project with Honda. Set for U.S. production in 2025, the 2026 model emphasizes infotainment, AI, and gaming. It boasts lidar, radar sensors, and Level 2 driver-assist tech with aspirations for Level 3. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5 for augmented reality, the car's spec sheet includes dual-motor all-wheel drive, 483 horsepower, a 91-kWh battery, but slower 150 kW DC fast-charging speeds compared to competitors. Read more.

Facelifted Toyota GR Yaris Gets More Power And Torque With New Automatic Transmission (5 mins read)

Toyota unveiled the new GR Yaris at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon with a stronger engine (276 hp Euro-spec, 300 hp Japan-spec), Circuit model enhancements, and a Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. Cosmetic updates include a sturdier mesh and split lower bumper. The car features increased body rigidity, updated safety features, and an automatic variant with extra features. Read more.

Revealed: 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Shown for First Time (3 mins read)

Dodge reveals an evolved electric two-door Charger Daytona, succeeding the V8-powered models. The design resembles the 2022 Charger Daytona SRT Concept. The electric version is hinted with "DAYTONA" lettering, featuring over 880 horsepower. A twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six is confirmed for gas-only models with the release expected in late 2024. Read more.

'Let's continue to make engines' - Toyota chairman (3 mins read)

Toyota reaffirms its commitment to combustion engines, aiming to protect jobs in Japan and provide diverse choices for car buyers. Chairman Akio Toyoda urges employees to continue making engines and highlights the importance of various technologies in achieving carbon neutrality. Toyota explores hydrogen-engine initiatives, emphasizing the role of engines in practical carbon-neutral solutions alongside other technologies. Read more.

Hertz Rental Firm to Sell Off 20,000 EVs for Gas-Powered Vehicles (2 mins read)

Hertz plans to sell 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs) from its U.S. fleet, opting for gas-powered cars due to high EV repair costs. The decision led to a 3% decline in shares. Hertz initially aimed for 25% of its fleet to be electric by end-2024 but cites persistently high collision and damage repair expenses for the shift. The sale may result in $245 million in incremental depreciation expenses. Hertz remains committed to improving profitability for the remaining EV fleet. Read more.

Kia Partners with Uber for Electric Mobility (2 mins read)

Kia and Uber form a groundbreaking partnership to develop electric Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) for ride-hailing. Kia plans to introduce the modular vehicle Kia PV5 in 2025, enhancing accessibility and affordability for Uber drivers. The collaboration envisions innovative features and aims to revolutionize the mobility industry, emphasizing sustainability and customization. Read more.

All the future of transportation tech that stood out at CES 2024 (6 mins read)

CES 2024 showcased a diverse array of transportation innovations, from major automakers revealing electric concepts to startups introducing groundbreaking e-bikes, scooters, and aircraft. The event highlighted the convergence of AI in vehicles, advancements in hydrogen-powered vehicles, and cutting-edge in-car technologies, creating a compelling narrative of the future of transportation that captivates both enthusiasts and industry observers.. Read more.