01/17/24 - Ram's first EV hits the US 🚗, Sixt ditches Tesla and doubles down on Stellantis 🏭, European Doubts Threaten EV Sales Targets ⚡

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: 

  • Ram's first EV, the Ram ProMaster electric van, hits the US

  • Toyota Century SUV Convertible Quietly Revealed In Tokyo

  • Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 May Get Active Aero Inspired By Pagani Huayra

• 🏭 Industry trend: Sixt doubles down on Stellantis after ditching Tesla, Polestar’s “Hybrid” Retail Model Might Be the Best of Old and New

• ⚡ EV: European EV Scepticism Could Derail Massive Sales Targets

• 😄 Fun read: 10 Times Honda Wowed the World with Concepts

Ram's first EV, the Ram ProMaster electric van, hits the US (4 mins read)

Ram has unveiled its first US electric vehicle, the Ram ProMaster EV. It offers up to 162 miles of city driving range and is part of Stellantis' Dare Forward 2030 strategy for increased EV sales. The cargo van comes in two versions, with customizable features, and features fleet management tools. The delivery model is available now, while the cargo version will be released later. The ProMaster EV competes with Rivian's electric delivery van and Ford's E-Transit in the growing US electric van market. Read more.

Toyota Century SUV Convertible Quietly Revealed In Tokyo (3 mins read)

Toyota unveiled the Century SUV Convertible at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon. Serving as a parade car for the Grand Sumo Tournament, it features a four-door design with no B- and C-pillars, cream leather interior, and strengthened body. The convertible maintains the standard 3.5-liter V6 with a plug-in hybrid setup, offering 406 horsepower. While designed for dignified progress, a more powerful Century SUV GRMN variant is also planned. Read more.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 May Get Active Aero Inspired By Pagani Huayra (3 mins read)

GM is developing an active aerodynamics package inspired by Pagani Huayra for high-performance Corvettes. The patent details a system with front and rear spoilers, similar to Huayra's individually controlled flaps. The technology aims to optimize downforce by evaluating wheel behavior, electronic limited-slip differential, and spoiler angles. The system, likely for upcoming ZR1 and Zora models, enhances stability and performance in high-speed corners. Read more.

Sixt doubles down on Stellantis after ditching Tesla (3 mins read)

Sixt is replacing Tesla EVs with up to 250,000 Stellantis vehicles in a "multi-billion euro agreement" for its North American and European fleets. The deal spans various Stellantis brands and includes battery electric vehicles. Sixt aims for 90% electrification of its European fleet by 2030. This shift follows Sixt citing poor Tesla resale values and higher EV repair costs. Despite dropping Tesla, Sixt is purchasing around 100,000 BYD vehicles and plans to convert half of its 16,000-strong rental fleet to electric. Read more.

Polestar’s “Hybrid” Retail Model Might Be the Best of Old and New (6 mins read)

Polestar, the Swedish EV automaker, adopts a hybrid retailing approach, blending traditional and modern methods. Polestar's North American CEO emphasizes the brand's passion for classic cars. The upcoming Polestar models include the Polestar 4 targeting the Porsche Macan, Polestar 5 as a Taycan competitor, and the high-performance Polestar 6 roadster with 880 horsepower. Polestar relies on franchising for expansion, leveraging support from dealer principals and existing networks, differentiating itself from Tesla's approach. Read more.

European EV Scepticism Could Derail Massive Sales Targets (7 mins read)

European EV sales face challenges, including the end of German subsidies, leading to a temporary stagnation in 2024 at 1.94 million units. However, a surge is predicted in 2025 due to EU CO2 rules, reaching 2.6 million and hitting 9.2 million by 2030. Concerns include mineral scarcity, potential higher battery prices, and uncertainties in repair costs, insurance, and resale values. Germany's subsidy cut may impact market share, emphasizing the need for lower EV prices. Read more.

10 Times Honda Wowed the World with Concepts (7 mins read)

This article delves into Honda's groundbreaking concept cars, with a focus on the latest 0 Series concept, unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show. It draws parallels with past models like the Kiwami, a premium hydrogen fuel cell saloon from 2003, and the Dualnote, a hybrid four-seater with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine from 2001. Exploring diverse designs such as the compact two-seater pickup Spocket, the HP-X supercar prototype from the '80s, and the eco-friendly 1991 EP-X, the article offers detailed examples showcasing Honda's innovative journey in the automotive realm. Read more.