01/31/24 - VinFast VF 8 Offers The Cheapest Lease In US 🚗, Toyota warns 50,000 U.S. owners to stop driving 🏭, Manual vs automatic gearboxes ⚙️

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: 

  • VinFast VF 8 Offers The Cheapest Lease In America

  • 2025 Audi Q7 And SQ7 Facelift Debuts Next-Gen Technology But Forgets About Power

  • 2025 Mazda CX-70 debuts with Familiar Engines and Looks

• 🏭 Industry trend: Toyota warns 50,000 U.S. vehicle owners to stop driving and get immediate repairs, GM says it needs to build more hybrids after ditching its hybrids

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Sonichem launches project to transform the automotive industry with bio-based plastics

• 😄 Fun read: Manual vs automatic gearboxes - which should you choose?

VinFast VF 8 Offers The Cheapest Lease In America (2 mins read)

VinFast offers an enticing lease deal for the VF 8 electric car at $249 per month, aiming to boost sales in the US. The 36-month lease, based on a $47,200 MSRP, includes a $7,500 lease tax incentive and $15,349 in lease cash, resulting in an effective rate of $275 per month. The promotion, ending on January 31, follows sluggish sales, with only 128 units sold from January to May last year. Read more.

2025 Audi Q7 And SQ7 Facelift Debuts Next-Gen Technology But Forgets About Power (4 mins read)

The facelifted Audi SQ7 boasts a refreshed exterior with HD Matrix LED headlights, digital OLED taillights, and redesigned front and rear fascias. Despite unchanged powertrains, the SQ7 claims faster performance, reaching 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 48-volt mild hybrid system aids fuel economy and enhances the electronically-controlled air suspension. Optional advanced suspension offers torque vectoring and electromechanical active roll stabilization for improved stability. US prices are expected for SQ7 to start at $90,400. Read more.

2025 Mazda CX-70 debuts with Familiar Engines and Looks, More Space (3 mins read)

Mazda unveils the CX-70 mid-size SUV, positioned between the CX-50 and CX-90. Built on the CX-90's platform, it emphasizes driver-centric design with rear-wheel drive bias. Powertrains include a 3.3L turbocharged inline-six with mild hybrid and an e-SkyActiv G PHEV. Stylish exterior with black accents and 21-inch wheels, plus a well-appointed interior with red Nappa leather. Features remote-folding rear seats, subtrunk, and Unresponsive Driver Support. Read more.

Toyota warns 50,000 U.S. vehicle owners to stop driving, get immediate repairs  (2 mins read)

In Q3 2023, several automakers in the U.S. reported strong sales. Audi USA had a 21% YoY increase, delivering 59,535 vehicles, with the Audi Q5 leading. BMW delivered 83,949 vehicles, with the BMW X5 as the top performer. General Motors sold 674,336 vehicles, with the Silverado series in the lead. Honda and Acura had a 52.7% sales increase. Hyundai saw a 9% growth, delivering 200,534 vehicles, mainly led by the Tucson. Kia surpassed Hyundai, selling 210,341 units. Subaru reported a 23.4% YoY growth, with the Forester leading the way. Toyota delivered 590,296 vehicles, with the RAV4 and Camry performing well. Read more.

After ditching its hybrids, GM says it needs to build more hybrids (3 mins read)

GM CEO Mary Barra announces plans to reintroduce plug-in hybrid technology to select North American vehicles, marking a shift from GM's previous focus on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Barra acknowledges challenges with BEV sales, with only 75,883 sold in 2023, and automation issues affecting Ultium-powered BEV production. The move aligns with dealer requests for more hybrids, and GM's hybrid plans include plug-in hybrids. Barra hints at utilizing the Voltec PHEV powertrain, previously employed in the Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR. Read more.

Sonichem launches project to transform the automotive industry with bio-based plastics (4 mins read)

Sonichem leads the CARMA project, collaborating with CPI, National Composites Centre, Scott Bader, SHD Composites, and Polestar. Using Sonichem's ultrasound tech, the initiative transforms sawdust into renewable lignin for bio-based platform chemicals, creating sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals in automotive plastics. The project aligns with the UK Government's push for sustainable industrial materials, reducing reliance on imported composites and fostering a green future. Read more.

Manual vs automatic gearboxes - which should you choose? (8 mins read)

The article explores the changing landscape of manual and automatic transmissions, considering factors like fuel efficiency, cost, and driver preferences. It highlights the increasing popularity of automatic and semi-automatic options, with manuals remaining common in mainstream models due to lower development costs. Pros and cons of each transmission type are discussed, emphasizing personal preference and driving habits. Various automatic options, including traditional, continuously variable, and twin-clutch systems, are examined, with insights into their characteristics and applications. Read more.