02/07/24 - Volvo EM90: the brand's first electric minivan 🚗, Ford beats Q4 earnings estimates despite EV pullback, Honda recalls 750,000 vehicles 🏭

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: 

  • Volvo EM90 officially rolls out as the brand's first electric minivan

  • The new 2025 Porsche Taycan models

  • 2024 BYD Yuan Up: Cut-price baby electric SUV revealed

• 🏭 Industry trend: Ford beats Q4 earnings estimates despite EV pullback, Honda recalls 750,000 vehicles due to airbag seat sensor problem, Will Mazda Continue To Make Rotary Engine-Powered Cars?

• 😄 Fun read: Speedometers Are All Wrong And Stupid But I Can Fix Them

Volvo EM90 officially rolls out as the brand's first electric minivan (3 mins read)

Volvo's first all-electric minivan, the EM90, featuring a luxurious "Scandinavian living room" interior, launched in China for 818,000 yuan ($114,000), with deliveries starting in March. Powered by Geely's SEA platform, it boasts a 458-mile CLTC range. Volvo aims for 50% electric sales by 2025, introducing the EX30 and EX90 SUVs in the US, with prices starting at $35,000 and $76,695 respectively. Read more.

The new 2025 Porsche Taycan models (8 mins read)

Porsche updates its 2025 Taycan lineup with enhanced powertrains, boasting faster acceleration and improved efficiency. With up to 80 kW more power, the rear-wheel drive Taycan now accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while the Taycan Turbo S achieves it in just 2.3 seconds. The models feature a larger Performance Battery Plus with a gross capacity of 105 kWh, improving long-distance potential. Additionally, all Taycan variants come with adaptive air suspension as standard, with the option to upgrade to Porsche Active Ride suspension for all-wheel-drive models. Read more.

2024 BYD Yuan Up: Cut-price baby electric SUV revealed (3 mins read)

BYD unveils the Yuan Up, an entry-level electric SUV set to launch in China in March 2024, priced around ¥100,000 (A$21,600). It offers two powertrain options with either 70kW or 130kW of power, paired with a choice of 32kWh or 45.1kWh lithium iron phosphate batteries, providing up to 401km CLTC range. Read more.

Ford beats Q4 earnings estimates despite EV pullback, hybrid shift (3 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.

Honda recalls 750,000 vehicles due to airbag seat sensor problem (2 mins read)

Honda is recalling 750,000 vehicles produced from 2020 to 2022 due to faulty weight sensors in passenger airbags, potentially allowing deployment in a crash. The issue, linked to circuit board material changes, led to 3,834 warranty claims. The fix involves replacing the sensor, with notifications starting next month. Read more.

Will Mazda Continue To Make Rotary Engine-Powered Cars? (4 mins read)

Mazda revealed the rotary-hybrid Iconic SP concept at the Japan Mobility Show, marking the rebirth of its rotary engine. The "RE Development Group" aims to advance rotary engine technology for future hybrid models. The Iconic SP concept features a two-rotor rotary-hybrid setup generating 365hp, serving solely as a generator for electric motors. This announcement follows the unveiling of the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, which also utilizes a rotary engine as a generator. Read more.

Speedometers Are All Wrong And Stupid But I Can Fix Them (7 mins read)

The author criticizes car manufacturers for exaggerated speedometer readings, calling for practicality over flashy designs. Using examples from past car models, they propose modifications like dual-speed scales or extending digital displays. They highlight the need for clarity and functionality in vehicle instrumentation. Read more.