02/13/24 - New Aston Martin Vantage Gets DB12-Looks 🚗, This Website Can Help You Avoid Dealer Markups💡, Stellantis Commits to Tesla's NACS Charging Standard 🏭

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: 

  • New Aston Martin Vantage Gets 665-HP and DB12-Looks

  • 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hit With Dealer Markups Up To $10k

  • Chevrolet announces model year 2024 Equinox EV pricing

• 🏭 Industry trend: Stellantis Commits to Tesla's NACS Charging Standard, Internal Documents Show Fisker Ocean Is Riddled With Teething Problems

• ⚡ EV: They Are Trying To Kill The Electric Car Again

• 💡 Tips: This Handy Website Can Help You Avoid Dealer Markups

New Aston Martin Vantage Gets 665-HP and DB12-Looks (3 mins read)

The redesigned Aston Martin Vantage inherits styling cues from the DB12, featuring an overhauled interior reminiscent of its upscale sibling. Its AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine receives performance upgrades, producing 665 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph, it promises exhilarating performance. Priced above $150,000, deliveries commence in Q2 2024. Read more.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Hit With Dealer Markups Up To $10,000 (2 mins read)

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, with models like the TRD Sport priced at $63,820, encounters dealer markups reaching $9,995. Roseville Toyota, Northern California, lists trucks with prices starting at $52,730 for the SR5. The TRD Sport, the priciest, includes a $9,230 dealer-installed accessory package. Upcoming trims, TRD Pro and Trailhunter, will feature a hybrid powertrain, competing with the Ford Ranger Raptor. Read more.

Chevrolet announces model year 2024 Equinox EV pricing (3 mins read)

Chevrolet unveils the Equinox EV, slated below the Blazer EV. Initially priced near $30,000, now starts at $34,995. Trim levels span $43,295 to $46,795. Equipped with front-wheel drive, offering 213 hp, 319-mile range. Eligible for $7,500 IRS tax credit. All-wheel-drive option forthcoming, with specifications undisclosed. Read more.

Stellantis Commits to Tesla's NACS Charging Standard (5 mins read)

Stellantis, parent company of Jeep and Chrysler, pledges to adopt Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its forthcoming electric vehicles by 2025. This aligns with a growing trend among major automakers to integrate NACS ports, facilitating access to Tesla's Supercharger network. Read more.

Internal Documents Show Fisker Ocean Is Riddled With Teething Problems (5 mins read)

Customers report various issues with the Fisker Ocean, including power loss, braking faults, key fob malfunctions, and more. Software updates aim to address these concerns, though problems persist, such as sudden hood openings and faulty seat sensors. Lawsuits have been filed regarding warranty violations. Service network inadequacies exacerbate customer frustrations. Read more.

They Are Trying To Kill The Electric Car Again (8 mins read)

There is a rise in anti-EV sentiment, with concerns over technology and political influence. The EV market, though, shows promise with increased options and ranges. Infrastructure and pricing still pose challenges. Despite setbacks and political maneuvers, the EV market is becoming more mainstream and competitive, prompting resistance from traditional incumbents. Read more.

This Handy Website Can Help You Avoid Dealer Markups (4 mins read)

Dealership markups in the US contribute to inflation and erode brand loyalty. Markups.org exposes excessive dealer fees and prices, like a $164,615 hike on a Porsche 911. It also highlights dealers selling at or below MSRP. Tips to avoid markups include contacting multiple dealers and being open to compromise. Incentives vary by brand; for instance, electric cars may offer better deals than Toyotas or Hondas. Markups.org, though helpful, relies on crowdsourced data, so users should verify information. Read more.