02/20/24 - Porsche's two new hybrids for Panameras's lineup 🚗, BYD issues stock buyback 🏭, This Is Why Some Mercedes Transmissions Had Two Reverse Gears ⚙️

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: 

  • Porsche adds two new hybrids to its lineup of plug-in Panameras

  • The ID.7 Tourer Is Volkswagen's First Electric Wagon

  • First-Ever Kia Seltos Hybrid Coming In 2025

• 🏭 Industry trend: BYD issues stock buyback to fuel its dominant global EV expansion, Carnage On World’s Roads Drops Slightly But U.S. Is An Outlier

• 😄 Fun read: This Is Why Some Mercedes Transmissions Had Two Reverse Gears And It's Not For Backwards Racing

Porsche adds two new hybrids to its lineup of plug-in Panameras (4 mins read)

Porsche introduces two new plug-in hybrid Panameras, responding to demand for efficient options. Models include Panamera 4 E-Hybrid starting at $117,495 and Panamera 4S E-Hybrid at $128,795. Both feature revamped engines, with the 4S offering higher performance. Enhanced charging speed and throttle response, with a larger battery capacity. Various drive modes optimize energy usage. Porsche expands hybrid lineup amid EV sales slowdown, offering more options alongside its electric models. Read more.

The ID.7 Tourer Is Volkswagen's First Electric Wagon (4 mins read)

Volkswagen unveils the ID.7 Tourer, its first electric wagon, based on the 2019 Space Vizzion Concept. It shares dimensions with the sedan but offers more practicality, with up to 1,714 liters of cargo space. Featuring a 282 hp electric motor, it offers a range of 426 miles with the larger 86-kWh battery. The production is set in Germany.Read more.

First-Ever Kia Seltos Hybrid Coming In 2025 (2 mins read)

Kia reportedly plans to introduce a hybrid version of the Seltos by 2025, in response to increased demand for hybrids. Sales data show a surge in hybrid car sales, prompting Kia to reconsider its EV strategy. The Seltos hybrid may borrow the powertrain from the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, featuring a 1.6-liter engine and electric motor, offering 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Read more.

BYD issues stock buyback to fuel its dominant global EV expansion (3 mins read)

BYD, world's top EV maker, unveils stock buyback plan amidst falling share prices, down 32% from July's high. Stock up 4% as investors welcome buyback, signaling confidence in company's vision amid industry-wide challenges. BYD rebounds 12% this month after hitting yearly low. Read more.

Carnage On World’s Roads Drops Slightly, But U.S. Is An Outlier (9 mins read)

The World Health Organization's report emphasizes the alarming disparity in road safety between the United States and other high-income countries. Despite its resources, the US experiences significantly higher rates of road deaths, with rates seven times higher than countries like Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This highlights the urgent need for stronger political attention and implementation of effective safety measures in the US. Read more.

This Is Why Some Mercedes Transmissions Had Two Reverse Gears And It's Not For Backwards Racing (5 mins read)

Mercedes-Benz innovated transmissions with dual reverse gears: the 5G-Tronic (722.6) from 1990 and the 7G-Tronic (722.9) from 2003. These were employed in a range of vehicles, including Jeeps and Jaguars. The extra reverse gear facilitated winter driving by starting in second gear, reducing wheelspin. Porsche also adopted this feature. However, with advancing electronic traction control, newer models like the 9G-Tronic opted out of the dual reverse setup for simpler, computer-controlled solutions. Read more.

Rear Seat Reminder: How It Works and Why You Need It (6 mins read)

Automakers have introduced rear occupant alert systems in response to the danger of leaving children and pets in hot cars. These systems can remind drivers to check the back seat and can include features like audible alerts, visual notifications, and even smartphone alerts in more advanced versions. Leaving a child or pet unattended in a hot car can be fatal, but these systems aim to reduce such incidents. In the 2024 model year, many manufacturers offer these systems, and federal legislation now requires them in all new vehicles by the 2025 model year. Read more.