03/14/24 - New ID 7 GTX 'the most powerful VW estate ever'🚗, Fisker hired bankruptcy consultants 🏭, Do you need International driving permit?💡

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 ID 7 GTX 'the most powerful VW estate ever'

  • 2025 Polestar 3 gains additional variants, lower starting price

  • The Rolls-Royce Ghost Prism Is Subtle Psychedelia

• 🏭 Industry trend: Fisker has reportedly hired bankruptcy consultants, IIHS Semi-Autonomous Testing Unveiled: 13 of 14 Automakers Fail

• ⚡ EV: Harbinger delivers first electric truck chassis to RV maker Thor

• 🔧 Parts/upgrade: Tire Makers Say They're Not Liable for Waterway Pollution Because It Takes Years

• 💡 Tips: International driving permit: do you need one?

New ID 7 GTX 'the most powerful VW estate ever' (3 mins read)

Volkswagen unveils its powerful GTX estate, overshadowing the Golf R wagon with 54hp more. Despite undisclosed acceleration and torque details, the ID 7 features all-wheel drive and a substantial 91kWh battery, promising quick charges. Cost remains unspecified, but its predecessor saloon model was priced at £51,550. The design may lack flair, but offers ample storage space and comfort, albeit with optional adaptive chassis control. Read more.

2025 Polestar 3 gains additional variants, lower starting price (3 mins read)

Polestar introduces new variants of the 2025 Polestar 3 SUV ahead of US deliveries, including a base dual motor version starting at $73,400. Initial sales began in January with two higher-priced options. The revised lineup includes standard and upgraded versions, ranging from $73,400 to $79,400, all eligible for a $7,500 clean vehicle incentive. Deliveries start in Q2 2024. Read more.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Prism Is Subtle Psychedelia (3 mins read)

Rolls-Royce celebrates its 120th anniversary by unveiling 120 uniquely colored Ghost Prism models. Featuring a contemporary design, the Ghost Prism offers a sleek Gunmetal Grey body with customizable accent colors. Each model undergoes meticulous hand polishing and painting processes, limited to 120 units. Read more.

Fisker has reportedly hired bankruptcy consultants (3 mins read)

Fisker faces financial challenges, possibly considering bankruptcy, despite a 300% increase in Q4 deliveries. Talks with Nissan for electric truck partnership may offer a lifeline. Fisker's direct-sales model struggles, prompting a shift to dealer partners. Shares plummet 45% after reports of hiring restructuring advisers. Read more.

IIHS Semi-Autonomous Testing Unveiled: 13 of 14 Automakers Fail (3 mins read)

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) unveils new ratings for semi-automated driving systems. Of the 14 tested, most scored poorly, except Lexus Teammate with Advanced Drive, earning an "Acceptable" rating. Tesla's systems performed poorly, with misleadingly named "Full Self Driving" rated only "Acceptable." IIHS emphasizes concerns about safety risks and emphasizes the need for improved safeguards. Read more.

Harbinger delivers first customer electric truck chassis to RV maker Thor (3 mins read)

RV manufacturer Thor partners with EV truck maker Harbinger to electrify RVs. Harbinger's medium-duty truck chassis features an 800V modular battery and proprietary electric motor drive units. Thor plans to create a Class A motorhome with a 250-mile range on a single charge. The collaboration reflects a commitment to sustainable RV technologies. Read more.

Tire Makers Say They're Not Liable for Waterway Pollution Because It Takes Years (3 mins read)

Tire manufacturers, including Michelin and Goodyear, are facing a lawsuit over the chemical 6PPD, linked to salmon deaths. While the compound forms 6PPD-q, proving fatal to fish, tire makers argue they aren't liable for waterway pollution because the process takes years. States are urging the EPA to ban the chemical. Read more.

International driving permit: do you need one? (10 mins read)

This article discusses the significance of International Driving Permits (IDPs) for travelers driving abroad. Covering essential details such as application procedures, cost, and types, it highlights the necessity of IDPs in various countries and the potential consequences of driving without one. Read more.