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  • 11/22/23 - VinFast launches VF 7 SUV, Consumer Reports Says These Cars Are The Worst Deals Now, Inside the exclusive world of collectible Formula 1 cars

11/22/23 - VinFast launches VF 7 SUV, Consumer Reports Says These Cars Are The Worst Deals Now, Inside the exclusive world of collectible Formula 1 cars

GM. Rev up your day with the latest automotive news and insights delivered to your inbox in our exclusive newsletter! In today’s email:

  • 🚗 Car reveal/review: VinFast launches VF 7 SUV, 2025 Hyundai Tucson SUV Revealed With Brand-New Interior, Think Tesla's Cybertruck is a mess? Meet the Robotruck 1T, Fisker Ocean: Coming soon, in a future software update

  • 🏭 Industry trend: Consumer Reports Says These Cars Are The Worst Deals Now, UAW Workers Vote to Ratify Historic Contracts With Ford/GM/Stellantis, Tesla rolls out congestion pricing ahead of holiday travel season

  • ⚡ EV: Small-batch EVs and plenty of robots—Hyundai’s new innovation center

  • 😄 Fun read: Inside the exclusive world of collectible Formula 1 cars

VinFast VF 7 SUV | Electrek

Vietnamese automaker VinFast launches VF 7 EV in Vietnam, completing its initial SUV lineup. The VF 7, with "Base" and "Plus" trims, offers the VF Connect package with a virtual assistant, auto e-call, and more. VinFast introduces a battery leasing model, with monthly costs ranging from $120 to $198. US availability for VF 7 and VF 6 is expected in 2024, with Vietnamese reservations starting on December 2, 2023, and deliveries in early 2024.

Hyundai Tucson | CarBuzz

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is unveiled ahead of its European debut in early 2024. The facelift features subtle exterior changes with a cleaner front design and sporty silver trim on the bumper. The interior boasts a redesigned layout, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a streamlined control panel. No details on engines are provided, but the facelift aims at keeping the Tucson fresh in the competitive market, expected in the US as a 2025 model.

Aitekx Robotruck 1T | New Atlas

Silicon Valley startup Aitekx unveils the Robotruck 1T at the 2023 LA Auto Show, resembling a Cybertruck but with a more disjointed design. Specs include a 550-mile range, 3.5-second 0-60 mph, and a 6-foot expandable prism-shaped pickup box. The midsize Robotruck features a GM-inspired midgate-expandable bed, offering versatility. Pricing ranges from $45,000 to $99,000, with production targeted for 2026, offering single and double-cab variants, off-road and camping packages, AI driver-assist, and unique "Hawk Doors." An eight-seat Robotruck 1V SUV is also planned.

Fisher Ocean | Electrek

The Fisker Ocean, showcased at the 2023 LA Auto Show, offers a unique design, blending style and subtlety. The interior is spacious and eco-friendly, with a focus on sustainability. Notable features include "California Mode" opening all glass except the windshield and solar panels for added range. However, the early model faces software challenges, missing promised features, UI lags, and drive-related issues. Priced from $38,999 to $61,499, the Ocean presents a potential purchase for those willing to wait for software updates and improvements.

Demand is driving up prices for certain cars, with Toyota Supra and Corolla Cross seeing a 6% markup, and Telluride, Sienna, and Prius facing 7-8% increases. Kia K5 and Sportage Hybrid have an 8-9% premium, while Kia Stinger sees an 11% hike. The Ford Maverick pickup has an 11% markup, and the powerful V8 300C demands a 12% premium. These increases range from $1,754 to $6,512, affecting prices and making some models less cost-effective.

Workers from Ford, GM, and Stellantis ended a historic strike with ratified contracts. The UAW announced a 64% approval, securing significant gains, including raises (33% to 160%), faster progression to top pay, reopening a Stellantis plant, EV and battery job commitments, and improved retirement benefits. The agreements, covering 150,000 autoworkers, follow weeks of strikes and signify successful negotiations for better conditions.

Tesla has introduced congestion fees at some U.S. Supercharger stations, charging an extra $1 per minute for EV battery charging beyond 90% during busy periods, especially around Thanksgiving. The fees replace idle fees and apply to all users, including those with free charging. The move aligns with Tesla's expansion plans, opening Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs to access federal funds, managing increased demand effectively. Initial reports suggested fees after 80% charge, addressing potential slowdowns near full capacity to prevent overheating.

Hyundai Motor Group's Innovation Center in Singapore focuses on robotic assembly for efficient EV production. The center experiments with AI-equipped robots handling tasks traditionally done by humans, aiming to enhance manufacturing quality and adjust to variables in vehicle assembly. Hyundai aims for 3D scanning and AI-driven calibration for each vehicle, potentially revolutionizing mass production. The Georgia Metaplant, set to produce half a million EVs yearly from 2024, aligns with Hyundai's commitment to quality and innovation in EV manufacturing.

This article discusses the challenges and appeal of collecting and driving modern Formula 1 cars, emphasizing the complexities involved in owning and operating these high-performance vehicles. The narrative explores recent trends in the market, highlighting record-setting auction prices for F1 cars, and delves into the unique experiences and considerations that come with owning and driving these iconic machines, particularly those from the 2000s onward.

And.. that’s a wrap