Ironically, there’s still “no money in it” as the ROI is not yet there due to lackluster sales volume.
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Tesla may be behind in software (auto-pilot), but its EV/battery system is still a generation ahead of everybody (Audi’s E-tron is shamefully behind in spec’s). Sadly for Tesla, it appears that it has hit the law of diminishing returns as it hits the current EV technology ceiling - it may only be 18 months before…
BMW and Mazda has already done it.
Nope, you still integrate it with the manual but unlike automatics, the engine stalls and shuts off unless you clutch in time - at worse you just have to restart it.
Well, I put it right up there with ABS. It costs more but people who want to save money and “pump the brakes” themselves should not be allowed to jeopardize the safety of others with that little bit of autonomy. It’s the “greater good” argument and big picture, it’s not a big deal. I’m more worried about privacy…
Neutral: I LOVE AUTO EMERGENCY BRAKING. I’ve seen it in action enough to believe that it works, and it has saved many a loved ones from unnecessary insurance claims.
You are old school (aka sensible), but today’s generation (aka milennials) are learning to embrace the lifestyle of “YOLO, enjoy your day with micro-transactions!” They are used to subscription payments and have incorporated a long list of subscription payments to allow them to “afford” the life they want:
The $4 price point is not happening any time soon; all indications is that shale production is picking up this year.
Worst still, it was “met” post-bankruptcy in its carefully worded reply: “...the restructured GM fulfilled all the terms of its agreements...”
1st and 2nd Gear: GM is just trying to survive. Layoffs may be a terrible thing, but the company is doing what it must to survive the changing trends of public transportation and consumer tastes.
You may be right, but all the consumer has when shopping cars is what’s on the EPA sticker - imagine their thrill when they see RAV4 = 30MPG combined. Why should they look at a Camry (32) or Fusion (27)?
1st Gear. Ford killing the sedan was correct. I disagree with your assessment that rising gas prices will drive consumers to sedans - if consumers want good MPG they go for a fuel efficient “SUV” in the form of the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid. In the past when the selection of EVs and hybrids were less plentiful,…
Is there a Japanese business book on how to mistreat foreign CEOs like Ghosn? I’ve lost a lot of respect for how he was set up and currently sitting in jail, no bail or bond available. They’re treating him like he committed murder when what he allegedly did at WORST was undeclared income? Some extra benefits?…
Simple, an affordable Porsche is a used one. All great cars, just choose a reasonable budget and there’s a year that will fill it. $25 to $35K can get you a very drivable Boxster or Cayman.
I think BMW has lost its way more so than Porsche. For the last two generations, all of BMW’s cars were Lexus wannabes. On the other hand, Porsches, regardless of model, are consistently rated among the BEST driver’s car in its segment. The “purists” miss the days when Porsche was more like a Miata, fling-able low…
3rd Gear Rivals’ Deal: hmmm, just imagining if Toyota and Honda would ever get together on a joint project, but if Ford and Chevy can work together on a 10-speed transmission, BMW/Benz joint car is not a stretch.
I think the buy transition is not to big giant SUVs but smaller compact SUVs with great MPG (Honda HRV and Mazda CX3: 31 MPG combined).
With modern CUV/SUVmodels having similar MPG as a sedan (Camry is 34 MPG combined, Honda FIT 32 and RAV4 30 MPG) I don’t know that this difference is big enough to get people to buy sedans.
4th Gear: lost all respect for the Japanese justice system on this one.