Podcasts about Volkswagen Group

Tired of boring, lookalike crossovers? The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce is the answer to that issue. It and the all-new 2026 Toyota Corolla FX are our road test vehicles this week. Host Jack Nerad found himself at the controls of the Tonale, a compact SUV that brings Italian luxury and performance to a pretty ho-hum segment. With its sharp design, 268-horsepower turbo engine, adaptive suspension, and upscale interior, it offers a distinctive alternative in a crowded class. The Veloce trim that Jack Nerad tested features adaptive dampers, optional 20-inch alloy wheels, and performance-tuned steering for sharper handling. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine is teamed with standard with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the Tonale offers leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. With its distinctive styling, including the test car's optional Verde Fangio green paint and signature LED lighting, the Tonale Veloce brings premium European character to the compact SUV segment. At a special Toyota event in Plano, Texas, guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo took the wheel of the all-new 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX Edition. The colorful trim builds on the SE model with unique visual and functional upgrades that nod to the original 1980s-vintage FX16. It features a black vented sport wing for added aerodynamic flair, 18-inch gloss white alloy wheels, and retro FX badging on the rear hatch. Inside, it offers suede-trimmed sport seats accented by orange contrast stitching, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, and standard wireless charging. The FX is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower, and offers a sporty suspension setup and a manufacturer-estimated 33 mpg combined. Only 1,600 units will be offered in the U.S., and it will come in three vibrant color choices: Inferno, Ice Cap, and Blue Crush Metallic. In our news segment, we will discuss Cadillac's debut of the 2026 Optiq-V, a performance-oriented electric SUV boasting 519 horsepower, an estimated 275-mile range, and Cadillac's first use of the North American Charging Standard. With dramatic styling, launch control, and a 33-inch LED display, it's yet another move in General Motors' EV strategy. That strategy might take its lumps as the Trump Administration takes steps to roll back Biden-era fuel economy regulations, citing legal issues with the way EVs were factored into earlier targets. While immediate changes are limited, this signals a broader shift in auto policy that could ease pressure on automakers but potentially slow progress toward emissions reduction. Speculation swirled this week about Porsche manufacturing cars in the U.S., but the company denied any such plans, citing low volumes and high costs. Despite that, ongoing tariff talks and Volkswagen Group's broader American investment strategy suggest the door may not be fully closed. Matt DeLorenzo and Jack Nerad will share their thoughts on those prospects. Tesla also made headlines with the resignation of Milan Kovac, head of its Optimus robot project. Kovac played a major role in developing Tesla's humanoid robotics program, and his departure raises questions about the future of the bold, still-developing initiative. In Los Angeles, the Petersen Automotive Museum has launched its *“Totally Awesome! Cars and Culture of the '80s and '90s”* exhibit. With standout vehicles like the McLaren F1, Audi S1 E2 rally car, and Ferris Bueller's Ferrari replica, the show is a nostalgic and immersive look at two transformative automotive decades. Our special guest this week is Doron Levin, a longtime automotive journalist and editor at BetterInvesting, who joins us to share his insights on where the industry is heading. Jack caught up with him at a Toyota event in Texas. Finally,

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1065: Today we're breaking down Rivian's big win with VW, a wild scene in LA as Waymo vehicles go up in flames, and how back-to-school shopping is creeping into summer.Show Notes with links:The tech partnership between EV upstart Rivian and legacy automaker Volkswagen just took a major leap forward. Rivian's upcoming R2 SUV platform won't just support Rivian's own vehicles—it's about to become the backbone of every new EV under the Volkswagen Group umbrella.All VW brands—Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Scout, Skoda, Seat—will share the R2 tech stack.VW's ID Every1 will be the first to launch using Rivian's off-the-shelf zonal architecture.The partnership helps VW replace its troubled Cariad software division with a proven modular platform.Rivian's Chief Software Officer confirmed all VW EVs will use the same scalable architecture, calling it “the digital brain” of the portfolio.Each brand keeps its unique identity via custom UI, tuning, and features, but the tech core is unified.At least five Waymo self-driving I-Pace EVs were destroyed during violent protests in Los Angeles over the weekend—representing a possible 5% loss of its local fleet.The unrest followed ICE raids and escalated into clashes with police and vandalism.Rioters reportedly summoned Waymo vehicles, slashed tires, smashed windows, and set them on fire.Fire crews couldn't access the scene in time, and the vehicles burned completely.Waymo operates about 100 cars in LA and over 1,500 nationwide.Waymo has suspended service in the area, saying, “We will not be serving any rides in the protest area until it is deemed safe,”Back-to-school deals have crept into early summer, with brands and retailers scrambling to catch up to shifting consumer habits—and to tariff-driven inventory pressures.Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair kicked off fall prep as early as Memorial Day.Prime Day in the middle of July now marks the unofficial start of the back-to-school shopping season.This year's shoppers are favoring essentials and budget-friendly items over big-ticket dorm splurges“Consumers are looking for the best discount, the best sale, the best value...” — Kassi Socha of GartnerJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

In our second English episode, we meet Dirk Voeste, Chief Sustainability Officer at Volkswagen Group, who shares how one of the world's largest car manufacturers is transitioning to electric vehicles, circular economy, and concrete sustainability goals. A conversation about strategy, technology, and the power of leading through people.

FOLLOW UP: GERMAN COURT SENTENCES DIESELGATE EXECSOver nine and a half years after dieselgate first hit the news, a court in Germany has sentenced four ex Volkswagen Group executives for their part in the scandal. Two were given prison time, with the others being given suspended sentences. Former Group CEO, Martin Winterkorn, is still awaiting trial after several health issues. Click this article link from DW for more. FOLLOW UP: FRANCE CANS ZFES DUE TO COMPLEXITYFrench politicians voted to end low emission zones, as it was part of a wider proposal to make daily life in France more simple. Alan predicted this would be the case, as he had just bought passes for his cars. Statues are being erected in honour of the man bringing a better life to the ordinary people of France. They will know Alan Bradley's name and they will honour it! To read more, click this Connexion article link here. FOLLOW UP: STELLANTIS GET A NEW CEOAfter months of searching, Stellantis have named the ex-Jeep boss, Antonio Filosa, as the new chief executive officer. Also announced is that the leadership team for the 14 brands of the group will be confirmed next month. You can find out more, by clicking this Autocar article link here. APRIL UK CAR PRODUCTION THE WORST FOR 73 YEARSApart from 2020, which was hit by Covid lockdowns, April 2025 was the worst for production since 1952. SMMT suggests that the Easter date and reduced export demand is to blame. Obviously, the call went up to demand UK based incentives to encourage more to buy. Click this Autocar article link here, for more. TOYOTA BRINGING GR COROLLA PRODUCTION TO THE UKOn more positive production news, Toyota is bringing GR Corolla production to the UK. Expected production levels are yet to be announced. To read more, click this Autocar article link here. VOLVO CULLING MORE JOBSVolvo has announced big cuts at it's Swedish bases, with 2200 roles to be made redundant. On top of that, a further 800 jobs will go across the global network. If you wish to find out more, click this Autocar article link here. VAUXHALL GETS A NEW BOSSSteve Catlin will be returning to Vauxhall, where he started his journey in the automotive journey, via Audi, Seat, VW Group and latterly Volvo UK where he headed up the Financial Services division. To read more, click this Car Dealer article link here. UK EV CHARGER PLANNING REQUIREMENTS REMOVEDLillian Greenwood, the Future Roads Minister, has announced that the requirements of planning permission for private and public chargers is to be removed. The hope is that this will help speed up the installation of chargers across the country. For more on this story,

It's Friday, May 9th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Second anniversary of brutal violence in India Christians of Manipur State, India marked the second anniversary of the brutal ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, reports International Christian Concern. Shockingly, 258 people were killed, 1,000 injured, and 60,000 people were displaced. Plus, 4,786 houses were burnt and 386 religious structures were vandalized, including temples and churches. India is the 11th most dangerous country worldwide in which to be a Christian. Cardinals selected first American Pope On the fourth vote, the College of Cardinals, referred to as the Papal Conclave, chose the first-ever American Pope.  Robert Prevost has taken the name of Pope Leo XIV, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Born in Chicago, educated at Villanova University, and a missionary to Peru, Prevost selected the name Leo for a reason. On ABC News, Catholic Pastor James Martin said this. MARTIN: “Historically, it's a name that would signal his alignment with workers, labor, and the poor.” Catholics claim that Peter, the fisherman disciple of Jesus, was the first pope. In fact, Scripture does not teach that Peter was in authority over the other apostles at all or over the church. Indeed, Ephesians 2:19 says, “So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Catholics also claim that the pope is infallible when he acts or speaks as Christ's representative on Earth. That assertion is not Scripturally supported either. Pope critical of Trump/Vance, pushed COVID vaccine, & removed conservative bishops In terms of positions on the issues, Prevost has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump's administration and has consistently used his X account to promote material hostile to Trump's immigration policies.  In one instance from February 3, Prevost reposted an article by the National Catholic Reporter entitled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others.” The article criticizes the U.S. vice president for correctly arguing that we owe more immediate responsibility to our own family members and country than to those overseas – a position taught by St. Thomas Aquinas – and reiterated in the “social encyclicals” of the nineteenth- and twentieth-century popes.  As head of the Congregation for Bishops, Prevost was instrumental in the removal of conservative Bishop Joseph Strickland in 2023 from Tyler, Texas, and the removal of the leading French conservative bishop, Dominique Rey, from his diocese of Fréjus-Toulon.   Prevost also reposted a call for the abortion-tainted COVID-19 vaccines to be “available for all” and a United States Conference of Catholic Bishops post that called getting vaccinated “an act of love.”  In 2012, a year before the election of Pope Francis, Cardinal Prevost expressed disappointment that some Western media held “sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Gospel,” in particular, the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.” Trump's trade deal with U.K. nets U.S. $5 billion opportunity On Thursday, President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced they had reached a trade agreement that lifted some — but not all — U.S. tariffs on British goods, reports National Public Radio. Trump said it would give U.S. companies better market access for beef, ethanol, other farm products, chemicals, machinery, and industrial products — new opportunities his administration said were worth $5 billion. 2nd largest automaker making splash in America Speaking of the positive impact of Trump's tariffs, Volkswagen Group, the second largest automaker in the world in 2024, is preparing to join the growing list of automakers looking to re-equip its US factories in response to the tariffs, reports The Daily Mail.  The German automaker's luxury brand, Audi — which assembles most of its lineup in its home country, Hungary, Mexico, Slovakia, Spain, and China — is planning to make some of its crossover and SUV models now in America. ‘Frasier' star Kelsey Grammer regrets ex-girlfriend's abortion Frasier star Kelsey Grammer opened up about his profound regret over his ex-girlfriend's abortion in his newly released memoir, reports People Magazine. This tragedy closely preceded another in the actor's life: the 1975 rape and murder of his younger sister, which is the main subject of his memoir Karen: A Brother Remembers.  In his new book, Grammer wrote, “I know that many people do not have a problem with abortion, and though I have supported it in the past, the abortion of my son eats away at my soul.” Just months before his sister's death, he explains that his then-girlfriend became pregnant and decided to abort their baby. While he said he was “willing” to keep the baby, he “did not plead with her to save his life.” Grammer admits he “volunteered to have my son's body vacuumed out of his mother's.” As Live Action reports, abortionists use “vacuums 10-20 times more powerful than a household vacuum cleaner to tear (babies) apart alive.”  Grammer added, “I regret it.” Despite his harrowing regret over his own son's death by abortion, the TV star ironically says he still believes abortion should be legal. Proverbs 31:8 says, “Open your mouth for the voiceless.” Over 7,750 baptized in largest single-day baptism in US history And finally, on Saturday, 7,750 people were baptized in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Huntington Beach, California, an event organizers say marked the largest single-day baptism in American history, reports The Christian Post. Hosted by Oceans Church and led by Pastor Mark Francey, the event dubbed "Baptize California" drew approximately 30,000 attendees from more than 300 churches across the Golden State. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, May 9th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

CleanTechnica's Jose Pontes and Zachary Shahan talk EV sales trends in Europe, the US, China, and the world as a whole. In particular, they spend a lot of time talking about BYD's growing leadership, Volkswagen Group's fresh rise in the EV market, and Tesla's sales trend, business approach, and potential crises around the world.

CleanTechnica's Jose Pontes and Zachary Shahan talk EV sales trends in Europe, the US, China, and the world as a whole. In particular, they spend a lot of time talking about BYD's growing leadership, Volkswagen Group's fresh rise in the EV market, and Tesla's sales trend, business approach, and potential crises around the world.

Winston is the Chief Brand & Experience Officer at GALE, leading the creative, production, and experience design team. In 2024, GALE was named Campaign UK US Advertising Agency of the Year. He works with with companies like the National Basketball Association (NBA), Delta Air Lines, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Cotopaxi, MilkPEP, Pella, Santander, Bain & Company, Fogo de Chão, and others. Over the past twenty years, he's helped leading global brands craft their narratives and create innovative campaigns and experiences that harness the marketing potential of the digital and social age. His diverse client portfolio includes Domino's, Michaels Stores, American Express, Target, Burger King, Nike, Vail Resorts, Taco Bell, Pandora, AB InBev, and Volkswagen Group. Before GALE, he was a brand consultant and Chief Digital Officer of Deutsch North America.

Live from World Hydrogen North America, H2Tech sat down with Jared Obraske, Vice President of North America at Quest One, formerly known as H-TEC Systems. In this episode, Jared provides an insider's look into Quest One's strategic role in the H2 value chain as part of MAN Energy Solutions and the Volkswagen Group.

On this episode of Inside Content, Hayley Bull, Vice President at 3Vision, is joined by Sven Eckoldt, who leads partnerships at CARIAD – the software arm of Volkswagen Group. They explore how CARIAD is redefining the in-car entertainment experience through video, gaming, and contextual content. Sven shares insights into the evolving role of vehicles as digital platforms, how major streaming services like DAZN are joining the ecosystem, and why scalability, seamless integration, and personalisation are key to the future of automotive media.Stay in the content world loop

In a bonus podcast, this week Autocar Meets Damien O'Sullivan, the managing director of the UK's biggest car company, the Volkswagen Group.In his first interview since taking the role last December, O'Sullivan meets Autocar's Editor, Mark Tisshaw, to discuss the state of the UK car market, how he juggles the management of so many brands and, although this pod was recorded before the government revised the rules around the zero emissions mandate, how things will look in future. You can make sure you never miss an Autocar podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. And if you'd be wiling to rate and review the Pod, we'd appreciate it more than you know, too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found Click On Picture To See Larger PictureCEO Jamie Dimon is calling it, recession is coming. We are already in a recession, Trump will pull us out of it. Ds trying to stop Trump's tariffs. Countries ready to negotiate, Trump pauses tariffs for those countries. China and the EU fight back with reciprocal tariffs, this will not end well for them. Trump main target is the Fed. The [DS] is still trying to use judges to stop Trump's agenda, in the end this will fail. They are trying to use judges in the correct jurisdiction. Trump has set the timeline for the [DS] treasonous acts. Trump will show how the [DS] committed treasonous against the US. In the end Trump will have the final move, checkmate.   (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Economy https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1909947842845614115   https://twitter.com/WallStreetMav/status/1909935573772738708 Schumer: We Want to Take Tariff Authority from Trump We Allowed Biden to Have Because Trump's ‘Going So Overboard'  Chuck Schumer (D-NY) r  “Congress has always had the power to deal with tariffs, and we've always had these fights in the past on some of the tariff issues as well. But now that Trump is going so overboard, Congress can, has every legal authority to take those powers back, and that's what we aim to do.”  Source: breitbart.com https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1909961646929301808 China is the Auto Capital of the World  China is the world's largest car producer and exporter. A little-known fact is that China first became the world's largest car exporter back in 2023, with low-cost EV companies BYD and Chery in the spotlight. The nation's auto sector has been steadily expanding since then, with Chinese brands reaching an all-time high of 69.4% of domestic passenger vehicle market share in Q1 2025. Overall, China exported 5.86 million vehicles in 2024, a 19.3% annual increase. Mexico, Russia, Brazil, and the UAE were the top buyers. China sold 4.96 million passenger vehicles (19.7% YoY increase), 900,000 commercial vehicles (17.5% YoY increase), and 1.28 million new energy vehicles, as well as 987,000 battery-electric vehicles. Japan is the world's second-largest car exporter, exporting 4.22 million vehicles in 2024. This marked a -4.5% decline from 2023. Toyota remains Japan's leading vehicle, accounting for $312.28 billion in revenue and 830,048 million vehicles. Germany is holding onto third place in auto exports. In 2024, Germany exported 3.4 million passenger cars, marking a 2.5% annual increase. Around 25.9% of all vehicles exported from Germany last year were electric. Volkswagen Group remains Germany's star, generating $354.86 billion in revenue for the year. Source: armstrongeconomics.com Scott Bessent Reminds China They Need Access To US Market Far More Than America Needs Access To Their Economy Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that China's decision to retaliate against President Donald Trump's tariffs will ultimately backfire. China announced it is raising tariffs on American goods from 34% to 84% in response to Trump hiking tariffs on Chinese goods from 54% to 104%,   Bessent  thats because China exports far more to the U.S. than it imports, it has more to lose in a trade war. China exported $438.9 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2024 while the U.S. exported $143.5 billion to China, according to the U.S. Trade Representative. Consumer spending in America makes up nearly 70% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

In dieser Episode sprechen wir mit Thymian von Volkswagen über Innovation in einem der größten Unternehmen der Welt. Wie gelingt es VW, neue Ideen und frischen Wind in eine so große Organisation zu bringen? Thymian gibt uns Einblicke in seine abwechslungsreiche Karriere, von der Politik bis hin zur HR-Leitung bei Volkswagen. Wir diskutieren, wie datenbasierte Entscheidungen und der Einsatz von KI die Personalstrategie verändern, wie Kulturarbeit im Konzern funktioniert. Ein inspirierendes Gespräch für alle, die sich für Innovation, Unternehmensführung und HR-Strategien interessieren! Mehr zu Dr. Thymian Bussemer und Volkswagen Group: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-thymian-bussemer-3078b396/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/volkswagen-group/ https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en Paul's Job: ⁠https://paulsjob.ai/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/paulsjob/⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/paulsjob/⁠ get hyrd Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@paulsjob https://open.spotify.com/show/2OHMNxXljWpKs1hU5eDqm2 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-hyrd/id1621089768 https://music.amazon.de/podcasts/d9924d00-9a8d-4882-9b27-b2f4d7fa9e2e/get-hyrd

Shoot us a Text.With 2 days left in January, that means there are only 2 days left to get discounted tickets to ASOTU CON! Today, we're talking about VW potentially bringing manufacturing to the US to avoid tariffs, Honda planning to introduce a sub $30K EV in the US, and how iPhones can now text on the SpaceX Starlink satellite network.Show Notes with links:Volkswagen Group is exploring plans to build Audi and Porsche models in the U.S. if President Donald Trump imposes high tariffs on vehicle imports from Europe and Mexico. This proactive move aims to safeguard the brands from potential trade barriers that could significantly impact profitability.Unlike the VW brand, which already has U.S. production, Audi and Porsche models sold in the U.S. are currently imported, making them vulnerable to tariffs.VW's Chattanooga plant, which produces the VW Atlas and ID.4, has excess capacity and could be expanded for luxury models.Another option is VW's upcoming South Carolina plant for the Scout brand, which could also accommodate Audi production.A 10% tariff on European imports could reduce VW Group's profits by 5-10%, while a 25% tariff on Mexican imports could result in a 15% hit, according to Moody's.Honda is stepping into the affordable EV space with a sub-$30,000 electric vehicle that could hit U.S. dealerships as early as 2026. A third of Honda's global sales are EVs and it aims to boost its U.S. EV presence.The new EV will be locally built in Ohio, starting with battery production, to reduce costs.It will be a part of the new Honda 0 Series and will follow Honda's higher-end 0 Series SUV and sedan, expected to cost $50K–$60K.Honda sold over 33,000 Prologue SUVs last year, outperforming the Chevy Equinox and Cadillac Lyriq, despite sharing GM's Ultium platform.The affordable EV could compete directly with GM's next-gen Chevy Bolt, also slated for a 2026 launch at a similar price point.Apple's latest iPhone update gives T-Mobile users access to SpaceX's Starlink network, marking a new era of connectivity.iOS 18.3 introduces support for SpaceX and T-Mobile's direct-to-cell satellite texting, meaning text messaging via satellite in areas without cellular coverageThe feature was previously limited to select Android devices, including Samsung models.Beta testers have begun receiving texts confirming access to satellite messaging.Future updates aim to add voice and data capabilities for complete off-grid connectivity.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

FOLLOW UP: GOVERNMENT INTERVENES OVER FINANCE SCANDALThe Chancellor of the Exchequer has written to the Supreme Court to ask them to not penalise car dealers and finance companies too much, for breaking common law. To read more, click this AMOnline article link here. For more context on how we are at this point, click this link here, from The Conversation. FOLLOW UP: WESTERN AND CHINESE EV MAKERS TAKE EU TO COURTBMW and Tesla has joined with BYD, SAIC and Geely to challenge the tariffs imposed on EVs made in China that are brought to Europe. They are arguing that the rates imposed are unfair. If you wish to read further on this, click this AMOnline link here. FOLLOW UP: NHTSA BLUECRUISE INVESTIGATION SHOCKSThe investigation into Ford's hands-off eyes-on driving system, called BlueCruise, by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the US, has found that the system does not detect stationary vehicles when the car is going over 62mph. This has been implemented to try and prevent false positives being sensed and thus “phantom braking”. Click this Autoevolution article link for more. FOLLOW UP: GOVERNMENT BACKS GREATER MANCHESTER PLANSThe UK Government has assessed and approved the proposed plans from Greater Manchester, to reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide in the air. This will take place without the need to charge drivers for a Clean Air Zone, as so many other cities have chosen. If you would like to learn more, click this article link from BBC News, here. VW GROUP DITCHES AGENCY MODEL FOR EVSIn the UK, the Volkswagen Group will end its use of the agency model, where they sell directly to customers, for their electric vehicles. They are the latest in a number of companies to make this move. Click this Auto Retail Agenda article to read more. SUBARU HACKEDEthical hackers found a vulnerability in Subaru's StarLink connected service that allowed them to access incredible amounts of data and even control some functions of cars remotely. This has now been patched and we have only found out after the fix was deployed by Subaru. If you want to learn more, click this link to Sam Curry's post detailing what he did and found. WAYMO HACKEDJane Manchun Wong, a security researcher, found a hidden element of the Waymo app that allowed her to change what the top dome, on the roof of their vehicles, displayed. Waymo have now closed this off to ‘normal users'. If you want to learn more, click this TechCrunch article link here. MANY THINGS HACKEDPwn2Own Automotive 2025 took place over three days last week and found 49 unknown vulnerabilities in software for head units and EV chargers, including...

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På årets upplaga av Chaos Communication Congress avslöjades en stor dataläcka. Volkswagen Group hade samlat in bilars GPS-positioner och sparat dessa utan totalsträckskryptering. De etiska hackarna i Chaos Computer Club kom över datan i samband med att de upptäckte att Volkswagen hade råkat lägga sina inloggningsuppgifter till molntjänsten Amazon AWS publikt på webben. Totalt berörs över 800 000 elbilar av märkena Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi och Cupra (Seat). Enligt tyska Spiegel tillhör 68 000 av bilarna svenska bilägare. Volkswagen- och Cupra-bilarna är värst drabbade eftersom Volkswagen där, i strid med sin en policy, hade sparat GPS-positionerna med 10 cm noggrannhet. Det var därför inga problem för de etiska hackarna att se var bilarna hade parkerat historiskt, vilket i sin tur avslöjade allt från ett hemligt Volkswagen-labb till platserna där polis- och underrättelsetjänstfordon brukade parkera. I årets första poddavsnitt pratar Peter och Nikka om Volkswagen-läckan. Peter förklarar varför enbart specifika bilmodeller drabbades. Nikka förklarar varför de läcka GPS-positionerna ska ses som personuppgifter och varför Volkswagen inte borde ha samlat in dem från första början. Se fullständiga shownotes på https://go.nikkasystems.com/podd281.

IT Privacy and Security Weekly Update FAQ - December 31st, 2024 1. Why isn't Apple building its own search engine? Apple has stated that developing a search engine is "outside of its core expertise" and would require substantial investment and resources. The company also cites the rapidly evolving field of AI as a deterrent, making such a venture "economically risky." Apple currently receives a significant revenue stream from Google for being the default search engine on Apple devices, making the development of their own search engine less appealing. 2. What's the story behind Raspberry Pi's recent surge in value? Raspberry Pi, the maker of affordable single-board computers, saw its valuation exceed $1 billion in December 2024, driven primarily by increased demand in the U.S. market. The company's success is attributed to the versatility and low cost of its computers, which are popular among hobbyists, educators, and professionals. This accessibility has broadened the reach of computing and fueled Raspberry Pi's impressive growth. 3. How did Chinese hackers breach the U.S. Treasury Department? Chinese state-sponsored hackers exploited a vulnerability in a third-party cybersecurity service provider used by the U.S. Treasury Department. By compromising this provider, the hackers gained access to a security key that allowed them to remotely access employee workstations and steal unclassified documents. This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and the risks associated with reliance on third-party services. 4. Why are missiles now the biggest threat to airline passengers? Accidental missile strikes on commercial aircraft have become the leading cause of aviation deaths in recent years, surpassing terrorism and other threats. This alarming trend is driven by rising global tensions and the increasing availability of advanced antiaircraft weaponry, making civilian flights in or near conflict zones particularly vulnerable. Despite overall advancements in aviation safety, these incidents highlight the unintended consequences of armed conflict on civilian air travel. 5. Why are so many senior citizens struggling with student loan debt? A growing number of older Americans are facing a substantial student loan burden, with collective debt reaching $121 billion. Many seniors took out loans later in life for their own education or to support their children's studies. This debt burden presents a significant financial strain, particularly for those on fixed incomes or facing limited job opportunities in retirement. 6. What happened with the VW data leak, and what does it mean for EV owners? Volkswagen Group suffered a major data breach that exposed the sensitive information of 800,000 electric vehicle owners, including GPS location data, battery statuses, and user habits. The data was left unsecured on Amazon's cloud for several months, potentially allowing tech-savvy individuals to link vehicles to owners' personal information. This incident emphasizes the importance of robust data security measures as vehicles become increasingly connected and reliant on data sharing. 7. How is Maine's Mountain View Correctional Facility using remote work to help inmates? Mountain View Correctional Facility in Maine is offering inmates remote work opportunities with private companies. This program aims to equip inmates with valuable skills and experience, improving their chances of securing employment upon release. Inmates earn competitive wages while working remotely, contributing to restitution, room and board, and developing financial responsibility. 8. What can we learn from these recent events in IT privacy and security? These events underscore the evolving landscape of digital security and privacy. From state-sponsored hacking to data leaks and the increasing vulnerability of air travel, individuals and organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their information and systems.

Automotive News Staff Reporter Jack Walsworth talks about the biggest news for Volkswagen Group of America in the past 12 months. Plus, Luca Ciferri, associate publisher and editor of Automotive News Europe, recaps developments in the European auto market in 2024.

Shoot us a Text.The clock is about to run out on 2024, but that doesn't stop the grind of the retail auto industry! Today we're covering the latest awkwardness from the potential Honda-Nissan merger, how California dealers are threatening to sue Scout over their DTC plans, and over-priced fast food.Show Notes with links:Honda's CEO Toshihiro Mibe faced an awkward press moment when asked why Nissan would make a good business partner, candidly admitting, “That's a difficult one,” when trying to explain the rationale. The comment highlights broader skepticism and questions surrounding the partnership.Honda has a solid hybrid lineup but struggles with EV development after parting ways with GM. Meanwhile, Nissan faces financial instability and a declining EV market share despite its history as an early leader with the Leaf.Nissan's robust manufacturing network and supply chain might align with Honda's hybrid expertise. However, overlapping product offerings could limit potential benefits.Nissan's shares initially soared over 60% after the deal's announcement but have since plunged by 13% over two days, signaling investor doubts.Both companies face uphill battles, with AlixPartners estimating any meaningful results from a merger might take three to five years.“Ideally, it would've been a healthy and financially sound company, rather than Nissan,” said analyst Julie Boote, echoing doubts about the merger's feasibility.California's new-car dealers are pushing back against Volkswagen Group and Scout Motors, accusing them of violating state law by taking direct-to-consumer refundable deposits for their upcoming electric Scout models.California's amended Vehicle Code, effective Jan. 1, 2024, prohibits automakers or their affiliates from direct-to-consumer sales if they already have franchised dealerships in the state. Tesla is exempt, as it has never operated through franchisees.Dealers argue Scout's sales model excludes VW's 50 franchisees in California, cutting them out of Scout's EV sales opportunities.Scout insists it's independent from VW, designing a unique electric platform, and claims the direct sales model aligns with their “customer-first vision.”A recent study has named Shake Shack and Five Guys as America's most overpriced fast-food chains, sparking debate over whether premium pricing for burgers and fries is really worth it.Preply analyzed over 57,000 Google Reviews, highlighting Shake Shack as the most overpriced chain, followed by Five Guys and Sugar Factory. Key terms like “expensive” and “not worth the money” dominated customer feedback.A viral receipt showing $22 for a Five Guys burger, soda, and fries led to widespread backlash, with one post asking, “What is the right amount these days?”Despite the criticism, Shake Shack posted strong Q3 earnings, with a 14.7% revenue surge and 17 new locations. CEO Rob Lynch said, “We are proud of the resuHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Cupra CEO, Wayne Griffiths! After much success in the European market, Cupra will be heading to the U.S.! 0:35 - QOTD - Why aren't Independent Gas Stations adding EV Chargers? 5:19 - About Cupra8:55 - Introducing Cupra! Success in Europe and Plans for the US.13:12 - Understanding the US Market and Consumer Preferences.22:36 - Cupra's Product Strategy and Future Offerings.25:58 - Volkswagen Group.31:20 - Cupra's Unique Product Strategy.34:00 - Understanding the U.S. Market Dynamics.35:05 - Building Brand Desirability Over Awareness.39:47 - Lessons from Past Automotive Launches.44:00 - Flexibility in Powertrain Strategy.45:00 - Rollout of Electrification.48:34 - Designing for the Driver Experience.51:46 - Wayne Griffith: A Journey Through Cars.

Welcome back to a bonus edition of the podcast, as we take a look at what the recent $5.8bn deal between Rivian and Volkswagen Group will mean for each business, the cars we can buy in the future and indeed the wider EV industry. On November 13, 2024, Rivian and Volkswagen Group launched a groundbreaking joint venture named "Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC."  This business partnership marks a significant milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, with a total deal size of up to $5.8 billion. The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to fix each other's weaknesses. They say the union will drive innovation, scale, and cost efficiency in EV production.

Kim Kardashian's new beaux is a Tesla bot named Optimus. The fashion mogul got some hands-on experience with Tesla's bipedal, human-shaped robot, which is not yet available to the general public. In Kardashian's videos with the robot — posted to X and her Instagram story; Volkswagen of America has a new CEO: Rivian's recently departed chief commercial officer Kjell Gruner. The appointment comes just one week after VW parent company Volkswagen Group formalized a $5.8 billion joint venture with Rivian, which will be focused on EV architecture and software; Apple said the security update for Macs, iPhones, and iPads is "recommended for all users."; Meta hired Salesforce's CEO of AI, Clara Shih, to lead a new organization building AI tools for businesses that use Meta's apps to reach consumers, according to a LinkedIn post from Shih on Tuesday. Meta confirmed the appointment and the new Business AI group in a statement to TechCrunch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shoot us a Text.Today's the day when we release More Than Cars episode 4: Mohawk Chevrolet at 1PM! Oh and we're also talking about Rivian and VW's finalized joint venture, how the UAW is struggling to gain momentum following last year's big wins and how Dodge is adjusting its EV and ICE muscle car plans.Show Notes with links:Rivian Automotive and Volkswagen Group have finalized a significant joint venture worth up to $5.8 billion to advance electrical architecture and software for future EVs, utilizing Rivian's current tech.Since the venture was announced in June, VW's investment in Rivian has grown from an initial $5 billion.Rivian brings its advanced EV technology, while VW contributes its vast manufacturing scale.The initial phase includes deploying Rivian's system in VW vehicles, launching Rivian's R2 by 2026 and VW's Scout brand vehicles by 2027.The partnership focuses on electrical architecture and software, not hardware, though Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh hinted Scout's EVs will leverage the tech.“By combining complementary expertise, we aim to reduce costs and accelerate new tech,” VW's Oliver Blume stated.This venture is crucial for Rivian's financial strategy, as it faced a $1.1 billion Q3 loss amid slowed revenue and production.Outspoken UAW President Shawn Fain is facing mounting obstacles in organizing nonunion U.S. factories owned by Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes, and others amid a shifting political and corporate landscape.Following historic labor deals with the Big 3, Fain aimed to build on momentum, targeting new factories, especially in the South.Despite a spring win at VW, recent efforts at Toyota and Hyundai encountered resistance, as these automakers raised wages to counter unionization drives.Initially focusing on a rapid approach, Fain encouraged online union pledges and fewer traditional one-on-one meetings. At Mercedes in Alabama, a quick vote resulted in a narrow loss, with 56% against unionizing.“It wasn't like we got annihilated there,” Fain said. “That was a very, very close election.”Fain emphasized the importance of the UAW's first contract with VW in Chattanooga, saying, “We won in a place where no one said we could win. Now, the argument is, ‘We're not winning fast enough,' when initially it was, ‘We can't win.'”Dodge is moving up the launch date of its gas-powered Charger Sixpack to early summer 2025, five months ahead of schedule, in response to strong demand for traditional internal combustion muscle cars.The decision was influenced by anticipated regulatory shifts under President-Elect Donald Trump, potentially easing EV mandates.Originally planned for late 2025, the ICE Charger Sixpack is now set to arrive ahead of Dodge's all-electric Charger Daytona.The Charger Sixpack will feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six Hurricane engine, with up to 550 horsepower in the high-output variant.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

FOLLOW UP: EU CHINA TARIFFS UPDATEOn the 31 October, the EU tariffs for China made EVs went live. Click this electrive article link here to read more. This has caused SAIC to take the European Commission to court over the amount it has been charged. You can read more via this electrive article link here. China, it is claimed, has instructed home grown EV makers to not build plants in the EU to get around the extra charges. Once again, electrive have an article link here for you. Additionally, they now want to know the lifecycle of rare earth minerals in Western supply chains. Check out this link to a China Digital Times link here. FOLLOW UP: FINANCE INDUSTRY THROWN INTO TURMOILFollowing a court ruling regarding commission on finance agreements, the industry has been thrown into turmoil as there are questions on what they need to do in order to be compliant. Some companies have halted all offerings for car finance until the situation is clarified. You can find out more, by clicking this AMOnline article link here. FOLLOW UP: AUDI TO CLOSE BRUSSELS PLANT IN 2025As listeners will be aware, Audi plans to close their Belgium plant in early 2025. However, they have been unable to find a suitable buyer to take on the property and run it. To learn more about this, click the electrive article link here. LABOUR'S FIRST UK BUDGET Labour has revealed their first budget, since being voted into power. Fuel duty and the extra relief, is staying in place. However, there are big changes for VED rates, Benefit in Kind (BiK) thresholds, classification for double cab pickups and more. Click this AMOnline article link here to read more. For more on fuel duty and first year VED rates, click this Autocar article link here. To read about the BiK changes, click here for an Autocar article. If you wish to learn more about the changes to taxation for double-cab pickups, click this link from Professional Pickup. VW GROUP PROFITS DOWN €3billion Volkswagen Group profits plunge €3 billion in the latest financial report. The VW brand itself is causing heavy drag thanks to an operating margin of just 2%. The information comes out at a key time when the company is...

Tu and Lei discuss BYD's continued success and marvel at their ability to break record after record. Tu points out that their operation efficiency is one big reason they're able to continue this blistering growth. This leads to a larger conversation about October sales and the sales drops of the European automakers (BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen Group, Porsche) and how much they should be worried about their future prospects. This leads to a discussion about both Stellantis and Volkswagen Group and their recent outwardly vocal pleas to get smaller to shed costs. The podcast closes out with a tariff discussion and how the EU and China may be able to avoid a trade war since both sides really don't want that.  Rumi.aiAll-in-one meeting tool with real-time transcription & searchable Meeting Memory™

FOLLOW UP: VW CONSIDERS RADICAL COST SAVING PLANSInformation has come out as to the extent that Volkswagen Group are considering how to save the $4 billion they state they need to. This includes closing up to three German plants, reducing wages, reducing bonuses and more. Unions have reacted angrily whilst VW has not commented on the claims. To find out more, click this Reuters link here. FOLLOW UP: JLR STILL HAVING REPAIR ISSUESA year ago the CEO of JLR, Adrian Mardell, apologised for how long it was taking to repair their customer's vehicles. This situation is still not resolved. Problems with their supply chain, which not all are their fault, as well as the supply hub they switched to has meant that around 10,000 customer cars are off the road. Click this Autocar article to read more. RADFORD MOTORS FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCYThe car company co-founded by Jenson Button, Ant Antsted and Dan Bednarski, to build a low volume supercar based on a modern interpretation of the Lotus Type 62, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US. This is a debt restructuring move and does not mean the company is folding. There are also two court cases being brought against Ansted and Bednarski over financial matters related to the company. In order to find out more, click this Road & Track article link here. CHINA DEPORTS VW EXEC OVER DRUG ALLEGATIONSChina has deported a senior Volkswagen executive, Jochen Sengphiehl, over claims he failed a recreational drug test. He was held by authorities for 10 days before the action was taken. Many questions come from this, is it real or China flexing? You can read more, by clicking this Reuters article link here. RIVIAN AND BOSCH TAKE EACH OTHER TO COURT Bosch has sued Rivian for breach of contract, which caused Rivian to counter sue. Rivian cancelled their contract for electric drivetrains from the supplier as they will use their own in-house developed ones. Bosch are, understandably, unhappy at the loss of business, whilst Rivian state that this issue is why they did not deliver as many cars as expected previously. Click this electrive link to find out more. NEW PHEV BATTERY GIVES CLAIMED 249 MILE RANGECATL has released information on a plug-in hybrid battery, that gives a claimed electric only range of 249 miles. This has the chaps confused. Why is it PHEV only? Sounds almost too good to be true, but is it? What are Alan and Andrew missing? You can read more on this, by clicking this Autocar article link here. STELLANTIS TO ROAD TEST SOLID STATE BATTERIES IN 2026Stellantis are the latest company to announce when they will be road testing their solid state batteries. Using a fleet of Dodge Charger Daytonas, for some reason, they will be trying them out on the roads in 2026. To read more on this, including the list of others who have claimed they will have...

Scout Motors, the Volkswagen Group spinoff, unveiled Thursday two EVs it hopes will hook American customers with modern-meets-rugged styling that downplays digital and embraces the mechanical. The catch? The company will also offer variants to its all-electric Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra Truck that will come equipped with a built-in gas-powered generator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Volkswagen Group of America CEO Pablo Di Si talks about the launch of the automaker's critical ID Buzz electric SUV and more. Stellantis employees are heading back to the office at least three days a week. Plus, a supplier for GM and Mercedes wins a big grant for microchip production.

StratosAudio, Inc. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Dive into the Volkswagen Group, a global leader in the automotive industry, in this episode of Stock Break.

Freeman Thomas is an American automobile and industrial designer who has worked for Porsche, Volkswagen Group, DaimlerChrysler and Ford. He had his hand in some pivotal cars of our time, including: the VW Concept 1 (it became the new Beetle); the Audi TT, A4, and A6; Dodge Tomahawk motorcycle; and he oversaw the design of numerous vehicles at Ford and Jeep. Now he's the CEO of Meyers Manx, the original dune buggy company that has been brought back to life. https://meyersmanx.com/ Recorded September 20, 2024 Get Maine LobsterHead over to GetMaineLobster.com – Promo Code TIRE – 15% off all orders store-wide  MyBookieDouble your first deposit up to $2,000 (100% deposit bonus) at https://bit.ly/joinwithTIRE Delete MeTake control of your data and keep your private life private by signing up for DeleteMe. Now at a special discount for our listeners. Today get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/tire and use promo code "TIRE" at checkout New merch! Grab a shirt or hoodie and support us! https://thesmokingtireshop.com/ https://www.noduswatches.com/design-lab-shop/p/canyon-by-matt-farah-night-sky Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TSTPOD for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to https://www.offtherecord.com/TST Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast Tweet at us!https://www.Twitter.com/thesmokingtirehttps://www.Twitter.com/zackklapman Instagram:https://www.Instagram.com/thesmokingtirehttps://www.Instagram.com/therealzackklapman Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TST10 for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to http://www.offtherecord.com/TST. Watch our car reviews: https://www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire Tweet at us!https://www.Twitter.com/thesmokingtirehttps://www.Twitter.com/zackklapman Instagram:https://www.Instagram.com/thesmokingtirehttps://www.Instagram.com/therealzackklapman

Walter De Silva is a legend in automotive design. As former design chief for Audi and eventually the Volkswagen Group the Italian design icon created the Audi Singleframe Grill an helped rocket the four rings to the forefront during the 2000s and 2010s with cars like the R8, Q7, Mk2 TT and eventually touched nearly every other Audi, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Bentley, Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda and more. We caught up with Walter and his son Alexandre at Monterey Car Week to recount his career at Audi and the VW Group, chat about his book Il Codice De Silva and some of his other new ventures.

Shoot us a Text.We're brimming with energy on this Tuesday morning, as we discuss VW's decision to originate its US auto loans through Wells Fargo. Plus we talk about the growing gap between car buying expectations and car buying reality and how auto debt just continues to grow.Show Notes with links:Volkswagen is ceasing to originate U.S. auto loans for Audi and VW through its in-house finance division, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS). Starting in April, Wells Fargo will take over this responsibility.Wells Fargo will be responsible for processing all loan applications, underwriting, and servicing loans for VW and Audi customers.VWFS will shift its focus to consumer leasing, usage-based products, and new mobility solutions, aligning with Volkswagen Group's broader growth strategy in the U.S. market.The transition is part of a "multi-year co-branded agreement" aimed at offering improved retail financial solutions for VW, Audi, and Ducati.VWFS will continue managing current loans on its books after the April transition.Ernst Jan van Eijkelenburg, CEO of VW Credit: “This is a union of great strengths... supporting our brands, dealers, and customers.”A new report from Edmunds highlights the growing disconnect between what car shoppers want to pay and the prices they're encountering in the market today.According to Edmunds, the average trade-in age for new vehicles is six years, meaning many shoppers returning in 2023 last bought in 2018.64% of used car buyers aim to spend under $20,000, and 50% target $15,000 or less, but only 5% of transactions were below $10,000, with the average used car costing $26,936. Similarly, 48% of new car buyers want to spend $35,000 or less, but the average new car price in July was $47,716, with almost no vehicles under $20,000.Over 73% of respondents have delayed buying a vehicle due to high prices, 62% due to high interest rates, and more than half are cutting other expenses or working extra hours to afford one.Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds' head of insights: "Consumers are likely being forced into trade-offs, selecting different brands, older vehicles, or even postponing purchases.”A new report from the Financial Times highlights the growing burden of auto loan debt, which now accounts for 9% of household debt, second only to mortgages and surpassing student loans.Auto loan delinquencies are nearing record-high levels set during the 2009 financial crisis, as many struggle to keep up with large payments.Buyers who purchased vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic at inflated prices now face significant negative equity, owing more than their cars are worth as values decline.While fewer prime borrowers are losing their vehicles compared to 2009, auto debt continues to swell, with total automotive debt reaching $1.6 trillion as of September 2023.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, we discuss key developments in the electric vehicle (EV) industry beyond Tesla. We start with GM's BrightDrop merging into Chevrolet and tease the upcoming Scout model reveal from Volkswagen Group. We highlight BYD's strategic delay on a Mexican plant and the performance features of Hyundai's 641-horsepower Ioniq 5 N. Leasing options under $300 are explored, along with Great Britain's energy mix and the recent addition of 9,000 public charging ports in the U.S. We also examine the growing trend of battery swapping and its potential benefits for the EV market. This episode is filled with essential insights for EV enthusiasts.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Other Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle PlaylistNews:Tesla AI RoadmapGridwatch Ontario EditionKia Incentives If You Own A TeslaBest Family EVsLucid Midsize CrossoverFord EV Owners Can Get PaidLucid's Software UpdateVolvo Software UpdateActual Smart SummonWireless RoboTaxi PatentTesla Child Safety FeatureElon Debunks WSJSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Support the show at https://plus.acast.com/s/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, we discuss key developments in the electric vehicle (EV) industry beyond Tesla. We start with GM's BrightDrop merging into Chevrolet and tease the upcoming Scout model reveal from Volkswagen Group. We highlight BYD's strategic delay on a Mexican plant and the performance features of Hyundai's 641-horsepower Ioniq 5 N. Leasing options under $300 are explored, along with Great Britain's energy mix and the recent addition of 9,000 public charging ports in the U.S. We also examine the growing trend of battery swapping and its potential benefits for the EV market. This episode is filled with essential insights for EV enthusiasts.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Other Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle PlaylistNews:Bright Drop Delivery Brands Move to ChevroletHyundai IONIQ 5 N2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 NACS EquippedScout RevealIs BYD Preparing to Enter the US Market?EV Leases Under $3000% EV FinancingHow Many EV Charging Ports in the USDashboard Showing Energy Transmission in the UKAdvantages of EV Battery SwappingSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Support the show at https://plus.acast.com/s/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   12th Annual Startup Ecosystem Report - The GSER, powered by the world's most quality-controlled dataset on startup ecosystems, analyzes data from over 4.5 million companies across 300+ entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems.    Swiss Startup Connects 16 Human Brains To Create Low Energy Biocomputer - FinalSpark's bio-computer, which integrates living brain cells (organoids) into its design, consumes significantly less energy than traditional digital processors, using about a million times less power.   Fisker Files for Bankruptcy - Fisker Group Inc., founded by designer Henrik Fisker, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware District Court, following numerous issues with its Ocean SUV, including recalls and lemon law lawsuits.   Rivian just got a $1B Convertible Note from Volkswagen in a deal related to developing their software - Volkswagen Group will invest $1 billion in Rivian as part of a broad software development deal, which could expand to $5 billion. This includes creating a joint venture with a 50-50 partnership to develop and grow technology.   Astronauts stranded in space due to multiple issues with Boeing's Starliner — and the window for a return flight is closing - NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, originally scheduled to return on June 13, are now stranded on the ISS indefinitely due to issues with Boeing's Starliner, with the earliest return date pushed to June 26.   Introducing a new section called Pebbling - https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/star-psychologist-adam-grant-pebbling-secret-stronger-relationships.html    ESports Coming To the Olympic Games - https://sports.yahoo.com/olympic-video-games-know-olympic-142926997.html    4 Signs Your Body Is Telling You It's Time to Take a Break - https://time.com/6977883/what-does-stress-feel-like/?linkId=466794915    George Strait Concert Breaks US Attendance Record Held Since 1977 - https://www.fox44news.com/news/local-news/george-strait-concert-breaks-us-attendance-record-held-by-rock-band-since-1977/    Olympic Swimming Trials Pool Assembly Was Impressive - https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-innovation-takes-the-lead-at-olympic-swimming-pool-projiect-in-lucas-oil-stadium/    A Comprehensive Guide To ALL 63 National Parks in the United States - Detailing unique features, historical significance, and activities available in each park. One other thing to watch out for is quicksand…   How to Survive Quicksand by How To Survive - Check out the video on YouTube!   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

Mary Ann, Haje and Kirsten are back on the mic for this week's episode, which was is jam-packed with deals, hot topics, and the latest dramaaaaaa in the tech world. For Deals of the Week, Haje wanted to chat about Formation Bio, an AI-focused drug development startup that just raised a whopping $372 million in Series D funding, led by Andreessen Horowitz. Next, Kirsten broke down the surprising partnership between Volkswagen Group and Rivian and how its initial $1 billion investment could grow up to $5 billion. To wrap up our deals, Mary-Ann highlighted Nubank's acquisition of Hyperplane, an AI-for-banks startup. Moving onto our themes, Haje took us on a deep dive into the fediverse, a decentralized network of social media platforms like Mastodon, Threads, and even Trump's Truth Social. The fediverse has seen a surge in popularity, especially after Elon Musk acquired Twitter (now X). Mastodon, for example, has just about tripled its user base since Musk took over. The appeal lies in its decentralized nature, offering users more control and niche communities. Whether you're a photographer, a journalism enthusiast, or just someone fed up with traditional social media, the fediverse has something for you.Last but not least, we discussed the ongoing debate around DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) in tech in a more controversial segment. Scale AI's founder Alexandr Wang recently sparked a debate by advocating for MEI (Merit, Excellence, Intelligence) over DEI. This has drawn support from big names like Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey but also significant criticism.The stats are troubling: new women recruit levels in the U.S. data industry have dropped dramatically, and DEI-related job listings are down.Equity will be back on Wednesday with a new interview episode, so stay tuned!Equity is TechCrunch's flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes over at Simplecast. Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.

In today's episode of Discover Daily, we explore a range of fascinating stories from across the realms of science, technology, and culture. We begin by delving into the puzzling absence of waves on Saturn's moon Titan, where despite evidence of wind and rainfall, radar data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft has revealed eerily smooth lakes. Researchers propose that the cold, heavy air during Titan's northern winter may have been insufficient to generate waves, but as the moon approaches its summer solstice, climate models predict an increase in wind activity that could lead to the formation of waves and potentially shape the morphology of Titan's coastlines.Next, we discuss China's historic success in collecting and returning the first-ever samples from the moon's far side through its groundbreaking Chang'e 6 mission. The approximately two kilograms of lunar rock and soil collected from the Apollo crater within the South Pole–Aitken Basin are expected to provide valuable insights into the moon's geological history and the differences between its near and far sides. This achievement marks a significant milestone in planetary science and underscores China's growing prowess in space exploration, positioning the country as a formidable competitor in the new space race.Finally, we cover Volkswagen Group's substantial investment of up to 5 billion dollars in U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian. This strategic financial commitment, structured in multiple phases, aims to accelerate the development of software-defined vehicles and cutting-edge electric vehicle technology through a 50/50 joint venture. The collaboration addresses challenges faced by both traditional automakers and EV startups, combining Volkswagen's manufacturing expertise with Rivian's innovative approach to electric vehicle design and software development. The announcement of the partnership had an immediate and significant impact on Rivian's stock performance, with shares skyrocketing by over 50% in aftermarket trading.From Perplexity's Discover feed:https://www.perplexity.ai/page/China-Collects-Samples-Mna5gDmHTS24vhfFFsngZA https://www.perplexity.ai/page/Volkswagen-Puts-Billions-jz9srcNDQxW7WvjLOrmksAhttps://www.perplexity.ai/page/The-MTV-News-JcgnS24rRbmutoqGHYddqQ https://www.perplexity.ai/page/Finding-the-Missing-p9CzbmEcS_ueWpThpK7HsAPerplexity is the fastest and most powerful way to search the web. Perplexity crawls the web and curates the most relevant and up-to-date sources (from academic papers to Reddit threads) to create the perfect response to any question or topic you're interested in. Take the world's knowledge with you anywhere. Available on iOS and Android Join our growing Discord community for the latest updates and exclusive content. Follow us on: Instagram Threads X (Twitter) YouTube Linkedin

FOLLOW UP: NHTSA INVESTIGATES MORE WAYMO INCIDENTSThe National Highways and Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA) are investigating further incidents involving Waymo vehicles. The nine extra are focused on stationary or semi-stationary items such as gates, chains and utility poles. If you wish to learn more, click on this TechCrunch link here. FOLLOW UP: CRUISE AGREE PAYOUT TO PEDESTRIAN VICTIM Cruise, the self-driving development company, has agreed to pay the victim of the road incident that involved her being dragged and severely injured by the car, between $8 and $12 million as compensation. Exact details have not been confirmed. Click this Market Watch article link for more. FOLLOW UP: CAR THING TO BE BRICKED BY SPOTIFYAfter the huge fuss made on its launch, by Spotify, the Car Thing will be bricked by the company as it moves on from it. This was a device you bought and had to subscribe to Spotify Premium, fitted to your car interior, to allow you to play some tunes and if you could see it enable Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2022 they confirmed they were stopping production, just a couple of months after it going on general sale. Click this Ars Technica article link here, to read more. UK APPROVES NEW SELF-DRIVING LEGISLATIONThe UK Government has gained the royal signature for the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act. This brings into law, for the first time, that car makers will be held responsible for their vehicles if it is being used in autonomous mode and not the driver. You can learn more on this, by clicking this AMOnline link here. BMW, MINI, VW AND JLR FITTED PARTS BANNED IN USAA US congressional investigation has discovered that BMW, Mini, Volkswagen Group and JLR sourced parts from Chinese suppliers that contravened the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, even after they were made aware. VW replaced the parts on the US dockside, before they were allowed to be handed to customers and dealers. To read more, click this article link to The Guardian. JLR TO ASSEMBLE CARS IN INDIAIn order to help with the increasing demand for their vehicles in Asia, JLR will be assembling Range Rovers and Range Rover Sports at the Tata Pune plant. Other models have been handled in this way since 2011. Click this article link from Autocar for more. ITALY IMPOUNDS FIAT TOPOLINOSFiat Topolinos, their version of the Citroën Ami, have been impounded in Italy after they were found to have the Italian flag on their wings and it was seen as suggesting that the car was made in Italy, rather than Morocco where it is actually made.

On this episode of Looking Outside we explore the intersection of creativity with marketing and what it takes to take a good brand to a great brand. Joining us is marketing and strategy leader, Juan Isaza, Chief strategy officer at DDB Latina, and Head of Brand and Social Media Strategy at creative agency 14.While today Juan is an award winning strategist and experienced marketer, he didn't start in the field. Ever since he was seven years old, Juan wanted to be a journalist. But having done a stint at a Columbian newspaper, after studying journalism and communications, he saw quickly that his love of uncovering great stories and telling them in a compelling way was better served in the world of advertising.Juan shares how his journalism background helps him in strategy; particularly in being resourceful and telling engaging stories that hook the audience. But equally in telling better stories about people, by discovering them in unexpected places. Juan says this ability to find the emotive connection with culture is the biggest shift in communication taking place, and is a fruitful space for marketing.But it's not necessarily easy. Jo and Juan discuss how brands are operating in emotional battle fields right now within which they can get caught on the "wrong" side or in the middle. Juan's advice to brands is not to talk unless you have the credentials for it, based on actions already taken. This is the reason consumers are getting tired of brands meddling in political or social issues, Juan says, and just because they don't want brands to get involved in politics doesn't mean they don't want brands to do good things for society. “Your best cause is the thing you're living inside your company,” Juan stresses. Juan also shares his personal reflections of culture in the advertising world, where stereotyping still happens and freedoms can be inhibited. He says a lot of work is still to be done, and it needs to start with empathy, understanding and in-room representation. It's part of the reason why Juan won DEI person of the year from the New York Festival for his work managing DDB Mexico, and it can – as the proof shows – lead to greater creativity. Juan and Jo discuss the formula for successful campaigns, and the need for brands to leverage the power of creativity in their content, by opening themselves to more experimentation. Juan has seen a positive move over time towards long term brand building, without compromising short term measurement metrics, but stresses that the old school thinking of marketers in trying to control every aspect of their brand and planning every element of how their brand will show up, limits their ability to inject spontaneity into their work – a key element of creative marketing.>>>To look outside, Juan looks for ideas in everything he observes. Inspiration for him can come from any place, information, source or conversation. He finds them often in papers from philosophers and sociologists who are analyzing societal shifts at a macro level. Every year, Juan publishes a trend report, which started as a personal exercise, motivated by curiosity and led by a simple desired out come to discovery key topics emerging for brands. For this, Juan takes a few months towards the end of the year to create a mind map,, then synthesizes it at the quiet last week of the year. >>>Juan Isaza is the Chief Strategy Officer at DDB Latina and leads the global Strategy and Social Media at 14, the DDB agency for SEAT and CUPRA brands (Volkswagen Group). He has worked in regional and global projects for major international brands such as Volkswagen, McDonald's, Telefónica, BBVA, Bridgestone, Mars, and Clorox. He led the team that was the first in Latin...

Melissa Rimoldi, CEO/Founder of Legion Force, has a unique automotive journey that spans over three decades, driven by her unwavering dedication to helping companies navigate the complexities of the automotive industry. Melissa graduated from California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Marketing. She has worked directly for Mazda USA, Volkswagen Group of America, Innocean Worldwide on Hyundai USA, and has provided B2B/B2C/SaaS, digital technology, and vendor services across 15 OEMs in the automotive space. Her positive spirit has allowed her to develop valuable insights across the entire spectrum, from remanufacturing and quality assurance to engineering, warranty, aftersales, sales, marketing, advertising, and even starting three new start-up companies. At a certain point in her career, Melissa took a risk and started her next journey with a commitment to make an impact. Due to her diverse background, she is on a mission to challenge the status quo by prioritizing the needs of dealers, OEMs, and everything in between. Her core focus is on creating niche partnerships within the vast automotive and retail network. In the upcoming months, Legion Force will be launching a new platform that highlights their trusted experts. These experts will consult with real-world knowledge, experience, and unbiased insights to help clients and partners with a larger focus on the untapped opportunities in the industry. Melissa also plans to expand efforts to further support women in the automotive industry through various forums. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews... YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

It's the fourth Friday in March with one still to go as we talk about a new EV brand entering the US market. We also discuss the surprising cheapest lease in America right now, as well as a smooth stop for online retailer Vroom. Show Notes with links:There's going to be yet another new EV brand in town as Volkswagen Group's sporty, electric vehicle-focused Cupra brand is set to enter the U.S. by the end of the decade, debuting with two utility vehicles and leveraging VW Group's Mexican assembly plants for production.Cupra plans to introduce an electric Formentor crossover and a larger, unnamed electric crossover SUV to the U.S., using a new distribution model the company didn't articulateIn 2023, Cupra's sales surged by 51%, with Germany as its largest market, yet it eyes the U.S. for a bigger global footprint.Focused on "young, progressive customers," Cupra will target selected states, especially on the East and West coasts and the Sun Belt, using a novel distribution model.Current vehicles include the Tavascan, Born, Formentor, Leon, Leon Sportstourer, and AtecaCupra CEO Wayne Griffiths, emphasized readiness and market fit for their U.S. venture saying"We know it's always been a matter of being well prepared and doing it right if you go to the U.S.Hyundai's Ioniq 6 SE is now America's cheapest lease deal, offering a no-money-down lease for just $239 per month for 12k miles per yearHyundai has rolled out an unadvertised lease offer to dealers for the 2024 Ioniq 6 SE, making it available until April 1, 2024.Comparatively, the Ioniq 6 SE's effective cost of $249 a month undercuts the lease cost of vehicles like the 2024 Toyota Corolla LE in Southern California by over $100 monthly.While the offer applies to a 24-month lease with a 12,000-mile annual limit, it requires only the first month's payment upfrontCost of ownership may still have a few surprises for lessees as lessees as insurance costs for Ionic 6 might be higher than expectedIt looks like our friends at Vroom are coasting to a stop as they navigate the final lap of their ecommerce operations. Vroom's journey through the used-car retail market is drawing to a close, with the company anticipating a complete wind down by the end of Q1.Vroom has successfully sold off nearly all its used vehicle inventory as part of its strategy to wind down ecommerce operations and exit the used-car retail sector.Following the sell-off, Vroom has cleared its floorplan facility debt with Ally, boasting about $94 million in cash reserves as of February's end.The company is reducing its workforce to align with its scaled-down activities.CEO Tom Shortt expressed pride in the team's professionalism during this transition, focusing on an efficient and cost-effective wind-down process. Vroom now aims to leverage its remaining entities, United Auto Credit and CarStory, to enhance stakeholder value.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

By Adam Turteltaub As of January 2024, there's a new Code of Conduct of the Volkswagen Group, replacing one developed in 2017. To understand what led to the latest iteration of the code and the vision behind it we spoke with Silke Becker and Sarah Specht (LinkedIn) of Volkswagen Group Integrity & Compliance. They are part of a team lead by Tina Landsmann, Head of Volkswagen Group Center of Competence Integrity & Compliance Awareness & Qualification and Dr. Kurt Michels, Volkswagen Group Chief Integrity & Compliance Officer. The code was updated to reflect changing times, including the draft European Supply Chain Act. This required a change in content, but the team also chose to update the tone and feel. The language of the document now focuses on “we” and “us”, and it is very proactive, making the document less about what the board or management calls for and is instead about what we as a group are committing to. Each section of the code has a headline that reinforces this message: “We take responsibility for human rights,” “We lead based on our values,” “We like diversity.” The document embraces a magazine style to increase readability, and there is the opportunity to digitally drill down on individual topics, make it a one-stop shop for employees. As the team developed the document, in partnership with individuals around the company from multiple departments, they had several goals in mind. First, it had to be relevant for everyone, whether working in conventional auto manufacturing or battery development. Second, it had to work all around the globe given Volkswagen's global footprint. It also had to be more human. Take some time to see all of these elements and more when you explore the code. Then listen to the podcast to hear the story behind it and, maybe, get some ideas for updating your code of conduct.

Lei headed over to Germany for Porsche's Annual Press Conference so much of the podcast was dedicated to what Lei learned about during his visit and led to a broader discussion about Volkswagen Group and what Tu thought about VW Group's annual press conference and how important Porsche is to Volkswagen Group's global goals. After a detailed discussion on Germany's largest automaker and one of its most important brands, the discussion moved over to NIO and their reaching 40M swaps. Tu and Lei also talked a bit about NIO's mass market brand Onvo and how it'll be positioned alongside the NIO premium brand and the yet to be launched Firefly brand. The podcast ends with a discussion on not counting VW Group out just yet, although the mountain they need to climb to get back into the driver's seat in China seems insurmountable at this time. Tu also briefly discusses some of the initial quality challenges some BYD vehicles are having in the export markets, but doesn't see anything out of the ordinary or that shoud be cause for alarm just yet. BYD is new to those markets and their products will react to each of the climates differently but it's a learning process that should help them strenghthen the future quality and reliability of their global portfolio. 

Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel are joined by Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, a contributor to The Intercooler's digital car magazine and a heavy-hitter in automotive engineering circles. Dr Eichhorn was instrumental in the development of the game-changing Ford Focus, after which he was poached by Dr Ferdinand Piëch at the Volkswagen Group. There he led the development of a W12-powered supercar that inspired the Bugatti Veyron before joining Bentley to become its chief engineer. During a long stint in Crewe he oversaw the development of a number of new models that underpinned Bentley's astonishing transformation. Later he became the most senior engineer in the entire Volkswagen Group.This is the fascinating story of one of the most decorated careers in modern automotive engineering, told by the man himself.The best writers, the finest stories and no ads, all on The Intercooler's beautiful online car magazine. Visit www.the-intercooler.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FOLLOW UP: VW AND GERMAN GOV LOSE ENGINE FIX FIGHTA German environmental group has won its court case against the Volkswagen Group and the German Government for allowing the use of thermal windows in engine emissions, for the last eight years. Whilst the regulator allowed it the court ruled they should not have. You can learn more by clicking this electrive article link here. FOLLOW UP: CMA WINS APPEAL AGAINST BMW AND VWThe Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) has won its appeal relating to forcing BMW and the Volkswagen Group hand over information to enable their investigation into possible anti-competative practices for recycling vehicles. The argument from BMW and VW is that they are based outside of the UK therefore the CMA has no authority. The Court of Appeal ruled they do. For more on this story, click this Reuters article link here. FOLLOW UP: FEEDBACK ON THE CHAT GPT EXPLAINERThank you to everyone who got in touch, following the release of last week's show and the separate video which explained Chat GPT, AI and why it is a bad idea in cars. We are glad it has helped so many of you. If you haven't seen it yet, click this link to our YouTube video here. BRITAIN STICKS TO MONOCHROME NEW CARS IN 2023Topping the chart, once again, we find that grey is the most popular colour for new car registrations. The top three are rounded out with black and white - yawn. Do click this link to SMMT's article on this, as there is one chart that lists the Top 10 colours and how many have been registered in that colour, it is eye opening. EU INVESTIGATORS TO VISIT CHINESE CAR COMPANIESAs part of the EU's investigation into whether China unfairly helps their own manufacturing base, with electric vehicles, they will be visiting several firms at locations in the country to check if information supplied matches. They will not be checking on European set ups. Click this link, from electrive, to read more on this development. EVS IN THE EU WILL NEED A BATTERY PASSPORT FROM 2027A system has been developed that aims to track everything about a vehicle battery, from minerals in the ground to what was last done to it in the car. This comes into force in February 2027. Depending on which group is looking to access the data, different levels of information will be available. You can learn more by clicking this Autocar link here. SUBARU UK GETS A NEW MDCongratulations to Lorraine Bishton on her appointment as the new managing director at Subaru UK. She has previously worked at Ford, JLR and lately at McLaren Special Operations. If you wish to learn more, click this AMOnline link here. If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that

It's EV News Briefly for Tuesday 11th July. I'll be back as usual at 5pm UK time, that's Midday Eastern, for the full podcast.  Patreon supporters get the episodes as soon as they're ready AND ad free. You can be like them by clicking here. Carvana has released its top-selling electric vehicles (EVs) for the first half of 2023, with the Tesla Model 3 ranking first and the Nissan LEAF second. Carvana's total EV sales have seen a significant increase of 786% over the past five years, indicating a growing interest in affordable EV ownership. The company offers over 46 different EV models, with more than 40% priced under $25,000, making them relatively affordable. Volvo is reportedly planning to launch its first-ever people mover in China by the end of the year. A heavily camouflaged prototype, resembling the Zeekr 009 electric people mover, has been spotted in the country. The Volvo people mover is expected to share exterior styling and underpinnings with the Zeekr 009. It is rumored to feature a similar LED lighting arrangement to Volvo's EX30 and EX90 electric SUVs. It remains uncertain whether the vehicle will be released in other markets. Tesla is laying off some of its electric-vehicle battery workers at its Shanghai plant in China. The company has not provided an official reason for the layoffs, but there are suggestions that automation equipment may be replacing the affected workers. These workers are involved in building battery modules and packs for Tesla vehicles. While some employees have been given the option to transfer to another department at the factory, the exact number of layoffs is unknown . Tesla has unveiled its latest V4 Supercharger station in France, featuring longer cables and improved access with a more ergonomic pile placement. The station includes one charging pile dedicated to EV trailers and 11 others covered by metal structures that will eventually have solar roofs installed. The V4 Supercharger stations have the potential to offer faster charging speeds than the current V3 Superchargers, thanks to their theoretical maximum of 1MW. Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös has announced that the company will blacklist any customer attempting to sell the new Rolls Spectre, the brand's first electric car, for profit. The announcement was made during the launch of the new car, which is set to be delivered later this year. Some dealers in Britain, who have sold the car at inflated prices, are reportedly unhappy with the brand's remarks. Rolls-Royce has implemented a rigorous testing program to ensure the car's quality. Automobili Pininfarina has introduced the Battista Edizione Nino Farina, an exclusive edition of the all-electric hypercar model Battista. Each of the 150 units of the Battista Edizione Nino Farina takes 10 weeks to assemble, involving up to 1,340 hours of handcrafting. This special edition pays tribute to Battista "Pinin" Farina, the founder of Carrozzeria Pininfarina, and his nephew Nino Farina, the first-ever Formula 1 champion. The Battista Edizione Nino Farina, like other limited versions of the Battista, offers exceptional performance at a high price point. Instavolt has revealed plans for the UK's largest rapid electric vehicle charging hub, located near Winchester. The "Super Hub" will include on-site amenities, solar arrays, and energy storage. It aims to install a significant number of rapid chargers for cars, towing vehicles, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to contribute towards the goal of installing 10,000 rapid chargers in the UK by 2030. The exact number of chargers and the opening date are currently being finalized. Instavolt's Super Hub is the first of several planned hubs, providing reliable and easy-to-use chargers on the strategic road network. Nio will launch its sleek ET5 electric sedan in the UK at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. The ET5 features a 12.8-inch center infotainment and controls screen and Nio's personal voice assistant Nomi. It was first delivered in Europe in March and is equipped with two motors producing 360 kW of power, 700 Nm of peak torque, and capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds. The availability of the ET5 in right-hand-drive configurations means Nio's vehicles will be accessible to the UK, Australia, and New Zealand marke ts. The UK's grid operator, National Grid, aims to reduce carbon emissions through smart charging for electric vehicles (EVs). Their Future Energy Scenarios report promotes aligning EV charging with periods of low demand and high renewable power supply, particularly during sunny and windy days.  VinFast, a Vietnamese carmaker, has unveiled three new electric cars and electric bike models. The new electric cars include the VF 3, designed for the Vietnamese market, as well as the VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs. Technical details and prices for the VF 3 have not been disclosed. The VF 6 is available in two variants, offering 130 kW or 150 kW electric motors with a 399 km WLTP range. The VF 7, equipped with all-wheel drive and an additional 110 kW electric motor, has a 450 km range on a single charge and a battery capacity of 75.3 kWh. Giovanni Palazzo has been appointed to lead Volkswagen Group's charging infrastructure and energy business, overseeing the Elli and Electrify America charging services. Palazzo's plans include expanding the fast charging network, developing a smart energy platform, and introducing new business models globally. He aims to strengthen collaboration between the brands and focus on load distribution, energy market optimization, and energy trading solutions. Volkswagen intends to consolidate its global activities in charging infrastructure and energy services under the Charging and Energy business field.

Meta shares its 4 year AR/VR hardware roadmap. What does it say and more importantly what can consumers expect in the near future? And the Volkswagen Group is planning to launch an app store for the infotainment system in upcoming car models. We discuss what might be behind the move and will this help or confuse consumers?Starring Sarah Lane, Rich Stroffolino, Scott Johnson, Roger Chang, Joe.Link to the Show Notes. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/dtns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.