🏳️ December 11: Lucid’s 450-Mile Wonder, Europe’s EV Headaches, and GM’s Robotaxi Retreat

The Gist

Tired of wading through EV hype and boardroom drama? Here’s your cheat sheet: Lucid’s Gravity SUV is all “Longer range, higher price,” proving that EV luxury ain’t cheap—but hey, it’s a good look for your showroom’s halo spot. Meanwhile, a Sheikh’s absurd Mustang-Ram mashup reminds us that personalizing rides is still an art (or circus).

On the dealer front, sentiment’s looking up for 2025, but don’t break out the confetti. The market’s still wobbly, EV optimism is on the downswing, and interest rates lurk like party poopers. At least Volvo’s electrified lineup is zipping off shelves like IKEA meatballs—proof that range anxiety fades when the product’s right.

Europe’s stuck in a spin cycle of regulation and stagnation, and China’s exploiting every gap. Domestic side? Over 90% of EV adopters say, “Gas who?” Meanwhile, battery prices tumble, marching us toward parity with gas cars. And GM’s robotaxi dream? Crashed. Reality check, anyone?

Fuel for Thought

• 🚀 Gravity Grounded?

  • Lucid’s 450-Mile SUV and Its Grand Ambitions

  • Bigger Battery, Bigger Dreams

• 🦄 Frankencoupe Fantasy

  • The Absurd Mustang-Ram Mashup That’s Not a Joke

  • Towering Over Reality

• 📈 Number Crunch Nirvana

• 🔌 Volvo’s Voltage Victory Lap

  • Electrified Momentum, Anyone?

  • North American Relevance

• 🚧 Euro Auto’s Uphill Battle

  • A Storm of Challenges

  • Dealer’s Global Takeaway

  • No Time for Complacency

• 🔄 Once You Go Electric…

  • No Going Back

• 💰 Battery Bargain Countdown

  • Falling Battery Prices, Rising Hope

  • Stepping Into the Future

• 🤖 Robotaxi Retreat

  • Is this the end of robotaxis?

  • Wait, didn’t GM say they were leaders in AV tech?

  • Should dealerships care about GM’s tail-between-le …

  • Is this just GM’s way of saying, ‘No thanks, we pr …

🚀 Gravity Grounded?

Lucid’s 450-Mile SUV and Its Grand Ambitions

Lucid’s Gravity SUV just nabbed a solid 450-mile EPA rating, edging out early estimates. For dealers, that’s code for “customers with fewer range freak-outs.” But while that’s nice, Lucid’s not selling bargain rides—it’s offering top-tier EVs at top-tier prices.

Bigger Battery, Bigger Dreams

Lucid’s Gravity beats its own hype: 450 miles on a charge is no joke. The three-row layout invites that soccer-family demographic who still think EV = tiny hatch. Pricing? Starting in the nosebleeds at nearly $95K. But the trade-off is a car dripping in tech, efficiency, and a brag-worthy frunk. Hey, someone’s gotta launch the luxury EV future, and Lucid’s playing the long game—who knows, maybe by the time its $50K SUV arrives in 2026, the sticker shock will wear off.

🦄 Frankencoupe Fantasy

The Absurd Mustang-Ram Mashup That’s Not a Joke

Ever wonder what happens when a 2015 Mustang body merges with a Ram truck chassis and gets dolled up to look like a 1920s convertible? Meet the “Rammus.” It’s wacky, it’s tall, it’s absurd, and it’s commissioned by a UAE Sheikh who clearly had too much time (and money) on his hands.

Towering Over Reality

This monstrosity sits twice as high as a normal Mustang, flaunting whitewalls, spares on the fenders, and cavernous engine bay space to host a Hemi V8 that’s just chilling there. It’s ridiculous, yet meticulously built. For dealers in the States, it’s a reminder: there’s always a market for the unexpected—even if it’s just for gawkers. Sure, we’re not selling these beasts, but the lesson stands: personalization sells stories, and stories sell cars.

📈 Number Crunch Nirvana

The Cox Automotive Q4 2024 Dealer Sentiment Index shows rising optimism among U.S. dealers. They’re looking forward to stronger markets, but still wrestle with current weakness and a cloudy EV future. Let’s dissect:

• Market Outlook Index Jumps to 54:
  Dealers’ expectations for stronger markets soared from Q3’s 42 to a solid 54 in Q4. This big leap signals confidence in next-quarter conditions—no small feat in a volatile economy.

• Current Market Index at 42:
  Despite brighter horizons, dealers still see the “now” as weak. It’s slightly better than last year, but nowhere near pre-pandemic norms. Think of it as “glass half full, but with a cracked rim.”

• EV Sentiment Slumps to 43:
  Dealers aren’t exactly partying about EV sales. With a score of 43, most think EVs aren’t meeting last year’s expectations. Future EV sales? Even worse—dropping to 35, meaning they smell a downturn ahead.

• Interest Rates & Economy Top Concerns:
  Over half (56%) blame the economy, 52% fret over interest rates. Meanwhile, political climate’s effect dipped after the election, down from 44% to 35%. Dealers seem relieved, but not enough to pop champagne.

• Profit Index Nudges to 35:
  Profitability’s still shy of glory days. Slight bumps from Q3 won’t erase nostalgia for 2021’s fat margins. Costs eased a bit (index dropped from 77 to 71), but “tight belt” days persist.

🔌 Volvo’s Voltage Victory Lap

Electrified Momentum, Anyone?

Volvo’s electrified lineup is zipping out the door. With 41.2% of its November sales plugged in—up a whopping 55.3%—the Scandinavian stalwart isn’t just dipping its toes into EV waters; it’s doing a cannonball. The XC60 dominates the leaderboard, hauling in 4,713 sales, a 48.7% jump from last year. Oh, Canada? 60.3% of sales electrified. Maple syrup and battery packs, what a combo.

North American Relevance

For U.S. dealers, Volvo’s EV surge signals consumers slowly shaking off range anxiety. As more brands hit these growth metrics, we edge closer to an era where electrification is the norm, not a novelty. Volvo’s nimble approach—offering PHEVs and full BEVs—means customers pick their flavor of green without sacrificing brand cachet. Sure, EVs aren’t cheap yet, but this enthusiasm says customers trust Volvo’s long-term roadmap.

🚧 Euro Auto’s Uphill Battle

A Storm of Challenges

European automakers are trapped in a blender of troubles. From super-strict emission rules to sluggish EV infrastructure, plus that lingering specter of U.S. tariffs, it’s a buffet of stress. The continent’s bigwigs are struggling to make electrification profitable and fast, while China cranks out affordable, appealing EVs at breakneck speed.

Dealer’s Global Takeaway

Why should a U.S. dealer care about VW’s nightmares in Berlin? Because global supply chains and pricing ripple across the pond. If Europe’s battery dreams fizzle, China fills the gap, and that could mean dependent costs, shifting tech standards, and potential inventory rollercoasters stateside.

No Time for Complacency

To survive, Europeans must deliver cheaper EVs, scale infrastructure, and play nice with policymakers. Otherwise, the old guard will watch Tesla and Chinese upstarts steal not just market share, but the narrative of who owns the future. Meanwhile, U.S. dealers keep one eye on Europe’s stumbles, hoping it doesn’t send any nasty echoes our way.

🔄 Once You Go Electric…

No Going Back

A global survey says over 90% of EV drivers will never return to gasoline. That’s a staggering loyalty. Cheaper running costs, greener conscience, and smooth torque have basically spoiled them. For dealers, this is gold: once customers shift electric, they’re hooked. Keep them happy with charging solutions and service perks, and you’ve got a lifelong revenue stream in the new battery-powered era.

💰 Battery Bargain Countdown

Falling Battery Prices, Rising Hope

Lithium-ion battery prices are dropping so fast it’s like Black Friday every quarter. A 20% plunge this year alone suggests price parity with gas cars might arrive by 2026. For dealers, that’s the Holy Grail—pitching EVs that won’t trigger sticker shock. But it’s a delicate dance: the Inflation Reduction Act’s battery credits juiced this cost collapse, and with a political shift in D.C., who knows if incentives will stay?

Stepping Into the Future

Still, there’s no stopping the momentum. As raw materials cheapen and manufacturing scales, EVs become mainstream darlings. Cheaper EVs mean broader customer bases and smoother conversations: “Yes, it’s electric. No, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.” Keep an eye on policy changes, though. Smooth sailing depends on stable incentives and supply chains. Cross your fingers and charge ahead.

🤖 Robotaxi Retreat

GM just yanked the plug on its Cruise robotaxi program, blaming regulatory drama and tough competition. After a grisly accident, confidence tanked faster than a lead foot at a yellow light. Now, the once-promising autonomous future hits a corporate detour.

Is this the end of robotaxis?

They’re not going extinct, but GM’s face-plant suggests we’ll wait a tad longer before driverless cars zip us around. Other players, like Waymo, are revving engines. GM’s waving a white flag or “restructuring” (corporate speak for “we messed up”).

Wait, didn’t GM say they were leaders in AV tech?

Leaders on paper, sure. But after one big oops and regulatory spankings, suddenly that leadership looks like a cheap knock-off. Turns out being a ‘pioneer’ is easy—staying one is harder, especially when regulators and reality don’t play nice.

Should dealerships care about GM’s tail-between-legs exit?

Absolutely. Dealer floors are about trust, stability, and brand prestige. Watching an industry giant flail at future tech might spook some customers. But hey, silver lining: at least human-driven test drives aren’t going obsolete this week.

Is this just GM’s way of saying, ‘No thanks, we prefer brake pedals’?

Kind of. It’s a pivot back to what works: assisted-driving tech that doesn’t scare the suits or the public. Autonomy is still a dream, but GM’s decided someone else can pay the therapy bills while they regroup.

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