📈 December 9: Wholesale Prices, Pope’s EV, and Rivian’s Charging Play

The Gist

Rivian and Tesla dominate the EV chatter, with Rivian earning sky-high customer satisfaction while tripping over reliability issues—and Tesla keeping it edgy with Cybertruck recalls and charging moves. Dodge, meanwhile, flexes its muscle car identity with an electric Charger ad that calls other EVs “soulless,” because why not?

The Pope is going green with an EV Popemobile, proving holiness and horsepower can coexist. Rolls-Royce offers a DIY luxury experience with a $5,500 miniature model, for those who need bespoke in bite-size. Colorado has dethroned California as the EV capital, thanks to big tax incentives, while Toyota pumps the brakes on its 621-mile Lexus EV until 2027.

VinFast is doubling its production with a new factory, and France hit 15% EV adoption—led by the retro-cool Renault 5. Whether you’re here for the drama, the data, or the snark, this digest has something for everyone.

Fuel for Thought

• ⚡️ Rivian and Tesla: Love, Reliability, and Drama

• 🚗 Dodge vs. Robotaxis: Weakness Is Not an Option

• ⚡ Holy Batteries, Batman! The Popemobile Goes Elec …

  • Why does the Pope need an EV?

  • What’s so special about this thing?

  • Can I buy one?

• 🛠️ Build-a-Rolls: Luxury DIY Edition

  • Rolls-Royce Gets Crafty

  • From Assembly Line to Home

  • Rolls-Royce’s Miniature Legacy

• 📊 Wholesale Vehicle Prices: A November Recap

• 🌄 From Beach to Rockies: Colorado Takes EV Crown

  • Colorado Surpasses California

  • Tax Incentives Galore

  • Infrastructure Expansion

• 📉 Toyota Takes Its Time

  • Why the delay?

  • 621 miles? Really?

  • Should we be worried?

• 🇫🇷 Renault’s Retro Revival Rocks France

  • Renault 5 Takes the Crown

  • EV Market Trends

  • What’s Next for France?

• 🌏 VinFast Doubles Down on Production

⚡️ Rivian and Tesla: Love, Reliability, and Drama

Rivian and Tesla are making waves—for better and worse. Rivian boasts the highest owner satisfaction in the industry (86%), while Tesla isn’t far behind (72%).

However, both brands stumble with reliability, landing near the bottom of Consumer Reports’ rankings. Meanwhile, Rivian is opening its chargers to other EVs, following Tesla’s lead. So, what’s driving their success despite the flaws?

And how can U.S. auto dealers ride the EV wave?

Check out our full analysis to find out how these EV titans are shaping the future of auto retail.

🚗 Dodge vs. Robotaxis: Weakness Is Not an Option

Dodge's new Charger EV ad leans heavily into a combative tone, distancing itself from the "soulless" nature of other EVs. But is muscle car bravado enough to reconcile with an electric future?

• Charger Daytona's Debut: Dodge’s first electric muscle car, the Charger Daytona, aims to maintain its "Brotherhood of Muscle" identity while embracing EV technology.

• Marketing Tactics: The ad labels other EVs as “soulless, weak-looking self-driving sleep pods,” drawing a hard line against traditional EV imagery.

• Fratzonic Exhaust: The fake “Fratzonic Chambered” exhaust sound has influencers buzzing—mostly with comparisons to Roblox sound effects.

• Market Position: Dodge is clearly attempting to assert dominance in a hesitant muscle car demographic, showing that EVs don’t have to sacrifice power or attitude.

⚡ Holy Batteries, Batman! The Popemobile Goes Electric

The Pope’s ride just got a power upgrade—literally. Meet the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 EV Popemobile: a spiritual blend of luxury and sustainability.

Why does the Pope need an EV?

Apparently, saving souls isn’t enough—now he’s saving the planet. With a retuned quad-motor powertrain and pearl-white paint, the Popemobile combines holiness and horsepower.

What’s so special about this thing?

Aside from the swiveling chair for wave-friendly greetings, it’s got low-speed tuning for papal precision. Think Tesla, but with a divine mission.

Can I buy one?

Not unless you have a direct line to the Vatican. For us mere mortals, it’s all admiration from afar.

🛠️ Build-a-Rolls: Luxury DIY Edition

Rolls-Royce Gets Crafty

Think you can’t own a Rolls? Think again! Rolls-Royce’s Cameo model brings luxury to your living room—at a “bargain” price of $5,500. This miniature masterpiece combines solid oak, polished aluminum, and the brand’s iconic self-leveling center caps for a bespoke collector's piece.

From Assembly Line to Home

The Cameo pays homage to Rolls-Royce’s early days, designed for hands-on assembly. It’s not just a toy—it’s an art piece that represents the brand’s attention to detail, right down to the 3D-printed cabin painted in Grace White.

Rolls-Royce’s Miniature Legacy

This isn’t their first foray into mini-luxury. Back in 2020, they released a fully customizable 1:8 scale Cullinan SUV. The Cameo may be smaller and simpler, but it’s undeniably charming.

📊 Wholesale Vehicle Prices: A November Recap

November saw steady trends in wholesale vehicle prices, with minor dips and gains across segments. Tight supply and strong dealer demand kept the market buzzing.

• Manheim Index Rises: The MUVVI climbed to 205.4, a 0.2% year-over-year increase, reflecting healthy demand despite holiday season slowdowns.

• Segment Trends: Sedans outperformed, gaining 0.3% year-over-year, while pickups showed the steepest depreciation at 2.3%.

• Retail Sales Growth: Used-vehicle sales rose 5% over October and 15% year-over-year, supported by tight inventory and competitive pricing.

• EV Depreciation: EVs saw sharper value drops, down 11.4% year-over-year, but improved 0.2% month-over-month in November.

🌄 From Beach to Rockies: Colorado Takes EV Crown

Colorado Surpasses California

Colorado now leads the nation in EV adoption, with 25.3% of new vehicle sales in Q3 being electric. Thanks to robust tax incentives and infrastructure, the state is setting a new benchmark for EV growth.

Tax Incentives Galore

Buyers can save up to $12,500 through state and federal tax credits. Programs like Vehicle Exchange Colorado add another $6,000 for qualifying individuals, making EV ownership increasingly accessible.

Infrastructure Expansion

With over 5,500 public charging ports and plans for 576 more, Colorado’s Charge Ahead program is addressing range anxiety. The state is poised to maintain its lead in clean transportation innovation.

📉 Toyota Takes Its Time

Toyota’s ambitious plans for its 621-mile-range Lexus EVs just hit the brakes, with production delayed to 2027. Strategic move or missed opportunity?

Why the delay?

Toyota says they’re perfecting gigacasting. Translation: They’re playing the long game while competitors scramble for market share.

621 miles? Really?

That’s the claim, thanks to fancy prismatic battery cells. Let’s hope they’re not adding fairy dust to the mix.

Should we be worried?

Only if you were counting on that three-row electric SUV in 2025. Otherwise, patience is a virtue, right?

🇫🇷 Renault’s Retro Revival Rocks France

Renault 5 Takes the Crown

France hit a milestone with 15% EV adoption, led by the Renault 5. This retro-inspired hot hatch outsold the Tesla Model Y in November, proving nostalgia and innovation can coexist.

EV Market Trends

Despite political unrest and declining overall sales, hybrid and PHEV segments grew by 34%. The Renault 5’s early success showcases strong domestic loyalty to local brands.

What’s Next for France?

With EV adoption accelerating, France is poised to become a key player in Europe’s clean transportation future. The Renault 5 is just the beginning.

🌏 VinFast Doubles Down on Production

Vietnamese EV maker VinFast is ramping up its game with a second factory in Ha Tinh province, set to produce 300,000 vehicles annually by mid-2024. With growing international demand for its VF 3 and VF 5 models, the expansion marks a strategic push for global market dominance. Already delivering 44,773 vehicles in the first nine months of 2024, VinFast is on track to meet its ambitious 80,000-unit target. This new facility, alongside plans for assembly plants in India and expansions into Indonesia and the Philippines, underscores VinFast’s rapid evolution into a global EV contender.

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