⏳ Headlines: Tesla, Hyundai, Nissan, and More

BUSINESS

Headlines: Not Just For Foreheads Anymore

Musk's Master Plan: Missing in Action

So, what happened to Elon Musk's "Master Plans" on Tesla’s website?
Oh, they’ve mysteriously vanished. Maybe they're just taking a "short break" like Elon’s Twitter account sometimes does.

But weren’t those plans kind of important?
The first one, sure—high-end sports cars leading to affordable EVs? Nailed it. The second? More like “ambitious aspirations with a side of unmet targets.”

Speaking of targets, wasn’t Musk all about saving the planet with EVs
Yep, until he recently decided to defend the oil and gas industry in an interview with Trump. Because nothing says "sustainability," like cozying up to fossil fuels, right?

What’s next, then?
Who knows? Maybe the next plan will involve coal-powered Teslas.

Ariel E-Nomad

The Ariel E-Nomad is a featherweight, electric off-road vehicle built for high-performance thrills. Weighing under 2,000 pounds and powered by a single electric motor delivering 281 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque, it rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. With its agile design and instant power, the E-Nomad is perfect for off-road adventures.

Innovative Features and Future Plans

Equipped with a 41-kWh battery, the E-Nomad offers a 150-mile range and charges from 20% to 80% in less than 25 minutes. Its bio-composite bodywork not only cuts weight but also reduces manufacturing emissions. Although Ariel isn't selling the E-Nomad yet, they’re keeping an eye on consumer interest for future decisions.

Hyundai Motor’s Strategic Growth Plan

Hyundai aims to increase global sales by 30% to 5.55 million vehicles by 2030, focusing on hybrids to counter slowing EV demand.

Gist:

• Hybrid Focus: Plans to double hybrid lineup, increasing sales by 40% to 1.33 million units by 2028.

• Market Strategy: Emphasis on U.S. and China, including new extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).

• Financial Moves: $3 billion share buyback, 25% dividend increase from 2025-2027.

• Profit Target: 10% operating margin by 2030.

🚗 Xpeng's Bump

Xpeng's shares surged 6.5% following the launch of their new mass-market Mona brand, with prices starting at just $16,812—significantly undercutting Tesla’s Model 3.

The Mona M03 electric coupe received over 10,000 orders within 52 minutes of its Beijing debut. While Xpeng’s U.S.-listed shares have plummeted over 45% this year, recent gains were fueled by CEO He Xiaopeng purchasing nearly $10 million worth of shares. 

This aggressive pricing and strong market response underscore China’s growing dominance in affordable automotive manufacturing.

⚡ Nissan's Electrifying Future

Nissan is putting in some work with the development of an electric GT-R that could be the first to feature solid-state batteries, boasting over 1,000 kW (1,300 horsepower) of power. The GT-R, influenced by Nissan’s Hyper Force EV concept, promises cutting-edge aerodynamics from the NISMO racing team.

These solid-state batteries offer higher energy density and reduced space requirements, which are expected to revolutionize performance. Although high initial costs are anticipated, Nissan aims to launch vehicles with this technology by 2028, with decreasing costs over time.

BYD’s Financial Success

BYD posts a 32.8% rise in Q2 net profit to 9.1 billion yuan ($1.3 billion), leveraging vertical integration to dominate the EV market.

Deets:

• Revenue Growth: Q2 revenue up 25.9% to 176.2 billion yuan.

• Market Leadership: Expected to overtake Tesla as the largest global EV seller with a 17.7% market share.

• International Expansion: Faces 17% EU tariff, expanding presence in Europe and Mexico.

• Competitive Edge: In-house battery production and aggressive pricing strategies.

🏁 Polestar's Leadership Shift

Polestar’s CEO Thomas Ingenlath will step down on October 1, 2024, handing the reins to Michael Lohscheller, who has a robust background leading companies like Opel and VinFast.

Under Lohscheller's leadership, Polestar aims to transition from an EV startup to a major player in the automotive industry, despite a 27% drop in sales in early 2024.

All eyes are on the Polestar 3, now being produced locally in South Carolina, as the company battles premium brands like BMW and Porsche. 

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