🎩 Top Automotive Updates: Mercedes-Benz’s High-Tech CLA EV, Stellantis Job Cuts, GM’s Financial Gains, and More Industry Insights for Dealers

The Gist

Mercedes-Benz rolls out the CLA EV prototype with fast charging, high-tech flair, and even a hybrid twist for the undecided. Mazda’s also sticking with gas a bit longer, unveiling their super-efficient Skyactiv-Z engine. Meanwhile, GM’s Q3 profits soar, Stellantis slashes 1,100 Jeep jobs to battle Gladiator overload, and Nissan enters “emergency recovery” mode to stay afloat. BYD’s Canada debut? On pause thanks to tariffs. And in off-road news, Charles Taylor’s wild one-wheeled vehicle concept might actually go mainstream.

The Meat

• ⚡ Electric Potential: Mercedes-Benz’s New CLA EV P …

• 🔧 Mazda's Next Chapter: Skyactiv-Z Engine

• 💰 Crunching Numbers: GM’s Q3 Success (Data Breakd …

• ❓ Drama Check: Why is Stellantis Slashing 1,100 Je …

  • Is Stellantis actually struggling that much?

  • What’s next for Jeep?

• 🌐 On Pause: BYD Puts Canada on Hold

• 🛠️ Crisis Mode: Nissan Goes into ‘Emergency Recov …

• 🛞 Off-Road on One Wheel? CT/AT Concept Takes the …

BUSINESS

⚡ Electric Potential: Mercedes-Benz’s New CLA EV Prototype Unveiled

Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming CLA EV prototype has arrived with camouflaged sleekness and some high-tech upgrades. Get a sneak peek at the “star logo” headlights and MMA platform features, which promise faster charging and a tech-laden interior, all while offering an eco-conscious hybrid alternative.

• New Platform Alert: Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) debuts, merging advanced tech with eco-friendly innovation.

• Fast Charging: 800V battery architecture enables rapid 250kW charging speeds.

• Hybrid’s Here Too: A 48-volt system keeps the combustion option for varied needs.

🔧 Mazda's Next Chapter: Skyactiv-Z Engine

Mazda isn’t letting go of gas just yet, with a new Skyactiv-Z engine launching in 2027. This four-cylinder wonder promises cleaner, efficient combustion, initially in the MX-5 and other models as a greener approach to gas.

• Cleaner, Leaner: Designed for Euro 7 and EPA Tier 4 compliance, using “super lean burn” to minimize pollutants.

• Legacy Engine Replacement: Set to phase out Skyactiv-G and -X engines.

💰 Crunching Numbers: GM’s Q3 Success (Data Breakdown)

With revenue up to $48.8 billion, GM's Q3 results are setting a promising pace for 2024. Here’s why dealers should keep an eye on GM’s success as it leans into EVs and resilient gas options.

• Record Revenue: $48.8 billion, up 10.5% from last year’s Q3.

• Earnings Forecast Raised: EBIT-adjusted now between $14.0 - $15.0 billion.

• EV Success & U.S. Production Edge: Heavy investment in EV platforms and battery facilities bolsters their competitive advantage.

❓ Drama Check: Why is Stellantis Slashing 1,100 Jeep Jobs?

Stellantis is cutting 1,100 jobs at its Ohio Jeep plant, reducing production to manage high inventory amid falling Jeep Gladiator demand. With Jeep’s U.S. sales in a prolonged decline, Stellantis aims to stabilize by realigning output and offering employee support, while boosting incentives to rekindle buyer interest.

Is Stellantis actually struggling that much?

Let’s just say the Jeep Gladiator is… less in demand. High inventory and lagging sales are prompting drastic shifts.

What’s next for Jeep?

Expect aggressive inventory and pricing adjustments to bring Jeep sales back on track.

🌐 On Pause: BYD Puts Canada on Hold

Canada’s EV tariffs have stalled BYD’s plans. BYD execs were deep in talks with Canadian dealers and lobbyists, but with no resolution on tariffs, the company’s Canadian debut is temporarily shelved. BYD’s likely still eyeing North America – just with caution.

🛠️ Crisis Mode: Nissan Goes into ‘Emergency Recovery’

Nissan has hit the brakes hard, entering an “emergency recovery mode” to tackle ongoing financial struggles. With a tough market and underwhelming lineup, drastic steps are in motion:

• Job Cuts: 9,000 layoffs (about 6.7% of its workforce) to recalibrate production.

• Production Cuts: Reducing output on 25 lines to increase efficiency.

• Asset Sales: Selling a portion of its Mitsubishi shares to raise nearly $483 million.

Nissan’s CEO Makoto Uchida is clear – it’s a survival game now.

🛞 Off-Road on One Wheel? CT/AT Concept Takes the Trail

One wheel, endless possibilities. The CT/AT, inspired by Charles Taylor’s one-wheeled vehicle concepts, could redefine off-roading with its giant, central tire that balances using gyroscopes.

• Engineering Feat: Modern-day improvements on Taylor’s gyroscopic balancing would enable crazy terrain capabilities.

• Unlikely Successor: Taylor’s vehicle ideas, like Tesla’s, were ahead of their time. This idea might finally find its place in the EV off-roading market.