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- đ© Top Automotive Updates: Mercedes-Benzâs High-Tech CLA EV, Stellantis Job Cuts, GMâs Financial Gains, and More Industry Insights for Dealers
đ© Top Automotive Updates: Mercedes-Benzâs High-Tech CLA EV, Stellantis Job Cuts, GMâs 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. Mazdaâs also sticking with gas a bit longer, unveiling their super-efficient Skyactiv-Z engine. Meanwhile, GMâs Q3 profits soar, Stellantis slashes 1,100 Jeep jobs to battle Gladiator overload, and Nissan enters âemergency recoveryâ mode to stay afloat. BYDâs Canada debut? On pause thanks to tariffs. And in off-road news, Charles Taylorâs wild one-wheeled vehicle concept might actually go mainstream.
The Meat
⥠Electric Potential: Mercedes-Benzâs New CLA EV Prototype Unveiled
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Mercedes-Benzâs upcoming CLA EV prototype has arrived with camouflaged sleekness and some high-tech upgrades. Get a sneak peek at the âstar logoâ 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.
Hybridâs Here Too: A 48-volt system keeps the combustion option for varied needs.
đ§ Mazda's Next Chapter: Skyactiv-Z Engine
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Mazda isnât 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 âsuper lean burnâ to minimize pollutants.
Legacy Engine Replacement: Set to phase out Skyactiv-G and -X engines.
đ° Crunching Numbers: GMâs Q3 Success (Data Breakdown)
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With revenue up to $48.8 billion, GM's Q3 results are setting a promising pace for 2024. Hereâs why dealers should keep an eye on GMâs success as it leans into EVs and resilient gas options.
Record Revenue: $48.8 billion, up 10.5% from last yearâs 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.
â Drama Check: Why is Stellantis Slashing 1,100 Jeep Jobs?
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Stellantis is cutting 1,100 jobs at its Ohio Jeep plant, reducing production to manage high inventory amid falling Jeep Gladiator demand. With Jeepâs 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?
Letâs just say the Jeep Gladiator is⊠less in demand. High inventory and lagging sales are prompting drastic shifts.
Whatâs next for Jeep?
Expect aggressive inventory and pricing adjustments to bring Jeep sales back on track.
đ On Pause: BYD Puts Canada on Hold
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Canadaâs EV tariffs have stalled BYDâs plans. BYD execs were deep in talks with Canadian dealers and lobbyists, but with no resolution on tariffs, the companyâs Canadian debut is temporarily shelved. BYDâs likely still eyeing North America â just with caution.
đ ïž Crisis Mode: Nissan Goes into âEmergency Recoveryâ
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Nissan has hit the brakes hard, entering an âemergency recovery modeâ 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.
Nissanâs CEO Makoto Uchida is clear â itâs a survival game now.
đ Off-Road on One Wheel? CT/AT Concept Takes the Trail
Charles Taylor
One wheel, endless possibilities. The CT/AT, inspired by Charles Taylorâs one-wheeled vehicle concepts, could redefine off-roading with its giant, central tire that balances using gyroscopes.
Engineering Feat: Modern-day improvements on Taylorâs gyroscopic balancing would enable crazy terrain capabilities.
Unlikely Successor: Taylorâs vehicle ideas, like Teslaâs, were ahead of their time. This idea might finally find its place in the EV off-roading market.
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