🍹 Upgrades, Showdowns, and Community Vibes

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In today's digest, we've got a lot to cover, but let's not get so preoccupied with reading that we forget to stop and smell the... cold brews.

Drop us a comment about what your favorite cold brew is.

Digest Guide:

• Ford E-Transit Gets an Upgrade

• Volkswagen’s Factory Standoff

• GM: Recall Cancelled?

• Scout Motors' Electric SUV Reveal

• Subarus, Cold Brews, and Community Vibes

• Rivian’s New Software Flex

• Lyft Offloading Bikes

• Volvo Adjusts Electric Goals

• Hyundai AI

• Smaller Batteries, Bigger Savings

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BUSINESS

Upgrades, Showdowns, and Surprises: The Latest in Auto Moves

Ford E-Transit Gets an Upgrade

America’s best-selling electric van is getting an upgrade and a wider market. But hey, if Ford gets people googling “Vans,” then who knows, maybe they will find some vans you’ve got lying around? Win-Win.

Updated Deets:

• New Battery: 89 kWh with a 159-mile range (32% more than previous).

• Charging Time: Fast charges 10%-80% in just 28 minutes.

• Sales: Over 6,301 units sold in the first half of 2024.

• Pricing: Starts at $51,095 before the $7,500 federal tax credit.

• Additional Features: 22% faster charge times with Ford's 80A Series 2 charger.

Ford is expanding the market for the updated E-Transit by targeting new industries, particularly those in need of temperature-controlled transport, like refrigerated deliveries.

Volkswagen’s Factory Standoff

Volkswagen is stepping into uncharted territory with a potential showdown against trade unions. For the first time in its 90-year history, the company may close German factories, putting 18,000 workers on edge.

As competition heats up and economic challenges mount, VW is eyeing Osnabrück and Dresden for possible shutdowns. Union groups aren’t taking this lightly, with the General Works Council and IG Metall calling the move a direct threat to jobs. Expect heated town hall meetings in Wolfsburg soon—this is one automotive drama worth watching.

GM: Recall Cancelled?

Why did NHTSA even bother investigating GM’s seat belts?
Because a few SUVs had seat belts that could detach. Turns out, GM already offered extended coverage for repairs, so NHTSA just closed the case. No crashes, no injuries, no extra recalls—just a lot of paperwork.

So, was it a waste of time?
Not really—at least people can get seat belts fixed for up to 12 years or 180,000 miles. That’s something, right?

Scout Motors' Electric SUV Reveal

The Scout brand is preparing to reveal its new EV. Guesses are flying, and expectations are high. For instance, we guess it will over-promise and deliver and expect it will be dramatically comparable to every other electric vehicle that has dropped into the market over the last few years. It’s ok to just say, “It’s a vehicle with a battery. Enjoy!” every once in a while.

• Reveal Date: October 24th, 2024.

• Vehicle Type: Likely an SUV or truck.

• Design: Rugged, off-road capable, with practical, sturdy features like "chunky" buttons.

• Ownership: Now under Volkswagen, marking Scout’s first electric vehicle.

• Market Focus: Designed for off-roading but versatile enough for everyday use.

MORE THAN CARS MOMENTS

Subarus, Cold Brews, and Community Vibes

Walser Subaru just wrapped up their 3rd annual Subarus and Cold Brews car show, and it was another hit!

With over 80 cars on display and 500+ attendees, the event was a perfect blend of cool cars, tasty food, and community vibes.

Shoutout to Alexander Hamilton and Brycen Eberwein’s team for pulling it all together. This event isn’t just about showing off great rides; it’s about connecting with the community and having a good time.

Check out the highlight on the video recap and mark your calendars for next year’s edition. Walser Subaru knows how to bring people together!

BUSINESS CONT’D

Tech Upgrades, Green Moves, and Cost-Cutting Shifts: Auto’s New Direction?

Rivian’s New Software Flex

Rivian isn’t slowing down in the EV race. Their latest software update for the R1T and R1S brings serious improvements, including the new "Launch Mode" for 2025 tri-motor models—perfect for showing off that 0-60 mph time.

But that’s not all. The update also upgrades battery performance, improves traffic data accuracy, and adds climate control options. It’s not just about speed; Rivian’s making sure every part of the driving experience is refined. Over-the-air updates are keeping their flagship models in top shape—who said EVs don’t get better with age?

Lyft Offloading Bikes

What’s Lyft selling now?
Their bike and scooter rental operations—apparently, two wheels aren’t as profitable as they thought.

Is that all?
Nope, they’re also cutting about 1% of their workforce. All in the name of saving $20 million annually by 2025. Uber must be laughing.

Volvo Adjusts Electric Goals

Volvo is “adjusting” its electric goals. Wanna guess which direction?

• Original Plan: Fully electric by 2030.

• New Goal: 90-100% of sales from EVs and plug-in hybrids by the end of the decade.

• 2025 Target: 50-60% EV and PHEV sales.

• Challenges: Slow infrastructure, reduced incentives, and new tariffs.

• Mild Hybrids: Will remain in Volvo's lineup longer than anticipated.

Hyundai AI

What’s Hyundai Mobis up to?
Oh, just creating parts with 50% recycled plastic and slashing nickel content in EV components. Sustainability is their new best friend.

Why should I care?
Because they’re using AI to create futuristic, eco-friendly car materials. Less nickel, more recycling—it’s like your EV is getting an eco-upgrade without you even knowing.

Smaller Batteries, Bigger Savings

The ACEEE’s latest white paper lays out a clear case: smaller, more efficient EV batteries are the key to cheaper cars and less grid strain. By trimming down battery sizes, the report estimates savings of up to $4,800 per vehicle, plus faster charging times.

On top of that, the ACEEE suggests the EPA should consider CO2 emissions from battery production, nudging automakers toward efficiency. With benefits like cutting grid demand by 20%, it’s a win-win for wallets and the environment. 

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