G. David Felt

Wow, found an old picture of me from my computer sales days, 1993.

Pi day came and went and no Pi in my household. Bummer. On other news, seems we get to see all the details and pricing for the new Escalade V. I am thinking easy start at $125,000 and up to $150,000 at least if not more.

Would agree with you that to me the Malibu and pretty much all current cars from GM need more space as they are just way too tight for people over the national average height.

2019, Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess and Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett form a partnership that covers the following: Volkswagen to join Ford in investing in Argo AI, the autonomous vehicle platform company, at a valuation of more than $7 billion. Tie-up allows both automakers to independently integrate Argo AI’s self-driving system into their own vehicles, delivering significant global scale Ford will use Volkswagen’s electric vehicle architecture and Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB) to design and build at least one high-volume fully electric vehicle in Europe for European customers starting in 2023, more efficiently advancing its promise to deliver expressive passenger cars while taking advantage of Volkswagen’s scale Ford and VW on track to develop commercial vans and medium pickups for each brand in select global markets starting in 2022; sharing development costs to generate significant synergies The Volkswagen-Ford global alliance – which does not involve cross-ownership between the companies – is expected to create annual efficiencies for each company Volkswagen committed to their MEB platform in 2016 with a goal of producing 15 million EVs over the next Decade globally. Ford committed to having an EV available to European customers by 2023 that would deliver more than 600,000 EVs built on the MEB platform. Volkswagen has become a platform supplier to other auto companies. The flip side of this agreement is that Ford starting in 2022 would build medium sized pickup trucks for both companies that will be sold in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia Pacific and South America. Ford would engineer and build large commercial vans for European customers for both companies as Volkswagen would engineer and build city vans for both companies sold in Europe and select global markets where both companies can better utilize plant capacity allowing both companies to compete globally. 2022, March 14th, 2022, officially Pi Day around the world and both companies have agreed to expand their e-mobility partnership. Ford will produce a second electric model on the MEB platform Over the next 6 years, Ford will now produce 1.2 million units rather than 600,000 originally stated. Quote: Stuart Rowley, Chair of Ford of Europe: “Our strategic alliance with Volkswagen is an important element of Ford’s commitment to offer an all-electric range of vehicles that are uniquely Ford and designed to meet the mobility needs of a modern Europe that is leading the fight against climate change.” Volkswagen as they expand their partnership with Ford is working to take one step closer in becoming a global platform supplier for EVs as a further pillar in addition to their core business. MEB platform can be used by various brands/manufacturers as it already provides the technology base for 10 electric models from five brands globally. The MEB platform was used to produce approximately 300,000 units in 2021, making it one of the leading electric platforms worldwide. This platform is not only used by Volkswagen in their building of the extensive ID. series of EVs, but in use of commercial vans and other segment vehicle types allowing for utilization of economies of scale worldwide. To quote Thomas Schmall: “Profitability and speed are now crucial for finally achieving the breakthrough of e-mobility in Europe.” This leads us to today's major announcement from Ford: Fords plan for Europe by 2024: Ford to introduce three new electric passenger vehicles and four new electric commercial vehicles in Europe by 2024; plans to sell more than 600,000 electric vehicles in the region by 2026 EV push in Europe supports the acceleration of the Ford+ plan, and global goal of 2 million+ annual production of EVs by 2026 and 10% company adjusted EBIT margin by 2026 Planned production of electric vehicles in Cologne, Germany, now expected to be 1.2 million vehicles over six years, with a total product investment of $2 billion Additionally, Ford today signed a non-binding MOU with SK On Co., Ltd. and Koç Holding to create one of Europe’s largest commercial vehicle battery production sites in Turkey Boosts electric and commercial vehicle capacity, with Ford Otosan JV assuming ownership of Ford’s Romanian manufacturing operations, subject to regulatory approval and consultation Together, these initiatives will help Ford achieve zero emissions for all vehicle sales and carbon neutrality across its European footprint of facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035 The drive of Ford European business is that in 2021, sport utilities and crossovers accounted for 58% of all Ford passenger vehicles sold in the continent, up 20% from 2020. The first all-electric five-seat, medium-sized crossover will come out of Ford Cologne Electrification Center. The name will be revealed later in 2022 along with more details and having a driving range of 500km (311 miles) on a single charge with production commencing in 2023. Batteries have been a big issue for any auto company as they move forward in transition from ICE to BEV. To accomplish this, FORD in supporting their ambitious EV plans for electrification have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for a new, industry leading joint venture business in Turkey with SK On Co, Ltd. and Koc Holding to build on of the largest battery facilities in the European region. These will be high Nickel NMC cells with a likely production of 30 to 45 Gigawatt hours. This plant is a three-partner battery joint venture which includes support from the Turkish Government. Ford continues the growth of Europe by stating that their manufacturing plant in Craiova, Romania will play a significant role in both retail and commercial vehicle growth plans for Europe. 2024 Ford's most popular ice compact crossover will get a pure electric version allowing an even wider group of European customers to experience Ford autos. As the Puma will have both ICE and EV, the next all-new generation of the Transit Courier will go into production in both retail and commercial form in both ICE and EV with ICE production starting 2023, EV starting 2024 both produced in Craiova. This plan allows Ford to achieve their goal of an all-electric global portfolio and carbon neutral by 2035. Leading the Electric Vehicle Revolution (ford.com) Ford plans to have across 10 plants, 240 Gigawatt of battery cell capacity by 2030. Approximately 140 Gigawatts will be required in North America, the rest dedicated to Europe and China. Ford - Volkswagen expand their global collaboration to advance autonomous driving, electrification and better serve customers | Ford Media Center Volkswagen and Ford expand collaboration on MEB electric platform | Volkswagen Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com) Ford Takes Bold Steps Toward All-Electric Future in Europe; 7 New Connected EVs Support Plans to Sell 600K+ EVs Annually by 2026 | Ford Media Center Ford, SK and Koç Set to Create a Joint Venture to Accelerate Ford’s Electrification Revolution in Europe | Ford of Europe | Ford Media Center View full article

It is not about convincing oneself, you have probably never had the leg space problems one with 40" long legs has. Rivian front is set up the way I love my 1994 GMC Suburban as while it has a center console, the leg area allows for the natura V of a guy sitting in the drivers seat since unlike woman who can have both of their legs together while they drive, guys have some junk that gets squeezed unless you just very small package. Even in my Escalade, I hate that my right leg is up against the center area. I love this space that the Suburban had and no Humans do not need a ton of storage space, seems so many are hoarders. I think Rivian has nailed it for the interior.

Not true, yes allot have an arm rest, but with there no longer being a transmission tunnel needed, you get far more leg space. If we only looked at Chevrolet Silverado E then yes we have not gained anything and I truly believe they could have done this with more leg room. Rivian has created a nice open space for their truck and still has the same features Chevrolet has that is built into the dash. Yet even the Silverado D does not have the bulge of the transmission tunnel pushing against the accelerator so there is more space even in this truck over comparable ICE trucks.

That is not true, otherwise we would not have the few EV cars and Tesla has proven you do not have that issue.

WOW, lovely auto, but talk about them BLIND Spots! That is one FAT C pillar! And people talk about terrible blind spots in today's SUVs. ?

That is a crock, unlike the hump for the transmission, the differentials and drive line, ICE takes up way more room than an electric power train. You know this, over 2,000 parts in a basic ICE and about 20 in an electric motor. ICE takes up way more interior space than a flat battery pack between the frame and the electric motors. I learned much from you on older auto's, do not blame battery packs for taking up interior space when you know that is not true.

Seems Ford is expecting 2023 for when EVs start taking off in sales. https://fordauthority.com/2022/03/ford-ceo-jim-farley-says-mass-ev-adoption-will-start-in-2023/ I figure if all the low price EVs are brought to market then yes, folks will change over. Good read https://www.thestreet.com/investing/gm-keeps-a-big-promise-to-address-its-priority

That makes no sense, electric is smaller and uses less space, interior should be more spacious.

Pricing is going to be very interesting as it is on the same platform as the ID. series, specifically it is built on near identical length, width and height as the ID.6 SUV. Volkswagen ID.6 - Wikipedia I also saw this on the ID.6 which is on sale in China starting at $37,733. I wonder how close the Buzz will come to that price. Eventually the VW ID.6 could make it to the U.S. market (topelectricsuv.com)

Poor Fruit being damaged by that Wooman!

It is official, the House and Senate of Washington state has passed a ban on the sale and registration of new ICE auto's. Governer is expected to sign it later today. Washington State Legislature Passes 2030 Target for Phasing Out Sales of New Gasoline Vehicles | | goskagit.com In a Nut shell, the following: Clean Cars 2030 will: Put Washington on the road to powering its vehicles with locally-produced electricity that is cleaner and cheaper than gasoline. Spur a comprehensive planning process for Washington to get ready for 100% vehicle electrification. Clarify for local governments, automakers, charging companies, utilities, investors, landlords, and workplaces the direction of the state's EV market. Incentivize private-sector investment in new EVs and charging stations. Increase opportunities for Washingtonians to save money on gasoline. Reduce the cost and uncertainty of dependence on foreign sources of oil. Reduce carbon emissions and air pollution and the threat they pose to air, water, and health. Seems according to a yale study, 55% of registered voters approve of ending the sale of new ice auto's and moving to green auto's. ? Let the Debate begin!

Seems while some think the radical new design of Mercedes F1 auto is legal, most feel Mercedes is cheating.

Will be interesting to see what the internal dimensions are once this is out since it is on the Ultium platform. Gain internal room but keep the same external dimensions?

Send snow, you can have this bloody warmth and sun. My nose needs a break.

Imagine a new 70's era of custom Bev Vans. AKA Corvette Summer and the van with the LOVE BED! This all over again. Pinterest

My friend, take it in stride, as it is a very entertaining read and contrast to sitting in front of the boob tube and not thinking. I do enjoy the banter, at least we all get to think, research and discuss without personal attacks or going crazy political. Yes some will be ICE till they die, some will be ice to ev and die, some will never care. At least we will be well informed as to the coming options for our new rides over the coming decade of change.

Everything I read shows they are about the same when you factor in all the maintenance Diesel buses have and the cost of fuel in comparison to electricity. As per the link @surreal1272 posted, EV buses run 55 cents per mile to maintain versus $1.53 per mile for Diesel. Even in 2018 for fleets it was showing EV buses are cheaper in the long run than Diesel. Electric buses, including costs on climate and health, are cheaper than diesel - Sustainable Bus (sustainable-bus.com) Interesting studies on cost of ownership. Total Cost of Ownership: Determining if Electric Buses are Right for Your District - First Student, Inc. (firststudentinc.com) Another interesting study that shows while Diesel buses are cheaper than CNG Hybrid or Electric, CNG is only 50 cents per mile to operate, Electric is 41 cents per mile to operate and diesel is 8 times more expensive. NREL Study Compares Costs Of Operating CNG Buses Versus Electric Buses - enrg.io Interesting to compare how the upfront costs with lower maintenance versus lower up front cost, but much higher maintenance. Truly a world of change is coming.

A Crazy 850-900HP at the rear wheels Hellcat Rolls. So much more on this bad boy here: Hoonigan - YouTube

OUCH, while we all have our good and bad experiences with Dealerships, seems Ford has allot of work cut out for itself to improve in Dealership experience. Ford Dealers Fared Poorly In 2022 Internet Lead Effectiveness Study (fordauthority.com) Way to go Cadillac, 11 places higher than @smk4565 favorite brand. Seems there is plenty of work for everyone to improve. I am surprised by the Buick score considering how well rated their auto's are. Interesting from the link above is their final statement: Meanwhile, Ford dealers will be undergoing some major changes in the coming months and years, as the automaker has asked each to specialize in ICE-powered vehicles, EVs, or Ford Pro commercial offerings, though EVs will likely have to be sold at fixed prices via special showrooms, while dealers that turn inventory quickly will be financially rewarded. I reread the press release about the new ICE division, EV division and Pro Division and I do not get this from the press release. ?

Yes, ID.Buzz Cargo is RWD only as is the launch ID.Buzz passenger auto. I agree with using the same MEB platform as the ID. SUVs, I see no reason not to have an AWD version. Especially since the Canoo company has stated they will have RWD/AWD when production starts end of this year. Seems this summer or fall actual pricing will be released and firm details on the options available. We know one option is the Travel Assist package. E-mobility | Volkswagen Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)

With an average salary in the high-tech industry being from $75,000 to over $300,000 based on job/skill set, it still is crazy that people are spending so much for a home here in Seattle. Average prices are over $1 million if you feel you have to be in Seattle or Bellevue, but north or south you are still in the $600,000 - $900,000 range and even when you go 1 1/2 hrs north, your homes are still in the $600,000 range. Truly hard to figure out how anyone that does not like fiscally tight to save for 10 years for a decent down payment can afford to buy a house here anymore. I bitch about my Mortgage and then I hear from coworkers who have mortgage rates 3 times mine. ?