G. David Felt

OUCH, pictures out of Florida especially this one makes an Auto fan cry. Why would the owner leave that Road Runner out in the weather where a Hurrican could flip it? Hurricane Ian live updates: Ian might be deadliest in Florida history, Biden says (msn.com)

Yes, until they add it to their website available for configuration, who knows what other looks it might have for color, trim, etc. I will say for an M version, it does not say performance to me but gaudier look at me.

I would agree with you that the Grill is way better than the gargantuan one they have on the other SUVs. In looking at the comments, people really are hating the gold trim all over the auto as well as the disconnected weird total front end and the Japanese anime like rearend. Interior has not gotten to many hates, but the exterior, especially among the BMW faithful have them really hating the look of the auto. Interesting for sure.

Too Funny BMW has released their new Hybrid $160,000 SUV and the public is hating it based on social media reports. People are roasting BMW for unveiling a 'hideous' $160,000 SUV with 644 horsepower — see the polarizing XM (msn.com) Full Press Release is here along with a ton of pictures. The First-Ever BMW XM: A BMW M Original. (bmwgroup.com) Have to say that the Hybrid M XM SUV is just tacky in so many ways.

Like the auto industry, the motorcycle industry has been turned upside down by the electric revolution. Harley-Davidson attempted to hold off a slew of electric motorcycle startups by bringing out the LiveWire motorcycle. The LiveWire motorcycle clashed with the traditional Harley-Davidson buyers in many ways and to most followers of the motorcycle industry this was a young versus old battle. Millennials embracing electric motorcycles while baby boomers in their final years embracing the HOG. Harley-Davidson for the last few years struggled with getting a price and feature competitive electric motorcycle out. The original Livewire motorcycle was considered too expensive and not enough range for the price. In 2018, we here at Cheers and Gears covered the Reveal of the Harley-Davidson Livewire motorcycle. Harley-Davidson felt people would be willing to pay $30,000 for an electric motorcycle that only had 100 miles of range and fell to around 75 miles of range with highway riding. Yet in January one of the oldest startups brought out another electric motorcycle that has received rave reviews as an entry level electric motorcycle at $13,000 starting price and a range of 150 miles highway. Lighting Motorcycles has been leading the revolution in electric motorcycles. With dismal sales, a clash between cultures, and then worse yet, financial decline since 2008 with plunging sales, Harley-Davidson has been hit hard. A decade of fewer models, in the red financially, fewer markets that can support their high price, this then led to the Pandemic of 2020-2022 with firing of hundreds of employees and the firing and hiring of a new CEO Jochen Zeitz. Harley-Davidson in crisis: The downward trend continues | About motorcycles (misfitmademotorcycles.com) The new CEO Jochen Zeitz realized that with an aging conservative clientele and little success with young motorcyclists that a radical change had to take place. This was put into their future roadmap as Harley-Davidson needed to expand their portfolio of models to include smaller displacement classes that are in demand in Asia, especially with a demand from e-bikes to electric motorcycles. To achieve this change, it would require large investment of capital, something Harley-Davidson had in short supply. This was then complicated with a trade dispute with the European Union which hurt the American made motorcycles further straining the balance sheet of the company. Worse yet with the global Covid-19 lockdowns, Harley-Davidson saw a year over year drop in sales by 53%, going from a profit of $181 million in 2019 to a loss of $121 million in 2020. 2021 was not much better for motorcycle sales globally. Harley new CEO, Jochen Zeitz announced a new five-year plan that would take immediate effect in 2021 and with it a new brand ambassador, Jason Mamoa. The Pandemic years saw a financial restructuring, reduction of American employees, building of motorcycles overseas for the European market and Asian rim to deal with the trade dispute and a move of the Harley manufacturing in the U.S. All total, over 700 employees have been laid off, considerable consolidation and optimization of the current structure along with a $150 million dollar loan in 2021. These changes while helping to slow things down have not reversed the fortunes of Harley nor have, they brought in the new younger generations. As such, Harley did the next logical step, spun off as a separate motorcycle company the electric motorcycle division and gave birth to LiveWire Motorcycles. LiveWire Electric Motorcycles | Home Focused on the young generations of new electric motorcycle riders, LiveWire has their initial motorcycle called the LiveWire ONE with a starting price of $22,799 and a range of 146 miles city, 95 miles combined. There is then the S2 Del Mar electric motorcycle with a 110-mile range city and a starting price of $16,999. Per LiveWire News release, the S2 Del Mar electric motorcycle sold out first year's production in 18 minutes having the company point to pent up demand for clean, emission free motorcycles. LiveWire went live as a publicly traded company on September 27th under the ticker "LVWR". They are the first EV motorcycle company to be listed on the NYSE. The stock raised $334 million in gross proceeds to help fund LiveWire as it starts building and delivering electric motorcycles. Harley-Davidson as a publicly traded company under the ticker "HOG" holds considerable stock in LiveWire and their CEO Jochen Zeitz is both Chairman and CEO of Harley-Davidson and LiveWire. This transaction freed up resources for Harley to reinvigorate their own identity and brand of ICE motorcycles worldwide while also funding the growth of the electric motorcycle under its own identity. It would appear that Harley-Davidson took a page out of the Ford Motor Company playbook in separating the ICE from the EV and as global sales change in one or the other will allow the board and executives to survive as one company grows and another declines. The future looks bright for LiveWire and very interesting for Harley-Davidson. Harley has reinvigorated their product line which one can check out here: Shop Harley-Davidson Motorcycles | Harley-Davidson USA LiveWire is clearly focusing on the youthful future electric motorcycle riders and their products can be looked at here: LiveWire Electric Motorcycles | Home One thing that the new Chairman and CEO felt was underutilized was apparel, parts and cross merchandising sales. Here one can find plenty to shop for on both websites depending on ones interest in supporting ICE or Electric Motorcycles and the brands they represent. View full article

I like the Genesis look of the auto but for me, the rims while nice to look at are so busy and so time intensive to clean properly. I would go with a much simpler design that is easy to clean. Those rims just do not last looking that nice. These rims that I had on my Suburban before one broke and I could not get a replacement is the style of simple, clean and nice.

Agree totally that it will happen much faster than many believe. Yes, we will have ICE Heritage around for a long time, but even then, I also believe that ICE Heritage will be re-powered to be EV-Heritage with e-crate solutions too. Options is all it will take, and I think this is the one time that GM will not back off or just play games but follow through on low to high-cost EV solutions for all. I think some companies that are at the top will not be there as hydrogen is not the solution nor is hybrids and as such, some top companies are going to drop down and others are going to go away. We have a major auto company consolidation coming as there are too many Legacies Auto companies just as there are too many EV startups. Many will not survive the next decade.

Cool seeing the video not for the guy talking but the Ocean interior. I really like it and I think it would go well with the R1S Forest Green Exterior color.

WoW, that is a stormy mess. on the water. So happy for you Robert that you are away on PTO. Enjoy it.

True, yet at least Cadillac to me has a better generic style than the Mercedes EQ series of auto's. Has to be one of the worst ever I think. I am hoping we see better with the Cadillac EV line.

I was at one time excited about Polestar and trying out their EV as a possible on my list to buy. Now, NOPE, Not Gonna Happen. Where at all possible, I am avoiding buying anything from China.

Yes, Once the Chinese parent company bought Volvo and Polestar, they choose to move the Polestar division to China and make it a pure EV performance line built in China. That is my understanding of the purchase of those two companies. Geely is the parent owner of those two auto companies.

Interesting to see that Mercedes has posted to their Instagram account an EQS/EQB picture and wow, talk about a styling failure when at a quick glance one cannot tell the difference. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfFcH01v-3t/

Mercedes-Benz first EV built in America is the EQS SUV and their third model built on the Mercedes-EQ architecture. This top-of-the-line Mercedes EV offers space, comfort and connectivity for up to seven passengers and will be offered with a high-level of flexibility to fit a wide range of customers' needs arriving at dealerships fall 2022 with a starting price of $104,400. The EQS will come in the following models, EQS 450+ SUV, EQS 450 4MATIC SUV and EQS 580 4MATIC SUV. For the U.S. market these three models will have three trims available. Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle with each trim level showcases EQ-specific technologies and luxurious features along with a long list of customization options. The EQS has an optional third-row seating and electrically adjustable second row seating as standard allowing customers the flexibility, they desire in Mercedes Top of the Line SUV. Mercedes believes this will give everyone the space they desire in the best or nothing focus of Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes EQS 450+ and 450 4MATIC SUV will have a standard 12.8" OLED multimedia touchscreen in Portrait mode for controlling all things inside and outside of the EV. The EQS 580 4MATIC SUV will come with the MBUX Hyperscreen, a 56" curved glass surface that has three displays merged seamlessly under the top glass While Mercedes has not released any 450+ or 450 4MATIC interior images yet, it is assumed it will mirror the EQS sedan interior in the lower levels. Image below is of a EQS sedan entry level dash and Portrait OLED screen. Mercedes MBUX system extends to the second row for compete comfort control of the rear passengers. Mercedes has stated that all three models will come with the latest MBUX software that now offers an intuitive new zero-layer interface, ensuring key applications are always at the top level of the screen so that the driver no longer has to scroll through submenus or give voice commands to access commonly used applications. The EQS SUV family will all have the following SUV-specific features within the instrument cluster: Off-road mode which will show the following Steering Angle Suspension height Elevation Geo coordinates Power level and more Additional modes will also be available Heads-up display Customizable to show all features Additional features will be announced as Mercedes gets closer to shipping date The Mercedes EQS SUV family will have a new navigation system to work with the new MBUX software. This new EQ-Specific navigation system will seamlessly plan the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, and dynamically react to traffic jams or change in driving style. This new system will use past data and with the EQ Intelligence look into the future taking into account energy demand calculated for the route traveling. Included in this calculation is the topography, route, ambient temperature, speed, heating and cooling requirements and more such as traffic situations along the planned route, availability of various levels of charging stations, including their availability, capacity and payment functions. Mercedes me Charge will come with every EQ EV offering the customers the benefit of truly hassle-free charging experience. A wide variety of charging options will be available to Mercedes me Charge customers offered by various providers. EQS SUV customers will receive the first two years complimentary Mercedes me Charge access via Electrify America where the EQS SUV drivers will have unlimited 30-minute DC Fast charging sessions across North America once account activation is done. Mercedes says this is part of their Ambition 2039 plan to be a global EV only auto company with complete neutral CO2 production. The EQS SUV depending on configuration will have up to 536 HP from their progressive electric powertrain and will exceed every expectation for their customers in comparison to the Flagship S-Class segment. EPA range figures are as follows: EQS 450+ 305 miles of range per charge EQS 450 & 580 4MATIC SUVs will have 285 miles of range per charge The 2023 EQS SUVs arriving at Dealerships fall of 2022 will have the following Trim Levels as a glance: The above prices exclude the required $1,150 destination and delivery charge. More details will follow as Mercedes gets closer to shipping. For all the current details Mercedes says to visit their web site. Luxury Cars - Sedans, SUVs, Coupes & Wagons | Mercedes-Benz USA (mbusa.com) View full article

@ccap41 @Drew Dowdell @oldshurst442 @surreal1272 @A Horse With No Name Hertz has signed a deal with BP to build a National Network in North America of Fast EV Chargers that will be tied into all Hertz EV rentals for knowing where to get a fast charge and BP has stated for a fee, these chargers will be open to the public for fast charging. Hertz, bp collaborate to accelerate EV charging in North America | Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. QUOTE: The agreement also involves the management of Hertz’s charging infrastructure by bp pulse and the customization of its Omega software to ensure Hertz’s growing fleet of electric rental cars are recharged quickly and efficiently between rentals. Omega supports fleet operations by automating charging when the power price is low, while providing real-time visibility to EVs, chargers, power usage, and more. Quote: Bernard Looney, bp chief executive, said: “It’s brilliant to be joining forces with Hertz – quite simply, they are one of the biggest names on the road. Working together to deliver charging facilities and design solutions, we believe we can take the EV driving experience to the next level for US customers. And this is just the start for bp pulse in the United States.” bp acquired fleet charging and energy management company Amply Power in 2021 as part of its commitment to grow mobility and fleet products and services in North America. Amply Power, now rebranded as bp pulse, began installing charging infrastructure at 25 Hertz rental locations in multiple states in 2022. This should put to rest any concerns by anyone about renting an EV when you can Fast Charge at Hertz locations as well as many of thousands of other places. QUOTE: bp pulse is expanding its global network of high-speed charging for cars, light commercial vehicles, and trucks, with a global target of more than 100,000 chargers by 2030, with about 90% of those rapid or ultra-fast chargers. The company also is partnering with fleet operators to accelerate the electric transformation of their fleets. IMHO Electricity is the new Oil Barrons of the Future. Just like Shell that has been buying up charging companies across Europe, Asia and the Americas. BP and others are also seeing the writing on the wall. Oil will always be here as it is used in tons of other products, but the auto industry days of ICE are tagged for replacement by EVs and Electrical charging. Knowing that it takes a bit of time to Charge, Hertz is having Relaxing Massage chairs for people to rest in. If you want to check out a Chinese made EV, then head to Hertz and rent one.

@ccap41 This will help as the final 17 states have approval that has triggered the first of the funds to install coast to coast along all national highways Chargers. States get final OK to build highway EV charging network | AP News QUOTE: The Transportation Department said it had OK’d EV charger plans from a last set of 17 states, triggering the release of $1.5 billion in federal funds to all jurisdictions nationwide — or $5 billion over five years — to install or upgrade chargers along 75,000 miles (120,000 kilometers) of highway from coast to coast, with a goal of 500,000 EV chargers nationwide. Plans for the other 33 states and the District of Columbia were approved earlier this month.

No, I have not had a chance to see a GMC Hummer or the Rivian in person yet. While I have seen plenty of Rivian R1T around this area, I also saw on the news that the Bellevue service and delivery center had their first R1S's, I have not seen like you one in the wild yet. Thank you for posting, awesome to see. I do like just about everything on the Rivian both internally and externally. GMC Hummer, my big issue that we have discussed here in other threads and @Robert Hall and I believe others here have also mentioned is the depressing black all interiors and the lack of options for said interior colors. The First Edition GMC Hummers were a no go with that ugly colored black and white or was it grey and white, NASA inspired theme. While the wife and I both like the external styling, the internal is a failure to us for colors, style and layout is fine. I have to say that I am really liking the Rivian look and style works so well. It is going to be interesting to see what GM and Ford does for Full size SUV EV style. I also already responded to a GM survey on full size SUV/Trucks and bashed them about the lack of interior color options and exterior color options. Why does an EV from GM not have a green color of some sort to show off their Green Auto's?

As many know, @ocnblu always attacked me for not owning an EV, but I do not fit into anything but full-size auto's and even then, I need a test fit as every auto is different. I would not agree with your last statement. Tesla owners have come to see their EVs and Charging times to work for them so one could not say it is not an IDEAL situation as many are fine living with the longer charge times. I would say that EV ownership and EV rentals is NOT IDEAL for some portions of humanity at this time. We know for a fact that in places in Africa where they do not have reliable or any electricity, that an EV will not work yet. Though never say never as Rivian did prove that driving an EV from the southern tip of South American back to the US through central American can be done. A road trip I hope to do one day myself as I love road trips.

Sure, for local driving I tend to never let the tank get below half and I refill, but I know my wife is going on a road trip with her sister on thursday, so she should come back in the Escalade on empty so I will check this out. One thing to point out about the statement you have above, that is based on perfect conditions and we know most gas stations DO NOT service their equipment until forced too except for Costco which seems to stay on top of changing fuel filters on their tanks. I find due to the vapor recovery hose system which I hate as it slows things down when fuel vapors push back up and click off or slow down the pump that most stations as the filters get dirty, the longer it takes to fuel. West Coast especially all fuel pumps have this damn nozzle that really can slow down dispensing of the fuel, but I get it as it keeps the vapors from going into the ozone. This was a good read. Why Do Gas Pumps Run Slow? (jalopnik.com)

I would not call @ccap41 Tucker as some might confuse it with the great auto pioneer Tucker and his dream car that the Legacy OEMs destroyed. He has a right to see how he sees things as do you and me. Honestly it has been a good debate, you and I see no problem with a little longer time to re-charge an auto just like we do for our laptops, phones, etc. Others find change hard. In @ccap41 point he sees the benefits of EVs for home use, local driving, he just does not see it for rentals and that is fine. If he visits Hawaii after 2030, his only choice will be an EV for rental as the Islands are doing everything they can to change to green energy and reduce emissions by requiring all rental places to have EVs starting with 2030 for rent. I honestly think we will see more rental companies watch Hertz and over the next few years start buying EVs for rent as people get more comfortable. Some folks like myself love living on the edge of technology and change, others want more comfort in what is established and known. Others yet are willing to die to keep things stagnant and that is how great societies have died and fallen. We have history to prove this as you look at the Egyptian empire, Roman Empire, Persian Empire, Gangu's Kaan Empire, Russia and the great cold war and the fall of Communism and how now Russia wants to rebuild their empire thinking they can force humans back into the old ways. Too late, too little, society will always move forward and those that resist change eventually fall to the wayside.

? I love how you and few others always say 5 min give or take a minute. I only see that for subcompacts. Most mid-size auto's take 10 minutes to fuel give or take a minute and full size; you have 20 minutes for sure. I have never seen my Escalade fuel up 33 gallons in less than 20 minutes at Costco or Fred Meyers, etc. I think due to the habit of fueling many people do not think about how long it takes to fuel an auto anymore especially if they drive a compact or sub-compact auto, yes those run 5 to 10 minutes at most. Everything else is longer.

@ccap41 @oldshurst442 Due to the ease of adding chargers, this is becoming far more popular and will help with the transition to EVs over the crazy cost and EPA requirements for gas stations. Campgrounds with EV charging stations in North America (chargehub.com) Jeep EV Charging Stations at Off-Roading Trails to Be Built (businessinsider.com) Jeep Wrangler 4xe Charger & Charging Station | Enel X Way Rivian has published a map showing the off-road areas they are going to install or have installed Fast Chargers at like MOAB, Rubicon Trail, etc. Electric Bolt shows where they are installed already on the map. Charging - Rivian Update, Nation Parks have started to post all the charging stations and when new ones open due to the ease of installing chargers compared to fuel stations. electric vehicle charging stations - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Seems Camping web sites are tracking this too. 6 National Parks With Convenient EV Charging Stations - Campendium

LOL, comfort over MPG in my household as why I have a performance SS, Performance Custom built Suburban also 9 mpg empty or full of people and my Escalade ESV at 14 mpg. LOL Also, thinking on the on-Vacation travel as I just got back from visiting a friend for a long weekend from Galveston Texas and I noticed as they took my wife and I to the boardwalk to walk about and see the beach area that all the parking was paid parking with a 3hr maximum parking requiring one to have to move their ICE auto no matter what. Thinking on this, it was this way also in Hawaii when my kids took us to Maui for a year and half late celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary. Many tourist areas have time limits requiring one to move their auto, ICE or EV. Even in large cities, like NY or Seattle there are time limits regardless of the type of auto, so moving one from a charging spot after 2 to 3 hours is no different than moving one's ice auto IMHO. At least with all the EVs on the market, one can monitor their EV while it charges and know when it is full so they can go move it.