G. David Felt

Interesting, so we all know the Challenger and Charger are dead as V8 powered cars at the end of 2023. Camaro is to be dead at the end of 2024 as an ICE car. Ford is now looking at stretching out the current Mustang to the end of this Decade and will be the last V8 Pony car as with the launch of the New GE2 Global Platform that will give an updated Mach-E next year, Ford is also planning to role out an electric Mustang by 2027 or 2028 and have both ICE and EV run till 2030 then EV only. Next-gen Ford Mustang hybrid and AWD reportedly dead | Autoblog

Interesting story on vintage Mercedes. Mercedes-Benz Goes All-In on the Classics - InsideHook

This makes total sense as just as Cadillac, GM has had WAY TOO MANY Dealerships for some time, and this will allow dealerships to take some money and run. GM benefits as they reduce their dealerships making the remaining ones more profitable. I see nothing wrong with this as those dealerships that have already merged into a Buick/GMC dealership at the minimum or more as we have a couple GM Super Dealerships where you find all 4 lines in one place will and should be able to do better. Have two EV lines if it is a super, 4 product line dealership or at least one EV and ONE ICE/EV dealership will just give plenty of options.

It does make one wonder if the way they school the kids and attempt under communist rule to make everyone fit in if that does not lend to the lack of creativity and originality. Seems people who want to break with traditions in China either leave the country or end up under house arrest if they are successful. I hate to think it, but this is supposed to be their new global styling which means the importation of Buicks from China are going to look like this and suck big time. While not as hideous to me as the whole Toyota/Lexus Predator mouth grill thing, it is a very BLAH impression as others have pointed out.

Very interesting, seems the Porsche IPO is going forward in 4 weeks and VW and Porsche both expect the large cash infusion to help them pass Tesla in becoming the top EV auto companies in the world. Volkswagen and Porsche Take a Huge Risk With a Big Bet - TheStreet

@oldshurst442 @smk4565 @Robert Hall @riviera74 @surreal1272 While not my cup of tea in exterior style as I hated the Honda Crosstour. This was a clean sheet design by the GM China Team in Shanghai. I have to think they are in sync with the local market better than any of us on the styles there. It will be interesting to see how this does for sales as Buick is one of the top 10 names in China. Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands in China in 2020 (carlogos.org) #1. Volkswagen (2,675,384 units sold) #2. Honda (1,603,590 units sold) #3. Toyota (1,540,500 units sold) #4. Nissan (1,133,211 units sold) #5. Geely (1,064,007 units sold) #6. Buick (885,206 units sold) #7. Changan (784,801 units sold) #8. Haval (701,605 units sold) #9. Audi (674,700 units sold) #10. Mercedes-Benz (645,449 units sold)

Bricks on Wheels, The Ultimate Driving Machine and the Best or Nothing Marketing Message. LOL, I had forgot all about these till you posted them. LOL Interesting to see the stories on which old autos from BMW would be great to electrify. Which Classic BMW Would You Convert to Electric? (bmwblog.com) Seems I am not the only one that believes electrifying old classic cars is a good thing. Goodbye, V8! This is the world's first electric classic Mercedes-Benz SL (mercedesblog.com)

Took the wife out before the crowds for a Labor Day Breakfast. Saw this sharp looking Stinger.

The EQB is not here and as such would not get the rebate and starting January 1st 2023, the new rebate plan is what has some companies pissed off as the rebate is good only on EVs built in the US withs EV cars below the $55K threshold and trucks, SUVs and Vans below $80K. This is what has Kia and Hyundai pissed as well as Toyota since they build their EVs in their own country and export them here to the U.S. Going to be interesting to see how this rebate plays out with the various auto companies. Those interested in the bill that was signed into law can get it all here, they have one of the better breakdowns of it. Electric Vehicle Tax Credits: What You Need to Know (investopedia.com)

I still see a space for true cars as not everyone likes SUVs as @oldshurst442 @ccap41 @trinacriabob have stated

Maybe due to my personal size, I was thinking of their bigger cars than the subcompacts. Everyone I have talked to that owns or has had a chance to drive like the Kia K5 and especially the Stinger have loved them. Very solid built cars.

I have been searching but have not found anything yet on Mercedes global or U.S. based web sites about expansion or additional battery production lines. I cannot think that a 985-foot line will be big enough to support building 7 different EVs here in the US. I think Mercedes is being way too conservative in their building of EVs. Yes, starting at the top of the line, most expensive will tamper purchases, but the way certain groups of humans like Asians buy anything that has a 3-pointed star on it, they will be having more demand than production, I think. Will be interesting to see how this plays out for them. GM, Ford, Rivian and Tesla all have up and running or in assembly battery plants that are far bigger than what Mercedes has built.

Mercedes is proud to announce production of the exclusive EQS SUV built exclusively in the U.S. for global consumption at the Tuscaloosa plant, from Alabama to the world. This has been possible due to the Bibb County, Alabama Mercedes-Benz Battery Factory that will supply all EVs produced in the U.S. for both North America and Global consumption. Mercedes is proud to also state that both the battery production and auto production sites are Carbon Neutral site with comprehensive sustainability plans. 20220825_SOP_EQS_SUV_MBUS.mp4 Mercedes has stated that their global initiative is to produce eight all-electric vehicles at seven sites on three continents by the end of this year, 2022. Since 1997, Tuscaloosa plant has been the focus on building large SUVs for Mercedes and now this will continue as they have integrated full-size EQS SUV into the production line as well. Tuscaloosa serves as the key production sit for Mercedes-EQ luxury electric SUVs starting with the EQS and by the end of the year the EQE SUV. The Tuscaloosa plant uses state-of-the-art digital, sustainable, efficient and flexible production methods that are based on the blueprint created by the companies Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, Germany. Michael Goebel, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz US International had the following to say: “We have a highly skilled and motivated team that has absolutely delivered in the successful product launch of the new EQS SUV. Our Team Members in Tuscaloosa have shown a lot of flexibility, energy and commitment in helping us to achieve milestone after milestone since our first Mercedes-Benz rolled off the production line more than 25 years ago. The employees here at the site can be proud that the first all-electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz and its battery are being built in Alabama.” Production of battery packs began in March of 2022 at the Bibb County production facility which makes it part of the Mercedes Global battery production network which comprises factories on three different continents. The Bibb County production line is a 985-foot-long line with 70 workstations building the modular battery packs for the EQ family of autos. The EQS SUV has responsive 4MATIC all-wheel drive with their intelligent OFFROAD driving mode allowing this SUV to tackle light terrain with ease per the press release. Mercedes much like other manufactures is starting from the top down in their product portfolio producing their most luxurious models first. Mercedes will keep the interior that was released on the EQS sedan in the SUV with the same interior options. Start of Production for the new EQS SUV at Mercedes-Benz in Alabama - Mercedes-Benz Group Media Erste Einblicke ins Interieur des neuen EQE SUV - Mercedes-Benz Group Media View full article

Drizzle here, such a nice relief after the heat of this summer, just 60 degrees, loving it. As such, chilling while the wife talks to her girlfriend upstairs, seeing what is going on in the world and listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers.

I was hoping to get around them or side so I could see the front, but never got the chance as they turned into the 55 and older community on the lake ahead.

Have you driven or checked out any of the cars by Hyundai or Kia?

Very cool, GM willstart mass battery cell production for Ultium battery packs allowing GM to ramp up EV production. https://gmauthority-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/gmauthority.com/blog/2022/09/production-starts-at-gms-joint-venture-ultium-battery-factory-in-ohio/amp/

Saw this while running an errand. No idea the make or model. Very old couple driving.

The all-new Buick Envista compact SUV Embodies Buick's new global design language for the 21st century. The Buick Envista comes with the latest connectivity features, an efficient intelligent propulsion system and the first adoption of Tune Melody subwoofer 3D surround audio system, providing the demanding 21st century generation of buyers with a truly dynamic SUV mobility experience. The Envista represents the pure expression of the Buick design taken to the next level in this modern dynamic style. Per Buick, this expressive new face incorporates a forward-leaning nose with a low-mounted, wide-open modern grille in this all-new body-mounted tri-shield badged Buick. There is sophisticated styling starting with chrome accents to give it a premium smooth silhouette. The focus is that it conveys motion even when standing still. The Envista will be available with the GS package, meeting customers' needs for a personalized experience. This includes exclusive black mesh grill and signature GS Elements. The Buick Envista is built on the All-New Global BFI platform that uses a one-piece high-strength body structure, providing excellent passive safety protection. The Envista has the following proportions that deliver spacious interior and segment-leading legroom in the second row. The goal was an airy environment with a sense of lightness that flows throughout. Overall length of 4,638 mm or 183 inches Overall width of 1,816 mm or 72 inches Overall height of 1,565 mm or 62 inches Overall wheelbase of 2,700 mm or 107 inches The all-new cockpit system incorporates dual 10.25 inch high-definition touchscreens in the center stack and gauge cluster for a seamless integration inspiring driver confidence through easy access to vehicle controls and readability. Highlights of the intelligent digital user experience. An integrated dual 10.25-inch touchscreen featuring high definition and smooth operation An optimized UI design employing a customized card-style interface The all-new Baidu intelligent voice command system that supports voice interruption and multi-round interaction, multimedia research and customized voice configuration, making human-machine interaction more convenient and intuitive The on-board Baidu navigation system features gesture control functionality, allowing seamless transit of navigation information from the center stack to the gauge cluster Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging support, along with support for multiple over-the-air (OTA) upgrades to keep its connectivity system up to date over time The interior is done in premium soft leather and suede from the sporty flat bottom steering wheel to the dash and seats ensuring a premium feel. Envista has a roomy interior with up to 28 storage spaces and 1,273 liters or 45 Cubic ft of cargo space. The latest eConnect system optimized to work with enhanced connectivity features giving a more dynamic, intuitive, digitalized user experience. Buick is proud to be the launch of GMs all-new Tune Melody Subwoofer 3D surround audio system giving a refined audio experience. All Envista's are equipped with a 1.5L Turbo four-cylinder direct injected Ecotec engine paired to a chain drive transmission (CVT) delivering 135 kW or 181 hp ensuring a quick 0 to 100 km or 0 to 62.5 MPH time of 7.9 seconds. The all-new BFI Global platform has a new enhanced chassis and suspension system providing comfort with precise control. The all-new Envista will feature the latest Buick eCruise 360 degree surround view driver-assist technology to provide peace of mind. Intuitive and Advanced Connectivity is as follows: An integrated dual 10.25-inch touchscreen featuring high definition and smooth operation An optimized UI design employing a customized card-style interface The all-new Baidu intelligent voice command system that supports voice interruption and multi-round interaction, multimedia research and customized voice configuration, making human-machine interaction more convenient and intuitive The on-board Baidu navigation system featuring gesture control functionality, allowing seamless transit of navigation information from the center stack to the gauge cluster Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging support, along with support for multiple over-the-air (OTA) upgrades to keep its connectivity system up to date over time Adding more personality besides the black mesh grill that comes in the GS package is that you also have 18" black painted wheels paired with Red Brake calipers for a youthful, sporty appearance. Customers can also choose from 6 exterior colors paired with 20 colors of paint protection film for a very personalized look. View full article

Happy Labor Day Weekend Everyone!

Loving commercials from other countries. sexybeercommercial[1].wmv How_do_you_like_your_beer.wmv This Ford Commercial from UK is awesome. Final Bird_1.mpg sportka.wmv I love this How a Woman Parks a Lambo. How a woman Parks a Lamborghini.mp4 This is one of the great Mazda Zoom Zoom commercials from Europe. Mazda,WayToPark.wmv Love this Isenbeck Beer Commercial Isenbeck,BalletClass.asf

I am sure this was made by someone, but I found it funny and smart. Hope everyone else finds it funny. Nissan_Pathfinder.wmv

We'll we have the start of the labor day weekend and I just realized nothing has been posted about auto's people have seen. Today I had some good views, we will start off with a car I loved, but did not fit in very well. Cadillac Station Wagon, especially loved them in V edition. Start off with seeing an old GMC pickup that some members will love, forgot as I do not think I have seen the GMC person post in a while who loved all things GMC. Saw my first in the wild Ioniq 5, love the layout, dash and it looks very roomy inside, the center arm rest is bigger than in my SS.