G. David Felt

Another reason for my dislike of the UAW. They leaders are screwing the union members. Former UAW president pleads guilty to embezzling union funds https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-autos-labor-corruption/former-uaw-president-pleads-guilty-to-embezzling-union-funds-idUSKBN26L3KY Time to face the Music Audi Ex-CEO, VWE expect more costs associated with Dieselgate. Ex-Audi chief arrives in German court to face dieselgate charges https://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-audi/ex-audi-chief-arrives-in-german-court-to-face-dieselgate-charges-idUSKBN26L1KG

I would take this way before I would want to drive that BMW.

Streamlined

Juicy Fruit

Except Tesla has already started to drop prices on Tesla Y CUVs so Ford is matching to be competitive. A Smart and sound business practice.

Sums this up perfectly!

I vote for a PHEV Wrangler!

Bootylicious

My failure for working my job while also monitoring about the auto industry. Fixed, thank you

8 ball

FORD RECALLS HUGE AP has multiple stories on recalls from Ford. Ford is recalling 558,000 mid size SUV/CUVs for a Brake Fluid leak issue caused by the front brake lines failing. The recall covers certain 2015 through 2018 Ford Edge and 2016 through 2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. https://apnews.com/article/north-america-06525b5786d13c76a18d8c37fb42ced9 Ford is recalling 700,000 auto's as the backup camera can just go dark at any time. The recall covers most 2020 versions of Ford’s F-Series trucks, as well as the 2020 Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge. Also included are the Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair. F-Series trucks are the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. https://apnews.com/article/north-america-archive-2553654e6b900a207462ec2cb2575b51 Ford recalls 2.5 million auto's for latch and brake problems. 2.1 million auto's are being recalled due to latches that can fail allowing the doors to open while the auto is in motion. This is the third recall for this problem. 344,000 F-150 pickups are being recalled for Master Brake Cylinder leaks that can cause the brake system to fail resulting in crashes. The recall covers vehicles in the U.S. and includes the 2012 to 2015 Ford Focus, the 2013 to 2014 Ford Fusion, the 2011 to 2014 Ford Fiesta, and the 2013 to 2015 Ford Escape and C-Max. Also covered are the 2013 and 2014 Lincoln MKZ, the 2015 Lincoln MKC, the 2015 Ford Mustang and the 2014 to 2016 Ford Transit Connect van. The brake fluid recall covers certain 2014 through 2017 F-150s in the U.S. and Canada. The F-Series pickups are the top-selling vehicles in the United States. https://apnews.com/article/593f7b1b881af8645f80297ed07fbda1

We do not know if it is Cramped as the interior they show appears to be very spacious even more so than many auto's from the 60's to 70's. I get that the original Buick Electra with an ICE was a large car and this is a CUV. Yet, EV's are supposed to give more interior room even if the exterior dimensions do not equal the auto of the past. They do not state what size this auto is or what extended length of the BEV platform this is built on. Too many unknowns at this time.

While the original Electra was a sedan of road going enjoyment. It was the past though and I still believe it was the right move to repurpose the name for the 21st century of EVs. Yes the Concept needs major work, but this does at least keep the name alive and sets the expectation that some thing better is to come IMHO.

As a concept, if they do keep to the over all open air design, then big difference from the Mach E which has A, B and C pillars where the Buick Electra Concept has A and B pillars only. Also, while the Mach E has plenty of room inside as proven by the lead designer who is 6'2" tall and once comfy in front got out and went to the back showing that tall big people can fit, it still holds to the over all traditional interior design of seats bolted to the floor where as this is designed to maximize interior space and comfort. very different. Be interesting to see what the production model becomes.

Home Projects

Buick Electra EV for the Win!

selfie

I will have to TOTALLY DISAGREE, Electra is the Perfect Name Plate for a Buick EV. This is not about sticking to the past history but taking the name plate and auto badge into the future. EV's are the future, Buick has a Future for sure in China and EV's are the future. No better name plate for a Buick EV. Buick ELECTRA Based on the GM BEV 3 Platform with a 404 Mile range battery pack and 583 HP! AWD with 0 to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds. Pasting the GM press release at the bottom. https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2020/Sept/0928_Buick.html https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/buick-electra-ev-concept/ https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/buicks-luxury-behemoth-the-electra-is-coming-back-as-a-583-hp-ev-1234571849/ https://gmauthority.com/blog/2020/09/all-new-buick-electra-concept-ev-crossover-debuts-in-china/ Buick Makes Bold Statement with Its Vision for Future EV Design Electra electric crossover concept makes global premiere 2020-09-28 Print Email Word Share This Story SHANGHAI – The Buick Electra concept vehicle made its global premiere this evening in Shanghai. The all-electric crossover offers a sneak peek at Buick’s vision for a new intelligent electric future. “Today, Buick’s innovative thinking and imagination of future intelligent mobility have reached the next level with the Electra,” said Sam Basile, executive vice president of SAIC-GM. “I am confident that the aesthetics and technology innovations reflected on the Electra will ultimately help reset consumers’ expectations, just as all previous Buick concepts have done.” Adopting the new “potential energy” design language, the Electra emphasizes clean and bold styling with seamless integrated technology. It comes with a new-generation electric propulsion system and the advanced Ultium battery, along with a variety of connected and intelligent driving technologies, demonstrating Buick’s ongoing evolution toward the future of personal mobility. “Building on Buick’s proven leadership in electrification, the Electra represents the brand’s ambition to bring together beautiful styling and intelligent connectivity in the new era of zero emissions,” said Molly Peck, executive director of Buick Sales and Marketing at SAIC-GM. “The advanced Ultium battery unlocks the exciting new possibilities for what future EVs will look like. The Electra fully leverages state-of-the-art technology to set a new standard for future EV design and personal mobility.” The Electra is the latest global concept vehicle developed by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) automotive engineering and design joint venture in Shanghai, backed by GM’s global resources. It is named after an iconic Buick flagship model that originally represented one of the three shields in the brand’s logo. Forward-looking design inspired by a space capsule Combining the athletic look of a four-seat crossover with Gran Turismo aesthetics, the Electra previews Buick’s next-generation design language for electric vehicles. Adopting a pure design philosophy, the Electra has clean and minimalist styling inspired by a space capsule. The evolving sculptural beauty is distinguished by a spacious glass interior pod situated in an aerodynamic wing-form bodyshell. The glass canopy extends from near the front of the hood to the rear. The Electra’s innovative “potential energy” design language is characterized by sculptural surfaces in front, along the sides, and in its wheels and lamps. It reinforces the elegant overall shape while emphasizing the dynamic stance like an arrow being released. This “moving tension” is also reflected through its gradient light silver exterior tone in the front end that progressively transitions to dark silver in back. The illuminated Buick badge integrates a flow-through design. Along with 23-inch wheels featuring an optimal design, it helps enhance aerodynamics while contributing to the Electra’s futuristic look. Its “breathing” front and rear Matrix LED lamps feature parametrical mathematic lighting strings with a three-dimensional effect. They are complemented by a full LED-illuminated grille and rear screen nameplate to provide dramatic digital lighting interaction. The Electra’s butterfly wing doors support facial recognition and provide a robust opening for convenient access. There is also a hidden floating skateboard integrated with the stoplight under the rear bumper to expand users’ personal mobility options. Zero-gravity environment with seamless technology integration The Electra’s four-seat interior takes full advantage of the all-new electric vehicle architecture developed by GM, with an optimized battery layout. Together with the lack of traditional A/B pillars, the result is a maximum extension of the cabin with a longer wheelbase, a more efficient package and a more spacious, open interior. The Electra interior has a sculptural spaceship-like cradle, without a traditional instrument panel. The large curved display is a central feature. A retractable steering wheel and suspended seats, supported by an all-new light-weighted armature structure, creates a visual effect of zero gravity inside the cabin. The Electra’s color palette, including copper gold trim surrounding the cabin and dark trim on the exterior frame, replicates the atmosphere of outer space. The interior seamlessly integrates technologies such as a concealed air-conditioning system, ambient lighting and an electronic rearview mirror. The Electra provides functionality and convenience with features available when the user needs them. Intuitive and immersive user experience The Electra offers an intuitive and immersive user experience that rewards all the senses. Buick’s next-generation eConnect connectivity system runs on the distinctively large retina display with industry-leading freeform curved screen technology, expanding the viewing area for the driver with an immersive visual experience. The advanced eConnect system supports remote over-the-air (OTA) updates and enables a connected experience by providing on-demand driving information, advanced driver assistant system details and infotainment control. The introduction of a large augmented reality-enhanced head-up display with advanced live-view navigation adds to the Electra’s intuitive multi-screen interactive user interface. The Electra is also equipped with the next generation of Buick’s intelligent AI Voice Assistant. Users can fully manage the vehicle’s functions with smooth and precise human-machine voice interaction, such as controlling the air-conditioning, accessing home devices and adjusting the driving mode. Advanced electrification technology and smart mobility Leveraging GM’s global EV expertise, the Electra is supported by its new-generation high-performance modular electric propulsion system. Utilizing the advanced Ultium battery, the Electra has a range of more than 660 kilometers on a single charge, making it ideal for daily commutes as well as family trips. Thanks to the industry-leading wireless battery management system, the Ultium battery reduces wires within the battery by 90%. It also helps balance chemistry within the individual battery cell groups and conduct real-time battery pack checks to safeguard battery health. The Electra’s Ultium drive unit has high-performance motors in both the front and the rear to ensure optimized power output. It has maximum power of 435 kW, enabling 0-100 kilometer per hour acceleration of just 4.3 seconds. Additional vehicle highlights for future mobility include GM’s next-generation intelligent driving technology with door to-door smart mobility solutions, as well as V2X technologies, to offer a safe and intelligent ride with peace of mind. Buick has found success offering premium SUVs and cars with sculptural designs, refined performance, modern interiors and thoughtful personal technologies. Buick’s award-winning customer service and sales experience, along with the Avenir trim, the highest expression of Buick luxury, are attracting new buyers to experience Buick’s unique approach to attainable luxury in North America and China. Buick has sold over 10 million vehicles in China since its introduction by SAIC-GM in 1998. More information about Buick vehicles in China, its largest market, is available at www.Buick.com.cn.

As such every Pickup Truck out there ICE and EV are over priced especially with the crazy $7,500 to $12,000 discounts being thrown on the hoods now.

Sewer

I still think what Cadillac has done could also work for a Class 8 Semi truck, but I do get the point your driving at Robert. Thanks

Cadillac's implementation is far superior.

Motel

Honda at the Chinese auto show showed off today their first EV SUV concept. This is as they say the direction Honda will be going in global production of EV auto's and are focusing first on the CUV/SUV market. Honda has an agreement to use the GM EV platform, batteries, and motors for their Global EV product line. https://electrek.co/2020/09/28/honda-electric-suv-concept-future-mass-production-model-trend/

Seems Ford is finding new savings on the Mustang Mach e and has slashed prices up to $3,000. https://electrek.co/2020/09/29/ford-slashes-mustang-mach-e-electric-car-prices/#more-149004 GM has Announced that they have started testing their Ultium Battery system that will power their next generation of EV's that are coming out starting with Cadillac and Hummer by GMC. The battery packs will last for 1 million miles. https://electrek.co/2020/09/29/gm-tests-ultium-battery-system-cruise-origin-autonomous-electric-vehicle/#more-148985 Tesla has announced that they have secured an order for 130 of the Tesla Semi Class 8 trucks from Walmart of Canada. Walmart has over $2 million dollars in deposits to Tesla for their Semi Truck orders that are now over $20 million on the books. Quote from Walmart of Canada: “Walmart Canada is now reserving a total of 130 Tesla Semi trucks, making it one of the largest reservations of electrified trucks in the country. The move comes on the heels of Walmart Canada announcing a major $3.5 billion investment over the next five years aimed to generate significant growth in the business and is aligned with Walmarts global goal to target zero emissions by 2040 announced at Climate Week earlier this month.” https://electrek.co/2020/09/29/tesla-tsla-secures-order-tesla-semi-electric-trucks-walmart/#more-148949