Electric Nissan Juke: A Sneak Peek at the Future

Nissan is preparing to release an all-electric version of the popular Juke crossover SUV. The new model is expected to have more interior space and will share electric vehicle technology with the upcoming Renault 5. The design of the new Juke is likely to be influenced by Nissan's Hyper Punk concept car, featuring sharp edges and geometric detailing. It will maintain a smaller footprint than the Ariya SUV.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 10:19 PM PT

Electric cars set to become more affordable

Automakers are slowing down EV production due to high prices, but there are three reasons why electric cars will soon become more affordable. Firstly, the cost of battery packs is decreasing, with prices estimated to fall by 40% by 2025. Secondly, expanding charging networks will reduce the need for expensive, long-range batteries, making EVs lighter and cheaper. Finally, economies of scale will bring down costs as more EVs are produced.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 10:18 PM PT

Major creditor in talks to acquire Volta Trucks

Luxor Capital Group is in advanced talks to buy Volta Trucks, which filed for bankruptcy last month. The collapse of its battery supplier and reduced vehicle production impacted the company's ability to raise capital. Luxor Capital Group, a shareholder and lender to Volta, is reportedly close to reaching an agreement to buy the business. This could secure the future of the company and potentially save 850 jobs.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 10:18 PM PT

Chinese EV maker's valuation close to Tesla

Toni Sacconaghi, a Bernstein analyst, believes that investing in BYD Co Ltd, a Chinese electric vehicle maker, is a great opportunity as the stock is currently down about 20% from its year-to-date high. Sacconaghi is bullish on BYD stock because the company is growing faster than Tesla Inc. Despite generating slightly lower revenue than Tesla, BYD has a significantly lower market cap. Sacconaghi rates Tesla as underperform and expects BYD to be more attractive in terms of valuation and revenue.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 10:17 PM PT

EVs' Limited Success in the U.S., Excluding Teslas

Mazda CEO says EVs are not popular in the US, except for Teslas. Mazda pulled its MX-30 electric crossover from the market due to poor sales, but plans to launch another EV by 2025. The CEO believes that the share of EVs in the US market is small, with Tesla dominating. Lack of charging stations and consumer choice are also cited as barriers to EV adoption. Mazda's previous attempt at selling an EV in the US, the MX-30, failed due to limited range and availability.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 10:17 PM PT

Toyota's Dedication to Quality Shines in Century Bolt Tightening Process

Toyota craftspeople spend 12 times longer tightening bolts on the Century SUV than any other car. A team of 40 skilled workers, hand-picked from 1,500 employees, meticulously handcraft the Century. They undergo a rigorous three-part exam to secure their place on the assembly line. The workers use a combination of hand tightening, fastening tools, and digital torque wrenches to achieve the required precision.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 10:16 PM PT

Tragic Accident: Bentley's Speed Questioned in Niagara Falls Deaths

A Bentley with a 542-horsepower engine exploded near Niagara Falls, killing the occupants. The car's absurd speed raises questions about why someone would own a vehicle capable of going 175 mph. The high price tag of over $200,000 suggests that people are willing to pay for such power. However, American roads are not designed for racing, and driving at dangerous speeds increases the risk of fatal accidents.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 10:16 PM PT

Accelerating Car Development with Mazda-backed AI Firm

British AI firm Secondmind has raised £16 million in funding, with Mazda investing an undisclosed amount. Secondmind's AI technology has the potential to reduce a car's development time from years to months, leading to fewer errors in design and testing, as well as a 40% decrease in costly prototypes. Mazda plans to use Secondmind's tech to cut engine calibration time by half. This partnership builds upon their existing three-year collaboration to simplify EV design and development.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 10:15 PM PT

Tesla's triumph over Swedish labor unions and government in battle for business.

A Swedish court has granted Tesla a temporary injunction to receive license plates for its cars, providing some relief from an ongoing strike. The strike, involving members of an industrial union at Tesla-owned repair shops, has garnered support from eight other unions. Postal workers have also taken sympathy action, disrupting the delivery of license plates.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 10:14 PM PT

Hyundai acquires GM plant in India

Hyundai Motor Group has acquired General Motors India's Talegaon plant in an effort to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing Indian automobile market. The deal will increase Hyundai Motor India's production capacity to 960,000 units per year, with a goal of producing around 1.4 million units annually. This acquisition allows Hyundai to establish a local production system for electric vehicles and better compete in the world's third-largest automobile market.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 10:14 PM PT

Global Automakers Seek Electric Vehicle Insights from China

Volkswagen is turning to China's electric vehicle industry to learn how to accelerate manufacturing and compete with local rivals. As China's auto market shifts to electric vehicles, Volkswagen aims to keep its position as the top manufacturer by understanding how Chinese companies can produce affordable and technologically advanced electric cars in less time.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 3:17 PM PT

Toyota's Latest Concept EVs Offer Enhanced Comfort and Enjoyment

Toyota has unveiled two concept EVs, Comfortable Space and Enjoyable Space, at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China. These electric vehicles, developed in partnership with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co (GAC), will be exclusive to China. The Comfortable Space is a sedan with a sleek design and features such as slim LED lights and frameless doors. The Enjoyable Space is an SUV with pop-out door handles and regular wing mirrors. The exact launch date and pricing for these EVs are yet to be announced.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 3:17 PM PT

Brexit Britain's Surprise Victory: Nissan's £2billion Investment

Nissan's £2 billion investment in its Sunderland electric car plant has been praised for its Brexit benefits, with the company stating that the impact of leaving the EU has been "negligible". The investment will triple Nissan's investment in the UK and includes plans to produce two new electric vehicle models. The move has been welcomed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who believe it will safeguard the future of the British car industry.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 3:16 PM PT

Mitsubishi Minivan EV: Extended Range, Japan Launch

Mitsubishi is launching a new Minivan EV in Japan in December. The electric vehicle offers a range of 112 miles per charge, an increase of 35% compared to the previous model. It features a compact design suitable for urban areas and is equipped with safety features such as automatic high beam and collision mitigation. The Minivan EV also has improved front and rear shocks for a smoother ride.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 3:16 PM PT

Former Ford fleet director passes away

Former Ford fleet director and fleet industry stalwart, Mike Wear, has passed away after battling cancer. Wear had a long and successful career at Ford, starting as a graduate trainee and eventually becoming the director of Ford of Britain fleet operations. He was instrumental in setting up Ford Direct and played a significant role in the company car market. After retiring from Ford, Wear worked for Motability Operations and was awarded an OBE for his public service.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 3:16 PM PT

BMW Reintroduces XM Label as High-Powered Safety Car

The BMW XM Label Red, the most powerful road-going M car, will be the safety car for MotoGP 2024. It features a grey livery, Recaro racing seats, and an electric drive system. With 550 kW and 1,000 N.m of power, it is an upgraded version of the regular XM. The safety car also includes BMW's M Active Professional system and high-performance brakes. It will debut in March 2024 in Qatar.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 3:15 PM PT

Stainless Steel Hinders Tesla's Cybertruck Launch

Tesla's Cybertruck has faced delays in its rollout due to the use of "ultra-hard" stainless steel for its outer shell. The metal, which is dent-resistant, has proven difficult to mold properly for Tesla. Combined with supply chain issues and design flaws, this has caused delays in production. Tesla has just started displaying the Cybertruck in showrooms, three days before its latest self-imposed shipping deadline.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 3:15 PM PT

Creditor in talks to acquire Volta Trucks

Luxor Capital Group is in advanced discussions to acquire Volta Trucks, an electric truck manufacturer that filed for bankruptcy last month. The collapse of its battery supplier and the impact of Proterra's Chapter 11 bankruptcy significantly affected Volta's manufacturing plans and ability to raise capital. Luxor Capital, a shareholder and lender to Volta, is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to buy the business, potentially saving 850 jobs.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 3:14 PM PT

Forecaster reduces 2027 electric vehicle sales forecast

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has lowered its projections for electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK due to factors such as higher interest rates and falling fuel prices. The OBR now expects EVs to represent 18% of sales in 2023 (down from 25%) and 38% in 2027 (down from 67%). The absence of low-cost EVs, concerns about public charging points, and the delayed ban on new internal combustion engine vehicle sales are seen as obstacles to adoption.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 8:18 AM PT

Global Automakers Seek Electric Vehicle Insights from China

Volkswagen is turning to China's electric vehicle industry to learn how to speed up manufacturing and compete with local rivals. The German automaker, which has been losing market share in China's growing electric car market, is trying to catch up to Chinese manufacturers that can produce affordable and digital electric cars in less time.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 8:18 AM PT