Hertz CEO Steps Down Following Unsuccessful Bet on Electric Vehicles
In 2021, Hertz made headlines when it announced plans to purchase 100,000 Teslas to expand its fleet of electric vehicles. The move came on the heels of a successful $4.2 billion restructuring that saved the company from bankruptcy and boosted its stock price by 40 percent over two weeks. However, two and a half years later, Hertz finds itself in a precarious position, as it struggles to sell off many of its EVs at significantly…
General Motors believes that batteries shaped like Tetris blocks could revolutionize cooling systems
General Motors is making strides in the electric vehicle market, with plans to operate four battery plants including one in Lordstown, Ohio already producing cells. The company is considering unique battery configurations to enhance efficiency, as seen in a recent patent for Tetris-like block-shaped batteries designed for improved cooling channels. **Innovative Battery Design** The patent application from GM presents a new approach to battery cooling, departing from traditional rectangular or cylindrical shapes. The proposed "L"…
EU Trademark Application Suggests Mazda’s Plan for Electric Sedan
Electric Mazda 6e: What We Know So Far Introduction: Mazda has recently made headlines with a trademark application for the name "Mazda 6e" and the corresponding logo, hinting at a potential new electric sedan for the European market. This comes as the company plans to phase out production of the Mazda6 sedan in favor of electric vehicles. While details are scarce, the trademark application specifies that it's for electric cars and their parts. With Mazda's…
The Most Costly Cars on Earth
What is the most expensive car in the world? That question may seem simple at first, but when it comes to cars and money, things can get complicated. Is it the most expensive new car, the most valuable car ever sold at auction, or a special limited-edition model? Some cars are so rare that only one was ever built, making them truly priceless. Before diving into the stratospheric numbers, it's important to understand that the…
NTSB Investigates Ford’s BlueCruise Hands-Free System
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating a fatal crash involving Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system. The crash, which occurred in San Antonio, Texas, involved a Ford Mustang Mach-E equipped with BlueCruise striking the rear end of a stationary Honda CR-V, resulting in the death of the CR-V driver. The investigation was initiated due to the NTSB's ongoing interest in advanced driver assistance systems and how drivers interact with these technologies. **The…
Audi Abandons Confusing Naming Scheme After Years
In 2017, Audi introduced a confusing double-digit naming scheme based on power output across its lineup, which has now been decided to be phased out. The Q6 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron have already started the switch, with the former now known as the Q6 E-Tron Quattro and the latter retaining its original name. The company aims to simplify its model offerings by dropping the numerical designations, starting with electric vehicles and eventually extending to gasoline…
U.S. drivers sue Ferrari over brake defect issue
Ferrari Faces Lawsuit Over Braking Issues in the United States Ferrari has recently been hit with a lawsuit in the United States by drivers who claim that the luxury sports car maker has neglected to address vehicles at risk of partial or total loss of braking capability. The lawsuit, filed in San Diego federal court, alleges that recalls in 2021 and 2022 by Ferrari to fix leaking brake fluid were only temporary solutions, allowing the…
Advancing the Brand’s EV Game: The 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron
The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron are set to hit the market at the end of this year, offering all-wheel-drive configurations with impressive horsepower and range. These electric SUVs are built on Audi's new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform and are the first to be produced at Audi's Ingolstadt plant in Germany. The models feature a new cockpit layout and electrical architecture, aiming to compete in the luxury electric SUV market against the…
Software Issues Cause Bentley to Postpone Release of First Electric Vehicle
Introduction: Bentley has decided to delay the launch of its highly anticipated first fully electric vehicle by a year due to technical problems caused by software issues and platform-related concerns. The luxury automaker was originally planning to introduce the EV in 2025, but now it is expected to make its debut near the end of 2026 with customer deliveries starting in 2027. Additionally, Bentley has also pushed back its goal to become entirely electric by…
Revised EV Mileage Rating Rule Benefits US Automakers
The U.S. Energy Department has announced final rules that will soften its proposal to reduce electric vehicles' mileage ratings to meet government fuel economy requirements in 2027. This decision comes as a relief to the Detroit Three automakers and the United Auto Workers union, who raised concerns about potential fines that automakers could face for not meeting fuel economy requirements. The final rules will gradually reduce the petroleum equivalent EV fuel economy rating through 2030,…