Inside the Industry

BMW of North America streamlines EV charging experience



(March 14, 2024) BMW of North America has announced the addition of Shell Recharge Solutions as a second eMobility provider, giving customers easy access to Shell Recharge, ChargePoint, EVgo, EVConnect, and Blink charging stations via the My BMW App. BMW drivers can now find, access, and charge at all affiliated locations via their My BMW app, with payments for all five providers automatically processed via the app.

Most powerful series-production Porsche sets record lap times



Zero to 60 mph in as little as 2.1 secs.
and top track speed of up to 190 mph

(March 14, 2024) STUTTGART, Germany — Not yet on the market, but already a record holder: The Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package earned the title of fastest electric series-production car at the Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, in California, on February 23. With a time of 1:27.87, Porsche development driver Lars Kern put in a faster lap than any other driver has before with a series electric car.

Refreshed 2024 Kia Sorento tackles Colorado’s winter wilderness



(March 13, 2024) TABERNASH, Col. — Set against the backdrop of the majestic Colorado Rockies, the refreshed 2024 Kia Sorento embarked on a journey along picturesque alpine roads for its national press introduction this week, where members of the media ventured through the winter wilderness and immersed themselves in the rugged appeal of the newly introduced Sorento X-Pro trim.

Hyundai releases pricing for high-performance IONIQ 5 N



Fully equipped IONIQ 5 N starts
at $67,475 including destination

    
(March 13, 2024) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai has announced pricing for its fully equipped IONIQ 5 N at $67,475 including destination, setting the new benchmark for engaging, all-electric high performance. The IONIQ 5 N SUV is offered in a single, fully equipped trim that "delivers cutting-edge performance along with unmatched driver engagement and configurability, all paired with a full complement of convenience, driver-assistance, and safety features."

Hennessey sends off V8-powered TRX with ‘Last Stand’ Mammoth 1000



Mammoth 1000 TRX — 1,012 bhp,
969 lb-ft torque, 0-60 mph in 3.2 sec.


(March 13, 2024) SEALY, Texas — Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has announced a special edition "Last Stand" Mammoth 1000 TRX to send off the world’s favorite hypertruck in style. The Texas team will offer the special edition V8-powered Ram TRX exclusively on 2024 model year trucks, which feature new colors and distinctive "Last Stand" graphics.

NHTSA probes Honda vehicles over unintended braking



(March 12, 2024) WASHINGTON — U.S. auto safety regulators have launched an investigation into nearly 251,000 Honda vehicles for unintended activation of the automatic emergency braking system. The safety probe covers 2019-22 Honda Insight hybrid sedans and Honda Passport midsize crossovers, Automotive News reported.

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid — Performance, efficiency in a new combination



AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter engine,
electric motor make 577 hp

       
(March 12, 2024) With the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid, the performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach introduces its latest plug-in Hybrid model, combining outstanding performance and engaging driving dynamics with electric efficiency. The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid arrives at U.S. dealerships later this year.

Rivian introduces smaller, less expensive platform



R2 mid-sized SUV to start at
$45,000; R3 priced below R2


(March 11, 2024) LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — Rivian has unveiled its new midsize platform which underpins R2 and R3 product lines. R2 is Rivian’s all-new midsize SUV delivering a combination of performance, capability and utility in a five-seat package optimized for big adventures and everyday use. The silhouette and face of R2 are distinctly Rivian. R3 is a midsize crossover that is tidy on dimensions but delivers big on performance.

Chevy Blazer EV sales resume with lower starting price



(March 11, 2024) Chevrolet has resumed sales of the 2024 Blazer EV, more than two months after sidelining it to fix a software quality problem. The automaker also has cut the midsize electric crossover's price by at least 9 percent, pushing all three available versions below $50,000 after shipping and a $7,500 federal tax credit. GM made a sourcing change on some ineligible parts so the Blazer EV is again eligible for the full credit, according to Automotive News.

Ram launches next-gen 'Ram Professional' commercial mobility solutions



(March 11, 2024) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Ram has announced the new Ram Professional commercial vehicle division with full-service customer mobility and value solutions. As a key brand within Stellantis Pro One, the enhanced strategic offensive to achieve commercial vehicle business global leadership, Ram Professional will play a pivotal role in North America to achieve the company’s Dare Forward 2030 global plan targets to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and to lead customer satisfaction.