Automotive News for February 21, 2024

Here’s your automotive industry news for February 15th thru February 21st 2024  

The Electric Vehicle Mandate that was set to become effective as early as March of this year has seen some action, sort of. As we reported in January (see story here), the Biden administration was set to approve legislation requiring 60% of new car sales to be for battery electric vehicles by 2030, and 67% by 2032.  

In response to the mandate’s approaching approval, many groups in the auto industry have evaluated the growing infrastructure and other components necessary to achieve this goal. The various concerns that arise with pursuing the endeavor are troubling in the eyes of the groups and were forwarded to the White House for consideration ahead of the signing of the legislation. 

A February 20th report from Reuters, and another from the New York Times, indicate that the White House is reconsidering the mandate’s deadlines and may, with emphasis on MAY, readjust the proposed EPA target further out. Nothing has been signed yet, though the administration’s consideration is an action that is welcomed by the auto industry.  

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The new Fiat 500e is coming to the States

In a press release this morning, Stellantis announced that the first USA-bound all-electric Fiat 500e models have rolled off the assembly line this week. The all-new EV take on the classic 500 has already sold out of its dealer allocations.

Details? The 500e is expected to land on our shores from Italy with a $32,500 price tag and includes a Level 2 charging wall unit. The car’s range is listed at 149 miles on the press release. 

The model has been available in Europe already and has stacked up awards. Sales overseas have been 185,000 units so far. Fiat is hoping the classic and modern lines will turn around the company’s current USA sales slump.

Do you think the 500e will be as successful in the United States? Sound off on our Facebook page.   

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Does Infiniti need quality control?

Infiniti came in last in a Consumer Reports study of 29 brands. The study was based on ownership approval of 3-year-old vehicles. This is an eye-opener for many in the industry as Infinity is the only luxury manufacturer to fall below the average rating. 

The CR report is kept for its paying online customers, but an article, dated February 19th, discusses it and can be found here.

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Scout Motors is digging holes, for a good reason

Scout Motors is back in the news. On February 16th, the offspring of Volkswagen broke ground on a new manufacturing facility in Blythewood, South Carolina. The 2 billion dollar plant is expected to bring approximately 4,000 jobs in relation to the operation and be geared to produce as many as 200,000 EVs for the all-electric manufacturer. Production vehicles are anticipated to be rolling out of the factory in 2026.

After the groundbreaking ceremony, journalists sat down with the CEO, Scott Keogh, and Head of Production, Dr. Jan Spies, to discuss the brand. It was divulged in these conversations that the EVs that Scout will produce will be ladder-on-frame vehicle platforms not shared with the parent company VW, although the future may change that.

A story on Jalpnik, that discusses the ground opening and the meeting afterward, quotes Dr. Spies

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“This is not a twin, or brother or daughter to any of the platforms that we’ve ever had. When I purchase production equipment for Scout, I take technical specification experience, but not components or parts of factories or the assemblies from any other plant. This is a disadvantage in terms of speed, but a huge opportunity to really deliver the cars that have to be unique for the market.” 

Dr. Jan Spies

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A smaller Rivian?

In other news, Rivian has been making headways as a new auto manufacturer in recent years. The young EV manufacturer hit the scene introducing the R1T, and the R1S, and also cementing deals with Amazon and others. The push has brought the manufacturer to the point where it is more stable than a few years ago and can consider rolling out additional products. 

That brings us to the R2 – just “R2”, no D2. The R2 was teased on February 15th, ahead of its official launch, slated for March 7. So far, the familiar family facial resemblance can’t be denied. Also, we know it will be smaller than the other Rivian products. But, additional information such as the range and performance of the R2 is still being kept behind closed doors. 

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Missed on last week’s report is a story from February 14th regarding BMW. According to our automotive colleagues at Motor1, the manufacturer is considering bringing an M-badged wagon to the United States. Yup, a long-roof performance driving machine will be coming in the form of the M5 Touring. Allegedly, the twin-turbo V8 hybrid will pump out approximately 700 horsepower and will become available alongside the non-M-badged 5 Series Touring model.  

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Mazda insurance?

Another interesting news bit from February 14th provides a sneak peek into what Mazda is considering. Of particular interest, the brand is contemplating launching its own auto insurance. 

A group known as “Mazda Insiders” occasionally gets to participate in some behind-the-scenes action with Mazda. Sometimes, the group gets probed about ideas that are being considered. These are just ideas at this stage. But, further development may be spurred by the group’s reaction, according to the article.  

Would you be open to insurance offered by an automaker? Sound off on our Facebook page.

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Safety – Check for active automotive recalls here.

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The views and opinions expressed by HJ Pizarro are the author’s own and do not reflect the opinions or beliefs of this website and/or its affiliates.