AD #4240 - BMW Abandons L3 Autonomy for More Affordable L2; EU Dealers Demand Help to Fight Chinese Invasion; Hyundai Warns of Escalating Ta
About this episode
European car sales declined sharply in January, with major automakers facing drops except Stellantis. However, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles saw significant growth, pushing EV market share to nearly 20%. European dealers are urging the EU for support against Chinese competition, including relaxed emission standards and incentives. Hyundai warns of rising US tariffs threatening competitiveness. BMW and other automakers are scaling back Level 3 autonomy in favor of more affordable Level 2 systems. Meanwhile, Toyota and Lexus streamline home EV charger installations, and Chinese automaker Chery targets the profitable midsize pickup market with new electric and hybrid models.
plug-in hybrids
"...bright spots for automakers who are selling p haves and b eves. Sales of pa has hit nearly one hundred thousand units for the month, up a whopping thirty two percent, while pure battery electrics were up fourteen percent..."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that use both gas and electricity. You can charge them like a phone, and they can drive some distance just on electricity before using gas.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are vehicles that combine a gasoline or diesel engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery that can be charged from an external power source. They can run on electric power alone for a limited range before switching to the internal combustion engine.
battery electric vehicles
"...while pure battery electrics were up fourteen percent with one hundred and eighty nine thousand units sold. In fact, b EV market share hit nineteen point six percent..."
Battery electric vehicles are cars that run only on electricity, like a big rechargeable battery. They don't use gas and don't pollute when driving.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are cars powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, with no internal combustion engine. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and require charging from an external power source.
diesel cars
"...gas and diesel cars are in a steep decline. Petrol or gasoline power cars were down almost twenty six percent, while diesels fell twenty two percent. In fact, only sixty eight thousand diesel cars were sold last month..."
Diesel cars run on a type of fuel called diesel, which can help them use less gas and have more power. But they are less popular now because of pollution rules.
Diesel cars use diesel fuel instead of gasoline. They are known for better fuel economy and torque but have faced declining popularity due to stricter emissions regulations and concerns about pollution.
emission standards
"...new car dealers are practically begging the EU for help. They wanted to immediately back off of emission standards for commercial vans."
Emission standards are rules that make sure cars don't pollute too much. They help keep the air cleaner and healthier to breathe.
Emission standards are government regulations that limit the amount of pollutants a vehicle can emit. They aim to reduce air pollution and improve environmental and public health.
emission credits
"They want more emission credits for small low emission cars, not just electric ones."
Emission credits are like points car companies get for making cars that pollute less. They can use these points to follow rules or trade them with others.
Emission credits are allowances given to automakers for producing vehicles with low emissions. These credits can be traded or used to meet regulatory requirements for reducing pollution.
cash for clunkers program
"They want a cash for clunkers program to encourage consumers to buy new cars,"
Cash for clunkers is a program where the government gives you money to trade your old, polluting car for a new, cleaner one.
A cash for clunkers program is a government incentive that encourages consumers to trade in older, less efficient vehicles for new, cleaner ones by offering financial rebates.
local content requirement
"and they want at least seventy percent local content for evs to slow down the Chinese,"
Local content rules mean that a car has to be made mostly with parts from nearby places, not far away countries.
Local content requirements mandate that a certain percentage of a product's components be sourced from within a specific country or region to support domestic industry and limit foreign dependency.
Hyundai
"Hyundai is warning that US tariffs could escalate despite the Supreme Court striking down the Trump administration's universal tariffs."
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes many types of cars, including electric ones.
Hyundai is a South Korean automaker producing a wide range of vehicles including electric, hybrid, and combustion engine models, and is affected by international trade tariffs.
BYD
"Last month, BYD sales in Europe were up one hundred and seventy five percent"
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries.
BYD is a Chinese automaker known for producing electric vehicles and batteries, rapidly expanding its presence in global markets including Europe.
tariffs
"Hyundai is warning that US tariffs could escalate despite the Supreme Court striking down the Trump administration's universal tariffs. The automaker's president is urging South Korea to approve a trade deal the US and Korea reached last year, which would lower the tariffs from twenty five to fifteen percent."
Tariffs are extra taxes put on things brought from other countries, making them more expensive.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, such as cars, to protect domestic industries or as part of trade disputes, which can increase costs for automakers and consumers.
Kia
"Last year, the new US tariffs costs Honey and Kia a combined five billion dollars."
Kia is a car company from South Korea that makes many kinds of cars.
Kia is a South Korean automaker and sister company to Hyundai, producing a variety of vehicles including electric and combustion engine models.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
"Mercedes is dropping plans to launch a smaller version of its G class that was supposed to be electric only, and will now also offer it with a combustion engine."
The Mercedes G-Class is a fancy SUV that can go off-road. They wanted to make a smaller electric one but now will also have a gas version.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury off-road SUV known for its boxy design and strong performance. Mercedes planned an electric-only smaller version but reversed to also offer a combustion engine variant.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
"...and be based on the same platform as the electric GLC. While the model is still expected to launch next..."
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a fancy small SUV that is comfortable and has lots of features. Mercedes is making electric versions of it, which means it can run on batteries instead of gas. This helps the company make new electric cars faster and better.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a luxury compact SUV that combines comfort, technology, and performance. It serves as a popular model in Mercedes' lineup and is now available in electric versions, reflecting the brand's push towards electrification. Its platform sharing with upcoming electric models highlights Mercedes' strategy for efficient development.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
"it will now be built on a modified version of the platform that the new CLA and GLB use, and both of those models come with hybrid and fully electric powertrains."
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small luxury car that can run on gas or electricity. It shares parts with other Mercedes cars.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a compact luxury sedan that shares its platform with other Mercedes models and offers hybrid and fully electric powertrains. It is known for its sporty styling and advanced technology.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
"...fied version of the platform that the new CLA and GLB use, and both of those models come with hybrid an..."
The GLB is a small, fancy SUV that can fit more people and has lots of new technology. It shares parts with other Mercedes cars and can use both gas and electric power to save fuel. It's made to be useful and comfortable.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a compact luxury SUV that offers versatile seating and modern technology. It shares its platform with models like the CLA and comes with hybrid powertrains, reflecting Mercedes' focus on efficiency and electrification. Its design aims to balance practicality with premium features.
BMW 1 Bmw
"Rich don't pretends to tires. Improved grip in wet conditions. Speaker 1: BMW is dropping Level three automated driving in the seven series and will replace it with a newly developed Level two system. It's not too surprising of a move. The technology was only available in Germany, It only operated in certain conditions and it was expensive about seven thousand bucks."
The BMW 1 Series is a small, nice car that is fun to drive and has good features. BMW is making it safer and easier to drive by improving the tires and changing the automatic driving systems. It's a good choice if you want a fancy but smaller car.
The BMW 1 Series is a compact luxury hatchback or sedan known for sporty handling and premium features. Recent updates include improvements in tire grip and a shift in BMW's automated driving technology, reflecting ongoing advancements in safety and driving aids. It represents BMW's entry-level luxury offering with a focus on driving dynamics.
BMW 7 Series
"BMW is dropping Level three automated driving in the seven series and will replace it with a newly developed Level two system."
The BMW 7 Series is a big, fancy car that is very comfortable and has lots of technology to help with driving.
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. It has been a flagship model for BMW and often features the latest innovations including automated driving systems.
Level three automated driving
"BMW is dropping Level three automated driving in the seven series and will replace it with a newly developed Level two system. It's not too surprising of a move."
Level three automated driving means the car can drive itself in some situations, but you still need to pay attention and be ready to take over.
Level three automated driving refers to a system where the car can handle all aspects of driving in certain conditions but requires the driver to be ready to take control when requested. It is more advanced than Level two but less than full autonomy.
automated driving systems
"BMW is dropping Level three automated driving in the seven series and will replace it with a newly developed Level two system. It's not too surprising of a move. The technology was only available in Germany, It only operated in certain conditions and it was expensive about seven thousand bucks. By comparison, the new Level two system costs seven teen hundred bucks. That new system will also be offered in the IX three and then roll out to other models as well. Similar tech will be offered in the US, and a version developed with Momento will be available in China. Besides BMW, Stilantis and Mercedes have also reversed course on Level three systems because of high costs and technical challenges."
Automated driving systems are features in cars that help drive the car or even drive it by themselves in some cases.
Automated driving systems use sensors and software to assist or take over driving tasks. They are classified by levels from zero (no automation) to five (full automation), with Level two and three being common in modern cars.
BMW iX3
"That new system will also be offered in the IX three and then roll out to other models as well."
The BMW iX3 is a fully electric SUV that drives without gas and is made by BMW.
The BMW iX3 is an all-electric version of the BMW X3 SUV, offering electric powertrain technology with BMW's luxury and performance characteristics. It is part of BMW's expanding electric vehicle lineup.
Stellantis
"Besides BMW, Stilantis and Mercedes have also reversed course on Level three systems because of high costs and technical challenges."
Stellantis is a big company that owns many car brands like Jeep and Dodge.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It owns many brands including Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Peugeot, and others.
autonomous vehicles
"McKenzie says that autonomous vehicles are at a turning point, not just because the technology is getting better, but because the business case is starting to look really attractive."
Autonomous vehicles are cars that can drive themselves without a person controlling them by using special technology like cameras and computers.
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are cars or trucks capable of sensing their environment and operating without human involvement using technologies like AI, sensors, and cameras.
robotaxi
"The cost per mile for a robotaxi today is about eight dollars, but McKenzie says it's headed to a dollar to a dollar and fifty cents a mile, and while telet operators today can monitor five to ten cars at a time, with AI, that's going to jump to one hundred at a time."
A robotaxi is a self-driving car that works like a taxi, picking up and dropping off people without a driver.
A robotaxi is a taxi service using autonomous vehicles that can operate without a human driver, aiming to reduce costs and increase efficiency in ride-hailing.
human error in traffic accidents
"avs are not just about convenience. It points out that ninety five percent of all traffic accidents are caused by human error, and even with today's level of autonomous technology, we could see a sixty to eighty percent reduction in traffic fatalities and injuries."
Most car crashes happen because people make mistakes while driving, so self-driving cars could help make roads safer.
Human error is responsible for about 95% of traffic accidents, highlighting the potential safety benefits of autonomous vehicle technology.
EV home charging
"Yesterday, we covered a survey from Escalant that showed a large portion of EV owners still charge at home. That's likely part of the motivation for Toyota and Lexus wanting to make EV home charger installation easier for its BEEV and p have customers."
People who own electric cars often plug them in at home to recharge the battery, usually with special chargers.
Many electric vehicle (EV) owners charge their cars at home using dedicated charging equipment, which can require professional installation.
Toyota BZ EV
"That's likely part of the motivation for Toyota and Lexus wanting to make EV home charger installation easier for its BEEV and p have customers. They've partnered with a company called Treehouse that says it can cut weeks from the process."
The Toyota BZ EV is a fully electric car made by Toyota, which means it runs only on electricity and doesn't use gas.
The Toyota BZ EV is an all-electric vehicle from Toyota's new BZ (Beyond Zero) series, representing the brand's push into electric mobility.
Treehouse
"They've partnered with a company called Treehouse that says it can cut weeks from the process. Instead of an in home visit, a customer uploads a picture of their electrical panel and a video of where they want the charger to go."
Treehouse helps people get electric car chargers installed at home faster by letting them send pictures instead of waiting for someone to come visit.
Treehouse is a company that simplifies and speeds up the process of installing electric vehicle home chargers by allowing customers to submit photos and videos for remote evaluation.
hardwire level two charger
"or customers can upgrade to a more powerful hardwire level two charger that comes from charge Point."
A hardwire level two charger is a charger for electric cars that is installed directly into your home's electricity and charges your car faster than a regular plug.
A hardwire level two charger is an electric vehicle charger that is permanently connected to a home's electrical system and provides faster charging than standard level one chargers by using 240 volts.
Chery Rely P3X
"a Cherry branded version of the Relied P three Xtra truck will be sold in Australia at the end of this year with a diesel plug in hybrid power train."
The Rely P3 Xtra is a pickup truck that uses both a diesel engine and electric power. It will be sold in Australia.
The Rely P3 Xtra is a mid-size pickup truck from the Rely brand by Cherry, featuring a diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain and planned for sale in Australia.
diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain
"a Cherry branded version of the Relied P three Xtra truck will be sold in Australia at the end of this year with a diesel plug in hybrid power train."
This type of engine uses both diesel fuel and electricity. You can plug it in to charge the battery, and it can drive using just electricity or diesel.
A diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a diesel engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be charged from an external source, allowing the vehicle to run on electric power alone for short distances.
Jeep Gladiator
"The model is slightly bigger than the Ro eight, about the size of a Jeep Gladiator or Rivian R one t and while there aren't any details about the EV part of the system."
The Jeep Gladiator is a type of pickup truck that is good for off-road driving and has a tough look.
The Jeep Gladiator is a mid-size pickup truck known for its off-road capability and rugged design, blending Jeep's SUV heritage with pickup utility.
Rivian R1T
"The model is slightly bigger than the Ro eight, about the size of a Jeep Gladiator or Rivian R one t and while there aren't any details about the EV part of the system."
The Rivian R1T is an electric pickup truck that can drive off-road and uses electricity instead of gas.
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric mid-size pickup truck known for its off-road capabilities and innovative electric drivetrain.
mid-size pickup
"Mid size pickups are a very profitable segment globally for automakers like Toyota, Ford, Suzu, Nissan, and Volkswagen, so it's no surprise why Cherry is trying to fight its way in."
Mid-size pickups are medium-sized trucks that are not too big or too small, good for carrying stuff and easier to drive than big trucks.
Mid-size pickups are pickup trucks that are smaller than full-size trucks but larger than compact pickups, offering a balance of utility, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability.
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