Apple Car shelved, hybrids gain traction, new EV superchargers and supercars

Earlier this week: Apple’s automotive mission was shelved attributable to numerous challenges, leaving the destiny of two,000 jobs in limbo. Shopper Studies’ newest car scores favor electrification, with hybrids and plug-ins main the pack. Ford introduces a free adapter granting its EV house owners entry to Tesla’s Superchargers. Tesla plans formidable, next-gen Roadster. In the meantime, China’s BYD is ready to problem luxurious sports activities automotive manufacturers with its new electrical “supercar,” the U9. Right here’s a better have a look at these high tales and extra headlines to remain on high of this week in automotive trade information.

1. Behind the Apple automotive’s well timed demise

It seems that the lengthy however poorly hid Apple automotive mission, a relentless supply of hypothesis amongst tech and auto fanatics alike for a few years, has lastly come to an finish, drowned beneath the ever-intensifying wave of engineering, security, and profitability points going through high-tech autos in immediately’s market. In response to a Bloomberg report printed Tuesday, February 28, Apple executives have knowledgeable employees members the mission is being canceled, leaving the way forward for the roughly 2,000 jobs concerned with the car’s improvement up within the air. Learn Extra

2. Hybrids shine in Shopper Studies’ annual high vehicle picks

Shopper Studies (CR) has revealed its much-anticipated annual High 10 Listing for one of the best new automobiles, vehicles, and SUVs. There seems to be a powerful desire for hybrid and electrical autos amongst this yr’s high decisions. The 2023 lineup exhibits a transparent pattern in the direction of electrification. It contains one electrical car (EV), three hybrids, and three plug-in hybrid electrical autos (PHEVs). “This yr is all about plug-in hybrids,” Jake Fisher, Shopper Studies’ senior director of auto testing, instructed USA TODAY. “You don’t actually need to compromise. “It may be one of the best of each worlds for lots of people.” Learn Extra

3. Ford launches Supercharger adapters accessible without cost till June 30

Ford has develop into the primary automaker to provide its electrical car clients entry to Tesla’s Superchargers by launching its new, and quickly free, charging adapter. In a submit on its media web site, the automaker immediately introduced that house owners of the F-150 Lightning pickup and Mustang Mach-E sedan could be the primary non-Tesla drivers in a position to entry the Supercharger community, due to the launch of a model new adapter appropriate with the North American Charging Normal (NACS). With over 15,000 shops, Tesla continues to function probably the most stations out of any charging model within the U.S. Learn Extra

4. Elon Musk unveils formidable plans for subsequent Tesla Roadster

Elon Musk not too long ago unveiled formidable plans for Tesla’s subsequent all-electric supercar, the Roadster, set to launch later this yr. This announcement revealed a singular partnership between SpaceX and Tesla, aiming to push the boundaries of automotive expertise. Tesla unveiled the Roadster on the 2017 Tesla Semi occasion, positioning it because the model’s flagship mannequin that embodies its dedication to main the electrical revolution within the automotive trade. Regardless of preliminary plans for a 2020 launch, the Roadster’s arrival has confronted delays, with Musk citing the car’s enhanced design objectives because the trigger for postponement. Learn Extra

5. New BYD luxurious electrical ‘supercar’ to rival Ferrari

China-based automotive producer BYD has revealed new particulars and a launch timeline for its new premium electrical “supercar,” the U9, which it claims can compete with luxurious sports activities fashions from manufacturers like Ferrari by way of pace. BYD luxurious model Yangwang will launch the performance-focused mannequin this summer season with a beginning worth of $233,424. The subsidiary has two different electrical autos in its lineup, the U8 SUV and the still-unreleased U7 sedan. The U9 was teased in the course of the firm’s U8 showcase in January 2023, at which period it mentioned the beginning worth could be above $145,340. Learn Extra

6. How the dealer-OEM relationship impacts buyer expertise — Andy Guelcher | Mohawk Chevrolet

On this episode of Inside Automotive, host Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by Andy Guelcher, president of Mohawk Chevrolet and chairman of the Chevrolet Nationwide Seller Council (CNDC). Guelcher has performed a crucial function in representing Chevy retailers’ pursuits as Common Motors navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, he discusses his insights into the present experiences and challenges of the model’s franchisees and what CNDC is doing to assist sellers obtain success in immediately’s trade panorama. Watch Right here

7. Automotive market forecast: developments, challenges, and alternatives in 2024 — Charlie Chesbrough | Cox Automotive

On this episode of CBT Now, host Shyann Malone is joined by Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive. Chesbrough has been a guiding voice for sellers all through the COVID-19 pandemic, offering essential insights into the automotive market’s present and future dynamics. Now, he discusses the automotive trade’s experiences in January and what they recommend in regards to the months forward. Watch Right here

8. Excessive costs, rates of interest no match for digitally savvy dealerships – Matt VanDyke | Shift Digital

The auto trade has seen excessive rates of interest and car costs, however that’s not stopping offers from being made on the dealership. On immediately’s version of Inside Automotive, we’re diving right into a Digital Shopper Examine from Shift Digital that centered on The Good, The Unhealthy, and The Worthy Indicators for Automotive Retailing In 2024. Matt VanDyke, President of Shift Digital, is right here to interrupt all of it down for us. Watch Right here 

9. How sellers are navigating rates of interest on their quest for acquisitions — Willie Beck | Bel Air Companions

On this episode of CBT Now, host Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by Willie Beck, co-managing accomplice at Bel Air Companions. Beck has guided many sellers by means of the purchase/promote market, offering essential insights into the weather patrons are trying to find in a possible acquisition. Now, he shares updates available on the market’s present standing and gives his predictions for the following yr of M&A exercise. Watch Right here

10. Maximizing dealership visibility: Greg Gifford shares key website positioning methods

Establishing a strong on-line presence is significant for companies, and dealerships aren’t any exception. Within the newest episode of Inside Automotive, Greg Gifford, the Chief Working Officer of SearchLab, joins us. Gifford dives deep into website positioning for dealerships and an attention-grabbing Google Enterprise Profile examine. Watch Right here