Do you bear in mind these movies of car dealerships left intact years after closing up store? Well, that is removed from a time capsule, regardless that there are many automobiles in and across the constructing. Located someplace in Germany, this showroom initially bought Ladas earlier than upgrading to Kias. It was additionally a multi-brand service store, therefore the Volkswagen Passat V6 diesel wagon and a Nissan Almera hatchback.
The of us over at Forgotten Buildings on YouTube went inside this deserted dealership. Legend has it that this was a family-owned enterprise, however the two brothers had a brawl some 15 years in the past and determined to half methods. The automobile dealership was allegedly shut down instantly, however the service store continued.
There’s a calendar relationship again to December 16, 2019, which suggests clients have been nonetheless fixing their vehicles lengthy after the showroom had closed its doorways. This would clarify the discrepancy between the dealer-owned 2000s Kia Carnival minivan marketed as new and the newer vehicles such because the Cee’d hatchback that did not go on sale till 2012.
Although all vehicles have been vandalized, these deserted automobiles have not been dismantled. Thieves might’ve gotten numerous spare components to make a quick buck however that in some way did not occur. We’ll admit the video seems like an invite to theft, however the warehouse has been largely emptied for the reason that footage was shot. In addition, the placement of the constructing shouldn’t be identified.
It’s fairly puzzling the house owners did not simply promote every little thing and lower their losses. Chances are we’ll by no means discover out the total story behind the rationale why the enterprise was left for lifeless abruptly.
Food was nonetheless within the fridge whereas posters have been hanging from the wall, together with one in all a wonderful Kia Elan (Vigato in Japan). That promo picture was taken in 1995 on the earliest since Lotus bought Kia the rights to the roadster after it ended manufacturing that yr. The Kia-badged Elan was produced as an almost similar automobile in South Korea till 1999.
There are additionally advertising and marketing supplies for the Kia Clarus, Magentis, and Sorento, but additionally for the immortal Lada Niva, which is quite unusual to see beneath the identical roof.
However, some dealerships throughout the nation are nonetheless taking bookings, maybe for the remaining inventory of the sub-4 metre SUV
The Mahindra XUV300 has been due for an replace for some time and appears like we’ll be getting its facelifted model quickly, as Mahindra has stopped taking bookings for the subcompact SUV. In an investor meet, the CEO of Mahindra Auto shared this info and revealed that the bookings will resume with the facelift.
Mahindra’s Statement
At its investor meet, Rajesh Jejurikar, government director and CEO (Auto & Farm sector), Mahindra & Mahindra, acknowledged whereas responding to a query about ready intervals and mannequin updates “What is going off from a numbers point of view is also 300 because we’re not taking bookings on that now. So, clearly that whole thing is gone and that will come back when we come with the mid cycle refresh.”
While it’s acknowledged that Mahindra has stopped taking new bookings for the XUV300, some dealerships are nonetheless taking orders for the present inventory. Mahindra has additionally acknowledged that it’ll considerably decrease manufacturing for the XUV300 for the subsequent couple of months because it wraps up the pending orders. But in the end, that too shall be stopped as Mahindra appears to be near ending work on the facelifted XUV300, which is anticipated to be launched within the coming months.
About Mahindra XUV300 Facelift
The facelifted Mahindra XUV300 has been below growth for some time and it’ll get main design modifications over the present model. Based on the spy photographs up to now, the 2024 XUV300 will include a redesigned entrance profile with a tweaked grille, completely different bumper and a brand new mild setup. It will even get redesigned alloy wheels and the rear profile is anticipated to be new as properly, with a linked LED taillight setup.
Current Mahindra XUV300’s Cabin Used For Reference
Inside, it is going to get a revamped cabin with a brand new theme and an even bigger touchscreen infotainment system (probably 10.25-inch). In phrases of options, it may get a totally digital driver’s show, ventilated entrance seats, wi-fi cellphone charger, cruise management, and a single pane sunroof.
For security, Mahindra can provide it with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, digital stability management (ESC), tyre stress monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX youngster seat anchors, and a rearview digicam.
2024 XUV300 Engines
Mahindra will proceed to supply it with the identical engine choices as the present model: a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine (110 PS/200 Nm), a 1.5-litre diesel engine (117 PS/300 Nm), and a 1.2-litre TGDi turbo-petrol engine (130 PS/250 Nm). These engines are anticipated to be paired with a 6-speed handbook transmission and a 6-speed AMT.
Expected Prices
Prices for the Mahindra XUV300 facelift are anticipated to begin from Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom) and it’ll proceed to be a rival to the likes of Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Brezza.
With the brand new 2024 Mercedes E-Class’s debut in North American dealerships nearing, we evaluate it with its larger and pricier sibling, the S-Class. This replace explores whether or not the E-Class actually is a worthy different to the S-Class, and the way Mercedes could draw extra prospects to its new-gen E-Class.
Summary
The E-Class shares many qualities of the S-Class however at a fraction of the worth, making it a worthy different.
The E-Class matches the S-Class in scores and efficiency, providing luxurious and high quality at a extra accessible value level.
With superior expertise, spacious cargo room, and comparable efficiency, the E-Class is positioned because the extra reasonably priced Baby S-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has extensively been christened the brand new child S-Class, and individuals are already falling in love with it. The defining themes of the S-Class are engineering, high quality, pace, luxurious, and splendid journey high quality. The flagship Mercedes S-Class will at all times have an edge in exclusivity. This notion of S-Class exclusivity within the automobile world is unbeatable by the E-Class, however in terms of some areas, the E-Class is arguably equal to and even higher than its bigger rather more costly sibling.
Mercedes-Benz is among the world’s main aspirational manufacturers – that’s related to success. The S-Class is among the many distinctive choices within the automaker’s lineup – but additionally one of the crucial costly. If you dream of proudly owning an S-Class however do not have the assets to afford one, there are different choices you may contemplate. The chances are that the GLA, the cheapest car Mercedes-Benz sells today, or the lesser-appointed C-Class will not impress you.
However, the E-Class would be the excellent stop-gap earlier than you ultimately graduate to the S-Class. Be cautious, nonetheless: You could just like the all-new E-Class a lot that you simply abandon your goals of proudly owning the larger sedan. Here’s why the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is actually nearly as good as a child S-Class.
UPDATE: 2024/02/29 18:00
With the brand new 2024 Mercedes E-Class’s debut in North American dealerships nearing, we evaluate it with its larger and pricier sibling, the S-Class. This replace explores whether or not the E-Class actually is a worthy different to the S-Class, and the way Mercedes could draw extra prospects to its new-gen E-Class.
In order to provide the latest and correct data attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Mercedes-Benz and J.D. Power.
A staple of Luxury motoring; here is looking at how the flagship German sedan has advanced over the previous 5 many years
Luxury, Exclusivity, And Superior Build Quality Define The S-Class
When you consider a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, you visualize a extremely refined car blasting down the autobahn at excessive pace the place the occupants really feel extra like they’re in some form of fusion of a luxurious liner and jet fighter than a automobile. These famend S-Class qualities of clean journey and quiet cabin partially stem from mass and muscle.
The S-Class’s Interior Oozes Quality And Luxury
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class ideas the scales at shut to five,000 kilos, whereas the muscle is offered by a 496-horsepower 4.0 twin-turbo V-8 or a 429-horsepower turbocharged inline-six. The S-Class AMG S63 E mannequin raises the bar to 791 horsepower. When you climb into an S-Class, its impeccable engineering and luxurious pour into all of your senses. Large contact screens dazzle your eyes. Soft leather-based coddles your physique. Doors shut as in the event that they belong in a financial institution vault as a substitute of a automobile.
The sum of all these points and extra whisper-quiet high quality with such assurance that little doubt stays within the minds of the occupants that they’re in a world-class car. Every bit of this can also be said about the E-Class!
The Base S-Class Is Almost Twice As Expensive As The Equivalent E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $114,500, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts at $64,850, with the E-Class AMG traditionally priced a hair lower than the lowest-priced S-Class. It is exceptional that the E-Class, a automobile that prices considerably lower than the S-Class, can now nearly equal and even barely exceed the Mercedes-Benz flagship in most classes.
This is an epic battle of class and energy as we evaluate the most recent 2024 BMW 5 Series with the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
How The E-Class Embodies The Spirit Of The S-Class
Mercedes-Benz
In some methods, the E-Class is so near the S-Class that solely scientific devices can measure the distinction. If you may in some way be blindfolded by the exclusivity and dimension of the S-Class, then get behind the wheel of each vehicles, it’s unlikely you’d be capable of cut up the hairs between these two distinctive luxurious sedans.
The E-Class Matches The S-Class In Several Key Metrics
A great way to grasp how related these two fashions are is to try them by the numbers, that’s, trade score numbers. In nearly each class, the top-of-the-line S-Class and top-of-the-line E-Class are in a useless warmth, in line with each J.D. Power. J.D. Power rates the S-Class 77 and the E-Class 79. The total score of each vehicles is so shut that any jury would contemplate it a tie.
Ratings: E-Class Vs. S-Class
Rating
E-Class
S-Class
JD Powers Overall Rating
79/100
77/100
JD Powers Quality & Reliability (Fit and end)
83/100
81/100
JD Powers Driving Experience
77/100
82/100
(Souce: J.D. Power)
The solely class the place the S-Class has a transparent higher hand over the E-Class is the J.D. Power driving expertise score of 82 versus 77, whereas the E-Class ekes out a small win with barely greater high quality and reliability. Given the near-equal efficiency of the AMG variant of the E-Class and S-Class, it’s doubtless that in the event that they each have been rated, the AMG fashions can be in useless warmth in all of the listed classes.
The 2024 E-Class Has More Cargo Room Than The S-Class
When evaluating the 2 sedans, apart from exclusivity, dimension appears to be the largest differentiator. The dimension class of a car is decided by inside quantity, not exterior dimensions. A mid-size automobile has 110 to 119.9 cubic toes of quantity, whereas a full-size automobile has over 120 cubic toes of inside quantity. By this normal, the E-Class sedan is a mid-sized automobile, and the S-Class simply barely makes it into the full-sized automobile class.
The 2023 E-Class has 98 cubic toes of most passenger house and 13.1 cubic toes of space for storing within the trunk, which supplies it a complete quantity of 111.1 cubic toes. The all-new 2024 mannequin, which is able to arrive in dealerships within the first quarter of 2024, offers 19 cubic feet in the trunk. Meanwhile, the S-Class has 112 cubic toes of most passenger house and 12.9 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk, which supplies it a complete quantity of 124.9 cubic toes.
The S-Class has 14 extra cubic toes of passenger quantity than the outgoing E-Class. The S-Class will doubtless keep its benefit over the E-Class within the occupant quantity metric, regardless of enhanced legroom and headroom within the new-gen E-Class. However, the 2024 E-Class could have extra cargo capability than its larger, costlier sibling.
Taking opulence and expertise to the subsequent stage, here is how the most recent E-Class raises the bar for all mid-size luxurious government sedans
How The E-Class Exceeds The S-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The 2023 S-Class 580 can go from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. The 2023 E-Class 450 nearly matches the S-Class with a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds. Most drivers can be hard-pressed to really feel or gauge the distinction with out a scientific instrument that measured acceleration.
There’s No Huge Difference In Performance Between The S-Class And E-Class’s High Performance Variants
At the highest of the 2023 E-Class sits the AMG E63 with 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This brutal quantity of energy comes from a twin-turbo V-8 that transforms this luxurious automobile right into a beast that has been road-tested, hitting 60 MPH in simply 3.0 seconds whereas clawing out a high pace of 186 MPH.
For 2024, Mercedes has not but confirmed any AMG E-Class specs, however there may be little doubt there ought to doubtless be an E-Class AMG, and efficiency can be greater. The massive query is whether or not it is going to be powered by a hybrid inline-six, or the twin-turbo V-8 from the 2023 mannequin. It’s unlikely Mercedes will come out with a slower AMG mannequin in 2024.
At the highest of the S-Class for 2024 is the AMG S63 with 791 horsepower and an insane 1055 pound-feet of torque. All this fury comes from a twin-turbo V-8 that propels the automobile to 60 MPH in 2.8 seconds and a high pace of 155 MPH. The current-gen S-Class is essentially the most potent S-Class of all time, but it surely’s not the good – the W140 S-Class from the 90s is way cooler.
Specifications Comparison
Model
2024 E-Class E350
2024 E-Class E450
2024 S-Class S500
2024 S-Class S580
2024 S63 E Performance
Engine
Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six
Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six
Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8
Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8
Horsepower
255 horsepower
375 horsepower
429 horsepower
496 horsepower
791 horsepower
Torque
295 pound-feet
369 pound-feet
384 pound-feet
516 pound-feet
1,055 pound-feet
Transmission
Nine-speed automated
Nine-speed automated
Nine-speed automated
Nine-speed automated
Nine-speed automated
Driveline
AWD
AWD
AWD
AWD
AWD
(Specs: Mercedes)
So when you lust for pace and your pockets is fats sufficient, the AMG E-Class and AMG S-Class Mercedes are nearly in a useless warmth with the 2023 AMG E-Class surprisingly popping out of the gate slightly sooner in some street assessments, and the 2024 mannequin could also be sooner nonetheless!
The E-Class Has A More Advanced Infotainment System
Mercedes has not forgotten concerning the excessive tech expertise in terms of the E-Class. While the 2024 S-Class has a normal instrument cluster and touchscreen, the E-Class one-ups its dearer sibling with a major upgrade for 2024, the E-Class SuperScreen. Despite eliciting some negative reviews, the E-Class’s mammoth infotainment system screens are fairly a formidable sight.
This huge touchscreen visually merges a big 14.5-inch central touchscreen with a second 12.3-inch touchscreen for the passenger whereas leaving the instrument cluster as a discrete 12.3-inch show. This provides the E-Class with its SuperScreen a whopping 217.9 sq. inches of display screen house. Almost all controls within the cabin have been changed with the SuperScreen. By distinction, the S-Class has lower than half as a lot lively touchscreen house and no passenger touchscreen in any respect.
The upcoming 2024 Mercedes E-Class doubles down on the person expertise, offering distinctive options worthy of the three-pointed star badge
A V-8 Powertrain May Make The E-Class More Desirable Than The S-Class
Mercedes-Benz
At the second, the confirmed 2024 E-Class powertrains are a turbocharged inline-four and a turbocharged inline-six. Should the AMG E-Class options an inline-six as rumored, it’s going to imply that the E-class lineup in all probability will not characteristic a V-8-powerel. The excellent news is Mercedes may reintroduce the M177 V-8 because the new-gen E-Class ages.
The E-Class V-8s Will Likely Feature Hybrid Technology
Low-displacement engines have confirmed to be simply as efficient in energy manufacturing as high-displacement mills. For occasion, the brand new technology of E-Class autos will characteristic low-displacement, turbocharged engines. The shift has angered ICE diehards of the motoring world, who need automakers to maintain producing loud V-8 engines. Mercedes has signaled that it’ll respond to the pleas of its OG fans by releasing a V-8 powertrain for the E-Class starting with the 2026 model year.
The transfer would improve the E-Class’s fame as a child S-Class, as Merc offers a 4.0-liter V-8 with the larger sedan. The E-Class V-8 powertrain will doubtless characteristic hybrid tech, like many trendy Mercedes-Benz energy models. By providing the E-Class with a V-8, Mercedes could entice prospects nonetheless enamored by massive, loud, high-performance engines.
Despite what advertisers and automobile sellers inform you, here is why proudly owning a luxurious automobile is probably not for everybody
The 2024 E-Class Is Truly The More Affordable Baby S-Class
Whether you buy a normal E-Class or an AMG model, you might be shopping for a car that in nearly each manner equals the S-Class aside from dimension and exclusivity. Features like air suspension and rear-axle steering, as soon as reserved for the flagship S-Class, may also be had on the brand new E-Class. Starting at $63,200 for the base E-250, you might be additionally saving anyplace from $60,000 to $90,000. This means you may nearly purchase two E-Class Mercedes as a substitute of 1 S-Class.
Price: Mercedes E-Class Vs. S-Class
Model
Price
2024 E-Class 350
$63,200
2024 E-Class 450
$64,850
2024 E-Class 450 Pinnacle
$70,650
2024 S-Class 500 4Matic
$114,500
2024 S-Class 580 4Matic
$124,000
(Source: Mercedes)
The average new car price within the United States is round $48,000. So, whereas neither the S-Class nor E-Class will be thought of cheap, Mercedes has given beginning to a brand new child S-Class that way more folks can afford to carry dwelling.
The new W214-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class debuted last Spring, and it is lastly on its technique to US dealerships. Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday introduced pricing for the brand new E350 and E450 sedans, and so they’re not low cost. The base E350 4Matic in “Premium” trim prices $63,450 and pricing climbs all the best way as much as $71,800 for the E450 4Matic in “Pinnacle” trim. All in all, it is a bit dearer than its nearest rivals.
Here’s a breakdown for pricing in every trim, together with a $1,150 vacation spot price:
Model
Price
E350 4Matic Premium
$63,450
E350 4Matic Pinnacle
$66,000
E450 4Matic Premium
$69,250
E450 4Matic Pinnacle
$71,800
The E350 comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque whereas the E450 will get a 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes has simplified its trim choices in recent times, packaging a whole lot of options consumers need into the bottom “Premium” trim.
The “Pinnacle” trim provides stuff that may most likely be greatest described as “nice to have” however not important. Stuff like a light-up grille and “Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualization.” All E-Class fashions now come customary with all-wheel drive, too.
Compared with rivals, the E-Class is fairly costly. The base Audi A6 Quattro prices $58,395 whereas the brand new BMW 530i xDrive rings in at $61,195. (A rear-drive 530i is cheaper nonetheless, at $58,895.) Without a full spec sheet for the Mercedes, it is exhausting to match them like-for-like, so maybe when equally geared up the Audi and BMW are roughly equal, if not pricier. It’s an identical story with six-cylinder variations of the these mid-size luxurious sedans, too. The beautiful Genesis G80 can be a bit cheaper at $55,560 to start out.
It’s price noting that the brand new 2024 E-Class is dearer than the 2023 mannequin. The outgoing E350 4Matic began at $60,400 and the E450 4Matic costing $66,700. But, the brand new E-Class does pack a ton of technology, together with an optionally available selfie digicam. Can you actually put a value on that?
Some Citroen dealerships are already accepting bookings (unofficially) for the C3 Aircross computerized
The Citroen C3 Aircross will get the choice of a 6-speed torque converter computerized.
Will be mated to the SUV’s present 110 PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine.
No adjustments anticipated to the options listing
The computerized variants might carry a premium of as much as Rs 1.3 lakh over the corresponding handbook transmission variants.
The Citroen C3 Aircross is scheduled to obtain an replace by the top of this month within the type of an computerized transmission (AT). Ahead of its official launch which is scheduled on January 29, the automated variants of the Citroen C3 Automatic have reached dealerships. Several Citroen dealerships throughout India have already began accepting offline bookings for the C3 Aircross computerized.
As seen within the picture above, the cabin structure of the AT variants of the Citroen C3 Aircross is similar to that of its handbook transmission variant, with the presence of the automated transmission lever being the one exception. The computerized model of the C3 Aircross will likely be a 6-speed torque converter unit mated to its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine (110 PS / 190 Nm). Currently, the Citroen C3 Aircross is simply supplied with a 6-speed handbook transmission.
There are not any function adjustments anticipated on the C3 Aircross other than the introduction of the automated transmission. The SUV is provided with a ten.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver’s show, steering-mounted audio controls, and handbook AC with devoted vents for the third row.
Safety options on the C3 Aircross embrace twin entrance airbags, hill-hold help, digital stability management (ESC), rear view digital camera, and a tyre stress monitoring system (TPMS).
Expected Price & Rivals
The computerized variants of the Citroen C3 Aircross are anticipated to return at a premium of roughly Rs 1.3 lakh in comparison with their respective handbook counterparts. Currently, it’s priced between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 12.75 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It rivals the like of the Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor.
You can reserve the Punch EV for Rs 21,000 each on-line and at Tata’s dealerships, anticipated to launch in January
The Punch EV would be the first Tata EV to be primarily based on the brand new Gen2 Acti.EV platform.
It will get related design bits because the Nexon EV together with an extended LED DRL strip and cut up headlight setup.
It will get new options like twin 10.25-inch shows, ventilated entrance seats and a 360-degree digicam.
Tata will provide it with two battery pack choices and an anticipated claimed vary of as much as 500 km.
Expected to go on sale in January 2024 itself; costs may begin at Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom).
After a number of spy photographs, the Tata Punch EV has lastly been revealed. The carmaker has additionally began accepting bookings for the all-electric micro SUV for Rs 21,000, each on-line and at its pan-India dealerships.
The Punch EV borrows so much from the Nexon EV when it comes to design, options, variant names, and it’ll even be supplied with two battery pack choices. It can be out there in a complete of 5 variants – Smart, Smart Plus, Adventure, Empowered and Empowered Plus. However, the lengthy vary model will solely be supplied within the prime three variant ranges with essentially the most premium comforts.
A Baby Nexon EV?
At first look, you will see that so much in widespread between the outside design of the Nexon EV and Punch EV. The latter additionally will get a split-lighting setup sporting triangular projector LED headlights and fog lamps, whereas there’s the brand new elongated LED DRL strip on the higher portion. There’s an enormous air dam within the decrease bumper and a silver skid plate.
In profile, it will get a brand new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels and the ‘.ev’ badges on the decrease parts of the entrance doorways. At the again, there’s no main change aside from up to date LED taillights and a silver skid plate.
Based on the variant chosen, Tata will provide the Punch EV in a complete of 5 exterior choices: Pristine White with black roof, Seaweed with black roof, Daytona Grey with black roof, Fearless Red with black roof, and Empowered Oxide with black roof.
Updates To The Cabin
Tata is but to disclose the cabin of the Punch EV however its spied check mules have hinted on the provision of Tata’s new 2-spoke steering wheel and a contemporary upholstery.
In phrases of options, the Punch EV features a number of facilities from its larger sibling (the Nexon EV) reminiscent of a ten.25-inch touchscreen, wi-fi telephone charging, digital parking brake with auto maintain, a 360-degree digicam, ventilated entrance seats, an air air purifier, and the ten.25-inch digital driver’s show.
Electric Powertrain Details
Although the precise powertrain particulars are but to be revealed, it’s been confirmed that the Punch EV will be based on Tata’s new EV architecture called the Acti.EV, beforehand generally known as the Gen2 EV platform. It will possible be supplied with a claimed vary of as much as 500 km. It will get multi-level regenerative braking, actioned by way of the paddle shifters.
The Punch EV will help DC quick charging and can be suitable with a 7.2kW quick charger. It will possible be out there with a 3.3kW wallbox charger as customary.
Launch And Price
We imagine the Tata Punch EV will go on sale in January 2024 itself and be priced from Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). Its solely direct competitor would be the Citroen eC3 whereas it is going to additionally function premium different to the MG Comet EV and Tata Tiago EV.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized its new rule designed to fight nefarious vehicle dealerships utilizing shady techniques when promoting vehicles. Called the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule, it can get rid of junk charges which can be generally added to buy agreements and current prospects with a clearer up-front image of what the ultimate worth will likely be. In concept, anyway.
According to the FTC, the rule will prohibit sellers from misrepresenting pricing on autos, reminiscent of promoting a worth for a particular trim that might not be accessible for buy. Dealers will likely be required to tell prospects of add-ons that are not required, reminiscent of prolonged warranties. Toyota was recently fined $60 million for a plethora of infractions by way of Toyota Motor Credit, together with allegedly telling prospects some elective add-ons have been required.
The rule additionally goes after bogus add-ons, which the FTC describes as charges for gadgets or companies that serve no objective or deliver no added worth to the desk. Extended warranties that mirror a producer’s guarantee, or built-in service visits for oil adjustments on electrical vehicles are listed as examples. Dealers will likely be required to get customers’ consent for any fees paid which can be a part of the acquisition. And the FTC particularly mentions youthful members of the navy, whom the company believes are focused by unscrupulous sellers greater than most.
“When Americans set out to buy a car, they’re routinely hit with unexpected and unnecessary fees that dealers extract just because they can,” stated FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “The CARS Rule will prohibit exploitative junk fees in the car-buying process, saving people time and money and protecting honest dealers.”
The rule handed by a vote of 3-0 and is ready to enter impact July 30, 2024. As you would possibly anticipate, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) will not be in the slightest degree glad about it.
“This regulation is heavy-handed bureaucratic overreach and redundancy at its worst, that will needlessly lengthen the car sales process by forcing new layers of disclosures and complexity into the transaction,” NADA President and CEO Mike Stanton stated in an announcement. “The FTC made up data to support its claims, then rejected calls to slow down the process and test the effectiveness of its proposal with real consumers. We are exploring all options on how to keep this ill-conceived rule from taking effect.”
Motor1 contacted NADA to ask particularly concerning the made-up information to which Stanton referred. A spokesperson defined it was listed within the ruling, claiming “the FTC clearly states that it assumed – not ‘determined,’ ‘calculated,’ or even ‘estimated;’ assumed – that the regulation would save consumers $30 billion a year by somehow reducing time during the vehicle shopping process.”
Perusing the 372-page FTC CARS Rule, the one point out of $30 billion comes on this part on web page 303:
The Commission’s preliminary evaluation estimated that the proposed rule would permit customers to spend 3 fewer hours finishing every motorized vehicle transaction and end in (quantifiable) total time financial savings valued at between $30 billion and $35 billion.
It’s price noting that NADA’s 364-page document submitted to the FTC in the course of the remark section claims that legal guidelines exist already relating to the problems in query. NADA additional claims that the rule violates the FTC’s already established procedures, and violates the First Amendment, and even then, automobile consumers are “generally very happy” with the method as it’s now:
Despite many unfounded stereotypes on the contrary, the general public file comprises ample information demonstrating that customers are typically very proud of their experiences buying cars. For instance, the Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) compiled by famend market analysis agency J.D. Power exhibits that total buyer satisfaction with all sellers (each these the place they purchased and people they interacted with however didn’t purchase from) is excessive, scoring 789 on a 1,000-point scale in 2021.
With 736 mixed pages between the FTC and NADA, clearly, all sides has one thing to say. We suspect there could possibly be extra to return on this earlier than July 20, 2024, arrives.
Close to 4,000 dealerships across the United States have joined forces to express their concerns about proposed federal regulations that would accelerate the transition to battery-electric vehicles. The dealerships sent a plea directly to President Joe Biden on Tuesday, urging a reevaluation of the controversial EPA proposal, which aims for 60 percent of new-vehicle sales to be battery-powered by the 2030 model year, escalating to 67 percent by 2032.
This appeal follows a letter from the dealerships emphasizing the need for a more gradual approach to the electric vehicle transition. Representing a diverse range of car brands and spanning states like California, Michigan, Colorado, and New York, the dealerships argue that the proposed regulations are moving faster than consumer readiness for fully electric vehicles.
The letter highlights concerns about the current challenges faced by potential EV adopters, such as the availability of reliable charging networks, vehicle affordability, and range anxiety. Despite legislative efforts like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which allocate significant federal funding for a national EV charging network and address other challenges, the dealerships stress the need for more time.
The dealerships suggest that allowing additional time for advancements in battery technology, increased affordability of EVs, and the expansion of charging infrastructure would better serve the interests of consumers. The letter, led by Mickey Anderson, CEO of Baxter Auto Group, underscores the absence of the consumer’s voice in the ongoing conversation about the EV transition.
“These vehicles are ideal for many people, and we believe their appeal will grow over time,” the letter reads. “The reality, however, is that electric vehicle demand today is not keeping up with the large influx of BEVs arriving at our dealerships prompted by the current regulations. BEVs are stacking up on our lots.”
Anderson, who initiated the signature-gathering process in early November, aims to ensure that the voices of dealers and customers are considered in ongoing policy discussions.
The full list of dealerships that endorsed the letter can be found at the source link below.
The highly anticipated 2024 Toyota Tacoma will be available at dealerships later this year, with a starting price of $32,995, including the $1,495 destination fee. Although it represents a $2,900 increase from the 2023 model, the new Tacoma offers more features and increased power as standard.
The 2024 Tacoma comes with a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque in the base SR model. The SR5 model offers a more potent version of the same turbocharged engine, producing 270 hp and 310 lb-ft, along with a six-speed manual transmission.
The range-topping Limited model introduces the I-Force Max hybrid powertrain, which includes a 1.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor, resulting in a total output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft, making it the most powerful Tacoma ever. However, pricing for the I-Force Max, TRD Pro, and TrailHunter models has not been released yet.
The pricing for other models, aside from the base model, is as follows: SR5 – $37,695, TRD Prerunner – $39,595, TRD Sport – $40,895, TRD Off-Road – $43,295, and the Limited trim – $53,595. Opting for all-wheel drive adds an additional $3,200 to the base SR and SR5 models, and an extra $2,400 to the TRD Sport trim, while the TRD Off-Road and Limited models come with four-wheel drive as standard.
Compared to other trucks in the segment, the 2024 Tacoma offers one of the most affordable starting prices. Only the base Nissan Frontier S and Chevrolet Colorado WT are more affordable to start.
Base Price
Toyota Tacoma
$32,995
Chevrolet Colorado
$30,695
Ford Ranger
$34,160
GMC Canyon
$38,890
Honda Ridgeline
$40,175
Jeep Gladiator
$41,515
Nissan Frontier
$30,905
Standard equipment for the 2024 Tacoma includes a new limited-slip differential for rear-drive models like the SR and SR5, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high- and low-range gearing added to four-wheel-drive models. All versions of the Tacoma for 2024 also come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, which includes features such as pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and a new Proactive Driving system that helps pre-load the brakes and active steering in heavy traffic, even if cruise control is turned off.
Internally, the 2024 Tacoma features a new 8.0-inch touchscreen, or an optional 14.0-inch display, with SR and SR5 models equipped with a standard 7.0-inch digital cluster, and all other models featuring a 12.3-inch cluster. Irrespective of display size, the new Tacoma comes with Toyota’s latest infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2024 Tacoma will be available at dealerships starting this December.
The i5 is BMW’s latest electric sedan and is scheduled to be available at dealerships in early 2024. The base eDrive40 model will be priced at $66,800, while the performance-focused M60 xDrive model will start at $84,100. Both models will be equipped with a long-range battery pack. The eDrive40 will be powered by a single electric motor generating 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the sporty M60 will have a dual-motor setup producing 593 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. BMW estimates that the eDrive40 can travel up to 295 miles on a full charge, while the M60 is expected to achieve 256 miles of range. Both models can be charged from 0 to 100 percent battery capacity in under 12 hours using a 240-volt outlet.
The i5 will offer a variety of creature comforts and tech features inside the cabin. The information used to compile this article was sourced from BMW, Tesla, Audi, and Mercedes. The i5 M60 xDrive model can reach 60 MPH in just 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 130 MPH, while the eDrive40 provides a 0-60 MPH time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 120 MPH. Both models will feature an 84.3 kWh battery pack, with the eDrive40 and M60 offering 295 and 256 miles of range, respectively, on a full charge.
The i5 is available in two variants – eDrive40 and M60 xDrive, each offering unique features and specifications:
Range: eDrive40 – 295 Miles, M60 xDrive – 256 Miles
The 2024 BMW i5 showcases a forward-looking design while retaining some elements of classic BMW styling. The sporty M60 model features a more aggressive grille, while the eDrive40 has a more conventional front fascia. The i5 boasts an athletic side profile with a sleek, sloped roofline and distinctive rear design. Inside, the i5 features BMW’s new curved display, offering seamless integration of the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The vehicle also includes advanced tech features such as Automated Lane Change and AirConsole, providing passengers with entertainment options on the go.
In terms of pricing, the 2024 BMW i5 starts at $66,800 for the base eDrive40 model and goes up to around $84,100 for the performance-focused M60 xDrive model. When compared to its competitors such as the Tesla Model S, Audi e-tron GT, and Mercedes-Benz EQE, the i5 offers a competitive option in the luxury electric sedan market.
The BMW i5 offers a mix of luxury and advanced technology, making it a compelling choice for buyers looking for a high-performance electric sedan. With its impressive specifications, range, and features, the i5 is set to make a strong impression in the electric vehicle market.
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