Dodge's Massive EV Wager

Hello! We hope you're having a great Saturday.

Did you know that BMW's iconic building was born on December 7th, 1971?

By the way, thanks for the feedback. Some of you suggested getting a Mini as a backup hatchback. Others suggested the Corolla GR.

You guys have expensive taste!

Key Takeaways

Don’t have much time? Here’s the summary of what we’re talking about:

1. Non-Technical EV Challenges in China: China leads in EV production, but faces a unique problem not tied to technology.

2. Stellantis Leadership Change: Carlos Tavares’s early exit from Stellantis raises important questions about the global automaker’s future direction and strategy.

3. Dodge’s Retro Strategy: Dodge leans on iconic legacy models like the Viper and Hellcat to bolster EV appeal in a challenging market.

4. Infiniti’s Struggles: Infiniti’s sales woes lead to dealership consolidations with Nissan, signaling brand instability.

5. Major Recalls: Honda, Stellantis, and GM issue recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to various defects.

NEWSBITES

Every week, we scour the web for the most essential news. Here’s what you need to know this week:

• Toyota gets an interesting return in the Mazda-Toyota tradeoff. 

• One Hyundai dealership in Michigan was selling used cars as new. 

• A 16-year-old stole four cars in less than two weeks. 

• Rivian opens up its charging network

RECALLS

As usual, we bring you the most important recalls in the automotive industry every week. This week sees massive recalls taking place. 

• Honda recalls over 200,000 vehicles over fire risk

• Stellantis recalls more than 300,000 trucks over braking issue

• GM recalls 132,000 trucks because the lift can open without warning

Video of the week

Here’s a video that caught our eye (literally)

IN THE KNOW

China has a big problem with EVs, and it has nothing to do with technology

China has taken massive leaps in becoming the global leader in EV production. 76% market share will help you do that.

This dominance comes from brands such as BYD and Geely consolidating their presence in many steps of the EV production chain. 

While China hasn't been able to introduce EVs to America, it has an enviable presence in the rest of the world. Interestingly, this has generated problems in China and many other countries. 

This issue has nothing to do with technology. Instead, it arises from another critical aspect. Read the article to find out what it is. 

Carlos Tavares resigns as CEO of Stellantis

Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, had hinted that he'd retire in 2025 or 2026. It seemed like the obvious decision, as the company struggled to survive. 

Now, Tavares has hastened his decision. It shouldn't be a surprise, but it also raises important questions. 

Size-wise, Stellantis is one of the biggest automakers in the world. Yet, it fails to grasp this size and turn into success. So, what does Tavares's exit mean for the company? This article dives into what it could mean. 

Dodge is pushing its old identity back

Speaking of a Stellantis product, Dodge is seriously pushing its new product to buyers.

While buyers had asked for the new internal combustion engines to enter the market quicker, Dodge also wants us to buy into EVs to save the world. 

However, EVs aren't gaining popularity as much as manufacturers would like. So, Dodge has leaned into icons of the past to sell them. 

That's where the Viper and the Hellcat come in, but how? Here's more on how the brand leans on its storied past to sell its future. 

Infiniti dealerships are struggling to make ends meet, so they resort to a peculiar strategy

When was the last time you considered an Infiniti, let alone see one in a dealership lot? That's because the upscale brand has lost its heading. 

In recent years, Infiniti has struggled to engage with American audiences. In 2024, the problem got much worse. 

So, now, Infiniti "stores" are closing up, and dealerships are turning to this strategy in their place. 

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OUR THOUGHTS

What's the difference between 4x4 and AWD?

Let's face it: Most of the time, you don't have to think much about your vehicle's traction configuration, but when you do, understanding the differences is essential. 

This question is extremely common in automotive forums, websites, and groups. Although they may seem similar at first, there are key differences. 

So, what is the difference between 4x4 and AWD? Read our article to find out.

BEST AND WORST

What are the best and worst years for the Dodge Durango?

The Dodge Durango has gone through several iterations, from a rugged and rudimentary SUV to a sportier version better suited for the highway. Throughout, it has earned a cult following.

It's not the most popular SUV out there, but diehard fans swear by it. Knowing which are its best years is essential, as some can become money pits. 

So, if you're looking for a Dodge Durango, you've come to the right place. In this article, we're covering the best and worst years for this SUV.

TIPS AND KNOW-HOW

Let's talk about exhaust systems

Unless you're a diehard automotive enthusiast, you rarely think of your vehicle's exhaust. This is more common in newer vehicles. However, the exhaust system is crucial for your car, so what do you need to know about it? 

In this article, we'll examine the basics of your car's exhaust systems, how to diagnose common problems, and some of the car you must have.