AD #2743 – FCA Previews CES Vehicles; Rivian Demonstrates “Tank Turn” Feature; Update on Ghosn’s Flee from Japan
January 3rd, 2020 at 11:50am
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Runtime: 8:49
** 0:09 Check Out the New Autoline Daily Set **
0:58 Update on Ghosn’s Flee from Japan
1:52 Ford Shares Mustang Mach-E Reservation Details
2:36 Opioid Deaths Higher in Towns with Closed Auto Plants
3:51 Hyundai Partners with Cummins On Fuel Cells
4:30 Rivian Demonstrates “Tank Turn” Feature
5:08 Rivian Raises More Cash
6:10 FCA Previews CES Vehicles
7:22 Bosch Introduces Production Ready LIDAR
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This is the first Autoline Daily of 2020. And welcome to our brand-new set. As you can see, there’s a lot of cool artwork behind me, which we’ll talk about over the next several weeks. But now on to the news.
UPDATE ON GHOSN’S FLEE FROM JAPAN
We felt like today’s show had to start out by saying something about Carlos Ghosn. I’m sure most of you have read that the former chairman of Nissan and Renault pulled off a pretty daring escape from Japan to flee a number of criminal charges. He’s now in Lebanon where he has citizenship and is a wanted man. Here’s an update on some of the latest news in the story. Ghosn says his family was not involved in his escape, he’s now free to talk to the media, which has got to worry some folks at Nissan and we even saw reports that Ghosn may not be safe in Lebanon because a group of Lebanese lawyers have filed a charge, that visits he made to Israel while chairman of Renault and Nissan constitute a crime. Obviously, there’s a lot going on with this story and there will be more to come.
FORD SHARES MUSTANG MACH-E RESERVATION DETAILS
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle received a lot of fanfare when it was introduced in November. And now the company is sharing some info about the variants customers are ordering. Reservations for the First Edition are full but other models like the Premium and GT are still available for pre-order. Carbonized Gray is the most popular color, with 38% choosing it, followed by Grabber Blue Metallic and Rapid Red. More than 80% of U.S. customers are opting for the extended battery range, nearly 30% of U.S. customers are choosing the GT version and more than a quarter of all reservations are coming from California.
OPIOID DEATHS HIGHER IN TOWNS WITH CLOSED AUTO PLANTS
Here’s a story we always suspected was true and now we have the grim facts. A study by the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine shows that opioid deaths are 85% higher in towns that had automotive factories which closed, compared to similar towns where auto plants remained open. The study found that opioid deaths really start to increase about 5 years after a plant closes. In the U.S., opioid deaths now greatly outnumber people killed in motor vehicle accidents. More than 47,000 died from opioid overdoses versus about 36,000 in motor vehicle accidents. The study found that declining economic opportunity plays a major role in opioid abuse. Though the study did not address it, suicide rates in the industrial Midwest are higher than in most of the country.
HYUNDAI PARTNERS WITH CUMMINS ON FUEL CELLS
The Hyundai Group has big plans to introduce fuel-cell powered vehicles to the market. And it’s partnering with Cummins to create them. The two companies will jointly develop electric and fuel-cell powertrains combining Hyundai’s fuel-cell system with Cummins electric powertrain, battery and control technologies. Hyundai will start exporting its fuel-cell systems to Cummins and enter the U.S. market this year, followed by Europe next year. By 2030, Hyundai plans to sell 200,000 fuel cell systems annually, which includes both the transportation and power generation sectors.
RIVIAN DEMONSTRATES “TANK TURN” FEATURE
You may have seen this video that Rivian released the day after Christmas called “Tank Turn.” It shows how its truck can turn within its own wheelbase, just like a tank can do. The secret is four electric motors, one for each wheel. So on one side, the wheels can turn forward, while on the other, they turn backward. We’d love to learn more about the system, because theoretically Rivian could get rid of the steering column, the steering rack and the tie-rods and just steer using the motors. That would cut cost and reduce weight. But we also wonder, what that would do to tire wear?
RIVIAN RAISES MORE CASH
Speaking of Rivian, did you see that it just raised another $1.3 billion? All together it’s now raised nearly $2.9 billion. Funny, some automakers and suppliers believe they’ll never get good stock multiples if they are located in the Detroit area or have the word “Automotive” in their company name. Remember Delphi Automotive? It’s now Delphi Technologies. TI Automotive is now TI Fluid Systems. And yet, here’s Rivian Automotive, located in metro Detroit, and is having no problems raising billions. It just goes to show that if you have a cool product with cool technology, investors will beat a path to your door.
CES kicks off next week in Las Vegas and automakers and suppliers are already showing off what they’ll have on display.
JEEP PREVIEWS CES VEHICLES
Jeep has set a goal to offer an electrified option for all its models by 2022 and will show off three of them at CES next week. The Wrangler, Compass and Renegade 4xe will all make their debut. 4xe is how all electrified Jeep models will be badged. Jeep says it will use the benefits of electric power to offer a more fun-to-drive experience on road and more capability than ever off road. That’s not all FCA will have at CES. Chrysler is also reviving the Airflow name from the 1930’s for a new concept that looks into the future of mobility. The Airflow Vision Concept uses the dimensions and flat load floor from a plug-in Chrysler Pacifica to create a large interior for passengers. Users interact on individual and customizable display screens where the experience can be tailored to their own needs or information can be shared with other users. We would also say, take note of the front and rear styling, especially the lighting signatures. The concept is said to hint at the future of premium design.
BOSCH INTRODUCES PRODUCTION READY LIDAR
To help autonomous vehicles become a reality, Bosch is introducing long-range LIDAR sensors that are production ready, which it claims is the first system suitable for automotive use. The LIDAR system works in conjunction with cameras and radar to provide SAE Level 3 to 5 autonomy. Bosch says it’s working on reducing its price through its economies of scale, to help bring it to the mass market.
And speaking of CES, be sure to watch our coverage of the show starting next week, which is being brought to you by Magna, Gentex and Bose. John will be talking to automakers and suppliers about the new technology and gadgets they’re showing off. Look for those interviews on our website, Autoline.tv.
But that brings us to the end of today’s show, thanks for watching, we hope you like the new set and have a great weekend.
Thanks to our partner for embedding Autoline Daily on its website: WardsAuto.com
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Comments (42)
January 3rd, 2020 at 12:02 pm
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/03/tesla-tsla-4q-2019-production-and-delivery-numbers.html
Here are the news this show did not catch today
January 3rd, 2020 at 12:05 pm
How many MORE billions, on top of the $3 billion they lost in their earlier reckless bets, did Tesla Shorters lose the last few weeks and days? How many will they lose today and in the next few days?
From the CNBC Link:
“Daniel Ives, managing director of equity research at Wedbush Securities, called Tesla’s deliveries to end the year “impressive” and “another step in the right direction” for its Fremont assembly plant in California. Soundly beating Wall Street’s estimates in the quarter “was another major feather in the cap for Musk & Co.,” he said.
“While part of this recent rally has been a massive short covering, it has also been driven by underlying fundamental improvement as the company’s ability to impressively not just talk the talk but walk the walk has been noticed by the Street and the optimism around the story has grown markedly from the dark days seen earlier in 2019,” Ives said in a note to investors Friday morning.”
January 3rd, 2020 at 12:13 pm
New set is a bit busy/distracting.
January 3rd, 2020 at 12:21 pm
3 I found it a bit busy and distracting too.
January 3rd, 2020 at 12:23 pm
I like the new set, but Sean….it’s time for a hair cut!
January 3rd, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Love the new set!
January 3rd, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Looking at that 1934 Chrysler Airflow, I can see that Lexus was not the first to market with an oversized grille after-all
Sean, I must agree with Ron & Larry. Though visually far more interesting than the old digital overlay green-screen background, this new set, at times, had me paying more attention to it than the stories being monologued.
#5.
January 3rd, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Sean,
Great way to start off the new year with the changes made to your set.
Sure did miss all your programs while you and your staff were off for the holidays and glad you’re back.
January 3rd, 2020 at 1:01 pm
I like the new set, cool Americana/Vintage feel. The downside is is appears to reflect the coverage which weighs heavily on the current state and history of the industry rather than the way it is going. Perhaps if the program wants to stay more relevant it should emphasize the direction the industry is going both in content and decoration of the set.
January 3rd, 2020 at 1:01 pm
I think the set looks great. After a few views, and even with additions and subtractions to the set, it will meld with the commentary and almost melt into the background unobtrusively. (a great place to wonder when the story presented isn’t of particular interest to me)
While I don’t like the Rivian’s styling too much, I would certainly give it the nod if I were to buy an electric truck (which is just conjecture on my part at this time).
January 3rd, 2020 at 1:03 pm
10 wander, not wonder (okay, maybe that too). And history is a great place to start (when considering a back-drop).
January 3rd, 2020 at 1:20 pm
The new set is fine, but please put is changing graphics over your shoulder to show what you are talking about.
January 3rd, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Sean; On the new set, Although the background may elude to the many other aspects of what the show covers. I found it to be distracting and a step backwards. Like many You-Tube wanna-be programs filmed in some guys study or basement it doesn’t come across as well developed as your program certainly is.
I personally like the transposed images beside you to emphasize the topic at hand. But that’s just my thoughts.
January 3rd, 2020 at 1:31 pm
I prefer the old green screen which looked so much more professional without looking busy like this one today!
January 3rd, 2020 at 1:47 pm
Sean, your new set is too busy, too dark, and is distracting for me. I know that it will improve over time. Change is good and evolving. Lots of wrenches but you need to have a scan tool or two on your back wall and an EV plug.
January 3rd, 2020 at 1:48 pm
Nice of Ford to share some of the Mach-E reservation details, conveniently in percentages and no actual numbers. So all those details could be based off 100 reservations. hummm?
On the Rivian Tank turn. That’s a nice option and could be useful under certain conditions. Certainly you were joking about having it replace the steering system. Knowing how quickly a Skid-steer or Bobcat goes through tires it would not be ideal at all.
January 3rd, 2020 at 1:57 pm
15 Ford will make only 50,000 M-Es for its first full production year. Maybe it got 50k $100 deposits for those, so it claimed it is ‘full’
One suggestion for the set background, instead of 20 different photos of 20 different things, plus what you are talking about, having just one gorgeous vehicle in the background would work better. Even better if it is faded, so we pay attention to you and not to that.
January 3rd, 2020 at 2:13 pm
I like the direction that you took with the new set. I agree that adding some contemporary EV/AV imagery might be of benefit, as well as having a digital photo over your shoulder that relates to the topic at hand. As for the other complaints, I think that people just need time to get used to the set, just as it took me a while to get used to the change in the greenscreen background a few years back.
January 3rd, 2020 at 2:15 pm
Even in todays show, as Sean was talking about Opioid deaths I found myself paying more attention to the factory floor video and crash tests. Had that video been playing over his shoulder in a smaller screen I think it would have put more emphasis on what he was saying and not what is visually capturing the viewers attention.
January 3rd, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Great new look, watch every episode from Canada.
Happy New Year and all the best for 2020.
January 3rd, 2020 at 3:38 pm
“But we also wonder, what that would do to tire wear?” You don’t need to wonder. You’ve heard about skid-steer loaders? They turn by skidding the tires. If you tried to drive a car by just skidding the tires to turn, on pavement, it would wipe out the tires pretty fast. Look at the video. The tires are turning fast, and the truck isn’t going anywhere.
January 3rd, 2020 at 4:58 pm
As long as you asked for comments~~I think a haircut, shave, tie & jacket would appear much more professional.
January 3rd, 2020 at 5:37 pm
I’m OK with Sean’s “holiday growth”.
Regarding the Airflow concept, the beveled floor contours demonstrate design for the sake of design with little regard to function. Also, the taillamps look like direct copies from the Lincoln MKC.
With regard to Bosch’s lidar, are they implementing solid state lidar or are they subjecting us to those ugly rotating beer cans?
January 3rd, 2020 at 5:48 pm
Sean, I like the new set. It is good to keep things fresh and I look forward to how this will evolve.
On the issue of opioid deaths, I wonder if some of this relates to the workers that have been laid off finally addressing chronic illnesses and pain issues that could not be addressed while working. No facts backing that up. Just wondering.
January 3rd, 2020 at 8:49 pm
#5 & #22 Give it a rest. I suppose it’s a generational thing, but longer hair and esp facial hair have been very prominent for quite some time now – even in corporate board rooms. Sean looks just fine.
I like the new background and did not have any problem maintaining focus. Unless one has ADHD, I think most will adjust to the change in a short time.
January 3rd, 2020 at 10:42 pm
Nice set and Mr. Rogers sweater. Don’t worry about the brick-a-brac as you’ll be able to make small changes . . . “Easter Eggs.”
The opioid story was OK but begs the question of jobs being a social requirement. Still, I’m really here for the car stuff.
EVs are heating up. Not this week but perhaps every couple of months or so do an EV recap after hours?
January 4th, 2020 at 6:43 am
https://www.autonews.com/video/autonews-now-japan-3-sales-sink-dec-gm-fca-lower-q4?utm_source=antv-autonews-now&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200103&utm_content=hero-image
December and 2019 sales. Nissan down 30%, most others did miserably too, Tesla up 23%.
Tell me something new, Larry.
January 4th, 2020 at 8:02 am
Tesla sales were global, no U.S. breakdown, though clearly they are doing well; still perhaps a makintosh apple to delicious apple comparison. Proof in the pudding to see if sales translate to another Tesla profit in the last quarter. Though a weaker SAR than our last few years, I still see a fairly robust auto sector. Also wondering how the sales will be affected as oil spiked due to even more trouble in the Middle East. Another hold onto your hat boys/girls.
January 4th, 2020 at 8:08 am
https://www.autonews.com/sales/tesla-cuts-price-model-3s-built-new-shanghai-plant?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200103&utm_content=article14-headline
CHINA and EUROPE, as I said many times, is where all the action is on EVs in the near future.
“Tesla Inc. cut the starting price of its China-built Model 3 sedans by 9 percent, as it steps up efforts to lure customers in the world’s biggest electric-vehicle market after opening a factory on the outskirts of Shanghai.
The price was lowered to 323,800 yuan ($46,500) from 355,800 yuan ($51,000). After subsidies from the Chinese government, prices start from 299,050 yuan ($42,900), Tesla’s website showed. That puts the cars closer to some produced by domestic EV makers, such as Xpeng Motor’s latest P7 sedan, which starts at 240,000 yuan. Nio Inc.’s electrified utility vehicles start from as high as 358,000 yuan.”
Very significant.
January 4th, 2020 at 8:11 am
27 We are aware, but even its US sales were OUTSTANDING, as detailed by Automotive News. December Tesla sales were 18-20,000 and 2019 overall were 223,000. And Tesla did it with two very expensive aging models and one entry level luxury model.
Compare this with Jaguar’s (ALL its cars and SUVs together) 3,111 sales in December, a SIXTH of Tesla sales. Or of course with any other BEV US maker.
No wonder Tesla stock DOUBLED in the few months that passed from its 2019 lows.
January 4th, 2020 at 8:13 am
29 27 or compare with the other ‘luxury’ maker, Genesis, which only has three models, like Tesla, they sold barely 2,225 units in December, a laughably small number, and NONE of their models was a BEV. This is the 12th failed attempt by Hyundai or Kia to offer a ‘luxury’ brand in the US.
January 4th, 2020 at 8:14 am
BTW is it just me, or do you also think that the STUPID FCA Breadvan concept has NOTHING in common with the Legendary Chrysler Airflow? The PT Cruiser was far more retro looking than this POS.
January 4th, 2020 at 8:16 am
28 from the link, Tesla will make a BUNDLE in CHina, both due to low labor costs AND local sourcing which will reach 100% in just 12 months!
“Tesla plans to increase local sourcing to 100 percent in Shanghai by the end of the year, from about 30 percent now, Song said. That should help lower costs as Tesla and other ambitious EV makers face a challenging market in China, where auto sales have been slowing.”
January 4th, 2020 at 8:17 am
While we are on the BEV global sales topic, tiny Netherlands, which barely has 5% (!!!!) of the US population, bought about 13,000 Tesla Model 3s in DECEMBER 2019 ALONE!
January 4th, 2020 at 8:47 am
I think FCA is just resurrecting the name, not trying to emulate the Chrysler Airflow (which failed, as it was a little too futuristic for the time). I don’t particularly see any breakthrough in engineering by the revised iteration either; it appears as just another concept drawing of smooth styling and wind cheating efficiency which we see from others already. Probably just trying to stay in the limelight with an old (nostalgic) nomenclature to stir up discussion.
January 4th, 2020 at 10:41 am
In the public library yesterday afternoon I saw C&D’s top ten issue (Yawn) and the latest Consumer Reports, which had a road test of the Escape, the Corsair (pimped up escape), the “mercedes” CLA (FWD) and a subaru (Outback probably).
Interesting points:
The “Merc” (in quotes because it is not a serious RWD vehicle but “all hat and no cattle” got the worst rating, BUT its price was only 10% higher than that of the Subaru!
The Escape got clobbered, and the Corsair did a little better (but better enough to pay $10k or whatever it is more than the Escape)?
January 4th, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Sean – Hope everyone chills out over the weekend & is a little kinder on the 7th. I’ve got no issue with the set or your facial hair, & I imagine both will see tweaking over the upcoming year.
To all a Happy New Year & glad Autoline Daily is back from its holiday hiatus.
January 5th, 2020 at 4:20 am
Sean,
I too found myself spending too much time looking at the set and not listening as closely as I should have been to what you were saying. Had to watch it a second time and pay more attention to you.
As others have have said I would like the transposed images over your shoulder as has been done in the past.
And last but not least, I have been wondering why guys that are growing facial hair don’t shave their necks and make a clean distinction of your beard without the messy look of neck hair. Can you explain why that is and don’t you think it would look much more groomed than it does now.?
Just curious. I like facial hair and some short beards, but if it follows down the neck on all sides it looks un-kept. JMO.
January 5th, 2020 at 11:13 am
Hav e not checked out “Top Gear” for a while, and just took a look at its article about the 20 vehicles to look forward to in 2020. Besides the Cybertruck, the C8, and a new, 600+ HP, 2.7″ 911 Turbo, I just came across an all-electric Jag XJ with sleek exterior
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/20-cars-were-looking-forward-2020#10
and Ferrari’s 1st PLUG-IN Hybrid
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/20-cars-were-looking-forward-2020#14
and the cute little Honda E
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/20-cars-were-looking-forward-2020#18
January 5th, 2020 at 11:13 am
Hav e not checked out “Top Gear” for a while, and just took a look at its article about the 20 vehicles to look forward to in 2020. Besides the Cybertruck, the C8, and a new, 600+ HP, 2.7″ 911 Turbo, I just came across an all-electric Jag XJ with sleek exterior
Ferrari’s 1st PLUG-IN Hybrid
and the cute little Honda E
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/20-cars-were-looking-forward-2020#18
January 6th, 2020 at 12:05 pm
16 Skid steer is very hard on tires, even on robots I work with, driving on carpet, not rough concrete. It also takes a lot of energy to do. Rivian probably demonstrated it “just for fun.”
January 6th, 2020 at 12:38 pm
The new backdrop begs the question, “What am I supposed to be looking at?”