This is Autoline Daily, the show dedicated to enthusiasts of the global automotive industry.
POLESTAR PLANS TO GO PUBLIC THROUGH SPAC
Polestar is the electric car company that was carved out of Volvo and is owned by Geely. But to maintain its independence it’s going to go public. And like just about every other EV startup, it’s going to do a SPAC. Polestar expects to raise about $1 billion and have a market cap of about $20 billion. It’s going to invest the money it raises in three new models that will debut in 2024. It certainly has ambitious goals, but we’ll see if it can hit them. It sold about 10,000 cars last year, but expects to boost that to 290,000 by 2025. We think one of those new models will look a lot like the Precept concept car that won all those EyesOn Design awards from a jury of global automotive designers.
GEELY JUMPS INTO BATTERY SWAPPING
Speaking of Geely, it’s going to jump into battery swapping stations with both feet. Geely has a subsidiary called E-Energee that makes the stations, which it claims can swap out batteries in 60 seconds. It can handle vehicles with wheelbases from 106 inches to 122 inches. Geely says it will build 5,000 swapping stations and here’s where it gets interesting. Geely says it’s going to install them on a global basis. Battery swapping is being developed in China with generous government subsidies. But if Geely can make it financially viable in other countries, it could be a game changer for EV adoption.
WULING HONG GUANG MINI EV SETS MONTHLY SALES RECORD
And sticking with China, the tiny Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV continues to remain red hot there. The automaker sold more than 41,000 in August, a new monthly record. That brings its year-to-date sales up to nearly a quarter million.
NISSAN REVEALS NEW VAN FOR EUROPE
Nissan is getting an all-new van, called the Townstar, for the European market that will replace the NV250 and e-NV200. Once again it will be offered as both gas and electric as well as commercial and passenger versions, but it’s now based on the Renault Group’s CMF-C platform. The EV features a 44-kWh battery pack that’s expected to return 285 kilometers or 177 miles of range, based on the WLTP test cycle. The other setup is a 1.3L gas engine that produces about 130 horsepower. It will be able to carry 800 kilograms, tow up to 1,500 kilograms and, in terms of space, the Townstar has up to 3.9 square meters of cargo volume. Let’s wrap up on the interior, which looks pretty basic and utilitarian and is highlighted by an 8-inch touchscreen mounted high on the dash. Nissan has not revealed exactly when the Townstar will go on sale.
CHIP SHORTAGE NOT DISRUPTING TESLA’S CHINA PRODUCTION
The chip shortage doesn’t seem to be having an impact on Tesla’s production in China. Reuters reports the automaker is expected to build 300,000 vehicles in the first nine months of the year. The plant makes the Model 3 and Model Y. And its momentum will likely continue for the rest of the year. Last month, an official in China said Tesla is expected to build 450,000 vehicles this year.
TESLA BREAKS GROUND ON NEW “MEGAFACTORY”
In other Tesla factory news, it just broke ground on its new “Megafactory” in California. It’s called the Megafactory because it will produce its Megapack battery system, which is meant for utility scale energy storage. It’s Tesla’s first facility dedicated to making the Megapack.
TESLA UPDATES AUTOPILOT
And in our last bit of Tesla news, the company upgraded Autopilot to slow down when it detects emergency lights. The feature is for Model 3’s and Y’s equipped with Autopilot and works at night. A message is displayed on the touchscreen informing the driver of the slowdown and a chime is emitted to remind drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel. Once the system no longer detects the lights it automatically resumes the previously set cruising speed. While Tesla didn’t say it, this update is likely a response to NHTSA’s investigation into Tesla’s crashing into parked emergency vehicles at night while operating on Autopilot.
CONTINENTAL SEES OPPORTUNITY WITH CENTRALIZED COMPUTING
Tesla pioneered centralized computing in its cars years ago and now the rest of the auto industry is trying to catch up. But it hasn’t been easy for them. Traditional automakers have legacy systems to work through. And that’s where the supplier Continental AG sees an opportunity. Centralized computing uses a powerful microprocessor, and a backup, to do most of the computing in a car, rather than have chips in every component. General Motors, Ford and Mercedes-Benz have new electronic architectures in their latest vehicles that use about five major computing modules, but they still didn’t go all the way with centralized computing. One reason is that they want to stick with proven safety modules that are validated and reliable. Continental sees an opportunity to provide both complete centralized computing or middleware for the modules. But the future is with centralized computing. Nicolai Setzer, the CEO of Continental tells Autoline that, “It’s probably only a matter of time,” before traditional automakers go fully centralized.
POLICE GIVE MUSTANG MACH-E THE THUMBS UP
For a long time now Ford has been a leading producer of police vehicles, so in order to stay at the head of the class it’s exploring all-electric, purpose-built law enforcement vehicles. It recently submitted a test vehicle based on the Mach-E to be evaluated by the Michigan State Police in the areas of acceleration, top speed, braking and high-speed pursuit, as well as emergency response handling. And it just became the first EV to pass that test. But it’s not just doing this in the U.S. Ford has another RHD Mach-E and Transit version in the UK’s police fleet that has been tested or plans to test by a number of its forces.
TOYOTA REVEALS NEW NASCAR TUNDRA PRO
The Toyota Tundra’s bold, new face is headed to the race track. Here’s the 2022 NASCAR Tundra Pro that’s going to compete in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series. Its first race will be at Daytona on February 18th.
Wait, what? Autonomous race cars racing at Indy? That’s right. The Indy Autonomous Challenge takes place at the Brickyard at the end of October. And that’s going to be one of the topics on Autoline After Hours this Thursday. Also, Michael Sprague, who runs Lincoln in North America will be on the show. So join John and Gary for an insider’s view of what’s going on in the automotive industry.
But that’s it for today, thank you for tuning in.
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Comments (24)
September 27th, 2021 at 12:16 pm
My wife inherited her fathers Ford Escape after he passed and now it needs to have one of the modules replaced. This module controls the backup camera and rear and side sensors.
The cost you ask?; How about $1700 !!!
When I was told the cost of repair, I thought she was driving a BMW or an Audi… not a Ford.
September 27th, 2021 at 12:18 pm
Ford exec ,makes fun of Tesla glass roof coming off, saying theirs are built better, then they have to do Mustang Mach E recalls by the thousands , dont throw stones when your glass roofs go broken too.
Tesla Megafactory will assemble MegaPacks with CATL LFP cells for Stationary Storage,to ease demand charges and stabilize the Utility Grid and help get rid of Gas Peaker Plants and with AI Sotfware make Tesla money, Tesla is more than an Auto Co.,
Today TSLA @$790 up almost 20% gained the market cap of F , yes Ford, It is what Tesla it can go up or down but is staying were it is , above $700, the most valuable company making autos. Chip shortage can impact Tesla operations a little , but they work around it as they dont rely on Very Old Technology, unlike legacy auto that uses decades old Dinosaur stuff.
September 27th, 2021 at 12:27 pm
1 Is most of that $1700 the part, or do they have to take the car half apart to change it? The module should be available from junk yards, unless it is a common failure, resulting in high demand for used parts.
September 27th, 2021 at 12:28 pm
Any idea on the price of the new Nissan van? I like the bus version as a ‘mini’-er minivan, but the price of the Ford Transit Connect version has put me off in the past.
September 27th, 2021 at 12:41 pm
End of October at Indy could include snow. I wonder if the autonomus race will still go if there is rain or snow?
Seems like a cool challenge from a science and technology aspect but I don’t imagine there will be much interest from spectators.
September 27th, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Geely has many divisions:
Volvo auto- by itself and mostly left to do as it wishes
Lotus- sports and supercars
ProtonHoldings – Malaysian based auto
Benelli- Motorcycles and Scooters
Terafugia -Flying car drone
ZEEKR – upscale BEV Zeekr 001 looks almost like a Toyota Vensa wagon, but is fully electric, new factory is complete, w/ 300,000 annual unit capacity, 0-60 3.5 sec.
Lynk Co- car subscription model ,one shares the car almost like Timeshare , I think ..in Netherlands 500€/ month, all in, Insurance and maintenance is included, owner just pays for gas, car is 3cyl hybrid with big battery.
Geely Holdings also owns 9% of Daimler
September 27th, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Kit, I haven’t seen the break down of the estimate. At that price, I thought it best to shop around for another estimate. I’ll let you know.
September 27th, 2021 at 12:46 pm
1 So what your saying is you don’t have side sensors or backup camera. On Amazon you can get an aftermarket backup camera and screen for $129 and side sensors for $299. Seems maybe Ford is gouging a bit, but maybe like Kit said it could be where its located.
September 27th, 2021 at 12:50 pm
@ #1 & 7.) I wouldn’t be surprised if at lot of that cost is for labor.
September 27th, 2021 at 1:00 pm
4 Vans like Transit Connect and Promaster City aren’t much less expensive than Chrysler Voyager, the “base” Pacifica that replaced the Caravan. Probably the new, smaller Nissan will be $25-27K like the others.
September 27th, 2021 at 1:26 pm
BTW, Tesla released the Full Self Driving button late last week. Once you select it, the Tesla insurance scanner begins rating your driving habits and gives a score, mine is 93.
I was dinged for “Hard Braking” and “Aggressive Turning.” Hard braking from someone cutting into my following gap and the other, a STOP sign at the bottom of a grade. As for aggressive turning, a low center of gravity makes it so easy. Sad to say, there is no immediate feedback on the dings.
September 27th, 2021 at 1:46 pm
@TESLA: great to see them continuing to increase production and their diverse business based on great ideas realized. Amazing job by the visionary behind it and management that makes it all happen. What a success story based on products that are relevant for society.
September 27th, 2021 at 1:47 pm
1 If it was a BMW or Audi, the cost would be at least double that.
https://repairpal.com/estimator/bmw/320i-xdrive/backup-warning-system-sensor-replacement-cost
September 27th, 2021 at 2:29 pm
1) Many ford escape owners complain that they get quotes to replace the BCM due to similar faults and at a hefty expense. Turns out that it could be something simple. Most report that their battery cables(particularly the negative side) are either loose or corroded. Simply cleaning and tightening the connection solved the concern. In some cases the battery required replacement due to low voltage. Check all that first before going further down the road.
Of course going to an independent shop and using used parts will bring the cost down dramatically if you must replace the BCM.
September 27th, 2021 at 3:08 pm
I saw a report that Tesla has most functions in their central computers, a primary and backup. This minimizes the number of microprocessors and makes over-the-air updates easier.
September 27th, 2021 at 3:27 pm
11 That’s why I’m not a big fan of those driving monitor systems. That’s someone’s idea of good driving and like you said. Braking to regain a gap from the driver ahead is actually preventative and should be considered better than tailgating. So you got dinged for something that was a good maneuver.
I’ll take someone being a bit aggressive braking and turning over someone on their phone any day.
Just not a fan of having my driving style monitored. How about the fact I haven’t been in an accident in 38 years other than when I was sitting stopped at a light and got rear ended by a drunk driver.
September 27th, 2021 at 3:33 pm
11,16. I’d get dinged frequently for turning aggressively, but rarely for braking aggressively.
September 27th, 2021 at 4:50 pm
14). I did have a weak battery and replaced it, thus cleaned the terminals. As of now, I can buy a BCM on the net for about $800 , but was told programing was needed and not sure, at this time, if the independent I use can do this. I will certainly check if this is true.
September 27th, 2021 at 4:59 pm
1,14,18 I’d be inclined to do without the stuff, if the vehicle runs and drives ok. Of course, the camera and safety stuff is part of what makes newer vehicles better than old ones.
September 27th, 2021 at 5:50 pm
19 I too, would say I’d do without. BUT, I have come to depend on that backup camera. I would not really want a daily driver without it. A sad commentary on my growing dependence on technology.
September 27th, 2021 at 7:10 pm
20 Yeah, I’ve gotten kind of used to the backup camera too.
September 28th, 2021 at 2:33 am
Another vote for backup cameras here. Especially nice with virtual “tracks”, I confess.
2 Rey – Ford over-the-air updates. Check.
11 Bob – Aggressive turning (where it’s sensible) is what fun in a car is all about to me.
Also, the diminutive WuLing HongGuan is getting a slightly more substantial but far more capable sibling. Still at a great price.
When will the first Chinese copies of the Swiss Microlino come out, I wonder? Sometimes they beat the originals to market.
September 28th, 2021 at 9:33 am
21 Id say I can do without the back up sensors and side sensors as I have them turned off most of the time. Have to turn the rear ones off anytime I’m towing anyway.
The camera is a really nice feature tho. I like being able to align to my trailer in one single backup. Unless I need to adjust height. But that view is so helpful in so many cases where the sensors I don’t care for.
September 30th, 2021 at 11:26 am
https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-middle-east-public-health-coronavirus-vaccine-9ee6e5d46d29c08bf7610b39713b025e