AD #2922 – Detroit Auto Show Moved Again; Mercedes-Benz EQA is Being Delayed; Chinese XT4 Gets Unique Feature

This is Autoline Daily, the show dedicated to enthusiasts of the global automotive industry.

DETROIT AUTO SHOW MOVED AGAIN
The Detroit auto show is being pushed back in the calendar once again. Organizers announced the next show will be held in September 2021 and will remain in the Fall going forward. This was supposed to be the first year the show was going to be held in June, instead of its normal January date, but was cancelled due to the pandemic. Part of the reason the Detroit show moved from June to September is due to the LA Auto Show rescheduling from November to May 2021 and with the New York Show in April, it would be too much of a logistical nightmare for automakers to participate in auto shows for three consecutive months. The Detroit auto show was last held in January of 2019, so if it does happen next September, that means it will be 33 months between shows.

HYUNDAI ACCELERATES PASSENGER DRONE DEVELOPMENT
Last week, General Motors CEO Mary Barra said the company is looking to use its batteries and EV drive system in aerial mobility or drones. And now Hyundai announced its accelerating the development of passenger drones. It’s partnered with Incheon International Airport and KT Corp. to conduct test flights with the goal of commercializing the drones by 2028. In addition to developing vehicles, the collaboration includes building up an infrastructure and creating a business model to help make the drones a reality.

And don’t forget to join us tomorrow at 11 am eastern time for a special, live hour-long breakdown of Tesla’s Battery Day, which is being held later today. And we’re bringing Bob Galyen and Sandy Munro on board to give you some of the smartest insights from two of the foremost EV experts in the world. If you have questions you’d like to pose to Bob and Sandy, send an email to viewermail@autoline.tv or send a tweet to @Autoline.

FREE CHARGING FOR VW ID.4 IN THE U.S.
And speaking of electric vehicles, with more models entering the EV segment, the battle to win over buyers is starting to heat up. That’s why Volkswagen is partnering with the EV charging network Electrify America to offer owners who buy the upcoming ID.4 free charging. Owners receive three years of unlimited charging at any of Electrify America’s stations across the country at no additional cost. The ID.4 makes its world debut tomorrow and deliveries start by the end of the year.

MERCEDES-BENZ EQA IS BEING DELAYED
And in other electric news, Mercedes has delayed the launch of the EQA, which is the all-electric version of the GLA. The company planned to unveil it during the third-quarter and begin selling it by the end of the year. But Autocar reports Mercedes’ is delaying the launch by at least six months due to a reorganization of its EV production, battery cell supply problems and complications from the pandemic. Two versions of the EQA will be available, one with a single-motor and front-wheel drive, and the other a dual-motor model with four-wheel-drive.

GREAT RESPONSE TO HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL
It was great to go through all the comments yesterday and see how many people wanted to share a story about where they put their hands on a steering wheel. As a ton of people pointed out, 9&3 and not 10&2 is considered the best place to put your hands to avoid the airbag if it deploys in an accident. 8&4 will do the same, but you have better control at 9&3. A good number of people also recommended not to wrap your thumbs around the steering wheel. The steering wheel can rotate violently during an accident, which can easily break a thumb. Tom Cain says the heck with steering wheels! “Just give me a joystick already and this hand position debate is over! It’s been a VERY long time since we’ve needed the leverage provided by a steering wheel to drive.” That makes me wonder where would you put the joystick, between your legs, like a fighter jet or on the center console? And does it also control acceleration and braking functions as well? If so, you could eliminate the steering wheel and pedals, too. This clearly needs some more consideration. And lastly, Dave Marsh says, “Never mind the hand position, raise your headrest!” Dave, I didn’t notice that until after I watched the video back for the first time and I was just waiting for someone to comment on it. I used my wife’s car and didn’t move the headrest for the video, but I assure you it’s always set at the proper height when I drive. Big thanks to everyone who left a comment.

CHEVY SILVERADO RECEIVES GM’S MULTI-FUNCTION TAILGATE
Chevy is providing some updates to the Silverado for 2021. GM’s multi-function tailgate will now be an option on all trim levels of the truck. Engineers were also able to increase trailering capacity on its 2.7L turbo and 3.0L diesel engines by thousands of pounds compared to 2020 models thanks to better-than-expected cooling performance and better-than-expected rear axle durability. New or enhanced trailering technology is available too, as are more standard features. The new trucks start rolling down the assembly line this month and hit dealers throughout the fall.

CHINESE CADILLAC XT4 GETS UNIQUE FEATURE
Sticking with GM for a moment, but moving to China, Cadillac launched an improved version of the XT4. It comes with an interesting feature called Face ID. It uses an infrared camera mounted on the B-pillar, which is automatically activated as the driver walks up to the vehicle, to confirm the user. It will then unlock the doors and allow them to start the engine. The system also features a touchscreen on the B-pillar that incorporates fingerprint and password unlock. It’s a feature that will cost customers about $1,500.

And speaking of Cadillac, if you want to learn about the design direction of the brand, be sure to join us for Autoline After Hours later this week. Our special guest is Brian Smith, the Exterior Design Director of Cadillac. So join us this Thursday at 3PM eastern time, for some of the best insights into the automotive business.

But that wraps up today’s show, thanks for watching and we’ll see you again tomorrow.