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Runtime: 9:10
0:00 EVs Driving Most of BMW’s Sales Growth
1:07 BMW #1 In Premium Sales
2:00 Chinese Cars Help Boost Sales in Russia
2:45 China Has 435 Million Registered Vehicles on Its Roads
3:53 Dodge Fans Not Happy with EV Design
4:23 Tier 1 Suppliers Developing Alcohol Detection Systems
5:44 Nissan Delays U.S. EV Production
6:29 Nissan Unveils NISMO Version of The Ariya
7:09 LG Opens 1st U.S. EV Charger Plant
7:33 EV Charger Generates Energy by Burning Wood
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This is Autoline Daily, the show dedicated to enthusiasts of the global automotive industry.
EVs DRIVING MOST OF BMW’S SALES GROWTH
BMW’s CFO says the company is at a tipping point with EVs and ICEs. He says that most of BMW’s sales growth now comes from EVs and it won’t be looking back. Last year the BMW Group, including MINI and Rolls-Royce, sold over 2.5 million vehicles, which was up 6.5%. But total Group BEV sales were up over 74% to a little more than 375,000 units or a 15% share. The CFO doesn’t think its ICE sales will go up anymore and will continue at roughly their current rate before starting to fall off, which should happen in the next couple of years. However, BMW is still making more profit on its ICE vehicles and it doesn’t expect it to even out until 2026 when it predicts its EV sales share will be a little more than double the 15% it is now.
BMW #1 IN PREMIUM SALES
And speaking of BMW sales, the German automaker was once again the top selling premium brand globally last year. It sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2022, a 7% gain. That helped BMW stay ahead of second place Mercedes which sold just over 2 million vehicles last year. Audi was in third place with nearly 1.9 million vehicles sold but Tesla was hot on its heels with more than 1.8 million sales. So, if Tesla is able to keep up its sales growth this year, it could threaten to take over the top spot from BMW. As far as EV sales go, the BMW brand sold nearly 331,000 electrics, Mercedes sold 222,600 and Audi sold 178,000 EVs last year.
CHINESE CARS HELP BOOST SALES IN RUSSIA
We’re going to stay on the sales side of things for another moment. Russia’s car sales are finally on their way back up and it has the Chinese to thank. Before Russia invaded Ukraine and all major foreign automakers pulled out of the country, it sold about 1.6 million vehicles a year. But with no one really making new cars to sell, that number dropped by about a million units. And that left the door open for the Chinese to swoop in. Last year, Russia sold over a million new cars, which is a jump of nearly 70%. But Chinese brands accounted for almost half of those sales or nearly 500,000 units. And it seems like the Chinese could dominate the Russian market for a long time.
CHINA HAS 435 MILLION REGISTERED VEHICLES ON ITS ROADS
China has roughly 150 million more vehicles on its roads than the U.S. There’s about 280 million cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles in the U.S., but according to China’s Ministry of Public Security it has 435 million registered vehicles. And cars alone account for 336 million of that figure. Even though those are big numbers, it doesn’t represent a whole lot of growth. Only a .05% increase over 2022. As we know China has become such a competitive market that brands are starting to rely more heavily on exporting and for the first time ever, China became the world’s biggest car exporter last year.
DODGE FANS NOT HAPPY WITH EV DESIGN
The design police were on patrol over the weekend. Dodge revealed pictures of a pre-production version of its first EV based on the Charger Daytona SRT Concept. While it does look close to the concept, many people were critical of the car, especially the front end. They seem to think it doesn’t look as muscular, some even saying it doesn’t look like a Dodge. But let us know what you think. Is this an EV worthy of wearing the Dodge badge.
TIER 1 SUPPLIERS DEVELOPING ALCOHOL DETECTION SYSTEMS
One of the big automotive trends we saw last week at CES was technology to determine if a driver is drunk. At least half a dozen Tier 1 suppliers are working on it because the U.S. Congress mandated that alcohol detection systems have to be in all light vehicles by 2027. Two versions of the technology are leading the way. One uses a camera to monitor a driver’s eyes. If it sees that they are staring, or not moving very much, that’s an indicator of intoxication. The other technology uses a breathalyzer to detect alcohol on a driver’s breath. Both systems are still under development, and the suppliers who make them were not confident that they would be ready by 2027. NHTSA has not written the regulations that companies have to follow. There’s also a lot of testing and development that needs to be done. And then automakers have to integrate the systems into their cars. An even bigger issue: will the public go along with it? What if your car detects you’re drunk, but there’s a raging forest fire and you need to get out? Or what if you’re being stalked in the parking lot outside of a bar and need to get away? Preventing drivers from driving drunk is a great goal, but it’s a lot more complicated than some people may realize.
NISSAN DELAYS U.S. EV PRODUCTION
Nissan is delaying EV production at its plant in Canton, Mississippi for a second time. Production of a Nissan EV will start in November 2026 and production of an Infiniti EV will begin in April 2027, about five months later than originally planned for both models. According to a memo obtained by Automotive News, the automaker is delaying production because it needs to “enhance product competitiveness.” Nissan is also concerned about slowing EV demand, so it’s considering extending production of the Altima, which is also built in Mississippi, by another year. Nissan had planned to end Altima production in late 2025.
NISSAN UNVEILS NISMO VERSION OF THE ARIYA
And while Nissan is delaying the launch of new EVs, it’s expanding the lineup of one it already has in the market. The automaker unveiled a NISMO version of the Ariya, which is based on the all-wheel-drive version of the model, which Nissan calls e-4ORCE. The NISMO version has a peak output that’s about 10% higher than the base model. It also features an exclusive driving mode for better response and improved aerodynamics that reduces drag and improves downforce at higher speeds. The NISMO version of the Ariya goes on sale in Japan this spring but no word yet if it will launch in other markets.
LG OPENS 1ST U.S. EV CHARGER PLANT
LG is not only building EV batteries in the U.S., it’s also now producing EV chargers. The company announced it opened its first U.S. EV charger plant in Texas, which has the capacity to make 12,000 units a year. It will initially produce Level 2 portable wall chargers and later this year it will start building Level 3 chargers.
EV CHARGER GENERATES ENERGY BY BURNING WOOD
Speaking of EV chargers, here’s a new one that generates electricity by burning wood. A company called Air Burners teamed up with Rolls-Royce and Volvo Construction Equipment to launch the BioCharger, which converts the residual heat energy from burning vegetative waste into electric energy and stores it in a 450-kWh battery unit. Air Burners says it can generate enough electricity every day to power 3-6 machines and by using air curtain technology it can reduce the amount of harmful particulates that are released into the air.
But that brings us to the end of today’s show. Thanks for tuning in.
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Sean, I much prefer the original Dodge show car. One small but important think wrong with the new car is the badge. It looks like the old badge from when I was a teenager and Dodge cars were crap. That might just be me though,
New challenger – it’s a given that people won’t like the new styling, most people don’t like change.
Alcohol detection systems – good intentions but I’m sure we can all think of different scenarios where it could go sideways. It’s a computer and computers make mistakes so if I’m in the middle of no where and my vehicle THINKS I’ve been drinking and I haven’t …. now what? Definitely these systems need to be well thought out.
Wow Congress snuck that little bit of legislation by quietly. Never heard anything about impaired driving detection being mandated by 2027. This seems like huge government over-reach. Not to mention all the potential failures Sean started to mention of a system like that. Monitor my eyes? So, can I wear sunglasses? Monitor my breath and so if I take a cold medicine my car won’t start? They make laws like not being able to drink and drive. They also create penalties for breaking those laws. They should not be in the practice of mandating features to restrict products use for the few that it applies to. I have no doubt that this will be met with similar results as mandatory seatbelt devises. Where the fuse will get pulled the device will be defeated or bypassed. Especially about the time it leaves a very sober person stranded due to a malfunction or misreading. Besides how are any of congress going to get anywhere when their cars won’t start. Oh, that’s right they’ll just call for a limo.
I prefer that old Dodge logo over the 2 slant stripe logo. . Dodge fans are probably just pissed that it’s a EV and not Hemi powered. I personally think they killed the Dodge brand dropping the V8 Hemi.
As mentioned here many times I’m not sure anyone considers Tesla a premium brand other than in price. So, to compare Telsa to MB, BMW and Audi seems a bit gratuitous.
Seems like 2024 is turning out to be the year of delayed EV builds.
I think what is impressive on the part of the top premium sells chart, is that while BMW, Mercedes and Audi sold mainly ICE vehicles and some EVs, Tesla sold ONLY BEVs and came in forth place, on the heels of Audi! This shows the potential of EV, in the premium segment and also demonstrates the kind of success the luxury market can have with just the electric vehicle in and of itself. Factor in subscription services, for whatever reason, or whatever thing, they think they can convince people to subscribe for, it’s a little wonder that many of the luxury brands are salivating at what could come out of the switch to electric vehicles!
While I understand their concerns of Chinese may vehicles flooding the auto market around the world, it’s pretty clear that they have taken a strong hold in Russia! I just wonder if Russia may come to regret letting China having us have such a foothold in their home market. While their orbits may be alive now, since so many on the world seem to have backed out of Russia, because of their war, with Ukraine, why lie, don’t see this is ever happening, should there be on things ever not lineup, Russian man becomes of dependent upon China, they may resent the fact that they essentially open their borders to their products and support. It would seem that Russia and China are seeming to become as cozy, as the US is with Europe, Great Britain. While this is not a forum for that type of politicking, yet, as China owners so much of US debt, Russia could very while become beholden to them in more ways the just strategic allies!
I don’t know, but the pictures of ‘road going’ Dodge Charger, versus those of the concept are so grainy that, to me, it’s hard to tell just how much, or how little the two look like each other. Of course they look a like, but it’s hard to see if the difference is like that between the EQS concept and that of the production EQS! IMHO, from what I can see from those grainy pictures is that, while the road going vehicle may not be as sharp as the concept, it’s still a very good looking vehicle, from what can be seen!
It seems like the wood burning charger, while maybe better then the alternative, still creates emissions, which was the reason for switching to electric. While I know from today’s story, that has a process in place to keep harmful emissions from entering into the atmosphere, the optics of what it is, says otherwise. While, this might be a great alternative for heavy equipment, clearing a forested/wooded site, by burning waste materials, like brush and using that to power the electric heavy equipment, to the uninitiated and uninformed, it looks like they are doing the opposite of what they are claiming to do.
The Dodge designers could really only go in three directions. 1) Go with real sharp corners and an edgy new design. 2) Keep it almost the same. 3) Round things off and give it a softer refresh. Seems like they opted for something in-between 2 & 3. The deletion of the concave side scoop in the door really does loose some of that aggressive look and replaces it with a very plain large, rounded body side. Still looks very much Dodge to me and about what I would have expected even if it had stayed gas.
Lamb — What if you had a designated driver, taking the intoxicated passengers home, but the car won’t start because the vehicle can ‘smell’ the alcohol coming from the other passengers?!
wmb- For exactly the same reason’s you mentioned I would say Tesla’s numbers are not that impressive. Yes they filled the 4 position among luxury builders selling both EV and ICE which is impressive from that perspective (moving enough product to catch the heels of the top luxury car builders) however Tesla isn’t a luxury brand and should be compared to the likes of Ford, GM, Toyota, VW. Or still just compare them to Only EV builders like Rivian and yep, they are killing it.
Oh, and not a dig on you wmb because I assume you might be using voice to text or having some funky autocorrect problems. But your post was extremely hard to read. I’m in no way the spelling police.. Have enough mistakes myself.
The claim for wood burning generators is that they are carbon neutral. This sham argument is based on the idea that when the tree grew it absorbed carbon from the atmosphere so burning it later just puts the stored carbon back into the environment. While true, it certainly does not help the atmospheric carbon level. It will not help with climate change.
I like the look of the Charger EV, not quite as much as the concept but it’s an attractive car that’s loyal to the Dodge style in my opinion
Since Russia doesn’t have an auto industry of its own, letting the Chinese in is probably a good idea. Putin can be seen as helping the people with new cars.
I can understand the drunk driving systems put in cars when someone is convicted, but I hope Canada passes on this American idea.
To me, the Dodge shown looks ok, as much as you can tell from the picture.
Tesla is not in the same market as BMW, M-B, or Audi. They are a BEV brand, not a premium brand.
As others have mentioned, the alcohol sensing no-start would seem to have a lot of issues. Along with others mentioned, it might smell the alcohol in a can of lawn mower gas that doesn’t seal well.
The photo of the Dodge EV immediately brought to mind the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. Nothing Dodge built before or since equalled that menacing all powerful look. It’s a 10 -TEN all the way.
….seems the dodge needs four distinct headlights, scalloping on the doors, a little more swagger and less soft curves….either that, or I’m keeping my ’10 with only 45,000 miles….ps….maybe four round tail lights like the ’68, instead of a horizontal bar, like so many SUVs…..
Lamb — Guilty as charged! Trying to quickly use voice-to-text and not reading what was ‘typed’! My apologies. I too agree that Tesla is not a luxury vehicle and the term premium should be used loosely, at best, in relation to Tesla. Yet, in keeping with the grouping in todays report, comparing sells figures of “premium” and not true “luxury” vehicles, I made the barley coherent comments above. LOL!
Here is what I meant to say: “While I understand there are concerns of Chinese vehicles flooding the auto market around the world, it’s pretty clear that they have taken a strong hold in Russia! I just wonder if Russia may come to regret letting China having such a foothold in their home market. While the two nations may be like minded now, since so many other countries and industries of the world have backed out of Russia, because of their war Ukraine, what happens when they find themselves on different sides of the aisle? While I don’t see this ever happening anytime soon, when that time comes, with Russian being so dependent upon China, they may resent the fact that they have essentially open their borders to their products and support. It would seem that Russia and China are seeming becoming as cozy, as the US is with the United Kingdom and other major power of Europe. While this is not a forum for that type of politicking, yet, as China owners so much of US debt, Russia could very while become beholden to them in more ways then just their current strategic allies!”
Albemarle, I hope America ultimately passes on this American idea. There is a whole lot that could go wrong.
@Lambo, wmb, Kit: while I agree with all of you that TESLA products are not luxury vehicles, I believe they are very strong marketeers. My friends who own $100-120k TESLAs all react the same when I tell them that their vehicles have plastic seats. “No, my vehicle has been equipped with Vegan Leather seats.” We may not, but they definitely look at their vehicles a high-end premium vehicles.
Wim van Acker, you need to let your friends know that their vehicles have petrochemical, not vegan leather seats.
The overwhelming majority of drunk driving fatalities is from repeat offenders. The judge may declare the offender’s license as suspended, but the offender still drives. The solution should focus on the small population of drivers, rather than imposing costs or gauntlets on the vast majority of law-abiding drivers.
The solution… smart driver licenses that a vehicle can sense… just like the vehicle senses the keys or phone in your pocket. When the judge suspends a convicted driver’s license, the smart license is reprogrammed as such. The vehicle reads the license and obeys. Done. The same system can be used to restrict probationary teen driver capabilities, akin to Ford’s MyKey and GM’s Teen Key.
This alcohol detection requirement was tucked in the Biden administration’s $1 trillion infrastructure package, which includes $17 billion toward auto safety. I think everyone can agree that providing safer roads is a noble endeavor, however I think there is a line being crossed from freedom and control. This law sets a precedent to just accept government control in our products. What’s next? I suppose it wouldn’t be any different then to make the automakers use GPS and restrict the vehicle from exceeding the posted speed anywhere you travel ever. Prevent a dirt bike from being able to do a wheelie because someone got hurt and deems it too dangerous. Prevent your car from going through a fast-food drive thru more than once a week because its unhealthy.
This alcohol detection device is just punishing everyone and making all vehicles cost more, just to fix a problem that they have failed to resolve. Maybe start with not allowing people to have 3-4 DUI’s. Stop using the legal system as a fund raiser and a game, allowing the ones that can afford a good attorney to have impaired driving reduced to something else.
Oh and for anyone that is in favor of this just be prepared that if you like to have a drink occasionally. Say a single beer or glass of wine with dinner that will be no longer possible. Even if the system can detect alcohol within the legal limit of 0,08 in most states which does allow you to have a drink or two. You can bet that the information gathered by your car will be used to jack up your insurance rates. The insurance companies I have no doubt will use the information to adjust rates accordingly. Which I rarely drink so I would think I could benefit but my guess is I won’t get a lower rate just those that ever have any detection will get socked with higher rates. Just seems like a bad idea all the way around and could prevent me from buying a 2027 vehicle.
Opps another blow to EV’s in the midwest. The super-cold weather happens almost every year and sometimes a couple times each winter. So good luck if you own an EV in double digit sub zero weather.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/chicago-area-tesla-charging-stations-lined-with-dead-cars-in-freezing-cold-a-bunch-of-dead-robots-out-here/ar-AA1n1Q5i?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=71dbc536d16f4fc8a6a867127918fd13&ei=43
Speaking of cars and really cold weather, what happens with today’s ICE cars with push button start, if you push the start button in -30 weather and it doesn’t start? Do they crank until the battery is run down, crank for a while and stop, and then try again, or ? I’ve spent winters in warm areas since cars have automatically cranked until they start, without holding a key in “start” position.
Norway’s best-selling car of 2023 was the Tesla Model Y. I don’t think EVs and arctic cold are incompatible.
Kit- My vehicle equipped with push start cranks while the button is pressed. So you can control how long the engine cranks. I do not believe it will crank beyond letting go if the engine does not start.
Lambo,
They definitely snuck it in, but the alcohol detection system did not come to be over some sense of safety concern. The supplier of that system developed it spending millions of dollars. Nobody was buying it so they took the next path and lobbied the government for a mandate. Thus they could recoup their investment. That supplier was even featured on ALD a few years ago for this very technology that they then spent millions in lobbying efforts to force implementation.
If the government truly cared about drunk drivers and safety, they would have an entirely different solution. Anyone that is habitually drunk will figure out how to defeat this or just drive an older car. This is a net zero in terms of road safety but a net positive for increasing the cost of the car and enriching the supplier that lobbied their cronies to mandate it. I am sure if one was to dig deep enough, there are a lot of people in the government that invested in that supplier prior to the mandate being announced.
Lambo, all of my newer cars crank and start with an instantaneous tap of the button,
or lever in the case of the Mini. I don’t know what would happen if they didn’t start quickly.