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Runtime: 11:44
0:00 U.S. Bill Eliminates EV Subsidies This Year
1:15 Other Brands Pass Tesla in EU EV Sales
1:59 Tesla Moving Ahead with German Plant Expansion
2:33 BYD Brings Lower Cost EVs to Europe
3:40 Nissan to Cut $1.8 Billion in U.S.
4:32 Dodge Charger EV & ICE Hit Market Around Same Time
6:17 Hyundai Tests Auto Charging Robots at Airport
6:55 XPeng Mona Goes Hands-Free with No Lidar
7:38 Silverado EV Get Trail Boss Treatment
8:25 Wienermobiles to Race at Indy
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This is Autoline Daily, the show dedicated to enthusiasts of the global automotive industry.
U.S.TAX BILL ELIMINATES EV SUBSIDIES THIS YEAR
No doubt you’ve heard that President Trump’s “one big beautiful tax bill” cleared the House of Representatives this morning. But it only made it through by one vote. Now it has to go to the Senate, where it faces an equally hard fight. And here’s what the auto industry is watching carefully. The legislation, as it stands now, phases out the $7,500 sales rebate for new EVs, the $4,000 rebate for used EVs, and the $40,000 rebate for clean commercial vehicles at the end of this year. That’s 7 years earlier than they were originally set to expire. Same goes for the $1,000 tax credit for installing a Level II charger in your home. It gets the heave-ho on December 31st. The bill also tacks on a $250 annual federal fee to all EVs. Maybe some of this will get changed under reconciliation between the House and Senate bills. But one thing’s for sure. If things stay as they are, this will really hurt sales of electric vehicles.
OTHER BRANDS PASS TESLA IN EU EV SALES
Tesla once dominated EV sales in Europe but not anymore. Even BYD is outselling it. JATO Dynamics reports that registrations of BYD’s fully-electric vehicles surged 169% in April to 7,231 units which was 66 more than Tesla, which saw its sales plummet 49%. Even more alarming for Tesla, in April it dropped out of the top 10 EV brands and it’s way behind the Volkswagen brand which was number one with more than 23,500 registrations. Tesla’s sales at the beginning of the quarter are usually lower but this is a pretty alarming drop.
TESLA MOVING AHEAD WITH GERMAN PLANT EXPANSION
Yet, Tesla doesn’t seem to be concerned about sales slumping in Europe and must think they’ll recover. According to one of Tesla’s European managers, it’s moving ahead with plans to double production and expand battery output at its plant in Germany. The factory is back to producing 5,000 vehicles a week after it was retooled to produce the new Model Y. According to Dataforce, Tesla sold more than 62,000 vehicles in Europe in the first four months of the year, down from more than 101,000 a year ago.
BYD BRINGS LOWER COST EVs TO EUROPE
But Tesla better figure out quick how to boost sales in Europe. BYD is launching its low-cost Seagull EV in the European market but it’s renaming it the Dolphin Surf. It starts at just over $26,000 for the 322 kilometer or 200-mile range version, up to just over $28,000 for the 507 kilometer or 315 miles range model. While that’s in the low-cost range for Europe, it’s a significant markup from its $7,800 base price tag in China. However, that price for the Dolphin Surf also includes the 27% tariffs that the EU is imposing on imported Chinese EVs. And thanks to its low price in China, the Seagull was the second-best selling model in China last year behind the Tesla Model Y with 442,000 registrations. But it’s becoming more popular in other markets, with sales outside of China increasing 45% to 170,000 units so far this year.
NISSAN TO CUT $1.8 BILLION IN U.S.
Even though North America is the one bright spot for Nissan, it’s planning significant cuts, especially in Mexico. Last week, the company said it plans to cut 20,000 jobs and close 7 plants globally, in an effort to save $3.4 billion. And the Chairman of Nissan Americas, Christian Meunier, said that $1.8 billion of those cost reductions will come from North America, with plant consolidations in Mexico and job cuts in the U.S.
DODGE CHARGER EV & ICE HIT MARKET AROUND SAME TIME
The all-electric version of the Dodge Charger was supposed to launch in the 4th quarter of last year, but now the coupe and sedan won’t hit dealerships until sometime in the second half of this year. And there will no longer be an entry-level R/T model that was supposed to start around $62,000. Instead, Dodge will launch with Scat Pack models that start at roughly $75,000, including destination charges. We presume the ICE versions of the new Charger with Stellantis’ Hurricane engine will cover the “more affordable” portion of the lineup. And they hit the market at the same time as the EVs. This dual powertrain strategy was made possible by switching to the STLA Large architecture, which also offers significantly more room than the previous model. In fact, there’s 133% more rear cargo space than the old Charger. Powering the EV version, called the Charger Daytona, is a dual motor setup that combines to produce 670 horsepower and will launch the car from 0-60 MPH in 3.3 seconds. Customers can also pay extra for a Track Package that includes 16-inch Brembo rotors and corresponding red calipers as well as an upgraded tire setup. But all that performance and standard all-wheel driver means the Charger Daytona isn’t as efficient. It comes with a 100 kWh battery pack and will have a maximum range of 241 miles. So, trips to the charging station will be more frequent, especially since owners are going to want to tap into that Hellcat-like performance.
HYUNDAI TESTS AUTO CHARGING ROBOTS AT AIRPORT
Hyundai is going to test automatic charging robots at the Incheon International Airport in Korea. The robots feature an AI-based vision system which allows them to automatically recognize the charging port of an EV and insert the charger and then disconnect it when it’s finished. The chargers are 400 kW and able to function in the rain or dust and in temperatures between -15 to 60C or 5 to 140F. Hyundai is aiming to commercialize the robots and expand the service to other areas of the globe.
XPENG MONA GOES HANDS FREE WITH NO LIDAR
Chinese EV maker Xpeng is launching a new low-cost model that features an autonomous driving system with no lidar. It uses seven cameras and two NVIDIA chips to provide hands-free driving on the highway and city streets as well as automated parking. The vehicle, called the Mona M03 Max, comes with a 62-kWh LFP battery, a 160-kW electric motor and has a range of 580 kilometers or 360 miles based on the Chinese test cycle. And while its tech and range are impressive, so is the price, which starts at $21,500.
SILVERADO EV GETS TRAIL BOSS TREATMENT
Chevy is giving the Silverado EV the Trail Boss treatment. It gets unique styling both inside and out with a new front fascia that improves its approach angle. That’s made even better by a 2-inch lift kit, improving ground clearance by 24%. Chevy also added unique 18-inch wheels and 35-inch tires as well as made special tuning adjustments to the suspension and gave it an exclusive Terrain Mode. The Silverado EV Trail Boss is available with what Chevy calls an “Extended” and “Max” range battery pack. The “Extended” version starts at $72,000, including destination charges, while the “Max” version starts at over $88,500.
WIENERMOBILES TO RACE AT INDY!
OMG! Stop the presses. Hold your horses. This just in. The Wienermobile is going to race at Indy. Strike that. Six Wienermobiles are going to race at Indy. They’re calling it the Wienie 500.The race will be streamed live on social media this Friday and highlights will be included in the pre-race coverage of the real Indy 500 on Sunday. The Wienermobile is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable vehicles in the United States, right up there with the Batmobile and time machine Deloreans. And it’s been around a long time. The Oscar Mayer hot dog brand has been using Wienermobiles since 1936. And by the way, they’re not just going to race. They’re also making deliveries because Indy 500 fans are expected to eat 30,000 hotdogs over the race weekend.
Paul Thomas is the president of Bosch North America. He’s one of the most important executives in the automotive supplier community. He’s also our special guest on Autoline After Hours later this afternoon. We’re going to get his insights on how they’re dealing with the tariffs, the future of EVs in the U.S., and a host of other topics. Adam Bernard from AutoPerspectives, will also be on the show. Previously, Adam collected intelligence on future products for General Motors and has great insights into what’s coming down the line. So join John and Gary when the show goes live at 3 pm eastern time.
But that’s a wrap for this show. And I hope to see you later today.
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What is the crappiest food on Earth? I submit the accursed Hot Dog, Oscar Meyer or whatever. Of course, the company will never advertise with a photo of how the crappy, unhealthy and also tasteless thing is made. Nooo! they will give you the moronic Wienermobile (if you are in Kindergarten, it’s ok to get excited about this silly toy. Adults, however?) being driven over some scenic bridge along the coast of Northern CA or whatever.
And then you want universal health care and you don’t expect the nation to go broke? Laughable, when you allow such crap to be sold, and you don’t even tax the living hell out of it, so you can recover the hospital bills it causes.
Adding big tires and a 2″ lift to the Silverado EV is definitely going to lower range significantly. You would be silly to not get the max battery because you are going to need it with that tire/suspension package. Unfortunately that means you are close to 90K to buy it. 90K is way too much money for a Silverado EV or any Silverado in general.
Hey Regulus, We’re all sorry that when you were a lad, your puppy got run over by an Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, but the driver said he was sorry and it’s been many a year since then, SO GET OVER IT!
Not a surprise at all that the administration will cut all EV subsidies and add surcharges.
Surprised it took them this long.
I love the Wienermobile. It’s an iconic fun vehicle and isn’t this site about vehicles, not food? Laugh a little, enjoy the absurdity, chill out, take a pill.
It’s bratwurst on a bun for me. Sounds European so it must be healthier, although wiener is also a European word.
Oh come on Regulus the Knochwurst has been around a long time and depends on the bun and toppings. My favorite is a quality one made of poultry[ Turkey or chicken] However as in Beer marketing goes a long way Pilsener style lager is not my favorite but it is America’s hence a Weinermobile race at the Indy tremendous marketing.
Lots of talk about hotdogs, no mention of the continuing decline in Tesla sales in Europe. Interesting.
To turn things around, Tesla is in tremendous need of 1) a comprehensive and long-term PR campaign, 2) new low-cost models to fill out their lineup, 3) significant styling upgrades for existing models (not just smoothing the edges), 4) upgrading their interiors to make them true luxury cars rather than relying on their prices to put them in that category.
Could it be that the buyers for EV’s have reached a somewhat saturation point (until the EV presents itself as so much better than ICE that it is more of an obvious choice). EV’s certainly work for a lot of folks but take away incentives, charging anxiety, expense and it just might fill in as the best choice in the market; not yet, in my opinion. And a question; how can China offer an EV that costs less than just a battery in the U.S.; unfair marketing practices perhaps from the Chinese government.
Did the wiener originate in Austria. Wiener is “Viennese” in German.
Maybe Elon has quit campaigning for neo-Nazi parties in Europe. That should help Tesla, over time. Face it, Tesla is a “damaged brand” in Europe, probably even more so than in the US. It will take time to recover.
The Republicans want to actively discourage purchase of EVs, with the $250/year charge for EVs, which is more than many people would pay in gas tax. It is far more than most drivers would pay in federal gas tax of $0.184/gallon. Would the feds give some of this money to the states?
Hot dogs and their ilk are a lot more important to me than Tesla ever were, is, or will be.
Every few weeks this time of year,hot dogs are on the menu. You can bad mouth the administration,Elon Musk or whoever,but a hot dog? That ain’t right.
An ICE vehicle @ 20 mpg for 15k miles would cost about $135 per year vs. the $250 proposed for EV’s. Because the EV weighs more I don’t see a real issue here. In my state EV’s pay no state road use tax.
An ICE vehicle @ 20 mpg for 15k miles would cost about $135 per year vs. the $250 proposed for EV’s. Because the EV weighs more I don’t see a real issue here.
So Regulus can we put you in the I don’t like hotdogs group?
I don’t eat them either but I usually just eat something I enjoy.
Gary, an ICE vehicle getting 20 mpg would be a large pickup or SUV weighing more than most EVs.
Yea, finally coverage of the Dodge Daytona EV that I have been asking for over the last few months. Unfortunately, the news is not entirely complete. The Daytona EV coupe has been languishing on dealer lots since January. Many are leftover 2024 models that are now competing with the 2025 models. As I mentioned they sold/leased just over 1,900 in the first quarter of this year, prompting drastic cuts in pricing by many dealers. The R/T model was dropped after just five months, leaving only the high priced/low range Scat Pack model. They have been plagued with 12v battery drain and other issues that are now just being addressed with software updates. True, the sedan EV models will be available later this year and may sell better. Dodge is quickly ramping up the ICE hurricane in-line 6 versions (called GT and Outlaw) to see if they will sell. Meanwhile, their core buyers are waiting for Hemi powered versions (rumored to being tested). A recent online Edmunds race had a Tesla Model 3 Performance (costing 20K less) totally spank the Scat Pack EV. Todays AD report seemed to have been recorded six months ago and of course had the usual ‘Aren’t these EVs wonderful’ propaga …err…spin.
Gas went up about 40 cents a gallon overnight where I am in Indiana. Does anyone here know why?
I’ve watched a couple YouTubers with the Charger EV and they involve intermittent inability to start, getting spanked by a cheaper commuter Tesla, and one that completely bricked itself and has to be returned to Dodge. On top of that, it’s just not a very attractive design compared to the old Charger and Challenger models it is to replace. If they have to resort to stuffing a Hemi it to actually sell them what was the point? Hopefully it also gets the widebody fenders and other flares of its predecessors in order to overcome the ugly. If they really want to sell some, make a General Lee edition.
I saw new Chargers for the first time a couple days ago, on a dealer lot. There were three of them, two black, and one a shade of red. I thought they looked decent. I’m not surprised that they aren’t as quick as some other EVs, because they are big and heavy. They need RWD versions with the turbo six, and with the “hemi.” They also need to get the electric ones to work properly.
I find it interesting that everyone is whining about them being two door because the previous Charger was a four door. When the recently discontinued Charger came out, people whined about it being four door, because the General Lee and earlier Chargers were two door.
However they do it Dodge needs to see if a 5.7 or 6.4 Hemi powered Charger 2 or 4 door will sell. Here in Iowa the electric Charger is just a rich man’s toy,even more so than the Viper was.
Sausages in various European nations, from Germany to many others (often they call them ‘village sausages” are at a minimum FAR tastier than the bland, industrial hotdogs, and possibly much healthier. In fact, a very dear friend of mine from Chicago, whom I know since she was 18, worked at Oscar Meyer right after graduation, and was telling me how she would never actually eat the crap they were making, as many items (including bacon, which I really like but because of its unhealthiness only eat two stripes every Sunday morning (when in the US, and never overseas), include carcinogens that somehow our useless bureaucrats who are paid to do this, never banned.
I get a big kick when I hear the mindless Left demonize the US (International, really) Enegry Industry, and the so called “Big Oil” with all kinds of conspiracy theories, while in fact they make the lifeblood of our civilization, not only in transportation, but essential in almost every other industry, from Pharma to Plastics, and they are OK with companies like COCA COLA (who peddle colored, carbonated sugar at truly exorbitant prices, compared to the few pennies it costs it!), Warren Buffet cunningly recognized it as a cash cow and a Mint, really, and made trillions over time from his substantial holdings. You never thought of Coca Cola $ as “bood money”, did you? Yet it is Hugely responsible for the Diabetes epidemic in the US. Many other companies make similar crap but are not as profitable, and all of them, in my book, are FAR more “evil” than your “evil Big Oil”, mindless lefties!
Now, our fool-in-chief is threatening 50% tariffs on everything from the EU. No more non-SUV BMWs and Benzes. No more Audis. No more Porsches. No more Land Rovers.
NASDAQ down 1.5% at this time.