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Nutsons Weekly Auto News Wrapup November 3-9, 2024


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America's Longest Running Internet Automotive Column

Auto Central November 9, 2024;Every Sunday Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy and Auto Channel Executive Producer, with able assistance from senior Detroit editor Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau, compile The Auto Channel's "take" on this past week's automotive news, condensed into easy to digest news Nuggets.

LEARN MORE: Complete versions of today's news nuggets, along with hundreds of thousands of pages of relevant news, information and opinions, are stored in a million-page library published and indexed on The Auto Channel during the past 25 years. Complete information can be found by copying a headline and inserting it into any Site Search Box.

Here are Larry's top story picks from this past week's important to you, relevant, semi-secret, or snappy automotive news, opinions and insider back stories presented as expertly crafted easy-to-understand automotive news nuggets.

Nutson's Auto News Wrapup Week Of November 3-9, 2024

  • Trump Presidency. This quote from industry publication Automotive News says it: "Former President Donald Trump’s return to the White House will likely send the automotive industry into a period of uncertainty on electric vehicle regulations, incentives and trade." Hold on to your hat! Be ready for a wild ride.

  • Lowest gas prices since January! The U.S. average price of gasoline is just 7 cents from $2.99/gal, and stands at $3.069/gal according to GasBuddy data. 25 states have average gas prices below $3, while the median price has fallen to $2.97/gal. What you won't hear in the media- filling up your tank today vs five years ago is LESS painful. Adjusting for today's dollar, the national average: 11/4/2024: $3.05/gal 11/4/2019: $3.22/gal. The nation's average price for diesel fuel has dropped to $3.52/gal, the lowest level in 1,115 days (Oct. 16, 2021).

  • October car sales. The new-car market expanded 12% in October. Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lincoln Mazda, and Subaru brands had sales increases. Acura, Lexus, Toyota and Volvo fell. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate of sales in October came in at 16.18 million, the second-highest reading of the year. high interest rates continue to be a concern of buyers. High interest rates resulting in high monthly payments continue to dog the industry.

  • Keep the customer satisfied. Customer satisfaction with the vehicle purchase process continues to rise as new-vehicle inventory and pricing improve year over year, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study. Porsche ranks highest in sales satisfaction among premium brands for a second consecutive year. MINI ranks highest in sales satisfaction among mass market brands. Full details: HERE

  •  EV charging times. Consumer Reports took a look at the fastest-charging EVs you can buy right now—and a few of the slowest. How long it takes to charge depends on how fast a charger is and also how fast a charge your vehicle can handle—otherwise known as its “acceptance rate.” Have a look HERE

  • Two-wheel transport. Shared Micromobility Trips in North America Averaged 1.5 Miles and 15 Minutes in 2023. For all shared micromobility trips in North America in 2023, the average was 1.5 miles and 15 minutes. Of the different modes, e-bike trips were longest on average at 2.0 miles and a duration of 20.3 minutes. Pedal bike trips averaged 1.4 miles while e-scooters averaged 1.2 miles. Trip durations for pedal bikes and e-scooters were 15.5 and 11.6 minutes, respectively.

  • More EREVs Could EREVs bridge the gap to full electrification? Scout Motors, Hyundai, Mazda, Stellantis and other automakers are increasingly turning to extended-range electric vehicles (EREV) as a bridge between traditional gas-powered cars and fully electric vehicles. EREVs, which offer a more efficient alternative to plug-in hybrids, could be a step towards reducing emissions, say advocates, while others are skeptical of their long-term impact. EREVs have gained traction in China, and automakers hope to replicate this success in Western markets. Read more HERE

  • Try it, you'll like it. Consumer confidence in autonomous vehicles appears to increase significantly after firsthand experience, per a J.D. Power study. The survey found that 76% of respondents who had ridden in a robotaxi felt confident in the technology, compared to just 20% of those who had not. This suggests that familiarity with the technology could play a key role in boosting consumer trust. Read more :  HERE

  • About air taxis.  Joby Aviation conducted a successful air taxi test flight in Japan, marking its first international demonstration. The event was coordinated with Toyota Motor, which committed an additional $500 million investment in Joby last month, designed to support air taxi development and production. See it fly here. https://www.iotworldtoday.com/flying-vehicles/air-taxi-featured-flown-at-toyota-center-in-japan

  • Is Jaguar dead? Read what Detroit Free Press automotive editor Mark Phelan has to say:  HERE 

  • Chevrolet recall.  GM is recalling a small number of Chevrolet Bolt battery-powered electric cars because they are at risk of catching fire, three years after a larger callback of the all-electric model for a similar hazard. The latest action targets 107 Bolts from the 2020 to 2022 model years. In a previous recall, 142,000 Bolt models were subject to a recall due to a battery flaw. The two recalls are related. A software glitch was triggered by a “malfunction in the software programming tool during servicing” for the prior recall, NHTSA documents said. That might fail to notify drivers of defective battery parts that need to be replaced. GM advises to park outside after charging and to not charge the vehicle indoors overnight.

  • America and the V8 engine.  MotorTrend has debuted its brand-new documentary special, "V8: The Engine of America," on HOTROD.com which explores the V8’s impactful legacy, cutting-edge advancements, and future. The V8's significance in American car culture is explored with interviews with industry experts. Here's the link to watch: HERE

  • NHRA News. John Force broke his silence after remaining private for four months since his traumatic brain injury diagnosis. The 16-time champion and 157-time race winner revealed sponsorship renewals and gave an update about his progress following high-speed crash June 23 at Virginia Nationals. Read the details : HERE

  • NASCAR s**t show. NASCAR issued major penalties to three Cup Series teams after the Martinsville race. NASCAR penalized the Nos. 1, 3 and 23 Cup Series teams for Member Conduct violations which include race manipulation and actions detrimental to stock car racing. A total of $600,000 in fines were assessed. Read all the details: HERE

  • SEMA. The Specialty Equipment Market Association, better known as SEMA, annual conference took place this week in Las Vegas. One of the largest car shows in the world, SEMA brings together more than 135,000 automotive aftermarket industry attendees. The latest trends in show vehicles, vehicle repairs and modifications are the subjects. Ford, Kia, Mopar, Toyota, and others had special one-off vehicles on display. HERE

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