All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

The new Toyota GR86 could hit the market soon

After the recent announcement that it was withdrawing the GR86 model from the European market, information appeared that Toyota is preparing the third generation of this model, which could arrive on the market in 2025.

What most people are interested in is the powertrain that could power the new generation Toyota GR86. According to some rumors, Toyota could opt for two hybrid options: a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine or a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. The second option has a slightly better chance.

New rumors suggest that the engine could be similar to the 1.6-liter G16E-GTS three-cylinder engine that powers the Toyota GR Yaris and Toyota GR Corolla, but with more power (about 300 hp and 276 pound-feet of torque) and a hybrid system. This could mean that the choice of a 6-speed automatic or manual gearbox could be retained to send power to the rear wheels.

It is also rumored that the car could be built on a modified platform used by the Lexus IS. That would mean a length of 4400mm, a width of 1800mm, a height of 1300mm and a wheelbase of 2600mm.

Source: Bestcarweb

News

Demand for EVs in Germany dropped by 54.9 percent

At the end of last year, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) predicted that the demand for EVs in Germany will fall in 2024, despite constant growth in the world market. This already happened in January, when demand dropped by 54.9 percent compared to the same period in 2023. One of the reasons is the abolition of the subsidy.

The German government’s sudden decision to temporarily suspend subsidies for the purchase of new EVs has forced manufacturers to reduce vehicle prices in order to remain competitive with other manufacturers. As a reminder, BYD lowered prices by 15 percent, while Dacia reduced the price of the Spring model by 10,000 euros.

Buyers turned to proven options, gasoline and diesel cars, which had a decline in sales last year. However, the current situation with EVs has resulted in demand for cars with internal combustion engines. In January, 9.1 percent more gasoline cars were sold compared to the same period in 2023, while demand for diesels increased by 9.5 percent.

Another major reason for the decline in demand for EVs is the current state of the German economy, which has recently been in crisis, as well as geopolitical tensions in the region. Inflation, high prices and poor infrastructure of charging stations also affect demand. Even the leading car rental companies are looking for alternatives for their fleets due to the high cost of maintaining electric vehicles.

The VDA expects the German car market to drop by 1 percent to 2.82 million in 2024. At the same time, the global market is forecast to grow by 2 percent to 77.4 million cars. “Problems in the supply chain have largely been resolved, but the business environment for German carmakers remains challenging,” said VDA chief economist Manuel Kallweit.

Source: Reuters

News

Ford cuts 3,500 jobs in Germany

In mid-2022, Ford hinted that it would stop producing its popular compact Focus next year, and now it’s official. This decision will cause the loss of 3,500 jobs in Germany.

The factory in Saarlouis was opened in 1970, and after 55 years it could be completely closed. Ford had talks with Chinese brands BYD and Chery about taking over the factory, but also with a German manufacturer of solar panels. However, the latest information suggests that the deal has not been made.

Although Ford intended to assemble its new electric models in this factory, it will not happen. Plans have changed and the new electric Ford models will be assembled at a factory in Valencia, Spain. Some information says that Ford made an agreement with the union IG Metall to lay off workers. Union representatives said that after 2025, around 1,000 workers will remain at the Saarlouis factory, who will be offered retraining, and that there will be no forced redundancies until 2032. Also, employees will be able to leave early with severance pay.

Source: Reuters