News

Stellantis has a problem with a large stock of unsold cars

October 1, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

Stellantis is one of the largest automotive groups in the world that owns more than a dozen brands. In the first half of 2024, it recorded bad sales results, which caused the problem of too many manufactured cars sitting in warehouses.

The total sales of vehicles from the Stellantis Group in the six months of this year on the United States market fell by 16%, and the biggest decline was recorded by Ram (-26%), Dodge (-16%), Jeep (-9%) and Chrysler (- 8%). A large number of vehicles are gathering dust in warehouses, so the group is considering the option of a lower price on cars manufactured this year or earlier.

Looking at individual models, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is currently the slowest selling car in the US, with an inventory of 617 days. It is followed by Alfa Romeo Stelvio (456 days), Fiat 500e (454 days), Jeep Renegade (332 days), Grand Wagoneer L (327 days) and Dodge Hornet (323 days). This means that brands don’t have to produce these models for more than a year before selling currently unsold stock.

Also, Stellantis decided to reduce the delivery of cars to dealers by the end of the year by 200,000 units.

Source: CarEdge, Photo: Stellantis

News

Audi reached an agreement with SAIC Motor

October 1, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

Chinese manufacturers have become absolute leaders in the EV market, so the only way to counter their dominance is synergy with some of them. The biggest pressure is on European manufacturers who are trying to increase their chances of survival by cooperating with Chinese companies. Representatives of Audi and SAIC reached an agreement on the production of a fully electric car that should reach the market in 2025.

Currently, Audi in China is not recording any notable results. Last year, they sold a total of 31,000 cars on the Chinese market, and this partnership could be a turning point. Also, this is not the first time that SAIC Motor cooperates with a European company. For years, they worked closely with Volkswagen, from which the German manufacturer benefited the most, increasing its presence on the Chinese market through this cooperation. That’s exactly what Audi is hoping for.

SAIC Motor is one of the largest automobile companies in China with over 5 million vehicles sold in 2023. The deal with Audi is somewhat unusual, as the cars will not carry the four-ring Audi badge. Audi will use the new Advanced Digital Platform (ADP), and sources say the first car from the partnership will be a mid-size electric vehicle. It should be launched in November, and will only be offered in the Chinese market from 2025.

Source: Reuters

Tuning

Apocalypse World Ender Land Rover 6×6 based on the Land Rover Defender

September 30, 2024 Francis Mitterrand

Apocalypse Manufacturing is an American company that turns every vehicle into an extreme one, ready to conquer all types of terrain. Their latest project is the Apocalypse World Ender Land Rover 6×6 based on the Land Rover Defender.

Engineers extended the chassis to add a third axle, or two more wheels, which unlike some other 6×6 conversions, are connected to the drivetrain. The suspension has also been refined and can now be raised and lowered by around 203mm with the simple push of a button. Of course, the conversion wouldn’t be complete without a specially designed set of 20-inch rims wrapped in massive 38-inch tires ready to tackle the toughest off-road trails.

The car is equipped with wide fenders, underbody protection, side steps and rock sliders, and an orange front bumper. Additional LED lights were installed on the roof, roof racks, sports bars on the rear and a spare wheel located in the cargo area.

When it comes to the powertrain, Apocalypse Manufacturing hasn’t changed anything, although it’s obvious that the extreme version is heavier than the standard Land Rover Defender. There is still a supercharged 5.0-L V8 engine with 525 hp (386 kW) and 461 lb-ft (625 Nm) of torque.

The Apocalypse World Ender Land Rover 6×6 costs $374,999, and this car in the photos was built for a customer in Jacksonville, Florida.