Inside the Industry

StoreDot’s Advanced Technology Campus now operational in Irvine, Calif.



New location facilitates research
for battery material alternatives


(March 25, 2024) StoreDot, the pioneer and world leader in extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology for electric vehicles, has announced the official opening of its new Advanced Technology Campus in Irvine. The 5,800 square foot state-of-the-art facility will serve as StoreDot's North American research and development hub, strengthening its presence in the region and bringing it closer to major automotive customers and manufacturing partners.

2025 Nissan Kicks introduced in New York



(March 25, 2024) NEW YORK — The second-generation Nissan Kicks subcompact crossover gets more power, optional all-wheel drive and a boxy, SUV-like design for the 2025 model year. The Kicks' overhaul broadens the baby crossover's appeal. All-wheel drive gives the Kicks more practicality in cold-weather Northeast and Midwest metro areas.

Kia K4 next-gen compact sedan sets new design standards



(March 25, 2024) Kia has revealed full images of the exterior and interior design of the Kia K4. Kia says the next-generation compact sedan embraces the brand’s bold attitude of continuously moving forward and brings new ways of thinking, innovation, and superior design values to the sector. Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, and in particular the ‘Power to Progress’ pillar, the exterior of the K4 compact sedan symbolizes Kia’s determination to create the most inspiring, innovative, and aesthetically advanced mobility solutions.

Mecum Houston collector car auction returns to NRG Center April 4-6


1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6

(March 23, 2024) Mecum Auctions will return to NRG Center this April 4-6 for Mecum Houston 2024, with an estimated 1,000 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, trucks, exotics, Hot Rods, customs and more to be offered throughout the three-day auction event.

Lincoln dealers face glut of 2023 models



(March 23, 2024) A glut of late-arriving 2023 models has driven Lincoln inventory levels to among the highest in the industry, prompting the brand to boost incentives and use other strategies to help dealers sell down the remaining backlog, according to Automotive News.

Infiniti 'takes luxury to new heights' with all-new 2025 QX80



Standard twin-turbo 6-cylinder
makes 450 hp; starts at $84,445


(March 23, 2024) NEW YORK — The all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80 made its debut at Edge, the 100-story-high outdoor sky deck at Hudson Yards in conjunction with the New York Auto Show. The big flagship SUV comes complete with fresh styling inspired by the QX Monograph concept vehicle. The new QX80 wears an imposing shape, with an upright front end, large-mouth grille and big wheels.

Hyundai, Kia to recall 147,100 EVs over damaged charging unit



(March 22, 2024) Hyundai Motor America and Kia America are recalling a combined 147,100 U.S. vehicles over a damaged charging unit, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday. Hyundai will recall 98,878 vehicles, affecting certain Ioniq and Genesis models, while Kia will recall 48,232 vehicles impacting certain EV6 models.

Fiat launches 500e BETA Club, a program for early adopters of new EV



(March 21, 2024) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat has launched the 500e BETA Club as part of the all-electric city car’s arrival in North America. This unique program rewards loyal Fiat customers and enthusiasts with the privilege of being among the first to receive their Fiat500e battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The program also provides valuable insights from previous-generation 500e owners who have experience with a city car and its benefits.

Vision Neue Klasse — Future BMW all-electric vehicles revealed



(March 22, 2024) The Neue Klasse X is a new BMW Vision Vehicle that will, more or less as you see it here, go into production next year. It will be joined by the Vision Neue Klasse, a 3-Series-sized sedan. Both the all-electric Vision Neue Klasse sedan and the Neue Klasse X will fill the market niches of the 3-Series and X3.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC plug-in hybrid SUV to join U.S. product range



(March 22, 2024) Mercedes-Benz has announced a new plug-in hybrid variant of its popular GLC SUV model series, the 2025 GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV. The extensive standard offerings of the GLC 300 4MATIC SUV will carry over to the plug-in hybrid, while adding more new standard features to further enhance the electric experience. The new plug-in hybrid model will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2024.