September 2022

Land Rover announces annual TReK off-road competition



(September 21, 2022)  Land Rover has announced the return of its TReK 2022 adventure off-road competition for U.S. and Canada retailers at the Land Rover Experience Center in Manchester, Vt. Land Rover TReK 2022 is a two-day competition inspired by the original Camel Trophy competition. Compromised of qualifying trials and finals, the competition, utilizing the all-new Defender 110, is designed for Land Rover retailer staff to educate and test some of the best off-road driving experts across the U.S. and Canada in off-road driving, navigation and team collaboration.

Hertz and GM plan major EV expansion involving 175,000 EVs



(September 21, 2022) DETROIT — Hertz and General Motors have announced an agreement in which Hertz plans to order up to 175,000 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and BrightDrop EVs over the next five years. Hertz and GM believe this plan is the largest expansion of EVs among fleet customers and the broadest because it spans a wide range of vehicle categories and price points — from compact and midsize SUVs to pickups, luxury vehicles and more.

Fisker and Wallbox partner globally for home EV charging solutions



(September 20, 2022) LOS ANGELES — Fisker, creator of the "world's most sustainable electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions," and Wallbox, a leading provider of electric vehicle and energy management solutions worldwide, name Wallbox as Fisker's global partner for home EV charging solutions.

BrightDrop breaks into grocery industry with eCart



(September 20, 2022) PALO ALTO, Calif. —  BrightDrop is expanding its business and product portfolio with the launch of a new temperature-controlled eCart that helps streamline order fulfillment and pickup for online grocery purchases. Online grocery is a rapidly expanding market that’s expected to reach $240 billion by 2025. Kroger, America’s largest grocer, is slated to be the first customer to introduce the BrightDrop Trace Grocery into its e-commerce operations, beginning this year.

Mercedes me Eco Coach app users get discounted charging



(September 20, 2022) STUTTGART, Germany — For Mercedes-Benz customers who opt for an all-electric or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicle, the smartphone app Mercedes me Eco Coach offers the support of a personal trainer for environmentally conscious driving. So far, the app is providing more than 50,000 users with helpful and fun advice on the best way to make the most of an electric drive. Of those downloads, more than 24,000 are by users in Germany.

Prices of lithium, a key battery material, hit record highs



(September 19, 2022) The surge in prices of lithium, the key battery material used to power electric vehicles, is seemingly unstoppable. Lithium carbonate hit a fresh record of 500,500 yuan ($71,315) a ton in China on Friday, according to data from Asian Metal Inc. Prices more than tripled in the past year, inflating the cost of batteries used in EVs, with recent gains driven by strong demand and disruptions at a domestic producing hub, according to a Bloomberg News story.

‘Last Call’ Special Edition — Dodge Charger King Daytona



(September 19, 2022) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Dodge brand’s “Last Call” lineup heads into the homestretch with a special-edition Dodge vehicle that owns a royal racing pedigree: the 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona. The 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona traces its lineage to a famous monarch of the 1960s and 1970s West Coast drag-racing scene: William “Big Willie” Robinson, who nicknamed his 1969 Dodge Charger “King Daytona” and used it not only in claiming victory at the drag strip, but also in keeping racers on the track and off the streets.

Ford introduces performance series 2024 Mustang Dark Horse



(September 19, 2022) DEARBORN, Mich. — With sinister looks and a specially modified 5.0-liter V8 — the most powerful 5.0-liter V8 ever, projecting 500 horsepower — Mustang Dark Horse expands the lineup and sets a new benchmark for American street and track performance that could only come in a Mustang.

BMW R 18 rear silencers now available



(September 18, 2022) MUNICH — The extensive customizing program from BMW Motorrad for the BMW R 18 is now getting a sonorous boost from new Akrapovič rear silencers. 3.8 inches shorter than the two standard rear silencers, they are made of durable stainless steel, coated in matte black and, together with a silver end cap adjustable in 90-degree steps, give the rear end of the R 18 a decidedly sporty appearance.