Is AV Hype Over? Lexus RZ Steer-By-Wire Tested; Multiple EV Plans

The AV Hype Cycle: Is the Thrill Gone?

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
Where we are on the AV hype cycle, where we are headed as it plays out over time, and a look at market sentiment.

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HMMA, a Proving Ground for BEV Production

Hyundai Motor Mfg. Alabama is at the forefront as Genesis transitions to all-BEV brand. Production efficiency is key, but quality comes first.

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Smart, Automatic Doors Becoming Reality

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
Magna says its Haptronik motion control software enhances the tactile feel of door movement, enabling effortless opening and closing. It also can detect when the vehicle is parked on a curb or a hill and automatically adapts to the gravitational force so that opening and closing remains smooth. Anti-slam capabilities and software features compensate for wind gusts.

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VW's 5-Year, $193B Plan Includes Scout Brand, More EVs

Battery-electric vehicle and software development will account for up to $131 billion of the German automaker's expenditure.

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Lightning eMotors’ Reeser on Commercial EVs, Batteries, and Supply Chains

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
An interview with Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning eMotors. He talks about batteries, China’s COVID lockdown’s effect on supply chains and grid readiness for commercial vehicle charging.

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Ford Boosting Production of 3 BEVs, 3 ICE Models

Ford did not return email inquiries from Wards about whether it has adequate supplies of microchips to support the production increases. The automaker reported a 100,000-vehicle volume deficit in fourth-quarter 2022, primarily because of the microchip shortage.

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ChargePoint’s Hughes Talks Mercedes Deal, Turning Points, NEVI Funding

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
The battery-electric-vehicle sector is moving from early adopters to the early majority, a senior ChargePoint official says. “They’re not driving electric because they have a purpose in driving it. They’re not willing to suffer” bad charging experiences.

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Mercedes-Benz CLA to Go Electric But Retain Gasoline Option

The third-generation CLA will offer the choice of battery-electric and gasoline power, with internal-combustion engines to be produced in cooperation with Chinese automaker Geely.

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