Toyota Introduces Camry and Avalon with All-Wheel Drive

Something interesting is happening ... at least to me. We know ITA Airways is going from Sky Team (Delta) to Star Alliance (United).  That's because Lufthansa acquired that big stake in them. When you go scout out redemption options on United, there is very little crossing of the pond on Lufthansa's if you are going to Italy ... slim to none.  United carts you on the over-the-water segment and ITA takes care of the rest from the Italian gateway.   It's almost as if they picked up ITA to be a low-cost workhorse for them.  Between the mileage redemption flyers and conventional paying passengers, the ITA planes are sure to be (close to) full. However, I'd much rather be on Lufthansa than domestic United for the longest leg. Because they haven't still disengaged, ITA segments are still being offered up on the Sky Team (Delta, specifically) website.  There will be that overlap for about 2 to 3 more months, I believe. Fleets change, alliances change, etc.  Many times, change sucks.

So not everyone can read the WSJ artical, but to summarize it: Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, is adjusting the company's ambitious electric vehicle (EV) goals due to a slowdown in market growth and changing consumer demand. Market Slowdown and Production Capacity Mary Barra has recently acknowledged that the electric vehicle market is experiencing a slowdown in growth, leading GM to revise its previous forecast of producing 1 million electric vehicles by the end of 2025. At a recent event, she stated, "We’re seeing a little bit of a slowdown right now... the market’s not developing as quickly as we anticipated". This shift indicates that GM is now taking a more cautious approach to its EV production timeline, recognizing that the anticipated demand may not materialize as quickly as expected.  Consumer Demand and Affordability Concerns Barra emphasized that GM's production decisions will be guided by consumer demand. The company is facing challenges related to affordability, as many potential buyers are hesitant to invest in EVs due to high prices and limited charging infrastructure. GM plans to keep its electric car prices between $30,000 and $40,000 to stimulate demand, but this strategy may strain profit margins due to the high costs associated with EV battery production.  CBT Automotive Network Political and Economic Pressures The EV market is also influenced by political and economic factors. Changes in federal policies, including the potential rollback of EV incentives, have created uncertainty in the market. Barra noted that the regulatory environment has shifted, impacting GM's strategy and the overall pace of EV adoption. Despite these challenges, GM remains committed to its long-term vision for electrification, viewing the next decade as a transformative period for mobility.  c-suiteinsider.com Conclusion In summary, Mary Barra's decision to scale back GM's lofty EV ambitions is driven by a combination of market conditions, consumer demand, and political pressures. While GM continues to invest in electric vehicles, the company is adopting a more measured approach to align its production capacity with the current state of the market. This strategic pivot reflects the complexities of transitioning to an all-electric future amid evolving consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes. So how is this a "Joke in Clown Shoes" to use your phrase? Good CEO's adjust based on the market and political pressure all the time, so care to explain how this is any different than CEO's who are using Idiot47 and his clown administration to monopolize their profits? IQ79 aka Idiot47 is trying to stop legal voting as the population is fed up with his clown administration. At this point, he is in for a rude awakening and I hope he gets what he deserves, a Blue wave that give total control of the house and senate to the democrats so they can impeach him and his lemmings.

There was more troublesome talk to that speech. I just wanted to address the Canadian stuff.  What you poor suckers are going to go through come mid way in 2026 is more concerning at this juncture  before Canada has to deal with it...    

You're president LIES to you     Canada is doing quite well DESPITE the tariffs.  How is tourism in the US though?  Do you need Canadian money?  I bet you do!!! Maple Maga from Alberta Pierre Poilievre is whining that PM Carney is wasting Canadian tax payer money on traveling. Yeah...Maple Maga lies also.  I mean, yeah, Carney is on a global tour, but he is securing trade deals with all kinds of different countries including China to possibly let in Chinese EVs. And military  talks. Canada is planning to ditch the F35. Maybe. Trying to see if the SAAB J39 Gripen is a good fit for Canada. Im willing to bet it is as its also waaaay cheaper to not only buy it, but also operate it as compared to the F35.  Sweden is also proposing to let Canada produce it in Canada in exchange for Canadian steel to sweeten the deal.  If Canada decides to forego the F35, it will be a HUUUUUGE blow to the US.  For many reasons...   Only problem with the SAAB is that Canada is used to having US defense intel integrated with our military hardware.  But Trump is screwing with that.  It may be time to decouple from the US. But this is why Carney is talking with Sweden, Norway, the UK, France and Germany about taking over NATO WITHOUT the US... To re-integrate ALL of our military hardwares and softwares NOT to be linked with the US.  Read up on it. Its fascinating how quickly the US is dissolving.  A decision is going to happen in October I believe about the F35 purchase or not.  Canada  scuttled a US submarine deal earlier this year.  Its either Germany or Norway to get our contract.  Decision to come soon.  I repeat, the US is quickly becoming a paper tiger.   I suggest you guys read up on global affairs regarding your country.  You may need to oust Trump as quickly as you can. The longer you wait, the faster the US becomes irrelevant. Yeah Donald.   Phoque YOU!!! Phoque the US