Why Hello Mercedes-Benz SL *UPDATED*

Ummm…it is interesting looking!!!

I've got less than $3k left on the Avalanche loan. The Chrysler loan final payment is this month. I'll redirect that to finish off the Avalanche early. I've only got 63k miles on the Avalanche. $75k for an EValanche buys a lot of gas. We're heading into motorcycle season where the truck stays parked as much as possible.   I think we're just going to be in a holding position on vehicles for a while. 

At a press conference today, Stellantis unveiled the third-generation Jeep Compass.  This version for Europe is expected to be close to the version we will see in North America with some tweaks to the powertrain and lighting options. The Compass' direction in North America has been in flux after the sudden departure of former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares in December of 2024.  More on that later. While the new Compass cuts a familiar shape with the present model, it is built on an entirely new platform capable of supporting gas, electric, and hybrid configurations. Now blockier and more rugged looking the new Jeep Compass retains all the familiar Jeep styling cues. The taillights are in an X-pattern with an illuminated Jeep logo between.  European models get matrix LED headlights, however difficulty with regulatory agencies in the U.S. mean that this feature is unlikely to make the trip across the pond. Built on the Stellantis STLA Medium, the Compass has also grown. Now 6.1-inches longer than its predecessor, the Compass moves firmly into the size class occupied by the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V.  Stellantis already uses this platform for two Peugeots, a Citroen, and an Opel. In Europe, the powertrain offerings will include a 148 horsepower mild-hybrid, a 195 horsepower plug-in hybrid, and three fully electric options ranging from a 213 horsepower front-wheel drive model to up to 375 horsepower for the top-line all-wheel drive model. Introduced on the Compass, a new, more powerful rear motor with an additional 65 peak horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque that when run though the 14:1 reducer provides an available 3100 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. Jeep claims this gives the Compass the ability to climb a 20-degree slope with zero traction at the front wheels.  While battery sizes were not mentioned, on the European cycle, Jeep says the battery-electric version will be available with up to 403 miles of range. The STLA Medium platform is a 400v architecture and in the European Compass supports 160kw DC-fast charging. As it is a Jeep, when properly equipped it maintains its off-road chops. It has 7.9-inches of ground clearance when opting for all-wheel drive, 20-degree approach, 15-degree breakover, and 26-degree departure angles plus a water fording depth of up to 18.5 inches. All-wheel drive models come standard with hill-decent control. The completely revamped interior is modern without going crazy with large screens. The ultra-wide 16-inch radio screen sits nicely at the top of the center stack while a 10-inch reconfigurable digital gauge screen keeps the driver informed. Jeep did keep plenty of physical buttons that the public prefers. Level-2 autonomous driving will be available in certain trims.  For European consumption, the Jeep Compass will be built at Stellantis' Melfi plant in Italy. Compass for the U.S. As we mentioned earlier, the Compass for the U.S. has been delayed due to the departure of the Stellantis CEO.  The speculation is that Tavares had pushed for the Compass to be released in battery-electric form first with hybrid options to come later and after he left, the brand changed direction to release the hybrid first.  Further complicating matters now is that the Compass in North America is to be manufactured at Stellantis' Brampton Assembly Plant in Canada and the tariffs imposed by President Trump have threatened to upend those production plans.  U.S. customers are likely to be waiting a while longer for the third-generation Compass than our European friends who will be able to purchase one later this year. Related: Jeep Unsure of Direction on Compass Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares quits over dispute with company board   View full article

There does need to be some equilibrium.  Yes it hits poor people the most because they tend to drive older and less efficient cars.  At the same time, it really needs to be indexed to inflation the next time they decide to adjust it.   I don't think they should do it all at once to the 50c+ that is being discussed here.

Raising the gas tax also hits low income people the worst.  Although if they are going to make the EV fee a thing then they should raise gas taxes also to balance it. They can let the 2017 tax cut expire, that will create a trillion dollars and do a lot more than trying to discourage EV purchases with a $250 annual fee.