G. David Felt

Very interesting to see the responses to this by the public in the story posted on Yahoo!finance. Mercedes tries putting ChatGPT in your car (yahoo.com) Most are saying no that their current Mercedes is the last they will buy as they do not want an A.I. in control of their auto nor do they want a subscription service to get heated seats, etc. Have to say it is interesting reading of the comments by those on both sides of the political spectrum.

Mercedes-Benz has chosen to expand control over one's vehicle via chatGPT that was enabled in 900,000 U.S. autos that have the MBUX infotainment system. All vehicles with MBUX of model series A 238, C 118, C 167, C 238, C 253, C 254, C 257, H 247, N 293, R 232, S 213, V 167, V 177, V 295, V 297, W 206, W 213, WV 223, X 167, X 243, X 247, X 253, X 254, X 294, X 296, Z 223 and Z 296 had the A.I. software update pushed out to their auto over the air. Customers that wish to participate can do it via the Mercedes app or directly from their auto by using the voice command "Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program". Mercedes has stated that the MBUX Voice Assistant has already set the industry standard for the most intuitive operation of a auto's infotainment system and via the app can also allow you to control your smart homes. Mercedes has stated that the chatGPT complements the existing intuitive voice control infotainment system by using the Hey Mercedes command. Auto voice systems are limited in current implementation to predefined tasks and responses that Mercedes feels is limiting and frustrating for users of their product line. ChatGPT leverages a large language module of self-learning natural language understanding allowing it to expand the topics and ability to respond to user's needs. Mercedes A.I. enabled MBUX system will allow drivers to keep their hands and eyes on the road while having a conversation with the Voice Assistant covering everything from their destination to dinner recipe suggestions to weather, news and even complex questions / discussions. Mercedes has chosen to go with Microsoft's Azure OpenAI Service that incorporates enterprise-grade security, privacy and reliability. The voice command data is stored in Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, where it is anonymized and analyzed allowing it to grow in responding to the driver or any passengers in the auto. Mercedes had the following statement: “The integration of ChatGPT with Microsoft in our controlled cloud environment is a milestone on our way to making our cars the centre of our customers’ digital lives. Our beta programme boosts the existing Hey Mercedes functions such as navigation queries, weather requests and others with the capabilities of ChatGPT. This way, we aim to support conversations with natural dialogues and follow-up questions. Our customers can always rely on us to ensure the best possible protection of their data privacy. Everything is under one big goal: Redefining the relationship with your Mercedes.” Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement chatGPT stands for " Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer", an intelligent chatbot that learns as it communicates with end users helping to automate tasks. A family of lare language models have been trained to create or summarize texts, answer questions, translate languages and self-generate programming code to improve itself. Mercedes chatGPT is built on a sophisticated neural network developed by the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. Mercedes had this statement for the end of their press release: "Mercedes-Benz is taking an approach to the integration of ChatGPT that aligns with the company's AI principles to make the benefits of innovative AI solutions accessible to customers. Mercedes-Benz keeps a close eye on potential risks and the system will be continuously improved for the benefit of all customers. A responsible approach to generative AI solutions is top priority at Mercedes-Benz." This brings up the question of; Does A.I. belong in an Auto and if your auto has it, will you use it? View full article

Seems Rivian under promised and over delivered in EPA of the R1S. EPA Filings Reveal 2023 Rivian R1S Dual-Motor Range | Edmunds Wheel size does make a difference. Rivian on their configuration had the following: 20" Wheel Range - 300 miles 21" Wheel Range - 320 miles 22" Wheel Range - 320 miles Rivian EPA Range on the Large Battery pack 135 kWh: 20" Wheel Range - 305.79 miles 21" Wheel Range - 348 miles 22" Wheel Range - 352 miles

We will ignore how many times I have told you that Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are all moving production here and expect numbers to go down as the current EVs on the dealer lots do not quality for the rebate except for the GV60 for Genesis. Are you sure about that Tesla number as every source I have checked says the same 44% yoy figure. Tesla Production And Deliveries Graphed Through Q1 2023: More Records (insideevs.com) On top of this they barely squeaked out a gain over Q4 2022 and when you take actual production, not shipped to stores they are Negative for Q1 2023 versus Q4 2022, but up 44% over Q1 2022. Numbers will be fluent based on global economic figures. I would double check that source where you say Tesla is not going after Mercedes. Musk has stated that the new S & X that are coming will beat all luxury makers. So I would say watch your bake Mercedes.

Was driving some errands yesterday and saw my first in the wild Toyota bZ4X and I have to say it is even uglier than in the pictures. This is truly a Toyota Aztek version. It was a white version just like this from their gallery online. But as the black plastic looks to be smooth with the white painted metal parts, it is not, actually sticks out very noticeably and already had for a new EV, a bit of grey showing in those black plastic pieces. Totally terrible.

Too funny considering it was one day after he received another indictment again.

Cool EV conversion project. Using 2 Tesla power units for a 900hp Ford Escape.

JD Powers shows more people considering EVs. 2023 U.S. Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study | J.D. Power (jdpower.com)

Who's birthday was it? I am not one that stays on top of stuff like this, including my own birthday. lol

OUCH again as I find numerous news stories all stating the same thing. Toyota plans big electric vehicle push in China | Financial Times (ft.com) In recent months, Japanese carmakers have posted the sharpest sales decline in China among foreign brands owing to the slow rollout of battery-powered vehicles. Toyota’s own 2022 vehicle sales in China, where it has roughly a 9 per cent market share, fell for the first time in a decade. Japanese Automakers Face Major Sales Crisis In China As Local EVs Dominate Market | Carscoops Industry data has revealed that total sales of Japanese auto brands in China fell 32% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2023. Japanese firms now account for 18% of China’s new vehicle sales, down from the 20% share of 2022, the 22% share of 2021, and the 24% share of the market that they had in 2020. Mitsubishi recently announced that it has suspended production of the Outlander in China for three months and is taking a one-time hit of $78 million for its slow sales in the country. Additionally, Nissan posted a 45.8% drop in Chinese sales in the first quarter of 2023 while those from Honda fell by 38.2% and those at Mazda plummeted by 66.5%. Toyota and Lexus posted a sales decline of 14.5%. Japanese auto companies ignoring the EV trend will pay with reduced market shares for sure.

@smk4565 Found this story today and it seems many big institutions that are heavily invested in Toyota Stock are ready to vote at the June 23rd investors meeting to oust many of the existing Boomer Board members and bring in a young board that will embrace the changes needed to move forward with EVs, stop wasted R&D on Hydrogen, etc. Toyota Shareholder Revolt - CleanTechnica Interesting excerpts from the information: “Toyota’s own shareholders share our concerns that the carmaker is blocking progress on electric vehicles through its fossil fuel lobbying, despite clear demand from consumers for cleaner, more affordable electric vehicle options both at home and abroad,” “Automakers without a robust EV strategy are automakers in trouble” and that “Until Toyota stops fighting the electric vehicle future and commits to a 100% zero-emission vehicle line-up, shareholders should remain skeptical and continue to push for accountability.” Due to the extensive lobbying by Toyota to stop or regress EV legislation, it has brought investors from around the world going to the investors meeting with plans to evict many if not all of the Board members including the shareholders are planning to vote to remove long-time leader Akio Toyoda from the board over the automaker’s EV stance. Toyoda, grandson of the company’s founder, has recently stepped down as CEO but still holds a place on the board of directors. The next annual shareholder meeting will take place on June 23. OUCH, this does not bode well for Toyota. China, the world’s largest car market (and the world’s largest producer of electric vehicles) is going BEV fast. Toyota cannot compete in a market which is offering quality electric cars at a reasonable price if the majority of its production is ICE vehicles. Recent stats from China show that no Toyota models make the top ten in the electric market. What will happen next year when stricter emission standards are introduced on fossil fueled cars? The Chinese government is demanding a reduction of between a third and a half of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, particulates, and other pollutants. Currently, Toyota sells about 2 million cars a year in China (25% of its global production and sales). Without a credible EV, built in sufficient quantities, these sales numbers are a severe risk. No wonder shareholders are revolting.

Welcome back @Olds Guy Great to see you posting here. Auburn seems to be to be the Garnett red they used to have. Like Drew, blues and especially greens are more my thing even though I have a Garnet Red 2006 Trailblazer SS in the Garnet Red. For me the Sage Green of Chevrolet, Frosted Pine of GMC and Dark Emerald Green of Cadillac are very much lacking in the Green Department.

I see Brightdrop just started deliveries in Canada. BrightDrop Expands Deliveries Outside U.S. with FedEx Express Canada (gm.com) FedEx Express Canada welcomed its first 50 BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric delivery vehicles at an event in Toronto.

EA in the report has increased construction to ramp up faster than the last few years. As such much of this is expected to come online over the next 18 months.

I would be lying if I did not say that I have thought it might just be a good idea to buy shares in the publicly traded EV charging station companies as the consolidation should help drive the prices of these companies as they get bought up. I do not expect any of the existing charging companies even Electrify America to stay as they are today. Good read on EA: Exploring the Publicly Traded Status of Electrify America - The Enlightened Mindset (lihpao.com) EA has had further investment from VW who is the major shareholder of EA with Siemens being the second largest. Yahoo Finance - Stock Market Live, Quotes, Business & Finance News Current 5 largest Charging Networks in North America are as follows: Electrify America Tesla Superchargers EVgo ChargePoint Blink Fully expect all but the first two to change hands in the future. Interesting is that EA has signed a long term deal with BMW to give first 2 years of BMW EV ownership access to charging stations at EA places that is free charging. EA has released their latest report and it is interesting to notice that they are installing EV charging stations at Truck stations and ports to support EV Class 8 truck use. Microsoft Word - Q1 2023 Electrify America Report to CARB (Public) final

True and many people are Lease now rather than Buy, so that increase in price makes it hard to justify in the short term unlike myself that buys and holds onto an auto for much longer. 2008 Trailblazer SS is now 16 years old 2006 Escalade ESV is now 18 years old 1994 GMC Suburban SLE is now 30 years old Keep in mind these autos all came out the year before their model year.

Some very cool news, those wanting a long life, deep cycle, high cranking amps 12V battery now have a rare earth element free Lithium battery solution. Liacon Unveils “Game Changing” 12V LFP Battery with Superior Performance - Liacon For project as well as new EV applications, an awesome lite weight EV motor solution is now available. EQUIPMAKE SHOWCASES HIGH-POWER-DENSE E-AXLE FOR MAKERS OF PERFORMANCE EVS AT BATTERY SHOW EUROPE - Equipmake You can do single or dual motor per axel applications. Each motor is 220 kW of power or 440 kW or power in a dual motor configuration per axel. That is equal to 295 HP / 590 HP per axel. This would be 1,180 HP in AWD configuration for a 4 motor configuration.

I am sadly not surprised by the amount of misinformation in regard to the cost of EV ownership. Cost misconceptions may be behind waning EV interest (greencarreports.com) Clearly more needs to be done by the auto companies that are selling EVs to debunk this FUD.

Will take pictures next time I am over there as it is by my son's house, but not only is there always a long line for use by Tesla folks due to the huge amount of apartments there, but they have out of order signs on some of the chargers. Tesla is not perfect, but it is amazing how folks think Tesla is to the auto world like Apple to tech. No company is perfect and as such, we are in such early stages of this EV transition that having chargers out of order by everyone is to be expected and I do not see here that the other companies are having any large issues with charging. Clearly this is a regional issue as I have stated due to the support of EVs compared to other areas.

Toyota failed to realize GM's Hydrogen auto test when they had Hydrogen SUVs in NY, DC and LA. People were not comfortable with the fueling and the cost of all the precious metals made a mediocre SUV in mid-size format a $100,000 auto. GM is on record saying that Hydrogen would never work for the entry level to average auto consumer. Toyota failed to understand this even when Honda did a second test in partnership with GM and it showed Hydrogen was not financially viable for consumer auto's. It was a Commercial niche product. Yet Toyota still went down the Hydrogen route and even today after racing a Hydrogen Corolla that just did OK, they have in this plan the belief that they can garner a majority share of the auto market with Hydrogen auto's. They even have a President of their upcoming Hydrogen plant. Toyota is in a bad place due to culture of never saying no and loosing face if something does not work out. I would agree with you that based on Toyota's plan on future stuff that is all Conceptual ideas that they could end up shrinking in size by 2030 if younger people do not ignore the board and old ways of thinking and change fast.

Thank you for posting this, Toyota had a full release of technology you can read about it all here:

Toyota, June 13th 2023 held a technical briefing session that is supposed to support Toyota Motor Company transforming into a mobility company. CTO Hikoki Nakajima was the first to present to the industry and news about how Toyota will be changing to a mobility company through embracing a wide range of technology. The following is what will make Toyota Motor Company, become Toyota Mobility Company. All Solid-State batteries for all EV products coming between 2026 and 2030 Aerodynamic technology based on rocket hypersonic technology. Use of Giga-casting in all Toyota products Use of Small eAxle motors True EV platform that supports multi-pathways for various global market needs from subcompact cars to full size trucks and SUVs. Water electrolyzer systems Next generation voice recognition Manual BEVs On-demand self-modified autos for various driving tastes Standard steer-by-wire Highly Efficient Transportation Operation Support System for fleets e-Palette, self-driving autonomous systems for mass transit e-Palette, freight movement system One-touch wheelchair fixation devices for auto driving JUU (Electronic Wheelchairs Toyota is a multi-faceted company that has always built more than just auto's and with this presentation they have re-enforced that they will continue to be focused on everyone from those in wheelchairs to the most able-bodied human. Toyota seems to have looked at the GM portfolio in that their e-Palette mass transit system resembles the GM Cruise self driving system, but currently the Toyota e-Palette requires a human driver. Cruise e-Palette Toyota was more than happy to show off their e-Axel motors next to current generation electric motors. This was followed by their Giga-casting examples of how things will get simplified and better quality in building autos. Here Toyota also took time to introduce others that have critical roles in the future of Toyota Mobility such as Takero Kato, newly appointed president of the BEV factory. Toyota released a whole slew of videos from various leaders talking about the wide range of areas in the company and the future. Toyota reinforced the Toyota mobility concept three approaches that were presented in April 2023 at an executive and investor briefing. Toyota Mobility believes that the key to the future is electrification, intelligence and diversification. Toyota believes that their Solid-State batteries will allow them to have some EVs that can travel 900 miles on a single charge with this tech going into select EVs by 2027 or 2028. They also reinforced that a full EV lineup will be launched in 2026 with BEV production from the BEV factory in Japan to produce 1.7 million EVs a year out of a global production of 3.5 million EVs they expect to produce and sell in 2030. Toyota also stated that energy-dense batteries will go into EVs in 2026 that will have a 1,000km on a single charge, fully charge in 20 minutes or less and cost 20% less than todays batteries found in the bZ4X. Toyota also stated that they would offer LFP or low-cost lithium-ion phosphate batteries in EVs starting around 2026 or 2027 that would have a 20% increase in range over current bZ4X battery packs and be 40% less expensive. Toyota released the following briefs: Electrified Technologies - Batteries, Fundamental technologies to improve BEV product appeal (global.toyota) Electrified Technologies - Hydrogen, Carbon neutral (CN) fuel (global.toyota) Intelligence Technology (global.toyota) Diversification Technology (global.toyota) This brings up the question that many will ask, is Toyota playing catch up to VW, Audi, Porsche, Ford and GM? Toyota does have a deep bank account to handle dwindling sales as consumers move over to EVs as Toyota now sees what they thought was the future of consumer autos in Hydrogen now go to Commercial use and the future of consumer autos is EVs. What do you think about Toyota Mobility? Toyota Unveils New Technology That Will Change the Future of Cars | Corporate | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website Clearly Toyota is playing catch up to everyone else, but can they truly make a difference and catch up to where Tesla, GM and Ford are in regard to battery production, EV productions in the U.S. if they want to capture IRA incentives? The new much younger CEO is making the changes that should see Toyota survive, but at what size and what cost? The boomer leadership of Toyota motor corp clearly missed out on this global change. Sound off on your thoughts about Toyota's plan. View full article

Road trips will always happen, and people will always need to recharge their EVs, as such, people will go to brand names and just not Tesla. As one who does many road trips, one never knows when one needs to use a bathroom, want a snack or drink and as the convenience of gas stations, converting them to charging stations will give options. Why would I or anyone else that are just blocks away from our local Jackson Shell Mart drive 2.8 miles to a Tesla Charging station if there are chargers at the Jackson Shell Station? Prices will be competitive; I do not see Tesla losing money to get people to only charge at their stations. Tesla has a subscription service for charging, this is no different than all the folks that have Shell credit cards, Mobil Credit Cards, Exxon Credit cards, the end result is convenience and folks will use what is convenient to them.