G. David Felt

To me this totally makes sense that for the full-size Pickups / SUVs plus luxury level Cadillac that the pouch with long range would be used and then for economy of scale, you have the Chevrolet / Buick on Cylinder. We know that the first Chevrolet Equinox EV will be on the pouch, but I suspect that they will transition fast to Cylinder for those products. Course all things could change as the other two battery plants come online and costs drop for pouch production. I totally agree that a mix of using both formats make sense based on the segment / price they need to achieve. The GM/LG plants are full capacity will each produce 50 GWh of battery cells, 150 GWH of cells by the end of 2023. Tesla will have 100 GWh of battery cell production in the U.S. by the end of 2023. Mercedes will have 2 plants, Plant 1 producing 9.8 GWh for the current EQ products they have and Plant 2 producing 11.7 GWh for a total of 21.5 GWh at the end of 2023. Ford will have their blue oval campus online by the end of 2023 with two plants, Plant1 producing 43 GWh and Plant2 producing 86 GWh, plus their current plant that will be at 60 GWh for a total of 189 GWh at the end of 2023. BMW will have 2 plants of 20 GWh up and running full production by the end of 2023 in North America, 40 GWh total. Hyundai/Kia have two plants that will be at full production with a total of 20 GWh by the end of 2023. Yet they have committed to the State of Georgia and are moving forward with the building to have 3 more plants online by the end of 2024 producing 90 GWh total or 30 GWh per plant. End result is that GM and Ford are clearly looking to surpass Tesla and as for the European auto companies, they have much work ahead of them if they want to catch up and compete.

The Crown is their executive Limo with custom interiors in Japan. It is the high end of the Toyota / Lexus family as Crown was only sold as a family in Japan and the Crown Limo was the only thing sold outside of Japan for executive / Limo service use in the Asian rim. Yes, I do believe the style that Lexus has here in the U.S. is from the earlier versions of the Crown in Japan. I do find it very interesting that while it is an Avalon replacement here, it has the potential to be the true high end of Toyota and as one who has been in the Crowns in Japan, it would clash with Lexus for luxury sales. It will be very interesting to see how Toyota handles this here with their Lexus lineup. Course Lexus is to convert to all EVs by 2030 where Toyota does not see the need to leave ICE or Hybrid till 2045 to 2050. So, it could be just keeping all things alive moving forward as their custom-built Executive Crowns in Japan are all Hybrid now too.

@oldshurst442 I agree with what you posted above. Add onto this that Mary is not only looking long term for EVs, but also hedging her bets to ensure they have current tech in their ICE full size Trucks and SUVs for the next decade plus. FYI to Everyone I posted about this but GM has now in random comments stated they will continue to move forward with the high end of their EV autos being on pouch and the lower cost EVs being on cylinder. They will continue to access all formats for what works best depending on the auto segment. The fact that a couple of startups have proven their tech for Solid-State cells using the cylinder format tends to make sense that it will transfer over sooner to solid-state mass production than pouch. Yet the density of Pouch is clear over Cylinder. So I see a future for both formats in battery production.

@oldshurst442 Great Sarcastic Post!!! @riviera74 I get it that the mess of Daimler and Chryler is a poster child for not letting anyone tie up with you. Yet with that said, Ford seems to have tied up with VW as they both are moving forward here in the U.S. and Europe with the MEB+ electric platform. Lucky it is a shared platform of equals. So will be interesting to see how this plays out for Ford and VW.

Love this story, these are some sexy Lincolns. We'd Love To Own These Modified Lincoln Continentals (hotcars.com) @oldshurst442 @ccap41 @surreal1272 I really hope someone takes this to the next logical step of a modern take as an EV. These are awesome cars IMHO. Check out all the takes this guy has on various cars, but I love this modern take on the Hard top Lincoln. Pin by Jimmy Craft on Hotwheels | Lincoln continental, Lincoln cars, Futuristic cars (pinterest.com)

Interesting that the Crown product line will require Premium fuel, 91 octane.

Moving the goal post again as your favorite brand is not doing well. EQB is a bottom dweller EV and sold 933 compared to Bolt 38,120. Try again McFly. Mercedes is NOT a Luxury only brand like Cadillac but a verified true Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford brand that covers all levels of Auto sales. Yes the EQS is a luxury level to compete with Cadillac. Mercedes EQS sales = 4339 for 12 months. Cadillac LYRIQ sales = 122 for 1 month. Mercedes-Benz EQS Sales Figures | US Car Sales Figure (carfigures.com) Per this web site that tracks sales, EQS had 3 months of ramping up production with sales in 2021 and only sold 443. If you take one month of LYRIQ sales, 366 which is pretty much on par with the EQS ramp up production and sales. To most people this is an Apple to Apple comparison.

Very cool story, very cool car I did not know Ford built. All videos on this project from the son who did the restoration work is here: Tommy Superbird - YouTube Additional videos on this rare ride and value. Very cool car.

Maybe if Mercedes actually advertised their EVs, talked about the benefits they could have the 10's of thousands of backlog EVs on order that GM has and the money to spend to build battery cell plants which are coming online now in support of all the EV models GM is rolling out this year unlike the limited production of EVs and small battery plant Mercedes has here that will continue to limit their production. GM is and has built desire, no different than Tesla which interesting is struggling to get sales as they no longer have months, years of backlog orders. They are actually delivering what they already built sitting on lots within a week, up to 4 weeks if you order. The old saying, it takes money to make money and you of all people like many here including myself have bitched about GM not Marketing their auto's to drive sales and now you want to flip the slow ramp of high end EVs as a problem. Let's take a look at the 2022 EV numbers for GM. Year-to-date results: Cadillac (Lyriq): 122 (new) Chevrolet (Bolt EV/EUV): 38,120 (up 54% year-over-year) GMC (Hummer EV Pickup): 854 (up from one a year ago) Total: 39,096 (up 57%) and 1.7% share of GM's volume General Motors "plans to build on this momentum in North America in 2023, growing EV market share with nine EV models on sale". The list of models will include: Cadillac Lyriq (ramp-up) Chevrolet Blazer EV (Summer 2023) Chevrolet Bolt EV/Bolt EUV (production increase to over 70,000/year) Chevrolet Equinox EV (Fall 2023) Chevrolet Silverado EV (Spring 2023) GMC Hummer EV Pickup (ramp-up) GMC Hummer EV SUV (mid-2023) BrightDrop Zevo 600 (ramp-up) BrightDrop Zevo 400 (launch in 2023) By 2025, the company would like to increase BEV sales in North America to 1 million annually (about 250,000 per quarter). Now let's compare to Mercedes for 2022. Mercedes-Benz EQ sales in the US: Mercedes-Benz EQB - 933 (new) Mercedes-Benz EQE - 384 (new) Mercedes-Benz EQS - 4,339 (up 879%) compared to 4,551 S-Class (ICE) Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV - N/A (new) Total EQ: 5,656 (up 1,177%) and 6.4% share So GM sold 39,096 EVs for 2022 and Mercedes sold 5,656 EVs for 2022. GM marketing is working, Mercedes needs to wake up and pay attention to the market.

1955 Toyota Motor Corporation introduced the Toyota Crown sedan to the Japanese market and holds the distinction of being the longest-running passenger car nameplate affixed to any Toyota model, along with being the first vehicle to be exported to the U.S. in 1958. 1955 Toyota Crown The Toyota Crown was on sales in the U.S. in both 2-door and 4-door till 1972 when it was discontinued for the U.S. market. 1972 Toyota Crown Official Marketing Image Upon being pulled back to the Asian rim and specifically the Japanese market, the Toyota Crown moved up stream to be the top-of-the-line auto for executives while a lower trim levels with self-opening and closing rear doors are used to this day in Japan as Taxis. Crown History July 15th, 2022 Toyota announced the return of the Toyota Crown to the U.S. with Bold Style and a New Hybrid Max Powertrain. Specifically at the time Toyota released the following details: Reimagined Sedan with Bold Styling, Premium Comfort and Elevated Ride Height Three Grades, XLE, Limited and Platinum, All with Standard Electronic On-Demand AWD Hybrid Powertrain Standard with Choice of First-Ever HYBRID MAX or Toyota Hybrid System HYBRID MAX on Platinum Pairs a 2.4-L Turbo Hybrid Engine with Rear eAxle for 340 HP Spacious Interior and Quiet Ride, with Standard Adaptive Variable Suspension on Platinum Platinum Grade Offers Unique Bi-Tone Paint and Standard 21-inch Wheels Toyota’s All-New Audio Multimedia System with 12.3-inch Touchscreen Standard On October 25th, 2022 Toyota released further details about the Toyota Crown specifications for the Hybrid Max platform and some of the interior. See link for full details of exterior and interior by trim level in attached PDF: 2023-Toyota-Crown-Product-Information_FINAL_11302022.pdf Crown Product-Information Hybrid - XLE & Limited - 236 combined net HP - 0 - 60 mph (91-octane fuel) 7.6 seconds Hybrid Max - Platinum - 340 combined net HP and 400.4 lb-ft combined net torque - 0 - 60 mph (91-octane fuel) 5.7 seconds Hybrid XLE & Limited - 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder paired with electric motors Hybrid Max Platinum - 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo charged with electric motors AWD Hybrid XLE & Limited electric motors torque Front - 88 kW / 149 lb-ft Rear - 40 kW / 89 lb-ft AWD Hybrid Max Platinum electric motors torque Front - 61 kW / 215.4 lb-ft Rear - 58.6 kW / 124 lb-ft Battery Pack Nickel-metal hydride battery 230.4V Capacity 3hr 5.0Ah Drivetrain layout and transmission type Hybrid - Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive with ECVT Hybrid Max - Full Time Electronic All-Wheel Drive with Direct Shift 6AT speed automatic transmission Auto Weight Hybrid - Curb weight 3980 lbs. / GVWR 5020 lbs. Hybrid Max - Curb weight 4343 lbs. / GVWR 5285 lbs. Basic Limited Warranty Coverage 3-year / 36,000-mile Comprehensive 5-year / 36,000-mile Powertrain 5-year / unlimited mileage Corrosion Perforation 10-year / 150,000-mile Hybrid Battery Toyota Care - Complimentary maintenance plan with purchase or lease of every new Toyota. For 2-years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, every new Toyota will be covered for all normal factory scheduled service, as well as 24/7 roadside assistance. Toyota Crown will be available on dealer lots this early 2023 with the following starting prices: Crown XLE Hybrid AWD - Starting from $39,950 Crown Limited Hybrid AWD - Starting from $45,550 Crown Platinum Hybrid Max AWD - Starting from $52,350 Full 2023 Toyota pricing can be reviewed here in their 2023 Toyota Full-Line Pricing: 2022-2023-Toyota-Pricing.pdf Toyota says that their Crown Hybrid AWD system found in the XLE and Limited will have a manufacture-estimated 38 MPG. The E-Four AWD Hybrid system is a drive-by-wire system with CVT and has a front / rear wheel driving force distribution starting with 100:0 and 20:80 ensuring enhanced fuel efficiency and comfortable driving performance. Crown XLE/Limited Exterior / Interior Toyota Crown Platinum Exterior / Interior E-Four Advanced AWD, paired with Hybrid Max on the Platinum trim delivers power to the front and rear wheels via a front mounted hybrid motor and to the rear wheels via through a rear-mounted eAxle electric motor. The front and rear wheel drive force is precisely controlled between 70:30 and 20:80. Toyota says their rear motor, which generates power through water cooling, makes it possible to maximize torque to the rear wheels. This new AWD system enhances the drive force for the rear wheels providing a feel of RWD maneuverability, straight line stability with comfortable turning and responsive acceleration. The interior has a large two panel sky roof and upgraded interior materials and electronics. Toyota Crown overall height comes in at 60.6 inches, compared to the Camry at 56.9 inches. Overall length of the Crown is 194 inches, 72.4 inches wide, and a wheelbase of 112.2 inches. Toyota is calling the Crown a First Class Cabin with standard 8-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats. Heated front seats are standard on all three trim levels. Limited and Platinum have standard ventilated front seats and heated back seats. The XLE comes with Softex and back woven fabric for the seats where leather is standard on the Limited and Platinum. All Crowns come standard with dual zone climate control and a 12.3 color MID. The panoramic roof is standard on the Platinum and Limited models, optional on the XLE. All trims come with in-cabin LED lighting. Various charge ports can be found throughout the Crown and a Wireless vertical-type charging spot is on the driver's side. The Platinum comes standard with a Bird's eye View camera with Perimeter Scan which offers a panoramic overhead view of the auto's surroundings. This can be purchased on the Limited as part of the Advanced Tech Package. All three trims have a standard backup camera system. Limited and Platinum come standard with a Smart Key System that works on all four-doors. According to hotcars.com, they are reporting that the all-new Crown family of autos that is rolling out across the Asian rim has had a new addition to the U.S. market. Many have known that the Toyota Avalon is a dead product for Toyota. The Crown Cossover that we have covered above here is the Avalon replacement. What was not known till now according to the hotcar.com website is that the Crown family is coming to the U.S. The Crown Family has the following four Hybrids from Left to Right in the photo below. Crown Crossover, Crown Sport in red is a smaller compact SUV, Crown Orthodox sedan in grey and then the Crown Estate SUV in a golden yellow. Crown Crossover aimed at everyone, especially families. Crown Sport has a target audience of the youthful out of college crowd. Crown Orthodox sedan is the larger mature sibling focused on luxury and smoothness, aimed at those that love the back seat, preferring to be chauffeured around. This car is the popular choice for executives across the Asian rim. Crown Estate full size SUV is your conventional SUV aimed at the larger families, those liking a lifestyle SUV. All four Crown models are expected to be rolled out over the next 18 months. All four models will be built on the Toyota TNGA platform that is a Hybrid / ICE platform. Toyota has promised that the Crown family of autos will have the highest standard for minimal vibration for the smoothest ride possible along with Toyota Safety Sense making the Crown family of autos the safest, driver assisted top-notch fun to drive autos on the market. This is a global launch in 40 countries with expected sales of 200,000 first year. Toyota's President Toyoda stated: " Customers from around the world will now get a chance to drive this historic Japanese nameplate... born out of passion, pride and progress." View full article

Interesting to see that the Domestic brands are getting back to where they want to be for 60 day auto supplies compared to everyone else that is from the mid 20's to low 30's for number of day auto supplies. Car buyers frustrated with inventory shortages should head to a Ford or GM dealer (msn.com)

2021 GM launched the "Everybody In" campaign, showing the intent of leading an all-electric future, inviting others to join the movement. Society has an increasing excitement about EVs and an all-electric future. Entertainment has a huge impact on this and with that understanding, Netflix has teamed up with GM Marketing to tell the compelling story via Netflix TV and Movie shows. GM Global Chief of Marketing Officer Deborah Wahl has this to say: “Netflix is a great partner because of the company’s compelling storytelling, commitment to sustainability and track record of sparking conversations that shape cultural trends. We are united in creating a better, more sustainable future for our world as we bring everybody in on EVs.” GM is working with the Netflix content creators in helping to complement and enhance the stories Netflix tells on their streaming service. GM and Netflix has agreed to showcase the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, GMC Hummer EV Pickup and Cadillac LYRIQ in upcoming shows and films, including Love is Blind, Queer Eye, and Unstable. Netflix chief Marketing officer Marian Lee has this to say: “At Netflix, we create shows and films that can influence culture and spark meaningful conversations," "From the TikTok dance trends inspired by Wednesday to thoughtful discussions about climate change with Don’t Look Up, we know that entertainment can drive fandom and inspire connections. GM is a cultural leader in the auto industry and we are proud to partner with them in their efforts by amplifying the presence of electric vehicles in our shows and films." As part of the rollout for this strategic alliance, a commercial that presents both companies’ commitment to a more sustainable future will air during the big game on Sunday, Feb. 12. Fans will see Will Ferrell enter the world of some of the biggest Netflix shows and films including Army of the Dead, Squid Game, and more. The creative showcases how EVs will show up on screen, while highlighting the wide range of EVs GM plans to offer. More information about Netflix and GM’s joint efforts is available at gm.com/netflix. View full article

WOW, Talk about a Nightmare. You have to remove the whole cab of the Super Duty trucks to get at the Oil Pan if there is a leak that needs to be fixed. Ya know, ya have to pull the pan, replace the gasket and put it back on.

Agree with @ccap41 that Ford needs a more diverse product line of EVs, but since they have only given vary vague guidelines and they are way behind GM on building battery plants, I think we will have to wait another year or two to see what they do. @oldshurst442 I agree with you that Mercedes is a strong Engineering company, with that said, I also kind of see them going down the road of Digital Computer. Great Engineer, OK sales and Marketing, terrible style and eventually they are surpassed by Genesis/Hyundai/Kia and end up dying off. Why do I say that about Mercedes? Easy, their CEO of Daimler has his job with a huge gold parachute to bring money into the parent coffins and has done that by following the same plane mediocre CEOs do, break up and sell off a company via stock / new individual companies. Mercedes is already having trouble generating the money needed to R&D EVs and they have turned to the government to supply EV Battery R&D funds due to a lack of secure raw materials. Right now the German brands excluding VW/Porsche/Audi are struggling to build enough batteries, build enough EVs to sell. I just do not see their socialist approach to business is working for them. Interesting times we are in.

We'll yes, the ICE crowd hates it, but then Corvette's Chief Engineer for ICE development is not going to be the EV Chief Engineer who is the former ICE Corvette chief who moved to EV to develop the roadmap and plan for EVs across Chevrolet and Corvette. Right now I would not count on anything said from the ICE side affecting what they do on the EV side. All up in the air IMHO.

I am excited to replace my Trailblazer SS with a Corvette SUV EV.

WOW, interesting story of an Audi e-tron in an accident with a Toyota sedan and the battery pack gets ejected. Watch Audi e-tron Battery Pack Get Ejected During Crash (insideevs.com)

Totally agree that it is an Ugly car, but just something about it also draws my attention. Your right, at least it is not 15 year old style and looking worse with every month.

Korean is the only thing I would consider outside of the U.S. if I could fit in smaller autos. Pretty much I love the Dodge Banshee EV and I do think the next generation of Mach-e will be even better. I am excited to see what all GM also brings out as we should be seeing some time in 2023 the Escalade EV Concept as well as I would expect other EVs under the various name plates. I do agree with you that GM should be able to build a profitable car based on Ultium platform.

I say Tesla needs to worry, after all, they have always stated they are the best and longest range EVs and yet now the world knows they are not. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Beats the Tesla Model 3 on Range (motortrend.com) Hyundai Ioniq 6 Beats Tesla Model 3 in EPA Range (yahoo.com) 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV achieves EPA range of 508 km, beats Tesla Model 3 - Times of India (indiatimes.com) Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 official EV range beats the Tesla Model 3 RWD - The Verge @oldshurst442 Might be your new car?

KBB can make it so hard to gather the info on EVs compared to ICE at times, but still the results are not surprising, and I do find it humorous that they contradict Consumers Reports on these autos. I feel the past over the current 2023 models has CR hung up on past issues rather than looking at the latest auto with the fixes and how it is doing. Electric Vehicle Research Center | Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) 3 of the Best Electric Cars According to Kelley Blue Book (motorbiscuit.com) 3 of the Best Electric Trucks According to Kelley Blue Book (motorbiscuit.com) 3 of the Best Electric SUVs According to Kelley Blue Book (motorbiscuit.com)

Interesting read on the Detroit auto makers. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/30/ford-general-motors-earnings-prices.html Cool, GMC Hummer SUV has entered production. https://electrek.co/2023/01/30/2024-gmc-hummer-ev-suv-enters-production/

Interesting read for the science nerds here. Seems like the Germans are late to the party of tying up Lithium and other raw material components for batteries. As such with a huge abundance of Calcium and Sulfur, Germany is paying for a 3-year R&D to see if they can make a Calcium/Sulfur battery that is equal too if not better than the Lithium-ion battery. Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics - Sustainable Batteries Based on Calcium And Sulfur (dlr.de) More good news for Lithium batteries and making them safer. Stanford scientists figured out why lithium metal batteries fail (electrek.co)