G. David Felt

@oldshurst442 @smk4565 @Robert Hall @riviera74 @surreal1272 While not my cup of tea in exterior style as I hated the Honda Crosstour. This was a clean sheet design by the GM China Team in Shanghai. I have to think they are in sync with the local market better than any of us on the styles there. It will be interesting to see how this does for sales as Buick is one of the top 10 names in China. Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands in China in 2020 (carlogos.org) #1. Volkswagen (2,675,384 units sold) #2. Honda (1,603,590 units sold) #3. Toyota (1,540,500 units sold) #4. Nissan (1,133,211 units sold) #5. Geely (1,064,007 units sold) #6. Buick (885,206 units sold) #7. Changan (784,801 units sold) #8. Haval (701,605 units sold) #9. Audi (674,700 units sold) #10. Mercedes-Benz (645,449 units sold)

Bricks on Wheels, The Ultimate Driving Machine and the Best or Nothing Marketing Message. LOL, I had forgot all about these till you posted them. LOL Interesting to see the stories on which old autos from BMW would be great to electrify. Which Classic BMW Would You Convert to Electric? (bmwblog.com) Seems I am not the only one that believes electrifying old classic cars is a good thing. Goodbye, V8! This is the world's first electric classic Mercedes-Benz SL (mercedesblog.com)

Took the wife out before the crowds for a Labor Day Breakfast. Saw this sharp looking Stinger.

The EQB is not here and as such would not get the rebate and starting January 1st 2023, the new rebate plan is what has some companies pissed off as the rebate is good only on EVs built in the US withs EV cars below the $55K threshold and trucks, SUVs and Vans below $80K. This is what has Kia and Hyundai pissed as well as Toyota since they build their EVs in their own country and export them here to the U.S. Going to be interesting to see how this rebate plays out with the various auto companies. Those interested in the bill that was signed into law can get it all here, they have one of the better breakdowns of it. Electric Vehicle Tax Credits: What You Need to Know (investopedia.com)

I still see a space for true cars as not everyone likes SUVs as @oldshurst442 @ccap41 @trinacriabob have stated

Maybe due to my personal size, I was thinking of their bigger cars than the subcompacts. Everyone I have talked to that owns or has had a chance to drive like the Kia K5 and especially the Stinger have loved them. Very solid built cars.

I have been searching but have not found anything yet on Mercedes global or U.S. based web sites about expansion or additional battery production lines. I cannot think that a 985-foot line will be big enough to support building 7 different EVs here in the US. I think Mercedes is being way too conservative in their building of EVs. Yes, starting at the top of the line, most expensive will tamper purchases, but the way certain groups of humans like Asians buy anything that has a 3-pointed star on it, they will be having more demand than production, I think. Will be interesting to see how this plays out for them. GM, Ford, Rivian and Tesla all have up and running or in assembly battery plants that are far bigger than what Mercedes has built.

Mercedes is proud to announce production of the exclusive EQS SUV built exclusively in the U.S. for global consumption at the Tuscaloosa plant, from Alabama to the world. This has been possible due to the Bibb County, Alabama Mercedes-Benz Battery Factory that will supply all EVs produced in the U.S. for both North America and Global consumption. Mercedes is proud to also state that both the battery production and auto production sites are Carbon Neutral site with comprehensive sustainability plans. 20220825_SOP_EQS_SUV_MBUS.mp4 Mercedes has stated that their global initiative is to produce eight all-electric vehicles at seven sites on three continents by the end of this year, 2022. Since 1997, Tuscaloosa plant has been the focus on building large SUVs for Mercedes and now this will continue as they have integrated full-size EQS SUV into the production line as well. Tuscaloosa serves as the key production sit for Mercedes-EQ luxury electric SUVs starting with the EQS and by the end of the year the EQE SUV. The Tuscaloosa plant uses state-of-the-art digital, sustainable, efficient and flexible production methods that are based on the blueprint created by the companies Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, Germany. Michael Goebel, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz US International had the following to say: “We have a highly skilled and motivated team that has absolutely delivered in the successful product launch of the new EQS SUV. Our Team Members in Tuscaloosa have shown a lot of flexibility, energy and commitment in helping us to achieve milestone after milestone since our first Mercedes-Benz rolled off the production line more than 25 years ago. The employees here at the site can be proud that the first all-electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz and its battery are being built in Alabama.” Production of battery packs began in March of 2022 at the Bibb County production facility which makes it part of the Mercedes Global battery production network which comprises factories on three different continents. The Bibb County production line is a 985-foot-long line with 70 workstations building the modular battery packs for the EQ family of autos. The EQS SUV has responsive 4MATIC all-wheel drive with their intelligent OFFROAD driving mode allowing this SUV to tackle light terrain with ease per the press release. Mercedes much like other manufactures is starting from the top down in their product portfolio producing their most luxurious models first. Mercedes will keep the interior that was released on the EQS sedan in the SUV with the same interior options. Start of Production for the new EQS SUV at Mercedes-Benz in Alabama - Mercedes-Benz Group Media Erste Einblicke ins Interieur des neuen EQE SUV - Mercedes-Benz Group Media View full article

Drizzle here, such a nice relief after the heat of this summer, just 60 degrees, loving it. As such, chilling while the wife talks to her girlfriend upstairs, seeing what is going on in the world and listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers.

I was hoping to get around them or side so I could see the front, but never got the chance as they turned into the 55 and older community on the lake ahead.

Have you driven or checked out any of the cars by Hyundai or Kia?

Very cool, GM willstart mass battery cell production for Ultium battery packs allowing GM to ramp up EV production. https://gmauthority-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/gmauthority.com/blog/2022/09/production-starts-at-gms-joint-venture-ultium-battery-factory-in-ohio/amp/

Saw this while running an errand. No idea the make or model. Very old couple driving.

The all-new Buick Envista compact SUV Embodies Buick's new global design language for the 21st century. The Buick Envista comes with the latest connectivity features, an efficient intelligent propulsion system and the first adoption of Tune Melody subwoofer 3D surround audio system, providing the demanding 21st century generation of buyers with a truly dynamic SUV mobility experience. The Envista represents the pure expression of the Buick design taken to the next level in this modern dynamic style. Per Buick, this expressive new face incorporates a forward-leaning nose with a low-mounted, wide-open modern grille in this all-new body-mounted tri-shield badged Buick. There is sophisticated styling starting with chrome accents to give it a premium smooth silhouette. The focus is that it conveys motion even when standing still. The Envista will be available with the GS package, meeting customers' needs for a personalized experience. This includes exclusive black mesh grill and signature GS Elements. The Buick Envista is built on the All-New Global BFI platform that uses a one-piece high-strength body structure, providing excellent passive safety protection. The Envista has the following proportions that deliver spacious interior and segment-leading legroom in the second row. The goal was an airy environment with a sense of lightness that flows throughout. Overall length of 4,638 mm or 183 inches Overall width of 1,816 mm or 72 inches Overall height of 1,565 mm or 62 inches Overall wheelbase of 2,700 mm or 107 inches The all-new cockpit system incorporates dual 10.25 inch high-definition touchscreens in the center stack and gauge cluster for a seamless integration inspiring driver confidence through easy access to vehicle controls and readability. Highlights of the intelligent digital user experience. An integrated dual 10.25-inch touchscreen featuring high definition and smooth operation An optimized UI design employing a customized card-style interface The all-new Baidu intelligent voice command system that supports voice interruption and multi-round interaction, multimedia research and customized voice configuration, making human-machine interaction more convenient and intuitive The on-board Baidu navigation system features gesture control functionality, allowing seamless transit of navigation information from the center stack to the gauge cluster Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging support, along with support for multiple over-the-air (OTA) upgrades to keep its connectivity system up to date over time The interior is done in premium soft leather and suede from the sporty flat bottom steering wheel to the dash and seats ensuring a premium feel. Envista has a roomy interior with up to 28 storage spaces and 1,273 liters or 45 Cubic ft of cargo space. The latest eConnect system optimized to work with enhanced connectivity features giving a more dynamic, intuitive, digitalized user experience. Buick is proud to be the launch of GMs all-new Tune Melody Subwoofer 3D surround audio system giving a refined audio experience. All Envista's are equipped with a 1.5L Turbo four-cylinder direct injected Ecotec engine paired to a chain drive transmission (CVT) delivering 135 kW or 181 hp ensuring a quick 0 to 100 km or 0 to 62.5 MPH time of 7.9 seconds. The all-new BFI Global platform has a new enhanced chassis and suspension system providing comfort with precise control. The all-new Envista will feature the latest Buick eCruise 360 degree surround view driver-assist technology to provide peace of mind. Intuitive and Advanced Connectivity is as follows: An integrated dual 10.25-inch touchscreen featuring high definition and smooth operation An optimized UI design employing a customized card-style interface The all-new Baidu intelligent voice command system that supports voice interruption and multi-round interaction, multimedia research and customized voice configuration, making human-machine interaction more convenient and intuitive The on-board Baidu navigation system featuring gesture control functionality, allowing seamless transit of navigation information from the center stack to the gauge cluster Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging support, along with support for multiple over-the-air (OTA) upgrades to keep its connectivity system up to date over time Adding more personality besides the black mesh grill that comes in the GS package is that you also have 18" black painted wheels paired with Red Brake calipers for a youthful, sporty appearance. Customers can also choose from 6 exterior colors paired with 20 colors of paint protection film for a very personalized look. View full article

Happy Labor Day Weekend Everyone!

Loving commercials from other countries. sexybeercommercial[1].wmv How_do_you_like_your_beer.wmv This Ford Commercial from UK is awesome. Final Bird_1.mpg sportka.wmv I love this How a Woman Parks a Lambo. How a woman Parks a Lamborghini.mp4 This is one of the great Mazda Zoom Zoom commercials from Europe. Mazda,WayToPark.wmv Love this Isenbeck Beer Commercial Isenbeck,BalletClass.asf

I am sure this was made by someone, but I found it funny and smart. Hope everyone else finds it funny. Nissan_Pathfinder.wmv

We'll we have the start of the labor day weekend and I just realized nothing has been posted about auto's people have seen. Today I had some good views, we will start off with a car I loved, but did not fit in very well. Cadillac Station Wagon, especially loved them in V edition. Start off with seeing an old GMC pickup that some members will love, forgot as I do not think I have seen the GMC person post in a while who loved all things GMC. Saw my first in the wild Ioniq 5, love the layout, dash and it looks very roomy inside, the center arm rest is bigger than in my SS.

While I never had chicken pox, Shingles is something that I also never had till I worked for a bitch of a manager who I even told on my exit interview that she was the worst manager I ever had in my whole life. The Stress of her two-person personality management style had me break out and the doctor said that anyone can get shingles if they are exposed to others that could have it or had chicken pox. It was not a bad experience dealing with shingles, but I got the vaccine afterwards and was happy to have never had it since. One can never know how a job or stress in their life can cause things like this. I have since found out that my mom had shingles when she was pregnant with me and upon asking my doctor, he said that it would be normal to pass onto a child the markers and as such during extreme stress, it could be brought on. The HR rep had the shocked look on her face and then ended up having to deal with an even bigger mess as the manager reached across the table and slapped me on the face. I laughed as I said I guess I could file assualt charges against her. The HR rep pushed her out of the room and the next thing I know is a VP of HR was in the room and made me an offer I could not refuse. A pay increase bigger than where I was planning to go along with a job reporting to an old boss I really liked in another department and a promise that I would never have to see the bitch again if I would not involve the police or legal. She was fired for assaulting an employee, me and until the startup was purchased by Brocade, I was very happy. I will say that the old department where multiple reports had been filed with HR against the woman and yet they never fired her until my situation told me how happy they were that she was gone. I can respect you for not wanting to get a vaccine, if one travels allot as I have done with my job around the world, vaccines are extremely important to protect oneself.

Yes both Moderna and Pfizer have updated booster shots that should be out and available after Labor Day. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines for Use as a Booster Dose | FDA Wife and I also got an update on our Shingles, Pneumonia and flu shot with our yearly physical. I have to travel at the end of the month, so looking forward to getting our booster shot next week. All Teens and adults are approved for it.

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, it is amazing how much Labor is going to be going on over the next couple of years in North America. Many new announcements have been made about upcoming EVs, yet bigger yet is the massive investment into new Battery Manufacturing sites here in the US. Back in 2019 there were plenty of collaborations by auto companies with college startups of battery research such as Hyundai and Mercedes investing in a company called Factorial which Stellantis joined in investing in 2021 that was researching solid state batteries for future EVs. We have over the last 6 months covered many of the battery startup companies in the following list: With all these new startups researching various designs on EV battery packs, people in the news and even here on Cheers and Gears started conversations with posts that in some cases were very accurate and in others complete FUD. Not because anyone was trying to push FUD, but it did make us realize that there is a bunch of Fears and Myths about EVs and as such, the following was published to help people better understand the upcoming future of EVs. Now that we have brought you up to speed on the last 6 months, we can now discuss this week of crazy announcements. We will start by talking about the press releases by Factorial, Hyundai, Mercedes and Stellantis. Factorial has cracked the code on their solid-state batteries and as such having a solid electrolyte, they can better move ions between the anode and cathode. This means faster and denser charging and discharging of the battery. The solid-state batteries have decreased the interfacial resistance between the anode and cathode and with that, came the announcement that Factorial will build their first manufacturing plant in Methuen, Massachusetts to produce the proprietary Factorial Electrolyte System Technology Cells (FEST). This production site come with a multi-billion backing from Stellantis with the rights to get the cells first for EV testing and production. The Factorial Manufacturing plant will open early 2023 creating 166 jobs after the buildout of the existing 67,000 sq-ft building. To quote Factorial CEO Siyu Huang: "These cells," she said, "will be used by Factorial’s OEM development partners for validation of Factorial’s technology, as well as continuous development of Factorial's solid-state EV battery products." Stellantis announced a $6.6 billion investment in two battery production sites, first located in Windsor, Ontario and the second site in Kokomo, Indiana. These sites will start with traditional Lithium-ion liquid cells but upon validation will convert over to Solid State. Colorado based Solid Power Inc. which is backed by Ford and BMW has announced that they have finished building their pilot cell assembly line and will start delivering solid-state batteries to their OEM auto companies for prototype testing by Dec 31st, 2022. The CEOs of the legacy auto companies have all had various press releases, but Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has a short and to the point announcement stating the following: “Our investment in Factorial and other highly recognized battery partners boosts the speed and agility needed to provide cutting-edge technology for our electric vehicle portfolio,” “Initiatives like these will yield a faster time to market and a more cost-effective transition to solid-state technology.” The big news on the Factorial front is that they have stated the following: Based in Woburn, Mass., Factorial Energy is developing breakthrough solid-state batteries that offer longer range per charge and increased safety and aim to be cost competitive with conventional lithium-ion batteries. The company’s proprietary FEST™ (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) leverages a solid electrolyte material, which has the potential to enable safe and reliable cell performance with high-capacity cathode and anode materials. FEST™ has been successfully scaled in 40Ah cells, works at room temperature, and is highly compatible with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing equipment. The company has entered into joint development agreements with Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Hyundai Motor Company. The ability to use existing lithium-Ion battery production equipment will reduce the capital output cost at a time when the global economy has been affected by the current pandemic and production shortages. This will also help when you read in the announcements the following: “Stellantis plans to have more than 75 battery electric vehicles available globally by the end of the decade, a target we recently outlined in our Dare Forward 2030 plan,” said Bly. “I look forward to working with the board and executives at Factorial to help advance the company’s solid-state battery technology as part of our Joint Development Agreement.” Factorial has stated that their solid-state battery cells hold 50% longer range due to the per charge capability. Factorial was just the start this week as more press releases came too from others. LG Energy Solutions and Honda have formed a joint Venture for EV Battery Production in the U.S. The two companies signed a letter of intent to share the $4.4 billion cost equally to build a 40 GWh battery production site. This site aims to begin construction in early 2023 with mass production of advanced Lithium-ion cells being produced by Dec 31st, 2025. With this LG Energy Solutions and Honda Joint Venture, Acura released a press release showing off their first EV, the Acura Precision EV Concept. Emile Korkor, assistant vice president for Acura National Sales in North America said the following: “The Acura Precision EV Concept is a design study that will shape the direction of future Acura products in the electrified era including our first all-electric SUV in 2024,”“We are committed to delivering Precision Crafted Performance in every facet of the Acura client experience which includes a powerful and very exciting direction for the next generation of electrified Acura models.” Toyota closes out the month of August with their own Billion-dollar press release. In 2021 Toyota announced the $1.29 Billion investment in a battery production site in Liberty North Carolina. That has now grown with an additional $2.5 Billion investment that will bring 2,100 jobs estimated to the site that will now be Toyota's Initial HEV and BEV battery production packs. Production is expected to start by the end of 2025 supplying all of Toyota's needs for North America. The final bit of interesting news is from a battery company and a state. The State of Kentucky which had secured twin battery production sites for FORD & SK Innovation of South Korea that is a $5.8 billion mega project that will add 5,000 jobs to the Hardin County area had multiple other small announcements of R&D and Supplier side battery companies. Advanced Nano Products, a supplier of battery nanomaterials announced a production supply site that would create 93 jobs. Ascend Elements Inc., a producer of advanced battery materials made from recycled lithium-ion batteries has announced a $310 million, 250 full time jobs. In step on the last day of August, Envision Lithium-ion battery cell producer (Envision AESC (envision-aesc.com)). They will invest $2 Billion dollars and create 2,000 full time jobs. Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne has stated that these investments in the Bluegrass State will cement the state as a leader in the emerging electric vehicle market as Kentucky will have more battery production than anyplace else at this time in the U.S. Envision AESC plant will power over 300,000 EVs annually by 2027. Envision AESC is expected to add $233 million in annual spending to the local community. All total by 2025 Kentucky is looking to add 5,000 battery related jobs and an untold number of additional jobs based on the Ford and Envision production sites in the surrounding communities. As Kentucky focuses on becoming the U.S. core electric battery cell production, they are going to be competing heavily with other states as the U.S. will have 13 Gigafactories com online by 2025 and more shortly thereafter. Before this week's announcements, we had the following 13: Manufacturer Location Expected Opening Ford Northeast of Memphis, TN 2025 Ford & SK Innovation Central KY 2025 Ford & SK Innovation Central KY 2026 General Motors & LG Chem Lordstown, OH 2022 General Motors & LG Energy Solution Spring Hill, TN 2023 General Motors & LG Energy Solution To be determined (TBD) TBD General Motors & LG Energy Solution TBD TBD SK Innovation Northeast of Atlanta, GA 2022 SK Innovation Northeast of Atlanta, GA 2023 Stellantis & LG Energy Solution TBD 2024 Stellantis & Samsung SDI TBD 2025 Toyota Southeast of Greensboro, NC 2025 Volkswagen Chattanooga, TN TBD We also have the latest update from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence which has released their latest report pointing to the fact that while China leads the world in battery production still, this is on the tipping point of going elsewhere as with Europe and Americas battery production coming online, the world is looking at over 6TWh or 6,000 GWh of battery production by the end of the decade. Lithium-Ion battery production has doubled from the start of 2021 to the end of 2021. At current planned production, the world is on track to be able to produce 109 million EVs by 2030 with the current planned battery production plants. Tesla has stated that the world needs 300 TWh of battery production to transition the world to sustainable energy via batteries for heating and transportation. The biggest challenge is how fast raw material producers can ramp up. In 2021, the raw material producers were able to supply 480,000 Tonnes of LCE or Lithium. 6TWh of battery production will need 5 million Tonnes of Lithium. Even investment sites are watching the rapid growth in battery production from raw materials to finished products as great areas to invest. Automakers Are in a Race To Manufacture EV Batteries - TheStreet View full article

Thank you for your input, considering that many of the Toyota's that are considered reliable are also the small basic lemming auto, even Chevrolet basic trucks like my truck I got from my dad, a basic Series 5 Luv Truck was considered junk by some, and others thought they were great, had manual door locks, manual windows, 4 spd manual transmission and it just went almost half a million miles. Reliable and solid, yet Consumer reports rated them as Isuzu made junk for Chevrolet, reliable for Isuzu. So, depending on the reporter, it can vary greatly. For the Lexus/Toyota's that have allot of electronics to supposedly luxury interiors, I have seen far more junk than quality. Never have figured out why my aunt loves Lexus when the last 3 she has had, had so many problems both mechanic and interior trim. In fact the one thing that would keep me from every owning a Lexus is how often I have seen their head liners drop in the back of which my Aunt had them in every single auto and she just started on her 4th Lexus, but rather than a car, she went with their SUV so she could slid her butt in and not have to do deep squats to get in and out of. Your right my friend, I do love facts, but even facts can be twisted to whatever line of thinking the writer wants, we all know that. I happen to agree with @oldshurst442 That Toyota has gotten a free ride on allot of failed crap in their auto's due to an excellent marketing department that has kept up this whole reliability thing. At least we can debate and discuss it here. End result to me is that Toyota is equal to Ford or GM or Mercedes in quality and not this reliable better than most auto company. They sell ALLOT of basic transportation to the Lemming Crowd and as such, when you have basic no frills, minimal electronic stuff, it should last regardless of if an engine has a sludge problem or not, if taken care of, it should last. Complexity seems to be an area of challenge for Toyota, if you look at the first couple of years for the Prius, it was terrible and had problems, then worked out and has not really changed much for the last decade other than adding additional body models, but the power train and setup along with a terrible nav interface IMHO is what it is. Now Toyota is playing catchup on EVs and that is not looking good. Yes, they have more battery patents than most companies and have engineering talent, but that does not mean it gets to the actual end user product all the time. Time will tell how things go with Toyota as we move into the EV generation.