G. David Felt

I have searched the Lexus Newsroom and not found anything on their offical news site, but according to various outlets, Lexus on top of rebooting the luxury experience at Retail for their auto's is rebooting the brands image and marketing message. Lexus USA Newsroom What I found is the following: Lexus is Reinventing Itself This Spring - The Truth About Cars Lexus is Reinventing Itself This Spring - Online EV Lexus Is Hitting Reset (jalopnik.com) Lexus is reinventing himself this spring - Eminetra Lexus previews the concept car that illustrates its new brand vision (yahoo.com) etc. etc. etc. It seems the predator days or what Lexus called the Spindle grill is over. Here is the first teaser image of the all new Lexus Luxury lineup.

Ford and Google just signed a 6 year Data Partnership deal for all Ford auto's. What does this mean for the consumer? Easy, this is the death of the Microsoft Lync system as current Ford owners know. Starting with Model Year 2023, All Ford / Lincoln auto products, ICE or EV will come with an Android operating system that will have an integrated Google assistant, Maps, Play and support for all 3rd party applications in the Android Store. Quote Ford: To drive ongoing innovation, Ford and Google are establishing a new collaborative group, Team Upshift. Leveraging the talent and assets of both companies, Team Upshift will push the boundaries of Ford’s transformation, unlock personalized consumer experiences, and drive disruptive, data-driven opportunities. This may include projects ranging from developing new retail experiences when buying a vehicle, creating new ownership offers based on data, and more. “As Ford continues the most profound transformation in our history with electrification, connectivity and self-driving, Google and Ford coming together establishes an innovation powerhouse truly able to deliver a superior experience for our customers and modernize our business,” said Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford. The system will support both Android and Apply play so that customers personal choice of phones can be connected to their auto. It also means that Google / Ford will be data mining any and all you do with your auto / Phone and using it for new product offerings. Ford and Google to Accelerate Auto Innovation, Reinvent Connected Vehicle Experience | Ford Media Center Ford also has revealed their Bronco Ultra4 4400 Extreme Racers. Ford Reveals Bronco ULTRA4 4400 Unlimited Class Extreme Race Trucks to Tackle King of the Hammers Off-Road Race | Ford Media Center Ford those interested in the latest update on how Ford is turning the Central Station into their tech center while keeping the history of the look and feel, read the story here. Views from Windows along with the refurbishment back to how the station looked more than a Century ago will help preserve the history of this building while they work on 21st and 22nd century technology for the auto company. Ford Hires Renowned Architectural Arts Firm to Re-Create ‘Jaw-Dropping’ View for Michigan Central Station Visitors | Ford Media Center

Latest News from the Auto World. Nissan has a plan that is going into motion that all New Auto's are to be Electric starting in 2030 with carbon neutrality of manufacturing by 2050 for key markets. That would build on their global leadership with the Nissan Leaf. Nissan to launch only electrified cars in key markets in 2030s - Nikkei Asia Nissan sets carbon neutral goal for 2050 (nissannews.com) Nissan has brought their all new first CUV EV to the Japan market on December 23rd 2020, since then they have received 20,044 orders for the new EV. This is good news for a company that at the end of December has sold 500,000 Nissan Leafs world wide. Nissan Note e-POWER orders surge to more than double the monthly target (nissannews.com) This goes hand in hand with Nissan confirming their expanding Electric auto manufacturing in the UK. 'A great vote of confidence': Nissan confirms plan to expand UK electric vehicle manufacturing (businessgreen.com) Nissan is also testing out their Winter Camper Concept to see what the market interest might be. So far been pretty positive. Solar Panels on the roof of the auto can recharge the 220V power pack. Nissan e-NV200 Winter Camper brings spark to frosty adventures (nissannews.com)

Sorry to hear that the week and start of the new year has gone off tangent for you. Celebrate their lives, enjoy the memories and cook and drink something yummy toasting to the amazing life's they lived. Wishing you all the best!

I never see the Challenger as being Neutered except in it's current V6 form. I expect when they move to EV, it will get even more powerful and fun to drive.

Seems more Tesla Semi Trucks are showing up from the Nevada Giga Factory where they will be produced in California for testing. Seems Tesla has finally ditched the last item tied to ICE auto's, the 12V Lead Acid battery. They now use in the new revamped Tesla S and X auto's a 12V Li-Ion battery pack. This battery is what runs the lights, media unit, windows and locking doors. Tesla's new Model S and Model X get rid of lead-acid 12v battery, move to Li-ion - Electrek Musk has posted Drone footage showing how fast the Germany Giga factory is being built. Very cool EV Super Soco motorcycle. 123 mile range on current battery pack.

Been a while since I posted anything about the startup Atlis Pickup Trucks. The CEO and founder drives a 3/4 ton Diesel Pickup and Owns a Tesla Model 3. In his latest interview, he talks about how much he loves to drive his truck over the Tesla. As such, his goal is to bring to market his concept Atlis pickup with all the capabilities of Diesel trucks plus more. One of the areas that Atlis is putting investment money into is what only now Tesla has started to research into and that is new battery cell format that would allow a 500 mile range battery pack to recharge in 15 minutes. The writer of the story, says that Hanchett is blithely optimistic. CEO Hanchett says the basic truck will start at $45,000 with a 10,000 pound towing / 5,000 pound hauling rating with a 125 kWh battery pack good for 300 miles. The top range truck with much higher ratings and range will start at $78,000 Atlis is planning to have a 400V, 800V and 1,600V electrical system and batteries. While I like the looks of the concept truck they have built, I do wonder if they will be able to truly get the product to market due to their funding source being the crowdfunding web site. Interesting read of the full interview here. Crowdfunded electric-truck hopeful Atlis has a super-size vision, dollar-menu budget (greencarreports.com) The truck Platform has the following specifications, 35,000 pounds of Towing and a 5,000 pound payload with battery packs up to 500 miles of range in top form. Shell OIL Company has made their latest acquisition in buying up Ubitricity, a European electric charging network. This company currently operates in France and Germany with a 13% market share for EV charging. This will continue to expand Shell's market penetration as they now have a vast charging network across the UK, France and Germany. Charged EVs | Oil companies buying up EV charging networks: Shell acquires ubitricity - Charged EVs

Washington State EV News. Monday February 1st 2021, our politicians introduced a bill in our capital, HB 1204/SB 5256 that will require starting in 2030 all new passenger cars and light-duty pickup Auto Sales to be electric in order to be registered to be driven in Washington State. Hydrogen fuel-cell, emergency vehicles and vehicles weighting more than 10,000 lbs would be exempt from the ICE ban. This follows California and Massachusetts that have also introduced bans on new ICE sales starting in 2035. HB 1204 Washington State Legislature SB 5256 Washington State Legislature

I see Generation E just might have a sharp, invigorating new drive from VW, their Gen E EV prototype out testing. Seems even VW has a robot that can plug you in and recharge you. This Gen E prototype is testing new battery and charging technology that can equal an ICE. Current battery pack is 249 miles or 400 kilometers. The story goes on to say that the review has allot of clues that would imply this is the new Golf replacement or e-Golf. Course VW has killed the GOLF ICE in the US and has stated that their new product line will follow the ID for all EVs and names for ICE. As such, if this were to come to the US, I expect it to be an ID#. VW Gen.E research vehicle can be charged via a robot | The Torque Report

I think your wrong, you have stated in past threads Nissan Leafs you have driven and even a Chevrolet Bolt in relation to doing your job. As such, you have been touched by an EV especially in the bum!

Racist Hatred!

Does not bother me, companies try new branding all the time and some works, some does not. With the Pandemic, probably not a bad time to reboot a companies image. GM or gm does not matter as it is a parent company and people are buying GMC, Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac. That is a different marketing issue all together if Cadillac went to cadillac or GMC to gmc, then yes would have to think long and hard, but I could care less about the parent company logo.

full figure

Please show us on the ICE where the bad EV improperly touched you!

Teamwork

@oldshurst442 Yup seeing more and more stories on the interview as the Dodge CEO says the V8 is on it's deathbed, but performance car fans should not be afraid. Dodge CEO says the V8's on its deathbed, but American muscle shouldn't be afraid - Roadshow (cnet.com) Jeep Gladiator is now going to get a Hybrid model using the same setup that is in the Wrangler Hybrid. Jeep Gladiator plug-in hybrid to join lineup, report says (cnet.com)

It appears gm is going to challange Norways lead for EV adoption with their new super bowl adds covering their new auto's. Last year was all about the Hummer, now it seems to be expanding.

As the OIL Industry prepares for the eventual end of oil / gas powered auto's and buys up EV focused suppliers we are seeing more and more new products come to market. Rhombus Energy Solutions has launched a new Residential to commercial application of Bi-Directional Chargers. The benefit of Bi-Directional chargers is it allows Vehicle to Grid functionality that will allow fleet operators to return unused power in EVs to the grid during peak demand or to use the power in battery packs at times to power buildings in a behind the meter scenario. Expect more and more companies to come to market in support of all levels (1 to 4) of charging. Yes current levels are 1 to 3, but a level 4 is being considered to cover your large scale fleet bi-directional charging. Charged EVs | Rhombus launches new bidirectional charging solution for medium- and heavy-duty EV fleets - Charged EVs Milbank - Learn the Levels of EV Charging (milbankworks.com) An interesting read for those that want to see the battle of green energy versus fossil fuels in a state that has land maxed out with oil pumping as it reduces down over the oncoming years and increases their green energy production via Solar and Wind. Governor of Texas, No. 1 in US wind power, showboats over fossil fuels - Electrek

EXCITEMENT!!! Omni Powertrains has introduced a whole new series of parallel-shaft gearboxes. These new boxes address cost, performance and additional needs that come into play when building EVs for Off Road applications. Gear boxes provide torque from 200Nm to 3,000Nm or 148lb-ft to 2,213lb-ft. with ratios from 15:1 to 60:1 using Helical Ground Gears. Omni Motors and gear boxes can be paired to meet OEM specifications. Charged EVs | Omni introduces parallel-shaft EV gearboxes - Charged EVs

Seems Lordstown while moving forward to go into full EV pickup production has also committed to an EV van for both personal use and delivery use. Lordstown has just signed a long term battery supply agreement with LG Chem for the Endurance Pickup and other unidentified EVs. Lordstown will reveal the EV Van in June of 2021 with production starting in 2nd half of 2022. The exciting part if that Camping World will also sell a conversion of the van through their national Camping World stores and service all Lordstown EVs. Lordstown also confirmed that they have stamped 57 Beta Prototypes for testing starting in March. From crash testing to a wide range of validation testing to be done on these test mules. Lordstown also confirmed today that they are now an official listing on the United States Services Administration sheet for auto purchases. The first step in being approved to sell to Government fleets across the US. Lordstown confirms electric van for 2022 production, LG Chem batteries for Endurance pickup (greencarreports.com) Jaguar / Land Rover has confirmed they are boosting the range of their EVs by moving to more carbon Fiber / Composites in their Auto's. Jaguar Land Rover aims to boost EV range with more carbon fiber, composites (greencarreports.com)

Maple Syrup and Butter

Fair enough Olds! Sadly it seems Tesla is using their customers for Alpha, Beta and Release Candidate testing with sad loss of life due to idiots that hear Auto Pilot and think that watching a movie is more important than the only job they really having, getting form Point A to B safely. Agree, when a common sense sane person does their job, the so called Auto Pilot can work. Tesla really needs to relabel it and properly clearly state what it can and cannot do.

Top 12 statements about our Pandemic: 1. Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem. 2. I used to spin the toilet paper like I was on “Wheel of Fortune.” Now I turn it like I’m cracking a safe. 3. I need to practice social distancing from ... the refrigerator. 4. Still haven’t decided where to go for Easter ... The Living Room or The Bedroom. 5. PSA: Every few days, try your jeans on just to make sure they fit. Pajamas will have you believing all is well in the kingdom. 6. Homeschooling is going well. Two students suspended for fighting and one teacher fired for drinking on the job! 7. I don’t think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks we’d go from Standard Time to Twilight Zone. 8. This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into the house, told my dog...we laughed a lot. 9. So, after this quarantine, will the producers of “My 600-Pound Life” just find me or do I find them? 10. My body has absorbed so much soap and disinfectant lately that when I pee it cleans the toilet. 11. Day 5 of Homeschooling: One of these little monsters called in a bomb threat. 12. Day 6 of Homeschooling: My child just said: “I hope I don’t have the same teacher next year.” I’m offended. My Self-Isolation Quarantine Diary: Day 1 – I can do this!! Got enough food and wine to last a month! Day 2 – Opening my 8th bottle of wine. I fear wine supplies might not last! Day 3 – Strawberries: Some have 210 seeds, some have 235 seeds. Who Knew?? Day 4 – 8 p.m.: Removed my Day Pajamas and put on my Night Pajamas. Day 5 – Today, I tried to make hand sanitizer. It came out as Jell-O Shots!! Day 6 – I get to take the garbage out. I’m so excited, I can’t decide what to wear. Day 7 – Laughing way too much at my own jokes!! Day 8 – Went to a new restaurant called “The Kitchen.” You must gather all the ingredients and make your own meal. I have no clue how this place is still in business. Day 9 – I put liquor bottles in every room. Tonight, I’m getting all dressed up and going bar hopping. Day 10 – Struck up a conversation with a spider today. Seems nice. He’s a web designer. Day 11 – Isolation is hard. I swear my fridge just said, “What the hell do you want now?” Day 12 – I realized why dogs get so excited about something moving outside, going for walks or car rides. I think I just barked at a squirrel. Day 13 – If you keep a glass of wine in each hand, you can’t accidentally touch your face. Day 14 – Watched the birds fight over a worm. The Cardinals lead the Blue Jays 3-1. Day 15 – Anybody else feel like they’ve cooked dinner about 395 times this month?

On the way out to my sisters to TV installation on Saturday January 30th, I had to stop and snap this pic of these trucks in the front yard of a house.

Sunday was as always a day for my own sanity, skiing at Steven's Pass Ski Resort. Great way to increase the endorphins and be happy. My glass is always half full and on days like ski day, no glass exists as all is full of energy and happiness. Got there, we have great snow fall so far, way taller than the auto. @A Horse With No Name Been seeing allot of these here at the resort this year. Seems people love them for coming up and sleeping in them over the weekend. Stevens Pass has been doing a great job to enforce social distancing and keeping us all safe even in the bathrooms. Unfortunatly, it was a very foggy soupy day. So had to be extra careful to prevent hitting any trees and more importantly is to avoid running over any ski rats, aka kids as well as slow adults.