4 minute read
Automotive-related news
from Repertoire June 22
Chances are you spend a lot of time in your car. Here’s something that might help you appreciate your home-away-from-home a little more.
Kia Sportage Hybrid
Kia introduces electric version of popular SUV model
Arriving in showrooms this spring, Kia’s Sportage Hybrid will deliver an ideal mix of fuel efficiency and power along with an abundance of room for gear, the automaker said in a release. Significantly larger than the previous generation Sportage, the Hybrid will allow owners to enjoy class-leading rear seat legroom and rear cargo capacity. Technology features include an expansive list of ADAS features and dual panoramic display screens (12.3-inch instrument panel display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display) for nearly 25 inches of viewing. The Sportage Hybrid is offered in three trim levels: LX, EX, and SX-Prestige. Base pricing begins at $27,290 for LX FWD and tops out at $36,190 for the SX-Prestige AWD. The destination charge is $1,255.
Honda focusing on hybrid
As the next step in Honda’s electrification strategy in North America, the company will focus on increasing hybrid volume of core models – CR-V, Accord and, in the future, Civic. To make room for these moves, Honda announced it will conclude Insight production in June. Honda will introduce all-new models of the CR-V Hybrid this year, followed by the Accord Hybrid, which will eventually make up 50% of the sales mix of each model. Hybrids will represent the top and best performing models in the lineup. With the conclusion of Insight production, Honda’s Indiana Auto Plant will focus on building CR-V, CR-V Hybrid and Civic Hatchback, several of Honda’s most popular models.
Michigan looking to enhance roadways
Michigan recently announced a pair of pilot programs to advance its roadways with cutting-edge technology,
according to On-Site. The state is working with Cavnue, a subsidiary of Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, to explore the opportunity and viability of building a dedicated corridor for automated and connected vehicles between Detroit and Ann Arbor. According to On-Site, the vision is to connect Detroit and Ann Arbor, along with key communities and destinations along Michigan Avenue and Interstate 94 in Wayne County and Washtenaw County, with purposebuilt lanes that will allow for more efficient use of the roadways while tapping into the full potential of connected and autonomous vehicles. On a more immediate timeframe, Detroit is looking under one of its roads to enhance the driving experience for electric vehicles. The city will be the first in the United States to install a public wireless in-road charging system when one of its city streets receives an inductive charging system under its asphalt.
Car thefts on the rise
Car and Driver reported that car thefts are “way up” in some parts of the country. In Washington state, for example, local law enforcement reported that vehicle thefts are up 88% in the first three months of 2022 compared to 2021: 12,569 so far this year compared to just 6,692 in the first three months of the last year. Over in New Jersey, thefts are up 31%. Other areas of the country are reporting similar statistics. The increases are part of a years-long trend, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), which notes that nationwide car thefts were up 16.5% in 2021 relative to 2019 figures (though that falls to an approximately 5% increase in thefts relative to 2020 figures, per calculations).
Uber announces fuel surcharge
This spring, Uber announced consumers would pay a temporary fuel surcharge of either $0.45 or $0.55 on each Uber trip and either $0.35 or $0.45 on each Uber Eats order, depending on their location. The company said 100% of that money will go directly to workers’ pockets. Uber said the surcharges are based off the average trip distance and the increase in gas prices in each state. The company said they would reassess the charges after 60 days. “We know that prices have been going up across the economy, so we’ve done our best to help drivers and couriers without placing too much additional burden on consumers,” the company said in a release. “Over the coming weeks we plan to listen closely to feedback from consumers, couriers and drivers. We’ll also continue to track gas price movements to determine if we need to make additional changes.”
The Corvette celebrates 70
2023 marks the 70th anniversary of Corvette. “For eight generations, Corvette has pushed the boundaries of technology, performance and style while remaining an attainable cultural icon,” Chevrolet said in a release celebrating the anniversary. The 2023 model year Corvette Stingray and Corvette Z06 will celebrate this milestone with a special 70th Anniversary Edition package. “Passion for Corvette runs deep at Chevrolet and this anniversary is extra special because of the excitement and sales success we’ve achieved with the eighth generation of America’s iconic sportscar,” said Steve Majoros, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “Even after 70 years, Corvette still makes hearts race and kids dream of the open road.”
