How Volkswagen’s $50 Billion Plan to Beat Tesla Short-Circuited – The Wall Street Journal

ZWICKAU, Germany—Five years and nearly $50 billion into the auto industry’s biggest bet on electric vehicles, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess and his guest, Chancellor Angela Merkel, stood in anticipation as the first ID.3, Germany’s long-awaited answer to Tesla, rolled off the assembly line. The event at the company’s flagship EV plant just over a year… Continue reading How Volkswagen’s $50 Billion Plan to Beat Tesla Short-Circuited – The Wall Street Journal

Ford CEO promises ‘year of action’ as he accelerates company restructuring and transition to EVs – CNBC

Jim Farley, Ford CEO Ford DETROIT – Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley is promising something Wall Street has been asking from the storied American car manufacturer for years: A clear and decisive plan as the auto industry transitions to electric vehicles. In the coming months, Farley said he “will lay out the entire picture” for… Continue reading Ford CEO promises ‘year of action’ as he accelerates company restructuring and transition to EVs – CNBC

Lewis Hamilton contract: Ola Kallenius caused problem for Toto Wolff that delayed deal – Daily Express

Lewis Hamilton is expected to sign a new contract with Meredes soon after months of talks with his team and Toto Wolff. However, it has been claimed that Daimler AG president, Ola Kallenius, has set Wolff strict demands over the Briton’s new deal. It is understood that demands from Ola Kallenius delayed Toto Wolff’s contract… Continue reading Lewis Hamilton contract: Ola Kallenius caused problem for Toto Wolff that delayed deal – Daily Express

Daimler to spin off trucks, change name to Mercedes-Benz – Seattle PI

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — German automaker Daimler will split itself into two independent companies by spinning off its truck and bus division, a move the company said would give both the freedom to operate more nimbly in a fast-changing environment focussed on zero-emission vehicles and software. The Stuttgart-headquartered company said Wednesday that a significant majority… Continue reading Daimler to spin off trucks, change name to Mercedes-Benz – Seattle PI

Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes’ star big fear, New deal ‘confirmed’, Toto Wolff skipped in talks – Daily Express

Lewis Hamilton is yet to sign a new contract with Mercedes ahead of the 2021 season. With testing a little over a month away, we round up the latest on the seven-time world champion, including whether a new deal is deemed likely at present. Hamilton’s big fear Hamilton feared that he would only be a… Continue reading Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes’ star big fear, New deal ‘confirmed’, Toto Wolff skipped in talks – Daily Express

Tavares exclusive interview reveals Stellantis plans – Automotive News Europe

Jeep is the “most global brand” of Stellantis, Tavares said, because of its presence in Europe and China as well as North America. Its global push will continue under Stellantis, he said. The SUV brand is pushing into new markets and higher-priced segments, adding new capability to storied nameplates and stepping into the world of… Continue reading Tavares exclusive interview reveals Stellantis plans – Automotive News Europe

Dodge boss: The V-8’s days “are numbered” – Motor Authority

The days of the big and burly V-8 could soon be over, judging by recent comments made by Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. In an interview with CNBC published last week, Kuniskis said the days of supercharged V-8s like Dodge’s Hellcat engines are numbered, but thanks to electrification the type of performance the engines deliver is… Continue reading Dodge boss: The V-8’s days “are numbered” – Motor Authority

INTERVIEW: R&D, tech vital for UK’s EV ambitions: Ex-Aston CEO – S&P Global

Highlights Norway EV sales hit 50% Rules of Origin important factor Not a singular race for raw materials London — The new year is shaping up to be the year of the electric vehicle, and to keep up the UK must invest not only in EV battery factories but also world-leading R&D and technology, Andy… Continue reading INTERVIEW: R&D, tech vital for UK’s EV ambitions: Ex-Aston CEO – S&P Global