Automotive – Page 49170 – I wish I had more to offer

The Uber of Car Tires Launches

MIAMI, Nov. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Michael Welch has a big vision for Tirescanner.com. By 2020 he expects to be able to offer a same-day tire install anywhere in the United States at market leading prices. A big job, but he has done this before. Welch was responsible for the creation of the world’s first ‘click to… Continue reading The Uber of Car Tires Launches

5G and the future of mobility

5G is better equipped to carry out critical communications for safer driving, support enhanced V2X, and connected mobility solutions. As a pioneer in digital mapping, in-car navigation, and mobility solutions, we at HERE are excited about the opportunities 5G technology presents for automated vehicles and connected mobility. And more than just sitting by and watching… Continue reading 5G and the future of mobility

Elon Musk Wants to Add “Fold Out Solar Wings” to Cybertruck

Cyber Goes Solar During a Thursday evening event near SpaceX’s headquarters in Hawthorne, Calf., Tesla CEO Elon Musk finally showed off the company’s long-awaited “Cybertruck.” And while we’re all still trying to digest its extremely polarizing design, Musk’s mind is already racing far ahead — imagining a bright, renewable energy-fueled future with his much-beloved truck… Continue reading Elon Musk Wants to Add “Fold Out Solar Wings” to Cybertruck

A Physics Analysis of Tesla’s Shattered Cybertruck Windows

I don’t know what to think about Elon Musk anymore. I mean the SpaceX stuff is awesome, and the Tesla car has been pretty cool. But now we have the Tesla pickup truck, unveiled on Thursday. (Simone Giertz did it first!) The Tesla Cybertruck looks odd—one person likened it to a futuristic doorstop—but that’s fine… Continue reading A Physics Analysis of Tesla’s Shattered Cybertruck Windows

Why Tesla’s Plan To Build Gigafactory 4 In Germany Makes Sense

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Published on November 22nd, 2019 |

by Johnna Crider

Why Tesla’s Plan To Build Gigafactory 4 In Germany Makes Sense

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November 22nd, 2019 by Johnna Crider

By Johnna Crider and Zach Shahan

Tesla’s plan to build Gigafactory 4 (GF4) in Germany makes sense if you look at it from the perspective of Tesla’s mission.

Last week, after winning The Golden Steering wheel, Elon Musk made the announcement that Tesla would build its next gigafactory — #4 (even though one of those factories is a solar factory) — in Germany. Not only did the news come as a complete shock to some, but it seemed senseless to others who just don’t understand the mind of Elon Musk, or pretend to not understand it.

The German auto industry has been stagnant with its dependence on gasoline and diesel vehicles. As the world, and especially Europe, has demanded more efficient vehicles that pollute less, the German auto industry has had a hard time transitioning, which is part of the reason there was so much diesel cheating and criminal behavior. However, if one looks at the European auto industry as if it were a plant — an actual plant such as a rose bush — one can see that this market is still alive and breathing. Just because it seems to slow down or stagnate doesn’t mean it’s completely dead. No, it’s sending a message that it needs water. Tesla could very well be the water to bring this market back to life.

Tesla’s presence in Germany is a push to Germany’s large automakers — the country’s largest industry — that it is really, definitely, finally time to electrify. Volkswagen is apparently moving in that direction somewhat aggressively (or still not aggressively enough, depending on who you ask), but many see the transition as too slow. Some have even tried to write wake-up calls for the German auto industry, because of a concern about what will happen to German industry, jobs, and the economy if Germany’s “Big 3” are too slow to electrify. If you are a German and feel this way, Tesla’s decision to build a gigafactory in Germany is a great way to push the industry to try harder and clean up its act faster.

But this story isn’t about what Germans want. It’s about what Tesla wants.

What Is Musk’s Motive?
We have to factor in Tesla’s mission here. As you’ll recall, it’s to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy as quickly as possible. Tesla cannot do that alone, so it must consider how it can most effectively stimulate change in others. Going to their homeland, going to the center of the industry, going to where the sauce is made is the best way to influence the industry.

Furthermore, Tesla does need to keep growing as quickly as possible itself and improving in the process. With the German auto industry’s established high reputation, there must be much to learn there. Tesla didn’t need to set up shop in one of the cities with German automakers were located, but being in the country allows Tesla to tap tremendous labor resources.

So, even as Tesla may be there to push the auto industry to work harder, it’s probably also there to take advantage of the embedded auto expertise of the country.

Why Building GF4 in Germany Makes Sense
I think Tesla building in Germany makes perfect sense. Germany is seen as the heart of the luxury automotive industry, and Tesla is trying to electrify this market as quickly as possible while continuing to go “downstream” and electrify all transport. If you want to solve a problem, go to the heart of the matter.

Lastly, Berlin is one of the most influential political capitals in Europe, and perhaps the world. It is deeply tied to democratic progress and remains the home of one of the strongest democratic centers in the world. Policy can also speed up the transition to EVs, so being near the big players can help to influence them to take bolder actions promoting electric vehicles, clean energy, and more.

Elon may not be very political, but he knows who wields power and is pragmatic about having positive, progressive associations with political leaders to get done what needs to get done.

Plus, it seems that Elon likes Berlin.

Images by CleanTechnica and Tesla Shuttle

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About the Author

Johnna Crider Johnna Crider is a Baton Rouge artist, gem and mineral collector, and Tesla shareholder who believes in Elon Musk and Tesla. Elon Musk advised her in 2018 to “Believe in Good.”

Tesla is one of many good things to believe in. You can find Johnna on Twitter

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Dana Announces Early Results of Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation for 2023 Notes

MAUMEE, Ohio, Nov. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ – Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN) (“Dana”) today announced that as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 21, 2019 (the “Early Tender Time”), holders of approximately $162 million aggregate principal amount, or approximately 54% of the outstanding principal amount, of its outstanding 6.000% Senior Notes due 2023 (the… Continue reading Dana Announces Early Results of Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation for 2023 Notes

With grounding still in force, Boeing gives 737 MAX 10 jet a low-key rollout in Renton

Employees gather around Boeing’s first 737 MAX 10 jet after its rollout in Renton, Wash. (Boeing Photo) Hundreds of Boeing employees turned out today for the official rollout of the company’s biggest 737 MAX — a traditional rite in the birth of an airplane that was more muted this time, due to the eight-month-long grounding… Continue reading With grounding still in force, Boeing gives 737 MAX 10 jet a low-key rollout in Renton

Tesla Cybertruck Image Overload: See The Pickup Inside And Out

Check out our mega gallery of images of the newly revealed Tesla Cybertruck. Following last night’s reveal of the Tesla Cybertruck, we’ve gathered well over 100 images of the polarizing electric pickup truck and we present them here for your viewing pleasure (or displeasure). Gallery: Tesla Cybertruck Pickup Truck Debut 128 Photos Aside from the… Continue reading Tesla Cybertruck Image Overload: See The Pickup Inside And Out

Anheuser-Busch Completes First Ever Zero-Emission Beer Delivery

An all-electric BYD truck and a hydrogen fuel cell Nikola H2 truck delivered cargo for Anheuser-Busch. Anheuser-Busch, one of the pioneers of using zero emission vehicles, this week has completed its first ever “Zero-Emission Beer Delivery” in the company’s hometown of St. Louis in partnership with BYD and Nikola. For the Nikola H2 hydrogen fuel… Continue reading Anheuser-Busch Completes First Ever Zero-Emission Beer Delivery

Press: ZF To Establish China Industrial Park in Jiaxing

Jiaxing, China. On November 22nd, 2019, ZF (China) Investment Co., Ltd. and Jiaxing Economic & Technological Development Zone (JXEDZ) signed an agreement for the establishment of Industrial Park in China. Guests including Mr. Chen Lizhong, Member of the Standing Committee of CPC Jiaxing Municipal Committee, the Secretary of Park Work Committee of JXEDZ, Mr. Wilhelm… Continue reading Press: ZF To Establish China Industrial Park in Jiaxing