Recalls – Page 735 – I wish I had more to offer

@BMW: ROLLS-ROYCE BLACK BADGE CULLINAN MAKES CHINA DEBUT

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today showcased the full lineup of the marque’s permanent Bespoke Black Badge family for the first time in China at the OCT Contemporary Art Terminal Shenzhen with the debut of its newest and final member, Black Badge Cullinan – the darkest and most urban statement of Black Badge yet. The debut was accompanied… Continue reading @BMW: ROLLS-ROYCE BLACK BADGE CULLINAN MAKES CHINA DEBUT

@BMW: ROLLS-ROYCE COMPLETES BLACK BADGE FAMILY WITH CULLINAN

Black Badge family defines taste patterns of a new generation of super-luxury consumer Cullinan introduced as darkest, most urban expression of a Black Badge motor car yet First time marque’s proprietary Architecture of Luxury has undergone Black Badge treatment 6.75-litre V12 engine now delivers increased power (600PS) and torque (900NM) Drivetrain and chassis re-engineered for… Continue reading @BMW: ROLLS-ROYCE COMPLETES BLACK BADGE FAMILY WITH CULLINAN

Chinese EV Maker NIO Begins New Round of Layoffs Amid Struggling Sales

Chinese electric vehicle start-up NIO is starting another round of layoff as its car sales have plummeted. Due to challenges of car quality, recalls, and dwindling sales, NIO will lay off 1,200 staff by the end of September. After that, its total number of employees will be around 7,500, Li Bin, founder, chairman and CEO… Continue reading Chinese EV Maker NIO Begins New Round of Layoffs Amid Struggling Sales

Thanks Dubai, bonjour Genéve

The fastest accelerating car accelerates even more Aspark kicked off a new era in full-electric hypercars with the Owl, whose production version was finally unveiled few days ago at Dubai International Motor Show by CEO Masanori Yoshida. A lot of people came to pay a visit to Aspark stand: authorities, media representatives from top international… Continue reading Thanks Dubai, bonjour Genéve

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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Workhorse Secures $41 Million Financing from Institutional Lender

CINCINNATI, Nov. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Workhorse Group Inc. (NASDAQ: WKHS) (“Workhorse” or “the Company”), an American technology company focused on providing sustainable and cost-effective electric-mobility solutions to the transportation sector, has entered into a financing agreement with a principal amount of $41.0 million with an institutional lender. The proceeds will be used for current working capital,… Continue reading Workhorse Secures $41 Million Financing from Institutional Lender

Tesla Officially Revealed Its Cybertruck Last Night: Here’s A Recap

To say it’s incredibly unique is an understatement. Last night, Elon Musk walked onto the stage at Tesla’s Design Studio dressed like The Terminator. He unveiled a wild, bold sci-fi vision — something right out of Blade Runner or Total Recall. In the real world, it looks like something akin to a DeLorean, Mars Rover, and Stealth… Continue reading Tesla Officially Revealed Its Cybertruck Last Night: Here’s A Recap

Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid RAV4 piles on the power and fuel efficiency

Toyota gave its first plug-in hybrid RAV4 more than just a plug. It piled on the power as well. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, which was unveiled this week at the LA Auto Show, will achieve two seemingly conflicting goals. The vehicle will be its most fuel efficient and one of its most powerful. This… Continue reading Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid RAV4 piles on the power and fuel efficiency

@FCA: Statement: Fuel Pump Relay

Statement: Fuel Pump Relay November 21, 2019 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – FCA US LLC is recalling an estimated 528,594 SUVs in the U.S. to help ensure the integrity of an electrical connection. Feedback from FCA dealers led to an FCA investigation that discovered silicon deposits on the contact points of certain fuel pump relays may interrupt… Continue reading @FCA: Statement: Fuel Pump Relay

@Ford: Corsair Grand Touring Arrives; Grows Lincoln’s Electrified Portfolio with Segment-First Technology

All-new Corsair Grand Touring pairs advanced hybrid technology with Lincoln-first electric all-wheel drive to deliver a powerful, confident and nimble SUV that builds on the brand’s commitment to electric propulsion Launching next summer, Corsair Grand Touring offers intuitive technologies and signature Lincoln amenities – including Phone As A Key, Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ Plus and drive modes… Continue reading @Ford: Corsair Grand Touring Arrives; Grows Lincoln’s Electrified Portfolio with Segment-First Technology