(Cadillac)
Cadillac. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Cadillac spent last week touting its Super Cruise hands-free technology, which is available on the CT6, with a press release and with orchestrated media drives across the country: “Super Cruise™ is a more technologically advanced hands-free driving solution, which in terms of capability, integration and validation is uniquely focused on customer convenience and safety,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “Cadillac’s philosophy is to elevate driving. Super Cruise™ enables safe, simple hands-free driving for the highway.” Elevate driving? Does anyone see anything wrong with this picture? Certainly the auto journalists who waxed on poetically about Super Cruise missed it. Remember, folks, Cadillac fancies itself as an Americanized version of Audi, thanks to de Nysschen, who was largely responsible for the Audi success story here in the U.S. before he came to Cadillac (his brief stop at Infiniti amounted to a cup of coffee and doesn't count). Cadillac is supposed to be all about making machines for enthusiasts who love to drive, er, uh, wait a minute, that was just one of the multiple strategies mentioned over the course of de Nysschen's tenure when they were talking about the "V" cars. But now that GM has decided to launch its latest "hands-free" technology in a Cadillac, I guess we're supposed to forget about all of that, apparently. Now, am I to assume that Cadillac's new strategy is as a technology platform? And how long will that last? Or should we just check the prevailing winds in a couple of months? Ah well, as long as GM's luxury division keeps selling Escalades and XT5s, I guess it really doesn't matter. -PMD
Cadillac. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Cadillac spent last week touting its Super Cruise hands-free technology, which is available on the CT6, with a press release and with orchestrated media drives across the country: “Super Cruise™ is a more technologically advanced hands-free driving solution, which in terms of capability, integration and validation is uniquely focused on customer convenience and safety,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “Cadillac’s philosophy is to elevate driving. Super Cruise™ enables safe, simple hands-free driving for the highway.” Elevate driving? Does anyone see anything wrong with this picture? Certainly the auto journalists who waxed on poetically about Super Cruise missed it. Remember, folks, Cadillac fancies itself as an Americanized version of Audi, thanks to de Nysschen, who was largely responsible for the Audi success story here in the U.S. before he came to Cadillac (his brief stop at Infiniti amounted to a cup of coffee and doesn't count). Cadillac is supposed to be all about making machines for enthusiasts who love to drive, er, uh, wait a minute, that was just one of the multiple strategies mentioned over the course of de Nysschen's tenure when they were talking about the "V" cars. But now that GM has decided to launch its latest "hands-free" technology in a Cadillac, I guess we're supposed to forget about all of that, apparently. Now, am I to assume that Cadillac's new strategy is as a technology platform? And how long will that last? Or should we just check the prevailing winds in a couple of months? Ah well, as long as GM's luxury division keeps selling Escalades and XT5s, I guess it really doesn't matter. -PMD
(GM)
GM announced today (10/2) that it would be going all-in on electric vehicles, with a dollop of hydrogen electric vehicles thrown in for good measure. “General Motors believes in an all-electric future,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president of Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Although that future won't happen overnight, GM is committed to driving increased usage and acceptance of electric vehicles through no-compromise solutions that meet our customers' needs.” GM will introduce two new all-electric vehicles based off learnings from the Chevrolet Bolt EV in the next eighteen months, the first of at least 20 new all-electric vehicles that will launch by 2023, according to the manufacturer. GM insists that getting to a zero emissions future will require more than just battery electric technology. It will require a two-pronged approach to electrification — battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric depending on the unique requirements. GM also unveiled the SURUS — the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure — a fuel-cell-powered, four-wheel steer concept vehicle on a heavy-duty truck frame that’s driven by two electric motors. With its capability and flexible architecture, SURUS could be used as a delivery vehicle, truck or even an ambulance — all emissions free, according to GM. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Imagine how far ahead GM would be now if it hadn't backed out of supporting the Hydrogen Electric Racing Federation ten-and-one-half years ago when they had the chance. -PMD
GM announced today (10/2) that it would be going all-in on electric vehicles, with a dollop of hydrogen electric vehicles thrown in for good measure. “General Motors believes in an all-electric future,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president of Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Although that future won't happen overnight, GM is committed to driving increased usage and acceptance of electric vehicles through no-compromise solutions that meet our customers' needs.” GM will introduce two new all-electric vehicles based off learnings from the Chevrolet Bolt EV in the next eighteen months, the first of at least 20 new all-electric vehicles that will launch by 2023, according to the manufacturer. GM insists that getting to a zero emissions future will require more than just battery electric technology. It will require a two-pronged approach to electrification — battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric depending on the unique requirements. GM also unveiled the SURUS — the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure — a fuel-cell-powered, four-wheel steer concept vehicle on a heavy-duty truck frame that’s driven by two electric motors. With its capability and flexible architecture, SURUS could be used as a delivery vehicle, truck or even an ambulance — all emissions free, according to GM. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Imagine how far ahead GM would be now if it hadn't backed out of supporting the Hydrogen Electric Racing Federation ten-and-one-half years ago when they had the chance. -PMD
Elon Musk. Editor-in-Chief's Note: So now we have to live through the hand-wringing in the media about Tesla missing the production targets for the Model 3 by a mile. As if this was some sort of a surprise? There wasn't even a remote possibility that Musk would reach the super-inflated - and overhyped - production targets for the Model 3 that he shouted from the rooftops and pounded into his acolytes in the adoring media. And this just in, he never will. It was sheer fantasy from the get-go. As Charley Grant in The Wall Street Journal wrote on 10/3: "Still, Tesla’s persistent inability to forecast its results should raise concerns. Tesla issued the forecast of 1,500 cars just two months ago and missed it by over 80%. Monday’s announcement marked the third time since January that Tesla has cited production issues as a reason for a missed forecast, yet Tesla is no startup—the company has been in business since 2003." Tesla's day in the sun is coming to an end. But it wasn't fun while it lasted. -PMD
(Historic Vehicle Association)
The Historic Vehicle Association has released its latest documentary film, “The McGee Roadster: Hot Rod Legend.” The film takes a deep dive into the birth of hot-rodding in America – the trends, styles and history throughout the decades. The McGee Roadster is a hot rod based on a 1932 Ford V8 Roadster. It was built by Bob McGee, a soldier, who upon returning from the war, attended and played football for the University of Southern California. Watch the video here.
Well I won't back down, no I won't back down
You could stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down
Gonna stand my ground, won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground and I won't back down
Hey baby there ain't no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
No, I won't back down
- RIP Tom Petty