Here are the news stories you might have missed this week.
Yes, it’s a new name for what was formally the Automotive News Roundup. There’s something more appropriate about “underground” for what this is, because I’m often highlighting stories which get buried by the automotive media or at least angles on stories they’d rather you not consider.
1. Real life movie scene unfolds in the Big Apple.
A shocking robbery took place in New York City last weekend and you have to see the video to believe it. Supposedly, the thieves in the Mercedes were after a bag in the Toyota RAV4, which reportedly contained $20,000 in cash. I’ll let you use your imagination for how they know about it. Some people are freaking out about the thieves trashing their luxury vehicle to get the money, but I’ll let you in on a secret: it was probably stolen.
2. Porsche IPO is now official.
That’s right, Volkswagen Group on Monday officially launched the plan for Porsche’s IPO. Many are questioning the wisdom of the timing of this public offering considering markets in Europe and the US are down. However, nothing about this deal is set in stone, yet, so this could be delayed.
Learn more about it here.
3. Apple does its part to keep you safe.
The new Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Ultra, and iPhone 14 will come with Crash Detection, similar to fall detection you might already be familiar with for Apple Watches. Android users are sniggering at this announcement since this feature has been used in other devices already. Once a crash is detected the watch or phone will automatically call emergency services, providing your location, and also message everyone in your emergency contacts list.
4. Driving doggo gets busted.
An Israeli man shared on social media footage of his dog driving his car. Actually, the dog was just manning the steering wheel while sitting on the guy’s lap, but the pooch didn’t steer into walls on the narrow Jerusalem-area streets. Still, authorities weren’t amused by the stunt and the guy was arrested.
Read more about this hilarious story here.
5. Buick thins the herd.
GM revealed to The Wall Street Journal that it plans to buy out Buick dealers who aren’t onboard with the whole switch to 100% electrification by 2030 plan for the brand. It’s already done a similar move with Cadillac dealers, with the aim of having fewer dealers selling more cars each so everyone’s happy. Will it work? We’ll see.
Read more about it here.
6. Another Ford fire hazard recall.
Ford has had a rough few years, what with not being able to get into the black, losing some expensive high-profile lawsuits, and enduring quite a few recalls plus other quality control problems. The latest fiasco is a recall involving almost 200,000 SUVs since fan motors can suddenly catch fire.
Read about the details here.
7. Biden will be at the Detroit Auto Show.
The White House has confirmed President Biden will attend the Detroit Auto Show, which takes place next week. He hasn’t been to the show since 2017, and this is the first year it’s being held in September instead of January (who wants to go to Michigan in the middle of the winter?). Reportedly, Biden says he’ll be there because he’s a big “car guy.” I’ve been told this same thing by many of my peers, but have seen little evidence Biden is a true gearhead – maybe a subject for another post.
Anyway, check out the details here.
8. United gets electrified.
United is sinking $15 million into electric airplane manufacturer Eve Air Mobility and has penned an agreement for 200 four-seat all-electric aircraft and an option for 200 more. The plan is to be ferrying people around on these air taxis by about 2026. While an interesting development, it’s also a huge gamble for the airline.
Read the official press release here.
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