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In this issue:

• Potential Impact on Canadian Auto Industry as Detroit Three Automakers Face Simultaneous Strike.

• 2024 NACTOY Candidates: 10 Cars, 5 Trucks, and 10 SUVs Revealed.

• The All-New Electric Volvo EX30.

• NIO Unveils Refreshed EC6 SUV, Starts Deliveries Under $50,000 USD.

• EU Investigates Chinese EV Subsidies Amidst Surge in Affordable Imports.Tesla Unveils Powerwall 3: Enhanced Home Energy Storage System

• +more!

Canada

Potential Impact on Canadian Auto Industry as Detroit Three Automakers Face Simultaneous Strike.

As the United Auto Workers (UAW) union initiates strikes against the Detroit Three automakers, concerns are growing about the potential ramifications for the Canadian automotive industry. This synchronized work stoppage threatens to disrupt the closely interconnected auto sector in Canada just as it strives to recover from pandemic-induced disruptions.

The UAW strike has kicked off at three manufacturing facilities owned by Ford Motor Co., General Motors (GM), and Stellantis, temporarily halting production at assembly plants in Wayne, Michigan, Wentzville, Missouri, and Toledo, Ohio. UAW president Shawn Fain has hinted at the possibility of these targeted strikes expanding companywide if agreements cannot be reached.

This U.S. labor action is transpiring just ahead of the September 18 strike deadline for 5,680 unionized workers at Ford of Canada. Members of Unifor, the Canadian union, have provided overwhelming support for a strike mandate, aligning with their counterparts at GM and Stellantis. Their primary focus is intensive bargaining with Ford, which will set the pattern for subsequent negotiations with GM and Stellantis.

Lana Payne, Unifor's national president, has confirmed that negotiators have rejected two offers from Ford since August 29, citing a significant gap between these offers and their expectations. While negotiations are ongoing, there is still much ground to cover in reaching an agreement.

Unifor's Ms. Payne underscored the historical significance of these auto industry negotiations. This comes at a time when the workforce grapples with soaring inflation, while automakers enjoy record profits. Simultaneously, the auto sector is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting towards the production of plug-in and hybrid electric vehicles, requiring substantial investments in factory retooling and impacting workforces.

Flavio Volpe, head of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, has expressed grave concerns about the immediate and direct repercussions a U.S. work stoppage could have on the Canadian auto industry. The tight integration of supply chains means that Canadian plants could experience production slowdowns or halts within a matter of days.

Canada's auto industry relies heavily on the just-in-time delivery of parts, with limited stockpiles available. Furthermore, components often cross U.S., Canadian, and Mexican borders multiple times before reaching their final assembly destination. This intricate web of supply chains means that any disruption to one part can lead to production stoppages.

The automotive manufacturing sector is a major employer in Canada, with approximately 135,000 workers, primarily concentrated in Ontario. Vehicles rank as Canada's second-largest export by value, underscoring the industry's economic importance. Unifor is currently representing 18,000 workers at Detroit Three (GM, Ford and Stellantis) facilities in Ontario.

Impact on U.S. Automakers: The U.S. strike has targeted factories producing vehicles like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Chevrolet Colorado pickup trucks. While these are not the most profitable models, automakers maintain limited inventories. The longer the strike persists, the more detrimental it becomes to GM's and Ford's 2023 revenue outlooks.

Analysts suggest that if agreements are reached by September 22nd, the impact on GM and Ford may remain minimal. However, if no resolution is achieved, the likelihood of an extended strike increases. Monitoring the potential expansion of strikes to other plants and subsequent production disruptions remains crucial.

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2024 NACTOY Candidates: 10 Cars, 5 Trucks, and 10 SUVs Revealed.

The 2024 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards have unveiled their list of candidates. A total of 25 vehicles have earned the coveted title of "Best of 2024," following a rigorous selection process. The winners will be announced in January 2024.

The NACTOY organization recently revealed the impressive lineup of vehicles vying for recognition in 2024. The announcement took place at a press conference during the Detroit Auto Show at the Huntington Place Convention Center. This year's competition features 10 cars, 5 trucks, and 10 SUVs, showcasing the diversity and innovation in the automotive industry.

Each NACTOY juror employs their distinct method for evaluating the "Best of 2024" vehicles. The journey to determine the winners will continue in October, as many of the 50 jurors gather in Michigan for an annual comparison drive. The finalists are set to be unveiled on November 16 in Los Angeles, with the winners' announcement scheduled for a special event in metro Detroit on January 4, 2024.

Among the candidates for this year's NACTOY awards, there are eight electric models, reflecting the growing trend toward electrification in the automotive world. Notable entries include the first-ever BMW i5, the Chevrolet Silverado EV, and the Kia EV9. Here's a glimpse of the candidates in each category:

Car of the Year:

1. BMW 5 Series

2. BMW i5

3. Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

4. Ford Mustang

5. Honda Accord

6. Hyundai Ioniq 6

7. Subaru Impreza

8. Toyota Crown

9. Toyota GR Corolla

10. Toyota Prius/Prius Prime

Truck of the Year:

1. Chevrolet Colorado

2. Chevrolet Silverado EV

3. Ford Ranger

4. Ford Super Duty

5. GMC Canyon

Utility Vehicle of the Year:

1. Chevrolet Blazer EV

2. Chevrolet Equinox EV

3. Dodge Hornet

4. Genesis Electrified GV70

5. Honda Pilot

6. Hyundai Kona

7. Kia EV9

8. Mazda CX-90

9. Toyota Grand Highlander

10. Volvo EX30

Last year's NACTOY awards witnessed the triumph of electric models, with the Acura Integra, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Kia EV6 securing titles in their respective categories. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the 2024 NACTOY candidates promise to bring excitement and innovation to the forefront of the competition. Stay tuned for the upcoming finalists' announcement and the ultimate winners in January 2024.

The All-New Electric Volvo EX30.

EV Around the World 🌏

NIO Unveils Refreshed EC6 SUV, Starts Deliveries Under $50,000 USD.

NIO, electric vehicle manufacturer with headquarters in Shanghai, has officially launched its refreshed EC6 SUV, bringing exciting updates to consumers. With an attractive starting price below $50,000 USD and innovative features, the EC6 SUV is set to make a mark in the EV market.

Following a recent promise of an official launch, NIO has wasted no time in sharing all the crucial details about the refreshed EC6 SUV. Notably, the vehicle has already started rolling out to customers, showcasing NIO's unique and swift launch strategy.

The EC6 comes with an enticing price tag, starting at RMB 358,000 (approximately $67,000 CAD) for the model equipped with a 75 kWh standard range battery pack. For those seeking a longer range, the version with a 100 kWh battery pack is available for RMB 416,000 (about $77,200 CAD). To make it even more accessible to Chinese consumers, NIO offers a battery leasing option. With this option, customers pay less upfront and essentially rent the SUV's battery on a monthly basis. The battery leasing variant of the EC6 is priced at RMB 218,000 ($54,000 CAD) upfront, with monthly leasing fees of either RMB 980 ($185 CAD) for the 75 kWh battery pack or RMB 1,680 ($315 CAD) for the 100 kWh battery pack.

NIO's refreshed EC6 SUV boasts a range of impressive features, including LiDAR technology, an active spoiler, and a unique "Queen's seat." The vehicle is part of NIO's NT 2.0 platform and shares design elements with its electric siblings, such as LiDAR, camera systems, headlamps, and taillights. The EC6 also showcases a sleek exterior with a drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd.

Equipped with the 100 kWh battery pack, the EC6 achieves a remarkable maximum range of 615 kilometers. Inside, the vehicle features cutting-edge technology, including a Panocinema display with viewing glasses, a luxurious reclining "Queen's seat" in the front, and a spacious panoramic glass roof.

While NIO has prioritized local deliveries in China, there is no official announcement regarding when the refreshed EC6 will reach European markets. However, NIO's commitment to expanding its global footprint suggests that overseas consumers can expect to see this SUV in their markets in the near future, possibly as early as next year.

Audi RS e-tron GT "Ice Race Edition" - A Tribute to Audi Sport GmbH's 40th Anniversary.

Audi is marking the 40th anniversary of Audi Sport GmbH, and to celebrate this milestone, Audi presents the Audi RS e-tron GT in a special "Ice Race Edition."

This exclusive release, known as the Audi RS e-tron GT "Ice Race Edition," joins Audi's cherished Audi exclusive lineup, a collection that has captivated Audi enthusiasts for over three decades.

Inspired by the breathtaking GP Ice Race in Austria, the exterior of the Audi RS e-tron GT "Ice Race Edition" mirrors the colors of a snowy wonderland.

The exterior design starts with a Florett silver metallic body, which is then enhanced with a foil wrap that strategically incorporates transparencies, creating a three-dimensional effect with white tones against the silver background. Contrasting violet elements add a bold touch, and the foil patterns abstractly depict ice crystals, offering a new perspective on color and design. To complete the look, the traditional chrome or black Audi rings have been replaced with white ones. Black 21-inch rims, a CFRP black roof, and privacy glazing contribute to the car's stability and road presence.

This captivating color scheme carries into the interior, where diamond silver leather seat center panels, shoulder arches, and side bolsters emphasize the car's character. Combined with black leather sections and contrasting purple stitching, the Audi RS e-tron GT "Ice Race Edition" offers an exclusive ambiance. Striking details complete the interior experience.

Inspired by the design concepts of the Audi RS e-tron GT ice race concept show car, the ice race edition is limited to just 99 units for Europe. It retains the unchanged 440 kW RS e-tron GT performance. Charging the car is a breeze, thanks to access to over 500,000 public charging points in Europe using the Audi charging service. With rapid DC charging reaching up to 270 kW, a mere five-minute charge can provide around 100 kilometers of driving under ideal conditions.

The GP Ice Race event, dating back to 1952 and revived in 2019, offers a thrilling spectacle in the snowy mountains of Zell am See. Audi Design drew inspiration from this remarkable setting to create the Audi RS e-tron GT ice race concept. The designers have now translated these unique inspirations into the special "Ice Race Edition."

As Audi looks to the future, customization continues to evolve, with new selections such as edition-specific MMI background images and expanded color and material options. Audi's commitment to combining classic equipment features with digital immersion promises even more captivating and personalized experiences in the years to come.

Puzzles are fun!

Puzzles are fun when you know you have all of the pieces and you know what the desired final outcome will look like. But what if you didn’t have all of the pieces and no one knew what the final picture would look like? Not that fun. That’s why I really enjoy The EV Universe - not only does it do a great job of gathering all of the EV pieces, but The EV Universe gives a great picture as to where the future is headed with EVs - with industry deep dives, educational content and doing it all with a great sense of humour!

Check out the EV Universe and subscribe below:

EU Investigates Chinese EV Subsidies Amidst Surge in Affordable Imports.

The European Union (EU) has initiated an investigation into Chinese electric vehicle subsidies due to the influx of affordable Chinese EV imports in global markets. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced this probe, citing concerns that Chinese EV manufacturers benefit from substantial state subsidies.

This investigation may lead to the imposition of tariffs, which could significantly impact both the EV market and Chinese EV makers. Von der Leyen highlighted the issue in her annual speech to the European Parliament, stating, "Global markets are now flooded with cheaper electric cars, and their price is kept artificially low by huge state subsidies."

The surge in Chinese EV imports comes as China's largest EV manufacturers, including BYD, NIO, and XPeng, introduce models designed for the European market. The strategy has proven successful, with New Energy Vehicle (NEV) exports from China surging by 63.6% in the first seven months of the year, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).

The European expansion of Chinese EV makers was evident at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, where they doubled their presence compared to 2021. Manufacturers like BYD and SAIC's MG unveiled impressive all-electric models aimed at the EU market. For instance, BYD showcased six EVs, including the SEAL electric sedan and SEAL U, designed specifically for European customers. The BYD Seal, with a starting price of 45,000 euros (about $48,000 USD) and a range of up to 570 km, stands out.

NIO also entered the European market with its ET5 Touring, a station wagon designed to rival German automakers like Porsche and BMW.

With new Chinese models boasting competitive pricing and advanced technology, mass-market automakers like Volkswagen and Stellantis are facing increased competition. According to Jato Dynamics (via Reuters), the average retail price of Chinese EVs in Germany is 29% lower than non-Chinese models, excluding incentives and discounts.

While the EU is committed to a greener future and has already approved a law banning the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger cars from 2035 as part of its Green Deal, there are concerns about China's economic practices. The EU's investigation aims to prevent a situation similar to the solar industry, where cheap Chinese imports displaced many manufacturers.

If the EU decides to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, the consequences would extend to brands that manufacture cars in China, including Tesla, Volvo, Polestar, Renault, and BMW. The Commission has a maximum of 13 months to decide whether to implement tariffs above the standard 10% rate. As a result of this news, shares of Chinese EV manufacturers, including NIO, Xpeng, and BYD, experienced a decline in Wednesday's trading session.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has strongly criticized the European Union's decision to launch an investigation into state subsidies that allow Chinese-made EVs to be sold at what the EU terms "artificially low" prices in Europe. This investigation could potentially lead to the imposition of tariffs on battery-powered vehicle imports into the EU.

China has described the EU's probe as "protectionist" and contends that the competitive advantage of the Chinese EV sector does not solely rely on subsidies. The Ministry of Commerce stated, "The investigation is a naked protectionist act that will seriously disrupt and distort the global automotive industry and supply chain, including the EU, and will have a negative impact on China-EU economic and trade relations."

Furthermore, China has indicated that it will closely monitor the EU's protectionist tendencies and any subsequent actions, while firmly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Mercedes-Benz, which has a joint venture with Chinese automaker Geely to produce Smart-branded EVs, said that protectionist measures are counterproductive, while Bosch, which is the world’s largest automotive supplier, added that a race for punitive tariffs and trade barriers would only have losers. At the same time, Stellantis said it welcomed fair competition which drives innovation and performance.

Clean Energy and Mobility

Tesla Unveils Powerwall 3: Enhanced Home Energy Storage System

Tesla has officially introduced the third iteration of its Powerwall home energy storage system, promising several improvements and notable changes. The Powerwall 3 is a comprehensive solar and battery system meticulously designed for home installations and is slated for customer availability beginning in 2024.

Key enhancements of the Powerwall 3 include:

1. Increased Power Output: While maintaining the same energy capacity as the Powerwall 2 at 13.5 kilowatt-hours, the Powerwall 3 boasts a substantial boost in continuous power output. It can deliver 11.5 kilowatts of power, both for grid-connected use and as backup power. This represents a significant improvement over the Powerwall 2 when equipped with an inverter.

2. Enhanced Flood Resistance: The Powerwall 3 is engineered to withstand floods of over 2 feet, offering robust "Flood and dust resistance." This resilience surpasses the "Water and dust resistance" of the previous Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ models.

3. Scalability: Tesla emphasizes that the new Powerwall supports the delivery of more power with a single unit and facilitates easy expansion, allowing for a maximum capacity of 40.5 kWh per unit. This scalability is a notable advantage for homeowners looking to tailor their energy storage to meet specific needs.

4. Solar Integration: The integrated solar inverter accommodates up to six solar inputs, an improvement over the four inputs in the Powerwall+. Tesla maintains the impressive solar-to-grid efficiency of 97.5 percent, while the warranty remains unchanged at a reliable 10 years.

5. Size and Weight: The Powerwall 3 exhibits a weight of 287 pounds, a slight increase compared to the Powerwall 2's 251.3 pounds. However, it's significantly lighter than the Powerwall+ at 343.9 pounds. This 16.5 percent reduction in weight raises questions about whether Tesla has transitioned from cylindrical (2170-type) NCM batteries to prismatic LFP batteries or if such a transition is forthcoming. The size of the Powerwall 3 is noticeably more compact, especially when compared to the Powerwall+.

6. Compatibility: It's important to note that the Powerwall 3 is not directly compatible with the Powerwall 2 or Powerwall+ and cannot be integrated into existing installations of these models. Tesla specifies, "Powerwall 3 can be added to other Powerwall 3 batteries and cannot be added to Powerwall 2 or Powerwall+ batteries. Powerwall 3 is not compatible with other solar inverters."

Tesla has announced that the Powerwall 3 will become accessible to customers starting in 2024. While orders are not currently being accepted, interested parties have the option to sign up for updates. It will be intriguing to observe whether Tesla can enhance its profit margins with the new Powerwall iteration and potentially offer more competitive pricing.

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