PHEV

Quality and Styling Distinguish Top EV Models, but Public Charging Woes Felt by All, J.D. Power Finds

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Quality and cost of ownership have emerged as the top factors influencing satisfaction, according to the J.D.

Key Points: 
  • Quality and cost of ownership have emerged as the top factors influencing satisfaction, according to the J.D.
  • Both models rank highest in their respective segment on the strength of their performance in the vehicle quality and reliability factor.
  • Each model scores more than 60 points (on a 1,000-point scale) higher than their respective nearest segment competitor for that factor.
  • Following are key findings of the 2024 study:
    Public charging isn’t just bad—it’s getting worse: The study finds that the public charging experience continues to be a major source of EV owner frustration.

BYD Set to Challenge Tesla for the Crown in EV Sales in 2024, Says TrendForce

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024

TrendForce further notes that China remains the largest market for NEVs, commanding about 60% of the global market share.

Key Points: 
  • TrendForce further notes that China remains the largest market for NEVs, commanding about 60% of the global market share.
  • However, growth is slowing down due to a high base effect, and limited sales growth in other regions cannot compensate for the gap left by the Chinese market.
  • In 2023, Tesla continues to lead BEV rankings with a 19.9% market share, closely followed by BYD, which narrowed the sales gap with Tesla to 248,000 units.
  • TrendForce believes that BYD has the potential to challenge Tesla’s dominance in the BEV market this year.

Dealership's Solar Energy Investment Yields Nearly 50% Reduction in Energy Costs

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

LAKELAND, Fla., March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- When Mazda Lakeland celebrated the grand opening of its environmentally-friendly dealership last year, its most impressive commitment to the environment was still in the works: the installation of 412 solar panels to further reduce the dealership's carbon footprint. The installation is now complete and the results are in: a whopping 46.5 % decrease in energy costs. The rooftop solar energy system has the capacity to generate more than 311,736 kilowatt hours annually.

Key Points: 
  • The installation is now complete and the results are in: a whopping 46.5 % decrease in energy costs.
  • The rooftop solar energy system has the capacity to generate more than 311,736 kilowatt hours annually.
  • According to Mazda Lakeland General Manager Sophia Justiz, "We anticipated a cost reduction, but not in the neighborhood of fifty percent.
  • CUTLINE: 412 solar panels brought a 46.5 percent decrease in energy costs to Mazda Lakeland.

Classic Mazda Has Cool Mechanics

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

ORLANDO, Fla., March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Installing air conditioning to a spacious automobile service center is an expensive investment for any dealership. But according to Orlando's Classic Mazda General Manager Chad Rogers, it's part of an investment that has paid off in surprisingly high dividends: more than a forty percent decrease in energy costs and an increase in morale. "By installing rooftop solar panels along with an air conditioning system, we not only reduced our carbon footprint and energy costs, we also experienced a rise in technician efficiency, morale and retention. We've always known our mechanics were cool," he smiled. "Providing them with a climate-controlled workspace is part of our ongoing commitment to reward and retain this region's best and brightest auto technicians."

Key Points: 
  • But according to Orlando's Classic Mazda General Manager Chad Rogers, it's part of an investment that has paid off in surprisingly high dividends: more than a forty percent decrease in energy costs and an increase in morale.
  • We've always known our mechanics were cool," he smiled.
  • Rogers particularly noted the unique capabilities of the new Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) which exemplifies Mazda's detail-obsessed philosophy.
  • CUTLINE:  630 solar panels brought a 43.9 % decrease in energy costs to Classic Mazda in Orlando.

2024 KIA TELLURIDE EARNS IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS AWARD; SPORTAGE RECEIVES IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK DESIGNATION

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024

IRVINE, Calif., March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Kia Telluride has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating, while the 2024 Sportage earned the TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) rating. According to the IIHS, the two SUVs were deemed as "offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle and occupants and vulnerable road users."

Key Points: 
  • Telluride secures highest honor from IIHS for second consecutive year, maintaining TSP+ designation earned in 2023
    IRVINE, Calif., March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Kia Telluride has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating, while the 2024 Sportage earned the TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) rating.
  • The original moderate overlap test still requires a "good" rating for the TSP designation.
  • "Safety remains one of our top priorities and we're dedicated to driving continuous advancements in this critical area every day as we proved with 2024 Telluride!"
  • The 2024 Telluride SUV continues to be a head-turner with its bold and sophisticated appearance, and spacious three-row cabin that comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers.

KIA MAKES UNEXPECTED DEBUT at WORK TRUCK WEEK

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 1, 2024

IRVINE, Calif., March 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia America is making its Work Truck Week debut at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis March 6-7, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • IRVINE, Calif., March 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia America is making its Work Truck Week debut at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis March 6-7, 2024.
  • Kia will exhibit concept models of two Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs) - the PV5 and the PV7.
  • Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys.
  • Kia is recognized as one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023.

KIA EV9 NAMED AMONG LIST OF 2024 PARENTS BEST FAMILY CARS

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 26, 2024

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PARENTS has recognized the Kia EV9 (best electric 3-row SUV) in its "Best Family Cars" awards for 2024.

Key Points: 
  • IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PARENTS has recognized the Kia EV9 (best electric 3-row SUV) in its "Best Family Cars" awards for 2024.
  • "PARENTS Best Family Cars awards exemplify Kia's position as a brand that meets the needs of their busy family," said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America.
  • "We're honored to see the EV9 awarded for its technology, capability and comfort for the entire family."
  • PARENTS experts tested over 140 cars total, across categories from a field of new model vehicles.

WeaveGrid and Toyota Collaborate to Empower EV Drivers and Optimize Charging for the Grid

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 22, 2024

WeaveGrid announces a collaboration for direct integration with Toyota Motor North America.

Key Points: 
  • WeaveGrid announces a collaboration for direct integration with Toyota Motor North America.
  • The result is a system that enables drivers to opt into charging optimization, personalized driver insights, and home charging cost savings.
  • "WeaveGrid is thrilled to collaborate with Toyota, a global automotive leader, to offer innovative solutions we both believe will help accelerate the transition to decarbonized transportation," said Apoorv Bhargava, Co-founder and CEO of WeaveGrid.
  • All enrolled participants across utility programs receive tailored insights about their charging and suggestions on how to save money on charging over time through a personalized dashboard.

Mazda Announces Pricing and Packaging For All-New 2025 Mazda CX-70

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing and packaging for the all-new 2025 CX-70. This mid-size two-row crossover SUV, with select models starting to go on sale this spring, features sporty design elements, a captivating interior, generous cargo space, and exhilarating electrified powertrains. Designed for the needs of an active and engaged customer base, CX-70 will offer seven different packages to best fit their specific needs.

Key Points: 
  • Mazda has also announced that Qmerit is now their approved and recommended home electric vehicle charger installation partner.
  • IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing and packaging for the all-new 2025 CX-70.
  • Supporting these powertrains is Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive, with Sport, Off-Road and available Towing or EV modes, depending on the model.
  • Keeping this in mind, Mazda has developed several key features for CX-70 that improve utility, connectivity, and overall occupant comfort.

Mazda Announces Pricing and Packaging For All-New 2025 Mazda CX-70

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Feb. 21, 2024 /CNW/ - Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) today announced pricing and packaging for the all-new 2025 CX-70.

Key Points: 
  • RICHMOND HILL, ON, Feb. 21, 2024 /CNW/ - Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) today announced pricing and packaging for the all-new 2025 CX-70.
  • Supporting these powertrains is Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive, with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing or available EV modes, depending on the model.
  • Keeping this in mind, Mazda has developed several key features for CX-70 that improve utility, connectivity and overall occupant comfort.
  • CX-70 also introduces two new features for Mazda to help in emergency situations called Private eCall and Stolen Vehicle Assistance.