Main topic: Subaru's plans to release a full lineup of electric vehicles.
Key points:
1. Subaru aims to sell 600,000 EVs per year by 2030, making up half of its global sales.
2. The automaker plans to boost its battery-electric lineup to eight models.
3. Subaru plans to double its electric-vehicle lineup by the end of 2028, including a three-row electric SUV.
4. Toyota will reportedly build the three-row electric SUV for Subaru in Kentucky starting in 2025.
5. Subaru plans to invest around $10.5 billion towards its electrification efforts by around 2030.
Main topic: BMW's progress in electric vehicle sales and investment in e-mobility.
Key points:
1. BMW's electric vehicle sales increased to 12.6% of total deliveries in the first half of 2023, up from 10% in 2022.
2. The company aims to achieve a 15% share of battery-electric sales by the end of 2023.
3. BMW is investing more than originally planned in the global ramp-up of e-mobility due to increasing demand for electric cars.
4. The automaker increased its research and development spending by nearly 19% in Q2 2023, reaching about $2 billion.
5. BMW has not set an end date for selling combustion engine vehicles, stating that there is no indication that the world is renouncing them.
6. This contrasts with other automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and GM, which have plans to phase out combustion-engine sales by 2040.
Huge price reductions and increased availability are driving growth in the electric vehicle market, which saw record sales in 2023, as major manufacturers like Tesla, Ford, and General Motors lower their prices and pass on cost savings from raw materials to consumers.
Tesla has unveiled its updated Model 3 EV sedan in China, featuring a sportier exterior, improved battery range, and faster acceleration, although surprising many with a 12% price increase; the upgraded model is expected to boost sales and profit margins for the electric vehicle giant.
German automaker BMW has unveiled its electric concept car, the "Vision Neue Klasse," which will serve as the foundation for the brand's next generation of electric vehicles, featuring improved battery cells that enhance charging speed and range, with plans to launch the first models in 2025.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled an electric vehicle with a longer range than any Tesla model on the market, as the company intensifies its efforts to challenge Elon Musk and expand its presence in the luxury electric car market.
Europe's automakers are showcasing their latest electric vehicles at the IAA Mobility car show in an attempt to compete with Tesla and counter the increasing competition from Chinese companies such as BYD and Xpeng.
Europe's carmakers are facing a tough battle to catch up with China in the development of affordable and consumer-friendly electric vehicles, with Chinese EV makers already a generation ahead, according to industry analysts and executives at Munich's IAA mobility show.
Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng plans to expand into more European markets, including Germany, Britain, and France in 2024, following its successful entry into the Netherlands and Norway.
Chinese car makers BYD and XPeng saw their stock prices rise ahead of a major auto show where they will compete with Tesla, which is making its first appearance at the event in Munich.
Mercedes has unveiled concept vehicles at the IAA Mobility auto show in Munich, featuring a range of over 466 miles on a single charge, surpassing Tesla models, while BMW revealed an electric vehicle with improved range and faster charging.
Mercedes-Benz does not expect all of its sales in Europe to be all-electric by 2030, but will have its line-up ready, according to CEO Ola Kaellenius, citing the need for infrastructure and market demand for the transition to electric vehicles.
Lucid is exploring the possibility of entering the Chinese electric car market, but has not yet set a timeline for its entry, according to a top executive at the company. Lucid recognizes China as the world's largest and fastest adopting EV market, but wants to ensure it enters on the right terms to avoid mistakes. The company is currently assessing the viability of entering the market and considering factors such as pricing and manufacturing strategy. Additionally, Lucid plans to expand its product range to include lower-priced vehicles, with a mid-sized car potentially being unveiled in 2026. However, entering the mass-market segment will take time and require a strong supply base and the right pricing.
Tesla and BYD are currently leading the Chinese electric-vehicle market, while Lucid is taking its time to enter the race.
Volkswagen is facing significant challenges in the global electric vehicle market, particularly in China, as it lags behind local competitors and Tesla, putting its position as an industry leader and German economic stability at risk.
BMW will invest £600m ($750m) in its UK plants to transition its Mini brand to all-electric by 2030, with the Mini Cooper 3-door and Mini Aceman crossover set to be produced as electric models from 2026 onwards.
BMW, Ford, and Honda have partnered to create ChargeScape, a new company focused on developing a platform to connect electric vehicle drivers, automakers, and utility companies in North America, potentially providing benefits such as a universal standard for chargers and improved energy efficiency.
General Motors is an undervalued and attractive investment in the electric vehicle market, with plans to expand its EV production capacity and a strong free cash flow guidance, although it faces competition and risks from contract negotiations and a potential U.S. recession.
Tesla is expected to benefit from European protectionist measures as regulators crack down on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) competition, causing stocks of Chinese EV companies like NIO and XPeng to plunge.
The European Union is investigating China's state support for electric vehicle makers due to concerns about the impact on European auto manufacturers, with Chinese companies already gaining a substantial market share in Europe through cheaper prices and subsidies.
The European Union's increasing scrutiny of Chinese electric-vehicle companies has caused tension between the two, impacting the EV space and EU-China relations.
The recent strike by auto workers at GM, Ford, and Stellantis will further advantage Tesla in the electric vehicle industry, as EVs require fewer parts and therefore fewer jobs compared to gas-powered vehicles.
Americans' hesitations to buy electric vehicles (EVs) are largely due to concerns around charging, with surveys showing that a lack of charging stations is a significant barrier to purchase, but efforts are being made to expand and improve the U.S. charging landscape through major incentives, partnerships, and the development of a single charging standard like Tesla's NACS plug design.
