Summary of the day: Modified Lexus LC, new Jeep Compass and other business events

Coupes and convertibles Lexus LC revised for the next model year. They have an enhanced exterior and interior customization program, including a new Iridium exterior color and 21-inch black alloy wheels. according to New driver strategy brand, the coupe received additional body reinforcement that increases its strength (the convertible did not receive them). The engine range remains the same: naturally aspirated V8 5.0 engine (477 hp, 540 Nm) or a hybrid installation based on a V6 3.5 engine, developing a total of 359 hp. and 500 Nm. In the US, such a Lexus costs from 100 thousand dollars.

There are rumors in the European media about a possible merger of the Group Renault and worries Stellantishowever, the top management of both companies denied this information, calling it baseless speculation. Meanwhile, indecisive Italian journalists still want the two car giants to be merged: they say that even the French government, which has a stake in both concerns, is approval of this union. It is said that the goal of such a step is to create a car analogue of the Airbus aircraft concern, which should effectively resist Chinese electric vehicles and take the title of the largest European automaker away from the Volkswagen concern.

Meanwhile, a conflict continues between the leadership of the Union of American Auto Workers (UAW) and the press service of the concern Stellantis. UAW director Sean Fain said: “If an average employee at the Stellantis plant did his job as poorly as Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, he would be fired immediately. It’s time to throw Carlos out!” The UAW backs up its words with sales statistics in the US market: in the third quarter, the Hyundai Tucson crossover alone sold four Stellantis brands ( Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Dodge and Chrysler) with a score of 53,801:51,406 vehicles.

American electric vehicle startup Riabha continues to suffer. Sales of these electric SUVs and pickups in the third quarter of 2024 fell 27% (to 10,018 units) compared to the second quarter (then there were 13,790 vehicles). As a result, production plans for this year have already been revised: 47 thousand electric vehicles compared to the original 57 thousand. The main reason is said to be a failure in the component supply chain and problems with the production of electric motors in-house. All this has a negative impact on the poor financial condition of the company, which was announced recently a coalition by Volkswagen concern.

Crossover teaser released Compass jeep the next generation. It is reported that this car will enter the European market in 2025 and will be the first Jeep on the STLA Medium platform of the Stellantis concern. That is, Compass will be the closest relative to the Peugeot 3008, Peugeot 5008 and Opel Grandland models. Like its brothers, it will have hybrid and pure electric versions. Later, the new Jeep Compass will appear on the American market. The current Jeep Compass on the Fiat Small Wide platform has been produced since 2016.

A serial crossover was also announced with teasers. Big Daciawhich becomes the company’s largest model. In fact, the Bigster will be a larger version of the new crossover Dacia Duster third generation: The length of the car will increase from 4.3 to 4.6 m, although there are no details yet. The Bigster is likely to have three rows of seats. The premiere takes place this week.

The management of the group Rostec, which owns a third of the shares of AVTOVAZ, announced that an electric version of the sedan was prepared. Lada Aura (Vesta’s long wheel). Testing of prototypes is already underway, and a pre-production sample will be shown to the public very soon. So, the Aura could be Lada’s second production electric car after its recent launch e-Largusa (from 2,990,000 rubles per van including government subsidies).