The Toyota Century crossover was presented last September and became a sensation, because previously only executive sedans bore the proud name Century. Initially, it was assumed that the SUV, with a length of 5205 mm, a price of 170 thousand dollars and a monthly circulation of 30 cars, was intended only for the domestic market. However, the publication’s journalists Forbes found out that the crossover can become a global model, and Century – a separate luxury brand within the Toyota Corporation. Century cars will be more expensive and more prestigious than Lexuses, and will compete with the brand Rolls-Royce! It sounds strange, considering that the crossover is built on the massive “transverse” platform of the Toyota Grand Highlander model.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board of Toyota Akio Toyoda stated that electric vehicles will occupy no more than 30% of the market, regardless of the progress of battery technology. He believes that the remaining 70% will subsequently be divided among themselves by hydrogen cars with internal combustion engines or fuel cells. Toyoda added: “The decision about the choice of powertrain type should be made by buyers and the market, not by regulators or political forces.”
Company car project Apple has not shown signs of life for a long time, however, according to the publication Bloomberg, work on it has not stopped! According to the plan, the production version will be demonstrated no earlier than 2028. A source close to Apple added that the development process is now at a make-or-break point, and if the Apple car doesn’t come out before the end of this decade, it never will. In addition, the source added that so far only the second level autopilot is being tested for the car, although Mercedes has already managed to certify the third level system.
The development of a compact crossover Alfa Romeo became known two years ago. Then it was assumed that it would be called Brennero, but at the end of last year another name was officially announced – Alfa Romeo Milano. And now the date of its premiere has been published – April 10, 2024. The small SUV will be the Italian brand’s first electric car, although hybrid and even pure petrol versions will also be available. The Alfa Romeo Milano crossover is built on the STLA Small trolley, formerly known as CMP/eCMP, and will be the closest relative of the Jeep Avenger model.
Despite the impressive sales statistics of Tesla electric vehicles, the head of the company Elon Musk seriously afraid the onslaught of Chinese competitors. In his opinion, “if there are no trade barriers, they will practically destroy most other automobile companies in the world.” This is because electric cars from the Middle Kingdom are “incredibly good” and “the most competitive in the world.”
As if to confirm Musk’s words, the Chinese company Chery today announced plans for expansion into the European Union market. The offensive will be carried out on a broad front; Europe can expect three new brands this year: Omoda, Jaecoo and Exlantix. Sales of the Omoda C5 crossovers will start in the spring, followed by the larger Jaecoo J7, and after that the electric Exlantix will arrive. If things go well, Chery promises to please Europeans with its other brands.
AVTOVAZ dealers in Tolyatti now have sedans Lada Vesta in a simplified Comfort package without airbags. There is still no mention of such a version on the company’s official website. AVTOVAZ has been producing such sedans since December last year due to a shortage of airbags. Dealers sell simplified Vestas with 106-horsepower engines for 1 million 460 thousand rubles – this is 50 thousand less than the recommended price of a similar sedan with two airbags.
Also today we talked about the updated Cadillac CT5-V sedans and the Porsche Macan electric crossover.
2024-01-25 20:02:20
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