LA Auto Show’s ZEVAS Are Back: Celebrating the Hottest Electric Rides of 2024 13 Sep 2024 11:19 AM (7 months ago)
The Los Angeles Auto Show is revving up excitement once again with the return of its standout award program, THE ZEVAS
. As one of the pioneering events to spotlight zero-emission vehicles, THE ZEVAS has become a highly anticipated part of the auto industry calendar. This year’s edition promises to shine an even brighter spotlight on electric and hybrid cars, underscoring the auto industry’s rapid shift toward greener solutions.
Debuting in 2021, THE ZEVAS was the first award of its kind to let consumers decide the winners in categories like top sedans, trucks, and the most anticipated EVs. With a lineup that has previously included heavyweights like the Rivian R1T, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai KONA Electric, the 2024 awards are set to elevate even more cutting-edge electric vehicles.
Mark Your Calendar for the ZEVAS Voting
Kicking off on October 1, 2024, the voting process for THE ZEVAS will give consumers the reins to choose their favorite vehicles. After the first round narrows the field to three contenders in each category, a second round will let voters decide the ultimate winners. The public’s picks will be unveiled on November 21, 2024, during the AutoMobility LA event, which draws in automotive executives, media reps, and industry insiders from all corners of the globe.
Here’s the breakdown for voting:
October 1: Voting opens
October 11: Voting closes
October 29: Finalists announced
November 8: Second round voting closes
November 19: Winners announced
November 21: Winners celebrated at AutoMobility LA 2024
With a variety of categories, including Top SUV, Top Truck, and Most Anticipated, there’s something for every EV enthusiast. Whether you’re into sleek sedans or rugged trucks, THE ZEVAS 2024 has it all.
A Celebration of Electric Innovation
“Electrification is completely changing the landscape of the auto industry,” said Terri Toennies, president and COO of the LA Auto Show and AutoMobility LA. With consumer interest in electric vehicles continuing to surge, especially in California, Toennies emphasized that there’s never been a better time to spotlight the innovation happening in the EV space.
California has long been a trendsetter in electric vehicle adoption, making the LA Auto Show the perfect stage for THE ZEVAS. The event gives both well-established brands and emerging players a chance to showcase their latest creations and compete for top honors.
The LA Auto Show: More Than Just Cars
The LA Auto Show isn’t just a gearhead’s dream—it’s a cornerstone event for car lovers, families, and industry pros alike. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from November 22 to December 1, 2024, the show will feature industry debuts, interactive exhibits, and of course, the latest in automotive tech.
AutoMobility LA, taking place a day before the show opens to the public, will be packed with headline-worthy announcements and groundbreaking vehicle reveals. For those in the auto industry, it’s a prime opportunity to see where the future of cars is headed. And for everyone else, it’s a fun, immersive way to get a first look at the cars that could soon be hitting the streets.
Whether you’re a fan of cutting-edge electric cars or just love the thrill of a great auto show, this year’s LA Auto Show is shaping up to be a must-attend event. Stay tuned and be ready to cast your votes for THE ZEVAS 2024!
Jim Vanderberg: Mazda Canada Sales for July 2023 1 Aug 2023 4:55 PM (last year)
Report by Jim Vanderberg, Toronto Canada
Mazda Canada Inc. has posted impressive sales numbers in July. A total of 4,598 vehicles were sold, a growth of 13,5% compared to the same month of 2022. Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) has achieved impressive sales figures in July, with a total of 4,598 vehicles sold, marking a remarkable growth of 13.5 percent compared to July 2022.
- CX-50 continues its impressive performance, with a 123.1 percent increase in sales compared to July last year, and a YTD growth of 118.6 %.
- MX-5 has made a remarkable comeback in this year’s sales. It boasted a 131.3 percent increase year-over year in July, and a solid 91.3% increase YTD.
- Mazda Canada continues to enjoy a positive sales trend in July. The company recorded a 13.5 percent increase year-over-year, along with an impressive 8.2 percent growth year-to date.
Mazda Canada Inc. has responsibility for sales, marketing, customer service, and parts support in Canada. Mazda Canada is headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario and has 163 dealerships across the country.
XCMG Unveils Hybrid Truck Crane XCT_25EV 27 Dec 2021 9:48 AM (3 years ago)
XCMG released the first hybrid power truck crane XCT25_EV and the new C-series crane (“C series”) product line. The XCT25_EV is able to accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in 16 seconds, which is half the time it takes compared with conventional fuel cranes. The model can be fully charged in just an hour and a half, has an endurance of 800 kms and emits a soft 60 decibels during operation.
It took five years to develop the product, then a year of optimization and testing. The XCT25_EV is the first hybrid truck crane in its sector. It excels in function, fuel consumption, and intelligence and sets a new standard in international markets.
To ensure robust power, the XCT25_EV offers a 60% gradeability, an 85km/h speed, 12-speed auto gearbox, and a maximum output power power of 290kw. The XCT25_EV can run on battery power for up to four hours consecutively. It can also operate while being charged and the fuel drive option can be used when there is no power source.
XCMG also has the XCT25_EV and the all-new C series of cranes. These machines have the highest lifting performance, dynamic performance, and maneuverability in the industry.
XCA260C is a 260-ton five axel all-terrain crane. This highly efficient model features an 82-meter main beam with a maximum height of 81m and maximum lifting weight of 11.4 tonnes.
XCA130L8C holds the record for having the longest main boom of all 100-tonnage all terrain cranes. It has a maximum gradeability level of 60 percent, a lifting weight of 5.6 tons and an extended 85-meter boom.
XCA230C This model is able to transfer and can carry 80 tons of parts and accessory. It has a 7-section main Boom measuring 75 meters in length.
XCA180L8C has an 8-section main boom that extends to 80 m, with a fixed boom of 36 m and a maximum gradeability rating of 65 percent.
XCA130L7C has a 7-section main Boom of 78 Meters and an auxiliary Boom of 34.5 Meters. The balancing weight reaches 56 Tons and the maximum gradeability is 60 percent.
C-series cranes also have five steering shafts. Each one is driven by two hydraulic cylinders. XCMG’s high-response proportional control technology for pressure compensation and multi-spindle coordinated steer closed-loop control system solves the problem of coordinated steering wheel response.
LUV Car Wash Completes Five Acquisitions 27 Dec 2021 9:44 AM (3 years ago)
LUV Car Wash today announced that it had closed five separate acquisitions to provide the platform for its first express car washes in the Southeast – 20 total!
LUV acquired carwash locations from Shiny Shell and Jeff’s Express, Rocket Express, Rocket Express, and Sporty’s. LUV also has locations in the Atlanta area, from Ft. Lauderdale to Savannah.
“After recently launching the brand, we are thrilled to begin building and sharing LUV Car Wash’s exceptional car washing experience to the thriving Florida-Georgia markets,” stated Darren Skarecky, LUV Car Wash CEO and Co-Founder. LUV is committed to providing an exceptional guest experience. We look forward to building new relationships with our communities as we remodel, redesign, and launch our first car washes over the coming months. We are excited to make carwashing fun, fast and simple across the country.
LUV’s strategy involves the development of new locations, as well as acquisitions of old and new car washes in need capital improvements.
JT Thomson, Chief Development Officer and Co-Founder of LUV Car Wash, stated that “our team is eager to start the process of bringing those locations up to the LUV Standard and creating a passionate client base in our markets.” We will continue to expand and build on our presence in these markets, as well as other parts of the country.
For more information, please visit LUVCarWash.com.
VinFast Commercial and Service Trading Electric Vehicles in Vietnam 27 Dec 2021 9:43 AM (3 years ago)
VinFast Commercial and Service Trading Co., Ltd organized a ceremony to distribute its first batch VF e34 electric cars to customers at VinFast’s Hai Phong, Vietnam manufacturing plant. This event was a gateway to the future of Vietnamese electric vehicles, making Vietnam one the few countries that have successfully adopted the technology of clean-energy vehicle production.
The VF e34 electric SUV is a mid-sized electric SUV that offers a modern design, remarkable acceleration and a wealth of integrated smart features. It was designed and developed specifically for the Vietnamese market.
VF e34 features many unique features. VinBigData, a Vingroup member company, developed VF e34’s virtual assistant. Multi-regional Vietnamese accent recognition allows users to interact directly with the vehicle and manage many features easily and conveniently. Customers can also book services provided by Vingroup members such as entertainment services, medical services at Vinmec and flights via Vinpearl app. Customers can also watch movies via FPT Play and shop using Shopee’s app ….. New features, utility services, and other information will be available to them through remote software installation.
VinFast has partnered up with MobiFone Telecommunication Corporation in order to provide customers the best eSIM data packages. Each VF e34 will come pre-installed with eSIM. Customers will then pay a fee to MobiFone to access eSIM data.
VinFast’s VF e34 package offers an optional, advanced feature package that is worth 60 million VND (approximately 2.600 USD). This includes driver assistance features such as safety, navigation system and geo-limit settings. VinFast will give this optional package as a tribute for more than 25,000 customers who purchased VF e34 smart-electric cars before its opening. These features will not be available to customers who purchase a car after the opening of sales.
VinFast officially announced its new rental package for Vietnamese customers when it delivered the first batch of electric vehicles. VinFast reduced the minimum package to 500km/month, in order to support customers. For a maximum of 500km/month, the monthly subscription fee is 657,500 VND/month (approximately $37). Customers who travel more than 500km per month will be charged an additional VinFast battery rental fee at 1,315 VND/km (approximately $0.05). VinFast will also replace your battery if its charging capacity falls below 70%.
VinFast will rent batteries throughout the product’s lifecycle and will adjust its rental rate annually. VinFast will adjust the battery rents every year on December 1. This will only be done based on the rise/fall in electricity/gasoline costs.
All pioneering customers receive free battery rent for the first twelve months.
VinFast charges a fee to charge cars at its public charging stations. This is approximately $0.12, equivalent to the level 5 electricity cost announced by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade. Customers will be charged an additional 1,000 VND per minute if the battery is full but the car remains in the charging position. This fee is equivalent to the level 5 electricity price announced by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade on March 20, 2019. This fee is added to the monthly subscription fee.
Customers who purchase VF e34 cars will also receive a 2.2kW portable charger that can be used to charge the battery using the home power grid. VinFast also sells a 7.4kW wall-mounted charger for customers who wish to install more at their home. It costs 9,400,000 VND (approximately $411).
VinFast is expected to continue to give out thousands of VF e34 cars to customers who have paid in advance in January 2022. VinFast will continue to offer smart electric cars in Vietnam. It will introduce a complete EV line of electric cars at the 2022 Consumer Electric Show in Las Vegas (USA) on January 5th through 8th.
VinFast- “To create sustainable futures for all”VinFast officially announced, along with the distribution of its first electric vehicle model, the launch of its new community project . The goal is to plant one million trees. VinFast will donate a tree for every VinFast EV that is sold in Vietnam.
360-degree Panoramic View Monitoring
VinAI, a Vingroup company’s technology ecosystem, developed SVM technology that is used on VF-e34 electric cars. This technology allows drivers to monitor the external environment and adjust the view using the dashboard. This system uses fish-eye cameras combined with AI technology to identify traffic participants. The SVM has high-quality 3D imaging capabilities that allow the driver to identify blind spots and observe them accurately.
2022 Chicago Auto Show Gala 27 Dec 2021 9:39 AM (3 years ago)
A black-tie gala, held in conjunction the 2022 Chicago Auto Show in Feb., is expected to raise more than $2million for seventeen Chicago area charities. First Look for Charity, now in its 30th _ year, is held just before the opening of the Chicago Auto Show to the public.
On February 11, benefactors will have the opportunity to view hundreds of new vehicles in an elegant setting. This is not possible when masses gather at McCormick Place for the 10-day consumer run.
The chance for benefactors to win a 2022 Buick Inclave Avenir or a 2022 GMC Yukon Denali is also available. The charity gala will feature heavy hors-d’oeuvres, champagne, wine and mixed drinks as well as special entertainment provided by automakers during their displays.
First Look for Charity is now a highlight on the winter calendars of Chicago car enthusiasts and socialites.
The Chicago Auto Show is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. However, the show’s charitable purpose shows that it is more than just cars and accessories. Bill Haggerty is the chairman of the 2022 show. It’s about giving back to our community.
This year’s First Look for Charity featured 17 organizations that are primarily children-oriented. Some work on a global scale, while others are local. Haggerty stated that all proceeds go to charities, with all proceeds going to the Chicago area.
The 100 Club of Illinois, Advocate Health Care, the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and Catholic Charities of Chicago were some of the charities that participated in the 30 th first Look for Charity gala. Catholic Charities of Joliet, Franciscan Community Benefit Services, Glenwood Academy, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen Chicago, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children, and Misericordia are also involved. New Star; Special Olympics Illinois, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.
Tickets to the event are $275 each and can be ordered by telephone at (630) 495-2282 or online at www.chicagoautoshow.com/. Donors are asked to indicate the charity they wish their donations to go. Each ticket is $223 tax-deductible as charitable expenses.
Haggerty, chairman of the auto show, stated that the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (which produces First Look for Charity, and the Chicago Auto Show), selected 17 organizations to recognize their community contributions.
Tickets and additional information about First Look for Charity can be found at www.FirstLookforCharity.org.
GuardKnox Opens New Subsidiary in Detroit 25 Feb 2020 7:09 AM (5 years ago)
DETROIT, Feb. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — GuardKnox, the automotive industry’s first global Cybertech tier supplier of secure, service-oriented, and high-performance computing solutions, announced today the opening of a new subsidiary, GuardKnox USA, in Detroit. Joe Romeo, who held senior roles at both Ford and Bosch, has been appointed Managing Director to lead GuardKnox USA.
Located in the world’s automotive capital, the new subsidiary will enable GuardKnox to better serve its existing US customers, build strategic partnerships, and initiate new business development activities in the US market. GuardKnox is currently onboarding new business development, project managers, and engineering employees to staff the US subsidiary.
“We are thrilled to have a veteran automotive professional like Joe join the team and help us establish a larger footprint not only in America’s largest automotive hub, but the world’s center of vehicle innovation,” said Moshe Shlisel, Co-Founder and CEO of GuardKnox. “This expansion opens the door for us to further build out our presence in the US and enables our company to continue to grow and develop relationships within the automotive sector.”
Romeo holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in Engineering from Cornell. He brings over 20 years of experience as an engineering and business leader at Ford and Bosch.
“I look forward to working with the GuardKnox team and leading the expansion into this pivotal automotive market,” said Romeo. “Today’s drivers are demanding a new in-vehicle experience that is easily customizable, but also secure, and GuardKnox has the technology and solutions to make this vision a reality. I am excited to introduce these cutting-edge products to both current and future business partners in the US.”
GuardKnox’s secure, services-oriented, high-performance computing solutions serve as the foundation for added connectivity, infotainment services, applications, amenities, and vehicle customization, while simultaneously protecting vehicles against unauthorized access or manipulation. The company’s patented hardware and software products empower OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and the aftermarket to deliver the next generation of secure, services-oriented, connected vehicles.
GuardKnox’s new office is strategically located in Livonia, Michigan, in the heart of the Metropolitan Detroit automotive corridor. The company has an additional subsidiary located in Stuttgart, Germany, and will continue expanding into new global markets.
About GuardKnox
GuardKnox is the automotive industry’s first and only global Cybertech supplier empowering OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and the aftermarket to deliver the next generation of automotive innovation safely and securely through its patented technology. GuardKnox’s service-oriented, secured solutions protect vehicles against unauthorized access or manipulation, while simultaneously serving as a building block for added connectivity, infotainment services, and vehicle personalization. Requiring no constant connectivity, its patented hardware and software solutions thwart cybersecurity attacks, create an improved end-user experience, and generate revenue opportunities for OEMs. Founded in 2016, GuardKnox is led by a team with decades of experience in providing cyber solutions to Israeli Air Force defense systems. GuardKnox is based in Israel, with subsidiary locations in Stuttgart, Germany, and Detroit, Michigan.
SOURCE GuardKnox
The Work Truck Show® 2020 rolls into Indianapolis next week 25 Feb 2020 6:50 AM (5 years ago)
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Feb. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Attention Midwest fleet managers – your best opportunity to learn how to improve fleet productivity, compare the latest trucks and equipment from all the leading manufacturers, and network with industry peers is a short drive away next week.
The Work Truck Show® 2020 runs March 3–6 at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Educational sessions, Green Truck Summit and Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference begin March 3. The Work Truck Show exhibit hall opens March 4 and runs through noon on March 6.
In addition to checking out the latest vocational vehicles and equipment from more than 500 exhibitors, fleet managers can learn about clean vehicle solutions and test-drive or ride in the latest trucks at the popular Ride-and-Drive on Wednesday and Thursday. There will also be multiple networking opportunities, including the opening reception Tuesday evening at JW Marriott.
“The Work Truck Show provides fleet managers with the unique opportunity to see the industry’s newest trucks and equipment, while also gathering innovative and practical ideas they can put into practice to improve fleet management and profitability,” says Doyle Sumrall, NTEA managing director.
Spec’ing for Success
New this year is Spec’ing for Success, a special session on Tuesday where fleet managers can participate in an in-depth, interactive workshop geared toward identifying correct specification components for many popular commercial vehicle applications. Following an overview of common components (terrain, axles, suspension, frame and weight distribution), presenters will cover how selections influence performance.
Green Truck Summit
Sean Waters, vice president of product compliance and regulatory affairs for Daimler Trucks North America, will discuss the future of trucks powered by electricity, diesel fuel and hydrogen fuel cells as part of his keynote address at Green Truck Summit on Tuesday. After the keynote, attendees can participate in a variety of general sessions on clean energy trends and initiatives for commercial vehicles.
New products
More than 100 companies have already announced plans to introduce new work trucks and equipment at The Work Truck Show. New products on tap for the 20th anniversary event range from OEM chassis, vehicle components, technology and equipment to complete trucks. Seventeen commercial vehicle manufacturers will provide exclusive chassis update sessions offering insights into their future commercial vehicle plans.
While you’re waiting for the main exhibit hall to open Wednesday and Thursday morning, check out the New Exhibitor Pavilion featuring 25 first-time Work Truck Show exhibitors. It’s located across from the Hall I exhibit hall entrance and opens at 9 a.m., an hour before the main exhibit hall to give attendees extra time to discover something new.
For more information and to register, visit worktruckshow.com/fleets.
SOURCE NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry
Shift Launches Online Car-Buying, Repairs, Financial Tools 25 Feb 2020 6:49 AM (5 years ago)
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — California-based used car marketplace Shift today announced the successful launch of three new major offerings for its customers: a new way to buy cars directly online; a machine learning-powered financial tool to help customers predict their loan terms; and appointment-based maintenance and repairs.
NEW WAY TO BUY
In addition to the startup’s signature on-demand-test-drive appointment offering, Shift has introduced the option for customers to buy cars directly online, without any test drive or in-person visit necessary, and have the vehicle shipped to them, all through Shift’s seamless digital process. Shift’s five-day return policy applies, ensuring that customers can return the car for any reason within that period.
“From the first days of Shift, we always envisioned that some portion of customers would want to buy a car fully online without first seeing the car, and then have it shipped to them,” said Shift co-founder and co-CEO George Arison. “Over the last few months we have released this capability to our customers— expanding our forward-thinking, fully paperless car buying experience to include both test drives brought to their driveway and purchases completed online.” Since its launch in November, direct-online sales has accounted for about 15 percent of Shift’s overall sales.
FINANCING
Shift has launched a custom-built loan prequalification tool to help customers get an advance view into their financing options. The two-part tool utilizes machine learning to predict a customer’s likely loan offers, without requiring any personal information such as phone number, address or social security number. This helps customers understand their financing options without committing to a specific loan or lender, and with no impact on their credit score.
Once a customer has provided their pre-qualification details, they can filter out cars that fall outside their loan parameters, and view each car’s price based on their estimated monthly payment. The feature allows users to tailor their preferred down payment and loan duration, giving them control over their shopping and financing experience.
“Making car buying more accessible and transparent has always been core to our mission,” said Shift Co-CEO Toby Russell. “Now, consumers making a large, considered purchase have full access to key financial information from the beginning of their buying journey. This is a game changer for many customers.”
REPAIRS
In the interest of creating a more seamless ownership experience, Shift has launched digital appointment-based retail repairs and maintenance for customers in its Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area regions. Those who have an existing account with Shift can go online to schedule appointments for their vehicles for standard maintenance and servicing, and use the digital portals to view updates on their service, receive reports, and complete payment online. The average cost of services through Shift are estimated to be approximately 30 percent less than local market rate.
About Shift
Shift (Shift Technologies Inc) is an e-commerce platform on a mission to make car-buying convenient, fair, and accessible for everyone. With algorithm-based pricing, instant quotes and at-home appointments, the online marketplace is committed to putting buyers and sellers back in the driver’s seat. It is backed by investors including Lithia Motors, Alliance Ventures, BMW iVentures, Goldman Sachs Investment Partners (GSIP), G2VP, DCM, Threshold Ventures, and Highland Capital.
SOURCE Shift
Hertz is First Car Rental Company Named by Ethisphere as Most Ethical Companies 25 Feb 2020 6:46 AM (5 years ago)
ESTERO, Fla., Feb. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ), one of the largest car rental companies, has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies of 2020.
The Hertz Corporation – consisting of Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly car rental – is the first car rental company to earn this title from Ethisphere. Of the 132 companies being recognized across 21 countries and 51 industries, Hertz is the only company in the Transportation & Logistics category.
“It’s an honor for Hertz to be named one of the most ethical companies in the world and to be the first in our industry to earn such recognition” said Kathryn Marinello, Hertz President and CEO. “We have a robust Compliance team dedicated to educating employees and making sure integrity and compliance are the foundation of our business. It touches everything we do, from our written policies to our relationships with our suppliers and being a first responder on vehicle recalls for the safety of our customers.”
The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe. Grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the assessment includes more than 200 questions on culture; environmental and social practices; ethics and compliance activities; governance; diversity; and initiatives to support a strong value chain.
“Hertz is among a select group of companies that infuse integrity into every area of their business,” said Timothy Erblich, Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer. “The company has a long legacy of being a leader in its industry while also working to advance a culture of compliance. Congratulations to everyone at Hertz on being named as one of the most ethical companies in the world.”
About Hertz
The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., is one of the largest car rental companies in the world consisting of Hertz – the flagship brand, which is currently rated #1 in Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power® – as well as the Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly rental companies. Named by Ethisphere® as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies of 2020, the company operates over 10,200 corporate and franchisee locations in 150 countries.
The Hertz Corporation also owns fleet management leader Donlen and sells vehicles through Hertz Car Sales. For more information about The Hertz Corporation, visit: www.hertz.com.
About the Ethisphere Institute
The Ethisphere® Institute is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character and measure and improve culture. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World’s Most Ethical Companies recognition program and provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership
SOURCE The Hertz Corporation