Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
That Was Fast, VinFast CEO Quits After Less Than A Year On The Job
After being appointed CEO of VinFast in July, Micheal Lohscheller announced that he will be leaving the company due to “personal reasons”. The executive has had a substantial amount of experience in the industry, being the former vice president of the VW Group of America and then CEO of Opel before accepting the reigns at VinFast. Lohschellar will be replaced by VinFast’s current Vice-Chair Le Thi Thu Thuy, who will be in charge of the company’s introduction of A, B, and C segment vehicles scheduled for next month.
CyberKAT Is A Cybertruck-Inspired Remote Controlled Snowcat That’ll Soon Come With A Snowblower
Although Tesla’s Cybertruck is yet to be available for purchase, its radical design that was first seen two years ago has had a strong enough impact for it to be a hot topic. In fact, the Cybertruck isn’t just a headline, it has become an inspiration, and Spyker Workshop’s CyberKAT is the perfect case in point. measuring in at 29 inches long and 19 inches wide, the CyberKAT is a remote-controlled fully electric snowcat that is based on an aluminum sheet metal frame with a familiar design that resembles a miniature Cybertruck. The RC car, however, will beat Tesla’s Cybertruck in terms of delivery, with shipments reaching customers within the first 2 months of 2022.
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre EV Makes Spy Debut Revealing Split Headlights
In September 2020, Rolls-Royce announced their first-ever fully electric production model, teasing nothing more than a heavily camouflaged vehicle in their video. Up until recently, we knew very little about the EV, other than it was dubbed “Spectre,” and that it inherited a two-door coupe design that looked similar to the ICE-powered Wraith. But spy photographers have done well to capture the Spectre, and the images reveal a few extra features absent from the teaser, the biggest ones being split headlights and a much bulkier stance than its ICE-powered cousins. Nothing regarding the Spectre’s powertrain has been mentioned to date, but more information on the car can be expected in the coming months as it travels worldwide for testing.
UK Automotive Production Reaches Lowest Level Since 1984
The UK’s automotive production levels have hit alarmingly low levels, as the country saw the lowest number of new vehicles for a month since 1984. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), only 75,756 vehicles were produced last month, marking it as the fifth month of declining production. SMMT blames both supply chain issues and the wider national backdrop for the falling production numbers. In addition to the chip shortage and other Covid-related disruptions, the U.K. also suffered a loss in production following the closure of a Honda plant this summer.
QOTD: How Would You Save Chrysler?
Have you heard about Chrysler lately? It isn’t surprising if you haven’t. The company has done pretty much nothing during the last couple of years, and their lack of innovation has put them in dire straits. With a completely stagnant lineup that consists of two minivans and the prehistoric 300 (which will also be dropped eventually), it isn’t surprising that the automaker’s sales have dropped from 324,846 units sold in the U.S to just 110,464 sold in 2020. But its parent company, Stellantis, hasn’t given up hope. Chrysler is said to be pulling off the covers of their Airflow concept next week, highlighting an electric crossover that will go into production by 2024. Will this move save the once prestigious American brand? only time will tell.
Aussie Tuner TJM Makes 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Even More Capable
Australian customers looking to purchase the 2020 Land Cruiser 300 in hopes of making it an off-roader, Aussie tuner TJM might be the place to go. The company has introduced a series of off-road upgrades for the new Land Cruiser. This includes a new suspension system and wicked-looking metal front bumper, LED lights, Skid plates, and an AirTech snorkel to name a few.
Ferrari FXX K Evo Crashed During A Track Day Event At Mugello
A recent Instagram post by Supercar Fails showed one of the most sought-after track-only hypercars being carried off on a flat-bed from the Mugello Circuit in Italy. With just 40 units ever made, all of which are accessible only by the members of Ferrari’s exclusive Corse Clienti, The FXX K Evo is an Ultra rare vehicle that was designed for track purposes only. The post showed one of the examples being carried off with serious damage after taking part in the Ferrari Challenge Finali Mondiali 2021 that took place at the Mugello. Luckily, there were no reported injuries.
What Else Is Making The News
Beijing Criticises Musk’s Starlink
China has criticized Elon Musk’s Starlink, as its space station was forced to avoid collisions with satellites launched by his Starlink Internet Services project. The incidents behind the complaints, lodged with the UN’s space agency, have not yet been independently verified, reports the BBC.
Alexa Gives 10-Year-Old A Lethal Challenge
Amazon’s Alexa voice assistance told a 10-year-old girl to touch a coin to the prongs of a half-inserted plug. It came after the child has asked Alexa for a challenge. Amazon has since updated its AI.