Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Michigan Deems Carvana An “Imminent Threat” To The Public, Suspends Their License To Sell Cars
Carvana’s controversies continue to follow the used car dealer as Michigan becomes the latest state to outlaw the organization. Carvana is accused of committing fraudulent acts, with employees having admitted to destroying title applications. The company also violated the terms of a probation agreement 127 times and failed to make applications for titles and registrations within 15 days of delivery for 112 customers. If that wasn’t enough, the state alleges Carvana improperly issued temporary registrations and failed to maintain odometer records, among other offenses.
Mobilize Duo And Bento Are Renault Group’s New Subscription-Based Urban EVs
The successor to the Renault Twizzy, the Mobilize Due and Bento will be available from 2023 and 2024, respectively. Customers won’t be able to buy them outright; instead, the EVs can be used on subscription or long-term lease schemes. Mobilize, the car-sharing and ride-hailing arm of the Renault Group, will offer the Duo to individuals, while the cargo-carrying Bento is designed for professional customers.
Rivian Is Recalling Almost All Its EVs Over Front Suspension Issue
Nearly every Rivian that has been produced is being recalled for a potential issue with the front upper control arm and steering knuckle. The notice impacts over 12,000 vehicles, including examples of the R1T, R1S, and EDV.
2023 Nissan Versa Puts On A New Face And Gains A Newly Available 8-Inch Infotainment System
The 2023 Nissan Versa is getting a fresh face, with a much wider and taller grille than before. Other changes include a new Sky Gray Pearl exterior color, Nissan’s new logo featured around the car, and a new set of rims for the top-spec SR trim. There are various interior and trim changes for the facelifted Versa too, including a new S Plus package that raises the entry-level trim a notch or two.
The Kia Niro has been a big part of the brand’s success of late, and proved to be a popular option in the ever-competitive crossover space. But the model is about to be replaced with a second generation, and as we all know, sequels can have a tough time living up to their origin stories. Does the Niro impress enough to continue that winning formula? Find out in our first drive review.
Audi Considers Opening First U.S. Plant To Get EV Tax Credits
Audi has confirmed that the brand is exploring the possibility of setting up a production plant in the United States in response to President Biden’s new EV tax credits as part of the Inflation Reduction Act that require cars and battery materials to originate from the US. Speaking to Autonews, Oliver Hoffman, Audi’s head of technical development, said that America’s new rules “will have a huge impact on our strategy here.”
Jaguar F-Type Riding Off Into The Sunset, Getting 75 Edition As A Sendoff
Jaguar is going all-EV soon, which means that it’ll be killing off the brand’s ICE-powered F-Type. As a parting gift to fans of the car, and in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Jaguar sports cars, the company will offer F-Type 75 and F-Type R 75 special editions. For the range-topping g F-Type R 75, power is increased to 567 hp (423 kW / 575 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque, while all special editions will feature Adaptive Dynamics and “rear knuckles made from light, stiff aluminum die castings.
What Else Is Making The News
Tom Cruise Set To Become First Actor To Film In Space
Is this woman really taking Tom Cruise to space? And even more crucially, how did a Brit from the Isle of Wight end up one of the most powerful people in Hollywood? What's the secret of her success? My full interview with the Universal boss today 1630 The Media Show @BBCRadio4 pic.twitter.com/BahudXGvJo
— Katie Razzall (@katierazz) October 5, 2022
Tom Cruise may become the first actor to shoot a scene in space, according to Universal President Donna Langley, who told BBC News that there are plans to send him to the International Space Station, where he may become the first civilian to perform a spacewalk.
Elon Musk Says He Spoke To Kanye West Over Offensive Tweet
Talked to ye today & expressed my concerns about his recent tweet, which I think he took to heart
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 11, 2022
The world’s richest man, who’s also poised to buy Twitter, tweeted that he spoke to Kanye West following an offensive tweet. Bloomberg reports that Twitter removed the offending tweet directed at Jewish people and locked his account after the artist returned to the platform for the first time in two years.