Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
GM Says It Has Solved Chevrolet Bolt Battery Issue, Will Resume Production
General Motors has finally found the root of the defect that caused Bolt batteries to catch fire. The problem was a rare combination of two defects known as a “torn anode” and a “folded separator”. Thankfully, GM will resume production of the batteries with new measures in place and will fix problems with Bolts that are already on the road.
The New 2022 Hyundai Staria-Load Is One Funky Looking Commercial Van
Hyundai has just launched the commercial version of its futuristic-looking Staria van as a replacement for the aging iLoad. The Staria-Load is sharing the platform with the Hyundai Santa Fe and promises to offer significant improvements over its predecessor. It is currently available in the Australian market with the 2.2-liter CRDi turbo-diesel engine producing 174 hp (130 kW), transmitted to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Chrysler 300 Could Die In 2023, Dodge Durango Might Follow Soon After
The 2022 Chrysler 300 was recently announced with a handful of updates, but the aging sedan, which traces its roots in the distant 2011, could be living on borrowed time according to the latest reports. Besides the 300 which is suffering from declining sales, the Dodge Durango could also be axed since the upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee L is expected to cannibalize its – already slow – sales.
2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Goes On Sale For $22,900
Following the eleventh-generation Honda Civic Sedan that went on sale last June, it’s time for the hatchback variant to arrive at US dealers. Prices start from $22,900. The five-door bodystyle aims to appeal to young buyers and is available in four different trim levels – LX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring. All of them are powered by the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 158 hp (118 kW / 160 PS), mated to either a CVT or an optional six-speed manual, sending power to the front wheels.
Jean-Philippe Imparato Says “I’m Selling Alfa Romeos, Not An iPad With Some Car Around It”
Alfa Romeo’s new CEO believes that all models of the Italian brand should always be focused on the driver, so he insists on them having the fewest screens possible. Contrasting the current trend with huge touchscreens and digital instrument clusters, Imparato said: “I’m not selling an iPad with a car around it, I’m selling an Alfa Romeo.” getting a lot of supportive comments from Alfa Romeo fans all over the world.
Toyota CEO Says Full Shift To EVs Could Cost Japan Millions Of Jobs
Akio Toyoda warns that millions of automotive jobs could be at risk if the Japanese government pursues an ambitious push for carbon neutrality. Toyota’s CEO and chairman of Japan’s automaker association explained that a radical shift to electric vehicles could cripple the company’s manufacturing industry, adding “If they say internal combustion engines are the enemy, we would not be able to produce almost any vehicles.”
Liberty Walk And Sphere Light Offer A $20k Wide Bodykit For The Toyota Land Cruiser Series 300
After Modelista and Wald who have already presented their own body kits for the Land Cruiser, Liberty Walk stepped into the game adding its signature wide fenders and bumper extensions on the Series 300. The added parts are limiting the off-road credentials of the SUV but not all Land Cruiser buyers are interested in driving off the beaten track. If you are interested, the cost for the whole package is ¥1,958,000 ($17,871) in Japan or $19,580 in other markets.
What Else Is Making The News
30,000 Tonnes Of E-Waste Produced Each Year By Bitcoin Mining
New research shows that Bitcoin mining might not be so innocent after all, producing an estimated 30,700 tonnes of electronic waste each year. This makes an average of 272g of e-waste per transaction, weighing more than an iPhone. The e-waste is produced by the large amounts of energy used by miner’s computers which have an average lifespan of only 1.29 years as reported by BBC.
ASUS ROG Gaming Furniture Available At IKEA
Starting from next month in the US, you will be able to create your gaming room by visiting an IKEA store, thanks to the new Asus ROG gaming furniture range. Gamers will be able to find gaming chairs, desks, drawers, lighting, mousepads, neck pillows, and more gaming gear, both in the physical IKEA stores and online.