Florida could suspend Carvana’s dealer license after it has failed to transfer the titles of some vehicles sold.
Carvana was reportedly notified of the issues in an email sent by Florida authorities last week. This email is said to have included a spreadsheet that showed 300 Carvana vehicle sales dating back to 2019 that had not had their titles transferred. More than 100 of these vehicle sales occurred in Florida.
State law in Florida requires retailers to apply for a title within 30 days of completing a sale. Speaking with Auto News, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said Carvana has until January 31 to submit title applications for all the vehicles it sold in 2021 before December 1.
“The department has been proactively working with Carvana to identify and assist Florida customers who have not received their title in a timely manner, and in accordance with state law,” the spokesperson added. “Florida law allows for the suspension of the dealer’s license if they fail to apply for a transfer of title in a timely manner.”
This isn’t the first time Carvana has been scrutinized for not delivering titles in time. Earlier this year it settled with Florida regulators and agreed to pay $500 each to 12 customers who had to wait three to eight months to receive titles on vehicles they purchased. In August, Carvana had its dealer license suspended for 180 days in Wake County, North Carolina for not producing titles fast enough, among other issues.
Carvana sold 244,111 vehicles in the U.S. last year, making it the country’s second-largest retailer of used vehicles. A spokeswoman from the company says Carvana has applied for around 23,500 titles in Florida over the past 12 months.
The fifth-generation Avalon might have been introduced in 2018, but Toyota has confirmed that 2022 will mark the end of its production. Today, the automaker announced pricing for the 2022 MY alongside a few changes in the lineup.
The 2022 Toyota Avalon starts from $36,375 (excluding the $1,025 fee), making it $250 more expensive than last year’s model.
The full-size sedan is not available in AWD variants anymore, while the sporty TRD trim was also dropped from the range. The good news for prospective buyers is the addition of new safety features as standard, including the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package (dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, etc), and the addition of a rear-seat reminder system.
Just like last year, the Avalon is available with gas and hybrid powertrains. The 3.5-liter V6 produces 301 hp (224 kW / 305 PS) and 267 lb-ft (362 Nm) of torque, mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox that sends power to the front axle. The hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors producing a combined 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and comes with a fuel economy rating of 44 mpg combined.
The 2022 lineup includes six trim levels, including the XSE Nightshade Edition that is visually differentiated from the glossy black accents, the 19-inch wheels, and the rear diffuser. Inside, variants are differentiated with the base XLE featuring SofTex upholstery and “engineered wood” trim, the Limited coming with perforated leather and genuine wood sourced from Yamaha, and the Touring with perforated SofTex / Ultrasuede and aluminum trim.
In terms of equipment, the Limited and Touring come standard with a premium 14-speaker JBL Audio system, a 10-inch Head-up display, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / Amazon Alexa), a wireless charging pad, and a moonroof (also standard on the Nightshade, optional in XLE, XLE hybrid). The Touring is the sportiest of the bunch equipped with the electronically controlled Adaptive Variable Suspension system, and an extra driving mode (eco, normal, sport, sport+, custom)
Geely and Renault are rumored to be on the verge of announcing a new partnership. The two companies are reported to have been working on a joint venture since the beginning of the year, with the details finalized and an announcement imminent.
The venture will help create a new plug-in hybrid-focused automotive brand, reports Reuters. Chinese automaker, Geely, is expected to provide their CMA architecture that both Geely and Volvo currently use. Renault will focus its attention on design and marketing, focusing on the world’s largest car market — China.
A Chinese Re-entry For Renault, South Korean Lynk & Co For Geely
The deal will allow Renault to re-enter China, which it exited a year ago when a JV with Dongfeng was dissolved. It may also be a way for the French company to expand its presence throughout Asia, with particular attention paid to its South Korean assembly plant that has manufactured vehicles under Renault Samsung Motors. Renault has held an 80% stake in Samsung Motors since 2000 and is South Korea’s third-largest automaker.
Geely may be able to gain access to any number of Renault’s production facilities, but it’s thought that the Busan plant in southeastern South Korea is of particular interest. According to the report’s unnamed sources, Lynk & Co, a brand under Geely, may produce its 01 SUV locally, with other hybrid offerings from the brand being considered. These could be sold under the Renault Samsung name.
Geely’s Ticket To The U.S.
In addition to propping up Renault Samsung (whose sales have been waning) and gaining access to the Korean market, there’s another significant benefit for Geely.
By producing vehicles in South Korea, the Chinese company could very well gain a form of duty-free “backdoor entry” into the U.S. market. Sino-U.S. tensions have hurt trade for Chinese automakers trying to break into the second-biggest car market in the world. But the deal with Renault could open up the possibility of utilizing South Korea’s free-trade agreement with the United States to export its Lynk & Co vehicles.
As of yet, there is no solid indication of a time frame for an announcement. It also isn’t quite clear where this arrangement will fit in with the Renault-Nissan alliance.
Used cars prices dropped in August for the first time in seven months after seven months in which they skyrocketed compared to 2020.
Figures from the Labor Department reveal that prices slipped by 1.4 per cent last month, posting the first decline since January. However, used car prices are still up 31.9 per cent from 12 months ago and as the global chip shortage continues to wreak havoc on the production of new vehicles resulting in supply not keeping up with demand in many cases, may remain high for quite some time.
Fox Business notes that used car prices were also supported by the flight from city centers to the suburbs and multiple rounds of stimulus checks. In addition, rental car companies have begun to restock their fleets after selling them off during the early stages of the pandemic.
“Used car prices started to see a negative payback after the record-smashing rally over the past year,” noted Bank of America economist Alexander Lin.
The Federal Reserve added that the surge in used car prices serves as evidence that inflation is transitory and that prices will recede once supply chain disruptions are resolved.
3M chief financial officer Monish Patolawala says new vehicle production will decline 6 per cent year-over-year in the second half of this year due to the chip shortage. However, some analysts expect used car prices to remain relatively stable in the coming months.
If you happen to have a vehicle sitting around that you could do without, now could be the time to sell it. However, if you’re in the market for a used car, waiting for the chip shortage to end could be a wise move.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul last Wednesday signed into law a bill that sets a goal of making all new passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks sold in the state zero emissions by 2035. The state will then seek the same for all new medium- and heavy-duty trucks by 2045, if feasible.
“New York is implementing the nation’s most aggressive plan to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions affecting our climate and to reach our ambitious goals, we must reduce emissions from the transportation sector, currently the largest source of the state’s climate pollution,” Hochul said in a statement on Wednesday.
New York City, meanwhile, said that to meet its climate goals, it will need nearly a quarter of its 2 million vehicle owners to switch to EVs by 2030, per Reuters. To help make that goal a reality, the city vowed to install 10,000 curbside charging points by the end of the decade.
“When adopted, this new regulation will require an increasing percentage of all new trucks sold in New York [state] to be zero-emissions vehicles beginning with the 2025 model year, cementing our state as a national leader on actions to address climate change while spurring economic opportunities and helping to reduce air pollution,” said Basil Seggos, Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner.
New York joins California in setting a goal that is stricter than the federal government’s goal of making 50 percent of all new vehicles sold in America EVs by 2030. President Biden, though, has repeatedly refused to phase out all gas and diesel-powered vehicles by 2035, despite being asked to by Democrats in Congress. New York, therefore, has decided to go its own way.
“This new law and regulation mark a critical milestone in our efforts and will further advance the transition to clean electric vehicles while helping to reduce emissions in communities that have been overburdened by pollution from cars and trucks for decades,” said Hochul.
A police chase ended miraculously well after a scooter rider behaving erratically led police on a multi-city chase starting in Danvers, Massachusetts, and ending in Medford just north of Boston.
CBS News followed the chase from its helicopter as the scooter was ridden down Insterstate 93 going the wrong way and weaving through oncoming traffic.
What started the chase is unclear, but the police say they chose to follow the scooter rider from afar in an attempt not to escalate the situation with the rider, who they believed to be suicidal.
Police apprehended the rider on Mystic Avenue in Medford and CBS reports that EMS was there to attend to him shortly after the chase ended.
Of course, not only is the rider lucky to be alive, but everyone driving down the highway this morning was lucky, too as the rider’s erratic driving could easily have triggered an accident that could have been very dangerous for other motorists.
The chase ended at 11:00 am local time and the suspect is now in police custody.
Porsche has teamed up with New York fashion label Aimé Leon Dore (ALD) and restored a 911 Super Carrera (SC) for this year’s New York Fashion Week.
ALD founder and creative director Teddy Santis decided to have the car finished in the ‘Olive’ classic Porsche color and have rally-inspired auxiliary lights fitted to the bonnet alongside Fuchs wheels and a roof rack.
“The vision for this project was always to portray the Super Carrera with a completely different type of intimacy than the 964 but in a way that would feel equally impactful,” Santis says. “The design of the vehicle and the creative direction for the project both come from my childhood on the Greek islands and the unique beauty of things that get better with age and wear in that environment.”
The interior of the car is just as special as the exterior. For example, Persian carpets have been used as floor mats and are also found in the door panels. In addition, the original Recaro seats were restored by Recaro itself and all the materials used in the cabin were processed by hand.
Porsche and ALD displayed the 911 SC at Porsche’s flagship showroom in Manhattan over the weekend.
“Working in partnership with Porsche is always a deeply humbling experience and a privilege, but this project specifically left me with a deeper appreciation for the company, its core values, and the amazing people that work there,” added Santis. “It is a testament to the dedication, resourcefulness, and vision of the Porsche team that our relationship became tighter during the coronavirus crisis when all our plans were being thrown into chaos and we needed to adapt. More so than ever, the realization of this project is as much about teamwork and collective belief as it is about the shared vision of the two brands.”
Today, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), which includes Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, announced its plan to invest $7.4 billion in the U.S. by 2025 to produce future EVs, enhance production facilities and further its investments in smart mobility solutions.
HMG’s investment will enhance overall product competitiveness by prioritizing future mobility technologies, including electrification and hydrogen energy.
José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor Company’s Global Chief Operating Officer and President and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America said, “I am excited to make this announcement on behalf of the Hyundai Motor Group. This investment demonstrates our deep commitment to the U.S. market, our dealers and customers. Hyundai will lead the future of mobility in the United States and around the world. Our efforts are proof positive that Hyundai will continue to pursue excellence in our current and future product line-up.”
Sean Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America added, “One key element of Kia’s transformation is transitioning from internal combustion engine to electrification. With our strategic investment in the United States to produce EV models, we are making huge strides to lead the EV market but also increase our contribution to the economies where we do business.”
Hyundai and Kia will invest in growing its EV manufacturing footprint to scale production and satisfy U.S. market demands. Hyundai Motor will offer a suite of American-made electric vehicles to U.S. consumers starting next year.
Hyundai and Kia will monitor the market conditions and U.S. government EV policy to finalize its plan to enhance its U.S. production facilities and gradually expand its local EV production.
The Hyundai Motor Co. Nexo fuel cell car stands on display during the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018. Electric and driverless cars will remain a big part of this year’s CES, as makers of high-tech cameras, batteries, and AI software vie to climb into automakers’ dashboards. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
Hyundai Motor Group will expand the U.S. hydrogen ecosystemin collaboration with local private and public partners
Hyundai Motor Group looks forward to working with the U.S. government and other business partners to expand the U.S. hydrogen energy ecosystem. The Group is committed to fostering a hydrogen society to create new business opportunities for a sustainable future.
Hyundai Motor Group signed an MOU with the U.S. Department of Energy in February 2020 to cooperate in hydrogen fuel cell technology innovation and global expansion. This included the installation of a hydrogen refueling station and providing NEXO SUVs.
Later this year, Hyundai will proceed on demonstration project in preparation for commercialization of fuel cell electric trucks. Hyundai Motor will also work with local partners to conduct a hydrogen refueling demonstration project for fuel cell electric trucks. and provide logistics between port and inland warehouses by utilizing fuel cell electric trucks.
Hyundai have previously made an agreement with Cummins Inc., an U.S. based company which specializes in advanced powertrain, to accelerate deployment of fuel cell electric systems in the U.S. market.
HMG to invest inUrban Air Mobility (UAM), robotics and autonomous technologies
Hyundai Motor Group will launch a subsidiary in Washington, D.C. to spearhead the Group’s UAM businesses. The subsidiary will focus on creating an UAM ecosystem and revolutionizing the mobility experience.
The Group also will firmly establish its presence in the robotics field through Boston Dynamics. The Group announced last year that it agreed to acquire a controlling 80 percent interest in Boston Dynamics in a deal that values the mobile robot firm at $1.1 billion.
In addition, Hyundai Motor Group has created the joint venture, Motional, in partnership with the leading U.S. mobility technology firm Aptiv. Focused on commercializing driverless technology, Motional has obtained the industry’s first driverless license in the state of Nevada and plans to commercialize robotaxi service in 2023 along with its partner Lyft. Motional has started testing Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 equipped with advanced autonomous driving technology on public roads.
Together, the Hyundai Motor Group and Motional will enhance its autonomous driving technology in preparation for Lyft’s robotaxi launch in 2023.
Interested in acquiring this Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG? Good – but you’ll first have to get the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s blessing.
The reason is that the rare car was imported to the United States from Germany and federalized by Wallace Environmental Testing Laboratories of Houston for ‘show or display’. Therefore, any transfer of ownership must first be approved by the NHTSA. Moreover, the annual mileage will have to be kept at under 2,500 miles (4,023 km) and the new owner will also have to make it available for inspection by the safety agency until it turns 25 years old.
A German Touring Car Championship homologation special, the CLK DTM AMG was built in 180 examples, 100 coupes and 80 cabriolets. This one came to life in 2005 and has less than 1,600 miles (2,575 km) on the odometer, with 100 of them covered over the past six years. It sports a silver paint finish and black leather & Alcantara interior, and has a plaque that denotes its arrival in the Lone Star State in 2009. It is estimated that only five such rides are currently in North America.
Powering it is a 574 HP 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that’s hooked up to a 5G-Tronic automatic transmission. Top speed stands at over 200 mph (320 km/h) and it will hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just four seconds.
Accompanied by the original manuals, first aid kit, tool kit and battery tender, this CLK DTM AMG will go on sale at the RMSothebys Amelia Island auction on May 22.
The 2022 U.S.-spec Tucson N Line and Plug-in Hybrid have finally been revealed. The N Line package offers sexy looks while the efficient plug-in hybrid model offers surprising performance.
The N Line tweaks the Tucson’s appearance to make it look a little more aggressive. Adorned with special bumpers, a new grille, black headlights bezels, black side mirrors, dual-tip exhausts, and a rear spoiler, the N Line Tucson certainly looks sportier.
The new 19-inch, N Line-exclusive wheels help round out the look and N Line badging ensures people know what they’re looking at. It can be had in Ash Black, White Pearl, Titan Gray, and Red Crimson, which is only available with this trim package.
Inside, you get a black headliner and red accents on the doors and seats. Speaking of the seats, they come in leather with fabric inserts with the N Line badge. The badge also finds its way onto the shifter and the leather-wrapped steering wheel. You also get a Bose audio system and the whole package comes with everything included in the SEL and Convenience packages. This is strictly an appearance package, though, so no performance modifications have been made.
The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, meanwhile, is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor for a total output of 261 hp, while the 13.8 kWh battery gives an all-electric range of 32 miles and features Level II fast charging that enables a full charge in less than two hours.
In all, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid should offer 70 MPGe of fuel economy and is capable of towing up to 2,000 lbs, and is offered as standard with all-wheel.
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Hyundai is also promising an engaging driving experience, saying it has designed the Plug-in Hybrid to be more fun to drive than its competitors. It will feature e-handling technology to control torque in order to make it handle better. The system can even use the electric motors to apply some slowing force on corner entry and improve turn-in response. As you accelerate out of the corner, meanwhile, it will funnel power to the rear as much as possible to counter understeer and help you go around the bends faster.
Hyundai has already announced that the Tucson N Line will start at $30,600, but has not revealed Plug-in Hybrid pricing yet. The N Line will be available in spring, while the Plug-in Hybrid will come this summer.
