2022 Detroit auto show press days recap: Mustang reveal, Biden visit, EV charging tech

The 2022 North American International Auto show got underway in Detroit with press days this week before opening to the public Saturday. While there were fewer world debuts than usual there was still plenty to talk about: President Joe Biden toured the show floor and touted his domestic EV and battery policy. The administration also announced it approved 35 EV infrastructure deployment plans by states and territories. The seventh-generation Ford Mustang was unveiled as part of a “Mustang Stampede” into downtown Detroit. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said he was open to the unionization of coming U.S. battery plants. Just ahead of the show Chrysler unveiled a 300c variant with a 6.4-liter Hemi engine. Mobility, technology and EV charging companies were a bigger part of the show and conversation. There was plenty to keep reporters busy. Here's the rundown: Stellantis CEO: Detroit show austerity could help it surviveMon, Sep 19, 1:33 amCarlos Tavares saw frugality on display at the first Detroit auto show in more than three years, but he doesn't view that as a negative.Automakers, the Stellantis CEO said, are doing what they can to get the best return on their investments. He thinks the savings from a toned-down atmosphere could result in brands returning to future shows, making the event more sustainable in the long run.Full storyNot all models are for the roadSun, Sep 18, 2:18 pmOf all the electric vehicles showcased at the Detroit auto show, only one can fully charge in 60 minutes, reach a speed of 155 mph and climb to a height of 12,000 feet.That distinction belongs to the Air One prototype, a two-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft brought to the Motor City by Israeli startup Air.Full storyBattery Show highlights how far EV supply chain has to goFri, Sep 16, 5:56 pmWhile automakers and dealers were showing off new electric vehicle offerings 30 miles down the road at the Detroit auto show, thousands of executives, engineers, salespeople and journalists gathered in Novi, Mich., at the Battery Show this week to discuss how the EVs of the future will be powered.It's an urgent topic. Automakers are setting aggressive EV sales targets, and the federal government is pressing for 50 percent of new-vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2030. California is moving to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles beginning in 2035.But the battery supply chain to make it all possible remains fragile.Full storyBASF debuts color trends at Detroit auto show boothFri, Sep 16, 3:42 pmA shade reminiscent of a volcanic explosion represents North America's latest car color trend, auto coatings supplier BASF said at the Detroit auto show.BASF showcased the shade Lava at the show Wednesday. The color represents a crossroads of high technology and sustainability, BASF designers said.Full storyIn Detroit, new thoughts on what to do with portalsFri, Sep 16, 2:35 pmAutomakers have us wondering lately what in the world their designers might do with the front ends and hoods of vehicles once engine compartments are rendered obsolete by EV batteries. But that's a styling challenge for the future.At last week's Detroit auto show, we were struck by a more immediate design changewith vehicle portals. Doors and rear hatches are suddenly showing new expressiveness, for no particular reason.Full storyBiggest debuts in Detroit? Don't overlook EV charging techThu, Sep 15, 7:58 pmPresident Joe Biden unveiled the latest developments in his efforts to deploy 500,000 electric-vehicle chargers Wednesday. Automakers unveiled EVs such as the Chevrolet Equinox and Cadillac Lyriq in the days heading into the Detroit auto show.Not to be overlooked: EV charging companies themselves.Autel Energy, the U.S. subsidiary of China-based Autel Intelligent Technology Corp., unveiled a charging unit that will allow customers to both charge their vehicles and power their houses. Plug Zen, headquartered in Detroit, showcased a manufacturing partnership and plans to produce an in-vehicle charger in late 2023.WiTriCity, a Massachusetts company developing wireless charging tech, showed a Ford Mustang Mach-E outfitted with its Halo charger.Full storyThe story behind the Mustang Dark Horse nameThu, Sep 15, 5:34 pmHow’d Ford get the name for the Dark Horse, its first new Mustang performance series in 21 years?According to CEO Jim Farley, it has nothing to do with the dark shade of the vehicle’s unique metallic paint color, called Blue Ember.Rather, he says it’s about Ford embracing its underdog status — both on the race track and in the burgeoning electric vehicle market."To compete at Le Man, we have to really have breakthrough technology to win against Ferrari and Porsche," Farley told reporters following the vehicle’s Wednesday night reveal. "They’re the established players, we are the dark horse."Ford announced Wednesday it plans to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France starting in 2024 with the GT3 racing version of the seventh-generation Mustang.Beyond that, Farley is attempting to overtake Tesla CEO Elon Musk in electric vehicle sales and has benchmarked Tesla and other EV startups as he attempts to make Ford’s retail strategy more competitive."I had a shirt at the dealer show [earlier this week in Las Vegas], it said ’Ford vs. Everyone.’ That’s kind of our attitude," Farley said. "We want to be a dark horse. We’re a dark horse against Tesla in the EV business." — Michael MartinezLincoln president: Dealer consolidation but no buyouts plannedThu, Sep 15, 2:32 pmLincoln Motor Co. expects a continued winnowing of its dealer network in the coming years as it pivots to electric vehicles, but the brand has no plans to offer a formal buyout program like some of its rivals.Lincoln President Joy Falotico said in an interview Wednesday she expects the luxury brand will end 2022 with under 600 retailers, down from the 685 it had as of the latest Automotive News dealer census. About five years ago, Falotico said, Lincoln had more than 1,000.Full storyWhy Hyundai Mobis is bullish on North AmericaThu, Sep 15, 1:44 pmNontraditional customers and new products for electric vehicles â€” that's how Korean supplier giant Hyundai Mobis intends to more than double its size in the North American supply chain.With $29 billion in global sales to automakers last year, the world's sixth-largest auto supplier is embarking on a growth drive in North America, pitching some 30 new technologies to potential customers here in the next few years. It is using the Detroit auto show this week to broadcast its plan, marking the first time it has participated in the Detroit show.Full storyChina's U.S. ambassador: Don't cut China out of EV chainThu, Sep 15, 12:33 pmChina's ambassador to the U.S. warned against the potential risks of trying to cut the country off, using a visit to the Detroit auto show to highlight the "intertwined" interests of the world's two biggest economies."To decouple with China means to disconnect from the world's largest market as well as the biggest opportunity," Qin Gang said in an interview at the auto show Wednesday. The interests of both nations are "intertwined," he said, pointing out that General Motors' latest models are "designed, developed, produced and to be sold" in China, while more China-built cars are being exported to the rest of the world.Full storyDark Horse surpriseThu, Sep 15, 2:18 amFord made a few surprise announcements at Wednesday evening’s Mustang reveal. The automaker revealed a new Mustang Dark Horse variant, which it says is the first new performance series in 21 years. The vehicle is powered by a specially-tuned Coyote 5.0-liter engine that’s expected to generate 500 horsepower. The vehicle also comes with a new horse logo on the fenders, trunk and door sills.Additionally, Ford announced it would return to the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France with the 2024 Mustang. It last raced the GT supercar there from 2016 to 2019. — Michael MartinezThe 2024 Mustang revealedThu, Sep 15, 12:17 amFord throws a Motor City hoedown for 2024 MustangThu, Sep 15, 12:16 amFew nameplates have the star power of Fordâ€™s Mustang, even if U.S. consumers continue to abandon the car market, especially two-door coupes. The Mustang, nearly 60 years old now, remains one of two cars under the Ford Motor Co. umbrella â€“ the Ford GT supercar being the other one â€“ a testament to its broad and lasting appeal. And so itâ€™s major news when Ford retools the original pony car for a new generation of buyers. To cap the only media day for the 2022 North American International Detroit Auto Show, Ford threw a big party in downtown Detroit Wednesday night to showcase the retooled 2023 Mustang.Full storyAutoNews Now: The North American International Detroit Auto Show is backWed, Sep 14, 11:46 pmGiant rubber duck surroundedWed, Sep 14, 10:05 pmThe Mustang Stampede has the big duck surrounded pic.twitter.com/gI5Dw4zPzbMustang Stampede arrives downtownWed, Sep 14, 9:39 pm— Nick Bunkley (@nickbunkley) September 14, 2022Tavares says Stellantis open to unionization of coming battery plantsWed, Sep 14, 9:38 pmCarlos Tavares on Wednesday said Stellantis has "zero problems with unions" as the company prepares to build several electric vehicle battery plants in North America.Even if disagreements may arise at times, the CEO said discussions with unions are necessary."Good dialogue with unions is part of the competitiveness of any company," Tavares said during a virtual media roundtable at the 2022 Detroit auto show on Wednesday.Full storyBiden declares â€˜Detroit is back' as he touts EVs, clean energy futureWed, Sep 14, 7:51 pmPresident Joe Biden, a self-titled "car guy," pushed his vision for an electric vehicle future that positions the U.S. as a leader, creates American jobs and transitions the country to a clean energy economy in remarks delivered Wednesday at the Detroit auto show."I believe we can own the future of the automobile market. I believe we can own the future of manufacturing," Biden said. "American manufacturing is back. Detroit is back."Full storyMagna testing self-driving delivery bot on Michigan roadsWed, Sep 14, 7:48 pmAuto supplier Magna International Inc. is testing a last-mile autonomous delivery robot for use on public roads as the supplier giant looks to develop new businesses in the mobility space."The plan is to prove the technology â€” prove it has significantly lower costs than other use cases and other applications being offered â€” then scale it up into production," said Matteo Del Sorbo, global lead for Magna's new mobility unit, in an interview with Automotive News at the Detroit auto show.Full storyBiden touts legislative winsWed, Sep 14, 7:47 pmPresident Joe Biden toured the 2022 North American International Auto Show Wednesday, savoring legislative victories that landed billions of dollars in funding for electric vehicle sales incentives, charging infrastructure and support for building microchip factories critical for the auto industry.He walked the show floor, visiting multiple automaker booths where electric vehicles are now displayed as the newest and most advanced models. Following his tour Biden spoke to a UAW members, elected officials and auto industry executives at the Huntington Center.Although Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Debbie Stabenow were among the speakers, the president’s formal introduction came from UAW Local 598 President Ryan Buchalski.“Before assuming office, the president said he intended to be the most pro-union president leading the most pro-union administration in American history. You’ve shown that you will, and that you have,” Buchalski said.Here are the highlights of his remarks from the stage:“All told, my administration is investing more than $135 billion to advance America’s electric vehicle future. Our infrastructure law is also helping make it in America and win the economic race of the 21st century. We have a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s roads, bridges, railroads, ports, airports, lead-free water systems and high-speed internet. It’s the biggest investment in American infrastructure since President Eisenhower’s highway investment.“The U.S. manufacturers are in a position today to drive full speed ahead. I believe we can own the future of the automobile market. I believe we can own the future of manufacturing. American manufacturing is back. Detroit is back.“American manufacturing is roaring back. Just since I’ve been of office, we’ve already created 10 million new jobs. The unemployment rate is at 3.7 percent, near a 50-year low.“Where is it written that is says we can’t be the manufacturing hub of the world?”— Jerry HirschU.S. approves 35 EV charging infrastructure plans ahead of scheduleWed, Sep 14, 6:43 pmThirty-five of 52 submitted EV infrastructure deployment plans are now approved as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program created and funded by the $1 trillion infrastructure law.Full storyThe evolution of the Detroit auto showWed, Sep 14, 6:43 pmFloor space at the Detroit auto show used to be at a premium. Declining participation by automakers in this show and others around the globe, exacerbated by the lingering pandemic that canceled the Detroit event in 2020 and 2021, has left organizers searching for creative ways to fill vast swaths of space. The new reality is evident in changes that the show floor has undergone since 2014.Full storyBiden takes a look at Ford's Mustang Mach-EWed, Sep 14, 5:11 pmPresident Joe Biden talks with Ford Chairman Bill Ford Jr. and UAW President Ray Curry as they stand next to a Ford Mustang Mach-E on the floor of the Detroit auto show.GM CEO gives Biden, Michigan governor a tourWed, Sep 14, 5:09 pmGM CEO Mary Barra gives President Biden and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer a tour of the automaker's displays at the Detroit auto show floor on Wednesday.Barra meets BidenWed, Sep 14, 4:33 pmPresident Joe Biden is touring the floor of the Detroit auto show this afternoon. He met with GM CEO Mary Barra to get a look at the Chevrolet Silverado EV. He was scheduled to speak at the event at 1:45 p.m. EDT.Supplier Eaton uses Detroit auto show to unfurl EV ambitionsWed, Sep 14, 4:31 pmTo establish a foothold in the growing electric-vehicle space, power management company Eaton Corp. is leaning heavily on its "bread and butter" electrical business.Full storyLinkedIn Live talk today at 1 p.m.Wed, Sep 14, 3:15 pmBring your questions to a LinkedIn Live chat at 1 p.m. today from the floor of the Detroit auto show.Joining Executive Editor Jamie Butters will be Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights at Edmunds, and Automotive News Staff Reporter Michael Martinez. They'll share the latest buzz and take your questions.Full storyGM CEO Mary Barra, Mark Reuss at Chevy standWed, Sep 14, 3:05 pmGeneral Motors CEO Mary Barra and President Mark Reuss rehearse opening the electric Silverado pickup truck's tailgate in anticipation of the visit to the Chevrolet booth by President Joe Biden.Ram test trackWed, Sep 14, 3:04 pmThe #Ram Truck Territory test track makes its @NAIASDetroit debut this year. Professional drivers take riders through a series of challenges such as the "Ram Mountain." The Camp Jeep course is here for the first time as well. #DetroitAutoShow2022 pic.twitter.com/c3gjfVijn2— Vince Bond Jr. (@VinceBond86) September 14, 2022Loud EV Dodge ChargerWed, Sep 14, 3:03 pmThe electric Dodge Charger Daytona SRT concept made some noise Wednesday morning on the show floor with its unique growl.Biden on the way to showWed, Sep 14, 2:50 pmAs President Biden made his way to Detroit Metro Airport aboard Air Force One, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked in a press gaggle if he would test any electric vehicles today. "I don't know, but I want to test one!" she responded.Biden previously test drove the Ford F-150 Lightning BEV in Dearborn, and told the gathered press "This sucker's quick!" from behind the wheel after his short drive concluded.Biden and his delegation are on the tarmac at Detroit Metro, including Transportation Secretary (and now Michigan resident) Pete Buttigieg. However, he passed on making remarks at the airport and is now onboard The Beast, his Cadillac-badged luxury limousine built by General Motors.2023 Chevy Tahoe RST Performance Edition offers power bump, sharper handlingWed, Sep 14, 2:44 pmChevrolet is tweaking the Tahoe RST for the 2023 model year, bumping up horsepower and torque slightly with a four-wheel-drive Performance Edition. The vehicle was set to debut Wednesday at the North American International Detroit Auto Show.Full storyNorth American car, truck, utility of the year semifinalists namedWed, Sep 14, 1:40 pmElectric vehicles, hybrids, longtime top-sellers and new models from upstarts such as Lordstown and Rivian dominate the list of 26 semifinalists for 2023 North American car, truck and utility vehicle of the year.Kia, Honda, BMW, Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and Genesis have multiple models eligible across the three categories.Full storyTech, mobility on displayWed, Sep 14, 1:28 pmOnce space coveted by major brands, much of the back of the Detroit auto showâ€™s main floor is now home to AutoMobili-D, an exhibition space for mobility startups and other companies.Jeep 4xe variants of Grand Cherokee and Wrangler get special editionsWed, Sep 14, 12:43 pmJeep is diversifying its 4xe offerings with special-edition versions of the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler plug-in hybrids.The Grand Cherokee 4xe gets the 30th Anniversary edition to commemorate the vehicle's third decade on the market. Jeep said more than 7 million Grand Cherokees have been sold since debuting in 1992.The automaker is adding a retro touch to the Wrangler 4xe lineup with the heritage-inspired Willys trim.Full storyChrysler 300C to bid farewell with 6.4-liter, 485 hp Hemi engineWed, Sep 14, 12:15 amChrysler is bringing a power rush to the 300 before the aging sedan says farewell.The brand is closing out the 300's run by throwing in a 6.4-liter Hemi engine with 485 hp. Chrysler said the 300C variant it showed Tuesday ahead of the Detroit auto show will have a limited production run of only 2,000 units offered in the U.S. and another 200 in Canada. Consumers can reserve the car now.Full storyNot like it was, but the Detroit show goes onTue, Sep 13, 4:48 pmThis is not going to be your father's Detroit auto show, nor is it going to be your grandfather's auto show.Apologies for any misapplied generational assumptions, but you get the gist. The long-awaited return of the Detroit auto show â€” with a painfully convoluted new name â€” is sadly nothing like the sometimes awe-inspiring North American International Auto Show events from 1989 to (generously) 2019.Full storyColumn: Clarity needed, Mr. PresidentMon, Sep 12, 3:49 pmPresident Joe Biden is scheduled to walk the floor of the 2022 Detroit auto show Sept. 14. In a column, Staff Reporter Larry P. Vellequette outlines the many changes in the industry since the last Detroit show:Dear Mr. President,Welcome back to the Detroit auto show. We've missed you and every other self-professed auto enthusiast who still garners a visceral thrill just seeing and sitting in the latest and greatest from global automakers.It's been a while â€” almost the length of a presidential term â€” since we've had an auto show in the Motor City.So as long as you're here, I'd like to take this opportunity to get you up to speed on our industry â€” beyond just 0-to-60 in the Ford F-150 Lightning or a quarter-mile in a mid-engine 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06.Full storyLincoln freshens top-seller Corsair with hands-free driver assist, larger screenMon, Sep 12, 11:37 amDETROIT â€“ Lincoln Motor Co. is updating its best-selling nameplate, the Corsair crossover, with new technology, a larger touchscreen and exterior design tweaks in a bid to continue drawing new buyers to the brand.The 2023 Corsair, scheduled to hit showrooms early next year, will come available with Lincoln's ActiveGlide hands-free driver assist technology. While the feature debuted earlier this year on the freshened Navigator, the Corsair will be the first to come with an updated version that includes lane-change assist and other capabilities.Full storyFewer reveals, more experiencesSun, Sep 11, 11:19 amThe 2022 Detroit auto show, which returns this week after a 44-month hiatus, won't be the media-centric news extravaganza of years past.Only about 10 new vehicles are slated to be unveiled, fewer than half the usual number of journalists are registered to attend, and many major automakers are skipping it altogether.And that's OK, show organizers say.Full storyEV startup Harbinger Motors debuts chassis cab at showFri, Sep 9, 8:14 pmThe latest electric vehicle startup to enter the commercial fleet market, an outfit based in Los Angeles called Harbinger Motors, will show its product Wednesday at the show.The company, led by a team of engineers and executives who have experience at other new-era startups, such as Canoo, Faraday Future and Coda Automotive, plans to launch an electric chassis cab by the end of next year.Full story2024 Chevy Equinox EV: 250-mile range, $30,000 price tagThu, Sep 8, 2:41 pmThe $30,000 version of the Chevrolet Equinox EV will have a 250-mile driving range, about the same as the cheaper Bolt EV it will effectively replace. Higher-priced trims will offer up to 300 miles of range, Super Cruise hands-free driving technology and a 17.7-inch touch screen.Chevy will continue to offer the gasoline-powered Equinox, long one of Chevy's bestsellers, after the electric version arrives in 2023.Full storyTwo Jeep EVs to make U.S. debuts in 2024Thu, Sep 8, 2:39 pmYou may not see this at the Detroit show floor, but Jeep the week prior unveiled two upcoming electric SUVs.The Wrangler-inspired Recon and a sleek midsize crossover called the Wagoneer S will mark the beginning of the battery-electric era for the brand in its biggest market.Full storyBiden, chief 'car guy,' to attend Detroit showWed, Sep 7, 12:41 pmPresident Joe Biden is planning to attend the Detroit auto show, his first visit to the the Motor Cityâ€™s annual car spectacle since his days as vice president.â€œIâ€™ll be there,â€ he said Friday during a White House event after being invited by members of the Detroit Regional Partnership. â€œIâ€™m a car guy, as you kind of noticed.â€Full storyFord prepares to unveil what's likely the last gas-powered MustangWed, Sep 7, 12:38 pmThe six generations of Mustangs introduced over the past six decades have often reflected Ford's priorities and ambitions at the time.The first pony car, for example, was aimed at attracting the coming wave of postwar baby boomers who wanted something more hip and exciting than their parents' sedans. The Mustang II was a smaller, fortuitously timed answer to the oil crisis of the 1970s. The current generation was the first to go global as Ford strove to be more competitive and profitable in overseas markets such as Europe and China.The seventh-generation Mustang is a product of a company that's reinventing itself.Full storyA duck, dinosaurs and even some cars headed to DetroitWed, Sep 7, 12:37 pmThe world's largest rubber duck and Fred Flintstone's car will be coming to Detroit next month for the revival of the city's auto show.Other attractions lined up for the show, which has been on hiatus since 2019, include life-size dinosaurs, monster trucks and jet suit demonstrations over the Detroit River.Full story

2022 Detroit auto show press days recap: Mustang reveal, Biden visit, EV charging tech

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