EVs, autonomy, and the car business — narrated.
Daily automotive briefing — EVs, autonomy, manufacturing, and the car business as it transitions — summarized and read aloud.
Axel Automotive Brief — Tesla Robotaxi updates, Rivian R2 configurator live, and Fisker owners rebuild from open source
Storyflo Daily·3 minWelcome to Storyflo Daily Automotive. The story that should be a business-school case study: per Electrek, when Fisker Inc.
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Storyflo Daily·3 minAxel Auto Brief — Aventon Current ADV eMTB scores a $600 cut, Tesla Robotaxi makes the podcast cycle, and parents weigh fast e-bikes for teens
Welcome to Storyflo Daily Automotive.
Storyflo Daily·3 minAxel Automotive Brief — AMG fakes a V8 in 1,153HP electric GT, Volvo's next cheap EV in development, and Stellantis brings Dongfeng to France
Welcome to Storyflo Daily Automotive. The most-engineering-honest electric performance car of the year so far: per CarScoops, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is built on the bespoke AMG.
Fed holds interest rates steady, but increase still expected in 2026
The Federal Reserve kept the benchmark interest rate steady at 3.5 to 3.75 percent, but experts still predict a rate increase by the end of 2026 to combat inflation. This could lead to higher borrowing costs for dealers and consumers. According to the CME Group's FedWatch tool, investors expect a 34 percent chance of a quarter-point rate hike this month and a 60 percent chance of a half-point increase by the end of 2026. The Fed's benchmark rate has a ripple effect on consumer auto loan interest rates, which have been relatively stable despite a series of Fed increases from 2022 to 2023. The average interest rate on new-vehicle loans was 7 percent in June, down 0.3 points from a year earlier, while the average used-vehicle interest rate was 10.5 percent, down 0.4 points. However, experts warn that sustained high rates will keep automakers from offering broad low financing options, pricing out middle- and lower-income buyers and shifting sales towards higher earners. Dealers are also facing the prospect of higher floorplan borrowing costs, which could lead to them buying fewer vehicles and different models. The impact of a rate increase is already being felt, with consumers taking on massive loan balances and stretching terms to keep monthly payments manageable. The average monthly payment on new vehicles is set to hit a record $784 in July, and a 0.25-point rate increase could have a structural impact on the market, making it harder for consumers to afford new cars.
Santa Pod at 60: Why home of drag racing is stronger than ever
Santa Pod Raceway in Bedfordshire is celebrating 60 years of hosting drag racing events. The track was established in 1966 by a group of British businessmen who bought Podington airfield, a former US Air Force bomber station. Today, it's Europe's premier drag racing venue, hosting 65 events a year and attracting millions of viewers online. The track's owner, Keith Bartlett, is a key figure in the sport. He's 80 years old but looks and acts like a man half his age. Bartlett has been instrumental in transforming Santa Pod into the popular car culture destination it is today, hosting events like the Bug Jam Volkswagen festival. Drag racing's popularity has been boosted by social media, with influencers playing a key role in attracting younger fans. The average age of drag racing fans has decreased to 22-35 years, down from 35-60 years a few years ago. The sport's 'blink and you'll miss it' action is a major draw for younger fans, who can see drivers compete in under six seconds. While Top Fuel cars get a lot of attention, it's the doorslammers and less extreme racers that many youngsters relate to. These cars are more affordable and attainable for young drivers, who can see themselves competing in similar vehicles. Female drivers are also well-represented in the sport, with Brittany Force holding the current Top Fuel national record and Bartlett's wife, Susanne Callin, being the 2025 FIA Top Fuel champion. Bartlett has plans to upgrade the track and introduce new events, including an EV race formula. He's passionate about the sport and believes that it's not just about speed, but also about skill and experience. Despite the high-tech nature of the Top Fuel cars, Bartlett is excited about the future of the sport and its potential to evolve and adapt to changing times.
Canada Let In 2,910 Chinese EVs Last Month, Only 18 Were Confirmed Non-Tesla
- Up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs can be imported to Canada at a reduced tariff rate. - The first 24,500 of the reduced-tariff quota will be allocated between March and August.
Bentley’s New Flying Spur Drops A Design Tradition It Held Since 1962
- Bentley has launched a new Flying Spur with single headlights. - The S trim returns with a more powerful plug-in hybrid V8. - It joins the more potent Speed and luxurious Azure trims.
The Lucid Air Can Lose Power Mid-Drive, But The Fix Only Comes After It Does
Lucid’s pulling back a little over two thousand Air Pure RWDs—those built between September 2023 and December 2024—because the Gen 4 inverter can suddenly stop converting DC to the AC needed for the motor. In plain terms, the car can lose drive power outright, which is a safety concern if it happens on the road. The glitch first showed up in a fleet of vehicles that rack up miles fast, so Lucid initially thought the heavy use was to blame. But the same problem cropped up in privately owned Airs, and by early 2026 they’d logged 55 incidents, so it turned out to be a hardware issue, not just mileage. Instead of swapping out every inverter right away, Lucid is rolling out an over‑the‑air update. The software watches for the tell‑tale signs of a failing inverter and, when it spots one, flashes a warning on the instrument cluster. That warning has to be cleared at a dealer, and once it’s cleared the car becomes eligible for a free inverter replacement. If your car never gets the warning, you won’t qualify for the swap. So, if you own one of those Air Pure RWDs, keep an eye on the dash for that specific alert. It’s the trigger that lets Lucid know it’s time to send a new inverter your way. If you don’t see anything, you’re probably fine—for now.
Audi Confirms First New Q7 After 11 Years, But It’s Already Been Demoted
Audi’s finally teasing the third‑generation Q7, the first fresh take in more than a decade. The new three‑row SUV is moving onto Audi’s newer PPC platform—the same underpinnings that now sit beneath the A6—so we can expect a smoother ride and the flexibility to host internal‑combustion, hybrid, or plug‑in powertrains. The teaser shows the usual door handles, fresh mirror shapes and a stripe of chrome framing the windows, plus a splash of a new “Alopias Blue Metallic” paint that’s already turning heads online. What’s interesting is that the Q7 will sit alongside a brand‑new Q9 flagship, which looks set to claim the top spot in Audi’s three‑row lineup. The Q9 will carry the more upscale touches—soft‑close doors, a dimmable panoramic roof, and richer materials—while the Q7 will keep the practical seven‑seat layout but forego some of those lux extras. Inside, both models seem to share a digital instrument cluster, a big infotainment screen and a passenger display, so the tech feel will be pretty consistent across the range. Spy shots hint at a bolder front end: aggressive split LED headlights, a wider honeycomb grille and a more sculpted rear. There’s also a sportier SQ7 variant that adds a sharper body kit and larger wheels for those who want a little extra punch. Audi says the new Q7 will balance comfort and dynamism, offering a versatile interior and first‑class materials, even if it doesn’t get the ultra‑premium bells and whistles of the Q9. Audi plans to roll the Q7 out in the second half of the year, which basically means we’ll see it soon. If you’re after a more plush experience, the Q9 will be the go‑to, but the Q7 looks like a solid, modern update that finally moves off the older MLB chassis after 21 years of evolution.
Mystery Chrysler SUV Looks Like A Cadillac Pretending To Be An Ioniq 5
- Mystery Chrysler crossover appears briefly during Stellantis powertrain presentation. - Tall, angular utility looks nothing like the all-electric Airflow concept shown in 2022.
NADA’s new community program gives dealers playbook on how to donate vehicles to those in need
The National Automobile Dealers Association launched a nationwide vehicle donation program with Vehicles for Change, connecting dealerships with families who need reliable transportation.