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.
GM to Pay $220 Million in Settlement After Alleged Privacy Violations
General Motors is facing a hefty $220 million settlement after allegations that it sold drivers' location and behavior data without their consent. This stems from their Smart Driver program, which was designed to monitor driving habits from 2016 to 2024. The program tracked things like hard braking and speeding, and GM sold this data to brokers for use in insurance products, which drivers weren’t informed about. At its peak, millions of drivers were enrolled in Smart Driver, but many had no idea their driving data was being tracked. The program was quietly canceled in 2024 after privacy concerns were raised. The settlement requires GM to limit its data collection practices and to get explicit consent from drivers before sharing any of their information. This follows a previous agreement with the FTC, which prevents GM from disclosing such data to consumer reporting agencies for five years. The situation has sparked outrage, with some drivers experiencing increased insurance premiums as a direct result of the data sold. Many customers signed up for the program under the impression that they were simply getting added benefits when purchasing their vehicles, not realizing they were essentially opting into a tracking system. The settlement will benefit consumers across 35 states and D.C., with GM previously settling a separate investigation in California for $12.75 million over similar issues. The message from officials is clear: people expect privacy when they buy a car, not to be treated like a tracking device.
The Jaguar Type 01 Is Here, And It's Jag's Most Powerful Road Car Ever
The Jaguar Type 01 has officially debuted, marking a significant shift for the brand as it steps into the electric vehicle arena. This four-seat grand tourer is not just another luxury EV; it’s Jaguar's most powerful road car ever, boasting an impressive 1,016 horsepower and 1,007 pound-feet of torque from its three electric motors. With a zero to 62 mph acceleration time of just 3.2 seconds, it aims to deliver the same thrill and engagement that Jaguar enthusiasts have come to expect. Under the hood, the Type 01 features an advanced 850-volt architecture and a robust 118.0-kilowatt-hour battery, offering a range of up to 450 miles under European testing standards. The car’s design includes a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension and an integral-link rear suspension, ensuring a smooth and dynamic driving experience. It also comes with five different drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor their experience based on conditions or personal preference. The Type 01's design is sleek and modern, with a low profile and dramatic styling elements like flush door handles and ultra-thin LED headlights. Inside, it boasts a minimalist aesthetic with a large 24-inch OLED display and a central touchscreen for easy access to controls. All four seats are heated and cooled, and the rear seats can fold down to expand cargo space. While Jaguar hasn’t revealed the exact launch date or pricing details yet, it’s expected to start in the low to mid-$100,000 range. This new model represents a bold step forward for Jaguar, showcasing their commitment to blending performance with electric technology.
The Jaguar Type 01 Is A 1,000-horsepower Beast. But It Isn’t For Everyone
The Jaguar Type 01 is making waves as a fully electric four-door GT, boasting an impressive 1,015 horsepower. Priced at $130,500, it’s definitely not for everyone, as Jaguar’s Managing Director, Rawdon Glover, pointed out during its unveiling. This car represents a significant shift for the brand, which has revamped its entire lineup and logo to embrace a more modern, edgy identity. While some critics have voiced their disapproval, the Type 01’s striking design is hard to ignore. Visually, the Type 01 is a standout with its unique proportions, featuring a long hood and large wheels, which give it a cartoonish yet elegant appearance. The design breaks away from traditional electric vehicle aesthetics, opting for a bold, clean look that feels fresh and innovative. The interior, however, has sparked mixed reactions. Jaguar has chosen a minimalistic approach with three screens, but some may find it lacks the luxurious feel expected in this price range. Still, it aims to attract a younger audience with its modern materials and design. In terms of performance, the Type 01 is built to impress. It features a tri-motor setup and a robust battery that promises around 400 miles of range, with quick charging capabilities. The weight distribution is balanced, enhancing the driving experience, and Jaguar insists it will deliver the engaging ride that fans expect. Despite its compact interior and limited trunk space, the car’s design and performance are positioned to resonate with those who prioritize style and innovation over practicality. Jaguar is clearly aiming for a new market, hoping to evoke desire rather than just meeting needs. The Type 01 symbolizes a new era for the brand, one that embraces modernity and fashion-forward thinking. Orders will open in early 2027, and while it may not be for everyone, it’s certainly a bold statement in the electric vehicle landscape.
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.