Surprise! I was interviewed for a podcast yesterday and asked if I had ever been surprised in the 25 years I spent in the competitor intelligence space. The best example that came to mind was the DaimlerChrysler merge r  , which I heard announced on the radio while driving into work — shortly before I was supposed to give a presentation to several hundred people on Chrysler’s potential future.  Today’s announcement  about Ford and Renault was definitely a surprise. Sure, Ford

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/QuH4Cor9LZ0 Rimac’s “Cybercab” Unveiled as a direct competitor to the Tesla Cybercab, the Verne Robotaxi is set to launch operations in Zagreb, Croatia in 2026, promising lower costs than current ride-hailing services. Like the Cybercab, it’s a two-seater with no steering wheel or pedals, offering Level 4 autonomy. The latest update from CEO Mate Rimac-known for the Rimac hypercar and as a part owner of Bugatti-showcases a fleet of 60 Ver

There has been plenty written lately about the future of auto shows, and what they mean—or don’t mean—to automakers and consumers in today’s frantic, online, instant-gratification-fueled world. I’m pleased to report that, while several automakers skipped this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, it was an altogether entertaining and educational experience. If I had to complain about one thing, it would be the singular item outside the show’s control: the rain. THE SHOW ITSELF It was

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/K4Aofl5Da1g?si=gIhIPK3E7ZFIhIzq Jeep Recon Goes Live The production version of Jeep’s electric offroad EV was revealed over three years after it was first shown to the public—and doesn’t appear to have changed, with sales starting early next year. It will launch with the high-end Moab variant at $65,000, with more affordable models to follow. Sales start in North America, with other markets to follow. It shares its STLA Large architecture

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/ijmIHmxxhIY Renault Reboots the Twingo Over three decades after its initial launch, the Twingo is back as an affordable EV for Europe, following up on the concept shown in late 2023. Sharing the same basic architecture as the new Renault 5 E-Tech, the new Twingo evokes the original with its semi-circular lamps, one-box profile, and playful touches--all for a starting price of 20,000 euros. It will compete against the upcoming VW “ID.1” (w

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/t7OSZXkQXWU Toyota’s ‘Baby’ Land Cruiser Just in time for the original Land Cruiser’s 75th anniversary, Toyota will launch the long-rumored Land Cruiser FJ--a spiritual successor to the Tacoma-based FJ Cruiser--next year. There had been some speculation (fueled by the electric Compact Cruiser concept shown in 2022) that this new product might be an electrified BFI entry, but that’s definitely not the case. Underneath is Toyota’s 21-year-o

Dacia’s Hip New EV Who doesn’t like a stylish, innovative, urban EV? Several European automakers have talked about the idea of an “ E-car ”, comparable to Japan’s kei car (which has limits on length, width, and engine displacement): an affordable entry-level vehicle that would be subject to fewer costly regulations. Dacia notes that 100 automotive regulations have been added in Europe since 2010, and another 100 are due by 2030—all adding mass, cost, and complexity. The Daci

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/HDX_K7ehFZU LOOK—A NEW CAR! It’s not often these days that you see a steel-bodied, internal...

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/Kuw0j88JyzE TOYOTA’S NEW BZ7 FLAGSHIP Originally shown as a concept in Shanghai, Toyota’s electric...

Hyundai’s annual Investor Day brings significant news around product, technology, and powertrain… Retains 2030 global sales target of...

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/tIGIUlPeu2M Although I was fortunate to attend IAA in Munich two years ago, this year I watched all...

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/5QfQHO23eT4 Jeep Cherokee After over a two-year absence, the Cherokee—once the struggling brand’s best-seller—returns to showrooms at the end of this year. Although it shares its STLA Large  platform with the new Dodge Charger, the Cherokee retains its transverse FWD/AWD configuration. Visually, it picks up cues from the classic XJ Cherokee  from the 1980s, but has grown to within a few inches of the midsize Grand Cherokee—and gained 400

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/dJ2BswO1110?si=-_tAUQUdPPqc359f Although I wasn't fortunate enough to attend Monterey Car Week...

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/LAvzw4g3nKw Bugatti's Solitaire Move Bugatti is taking their bespoke activities a step further...

image: Ford To get the obvious spoiler alert out of the way: Ford did not show what their new Model T-inspired affordable EV will look...

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/YQVERz42zxE Kia PV5 Technology Day Five years ago, Kia announced plans to enter the commercial...

Check out this week's video here ... FX Super One Remember Faraday Future? They unveiled the $300,000 FF91 at the Consumer Electronics...

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/CJ4spfRIFo8 Ford's Electrified Bronco Ford's resurrection of the iconic Bronco nameplate...

Ford Bronco New Energy (photo: Ford) Frankly, I don't think anyone saw this coming.  At first glance, it looks like a Bronco Sport, but...

See the video here: https://youtu.be/fNFGQyN2FkM Bentley's New Electric Concept Bentley's made no secret of the fact that they are...