Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
VW Sold 2.3 Million Fewer Cars In 2021 But Still Managed To Make More Money
As a result of the chip crisis, Volkswagen Group’s output fell some 2.3 million units since 2019. But before anyone proclaims doom and gloom for the German carmaker, sales revenue actually climbed to €250.9 billion ($275.6 bn), while operating profit jumped to €19.3 billion ($21.2 bn), pushing overall earnings before tax up almost 73 percent to €20.1bn ($22.1 bn). Higher transactional prices and a better spread of products, including some new EVs, helped the group take home more money.
2023 Audi Q6 Is A Re-Skinned VW Atlas For China That’s Bigger Than A Q7
The Audi Q6 is a Chinese market-only SUV that is set to be officially unveiled at the Beijing Motorshow next month. It rides on the MQB platform, has the same wheelbase as the Volkswagen Atlas, and is actually longer, wider, and taller than the Audi Q7. Although bigger, the range of engines is less impressive, which consists of two 2.0-liter engines, one with 228 hp (231 PS), and another with 261 hp (265 PS).
Godzilla Is Dead In Europe As Nissan Is Axing GT-R Over Noise Regulations
The Nissan GT-R is being killed off in Europe. It brings an end to the 13-year reign the supercar enjoyed due to stricter noise regulations coming into effect for the EU and UK. With the GT-R gone and the Nissan Z not being offered in Europe, it effectively means that Nissan will no longer offer a sportscar on the continent.
Tesla Raises EV Prices For Second Time In A Week, Cheapest Model Now Starts From $46,990
All models in the Tesla range have seen a jump in price, between four and ten percent. It’s the second price increase in as little as seven days but, unlike the last hike, this increase hits more vehicles and is more substantial. With that, the price of Tesla’s least expensive car, the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, has risen from $44,990 on March 10 to $46,990 today. The Model 3 Long Range, meanwhile, is now $54,490, up from $51,990 on March 10 and rising from $50,990 before that. The biggest single increase comes from the Model X Tri-Motor, which jumps 9,8 percent, from $126,490 to $138,990 now.
The New Roush Ranger Is A $13,250 Performance Package That Adds Six Horsepower
Can’t wait for the Ranger Raptor? Then perhaps the new Roush Ranger can tickle that itch — sort of. The tuning brand has added off-road suspension, Roush wheels, and a Roush cat-back exhaust system. Also included are 32-inch General Grabber A/TX all-terrain tires, a Roush branded grille with a pair of LED light bars and a few other nice touches. Perhaps the one disappointing thing to some is that it features no noticeable increase in horsepower or torque.
2023 Mercedes EQS SUV Uses Face-Detect Camera Tech To Let Passengers Watch TV, But Not Driver
Mercedes has dropped a string of teaser images showing the undisguised interior of its all-electric 2023 EQS SUV alongside images of the prototypes testing in snow and desert conditions. The EQS SUV’s MBUX Hyperscreen is the main feature of the interior. Passengers can use their display to watch a movie or video content even when the car is moving, though if a driver tries to glance over to take a look, a camera detects his or her face moving around and automatically dims the display.
LA Reporter Filming Live Story On Dangerous Intersection Captures Hit-And-Run
A reporter and news crew covering one of the most dangerous intersections in LA witnessed a hit-and-run crash during live TV. As seen, a Honda Accord impacts a Genesis sedan with the driver of the Accord immediately fleeing the scene. Authorities found the license plate of the Honda at the scene and suspect the driver had been involved in a previous crime.
What Else Is Making The News
Another Evergreen Vessel Runs Into Trouble
The Ever Forward container ship runs aground in U.S. Here’s why the name sounds familiar https://t.co/cAw6Tk182y pic.twitter.com/oFRO8XDhfA
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 16, 2022
Over one year after the Ever Given ran aground, causing havoc to shipping lines, its sister vessel, the Ever Forward, has suffered a similar fate. The freighter ran aground at the Chesapeake Bay, en route to Norfolk, Virginia. Thankfully the Ever Forward is not obstructing traffic reports the BBC.
Halo TV Series Gets New Trailer
A new trailer for the upcoming TV Series based on the Halo video games has been released. The show, set in the 26th century, will follow the battle between humanity and an alien race known as the Covenant and includes the game series frontman, “Master Chief.”
Keyword: 2023 Audi Q6, Nissan GT-R Axed In Europe, And Tesla’s Second Price Hike In A Week: Your Morning Brief