Month: May 2024

May 15

Genesis to build first full-size luxury electric SUV next year to rival Cadillac, Range Rover

A new Genesis electric SUV is set for production late next year, and it’s poised to take on the Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover. Genesis expects its first full-size electric SUV to have a big impact on the brand as it looks to outpace luxury rivals.

Genesis previewed the larger electric SUV after unveiling the Neolun concept in March. According to Genesis, the full-size electric SUV features “innovation that exceeds conventional standards.”

In other words, it’s expected to keep Genesis one step ahead of the competition. “It’s the epitome of timeless design and sophisticated craftsmanship,” Genesis Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke explained.

Featuring a “reductive design,” the concept’s design is simple but pure. It has no unnecessary lines or added details to clutter the modern design.

With added coach doors and no B-pillars, the design seamlessly flows from the vehicle’s body to the roof.

The design also creates a spacious interior. With an advanced “sound architecture,” where each speaker is strategically placed, the immersive audio experience is reminiscent of a concert hall.

Genesis-full-size-electric-SUVGenesis Neolum full-size electric SUV concept (Source: Hyundai Motor)

Genesis to begin production on first full-size electric SUV

According to The Korean Car Blog, we may see the production version sooner than expected. The report notes Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group) will begin building the full-size electric SUV in December 2025.

The large electric SUV is expected to hit the market as the Genesis GV90. As one of the most popular segments in the US, Genesis expects the GV90 to make a big impact on the brand.

Genesis-full-size-electric-SUVGenesis Neolum electric SUV concept (Source: Hyundai Motor)

The GV90 will be the first vehicle to ride on Hyundai’s next-gen “eM” platform. According to the report, Hyundai sent a request for quotation to its major partners detailing its plans.

Annual production volumes are stated as 21,000 for the GV90, 68,000 for the GV80, 40,000 for the GV70, and 51,000 for the G80.

Genesis-full-size-electric-SUVGenesis electric SUV concept interior (Source: Hyundai Motor)

Hyundai believes its new platform can result in 20% savings for next-gen EVs compared to current models like the IONIQ 5. It will also be available with different battery options (NCM and LFP) for various uses.

Hyundai Motor, including Kia and Genesis, aims to become a top-three EV maker by 2030. The company aims to sell 2 million EVs globally by the end of the decade, with 13 new models expected to roll out on the next-gen platform.

Genesis-Neolun-ConceptGenesis Neolum electric SUV concept interior (Source: Hyundai Motor)

Genesis is already outpacing luxury rivals like Infiniti while closing in on Porsche and Land Rover. Can a full-size electric SUV help it top its luxury rivals? Drop us a comment below to let us know your thoughts.

May 15

They Forgot to Roast What Tom Brady Drives

The roast of Tom Brady hit hard. No one held back against the NFL superstar. However, his car collection wasn’t mentioned during the relentless rounds of jokes. The car that Tom Brady drives could have been included by multiple comics.

Tom Brady drives a practical yet odd electric vehicle

Tom Brady drives a Tesla Model S. Despite having a $5 million car collection he regularly keeps things simple with a Model S.

Also, it’s painted yellow, which is an interesting choice. I’ve seen thousands of Tesla models on the road, but never a yellow one, unless it was a cab.

As of 2024, the Tesla Model S starts with an MSRP of $72,990 and the top-spec Plaid model increases the price to $87,990.

These prices enter luxury territory but for someone who can afford $5 million worth of cars, he could go for a more luxurious electric vehicle. For example, what about the Lotis Evija, Mercedes EQS, BMW i7, or Lucid Air?

Some could say that he’s making a practical or down-to-earth choice. But according to J.D.Power, the Tesla Model S only has a reliability rating of 75 out of 100. It’s just average and may have serious problems sooner than expected.

But on a positive note, Tom Brady enjoys helping the Earth. He shares that he enjoys driving the Model S because it’s the most environmentally friendly option in his 15-car garage.

Brady shared that it’s important to be conscious about the impact we all have on this planet. There are things we can individually do to improve sustainability.

Plus, he thinks not going to the gas station is the coolest thing ever. But how much is he really helping? Does his Model S negate the pollution for private jet flights?

Lots of people could argue that there are cooler things than the lack of gas stations. For example, his Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is worth $3 million. It’s only one of the 450 models ever produced.

Other cool cars in his collection include the Rolls Royce Ghost, Aston Martin DB11, Ferrari M458-T, and Maserati GranTurismo.

May 15

Nio Launches Onvo L60, Its Tesla Model Y Rival For The Masses

Nio (NIO) on Wednesday launched the Onvo L60 EV, which aims squarely at the Tesla (TSLA) Model Y while targeting China’s mass market for growth. Nio stock sank as U.S.-China tensions resurfaced. Tesla stock also fell.

Nio Onvo L60 For The Masses

The Onvo L60 SUV will start from RMB 219,900 ($30,440), 12% below the Model Y’s starting price of RMB 249,900. Nio plans to start deliveries in September.

The new, more affordable Onvo sub-brand comes 10 years after Nio’s founding. Nio in May rolled out its 500,000th electric vehicle. It is relying on the Onvo L60 to hasten the arrival of the 1 millionth EV milestone, according to Li.

Biden Set To Circle The Wagons On U.S. Clean Energy

China’s EV startups, including Nio, initially targeted the premium end of the EV market. They are now targeting the mainstream market to grow.

Li Auto (LI) in April launched the new L6 SUV, also aimed at the mass market and Model Y. XPeng (XPEV) is expected to debut a sub-brand called Mona in June, which will target an even lower-price segment than Onvo, in the RMB 100,000-RMB 150,000 range.

On May 10, BYD (BYDDF) launched the long-awaited Sea Lion 07. The competitively priced mid-size SUV, starting at RMB 189,800 ($26,242), is seen taking on the Model Y as well.

EV makers are rolling out new and cheaper models amid a bruising price war in China, the world’s biggest car market. An outlier is Tesla, which started the price war in late 2022.

Tesla recently announced plans for “affordable” EVs, but those may be cheaper versions of the Model Y or Model 3 rather than an all-new vehicle. It is seeing demand flag as its EV lineup ages.

Tesla claimed an 11% market share in China in the first four months of 2024. Nio took 3%, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association.

Nio Stock, China EV Stocks

Shares of Nio tumbled 8% to 5.32 on the stock market today. Nio stock surged Monday and Tuesday ahead of the Onvo unveiling event. The EV stock continues to hold above the 50-day moving average. It recovered that support level earlier in May after its April sales outshone those of its startup rivals. Nio remains deep in a roughly 92% slide begun in January 2021.

New IPO Zeekr, Li Auto and XPeng also slid Wednesday. Zeekr stock saw a 35% first-day pop last Friday.

Tesla stock gave up 2%, above the 50-day moving average. BYD gave up 1.2%.

On Tuesday, the Biden administration announced new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

Though most Chinese EV startups don’t sell in the U.S. market yet, some like Nio are expanding overseas.

May 15

Police investigate deadly train, vehicle crash in Round Rock

One person is dead after police said an Amtrak train struck an SUV Wednesday morning in Round Rock.

The Round Rock Police Department shared it shut down the Interstate 35 frontage roads on both the northbound and southbound sides near McNeil Road to further investigate. Officers are advising people to find other ways to get around that area.

Police said they received a call about the deadly crash at about 11 a.m. It’s unclear whether anyone else was injured when the train hit the SUV.

May 15

Can You Trade a Car You’re Still Paying For

Many people keep their vehicles until the metaphorical wheels fall off. However, there’s also a decent bit of the car-buying public that elects to trade in their car when they want something new. The problem is that they sometimes want a new vehicle while still paying their car loan. However, you can trade in a car you still owe money on. Plus, if the resale value for your car is good, it may not be too costly.

Here’s how to do it!

Determine the value of your trade in based on the resale value of the car

Resale value is one of the aspects of a car that not everyone considers when buying. However, this will determine how easy and affordable it is to trade in a car you’re still paying for. If you’re lucky enough to have a car worth more than what you owe, you have positive equity in the car. However, you have negative equity if the opposite is true.

Drivers with negative equity in their car will need to pay the difference between what they owe and the trade-in value. This is being upside down in a car loan. According to The Washington Post, this was the case in 1 out of 5 car sales that involved a trade in 2023.

How it works

The process of trading in a car you still owe a balance on isn’t as confusing as most people may think. Buyers with positive equity will have money from the trade-in that they can apply to the cost of the new vehicle. This is why doing research and making on-time payments is necessary.

People with negative equity wanting to trade in a car will pay more over time. Of course, it’s best for these types of buyers to wait until they have paid more of their balance. However, those who need a car may be able to do what’s called rolling over the negative equity into a new car loan.

People with negative equity wanting to trade in a car will pay more over time. Of course, these buyers should wait until they have paid off more of their balance. However, those needing a vehicle may be able to roll over the previous car’s balance into a new loan, which will cost much more down the line.

Trading in a vehicle you still owe money on isn’t always the best decision. However, it is possible and the process can come in handy for some buyers.

May 15

FHP: Man dies after being dragged under teen’s SUV at Seminole County apartment complex

A man who troopers say was working at an apartment complex near Apopka Tuesday night died after he was struck and run over by an SUV.

Shortly before 9:30 p.m., the man was collecting bagged garbage along Jordan Stuart Circle north of Hunter Lake Way, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Troopers said a the driver of a Dodge Journey SUV “failed to observe” the man, as well as a parked Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, and collided with both.

After impact, FHP said the SUV’s driver, 17, continued traveling south on Jordan Stuart Circle, then turned left onto Hunter Lake Way.

Investigators said he then made a left back onto Jordan Stuart Circle, heading north, before he finally pulled into a parking lot.

Troopers said the worker had been trapped and was dragged under the teen’s SUV until he parked.

The man, 57, of Altamonte Springs, died at the apartment complex.

FHP said the teen driver, a Maitland resident, was not hurt and remained at the scene of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.

May 15

People Can Hack Google Maps to Disrupt Traffic Patterns

One Berlin-based man proved how.

In 2020, Simon Weckert silently pulled a small metal wagon around some quiet, mostly car-less streets of Berlin. Little did people using Google Maps in close proximity know that he was causing a terrible traffic jam wherever he strolled.

The walk Weckert took and his eye-opening results became a viral sensation. It turned out that Weckert was creating a live art installation. His work involved obtaining 99 active cell phones with Google Maps in use. He carried all 99 devices in that little metal wagon.

The act sent signals to Google that dozens of “cars” had flooded the area. In turn, Google began rerouting drivers in close proximity to stay away from the “high-traffic” zone.

vladispas via iStock

Weckert’s act proved that Google Maps relies on devices, not cars or people, to determine traffic patterns and make decisions on where to direct users.

Many of us already know that Google tracks devices and that this is how it helps us get around. However, the installation shed light on how Google Maps manipulates our routes when artificial data is provided.

Weckert poses high-level questions about Google’s position in deciding how we interpret reality. He points to digital life overlaying our real lives and warns us to carefully consider who we give the power of “knowledge distribution.” Is Google — a private entity — the best one for the job? I don’t have the answer, only more questions to ponder.

May 15

Lucid CEO Says Chinese Automakers Are Way Behind Tesla On EV Tech

Peter Rawlinson said that even though Chinese EVs should not be underestimated, they aren’t as advanced as Tesla.

Tesla is fighting a price war in China to maintain its position as a leading manufacturer of EVs in the People’s Republic. However, even though local automakers are catching up to Tesla in terms of sales and market share, they are still far behind in terms of technology.

This view is shared by Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson, who recently said during the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit in London that even though Tesla’s Chinese rivals appear to have almost caught up to the American manufacturer, “if you look at the advance in core EV technology, they’re still years and years behind.” He added that “in terms of the elegance of their drivetrain technology, the batteries, the way things are integrated… it’s not even close.”

Comparing the BYD Seal to the Tesla Model 3 reveals the tech gap

The most famous Tesla-rivaling Chinese car has been the BYD Seal, which does a lot of things right, but if you compare it to its direct rival, the Model 3, it lacks the same level of polish and technological elegance.

Rawlinson warned that Chinese automakers (of which over 120 were manufacturing EVs in 2023) have advanced “immeasurably” in the last few years and should not be underestimated. According to Business Insider, he went on to say “We underestimated the Chinese ability to make good cars. They’re shockingly good. They’re a lot better than they’ve been. They’re just not quite there yet.”

Lucid is also trying to catch up to Tesla, and unlike many Tesla rivals (like Fisker), it has the necessary funding to not worry about going bankrupt. It recently cut the price of the cheapest version of its Air sedan (the Air Pure) to make it more competitive, and it’s also working to launch its first SUV, the Lucid Gravity. It is also known to be working on a midsize rival for the Tesla Model 3/Model Y priced under $50,000.

In China, Tesla lost the EV sales lead in the final quarter of 2023 when it was overtaken by local car-making giant BYD. Talented local models like the Seal, which is an electric sedan specifically designed to take on the very popular Model 3, show how much Chinese automakers have advanced, but they also show there’s still a technology gap.

Other Chinese EV manufacturers that are chasing Tesla’s success but aren’t quite there yet include Xpeng, Nio and Xiaomi. All either already offer models that directly rival Tesla’s or are in the process of developing them, but they have still yet to produce models that match or surpass the breadth of abilities of Tesla vehicles.

May 15

Nio launches $30,000 Onvo SUV to challenge Tesla Model Y in China

Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio on Wednesday launched the first vehicle in its new lower-priced brand Onvo which aims to compete there with Tesla’s Model Y, the world’s best-selling EV.

Nio unveiled the Onvo L60 SUV with a sticker price starting from 219,900 yuan ($30,476), 12% below the price of Tesla’s Model Y which starts at 249,900 yuan in China. Nio plans to start delivery of the Onvo L60 in September.

Chief executive William Li introduced the Onvo L60 SUV in Shanghai, saying the company also aimed to take on Toyota Motor’s RAV4 by providing family cars that balance customer experience and ownership costs.

“RAV4 and Model Y were the benchmark for family cars in their time. With technologies evolving and people’s understanding in smart EVs deepening, today it’s time for us to redefine the new standards for family cars,” Li said at the event.

The vehicle is more spacious than Tesla’s Model Y, he added.

With a lower price tag, the Onvo brand could also help Nio expand outside China, although branching out into Europe is overshadowed by an ongoing anti-subsidy probe the EU has launched into EV imports from China.

The Onvo L60 is equipped with Nio’s self-developed 900-volt fast-charging system and has an average energy consumption of 12.1 kilowatt-hours (kwh) per 100 kilometers, slightly lower than Tesla’s Model Y, said Ai Tiecheng, president of the Onvo brand.

The Onvo cars will have access to more than 1,000 battery swapping stations and 25,000 public chargers belonging to Nio, Ai added.

Li said previously that the bill of materials of the Onvo car would be 10% lower than that of Tesla’s Model Y, according to Chinese media. Its lower cost, together with Nio’s EV battery rental programme, would allow it to better compete at a lower price.

Reuters reported last week that Nio has struck a deal to source batteries from BYD for the Onvo lineup, as it abandoned plans to produce batteries in-house as part of the efforts to reduce costs amid a bruising price war in China’s ultra-competitive EV market.

Nio, whose namesake lineup is priced from 298,900 yuan ($41,200), around 30% higher than the Model 3 in China, sold 45,673 EVs in the first four months of this year, accounting for 3% of China’s overall EV sales.

By contrast, Tesla delivered 163,841 units in China to take an 11.4% market share, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association.

May 15

Leading Car Insurance Providers in South Dakota for 2024

Overview of the Top Car Insurance in South Dakota

State Farm, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, Geico, USAA, and Allstate are among the best car insurance companies in South Dakota. They provide various coverage options along with special benefits like accident forgiveness, rewards for safe driving, and bundling discounts. These features enable residents to customize their policies according to their specific requirements.

Comparison of South Dakota Car Insurance Providers

Below is a comparison of the top car insurance companies for drivers in South Dakota based on several review categories:

Insurance Provider Our Score Reputation Availability Coverage Cost Customer Experience
1. State Farm 9.4 10 9.8 9.2 9.3 9.3
2. Farmers Mutual of Nebraska 8.9 9.5 8.1 8.9 8.7 8.5
3. Geico 9.1 9.7 10 8.4 9.1 8.8
4. USAA 9.2 8.9 8 9.5 9.7 8.9
5. Allstate 8.8 9.5 10 9.2 7.4 8.7

*Note: These ratings are specific to car insurance in South Dakota and consider national factors.

Reputation and Customer Experience

To evaluate a car insurance company’s reputation and customer experience, several factors are considered. These include consumer surveys, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, AM Best financial strength scores, and customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Google. J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, which surveys policyholders about their satisfaction with their insurers, is also referenced.

Detailed Provider Snapshots

#1 State Farm: Best Customer Experience

J.D. Power Score: 833/1,000
AM Best Rating: A++
BBB Rating: C-

State Farm is the largest private auto insurer in the U.S., offering a wide range of coverage options at competitive rates. Despite a recent decline in BBB ratings, it remains a popular choice due to high customer satisfaction and an extensive network of agents.

Coverage Options: Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist, Medical Payments, Personal Injury Protection, Rental Car Reimbursement, Emergency Road Service, Rideshare Driver Coverage.

Discounts: Drive Safe & Save™ program, accident-free discounts, multi-policy discounts, and more.

#2 Farmers Mutual of Nebraska: Best Regional Coverage

J.D. Power Score: Not rated
AM Best Rating: A
BBB Rating: A+

Farmers Mutual of Nebraska provides region-specific coverage with strong financial stability and competitive rates, especially for younger drivers.

Coverage Options: Liability, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist, Collision, Comprehensive, Farm and Ranch Auto policy.

Discounts: Discounts for various age groups and safe driving incentives.

#3 Geico: Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers

J.D. Power Score: 819/1,000
AM Best Rating: A++
BBB Rating: A-

Geico is well-known for its affordable rates and numerous discount options, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious drivers.

Coverage Options: Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist, Rental Car Reimbursement, Emergency Road Service, Mechanical Breakdown Insurance.

Discounts: Safe driving discounts, multi-policy discounts, and more.

#4 USAA: Best for Military Members

J.D. Power Score: 890/1,000
AM Best Rating: A++
BBB Rating: Not rated

USAA offers tailored coverage and exclusive discounts for military members and their families. It is recognized for exceptional customer service and competitive rates, making it a top-tier option for eligible South Dakota drivers.

Coverage Options: Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist, Accident Forgiveness, Rideshare Gap Coverage, Roadside Assistance, Rental Car Reimbursement, Glass Coverage.

Discounts: Military-specific benefits, vehicle storage discount for deployed members, legacy discount.

#5 Allstate: Affordable for Many Drivers

J.D. Power Score: 806/1,000
AM Best Rating: A+
BBB Rating: A+

Allstate offers affordable rates, particularly for high-risk drivers, and provides a variety of coverage options and discounts.

Coverage Options: Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist, Rental Reimbursement, 24/7 Roadside Assistance, Rideshare Insurance, New Car Replacement Protection, Accident Forgiveness.

Discounts: Deductible rewards program, multi-policy discounts, safe driving discounts.

How to Choose the Best Car Insurance in South Dakota

When looking for the best car insurance in South Dakota, consider the level of coverage you need, available discounts, and the company’s reputation for customer service. Comparing quotes from multiple providers and taking advantage of discounts can help you find a well-rounded, affordable policy.

South Dakota Car Insurance FAQs

How much does car insurance cost in South Dakota?

South Dakota drivers typically pay around $2,291 annually for full coverage and $328 per year for minimum liability.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage required in South Dakota?

Drivers are required to have a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, $25,000 in property damage liability, and $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Which car insurance company offers the best customer service in South Dakota?

State Farm is known for excellent customer service, with high J.D. Power scores and a broad network of local agents.