Category: SUV

May 15

INEOS Launches The New Grenadier 1924 As Its First Limited-Edition 4×4 SUV

INEOS gets exclusive with its new fashion-inspired Grenadier.

Established by car enthusiast and experienced adventurer Jim Ratcliffe in 2017, the INEOS Automotive aims to preserve the classic look and feel of a classic British 4×4 while enhancing functionality and reliability through modern upgrades. And since dealers around the world have started unloading new inventory, it’s hard not to spot an INEOS Grenadier out in the wild while on your daily commute. With a promising and successful entry into the luxury automotive space, INEOS is excited to launch its first limited edition model, the Grenadier 1924, as a nod to the 100th anniversary of the iconic clothing brand Belstaff. The modern British heritage brand was founded in Stoke-on-Trent in 1924, making its partnership with INEOS the perfect collaboration.

Scheduled for global release on June 26, 2024, the exclusive Grenadier 1924, limited to just 1,924 units, promises unique production numbers and distinct Belstaff centenary badging. Building on the Grenadier’s existing collaborations with Belstaff, including the Trialmaster and Fieldmaster feature packages, the Grenadier 1924 elevates the fashion-inspired partnership to new heights. The exclusive model sports a Magic Mushroom and Inky Black color scheme, gloss black diamond-cut alloy wheels, and de-chromed black grille trim.

INEOSGrenadier 1924 Product 4

Drawing inspiration from Belstaff’s timeless designs, the Grenadier 1924 offers interior elements reminiscent of the iconic Fieldmaster package. From the dark green dashboard to the black saddle leather trim, every detail reflects INEOS’ attention to style and craftsmanship. The Grenadier 1924 will make its public debut at a special centenary event in Stoke-on-Trent from May 24 to 28, offering guests an immersive brand experience and a glimpse into Belstaff’s history.

Following the event, orders for the Grenadier 1924 can be placed through ineosgrenadier.com and authorized INEOS retailers worldwide.

May 15

SUV slams into parked truck, flips onto side in Chula Vista; driver hospitalized

A driver was taken to the hospital early Wednesday morning after an SUV slammed into a parked pickup truck and flipped onto its side in a Chula Vista neighborhood.

Chula Vista Police officers and emergency responders were called to the 200 block of Madrona Street just before 2 a.m. due to a crash involving an SUV and truck with a driver trapped in the wreckage.

Firefighters had to break the SUV’s windshield and remove it to extricate the driver.

May 15

Car Swallowed By Sinkhole Created By Crash With Fire Hydrant And SUV

One of the downsides of driving is that there’s always a chance you could get into a wreck. Maybe you get distracted for a second and hit someone else. Maybe you do everything right, but someone else ends up hitting you. It sucks, but it happens. Phoenix, Arizona, however, recently invented a new twist on the old-fashioned car crash when, as AZFamily reports, one of the cars involved in a crash hit a fire hydrant that created a sinkhole that nearly swallowed the car.

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The wreck reportedly took place at about 7:30 a.m. near the Desert Sky Mall when an SUV that appears to be a Ford Expedition collided with what appears to be an Infiniti G37. It’s still not clear what caused the crash, but authorities say the impact from the Expedition caused the G37 to hit a fire hydrant, flooding the surrounding area. Unfortunately for the driver of the sedan, the water from the fire hydrant created a sort of muddy sinkhole that soon swallowed his car.

The good news is, the Infiniti driver was reportedly able to escape from the sinking car before it sank too deep to open the doors. He, along with two others, only sustained minor injuries. Unfortunately, the woman who was driving the Expedition was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

A crane has since pulled the Infiniti out of its muddy grave, so if you happen to live in the Phoenix area, you can still swing by to take a look, but don’t expect to find anything more interesting than a little mud. We’re not sure whether the Infiniti driver should go buy a lottery ticket or avoid going outside at all for a while. Maybe the latter, because if that’s not a sign you’re potentially in a “Final Destination” movie, we’re not sure what is.

May 15

Ford SUV Found Submerged in Goose Lake, Investigation Underway

Emergency Response at Goose Lake

Early in the morning on May 9th, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a vehicle submerged in Goose Lake, located at the intersection of White Bear Avenue and South Shore Blvd. The Water Patrol unit swiftly arrived at the scene to assess the situation. They discovered an unoccupied Ford SUV deep in the waters, with no sign of the driver nearby.

Investigation into the Submerged Vehicle

Upon further investigation, deputies reached out to the registered owner of the submerged SUV. The owner reported that he believed his vehicle had been stolen, adding another layer of complexity to the case. As of now, no suspects have been apprehended, and the circumstances surrounding how the SUV ended up in Goose Lake remain unclear.

Ongoing Case Developments

The incident has sparked a full investigation by local authorities, who are working to uncover details and potential leads. The case is still active, with law enforcement exploring various avenues to ascertain the sequence of events that led to the vehicle’s unexpected plunge. Community members are urged to come forward with any information that might assist in solving this perplexing case.

Additional Context and Safety Reminders:

Vehicle thefts can lead to dangerous situations, as demonstrated by the unexpected discovery of the submerged SUV. Vehicle owners are encouraged to take preventative measures to secure their vehicles. The community is reminded of the importance of reporting suspicious activities immediately to prevent similar incidents and aid in prompt law enforcement response.

May 15

Nio launches mass-market brand Onvo, L60 SUV-coupe has lower energy density than Model Y and 1000 km range

On May 15, Nio launched its mass-market brand, Onvo. It is positioned under the Nio brand and focuses on young families. Onvo stands for On Voyage, and the Chinese name is Ledao (乐道).

The deliveries will start in Septemeber, and the presale started today for 219,900 yuan (30,500 USD).

Onvo L60 is an all-electric fastback SUV, and during the official launch, Nio heavily benchmarked it with the Tesla Model Y in all aspects. The EV’s energy consumption is 12.1 kWh/100km under CLTC conditions, which is better than the Model Y’s consumption of 12.5 kWh/100km under the same CLTC conditions, Nio claims.

The L60 is a mid-size SUV with dimensions 4828/1930/1616 mm (length/width/height) and a wheelbase of 2950mm.

For comparison, the Tesla Model Y has dimensions of 4750/1921/1624 mm and a wheelbase of 2890 mm.

The L60 will come in three range variants – 555 km, 730 km, and 1000+ km. It will feature 60 kWh, 90 kWh, and 150 kWh battery packs. L60 features 900V architecture, so expect some fast charging.

The drag coefficient is Cd=0.229 at 120km/h.

May 15

LA Car Chase Suspect Nearly Lost the Cops— By Hiding Beside a Car As a News Helicopter Watched

Everyone loves car chases. Especially those where an escape seems ridiculously possible. Somehow.

Car enthusiasts love car chases. Memphis Raines running from the police in LA in a Shelby GT500. Baddies fleeing from Steve McQueen in his Ford Mustang GT 390. It’s a natural affinity. However, in real life, chases seldom end with a picture-picture escape. Such was the case with an LA car chase suspect who thought he could hide from police by hiding behind a parked car.

After crashing a stolen car, an LA car chase suspect hid beside a parked car to elude police– and it worked right up until it didn’t

Just imagine the scores of onlookers glued to their mobile devices and television screens, hollering impotently as multiple Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers passed a car chase suspect as he hid. Most frustratingly, it wasn’t some inspired escape plan worthy of an “Oceans” franchise film. No, the suspect picked a blue Honda sedan and, well, laid down beside it. You can’t make this up.

When I say “suspect,” there’s no confusion that the car thief was fleeing pursuing police officers. In a stolen SUV, the suspect attempted to outrun the cops. However, he crashed into several unsuspecting motorists, damaging his ill-gotten ride beyond repair in the process. After the last of the substantial impacts, he disembarked the silver SUV and fled on foot.

That’s right; he took a page from the “Grand Theft Auto V” book, likely thinking that out-of-sight does mean out-of-mind. Not quite. However, and frustratingly so, the suspect took a left into an alley and crouched behind a parked Honda sedan. As police officers closed in, the man flattened out into a prone position, hoping to out-hide his pursuers. Still, it seemed to work for a moment. Not one, not two, but six LAPD officers ran right past the crouching fugitive, hidden runaway.

The Fox 11 SkyFOX Helicopter next to a rainbow.
The Fox 11 SkyFOX Helicopter | Stu Mundel via Instagram

Better yet, the would-be escapee and his white shirt were in plain view of a Fox News helicopter as the suspect attempted to shake the officers. FOX 11’s Stu Mundel yelled “Come on guys! He’s right there!” as he and the pilot covered the event. Fortunately for LA’s Finest, a backtrack revealed the suspect’s hiding spot.

In all seriousness, LAPD policy isn’t quite the same as the non-player characters (NPCs) in Grand Theft Auto V. Even without the news chopper orbiting above, additional police units would have almost certainly discovered the fugitive– despite his spectacular hide-and-seek skills.

May 15

Nio Introduces the Onvo L60 SUV in China, Setting New Standards in the EV Market

Strategic Introduction of the Onvo L60 by Nio

Nio recently announced the launch of the Onvo L60, a cutting-edge electric vehicle poised to challenge the Tesla Model Y with its emphasis on family-friendly functionality and cost-effectiveness. Slated for a September release in China, the L60 is priced competitively at around £24,000, substantially undercutting its main rival. This pricing strategy aims to leverage the expanding Chinese electric vehicle market by offering an affordable yet sophisticated alternative.

Technical Innovations and Design of the Onvo L60

Emerging from Nio’s new brand initiative previously codenamed Alps, Onvo is geared towards captivating the upper-tier of the family-oriented market segment. The L60 is engineered with a 900V high-voltage system for rapid charging capabilities and comes equipped with BYD-supplied batteries that promise a range of 344 to 620 miles on a single charge, as per the generous CLTC standards. It also boasts an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.229Cd, thanks to its aerodynamically efficient design, enhancing its energy consumption efficiency to an impressive 5.1mpkWh.

Market Expansion and Future Prospects

Although there are no immediate plans to bring the Onvo brand to the UK, should the L60 be introduced, it is expected to be priced around £40,000 to maintain its competitive edge. The SUV includes advanced driver-assistance systems synonymous with Nio’s reputation for high-tech features and supports the company’s innovative battery-swap system, allowing a full battery exchange within three minutes at over 1,000 stations across China. This capability significantly minimizes downtime and enhances user convenience, setting a new benchmark in EV technology.

Broader Impact and Technological Forward-Thinking:

  • Consumer Engagement and Market Dynamics: Nio’s strategic pricing of the Onvo L60 is anticipated to attract a broad consumer base, appealing to those seeking affordability without compromising on advanced technological features.
  • Revolutionizing EV Charging: The integration of battery-swap stations for the L60 exemplifies Nio’s commitment to pioneering accessible charging solutions, potentially revolutionizing EV infrastructure and setting new industry standards.
  • Navigating Future Market Trends: With its eyes set on future markets and additional ventures like the potential Firefly brand for Europe, Nio is actively shaping the future landscape of the global automotive industry, driving innovations that cater to evolving consumer demands and environmental standards.

The introduction of the Onvo L60 represents a significant milestone for Nio as it continues to assert its dominance in the EV market, promising to deliver exceptional value, innovation, and efficiency to an increasingly eco-conscious consumer base.

May 15

Fatal Collision: SUV Driver Killed in Train Accident at Round Rock Intersection

Tragic Train Incident in Round Rock Claims Life

In a somber event on Wednesday morning in Round Rock, an SUV was hit by an Amtrak train, resulting in the death of the SUV’s driver. The accident took place at around 11 a.m. at the junction of Interstate 35 frontage road and McNeil Road. Despite the severity of the collision for the SUV driver, who was alone in the vehicle, all 46 passengers and crew members aboard the train were unharmed.

Emergency Response and Investigation Underway

Following the incident, emergency teams from Round Rock Police and Fire Departments promptly arrived at the scene, alongside officials from Amtrak and Union Pacific. The scene was secured and the SUV driver was pronounced deceased by the first responders. An investigation into the collision has been initiated by Amtrak Police in collaboration with local authorities to determine the specifics of the crash.

Impact on Rail Services and Passenger Safety

Amtrak Train 22, en route from San Antonio to Chicago, faced approximately four hours of delay due to the incident. Despite the disruption, it was confirmed that there were no injuries among the passengers or crew. Amtrak and local transportation authorities are reviewing safety measures at the crossing to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of both rail passengers and road users.

Further Reflections on Transportation Safety:

  • Comprehensive Safety Reviews Needed: This incident underscores the critical need for comprehensive safety reviews and enhancements at rail crossings, especially in busy intersections like those in Round Rock.

  • Community and Traveler Assurance: Ensuring the safety of both rail passengers and road users is paramount. This tragedy highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue and preventive measures to safeguard all parties involved in such transit areas.

  • Resilience and Response of Emergency Services: The swift response of emergency services and their coordination with transportation authorities demonstrate the community’s resilience and preparedness to handle unexpected accidents, providing essential support and minimizing further risks.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers at rail crossings and the ongoing need for vigilant safety practices to protect lives and maintain secure travel environments.

May 15

Exploring the Practical and Cultural Significance of Roof Ladders on SUVs

The Functional Role of Roof Ladders on SUVs

Have you ever found yourself stuck in traffic, eyeing the SUV ahead with a ladder attached from its bumper to the roof? This isn’t just an urban oddity or an emergency measure. These ladders primarily serve to facilitate access to roof-mounted cargo, such as gear on roof racks or rooftop tents, enhancing convenience for adventurers and travelers. They eliminate the hassle of repeatedly opening doors and climbing on seats, which not only gets tiresome but can dirty the interior if you’ve been off-roading or camping.

Aesthetic Appeal and Cultural Impact of SUV Ladders

Beyond functionality, these roof ladders have become a cultural symbol within the off-roading community, signifying a serious commitment to vehicle modification and outdoor adventure. Their practicality meets aesthetics, rendering the SUV not just a vehicle but a statement of lifestyle and readiness for the rugged. The ladder’s iconic status has even inspired light-hearted memes and social media trends, celebrating the adventurous spirit they embody.

From Memes to Mainstream: The Lighter Side of SUV Ladders

The cultural impact of these ladders extends into social media and beyond, with platforms like TikTok seeing users poke fun at their seemingly exaggerated necessity through viral videos. This trend has not only amused the community but also influenced pop culture, inspiring items like Goldwater Brewing Company’s “Wittle Wadder” beer. This witbier, flavored with orange peel and coriander, playfully nods to the ladder’s meme status, inviting enthusiasts to enjoy a brew that matches their adventurous lifestyles, whether in rain or river.

Further Insights on SUV Accessories and Lifestyle:

  • Enhanced Accessibility: The practical use of SUV ladders cannot be overstated, especially for vehicles equipped with additional height due to lifts and larger tires. They make the loading and unloading of bulky items like camping gear much more manageable.
  • Symbol of Adventure: Owning an SUV with a roof ladder signals a readiness to explore, turning the vehicle into a beacon for like-minded explorers who value both function and form in their outdoor pursuits.
  • Community and Culture: The ladder has woven itself into the fabric of the off-roading community, symbolizing a blend of practicality and passion for the great outdoors. It reflects a culture that values self-sufficiency and a touch of rugged style.

In conclusion, while the roof ladder on an SUV might initially seem like a mere accessory, its role extends far beyond functionality. It represents a lifestyle, a commitment to adventure, and, surprisingly, a source of community and humor among enthusiasts.

May 15

Leo Burnett and Škoda present ‘Familying’ in new SUV promotion

Automobile manufacturer Škoda and creative agency Leo Burnett have promoted the brand’s updated range of SUVs by championing a new word: “familying.”

A distant cousin to “adulting,” “familying” describes all the highs, lows, twists, and turns that happen when you step out into the world with your loved ones. From inevitable mishaps like spilling ice cream on the seats to getting snack-taxed by Mom on a long drive, the new campaign shines a light on Škoda’s SUVs and how they are made for all those perfectly imperfect adventures that make up real family life.

The integrated campaign is the first from Leo Burnett since the agency was awarded Škoda’s social remit last autumn. “Made for Familying” will run throughout the summer, spanning influencer content, PR, paid social, digital, TV, and cinema, as well as partnerships with ITV, Global Radio, and CarFest.

The 40-second film centers around a woman in the all-new Škoda Kodiaq Plug-in Hybrid, driving through many different #Familying moments. She playfully describes each new scenario in a lyrical, rhyming style, such as the “flight to Spain on a stupid-o-clock plane.” The film is a playful take on reality, intended to make “Familying” a real earworm that people can’t help but use in their day-to-day lives.

Supporting content brings out different family members’ perspectives on Škoda cars and deep-dives into some of the key “familying” features in Škoda’s new SUVs.

Graham Lakeland, Creative Director at Leo Burnett UK, said, “So many of us spend our weekends Familying, it’s unbelievable that a word didn’t exist to describe it until now, and there’s no better brand than Škoda to bring it to the nation. Familying allows us to talk about our cars, but more than that, it allows us to talk to the people that drive them, connecting with them and what’s important to them. Populist creativity in action.”

Kirsten Stagg, Head of Marketing at Škoda UK, added, “Family cars can be messy, fun, full of spills, tears, laughter, and desperate attempts to keep young children entertained! It’s about a shared experience and connecting with others – your partner, friends, kids, and even your dog! The car is an essential part of family life. Our Familying campaign highlights the reality of driving a family and showing what our cars are actually used for day-to-day.”

CREDITS:

CAMPAIGN TITLE: Made for Familying
CLIENT: Škoda UK
ADVERTISING AGENCY: Leo Burnett London
CCO: Mark Elwood
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Graham Lakeland
SENIOR CREATIVE: Hayley Power
SOCIAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Beth Manning
SOCIAL CREATIVE TEAM: Jed Small & Evan Bryant
DESIGNER: Dave Allen
PLANNING PARTNER: Henry Gray
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL AND COMMS PLANNING: Jen Leung
MANAGING PARTNER: Liam Hopkins
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR: Rachel Jeffery
SOCIAL ACCOUNT DIRECTOR: Tobias Dahlhaus
AGENCY PRODUCER: Megan O’Hagan
MEDIA BUYING AGENCY: PHD
MEDIA STRATEGY PARTNER: David White
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Rogue
DIRECTOR: Alex Boutell
PRODUCER: Tom Farley
EDITOR: Leo King
DOP: Alex Barber
POST-PRODUCTION COMPANY: Black Kite Studios
COLOURIST: George Kay
AUDIO POST-PRODUCTION COMPANY: Factory
SENIOR SOUND DESIGNER: Jack Hallett
SENIOR AUDIO PRODUCER: Ciara Wakley
ŠKODA HEAD OF MARKETING: Kirsten Stagg
ŠKODA NATIONAL COMMS MANAGER: Peter McLeod
ŠKODA BRAND MARKETING MANAGER: Rhidian Taylor