Moped operator taken to hospital after SUV collision in Lewiston

The operator of a moped was transported to Central Maine Medical Center after colliding with an SUV at College and Sabattus streets Wednesday morning, according to police.

Gregory Pontoo, 38, of Lewiston was driving his 50cc moped just before 10:50 a.m. Wednesday when he collided with a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan driven by Kalao Kilongozi-Huenga, 34, of Portland.

Pontoo was transported to CMMC with lower body injuries not considered life threatening, said Lewiston Police Lt. Derrick St. Laurent.

St. Laurent said as of 3:35 p.m., police were awaiting video evidence to determine who was at fault.

SUV Crashes into Home in South Wichita: Emergency Response

Incident Overview and Emergency Response

A dramatic incident unfolded in south Wichita when an SUV crashed into a house, sending shockwaves through the community. The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the 3000 block of E. Locust, leading to a swift response from the Sedgwick County Fire Department. Emergency crews were dispatched immediately to handle the situation.

Cause of the Crash

According to Captain Clint Reed of the Sedgwick County Fire Department, the driver experienced a sudden medical emergency, which caused the vehicle to veer off course and smash into a residential property. This unfortunate event led to considerable damage to the house, though thankfully, it was empty at the time. The situation could have been far more serious if the home had been occupied.

Injuries and Medical Care

Following the collision, the driver was rushed to the hospital in critical condition due to the severity of their medical condition and the crash’s impact. The passenger, who sustained only minor injuries, was also treated promptly. This event underscores the importance of emergency response readiness and highlights the unforeseen challenges that can arise on the road.

Kia expands Georgia plant to produce electric EV9 SUV with $200M investment

Kia is expanding its only manufacturing plant in the US to make room for its first electric three-row SUV. The Kia EV9 will be the automaker’s first EV assembled in North America. Assembly will begin at its West Point, Georgia, plant next year.

Kia to build EV9 electric SUV at West Point, Georgia

Kia announced an over $200 million expansion Wednesday, creating nearly 200 additional jobs in the area.

The EV9 will be the fifth model assembled at its Georgia facility but the first all-electric vehicle to join the lineup. Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America, said the “EV9 has the potential to be another ‘game changer’ for Kia.” He added:

This will be the most sophisticated vehicle that we have ever built and will be a standout in the EV market and on the road. Best of all, it will be assembled in West Point, Georgia.

In March, Kia officially unveiled the EV9 electric SUV, garnering praise for its bold design and advanced features.

Meet Kia’s first EV set for assembly in the US

The EV9 is the largest electric car from Kia so far and its first three-row electric SUV. Kia says the EV9 is reshaping the company with a “bold vision for the new era of electrification.”

As such, the EV9 includes some of the latest in-vehicle technology, including Kia’s most advanced Highway Driving Pilot, OTA updates, onboard power generator functionality (V2L), and ultra-wideband-based Digital Key.

Despite the advancements, Kia is not stepping away from the segment, claiming the EV9 offers “true SUV capabilities.” These include 7.8-inch ground clearance, up to 81.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, up to 5,000 lbs towing capacity, and available torque-vectoring dual-motor AWD.

Based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s 800-volt E-GMP platform (the same one used to power the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kia EV6), the EV9 includes fast-charging capabilities, designed to go from 10% to 80% charge (adding 148 miles of driving range) in under 25 minutes.

The EV9 will be available in two powertrain options. The standard is a 76.1 kWh battery (fourth-generation) with a 215 hp (160 kW) motor. In addition, a 99.8 kWh battery pack will be offered with a single motor, targeting 300 miles range, or a dual-motor 379 hp torque-vectoring AWD configuration with 516 lb-ft of torque.

Kia is expected to begin assembling the EV9 at its West Point, Georgia, plant starting in the second quarter of 2024. The automaker began delivering the electric SUV to customers in South Korea last month, gathering 13,000 preorders in its first eight days on the market.

Although Kia has yet to release prices for the US market, we expect that, based on the first European prices, the EV9 will start around $65,000 to $70,000 for the larger battery pack and around $60,000 for the standard model.

Kia’s $200 Million Boost to Georgia Plant to Launch EV9 SUV in 2024

Significant Investment to Drive Local Economy

On July 12, Kia announced a major investment of over $200 million in its Georgia assembly plant, set to begin production of the all-new EV9 SUV in 2024. This strategic move will add approximately 200 new jobs at the West Point facility, which will now assemble its first electric vehicle in North America alongside its existing models. This expansion is expected to significantly boost local employment and solidify the plant’s role in Kia’s growing EV portfolio.

Meeting New Tax Credit Requirements

The decision to produce the EV9 in the U.S. aligns with new regulations that offer up to $7,500 in federal tax credits for electric vehicles manufactured domestically. By meeting this requirement, Kia not only enhances its product lineup but also positions itself to benefit from U.S. consumer incentives. This investment underscores Kia’s commitment to both innovation and economic growth in the region.

SUV Initially Reported Stolen with Infant Inside Found Safe in Alabama

Unraveled Mystery: SUV’s True Fate Revealed

An SUV reported stolen with a 9-month-old infant inside in Alabama was discovered later hidden in dense brush, according to AL.com. The vehicle, found roughly 100 yards from the original theft location, had apparently rolled into the undergrowth rather than being stolen. The infant, Harlow Darby Freeman, was found safe in her car seat, despite the distressing situation.

Initial fears of abduction have been allayed as investigators suggest the SUV might have rolled down a slope due to the driver’s failure to engage the parking brake. Chief Danny Woodard mentioned that police are continuing their investigation and conducting further interviews to clarify the situation. This unusual event has certainly left the small town of Parrish, located about 40 miles northwest of Birmingham, in shock.

Key Findings and Ongoing Investigation

The discovery of the SUV and the baby inside brought relief after an intense search that started when the girl’s family reported the vehicle stolen. Although the SUV’s window was broken, it provided some ventilation for the baby overnight. Despite being dehydrated, Harlow was in good health, highlighting the importance of quick response in such critical situations.

2025 Jeep “Wagoneer S”: The Sporty Jeep SUV That’ll Get a New Name

The STLA Large electric platform (there are Small and Medium versions, too) will underpin the Wagoneer S; these versatile bones can support all sorts of powertrains. In EV models, the architecture can offer as much as 500 miles of range and tote battery packs ranging in size from 101 to 118 kWh. There’s no word yet whether the S will include the full-bore package, but Jeep is already promising 400 miles of range, a 0-60 sprint of 3.5 seconds, and 600 hp from a dual-motor setup. Dimensionally, the S is slightly smaller than a Grand Cherokee, though interior room is said to be on par with that model’s.

2024 Ferrari Purosangue Review: Ferrari’s Unique SUV Experience

Ferrari’s Bold New Direction

The 2024 Ferrari Purosangue marks a groundbreaking moment in automotive history as Ferrari’s first foray into the SUV segment. With its 12-cylinder engine and distinctive design, this vehicle defies conventional expectations and has already garnered immense interest, with every production slot booked through 2026. This bold move reflects Ferrari’s commitment to innovation while staying true to its luxury sports car heritage.

Performance and Design: A Ferrari Through and Through

Under the hood, the Purosangue boasts a powerful 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, delivering 715 horsepower and 528 lb-ft of torque. Its design, though initially controversial, is a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess, featuring aerodynamic enhancements like a sculpted hood and optimized airflow channels. This sophisticated design not only enhances performance but also ensures that the Purosangue remains unmistakably a Ferrari in both style and substance.

Impressive Specifications and Market Position

The Purosangue stands out with its exclusive features and high-performance capabilities. Priced at a base of $397,300, it is equipped with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, ensuring a thrilling driving experience. Despite its luxury status and remarkable specifications, the Purosangue faces fierce competition from other high-end SUVs, but its unique blend of Ferrari’s legacy and innovative design solidifies its special place in the market.

Major Turnpike Accident: SUV and Tractor-Trailer Collision Causes Widespread Disruption

Unexpected Traffic Snarl on Pennsylvania Turnpike

A severe collision early Wednesday morning involving a tractor-trailer and an SUV caused major disruptions on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Northeast Extension near the Lehigh Valley exit. The crash left the SUV perched perilously on the median barrier, drawing immediate emergency responses and significantly affecting the flow of traffic during the peak rush hour.

Comprehensive Traffic Impact and Investigation Underway

The collision, which occurred while the vehicles were heading southbound, affected traffic on both sides of the highway due to its location near the central barrier. The aftermath led to prolonged delays on the Turnpike itself and spilled over onto Route 22, causing headaches for morning commuters. State police are currently investigating the incident but have yet to determine the cause or report any injuries, continuing to assess the broader impacts of this disruptive event.

2 Hospitalized After Street Sweeper, SUV Crash In Oxford

Two women were injured when a commercial street sweeper hit an SUV in Oxford on Tuesday afternoon, The Connecticut Post reported. Emergency responders were called to the intersection of Oxford Road (Route 67) and Chestnut Tree Hill Road at 2:17 p.m.

A street sweeper had struck a Jeep Compass. One of the women was trapped in the SUV and needed to be extricated. Both women were transported to local hospitals.

Stolen SUV belonging to man with ALS recovered in St. Paul

A day after FOX 9 detailed the plight of a man living with ALS who had his SUV and wheelchair stolen, the stolen vehicle has now been recovered.

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office tells FOX 9 that Kyle Schultz’s Chevy Tahoe was spotted by someone who saw FOX 9’s story on Monday. it was recovered by deputies near Winnipeg and Rice Street in St. Paul Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately for Schultz, his wheelchair that was inside the SUV was gone along with all four tires. A ramp and a vest for his service dog were also stolen.

Schultz SUV was loaded up Tuesday afternoon. (FOX 9)

It was towed away around 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

The good news: Schultz also got some help on Tuesday with finding a new chair. Local nonprofit the O’Neill Foundation saw Schultz’s story and wanted to help. The foundation donated a new wheelchair to Schultz which will be arriving on Friday.