AD #2329 – No Bolt EV Refresh for 7 Years, Ford Reveals All-New Global Focus, Look at Updates to Volkswagen’s Jetta

On today’s show… Ford introduces the all-new Focus… Chevy won’t redesign the Bolt EV for another seven years… and a look at the updates Volkswagen made to the all-new Jetta. All that and more coming right up on Autoline Daily.

This is Autoline Daily the show for enthusiasts of the automotive industry.

BMW & KIA CUT THE CORD
We’ve got a lot of updates related to electric cars to report on today. Both BMW and Kia revealed they’ve developed wireless charging systems. BMW’s is available on the 530e iPerformance and the 530Le iPerformance that are built and sold in China. The system uses an inductive charging pad that can be installed in a garage or outside in the ground. And the car has a component underneath it, to allow wireless charging once it’s parked over the pad. Kia is testing a similar system on the Soul EV with help from Mojo Mobility. The company says it can wirelessly charge an EV with up to 85% efficiency, even if there’s a misalignment with the transmitter and receiver. Kia says it doesn’t currently have plans to offer it in a production vehicle but it could be available on future electric cars.

BOLT EV & AV PRODUCTION DETAILS
The Chevrolet Bolt EV will not get redesigned for another seven years. Autoforecast Solutions reports that’s when the new Bolt will go into production in January, 2025. That’s when the new Cruise AV, which is the autonomous version of the Bolt will go into production. Presumably both cars will be built on GM’s new architecture for electric vehicles. That architecture will provide the basis for at least 11 EV models and GM claims it will cut cost by 30%.

INSIGHT HYBRID HEADED FOR PRODUCTION IN 2019
Autoforecast also says that Honda will begin assembling the Insight hybrid at its plant in Greenburg, Indiana in may of 2019.

MERCEDES TO TAP SMART PLANT FOR EV PRODUCTION
And Mercedes will begin production of its EQB electric vehicle in France. Interestingly, it will be made in the plant that makes smart cars. Maybe Mercedes is finally figuring out how to boost the capacity utilization of that plant which had been severely underutilized since it was built 20 years ago. Sales of smart cars never hit their target. In the U.S., only 320 smart cars have been sold this year, down 70% from last year.

Still to come… Chevy refreshes the Camaro and Ford takes the wraps off the new Focus.

CHEVY CAMARO GETS A FRESH FACE
Wow! It seems like one day we’re talking about how Chevy is going to axe some models, then the next day it’s talking about how it’s going to refresh some. Then we’re back with another axing and damned if it doesn’t have fresh content today. The Camaro is getting redone for 2019. The front fascia, grille, headlamps and hood have all been reworked. The most keen-of-eye will even notice slight differences between the LS/LT, RS and SS trims. There’s also new rear styling for all models, with specific diffusers on RS and SS when equipped with Dual Exhaust. The performance 1LE package can now be applied to 4-cylinder turbo models and the 2019 Camaro comes with new technology features and enhancements, including Chevrolet’s next-generation Infotainment 3 system.

CHEVY TEASES NEXT-GEN SILVERADO HD
And the brand is also showing this teaser of the next-gen Silverado HD. The mean-mugged pickup will debut next year as a 2020 model. And be sure to stay tuned because, if the pattern continues I’m sure we’ll be back with reports of another Chevy model headed for the chopping block.

FORD REVEALS ALL-NEW GLOBAL FOCUS
And speaking of new, Ford pulled the wraps off the all-new global Focus. It’s been redesigned from the ground up and features more flowing body lines, especially over the wheel arches. It kind of reminds us a little bit of the Mazda3. The wheelbase has been extended slightly and while over all dimensions are still the same, Ford was able to increase storage space and leg room. The all-new Focus will also come with Ford CoPilot360, its suite of driver assist features and an embedded modem for a WiFi hotspot. Ford is only announcing powertrain options for Europe and China currently, which includes a range of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines. A new quick-shift 8-speed automatic transmission is also available. The new Focus goes on sale in Europe and China this year with the American version to follow in the second half of 2019.

We’ve got a great Autoline After Hours coming up this Thursday. We’ll have Paul Smith, the chief engineer on the new Jeep Cherokee in the studio. And man, is that Cherokee red hot. Sales shot up a staggering 57% last month. So join John and Gary to learn how Jeep cracked the code to bring so many buyers into the showrooms.

Coming up next, did you know the new Volkswagen Jetta will only be sold in North and South America?.

NEW VW JETTA SLIPS ON MQB SHOES
We just got a chance to drive the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. It’s been completely redesigned and now sits on VW’s MQB architecture. It was designed specifically for the North and South American markets. The car will not be sold in Europe and while there will be a Jetta in China, it will not be this model. The new Jetta is powered by a 1.4 liter turbo four with 147 horsepower and 184 pound feet of torque And both available transmissions deliver a combined 30 miles per gallon. You can choose between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. Prices range from $19,400 to nearly $28,000 depending on the trim line. We’ll have more details in tomorrow’s show.

FCA FORMS PARTNERSHIPS WITH JLR & ASTON
Did you know that FCA now has partnerships with Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin? Well, we’re actually talking about FCA Bank, the finance arm of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Aston Martin just formed a partnership with FCA Bank to provide financing for Aston’s 36 dealers in Europe. JLR already has a partnership with FCA Bank. These deals gives the dealers for both luxury automakers access to financing for improving their stores as well as providing financing for customers to buy cars.

But that’s it for today, thanks for watching and please join us again tomorrow.