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Runtime: 9:43
0:00 Tesla Beats Analysts Sales Estimates
1:10 BYD Passes Tesla in Q4 EV Sales
1:38 Honda To Test Used Fuel Cells for Energy Storage
2:16 NIO Adds Solar Panels to Battery Swapping Stations
2:51 Stellantis Employees Snap-Up Company Stock
3:54 New Taycan Beats Model S Plaid on The Nurburgring
5:14 Lancia Teases New Ypsilon
6:08 Store Your Key Fob in Metal Can to Prevent Car Theft
6:53 Jim Farley Launches Second Season of DRIVE Podcast
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This is Autoline Daily, the show dedicated to enthusiasts of the global automotive industry.
Happy New Year everybody, and welcome back to our first show of 2024. Our mission is to keep you up to speed with the most important developments in the industry, so let’s get to the news.
TESLA BEATS ANALYSTS SALES ESTIMATES
Tesla surprised analysts by selling more cars than they expected in the fourth quarter. It sold 484,507 vehicles globally, well above the 473,000 that analysts predicted on average. In December alone, Tesla sold over 94,000 cars in China, up more than 68% compared to last year, and an all-time record for the company. For the year, Tesla sold just over 1.8 million vehicles globally, up 38% compared to 2022. It expects to sell 2.2 million vehicles this year, which would be a growth rate of 22%.
BYD PASSES TESLA IN Q4 EV SALES
Even so, BYD was able to grab the EV sales crown for the 4th quarter by selling 526,409 EVs, though Tesla kept the crown for the full year. BYD has a broader line-up of vehicles that are generally priced much lower than Tesla’s cars. And those cars don’t generate as much revenue or profit as Tesla’s do.
HONDA TO TEST USED FUEL CELLS FOR ENERGY STORAGE
You’ve heard of re-using old EV batteries for energy storage, right? Well Honda is looking into using old fuel cells for the same thing. It’s partnering with Mitsubishi and the chemical engineering company, Tokuyama, to test the system at a data center in Japan. Honda will develop the stationary storage system using old fuel cells and by-product hydrogen will be produced by Tokuyama to supply electricity to the data center operated by Mitsubishi. The 2-year project kicks off in March and will study the economics and feasibility of the system.
NIO ADDS SOLAR PANELS TO BATTERY SWAPPING STATIONS
NIO is going to start using solar panels on its battery swapping stations, which the company estimates will generate 18,000 kWh of electricity a year. Called Power Swap Stations 4.0, they’re also compatible with other brands since NIO recently signed battery swapping deals with several automakers. The stations can also change a battery 22% faster than before. The company has already built more than 2,000 swapping stations and says it will build another 1,000 this year.
STELLANTIS EMPLOYEES SNAP-UP COMPANY STOCK
Last November, Stellantis started giving employees the opportunity to buy shares in the company at a 20% discount. And they responded resoundingly. The program is called Shares to Win and was offered to 85,000 employees in France and Italy, and the company matched 100% of whatever they bought up to 1,000 euros. Stellantis says employees invested 65 million euros, snapping up around 4.4 million shares. Now Stellantis will expand the program to 242,000 employees in 18 countries in the first half of this year, and in 2025 it plans to roll it out to all its employees worldwide.
NEW TAYCAN BEATS MODEL S PLAID ON THE NURBURGRING
Porsche and Tesla have traded punches for fastest sedan on the Nurburgring and Porsche just landed a hard upper-cut. A pre-series version of the new Taycan, which is expected to be revealed soon, lapped the Nurburgring in just under 7 minutes and 8 seconds. That’s 26 seconds faster than Porsche’s previous EV record on the track and 18 seconds faster than the Tesla Model S Plaid with a track package. This pre-series Porsche no doubt has some sort of performance package as well and it was also equipped with a roll-cage and racing seats for the test. The company says the new car was going 25 km/h or over 15 miles per hour faster on the straight aways than the previous Taycan with a performance pack. However, Porsche does not have the fastest EV lap time on the Nurburgring. That tile belongs to the Rimac Nevera, which is about two and a half seconds faster than the new Taycan. But considering the Taycan is a 4-door sedan that will probably cost around $200,000 for this particular model and not a $2 million dollar plus 2-door supercar, the Porsche time is pretty impressive.
LANCIA TEASES NEW YPSILON
Lancia, which falls under the Stellantis umbrella, is teasing the all-new Ypsilon that debuts next month. The model features design inspiration from the Pu+Ra HPE concept as well as past models, like the round taillights that were inspired by the Stratos. The new Ypsilon will debut a new infotainment system, called SALA, which is short for Sound Air Light Augmentation. It features a centralized control panel that allows users to make changes with gesture or voice commands. The first version, teased here, will be an all-electric model limited to just over 1900 examples. But it’s also possible there will be ICE versions as well. Stellantis’ EV platforms allow for multiple powertrain types. And hopefully we’ll learn more in about a month.
STORE YOUR KEY FOB IN METAL CAN TO PREVENT CAR THEFT
Do you have one of those wireless key fobs to open your car and start the engine? Did you know that car thieves can capture the signal from your fob, open your car, start the engine and drive away–even if the fob is safely inside your house? But you can stop them cold. The CEO of a tech company called GuardKnox Cyber Technologies tells the Detroit Free Press that you shouldn’t just toss your key fob on a table when you get home. Instead, he says put it in a metal can, like a coffee can. Or wrap them in tin foil, or in some kind of Faraday cage, like a wire mesh. That blocks the signal from the key fob and prevents thieves from stealing your car.
JIM FARLEY LAUNCHES SECOND SEASON OF DRIVE PODCAST
Ford’s CEO Jim Farley launched a podcast in 2022 called DRIVE. He snagged quite a few A-list celebrities as his guests, like NFL star Tom Brady, actor Dax Shepard and late night TV host Jimmy Fallon. Well, Farley liked being a podcast host so much that he’s kicking off another season. Jimmy Fallon is back, and the singer Kelly Clarkson is coming on as a guest. Farley put out a trailer promoting the podcast that has other celebrities on it. But we only hear their voices, and don’t get their names. Maybe you can guess who they are. We’ve got a link in the transcript and description box.
They call them SDVs, or software defined vehicles. It’s one of the hottest topics in the auto industry right now. But which car company is doing the best job of developing SDVs–who’s in the lead? That’s the topic on Autoline After Hours tomorrow when we’ll have Mark Wakefield from Alix Partners, which surveyed 180 executives at automakers, suppliers and tech companies to learn where they stand with software defined vehicles. If you want to stay up to speed on the hottest trends in the industry, don’t miss Autoline After Hours.
And don’t miss our coverage of CES that kicks off next week in Las Vegas, as we bring you interviews and insights from experts and executives about the latest automotive tech the world has to offer.
But that brings us to the end of today’s show. Thanks for making Autoline a part of your day.
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I never worried about key fobs at home, but I put them in the microwave when at hotels. I figured that should work.
Some of those fobs have a really long range, even through walls. One of the ladies in my office is able to start her Charger from her desk halfway across the building.
I purposely park away from my room at hotels, but I never thought to put my keys in the microwave.
Another thing that can done is; instead of using the key fob to lock your car, use the lock button that’s on the inside of the car. As far as I know, no signal will be transmitted by doing it that way.
So car thieving has gone high tech. Seems like the best protection is old school doors and ignition with keys and drive a manual stick shift car. Maybe a hidden kill switch.
I remember someone at my work place using a “club” when involved in an ugly marital dispute.
If you use the lock button inside the alarm won’t be armed.
Tesla went from 66% market share to below 50% in a single year. That’s faster than the half century it GM to lose thier lead?!
Instead of podcasting, Farley’s time might be better spent concentrating on improving Ford’s quality. They have the dubious distinction of leading the industry in that category for 2022 and for the first half of 2023 as well.
Lambo,
For my daily that uses a key fob, I have a faraday cage that I throw the key into. It is a nice little box that fits more than just my key fobs. It is kind of convenient. On my older cars, I just pull the ignition coil wire whenever I stop somewhere for an extended period of time, like an overnight at a hotel. When I did the hotrod power tour, I went a step further. I pulled the coil wire and put a parking boot on my car. The boot was large enough to prevent a tow truck from lifting the wheels with the boot on. Not saying it was theft proof, but it was made difficult enough that anyone looking would choose an easier vehicle to steal over mine.
Merkur- Yea years ago I used to repossess vehicles in the Detroit and surrounding areas. I had a variety of tools at my disposal to drive the vehicle away but if that was a fail we always had the good old tow truck. Which actually wasnt old. it was a brand new 1 ton with a fold down lift in the bed. Looked like every other pick-up with the bed still on and in 10 seconds converted to a two truck. The boot would slow things down but if they want it bad enough they’ll find a way. That was when I realized I would never buy a car alarm. I would trip them and no one paid any attention in fact I got yelled at to shut it off once. So unless you hear it yourself no one is getting involved to save your car.
Did anyone else not get ALD e-mailed to them today? It used to come to my inbox every weekday but had to come to the website today.
Hey Lambo, did your email ever come through to you today? We definitely sent one out. If not, let me know what email it’s supposed to go to and I can check to make sure you’re still on the list. If you like you can send an email directly to me with that info at sean@autoline.tv
I don’t know about all key fobs but some go inactive after a certain time when no movement is detected. I know my Cadillac and the C8 Corvette act this way. I also don’t know whether this inactivates the ability to ‘hack’ them, when inactive. This is why you can lock your keys in your vehicle if you have auto lock activated. Considquently, if you do lock your key in your vehicle, you can rock the vehicle and it will unlock. So, if you have your fob in your pocket, it would be active.
You can turn off Toyota key fobs so they do nothing, either receive or transmit. I have to google it about once a year when I want to to it.
The Philadelphia Auto Show begins Jan.13th . I had attended everyone for over 20 years until the Plannedemic . They just got the 2020 show in before everything hit the fan . I haven’t gone since and doubt very much I ever will again if what I see is going on last year and this year. Last year’s show was marred by low manufacturer turnout . No doubt due to very low inventories of cars. I hoped this year would be better but it’s worse much worse. There are only 17 manufacturers attending and 5 of those you can’t get within 10 feet of as they are behind ropes. Bentley,Maserati,Rolls, Aston Martin and Lamborghini. That leaves just 12 brands for the masses to look at up close , Ford, Nissan,VW,Toyota,Kia,Chevrolet,Subaru,Honda,Buick,GMC,Infiniti and Lexus. That is it. To add insult to injury they are charging $20 a head + $1 service charge if you print your ticket at home using your ink , your paper and your electricity. Quite a bargain don’t you think ? What I found startling was No German brands except VW, No Cadillac, No Stellantis brands . I count at least 20 mainstream brands not bothering , No all electric brands like Tesla, Polestar , Hummer or Rivian. I can’t see this going too many more years if no one will bring their cars to it.
XA351GT, not cute with Plannedemic. I knew two people who died from it.
Anyway, the shows seemed to have been going downhill for a long time. I’ve been to the Indy show a few times, with cars mostly from local dealers. I went to the NYC show in 2013, but, disappointingly, no “exotics,” though most of the majors were there. The big reveal was the Lincoln MKZ, and you couldn’t touch it.
ChuckGrenci, I’ve used autolock with the C8, but never checked to see what would happen if you leave the fob in the car. I’ll have to try it.
Kit , we’ll just have to agree that we disagree. That outbreak was too well timed not to be and adding the Fauci quote from the beginning of the former President’s term that he’d have to deal with a pandemic when there hadn’t been one 100 years either means he is psychic or he knew what was coming and his ties to where the outbreak began are too many things that you shouldn’t just discount. That combined with Harris’ response to Pence at the VP debate when he was talking the trade deals with China that were imposed just before the outbreak and her response of ” We see how that worked out” pretty much inferring that it was a response to being hammered on tariffs. I am sorry for all those that were harmed by the outbreak it seems they were collateral damage in the effort to get what certain people wanted .
@Kit, my CT6 will auto lock when I gas up and my wife’s key fob is in the car (immobile). Since I still have my fob in my pocket, no problem, the door still unlocks. As far as rocking the car, I’ve never had to do that, nor have I ever tried it, but I gleaned that fact from Corvette Conti’s YouTube video.
And not to start a ‘rant’ concerning Covid (it’s real, and it’s not over); I lost my two best friends to Covid, though admittingly they both had underlying health issues; but Covid put them over the top and took them.
I don’t think anyone was saying Covid wasn’t real. It most certainly was real and deadly to some. The mad dash to provide protection was also real and in my opinion incomplete. Based off personal experience.
As for whether it was planned, a leak or a freak accident is something we peons will never know. Conspiracies run rampant as to why it would be purposely released, some are plausible while other are just utterly ridiculous but if history has taught us anything it should remind us, that governments (not just ours) and people of wealth and power have done horrible things to lots of people in the past for the sake of research and money. Thats why we are more willing to take the advice of a close friend or family member over someone that is being paid to provide you information. Money breeds corruption and sadly today there is lots to go around. IMO.
Kit,
I suspect that if you leave the key in the car, the car will unlock and the horn will make a fast beep sound(typically 3 beeps for GM). It should do this even if you do not lock the door when you get out and leave the key in the interior. On my car, I accidentally dropped the key in the trunk when loading groceries. I didn’t notice. The car did though because it would not allow the trunk to lock. At first I thought the trunk lock had somehow broke, then I noticed my key laying on the trunk floor. Took it out and the trunk was able to lock again. They are smart with these key fobs these days.
Whether Covid was a lab leak, originated from “wet markets,” or something else, there is no way it was “planned.” It’s pretty clear that it originated in China, and people in China were first in line to be affected. Whatever you think of the Chinese government, they would not deliberately release a disease that would kill hundreds of thousands, or millions of their own people, and cripple their economy for months or years.
My Corvette is in Indiana, while I’m in Florida, so I won’t be able to do key experiments, for now. I have it set to auto lock when I walk away from the car, without blowing the horn. With my other cars, you push a button, or touch a certain place on the door handle to lock the car.
With various cars I’ve had, if I have one key fob in my pocket and the other in a suitcase in the car, you need to push the “lock” button on the fob; the door will not lock the regular way.
Land Rover has a special feature that allows you to lock the key fob in the trunk and go hiking or swimming for instance. When you return, you enter a code on the keypad and retrieve the key. These days however, I would be worried someone would just break the glass and take the whole car.
Kit- No way it was planned? I like to think that mankind has brotherly love too but as I said history shows us otherwise. Democide is real and has happened so many times. Just a few examples of Governments taking out their own people.
People Republic of China 1949-1987 killed 87.6 Million of their own people
Soviet Socialist Republic 1917-1987 Killed 61.9 Million of their own people
Germany 1933-1945 Killed 20.9 Million
Japan 1936-1945 Killed 6 Million
Cambodia 1975-1979 1.5 Million
Turkey 1909-1918 1.9 Million
Vietnam 1945-1987 1.7 Million
Poland 1945-1948 1.6 Million
Pakistan 1970-71 1.5 Million
Then you have our government that has conducted experiments on our people. Thanks to the Freedom of information act these are public fact now and not hearsay.
Stateville Penitentiary Malaria Study done in the mid-1940s on 400 prisoners without consent or knowledge.
Agent Orange study conducted in Holmesburg Prison in Penn. without consent.
From 1954-1973 the US armed forces made 2300 7th day Adventists who would not kill due to their religion be part of a Vaccine study to combat bioweapons.
Our US Government released millions of mosquitos infected with Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever into the cities of Avon Park FL. and Savana GA. in 1956-57 called Operation drop kick.
So, if you want to blindly trust that governments would never harm us then live that naive life. History states otherwise. This was only a small number of instances too.
Yes, there have been cases of governments killing their own people, but generally selectively, not randomly, like a pandemic. Also, China would not have wanted to deliberately hurt their economy. You can have your conspiracy theory, but rational thought would not support it.
Regarding, Operation Drop Kick, the Chemical Corps released uninfected female mosquitoes into a residential area of Savannah, Georgia, whose residents had agreed to participate in the project,
Sometimes your rational thought ends up being just wishful thinking. A conspiracy is only one until its proven to be fact. I’m sure many of the people that were used as guinea pigs in various studies noticed neighbors also getting sick or dying and had conspiracy theory’s as to why. Only to have the facts come out 40-50 years later and find out they were being used. But hey I’m sure they thought at the time all the speculators were being irrational too.