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US House committees probe Ford's $3.5B CATL partnership, citing China-dependence concerns and potential violations of EV tax credit rules. Some of Fordโs EVs may lose tax credit eligibility if the Treasury feels the automaker is too cozy with US rivals in Bejing.
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Fiat Chrysler will try again to halt US sales of Mahindra's Roxor off-road vehicles claiming Mahindra copied Jeep design. The 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals has instructed a lower court to reconsider its previous decision. You know what they say: if it looks like a Jeep and quacks like a Jeep, it may be a Roxor. ๐ฆ
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According to JD Power's Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study, Alfa Romeo and Ram top the rankings for the best automotive websites, while VW and Audi lag behind. Mostly the study notes that an appealing, easy-to-navigate website plays a part in bringing people into the showroom. ๐
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Volvo has delayed its flagship electric EX90 crossover until mid-2024 due to software challenges. While software complications have plagued several vehicle debuts, this one is with the companyโs first attempt to incorporate standard lidar tech, so we assume the infotainment system is still fine and may include smell-o-vision any day now. ๐
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Mercedes-Benz will center its EV strategy on China from 2025, tailoring its models to meet local needs. Despite Germany's efforts to reduce its reliance on China, the country remains a crucial market for the automaker. Relying on China as a supplier and market are two different crutches, which is often how crutches work โ in pairs.