Author: William D. Kouch

FYI: Tesla is intensifying its efforts to secure the green light for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in Europe, unveiling a fresh glimpse into its progress with a video showcasing tests conducted on Amsterdam streets. Tesla’s Push for Autonomous Driving in Europe Tesla recently released an intriguing video via its Europe and Middle East social media platform, providing a sneak peek into its ongoing Full Self-Driving (FSD) tests in Europe. The tests, believed to have taken place in Amsterdam, signal Tesla’s dedication to expanding its FSD software capabilities across Europe and the Middle East this year. However, these test drives…

FYI: Tesla’s senior leadership faces significant shifts amidst a challenging year marked by declining sales and increased competition. Challenges Mount for Tesla Amid Leadership Changes Tesla is confronting an uphill battle in 2023, marked by a confluence of sliding sales, heightened rivalry, and notable leadership departures. The company’s internal structures are facing a shake-up as David Lau, Tesla’s long-serving vice president of software engineering, is reported to be stepping down after a significant 13-year stint with the automaker, as disclosed by Bloomberg. The Departure of Key Personnel David Lau’s exit signifies yet another high-level departure from Tesla, causing further fissures…

FYI: Tesla has introduced a new, cost-effective variant of the revamped Model Y in the U.S., featuring a Long Range All-Wheel-Drive configuration. This significant move broadens options for consumers eager to own a Tesla Model Y. Tesla Debuts New Model Y Trim in the U.S. Tesla has unveiled a new variant of the popular Model Y, dubbed “Juniper,” featuring a Long Range All-Wheel-Drive option available in the United States. Prior to incentives, this model starts at an attractive $48,990, making it significantly more affordable for consumers interested in the latest Tesla offerings. Expansion Continues: New Model Enters U.S. Market The…

FYI: The Skoda Elroq RS has arrived as an electrifying new contender in the sporty EV market with remarkable speed and range. Czech manufacturer Skoda is accelerating its electric vehicle lineup with the exciting debut of the Skoda Elroq RS. This compact crossover offers an exhilarating drive, achieving 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.4 seconds, surpassing the previous performance of the pre-revised Enyaq RS, which accomplished the same in 6.5 seconds. Electrifying Performance The Skoda Elroq RS is designed with a dual-motor powertrain, delivering a substantial 340 horsepower (250 kilowatts), marking a 40 hp improvement over its…

FYI: Tesla Germany faces a decline in sales amidst a rising electric vehicle market, as Model Y production shifts and global competition intensify. Tesla’s Sales Struggles in Germany In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla’s sales in Germany experienced a notable slump, in stark contrast to the broader upward trend in the electric vehicle market. Tesla managed to sell only 4,935 units during this period, with March sales plummeting by 42.5% to 2,229 units year-over-year. This decline is even more significant considering the 35.3% rise in newly registered electric vehicles reported by Germany’s road traffic agency, KBA. Factors Behind the…

FYI: Escalating tariffs are reshaping the automotive landscape, with rising costs and legal entanglements affecting the industry. Welcome to an era after "Liberation Day," where the automotive industry in the United States is grappling with the far-reaching impacts of newly implemented tariffs. These tariffs are reverberating through the market, casting a shadow over the future of car prices and automaker strategies. Automotive and market analysts are ringing alarm bells over the steep climb in vehicle costs and the anticipated dip in sales, causing turmoil among industry giants. Analysts Warn: Tariffs Push Auto Sales to the Brink The automobile market is…

FYI: Tesla’s recent delivery numbers for Q1 2025 fell short of expectations, hinting at production challenges and external distractions impacting CEO Elon Musk’s focus on the company. Tesla Struggles with Q1 Delivery Targets Amid Production Challenges Tesla’s Q1 2025 delivery figures have not met Wall Street’s and investors’ expectations. The electric vehicle giant reported deliveries totaling 336,681 vehicles, noticeably lower than the projected 352,000 and unofficial estimates around 350,000. Despite initial appearances, Tesla attributes this drop to the production ramp-up of the new Model Y at all its manufacturing plants, which resulted in several weeks of lost output. The Double-Edged…

FYI: The 2025 Audi RS E-Tron GT ushers in substantial updates, enhancing its stature as a flagship in high-performance electric vehicles. Electric vehicles continue to evolve swiftly, yet sometimes the magic lies in refining an already excellent model rather than revamping it completely. The 2025 Audi RS E-Tron GT exemplifies this idea, showcasing enhancements that solidify its position as Audi’s premier performance sedan through upgraded battery technology and improved driving dynamics. Audi RS E-Tron GT: Enhanced Performance and Technology Audi’s latest iteration of the RS E-Tron GT doesn’t reinvent the wheel but instead optimizes its already outstanding components. The vehicle…

FYI: Tesla is advancing toward the launch of its Cybercab and robotaxi platform, as evidenced by the latest tests of a Model 3 equipped with unconventional camera configurations. Tesla is on the brink of revolutionizing the ride-hailing industry with the impending introduction of its Cybercab and autonomous robotaxi service in the United States. These efforts are part of a broader push to bring driverless transportation options to major cities, including Austin, Texas, where initial trials are expected to commence. Mysterious Camera Installations Signal Progress Recently, Tesla enthusiasts and eagle-eyed observers have spotted a Model 3 prototype on the streets of…

FYI: A long-distance Tesla Model S reveals challenges when modern technology meets traditional mechanical issues. High-Mileage Tesla Model S: A Modern Challenge In the rapidly evolving world of automotive innovation, it seems that sometimes, the blend of technology and tradition creates unexpected complications. This was clearly illustrated with a Tesla Model S that, after accumulating an impressive 450,000 miles, faced a unique set of challenges after being parked for six months. Technology Over Tradition: When Complexity Creates Complications Modern vehicles often boast advanced technology, offering unmatched power and comfort compared to their predecessors. However, as this Tesla Model S demonstrates,…