FYI: New York City announces a monumental step by following California’s lead in banning non-electric vehicles by 2035. This progressive move signals a significant shift towards a more sustainable future in urban transportation.
Good morning! It’s Friday, July 19, 2024. The morning shift at Automotive.fyi brings you the latest headlines in the automotive world. Here’s what’s buzzing today:
### New York to Ban All Non-Electric Vehicles by 2035
New York is set to join California in an ambitious ban on all non-electric vehicles starting in 2035. This bold initiative aims to curb air pollution and drive a major shift to electric vehicles (EVs). It’s a move celebrated by environmental advocates and underscores the urgency of adopting greener mobility.
### Trump Vows to End Nonexistent ‘EV Mandate’
In a fiery speech at the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump promised to end what he calls the “electric vehicle mandate” on his first day in office. According to Trump, this will save the American auto industry and consumers substantial costs. However, the Biden administration has not set an explicit EV mandate; instead, they have proposed stricter air pollution standards by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which critics argue could push automakers towards more EV production. Trump’s stance starkly contrasts President Joe Biden’s goal of making 50% of new car sales electric by 2030, reflecting a wider debate over America’s automotive future.
### Trump Calls for UAW President’s Resignation
Trump didn’t stop at EVs; he also took aim at Sean Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW). He criticized the union’s leadership and suggested Fain should be fired, citing UAW’s complicity in what he describes as the erosion of American auto jobs, particularly in the rise of production south of the border. This comes amidst the union’s endorsement of Joe Biden, a pointed reminder of the sharp divide between union leadership and Trump’s automotive policies.
### Tesla’s California Sales Decline
Tesla faces troubling news as its vehicle registrations in California fell by 24% in the second quarter, marking a third consecutive quarter of decline. High interest rates and fierce competition from cheaper hybrids are weighing on Tesla’s sales. Additionally, CEO Elon Musk’s political affiliations and rhetoric may be impacting Tesla’s brand in a traditionally liberal state. With Tesla’s market share in California dropping, the durability of its dominant position in the EV market is in question.
### Chrysler Recalls Plug-In Hybrid Pacifica Minivans Over Fire Risk
Chrysler has announced a recall of approximately 24,000 Plug-In Hybrid Pacifica minivans due to potential fire hazards, impacting models from 2017 to 2021. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings until repairs are completed. The recall follows reports of several incidents, and Chrysler is preparing a software update to mitigate the risk.
### Conclusion
Today’s automotive news encapsulates the ongoing clash of visions for the future of transportation—from ambitious EV mandates to heated political debates and evolving market dynamics. The automotive industry is at a crossroads, navigating between innovation, regulatory pressures, and market competition.
Stay tuned with Automotive.fyi for more updates and insights. For any tips or news, contact us at tips@automotive.fyi or follow us on Twitter @automotivefyi. Visit our website, Automotive.fyi, for the latest in automotive news.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
