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Genesis Reveals Its First GV60 Facelift: Here’s What’s Changed

(Images: Genesis)

Genesis’ small electric crossover gets its first significant update since its 2021 debut.

Time waits for no one, and that’s just as true for the EV space as it is for your conventional internal combustion cars. Now that it’s been around for a few years, Genesis is updating its GV60 crossover for the new model year — in the same sort of spirit as the premium model’s mainstream counterparts, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

“Update” is the key word here, rather than complete overhaul, especially as you might struggle to see the styling changes at first glance. There are tweaks worth mentioning, though, including the reshaped front bumper and lower fascia versus previous model years. The split headlights are still a core feature of the GV60’s front-end look, but Genesis changed out the actual light assemblies to their new Micro Lens Array (MLA) setup, found on the pricier GV70 and GV80 SUVs.

In profile, the refreshed Genesis GV60 gets new five-spoke 21-inch wheels. Most of the garnishes are body color as well, to create a more cohesive overall design as well as improve its stance by looking lower and wider.

Inside, the new GV60 model leans into the ongoing trend across the automaker’s portfolio as well as the industry at-large — screen, screen, and more screen. In fact, you get a single 27-inch “Integrated Cockpit” system here, rather than a bezel separating the digital cluster from the infotainment screen.

Genesis also ditched the two-spoke design, which I actually liked for being a bit different, in favor of a sportier three-spoke setup like its other models. As far as being different, though, the GV60 does retain its rotating faux-crystal sphere gear selector, so that’s a nice touch. It’s unclear whether the blue interior shown here on the Korean model will translate to the North American market, but that would also seriously stand out from some of the other options on sale right now.

Full details on the refreshed Genesis GV60, including any changes to the battery capacity or powertrain, will be announced in the coming weeks. As has been the way with Hyundai, Kia and Genesis launches of late, we’ll see more information as this model hits the Korean market first, then rolls out to the rest of the world. Odds are, though, we won’t see much of a price shift from the present GV60’s $54,350 to $71,900 range, before any available incentives.

The major exception to that rule-of-thumb is the performance-oriented Magma, which Genesis already showed off in concept form. That will not only get the styling and tech changes we’ll see here as the rest of the lineup, but it will also get even more grunt than the Performnance (with a higher price tag, naturally).

While we haven’t driven this revamped model yet, of course, you can at least get some perspective on what is already available through the video below:

Ask Nathan: Will Nissan Unplug/Update The Frontier And Will Hyundai/Kia Build a Serious 4X4?

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

  • Do you think the Nissan Frontier will be kept or killed if it merges with Honda?
  • Hyundai and KIA still do not have a dedicated off-roader.

The first question comes from a long-time fan who is concerned about the future of the Nissan Frontier, now that a merger with Honda is on the table.

Q: (Via:Twitter/X@NathanAdlen) I worry about the future of the Nissan Frontier.

With Honda coming in as the new overlords it looks bad. Honda builds the Ridgeline which is in the same mid sized class as the Frontier. Why would they continue to build something that competes against their own? Know you guys like the Ridgeline and I get why people like it. But the Frontier can do SO MUCH MORE. It is a real truck and is very rugged as you guys know.

It’s a shame. I think it is a real good truck that is finally starting to get people’s attention. I hope we don’t get rid of something this good. It’s not like the Titan. A good truck with way too much competition.

What do you think Nathan?

– Titan_Log

A: I can understand your concern, but I don’t think it’s that cut and dry.

We still need to hear from the automakers about this joint venture/partnership. It’s still not 100-percent, and we know very few details. I think it’s fair to say, cuts will be made – but I doubt it will be the Frontier anytime soon.

Last year, Nissan sold just under 56,000 Frontiers in the United States. That’s about one-fifth of how many Tacomas Toyota normally sells, although last year’s new Tacoma was somewhere around 170,000. New production tends to dip as all the products, and the assembly have to gear up. Now, Honda sold just over 45,000 Ridgelines in 2024, which may not be a huge number compared to Toyota, but it’s a solid and consistent seller for the automaker.

There could be a variety of things at play here, namely the opportunity for Honda to actually build up the Frontier. Hear me out: while the Ridgeline and Frontier are technically competitors, they serve completely different consumers. Other than having a bed, the only other thing they have in common is sporting a V6. The Frontier is a truck, and the Ridgeline is a crossover, with a bed – and there’s nothing wrong with either vehicle.

Honda Ridgeline with HPD package - top 20 longest-lasting vehicles

I’m a huge fan of both, and I think there’s plenty of room for these pickups under this larger umbrella.

If it were my call, I would make the Ridgeline more efficient, perhaps using Honda’s hybrid powertrain expertise. At the same time, invest in the Frontier by using its frame for more than one truck. You can read recent news about the possible return of the Nissan Xterra here. In addition, I would push to make it best-in-class, or near the top in overall capability. Nissan needs to undercut the competition with pricing too. Make it so compelling, it truly takes some sales away from Toyota, Ford, GM and Jeep.

In addition, Honda/Nissan need to offer a super inexpensive pickup that undercuts everyone and brings the fight directly to the Ford Maverick. Be in electric, PHEV, hybrid or a two-stroke, they need to be in Ford’s face right away. It’s a smart bet in my book.

Finally, many believe that building two completely different kinds of pickups will mitigate sales infighting. I would agree. There’s no reason to cancel the Frontier, as long as they remember what that truck is supposed to be all about. It needs to maintain its identity, and it needs to grow.

– N


The last comment comes from an unusual phone call I received regarding the possibility of Hyundai and KIA building an actual off-road vehicle.

Q: (Via: LinkedIn – phone call [paraphrased]) It seems that Hyundai and KIA are building everything except for serious off-road vehicles.

They have sports cars, EV, a new pickup truck and luxury cars with Genesis, but there is no purpose-built off-road vehicle. Do you think they have the wherewithal to build something that could compete against Jeep?

— An interview question from Saudi Arabia

A: You forgot convertibles, but I hear they may have one soon (Genesis Concept X).

Yes, I hear you – and there may be a few things that will change the landscape of the automaker’s off-road landscape. They are quite serious about their electrification, and EVs in general. From what we’ve seen over the past year or two, it looks like we might see an all-electric off-road vehicle in the works. Will it be a “hard-core” off-roader? That’s hard to say, but if they do build something like the KIA PV5 WKNDR concept – it could be epic.

Additionally, Hyundai has been building a rough-and-tumble truck for a while. Sure, it’s no Ford Raptor, but it is beefy, and (from what I hear) pretty capable in the rough. I am talking about the Hyundai Porter II 4×4 truck. It’s a cab-over design with either a diesel, or all-electric powertrain. I’m pretty sure the diesel is the only one that offers a 4×4 setup.

It’s more of an industrial vehicle that designated as a KDM (Korean domestic market) vehicle. Still, if you were to look at some of the images of this thing, especially the nice looking interior, it sure looks like something comfy. At the same time, it has a solid rear axle, beefy frame and fairly short overhangs. All good things for off-roading.

Will Hyundai bring something like that to the United States? Doubtful, but never doubt their ambitions!

— N

Nissan Just Gave Another Signal It May Revive The Long-Dead Xterra SUV. It’s About Time

As the potential Honda merger made headlines, Nissan also put in a trademark application for the Xterra name.

The holiday season is usually a bit of a dead stretch as far as news is concerned, but not this year. Nissan and Honda made waves by officially announcing their intent to merge on December 23. That wasn’t the only thing Nissan had in mind just before Christmas, as it turns out, as the Japanese automaker also submitted a new application to use the “Xterra” name to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) the very same day.

Nissan’s request covers a trademark that “consists of standard characters, without claim to any particular font style, size or color”. So it’s not an actual Xterra badge or logo, as such, but rather a claim for the name itself to be used in commerce. That may be down to the automaker still determining whether it is actually going to revive the Xterra SUV, and what any potential branding might look like. The trademark application also specifically covers “motor vehicles, namely automobiles, sport utility vehicles and structural parts thereafter” (emphasis added). Nissan further claimed ownership over prior Xterra marks from 2003, a period in which it actively produced and sold the last models.

That seems pretty clear cut, and the USPTO approved the trademark for Nissan’s use through August 31, 2027.

2015 Nissan Xterra

So, what could we see from a new Nissan Xterra?

In North America, Nissan built the last Xterra across two generations, between 1999 and 2015. It was a body-on-frame off-road-focused SUV based around the Frontier pickup’s ladder frame, with a 4.0-liter V6 engine in its final configuration. Nissan pulled the plug on the model after the 2015 model year, and rumors have swirled about its return ever since.

That’s not to say the automaker gave up the Xterra name worldwide, though. Following the Xterra’s demise stateside, Nissan began selling a “Terra” SUV in Asia in 2018. Since 2020, it’s used the name “X-Terra” to market an SUV based on the D23-generation Navara truck.

The potential Nissan-Honda merger could shake up what we may see in a new model. The most straightforward option, of course, would be to develop and build a new Xterra on the same platform — and perhaps at the same Canton, Mississippi plant — as the current D41 Nissan Frontier, that launched in North America in 2022. Alternatively, the automaker could base a new SUV around the (now older) Navara D23 platform, which has been in production since 2014 in overseas markets.

Honda, for its part, could supply the answer as to what a next-gen Xterra could be: a unibody SUV based on the latest 2026 Honda Passport. Back in the day, the original Passport was a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, so we could potentially see that scenario play out in reverse, wherein Honda supplies a platform and shared mechanical components for Nissan’s next-gen off-roader.

This isn’t the first strong hint we’ve had at a new Xterra recently, either. With the new Bronco now on the market as well as an updated Toyota Land Cruiser, a brand-new 4Runner and, as ever, the iconic Jeep Wrangler, it’d be a perfect (if ferociously competitive) time for Nissan to launch back into the fray with a new Xterra SUV:

Updated 2025 GMC Terrain Gets A Starting Price Hike To $31,395

The third-generation Terrain gets a more truck-like appearance, much like it’s larger siblings.

Over the past few years, GMC has been on a tear to truckify its SUV lineup, and it’s really in its stride now with the new Acadia and its compact stablemate, the 2025 Terrain. This third-generation model gets a more Sierra-like front end with the headlights and the grille treatment, as well as a new interior. There’s also a much simpler trim walk for this model year, as the base Elevation — replacing the SLE and SLT trims — is the only Terrain GMC will sell you. If you want one, it will set you back $31,395 to start.

Now, the new Terrain will get a couple more trims in time, namely the off-road-flavored AT4 and the more luxurious Denali. GMC’s taking a different tack to the rollout, meaning those two models won’t launch until the 2026 model year (in other words, later on in 2025). We don’t know how much those will cost yet.

For the time being, then, let’s focus on the 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation. Apart from the exterior styling changes, GMC has overhauled how the updated SUV looks and feels inside. There’s a new 15.0-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, with Google Built-in apps and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability. In front of the driver, there’s an 11-inch digital instrument cluster that’s now standard across virtually all of GM’s crossover range, and you also get an electronic column shifter that replaces the push-button setup you used to get in the old Terrains.

All-wheel drive versions of the 2025 GMC Terrain Elevation seem to lock in a $2,700 Premium Package, which adds in features like an automatic power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, wireless smartphone charging, a power adjustable driver’s seat, a heated wiper park area for de-icing, 19-inch wheels, roof-mounted rails and a 3-channel universal garage remote. So, if you want that particular model, it will set you back at least $36,095.

As far as propulsion’s concerned, the updated GMC Terrain uses the same setup as before. You get a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (same as the Chevy Equinox), putting out 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. This time around, though, front-wheel drive models get a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while all-wheel drive models get an 8-speed automatic instead.

Tesla Sales Drop 1.1%, Marking The First Time It’s Lost Ground Since 2015

For the first time in 9 years, Tesla’s annual sales fell, if only slightly.

Now that 2024 has officially come to a close, we’re getting our first look at sales figures across the industry. Tesla is one of the first companies out the gate to report its sales volumes before its January 29 earnings call. Even with an 2.3% bump in the fourth quarter thanks to zero-interest financing, free Supercharging (and the promise of better charging experiences this upcoming year) and lease deals, it wasn’t quite enough to keep the electric car maker from 1.1% lower global deliveries — the first time the company’s lost ground since 2015.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Tesla reports it produced 459,445 vehicles across its lineup, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck and Semi, while delivering 495,570 vehicles. Of those, the clear front-runner (as usual) was the Model 3/Y, which accounted for 471,930 of those deliveries, or 95.23% of Tesla’s total sales volume.

Zooming out to the full-year numbers, Tesla build 1,773,443 vehicles — including 1,679,338 Model 3s and Model Ys — and delivered 1,786,226 vehicles. So, it is still selling what it makes and beyond, though average sale prices fell to just over $41,000 in the fourth quarter in order to make that happen. Tesla’s average transaction prices are also lower than they’ve been in the past four years, according to analytics firm FactSet.

There are a few different factors influencing Tesla’s sales. More competition in the EV space is putting pressure on the company and its aging lineup, notwithstanding the updated Tesla Model 3 Highland and Cybertruck. Chinese automakers, including BYD, are reporting massive sales gains, particularly in their domestic market, and automakers across the industry are viewing those firms as an existential threat as they sink billions into electrifying their lineups.

Here in the North American market, mainstream buyers are particularly skeptical of electric vehicles, resulting in a slowdown that disproportionately affects Tesla as the largest player in electric vehicles. Now that early adopters have made the plunge toward fully electric models, prospective buyers are reluctant to make the jump primarily due to concerns over range and charging infrastructure, as well as up-front cost, high insurance rates, battery pack degradation over time and, in extreme cases, battery fires.

2025’s political landscape and technological breakthroughs could also shape consumer’s buying behavior with EVs. Concerns are mounting over the fate of the $7,500 EV tax credit once the incoming Trump administration takes office, an incentive aimed at boosting electric car sales by partially offsetting the cost with taxpayer dollars. Tesla shareholders have also bet that government officials will relax regulations and potentially remove some guardrails concerning self-driving vehicles. That could work in the company’s favor, as it aims to bring out a fully autonomous robotaxi called the “Cybercab” in 2026. Depending on what actually comes to fruition, Tesla among other EV makers could face an uphill climb in 2025, or perhaps hit a technological stride as next-generation features like solid-state batteries, AI and self-driving capability come into play.

The BMW i8 Is Now CHEAPER Than A New Toyota Camry…But Should You Buy One?

BMW’s futuristic, plug-in hybrid supercar cost $137,450 new…but is now far more accessible.

Oh, how things change in a decade. Back in the mid-2010s, BMW set out to shake up the automotive scene and create a game-changing sports car with anything but a conventional powertrain. Instead of a massive V12 or even a twin-turbocharged V8 (which the German automaker still widely uses to this day), this sci-fi-styled coupe packs a tiny, 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine alongside an electric motor. It’s a car that aims to blend performance and efficiency with Blade Runner aesthetics to be the definitive future of sports cars — you know, short of actually being able to drive itself or fly.

With 357 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque on tap, the i8’s performance is far more substantial than that microscopic engine would lead you to believe. It also can drive on electricity alone for about 15 miles (or at least that was the EPA rating when it was new), making it a more livable choice for your daily commute. The figures aren’t quite as berserk as the contemporaneous Porsche 918 Spyder and the i8 did launch with a far more attractive price tag…but your plug-in hybrid sports car still set you back up to $150,000.

Even at that rate, though, BMW sold more than 20,000 i8s over its six-year production run. And that’s good news if you want to sample BMW’s revolutionary sports car today, as used examples are tumbling past the $50,000 or even $40,000 mark. In fact, two just sold on Cars and Bids for $37,726 and $33,175 respectively.

That sort of price puts this formally six-figure, 3.6-second 0-to-60 sports car cheaper than a fully loaded Toyota Camry. The question is…should you buy one?

That’s a question Tommy sets out to answer in the video below!

These Are The Top 5 Automakers With The Most Recalls In 2024

Recalls are a fact of life, but some automakers issued far more than others.

As inconvenient as they are to deal with, odds are nearly every car owner has gotten a recall notice at some point or another. To be clear, that is a good thing, as these campaigns squarely aim to put right any issues which may arise since a given vehicle leaves the factory. While automakers are required under U.S. law to fix any safety issues with their vehicles, it’s also a bad look when they either take too long to fix a problem or do nothing at all — especially when potentially dangerous defects can lead to a customer losing more than a bit of their time.

Nevertheless, the ideal situation for any new car owner would be to avoid dealing with recall repairs in the first place. And on that note, some manufacturers have been better than others this year. Some recalls only affect a few vehicles in total, while others balloon to hundreds of thousands or even millions of vehicles, particularly when it comes to airbag issues over the past several years.

Here are the top 10 recalled brands by number of recall campaigns, as well as 10 of the best (with the least number of recalls inconveniencing consumers) in 2024. In total, there were 1,052 individual recalls this year, with the top 10 automakers responsible for about one-third of that total. The number of “affected vehicles” in the recall population includes models with multiple recalls. Ford has issued seven separate recalls for its Maverick this year alone, for example, so it will count multiple times in the manufacturer’s total recall population.

Recall campaigns are reported to the public through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a database tracking those recalls is available through the U.S. Department of Transportation.

1. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Stellantis): 72 recalls
Total recall population: 4,804,287

While we still technically have one more day in the year, FCA — with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and Ram under its umbrella — takes the clear lead in terms of volume. While some recalls were minuscule in scope (eight recalls involved fewer than 10 vehicles each), the widest campaigns included more than 1 million vehicles.

In terms of sheer scale, five recalls included more than 300,000 vehicles to as many as just over 1 million. Two of the most common problems related to airbags, electronic stability control issues or problems with vehicles’ rearview camera displays. Mechanical issues cropped up in some widespread campaigns too, including FCA’s decision to recall 338,238 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L models in late February for a problem where vehicles’ upper control arm ball joints could separate from the steering knuckle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Top 5 recall campaigns (by volume):

# of Affected VehiclesIssueAffected ModelsNHTSA #Completion Rate
(as of 12/30/24)
1,033,433Rearview camera image may not display2021-2022: Dodge Durango, Chrysler Pacifica/Voyager

2022-2023: Jeep Compass/Grand Cherokee/Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer, Ram trucks, Ram ProMaster
24V-43671.13%
1,025,432Stability control disabled2019, 2021-2024: Ram 1500 trucks24V-6531.87%
338,238Loss of steering control2021-2023: Jeep Grand Cherokee/L24V-43659.34%
337,128Front seat airbag may not deploy2017-2025 (model dependent): Alfa Romeo Giulia, Fiat 500X/500e, Jeep Renegade24V-51013.9%
317,630ABS failure2017-2018: Ram HD trucks, chassis cabs24V-896Not listed

2. Ford Motor Company: 63 recalls
Total recall population: 4,382,095

Over his four years running Ford, CEO Jim Farley has set out to improve the company’s build quality. Nevertheless, the automaker has seen more recalls than most others in the industry, though it’s come in second place to Stellantis this year.

The company has also faced some high-profile recalls this year, including certain vehicles with 2.7 and 3.0-liter EcoBoost engines like the Bronco and Explorer after scores of engine failures. The smaller Bronco Sport hasn’t gotten off much better, as the automaker and the NHTSA is currently investigating loss-of-power issues with the car’s 12-volt battery. Last year, Ford issued a recall for 1.5-liter Bronco Sports for cracked fuel injectors.

Ford’s widest-reaching recall of the year specifically affects the fifth-generation Explorer (between 2011 and 2019), wherein the exterior A-pillar trim may detach from the cars. The NHTSA initially opened an investigation in early 2023, but Ford only filed an actual recall to fix the defect on January 19, 2024.

Top 5 recall campaigns (by volume):

# of Affected VehiclesIssueAffected ModelsNHTSA #Completion Rate
(as of 12/30/24)
1,899,110Exterior A-pillar trim can detach2011-2019: Explorer24V-0312.74%
552,188Unexpected downshift can cause loss of control2014: F-15024V-44432.75%
456,565Loss of drive power (12V battery)2021-2024: Bronco Sport
2022-2023: Maverick
24V-26764.62%
273,701Rearview camera image can freeze2022-2024: Maverick24V-684Not listed
242,669Taillights may fail2022-2024: Maverick24V-29362.62%

3. BMW: 36 recalls
Total recall population: 1,832,968

BMW rounds out the podium for most recalled vehicles in 2024. Since it does so much part sharing among its model lineups, it’s also an interesting case in that each individual recall tends to affect several different cars, including its sedans and its SUVs.

The automaker’s most significant recall of the year involves virtually all of its smaller vehicles from the mid-2010s for an issue where an electrical connector on the water pump could short circuit, risking a fire. Another prominent issue concerns airbags in older vehicles (there’s a common theme among automakers there) that could explode, injuring or potentially killing drivers.

Top 5 recall campaigns (by volume):

# of Affected VehiclesIssueAffected ModelsNHTSA #Completion Rate
(as of 12/30/24)
720,796Water pump connector short circuit2012-2018 (model dependent): X1/X3/X4/X5, Z4, 3/4/5 Series 24V-608Not listed
394,029Driver’s airbag inflator may explode2006-2011 (model dependent): 3 Series sedan/wagon24V-5133.46%
282,387Interior rear cargo rail can detach in a crash2018-2023: X3 (including X3 M)24V-534Not listed
266,716Integrated brake system malfunction2023-2025: BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce vehicles24V-1047.97%
105,588Starter motor may overheat/fail2019-2021 (model dependent): X5/X6/X7, 7/8 Series24V-57632.69%

4. General Motors: 33 recalls
Total recall population: 1,832,968

GM’s inclusion rounds out all Big Three automakers among those with the most recalls this year. Strictly speaking in terms of number of vehicles, though, it doesn’t even come close to its cross-town rivals — a potentially positive sign that owners may not be facing quite as many issues with their new vehicles.

However, that’s not to say owners have been trouble-free these past twelve months. Quite the contrary: its most widespread recalls cover serious safety hazards for drivers themselves, as well as other motorists. In fact, some issues are pervasive to the point that the automaker’s had to issue multiple recalls for the same issue, including a rear-end lock-up concern for its full-size SUVs and trucks, as well as tailgates opening unexpectedly, possibly allowing cargo to spill out onto the road.

Top 5 recall campaigns (by volume):

# of Affected VehiclesIssueAffected ModelsNHTSA #Completion Rate
(as of 12/30/24)
570,434Tailgate may open while driving*2020-2024: Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500/3500HD trucks24V-06036.77%
463,295Rear-wheel lock-up due to transmission valve failure2020-2022: Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra trucks, Full-size SUVs (Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Escalade)24V-797Not listed
449,671Inoperative low brake fluid warning2023: Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 trucks

2023-2024: Full-size SUVs (Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Escalade)
24V-674Not listed
131,231Tailgate may open while driving*2024: Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500/3500HD24V-894Not listed
77,824Incorrect software in transmission control module**2022-2023: Chevy Express/GMC Savana vans24V-839Not listed

GM’s largest recalls of the year concern its pickup trucks, SUVs and vans over passenger cars. The largest car-related recall the automaker faced this year was for the Buick Envision (NHTSA recall number 24E-066), in which floor mats could get trapped beneath the accelerator pedal.

A few years ago, the automaker had to face a particuarly nasty recall involving the Chevy Bolt, (NHTSA recall number 21V-650), wherein the cars’ battery packs were at serious risk of catching fire. Though not as widespread, it’s still having to address the problem in a small subset of Bolts that had the earlier recall work done, due to incorrectly installed software (NHTSA recalls 24V-481 and 24V-812).


5. Mercedes-Benz: 27 recalls
Total recall population: 409,751

Even one of the world’s oldest car companies isn’t immune from recalls — or even several, as it still comes in fifth place for 2024. Most of its highest-profile recalls boil down to electrical or software issues, though they still come with serious consequences.

The automaker’s biggest recall, involving its midsize GLE and full-size GLS SUVs, addresses an overheated 48-volt ground connection that can cause a fire. Certain GLE and GLS models also have another recall to deal with, wherein their transmission control unit software can cause the transmission to not downshift fully, stalling out the engine.

While Mercedes isn’t as large a player in the U.S. as some of the higher-volume car companies on the recall list, it’s worth noting that only 2 of its 27 recall campaigns roped in more than 100,000 vehicles. Roughly half concerned 2,000 vehicles or less, while a handful included less than 25 vehicles each.

Unlike some other brands, Mercedes-Benz owners also seem to take recalls far more seriously. Where the NHTSA has available data, it reports that about two-thirds or more of those impacted by the largest-scale campaigns have had the repair work done.

Top 5 recall campaigns (by volume):

# of Affected VehiclesIssueAffected ModelsNHTSA #Completion Rate
(as of 12/30/24)
116,020Improperly secured 48-volt ground can overheat2019-2024 (model dependent): GLE-Class, GLS-Class (including AMG, Maybach models)24V-20763.18%
105,071Transmission control unit may cause stall2020-2023: GLE450, GLS45024V-11865.62%
33,456Glass sunroof panel may detach2001-2011: C-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class24V-874Not listed
31,84880-Amp fuse may fail2023-2024: C-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, EQE, EQS, CLE-Class, GLC300 (including AMG models)24V-11579.6%
27,190ECU software may cause stall2021-2023: S580 (including Maybach model)24V-704Not listed

Ask Nathan: Should the Kia Tasman Come to the US And All Things Must End (For Nissan)?

Image: KIA

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

  • Do we want the KIA Tasman pickup truck in the USA?
  • When one thing ends, something new begins! Right Nissan?

The first batch of questions come from folks who were curious if the new Kia Tasman pickup truck, which is going on sale in Australia (among other places) could come here.

Image: KIA

Q: Via: Twitter/X@NathanAdlen, asknathan@TFL.com & YouTube (paraphrased over the past several months)

Will Hyundai/KIA bring the Kia Tasman pickup truck to the United States? Many people think that something like this truck would force truck builders to charge less to maintain competitiveness. Also, that warranty is hard to beat.

– A bunch of people… Seriously, a lot.

Image: KIA

A: Probably not, but there should be a pickup (or two) coming our way soon!

To be clear, any truck in this class which is built overseas will most likely be subject to a 25% “Chicken tax.” That’s not counting other possible trade tariffs that may come in the future. Meaning, it would be extremely expensive to import the Tasman. It’s supposed to debut in the first half of 2025. Shortly thereafter, it will head to Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, among other nations.

The only way it would be profitable in our market is if it were built here. Currently, the only Kia plant active in the United States is in West Point, Georgia. I don’t think it will be that east to convert, or include an all new line for the pickup truck. While I am making assumptions, they are logical.

KIA announced two pickup trucks

Now, Kia did announce pickup trucks that we should be hearing more about soon, but neither is the Tasman. In 2022, Kia stated that they wanted 17 EVs in their fleet by 2030. Things could change, but I suspect they are keeping the same pace that they have been, which means providing a mix of internal combustion, hybrid and all electric vehicles.

One of the pickup trucks is supposed to be an all-electric vehicle, and I suspect it will be a mid-size or smaller. The other one is supposed to be a frame-based pickup that may have a multitude of powertrains. If this still happens, I suspect this will be the closest thing to a Tasman that we’ll get it.

– N


The last comment comes from a fan who is worried about the end of an era.

Q: (Via: Twitter/X NathanAdlen) It is a sad day when I can see the end so clearly.

Nissan is done for and all I can see is Honda picking through the bones of a dead animal.

No more Nissan.

— Titan_Log

A: Don’t despair yet.

It’s easy to say and hard to do, but try not to look at this ending as a finale. Perhaps, try looking at it as an opportunity to head off into a new direction. A start of something new, despite the years of mediocrity. Maybe a new outlook on a company that has been grasping at straws? They’ve been in need of new leadership for a while, and trimming off the excess too.

I think Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi have an opportunity to truly take on Toyota with a mixture of their strengths. Honda knows how to manage, and they have a fair idea of what it takes to succeed. This will mean sacrifice, hard work and compromise. Many brands may be consolidated, or removed altogether.

In addition, don’t be too surprised to see vehicles that truly compete against each other to disappear. It’s hard to see how Honda and Nissan could continue with models that can’t profit either. Hopefully, they will be able to repurpose factories for new products, keeping jobs intact.

The biggest gain, from my perspective, is the new tech all three automakers will be able to utilize, integrate and update. It’s a good bet that PHEV tech, electrification and light truck knowledge will ripen and grow. It could be wild, and I can’t wait to see the results.

Change can be a good thing my friend.

Oh, and Happy New Year everyone!

— N

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