(Images: General Motors (above) and Hudson’s Detroit (below))
General Motors will relocate its world headquarters to a new facility in 2025.
Since 1996, the largest of Detroit’s Big Three automakers has called the Renaissance Center (or “RenCen”) — a skyscraper complex that dominates the city’s skyline — its global HQ. On Monday, however, GM confirmed it would leave the facility in the next year, relocating into the Hudson’s building in the heart of downtown Detroit.
The new 1.5 million-square-foot facility is near RenCen, up Woodward Avenue on the site of the original Hudson’s department store, hence the name. The site, redeveloped into a 12-story office building as well as adjacent residential condominiums, a public plaza and a 5-star hotel, will be GM’s fourth headquarters location since 1911.
GM announced it entered into a 15-year, multi-level lease for the top floors of the Hudson’s office building, as well as space at street level to showcase GM vehicles and “community activations”. As for Renaissance Center, the automaker will work with real estate developer Bedrock, the City of Detroit and Wayne County to explore opportunities to redevelop the Renaissance Center. However, GM is not relinquishing ownership of the complex.
So, why is the company moving at all? That comes down to the drastic change in the commercial real estate market, as more workers than ever have adopted a hybrid workflow, only spending part of the week in the office. “The decision to explore redevelopment opportunities for the Renaissance Center comes at a time with the office real estate market is transforming. A recent study [by CBRE] indicated that 80% of current office occupiers have adopted or will adopt hybrid work.”
Per the Associated Press, General Motors currently only occupies about 1-1/2 towers of the seven-building RenCen complex. CEO Mary Barra noted the more modern building will not only suit the company’s spatial needs, but help it recruit talent in the future.
Bedrock announced last week that the final structural steel beam had been installed on the Hudson’s tower, a milestone toward the building’s completion by the time GM plans to occupy the space next year.
Remember the Alfa Romeo “Milano” that debuted last week? Scrap that name.
Here’s an expected and frankly weird piece of news for your Monday consumption: This tiny little crossover that debuted just last week has already changed its name. After months of hype and marketing, the Italian government told Stellantis it cannot name its new electric crossover the “Milano”, because the name can’t reside on a car built outside Italy. Now, the company is calling it the Junior, in an effort to assuage angry officials.
For those of you who just did a double-take at your calendar, I assure you we didn’t just spring backward two weeks in time. It’s not an April Fool’s joke — it is Italian law prohibiting “Italian-sounding” products from being produced outside the country, as Italy’s Minister of Economic Development Adolfo Urso is all too keen to point out.
See that “Milano” badge? Yeah, that’s going to have to change.
“The [2003] law stipulates that you cannot give indications that mislead consumers,” he said in Turin on Friday. Essentially, Stellantis’ decision to name the Poland-built crossover “Milano” may convince people it’s a fully Italian product when it isn’t. In fact, what is now the Alfa Romeo Junior is the automaker’s first product to be entirely manufactured outside Italy’s borders.
Addressing the issue, Stellantis did actually publish a press release explaining the name change, while defending its original decision. “Despite Alfa Romeo believing that the name meets all legal requirements, and that there issues much more important than the name of a new car, Alfa Romeo has decided to change it from Milano to Junior in the spirit of promoting mutual understanding.”
There are a few different ways you can interpret that statement, but “mutual understanding” probably boils down to “we’d rather just rename the car than take this to court.” The ramifications if Alfa Romeo stuck by the name here could lead the Italian government under Prime Minister Georgia Meloni to force Stellantis to produce its small crossover in Italy. That would naturally throw a wrench in the automaker’s plans, as it aims to build the Alfa Romeo Junior alongside the new, European Jeep Avenger.
In an effort to explain its decision — and save face a bit, let’s be honest — Stellantis included the rationale behind calling Alfa Romeo’s new crossover the “Junior” in its statement. Apart from the obvious implication (we are talking about the Stelvio’s smaller sibling here), the company launched the Junior name with the Giulia back in 1966. The idea was to create a less powerful, less expensive version of the GT 1600 by fitting a 1290-cc (1.3-liter) engine with 89 horsepower on tap. The GT 1300 Junior, as Alfa Romeo called it, aimed to attract younger buyers into the fold and actually ended up being the most popular model of the lineup, with more than 92,000 units sold.
Apart from leaning on its history, Stellantis also says it crowdsourced the Junior name as it also originally did with the Milano. After the Italian government told the automaker its initial name was a no-go, the next best public option is what the company landed on for the new name.
“The Alfa Romeo team would like to thank the public for the positive feedback, the Italian dealer network for their support, journalists for the enormous media attention given to the new car, and the government for the free publicity brought on by this debate.”
Well played, Stellantis — stick it to the man, and all that. I suppose they’re entitled to a small dig, considering the effort and money it will take to relaunch the marketing campaign. Not to mention all those Milano badges and brochures that are now worthless (at least until they become collector’s items). This doesn’t impact folks in the U.S., as it’s still unclear whether Alfa Romeo has any plans to bring this model to our market.
As for why this issue didn’t crop up earlier…your guess is as good as mine.
The shifting EV landscape is ratcheting up pressure on Tesla as it aims to stay competitive.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the company’s announcement Monday that it would lay off 10% or more of its 144,000-strong workforce amid slipping sales volumes and intense competition in the electric car market. “About every five years, we need to reorganize and streamline this company for the next phase of growth.” Today’s news comes after the automaker has expanded its headcount from around 100,000 in 2021 to more than 140,000 in late 2023, with an unspecified amount of job reductions in the middle, in 2022.
Information shared with Reutersrevealed today’s lay offs take effect immediately. Electrekalso shared Musk’s email in its entirety, and noted reports that some employees were already locked out of system access, as of Monday morning.
In the wake of Monday’s layoffs, two high-profile executive departures include Senior Vice President of Powertrain and Energy Drew Baglino and business development head Rohan Patel.
The past 8 years at Tesla have been filled with every emotion – but the feeling I have today is utmost gratitude.
To our unbelievable customers and fans – I’m inspired by your passion and impact on @Tesla and the mission.
Tesla will deliver its quarterly earnings report next Tuesday, April 23. Even before that, though, we know the company’s recent fortunes have been rough. Not only did it miss its delivery estimates for the first three months of 2024, but it’s also facing increasingly stiff competition from “legacy” automakers as well as Chinese firms, the latter of which are quickly ramping up production and planning a broader onslaught throughout several global markets. Tesla also reportedly pivoted away from developing a low-cost Model 2 (though Musk denied it scrapped the project entirely), instead opting to pour resources into its robotaxi, which is set to debut on August 8.
The company is hardly alone in slimming down its payroll — brutal waves of layoffs have impacted the tech industry over the past several months, including dismissals at Apple as it abandoned its own car project. Analysts expect Tesla will still report a profit of around 50 cents per share next week, though we will ultimately have to see what effect a 10% reduction has on both the company’s current output and its development of next-generation product moving forward. It’s also unclear, for the moment, how employees who survived this round of layoffs will react, as they now face increased pressure as Musk focuses on “increasing productivity” while curbing costs.
Musk’s email to employees
For better context, here is the full text of Musk’s company-wide email announcing the layoffs:
Over the years, we have grown rapidly with multiple factories scaling around the globe. With this rapid growth there has been duplication of roles and job functions in certain areas. As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity.
As part of this effort, we have done a thorough review of the organization and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than 10% globally. There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done. This will enable us to be lean, innovative and hungry for the next growth phase cycle.
I would like to thank everyone who is departing Tesla for their hard work over the years. I’m deeply grateful for your many contributions to our mission and we wish you well in your future opportunities. It is very difficult to say goodbye.
For those remaining, I would like to thank you in advance for the difficult job that remains ahead. We are developing some of the most revolutionary technologies in auto, energy and artificial intelligence. As we prepare the company for the next phase of growth, your resolve will make a huge difference in getting us there.
The 102nd Pikes Peak Hill Climb will see Hyundai’s hottest crossover gunning for EV titles.
As impressive as a 641-horsepower, dual-motor hot hatch looks on paper, Hyundai still wants to give its new performance model some cred in the eyes of prospective buyers. To that end, the company is gunning for EV records at the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this summer, with two production-spec models and one modified Ioniq 5 N.
“Hyundai has a history of proving new technologies and products at Pikes Peak going all the way back to 1992 and the Ioniq 5 N brings that concept to high performance electric cars,” says N Brand and Motorsport chief Till Wartenburg. “The production spec Ioniq 5 N will demonstrate what customers can expect from their vehicles.”
Paul Dallenbach and Ron Zaras are going for the Electric Production SUV/Crossover record. Dallenbach is an eleven-time Pikes Peak winner, setting the overall record back in 1993. Zaras is an ex-Hoonigan executive, but a PPIHC first-timer.
The production-spec entries are pretty much the same as you’d see at your local dealer, just with some race-specific safety gear including a roll cage, fire suppression and a Recaro Pro Racer SPA driver’s seat with a six-point racing harness. To fit the roll cage, the rear seats are out of the equation, but otherwise it’s the same 641-horsepower machine we’ve come to know over the past several months.
Hyundai plans to show the modified Hyundai Ioniq 5 N racer before the ADAC RAVENOL 24-hour race at the Nürburgring on May 30. The company’s keeping details on that car under wraps until then. We do know that it will field two modified cars in pursuit of that particular records, though, with one driven by last year’s PPIHC champion Robin Shute, and the other driven by Hyundai World Rally Championship team driver Dani Sordo.
IF the Kia Tasman pickup comes to the USA, it won’t be a rebadged Hyundai Santa Cruz!
Fiat 500e pricing?
Did Toyota ruin the new 4Runner?
The first question comes from a fan who sent a message about the upcoming Kia Tasman pickup – and whether it’s similar to the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Images via: TFLtruck… we know it’s a KIA Tasman pickup now, but back then we thought they would name it the “Mojave.”
Q (via asknathan@TFLcar.com): Will the Kia Tasman pickup truck be based on the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Do you know if it’s coming to America? I’ve had good luck with Hyundai and Kia products and I know you’ve been pretty happy with the Santa Cruz. Do you think the Kia Tasman pickup will be even less expensive than yours?
I currently own a 2018 Hyundai Veloster, 2009 Kia Borrego and my wife drives a 2018 Genesis G70.
– Title_Enzyme81
A: There’s a so-so chance that the upcoming Kia Tasman pickup truck is coming stateside, but…
It’s a question of Kia being able to build the Tasman in the United States. About a year ago, we began to see some spy photography, and began reporting on what we thought Kia would call the Mojave pickup. That was based on their concept truck from way back, which looked like a cool concept to us.
Fast forward a bit, and we have an all-new pickup truck, not a crossover-based pickup. The Tasman has a frame, a solid rear axle and is about the same size as a Ford Ranger. As a matter of fact, it was seen testing alongside a Ranger, so we know who Kia is benchmarking. As far as we can tell, there are no common components with the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
We hear that the global marketing will begin with South Korea, the Middle East and possibly Australia. Later on, other markets will be pursued. There has been no mention of the North American market – yet. The biggest problem is Chicken Tax (a 25% tariff applies to all pickup imports), and the expense of bringing a new pickup to our shores.
Chicken tax sucks.
That’s not to say that they won’t build the Tasman here, or find a workaround to bring them here for a reasonable price. Still, we don’t know if the KIA truck will be unique enough to compete. On top of that, we know that Kia is bringing electric pickup trucks to many markets, including ours. Something worth noting.
We know very little about the Tasman’s powertrain; however, the general consensus is that they may use their new 2.5-liter, 300-horsepower I4, which is currently in use in the base G70. For the Australian market, we’re hearing a lot about a small displacement turbo-diesel four-cylinder. It’s supposed to be hooked up to an eight-speed automatic. Then there is word of a possible PHEV (someone swore they saw a plug port in Korea), and then there’s the aforementioned EVs.
Believe me: I want the Kia Tasman pickup truck to come to the United States. Competition is great for the consumer, and it will force the other automakers to “up” their game. With the upcoming Nissan/Mitsubishi PHEV truck, new EVs and the recent batch of new and updated midsize pickups – Kia better bring their “A” game.
If they come at all.
– N
The next question is about the upcoming Fiat 500E, and its affordability.
Q (via a realtor’s friend I met in Carson, CA): Is the 2024 Fiat 500e worth the money?
(Paraphrased) I drive a used Model Y, but I’m bored and I want something new and fun. My husband has a gas SUV, so I’m fine with something that can get me around SoCal like the Y.
I saw the new Fiat 500e, but I don’t know if its worth the money.
What do you think?
– M.L
A: It all depends on where you live, and what you love.
There are less expensive examples that have as much, if not more range. Plenty of EVs are coming to our market will lower prices, and better range. In fact, I would say that (on paper) the Fiat 500E is somewhat mediocre.
85 kW charging speed is – meh. I mean, it has a small battery (42 kWh), so you should be able to charge from 0 to 80% in about 35-minutes. Not too shabby. This car’s range is a bit limited for some as well. You can get about 149 miles of city range, or (if you use the Eco/sherpa-mode) up to 167-miles.
From what I hear from Roman, it’s a fun and fairly sophisticated car to drive. It’s not for families, but the tradeoff is a car that can be parked just about anywhere. It’s very cute, and has a ton of driving charm.
Here’s the problem: with a base price hovering around $32,500 – you can buy competitors that out-perform the Fiat in most ways. I just drove the Hyundai Kona EV, and it’s a fantastic car for the dough, and makes more sense. With that being said, the little Fiat has a bit more personality, and it may fit a certain type of individual.
I would recommend a short-time lease, which will save you money, and give you a taste for a spicy, vegan meatball.
– N
The last batch of questions/comments comes from a few of our YouTube 2025 4Runner videos. Most were positive, but a few were negative. I grabbed a few examples.
Q: (Paraphrased) Why is everyone so angry about the new 4Runner? – @WaMoDay23
I don’t know how I feel about it. I expected more. – @wilfredosanta6797
Toyota cleaned out the Pep Boys aisle and put every badge, garnish and accessory on this thing….What happened to less is more? @jamesnardini
So glad I can sleep better tonight knowing that I made the right decision to buy a 2024. Halleluja – @ashalaby86md
that payload capacity is a dealbreaker. – @HayMavDak
Why fix what wasn’t broke? – @MApower88JJ
A: I think it looks outstanding, but I’ll wait to fully judge it after I drive it.
I’ve seen other complaints that can’t be verified until we drive it; like its power-to-weight, handling and turbo-lag. In addition, others have serious issues with the fact that the drivetrain, platform and many components are shared with the Tacoma AND the Land Cruiser. Many speculate that it will be better-or-worse than the aforementioned platform-mates.
Fair enough guys. Let’s talk about what we do know.
So far: our long-term Toyota Tacoma’s engine and transmission have been solid. In addition, our non-hybrid I4 makes 278 horsepower and 317 lbs-feet of torque. That same engine in the upcoming 4Runner means it will out-perform the previous model’s 270 hp (278 lb-ft) V6. The eight-speed is outstanding in our Tacoma too. All this led to the most frugal Tacoma we’ve driven. That means: the upcoming 4Runner should be more frugal too. IF this powertrain proves reliable and robust – it could be a big win.
No one knows how the hybrid will perform – yet. We know that the Land Cruiser will have a standard hybrid powertrain, and the 4Runner’s will be optional. We do know that it should be a lot more powerful, and it could be even more frugal. Personally, I think it might be overkill AND the battery takes up too much space.
The payload of the less loaded (read: heavy) 4Runners should be better. Notice: the Trail Hunter is absolutely loaded with toys, tech and performance parts – which kills payload. Still, It’s not ideal.
There is a bottom line here, from the perspective of a 4Runner fan: the fact that it shares many components with the new Tacoma is a good thing. Hopefully, component sharing could lead to a lower price. I’m hoping a base model starts under the $40K+ of the current model. That would be a treat.
Sure, I have my doubts – but I’m holding off judgement until I actually drive a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Anyone with me?
Safety regulators are evaluating whether Ford’s measures to fix a fuel injector problem is adequate.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into Ford Motor Company over its effects to recall nearly 43,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs. The recall in question (NHTSA recall number 23V-187, Ford recall number 24S16) affects 2022-2023 Bronco Sport models built at the Hermosillo plant in Mexico between October 17, 2022 and January 13, 2023, as well as Escapes built at Ford’s Louisville assembly plant between October 17 and December 15, 2022.
Ford’s recall centers around 1.5-liter-equipped versions of the two SUVs, with fuel injectors that may crack and allow a high-rate leak which could travel out of the injectors and onto hot surfaces, triggering a fire. The NHTSA investigation resume published Friday said the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) will review Ford’s recall remedy to update the engine control software and install a drain tube — but not replace the fuel injectors — is sufficient.
The investigation resume notes, “[Ford’s] engine control software update will detect a pressure drop in the fuel rail providing a ‘seek service’ message within the vehicle’s instrument cluster, as well as invoke a strategy to disable the high-pressure fuel pump, de-rate engine power output, and reduce temperatures of possible ignition sources in the engine compartment. The drain tube will allow fuel to drain from the cylinder head hole to the ground below the vehicle away from surfaces which may initiate combustion. The recall remedy does not include replacement of the cracked fuel injector.”
Speaking to ABC News, the automaker did say it would extend warranty coverage for cracked fuel injectors, so owners who do experience the problem will get replacements. It is not replacing injectors on all vehicles under the recall and instead implementing this preventative measure because it is confident the software and drain tube repairs “will prevent the failure from occuring and protect the customer.” It also notes it is working with the NHTSA during its investigation.
Ford Motor Company further says the problematic injector design and accompanying engine software only went into production October 17, 2022, and was taken out of production on January 13, 2023. Of the 42,652 impacted vehicles included in the recall campaign (22,270 Bronco Sports and 20,382 Escapes), the automaker estimates only 1% may actually have cracked fuel injector issues that need to be remedied.
A similar recall, with the same remedy, went out in late 2022 (NHTSA number 22V-859), impacting nearly 522,000 Bronco Sport and Ford Escape models equipped with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine.
The 2025 Kia K5 is a subtle refresh of an already sharp-looking sedan, and still packs a reasonable price tag.
After the automaker first showed off the K5’s changes during the Chicago Auto Show, we now know what the updated range will cost. The base LXS model starts off at a $28,145 starting price, including Kia’s $1,155 destination charge. That MSRP is $1,400 higher than the 2024 model, though it’s worth noting a fairly comprehensive list of standard equipment and more power for the lower-end models this time around.
All 2025 Kia K5 models get a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. A long list of driver assistance features including blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert also come as standard equipment.
At the base end, the 2025 Kia K5 gets a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine replacing the old 1.6-liter turbo. Despite the lack of forced induction, the larger displacement helps this updated model manage 191 horespower and 181 lb-ft of torque (still through an 8-speed automatic transmission).
The GT-Line sits above the LXS, and starts at $29,145. Front-wheel drive is the default setup, but you can spec all-wheel drive onto the GT-Line for an additional $1,600. The mid-range, more luxury-focused EX is still front-wheel drive only, and starts off at $35,645.
Like before, the 2025 Kia K5 GT still offers the best performance, and it actually comes in a tiny bit less expensive. For $34,245, you get a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Power makes its way to the front wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, rather than your standard torque converter automatic.
Kia says the refreshed K5 will arrive at dealerships in the second quarter of 2024.
The Defender Beach Runner is just about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on.
There are a few automakers that build vehicles that might compete with ECD Automotive’s Defender Beach Runner, but few can compete with its actual production. That’s because, unlike their bespoke vehicles, the Defender Beach Runner is actually meant for a wider . The one you’re looking at its number 001. In time, there will be several – all based on this restored/new Defender 110 that’s prepped for wealthy enthusiast.
Recently, ECD Automotive invited me out for a brief taste of the Beach Runner…and I was immediately in love. It’s everything that’s fun and decadent about off-roading, and the beach culture – all wrapped in a fire-breathing, 455 horsepower V8 package. You can even bring the family, as it’s built to hold a total of eight!
Take note that it’s extremely expensive, though…
ECD Automotive sourced an old Defender 110 chassis, and strips it to bare bones. They then add all-new components throughout. From the ground-up they sweat the details when hand-crafting the interior and components. ECD is aiming at building two per month for the foreseeable future.
In the end, you have a vehicle that can be sold to the elite few, while inspiring enthusiasts. Prices start at an eye-watering $249,999. Even with that high price tag, ECD is serious about shifting higher volumes. It is a publicly traded company, and has a new 100,000-square-foot facility in which it assembles the ground-up built vehicles. In the near future, they will offer a few more non-British options that you can build up, if you have the cash.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the least expensive thing ECD Automotive Design builds is a $149,000 Defender 90. That vehicle is effectively stripped compared to the Beach Runner, or some of the company’s more premium models.
Driving the Defender Beach Runner
This is a giant toy. That’s the best way to put it. No, there is no hardtop version, and this doesn’t feel like a mall crawler. Sure, you can get a canvas top, but it’s not like a Wrangler’s folding roof. This is meant for extreme weather only, as the Beach Runner is meant specifically for open-top driving.
Fortunately, I was in West Palm Beach, so driving with the top down is kind of awesome. You can clearly hear the bark of the LT1 (the only engine provided), but it’s only harsh on full tilt. The steel springs are spongy enough, and it handles like a truck. That is to say, it’s no Maserati MC1. As long as you’re aware, then the driving sensation will be that much more rewarding.
It sure gets a lot of looks as you bound down the road.
Sadly, I only had a few minutes to drive, and none of it was on sand, or off-road. As such, I’m hoping to get another opportunity soon. Still, I was able to get a feel for what this vehicle truly is. Without a doubt, it’s an old Defender 110 on steroids, wearing a tuxedo you can swim in.
Just nuts! If you’re curious for a bullet-point breakdown of what you get for the money, here are more details:
Mechanical specs:
Chevrolet GM LT1 V8
8 Speed Automatic Transmission
4WD Full Time w/low|high range
Quad Exhaust Pack System
Heavy Duty Axles
Standard Fuel Tank
Land Rover Coil Spring Suspension
Windshield Fold Down
Locking Differentials Available
Power Fold Side Steps
Interior details:
ECD Exclusive Custom Dash
Vintage Style Guages
Recaro Seats
Android w/Car Play Stereo
Undocking Sound System
Chrome Custom Switches
Raptor Lined Inside Tub/Flooring
Custom Leather Console Wrapped w/ Veneer Inserts, 6 Cup Holders
Roman just bought one of the most hated modern Land Rovers to prove a point: Even this SUV doesn't suck! Or maybe it does...that's what we're going to find out in our latest project series.
