Car news today: GWM Australia confirms model onslaught in 2025, Hyundai and General Motors to collab on new cars, and more – 13 September 2024

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Thanks for joining us this Friday 13 September 2024. Notably in car news today: GWM Australia is readying six models for launch in the first half of 2025, and Hyundai and General Motors are set to partner on future products. 

Browse this issue:

• GWM Australia announces six models by first half of 2025 
• Hyundai and General Motors could collaborate on passenger vehicles 
• Fiat 500e production halted due to poor EV demand
• Lucid teases Tesla Model Y-rivaling electric SUV
• Reviewed: 2024 Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine 

GWM Australia model onslaught coming in 2025 

• GWM Australia has confirmed six new models will be coming in the first half of 2025, with more expected in the latter stages of the year. 

• GWM will first bring a larger 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine for its Cannon Ute range, an engine the model is sharing with the more premium Alpha ute. It’s due in the first quarter of 2025. 

• Next, GWM will bring the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder to the Tank 300, joining the petrol and hybrid powertrains. The turbo-diesel produces 135kW/480Nm.

• The brand will also bring its first plug-in hybrid vehicle to Australia, the H6 GT PHEV, with as much as 180km of electric-only range.

• GWM is also working to bring more PHEV models to market in the near future, including the possibility of a Tank 500 PHEV addition to the range. 

General Motors and Hyundai sign memorandum of understanding

• General Motors and Hyundai have signed an agreement to explore partnerships for a mix of areas, including vehicle development and production, as well as hydrogen and electric powertrains.

• Automotive News reported that the partnerships have a goal to “improve efficiencies, boost competitiveness, share cost burdens and bring a wider range of products to market at a faster pace”. 

• The partnership could mean that together, GM and Hyundai could produce over ten million cars per year. 

• It’s becoming increasingly common for automakers to join forces to not only reduce costs but aid in the development of technologies such as electric and hybrid systems, much like what Toyota and Subaru are working on currently. 

Fiat 500e production halted due to poor EV demand

• Stellantis is halting manufacture of the electric Fiat 500e small car for four weeks from today as a result of poor demand, according to a report out of Europe. 

• According to Automotive News Europe, Stellantis said in a statement: “The measure is necessary due to the current lack of orders linked to the deep difficulties experienced in the European electric (car) market by all producers, particularly the European ones”.

• Produced in Turin, Italy, since 2020, the 500e is the brand’s only electric vehicle currently on sale in Australia.

• The news from Fiat follows a string of other brands such as Toyota and Volvo that have also made reductions to previous electric vehicle targets as a result of stagnating demand for electric cars. 

Lucid teases Model Y rivalling electric SUV

• US EV startup Lucid has released a shadowy image teasing an as-yet unnamed Tesla Model Y-rivalling SUV.

• The brand says that the midsize crossover – which is scheduled to start production in late 2026 – will meet the range capabilities of key rivals whilst utilising a smaller battery, and will also feature a starting price under $50,000 USD ($74,000 AUD), making it the brand’s most affordable vehicle yet.

• Lucid has already released a higher-end Air sedan overseas, and is currently rolling out a Gravity large SUV, however the brand so far only offers production for left-hand drive – making it a no-go for Australia for the time being.

• However, the brand has previously announced its intention to move into the UK market, meaning that right-hand-drive production will be mandated, and that could potentially leave the door open for an expansion into Australia in the future.

Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine reviewed

• Chasing Cars journalist Zak Adkins’ written review of the 2024 Renault Arkana was published, including his thoughts on the updated coupe-like small SUV for 2024.
  

• Adkins was impressed by the well-built interior, decent chassis handling and solid value for money most of all.
  

• As for things to improve, Adkins noted the Arkana’s uninspiring engine, lack of throttle response and transmission hesitancy as some points for Renault to work on into the future.
  

• Adkins concluded the review by saying “For now, the Arkana offers a quirky alternative to the mainstays, but I think it’ll need more than simply good looks to win over Aussie buyers, now and into the future”.

READ: Renault Arkana Espirit Alpine full written review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Monday 16th September at 4.30pm Sydney time.