Car news, 28 August ’24: Tesla caught in volatile tariff swings for its Chinese-built models, Ford Mustang could go hybrid, and more
Curt Dupriez
Deputy editor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday August 28th 2024. Notably in car news today: Tesla caught in global tariff instability for Chinese-sourced EVs , and Ford eyeing hybridisation for classic nameplates such as Mustang and Bronco.
Tesla caught in fluctuating Chinese EV tariff swings
Canada has followed the US lead of introducing 100 percent tariffs on EVs imported from China, where (US company) Tesla manufactures its vehicles for the Canadian market.
Tesla is not alone, as all Chinese-made electric vehicles – from all marques – imported into Canada will be hit by the new tariff regulations that come into effect at the beginning of October this year.
However, Tesla’s fortunes have reversed in the European Union, where the carmaker delivers Model 3’s made in China, and where an initial tariff of 20.8 percent on has been reduced significantly to 9.0 percent.
Global tariff volatility is set to continue through to October when Europe’s regulations for Chinese EVs come into full effect, while China is said to be considering its own tariff regime – as much as 25 percent – against select internal combustion vehicles imported into the nation.
Ford eyeing hybrid push with Mustang, Bronco and other ‘iconic’ nameplates
In the fallout of backpedaling away from heavy EV commitment in its native US market, Ford is considering a strategy to roll out hybridisation across some of its most iconic nameplates.
Reports from the US suggest that Mustang and Bronco are key linchpins in plans to deploy hybrid power across the brand’s entire product lineup.
With Ford keen to diversify the choice of Mustang-branded models, such as the recently outed Mach 4 four-door, hybrid power looks the natural fit between its evergreen internal combustionpony cars and the less-popular electric Mach-E.
Ford has already teased a hybrid production Bronco earlier this year, which is strongly rumoured to be already set for production when the popular 4×4 wagon gets its major model refresh in 2025.
Nissan Y63 Patrol teased again
Nissan has revealed another teaser image of the long-awaited Y63 Patrol ahead of its global unveiling in Abu Dhabi next week.
The image reveals a clearly more angular and fussier front end and grille treatment than the current and soon outgoing Y62 Patrol, one different to other teaser images already ‘leaked’ by the carmaker to date.
The Y63 is expected to lob with V6 power, marking the end of the much loved if well-past-its-used-by-date 4.5-litre V8 in the current Patrol series.
Chasing Cars will be on deck in Abu Dhabi on September 4th to witness the global unveiling of the new Y63 generation – stay tuned for all of the official details.
Facelifted Mercedes-Benz V-Class hits showrooms
Mercedes-Benz Australia has launched the updated V-Class van range that offers refreshed styling, updated interiors and a modest price cut.
The V-Class arrives in three guises that includes a single V 250 trim and a pair of V 300 variants, bringing the choice of two powertrain specifications.
The V 250 Avantgarde is priced from $113,832 and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four offering a 140kW/440Nm state of tune. It also fits a nine-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive.
The V 300s up outputs to 174kW and 500Nm from otherwise the same fundamental powertrain recipe, and are offered in either AMG($139,927) or Exclusive ($143,193) trim lines.
Volkswagen T-Cross 2024 range reviewed
Chasing Cars journalist Olek Novak’s launch review of the newly facelifted 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross small SUV range was published, including his thoughts on the consolidated lineup and impression of the breed on-road.
Novak thought that the T-Cross package is largely appealing, underpinned by a cheerful powertrain and good road manners, especially in the base Life variant.
Some of the downsides include a price hike that lifts the entry point into T-Cross ownership by $3000, while there was also some minor criticism surrounding the material choices in the cabin.
All in all, Novak surmised that the facelift of the four-year-old T-Cross is convincing enough that the somewhat slow-selling player does deserve more attention from more buyers in the small-SUV space.
