Car news, 24 Sept ’24: US looks to prohibit Chinese tech in cars, Hyundai and Skoda to collaborate in hydrogen power, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Tuesday September 24th 2024. Notably in car news today: the US government is looking to ban Chinese hardware and software in domestically sold vehicles, Hyundai and Skoda are planning on collaborate on hydrogen power, and the end of the (long) road looks nigh for Nissan’s current GT-R.

Browse this issue:

• US looking to prohibit Chinese hardware and software in cars
• Hyundai to collaborate with Skoda on hydrogen tech
• End of the road approaches for Nissan GT-R, but what’s next?
• Ferrari to enter EV segment by 2026 
• Reviewed: 2025 Skoda Kodiaq

US proposes ban on Chinese vehicle software

• In a move which could prohibit Chinese vehicles from sale in the United States, the US government has reportedly proposed banning key Chinese software and hardware within connected vehicles on American roads, citing concerns around national security, according to Reuters.

• The national security concerns relate to the ability for Chinese companies to access driver data and interfere with vehicles through connected and autonomous driving software in modern cars.

• Both The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age report that the Albanese government is closely monitoring the move, citing a statement received by the two publications saying that the Department of Home Affairs: “has been proactively engaging with the US government to understand the implications of any proposed regulation”.

• The move is the latest development in a turbulent relationship between the United States and China’s automotive industry, which has also seen a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicle imports earlier this year. 

Hyundai to collaborate with Skoda on hydrogen tech

• Hyundai Motor Company and the Skoda Group have signed a memorandum of understanding in Prague to cooperate together on hydrogen implementation.

• The main aim is to accelerate hydrogen adoption and carbon neutrality across many global markets, including in the Czech Republic. 

• It’s a possibility that Hyundai will share its hydrogen fuel cell technology with the Skoda brand.

• As a result of the MOU, Skoda could very well develop its own hydrogen vehicle; Hyundai currently operates in the Czech Republic where it produces around 350,000 vehicles per year. 

• Hyundai models currently manufactured in the Czech Republic include the i30 hatch, the Tucson SUV and the electric version of the Kona small SUV. 

End of the road approaches for Nissan GT-R, but what’s next?

• It’s no secret the 17-year-old Nissan GT-R is at the extreme tail-end of its product lifecycle, even though production continues to limp along in Japan – however, Nissan’s global product chief has given insights on what could lay ahead for the storied sports car.

• Speaking to Top Gear, Pierre Loing said: “we’d love to make it another 17 years, but the regulator gives us some trouble!”, referring to overseas vehicle emissions regulations.

• With production expected to wind up in Japan next year, Loing was asked if, how and when a GT-R sized hole in Nissan’s lineup will be filled; his response: “it’s a good question. Of course I’d love to have something to fill the gap.”

• Loing cited long gaps between previous generation GT-R models, adding: “we need to have a gap, because going into the electrified world, there is a lot of debate about ‘what is a GT-R in an era of electrification?’ We don’t have all the answers yet.”

• The road ahead could take numerous forms for the GT-R, with Loing also referencing the opportunities that solid-state battery technology could bring: “every step is a breakthrough over what we can do with lithium-ion batteries. We are on par to do our first solid-state battery by spring 2025”.

Ferrari to enter EV segment by 2026 

• Ferrari is already well underway in its development of its first battery-electric car.

• According to Automotive News, the first Ferrari BEV will be a supercar bodystyle and is set to be revealed to the world sometime in 2025. 

• Reports indicate the all-new model will go on sale in 2026. The electric model is set to cost an eye-watering AUD$785K and will be built in a new plant in Italy.  

• Expect more news on Ferrari’s electric future in the coming months.  

Skoda Kodiaq 2025 reviewed

• Chasing Cars contributor Daniel Gardner’s review of the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq was published, with a glowing assessment for the new-generation large SUV.
  

• The Skoda Kodiaq has long been considered the ‘Goldilocks’ of seven-seat SUVs – not too big, not too small, essentially ‘just right’ – so its all-new replacement has a lot to live up to.

• The new Kodiaq was driven by Gardner among the German Alps in 142kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel form, where the new-generation Kodiaq 4×4 demonstrated the sophistication of its 15-setting adaptive dampers and the premium feel of its much higher-tech interior. 

• Gardner found it to be very much like the original Kodiaq but roomier, classier, sportier, punchier, higher quality, more clever and seemingly better value. 

• The new Kodiaq will arrive in Australia during the first half of 2025, predominantly with a 150kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

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The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Wednesday 25 September 2024 at 4.30pm Sydney time.