Car news, 29 October ’24: Toyota Hilux electric prototype trial to begin, what to expect from the Tesla Model Y Juniper, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Tuesday 29 October 2024. Notably in car news today: Toyota Australia is trialling an electric Hilux prototype, and we take a look at what’s to come for Tesla’s Model Y Juniper.

Browse this issue:

• Toyota Australia trialling first battery-electric Hilux
• What to expect from the Tesla Model Y Juniper update
• Lancia is bringing back the Gamma name for new SUV
• Volkswagen to shut three factories: report 
• Reviewed: 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E long-term wrap

Toyota Australia trialling first BEV Hilux with BHP 

• Toyota has confirmed it is commencing a 12-month trial in association with BHP for the first battery-electric Hilux prototype. 

• Designed as an alternative to diesel power in mine sites, the prototype is a dual-cab variant with a Workmate-like exterior design and rear tray. 

• Toyota has not specified whether the ute uses a single- or dual-motor setup. It also hasn’t given specifics on battery capacity. 

• The news comes as several ute makers, including BYD and Ford, have committed to plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power for the Australian market. The BYD Shark 6 will launch by Christmas, while the Ranger PHEV is due in 2025. 

• Toyota is yet to confirm battery-electric, series-parallel hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains for its Hilux ute and is unlikely to do so until the next-generation of Hilux launches in a few years time. 

What to expect from the 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper update

• Tesla will update its Model Y midsize electric SUV in 2025, but what exactly will change for the popular electric model going forward?

• According to Car News China, the Juniper will feature a full-width LED light bar both at the front and rear. At the front, the LED headlights will likely be integrated within the light strip. 

• Other changes will include the choice of either five- or seven-seat configurations, new aero wheel designs, a new 8.0-inch rear screen and improved battery performance and range.

• The performance variant of the Juniper is also reportedly set to feature dynamic adaptive dampers, aerodynamic updates and sports seats.   

Lancia Gamma name to be revived with new SUV in 2026   

• Lancia, the Italian automaker known for its world rallying heritage, will revive a classic model name in the form of a midsize SUV.

• Called the Gamma, harking back to the sedan model Lancia produced from 1976 to 1984, the crossover will be built on Stellantis’ STLA Medium Platform. 

• Lancia has only teased one picture of the upcoming Gamma, however Autocar reports that the model will share its platform with the new Vauxhall Insignia and DS 9 and will be built in Italy. 

• The Italian brand is set to also revive the Delta nameplate in 2028 with a new electric car. 

• The Lancia brand currently sells just one model in Europe, the Ypsilon small car, which is based on the CMP platform shared with cars such as the Opel Corsa, Jeep Avenger and the Peugeot 2008. 

Volkswagen to shut three car plants as EV demand softens: report 

• The Volkswagen Group is planning to shut three of its factories and lay off potentially thousands of staff in Germany, according to reports by Automotive News.

• The German automaker also plans a 10 percent wage cut and a two year wage freeze as it tries to save USD$4.3 billion.

• The move is reportedly due to high energy and labour costs, strong competition from China, weakening demand in Europe and a slowly transitioning EV space. 

• But Volkswagen is not alone. Ford Motor Company has seen another USD$1.2 billion loss in its electric vehicle business, with the US carmaker facing “industry-wide pricing pressure”. 

• Meanwhile, Chinese automakers such as BYD and MG continue to succeed in markets such as Australia, even after there was a six percent drop in EV sales locally year-to-date.  

Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium long-term review

• Chasing Cars production specalist Tom Place’s long-term review of the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium was published, including his impressions over his three month tenure.
  
• Tom found the electric Mach-E to be a great drive, has smart adaptive cruise control, a lovely stereo and decent build quality.
  
• However, Tom also thought the Mach-E wasn’t very good value for money, featured an unacceptable failsafe for its doors, had poor ride quality and lacklustre energy efficiency. 
  
• But Tom came away from his tenure with the Ford electric SUV saying that “right now, at this price, the Mach-E Premium even with all its strengths isn’t a vehicle I could see coming back to my driveway, not when the competition is so strong and is often available for a cheaper price”. 
  

READ: Link to written review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Wednesday 30 October at 4.30pm Sydney time.