Volvo's global sales of plug-in models increased in November, and Tesla's yoke steering wheel triggers new market demands. | Overseas Daily
"Top 3 News"
The Pope's New Vehicle Unveiled: Mercedes-Benz Fully Electric "Papal Vehicle" Delivered to the Vatican
Key Points:
Recently, Mercedes-Benz delivered the first fully electric papal vehicle in history to the Vatican, marking Pope Francis' official entry into the era of electric mobility. This specially customized electric papal vehicle is based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV and is mainly white in appearance. It has undergone several special adjustments to meet the Pope's need to wave to the public.
This fully electric papal vehicle features a four-wheel independent motor design, which enables precise control of the vehicle at low speeds, ensuring the Pope's safety and comfort during public appearances. The vehicle is specially designed with an open seating area equipped with a fully white, 360-degree rotating high-back seat, allowing the Pope to wave to the crowd from a higher position. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a detachable roof to protect the Pope from bad weather. It is worth noting that this papal vehicle does not use the traditional glass side panel design but remains open.
Ola Källenius, CEO of the Mercedes-Benz Group, said: "This is a special honor for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust in us. Through this papal vehicle, we are also sending a clear signal for electric mobility and carbon reduction. Mercedes-Benz not only represents special and individualized, but also has been committed to creating conditions for a net-zero carbon emissions new vehicle fleet by 2039."
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of cooperation with the Vatican. In the past 100 years, about one-third of the papal vehicles have been manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. This electric papal vehicle is called the G 580 and is equipped with a 116 kWh battery. The fast charging time is 32 minutes, from 10% to 80%, which will provide the Pope with sufficient low-speed driving time and ensure that the fast charging will not make the Pope wait too long. The Vatican also announced that it will gradually replace the existing vehicles with electric vehicles and plans to achieve an all-electric vehicle fleet by 2030. Last month, Volkswagen announced that it will become a partner to advance this plan and will deliver nearly 40 pure electric vehicles, including the ID.3, ID.4 electric SUVs, and ID.5, starting from next year. This new Mercedes-Benz papal vehicle is more suitable for urban use scenarios with short distances, low speeds, and frequent stops. The Pope will enjoy a silent, emission-free electric mobility experience, and at the same time, the onlookers will no longer have to endure exhaust fumes. This is undoubtedly a win-win situation.
The Pope's New Electric Mercedes-Benz G-class (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
The delivery of the first fully electric papal vehicle by Mercedes-Benz to the Vatican is not only a landmark event in the electrification process of the automotive industry but also a powerful boost to the global carbon reduction action. This move not only reflects Mercedes-Benz's technical strength in the field of electric vehicles but also a profound interpretation of the environmental protection concept. From an environmental perspective, the use of the electric papal vehicle will reduce carbon emissions in the Vatican area and set an example for global carbon reduction. At the same time, it also sends a strong signal: Even religious leaders are actively embracing new energy and advocating green travel. This kind of leading by example will undoubtedly have a profound impact on global believers and the public, encouraging more people to choose electric vehicles as a means of transportation.
In addition, the design of the electric papal vehicle also reflects the emphasis on the Pope's safety. The four-wheel independent motor design ensures stability at low speeds, and the open seating area allows the Pope to be closer to the people, which is difficult to achieve in previous papal vehicles. This design not only improves the Pope's travel experience but also strengthens the connection between the Pope and the believers. In general, the delivery of the Mercedes-Benz electric papal vehicle is not only a technical breakthrough but also a dissemination of cultural and environmental protection concepts. It heralds the arrival of a more green and people-friendly new era. With the continuous progress of electric technology and the improvement of environmental awareness, we can expect more such innovations in the future to jointly promote the global towards a more sustainable development path.
Volvo's Plug-in Vehicle Sales Increase by 40% in November, Accounting for 48% of Total Sales
Key Points:
Volvo Car Corporation has announced its global sales figures for November, selling a total of 66,977 vehicles, an increase of 5% compared to the same period last year. This growth is mainly driven by the European and American markets. Although sales in the Chinese market have declined, the performance of Volvo's electrified models remains steady. Volvo's electrified models - including pure electric and plug-in hybrid models - have seen a year-on-year sales growth of 40%, accounting for 48% of the total sales in November. Pure electric models account for 21% of the total sales. The cumulative sales from January to November reached 689,585 vehicles, an increase of 9% year-on-year. In the European market, Volvo sold 31,611 vehicles in November, a year-on-year increase of 20%. The sales of Volvo's electrified models increased by 39% year-on-year, accounting for 65% of the total sales in Europe in November. In the US market, sales increased by 5% in November to 12,259 vehicles. The sales of electrified models increased by 58% year-on-year, with plug-in hybrid models increasing by 96%.
In the Chinese market, Volvo sold 13,923 vehicles in November, a year-on-year decrease of 8%. The sales of electrified models were 1,847 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 38%. The Volvo XC60 became the best-selling model in November with sales of 21,586 vehicles, followed by the XC40/EX40 with a total sales of 14,613 vehicles, and the XC90 with sales of 10,533 vehicles. Volvo's sales growth shows its successful electrification transformation in the global automotive market. Especially in the European and American markets, the strong growth of electrified models has made an important contribution to Volvo's global sales growth. Despite facing challenges in the Chinese market, the growth of electrified models still shows Volvo's firm pace in the electrification strategy.
Volvo EX30 (Source: ElectricCarsReport)
Opinions:
Volvo's sales growth of electrified models in November and the increase in the proportion of electrified models in the global market show Volvo's positive progress in the electrification transformation in the global automotive market. This achievement not only reflects Volvo's emphasis on electrification technology but also reflects the growth in market demand for electric vehicles. From a market perspective, the strong performance of Volvo's electrified models in the European and American markets indicates that consumers in these regions are increasingly accepting electric vehicles, and the electric vehicle market is growing rapidly. Especially in Europe, the sales proportion of Volvo's electrified models is as high as 65%, which is much higher than the global average, showing the leading position of the European market in promoting electrification.
In the Chinese market, although the overall sales have declined, the growth of electrified models still shows Volvo's determination in the electrification transformation in the Chinese market. As the world's largest automotive market, the Chinese market has a continuous growth in demand for electric vehicles. Volvo needs to further increase the promotion of electrified models in this market to adapt to market changes. Volvo's electrification strategy not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also helps the company improve its competitiveness globally. With the increasing global pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, electrified models will become the main trend in the future automotive market. By proactively布局 electrified models, Volvo is expected to occupy a favorable position in the future market competition. Overall, Volvo's growth in electrified model sales is a positive signal indicating that the company is steadily moving towards sustainable development. With the continuous growth in global demand for electric vehicles, Volvo is expected to maintain its growth momentum in the future automotive market.
Tesla's Steering Wheel without Stalks Triggers New Market Demand: Third-Party Steering Stalk Emerges
Key Points:
Recently, an innovative design by Tesla has triggered a new trend in the automotive accessory market. With Tesla eliminating the traditional steering wheel stalks in its new models, a new market - the aftermarket steering stalk accessory market - has emerged. This change began with the new Model S and Model X, and the updated Model 3 has followed suit. The Model Y is expected to adopt the stalkless steering wheel soon. Tesla's design choice reflects its belief in the imminent maturity of autonomous driving technology. CEO Elon Musk once said, "Any driver input is an error," and he hopes that the vehicle can predict any input from the driver and complete it automatically.
Therefore, Tesla has replaced the steering wheel stalks with touch buttons on the steering wheel and driving gear controls on the center console screen. This change has sparked controversy, with many long-time Tesla owners stating that they would not upgrade to the new Tesla models without the steering stalks. However, the market response has proven the market demand for this design change. The third-party Tesla accessory manufacturer Enhance has launched an additional steering stalk for the Model 3. These aftermarket steering stalks can basically replace the original functions, although they do not have the back-and-forth movement. The installation process seems simple, connecting wirelessly to Enhance's communication unit via the vehicle's OBD port. Enhance sells this kit for $344. Although we have not personally tested it and cannot comment on its actual effectiveness, it is understandable why there is a demand for such products in the market. After driving the Cybertruck and the new Model 3, the issue of the turn signal on the steering wheel is not a big problem and can be adapted to within a few days.
Tesla's Old Model 3 Steering Wheel Stalk (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
I think Tesla's decision to eliminate the steering wheel stalks is a bold innovation, but it also brings some controversy. From the perspective of technological development, with the progress of autonomous driving technology, reducing the physical operations of the driver is the general trend. Tesla's decision undoubtedly promotes this trend. However, from the perspective of user experience, eliminating the steering stalks may make some drivers who are accustomed to traditional operations feel uncomfortable. The emergence of the aftermarket steering stalk is a response to this discomfort.
It not only meets the needs of those owners who wish to retain traditional operating habits but also provides new business opportunities for accessory manufacturers. In the long run, with the maturity of autonomous driving technology, we may see more similar innovative designs. But in this transition period, how to balance technological innovation and user habits will be a problem that automakers need to consider. Tesla's attempt undoubtedly provides valuable experience for the entire industry. Personally, I am more inclined to accept the convenience brought by new technologies, but I also understand those owners who have an emotional dependence on traditional operations. Therefore, I believe that the market should provide diverse options to meet the needs of different users.
"Big Events"
Ford Aims at Indonesia's Rich Nickel Resources and Plans to Build an Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Plant
After losing some market share in China and Europe, the American automaker Ford is seeking to expand in an underdeveloped market in the electric vehicle field - Indonesia. Ford plans to invest in building an electric vehicle factory in Indonesia, which is the world's largest nickel producer. The new factory will be located near its $4.5 billion nickel processing project. Although Ford has not officially confirmed this news, it is reported that the Indonesian government has held talks with several global automakers, including Volkswagen Group and Ford. Ford is currently undergoing large-scale layoffs in Europe and has seen a decline in its market share in China, but the company sees Indonesia as a potential bright spot. Ford returned to the Indonesian market in 2022 through a partnership with the RMA Group in Bangkok after a six-year absence. Currently, Ford sells the Ranger pickup and Everest SUV made in Thailand in Indonesia, and it has delivered 664 vehicles so far this year.
Indonesia is focused on developing electric vehicles for two reasons: one is to utilize the country's rich nickel resources, and the other is to create employment opportunities for its large young labor force. Indonesia has been attracting automakers to invest in the country, emphasizing its market size, low vehicle penetration rate, and geostrategic location for the South Asian market as key selling points. Regarding nickel, Indonesia produces 20.6% of the global total. At an event in Jakarta, the Deputy Minister of Industry of Indonesia, Faisol Riza, told the media that Ford has committed to realizing its factory and investment in Indonesia next year.
Ford F-150 Electric Pickup (Source: Electrek)
Last year, Ford, along with the global mining giant Vale and China's Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Ltd., invested $4.5 billion in a nickel processing project in Sulawesi, Indonesia, which is expected to start operation in 2026. The mine is expected to produce up to 120,000 tons of nickel intermediate products for electric vehicle battery cathodes per year.
Since President Prabowo Subianto took office in October, the Indonesian government has been in talks with several major automakers, including Volkswagen and Ford. Faisol Riza said at the event: "It seems that some global automakers that were once here and then disappeared will come back. We hope that all manufacturers can build factories in Indonesia because they have a high social and economic impact, especially in creating jobs." Indonesia plans to increase the local content requirement for pure electric vehicles to 40% by the end of 2026 and gradually increase it to 80% by the end of 2030. This move not only shows Ford's emphasis on the electric vehicle market but also reflects Indonesia's strategic position in the global electric vehicle supply chain. By utilizing Indonesia's rich nickel resources, Ford is expected to reduce the production cost of electric vehicle batteries and improve its competitiveness in the global electric vehicle market. At the same time, this will also create a large number of job opportunities for Indonesia and promote local economic development. With the global growth in demand for electric vehicles, Ford's investment in Indonesia is expected to become a key part of its global strategy.
Nissan Ariya Owners Can Use More than 17,800 Tesla Superchargers in North America
Nissan Motor Company announced that starting from December 10, owners of the Nissan Ariya electric vehicle will be able to use more than 17,800 Tesla Superchargers in the United States and Canada. This expansion makes the total number of public charging stations in the Nissan Energy Charge Network (NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network, NECN) exceed 100,000 in the United States and 25,000 in Canada. To use the Tesla Supercharger network, Nissan electric vehicle owners need a Nissan-provided North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter kit, which is priced at $235. Starting from 2025, Nissan will equip its electric vehicles sold in the US and Canadian markets with NACS charging ports.
