Mad Manny's Meandering Motoring Musings

[jakeslouw]

True, that. Where Ford gets off doubling the price on a rebadged Chinese SUV is beyond my understanding.

[Mad Manny]

Because Jake's, only Cnuts buy Frods and Frod know that...

[BushWacker]

Merc negotiating tricky terrain …

“ Mercedes has walked back their electric vehicle ambitions and decided to invest more into internal combustion engines. Their reasoning is becoming crystal clear as EV sales have tanked. “
… while wealthy buyers still prefer a high margin ICE …

https://www.carscoops.com/2024/07/merce ... e-than-50/


… a number of other interesting news snippets
on this ‘ CarScoops ‘ site …

[jakeslouw]

Because Jake's, only Cnuts buy Frods and Frod know that...

Let's not start on brand bashing, otherwise we'll have to bring Toyotaholics into the discussion...........

[HenriSteyn]

Merc negotiating tricky terrain …

“
https://www.carscoops.com/2024/07/merce ... e-than-50/


… a number of other interesting news snippets
on this ‘ CarScoops ‘ site …

There are many more manufacturers giving up on EV. Major manufacturers. Not sure what is driving the change But they seem to be liking Hybrid more. Until they figure out safe Hydrogen power.

[BushWacker]

I do however think that ICE vehicles, as we know them,
are inevitably soon destined for steady onward decline to extinction ... though heavy duty industrial vehicles,
eg high work-load earth diggers & movers etc, will still intuitively survive much longer.

For EVs, battery technologies and (monopolistic? ) ownership structures will probably dominate the transition to new-age wheeling for us 'rank & file' wheelers ?

[Mad Manny]

EVs, such as they arr currently, are failing.
The only reason they sell in some countries is due to legislation.
All major manufacturers are scaling back on EVs, Merc, BMW, Toyota, Mazda, Honda etc.
It's a stupid idea.
It's not cheaper.
It robs the state of petroleum tax income.
They are heavy and eat tyre's.
They are environmentally unfriendly.

Only an IT Geek who never goes anywhere thinks it's a good idea.

[BushWacker]

... its more about inevitable decline of fossil fuel systems
than what will replace the ICE and to what extent and how fast :
solar / hydrogen or whatever energy systems succeed ...
and so also the rate of the transition .
I see Merc challenge etc as trying to transition
to fast , too impulsively.
Its early days.

[Mad Manny]

Who told you that Fossil Fuel systems would decline Chas?

[BushWacker]

Im telling you,
… watch this space for the next few years …

[Mad Manny]

Chas, there is enough Fossil Fuel to last another 100 years. There is no need to seek alternatives. Don't fall for the Green agenda hype.

[Mad Manny]

Land Cruiser 70 series
As we expected, ToyotaMC has started to phase out the V8 D-4D 4.5 in the Cruiser.

So if you are a fan of that big, heavy V8, buy one now.

However, they will be adding the 6 speed manual box to the 2.8 GD.

By the end of next year you'll only get the 70series with the 2.8GD motor, either in manual or auto...

[jakeslouw]

Chas, there is enough Fossil Fuel to last another 100 years. There is no need to seek alternatives. Don't fall for the Green agenda hype.

Agreed. The petroleum companies are frothing about that lie.
EV is also just as bad for the planet when it comes to environmental costs, especially if you consider all the Rare Earth minerals that are needed.

[grips]

By the end of next year you'll only get the 70series with the 2.8GD motor, either in manual or auto...

Nope the V6 is still alive and well. Same with the 4.2.

[Mad Manny]

Correct Grips.
The V6 4.0 70 series is still sold in places like Dubai and the UAE.

Interestingly Dubai only get the New Prado 250 with the 4cyl 2.4 Turbo petrol...