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Avante
22Mar
2024 Avante, Korean Version of the Hyundai Elantra, Gets a Fresh Facelift

The Korean version of the Hyundai Elantra — the Hyundai Avante —gets a refreshing redesign
as detailed in the new gallery release issued by the automaker earlier this month. At first glance,
the Avante touts familiar features of the Elantra, but there are plenty of enhancements, tune-
ups, and touch-ups that distinguish the Avante as a respectably built sedan. Designed
specifically for Korean markets, you won’t find this redesign offered at your local Hyundai dealer
anytime soon. However, the 2024 US Elantra models will likely offer many of these same great
features.

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Mercedes-Benz EV has a New Acceleration Increase Package
2Dec
Subscribe for Speed? Mercedes-Benz EV has a New Acceleration Increase Package – And Nobody Seems to be Happy About it

It started with car loans – breaking up a big purchase into smaller, more manageable payments over a longer period of time. Then, it became additional features – Bluetooth connections and customizable radio packages that enhance your driving experience.

Now, it’s speed – by paying more, your car can drive faster, and its engine performs better, according to a new package being rolled out at Mercedes dealer locations that sell EQE models. But what does that actually mean for drivers, BMW as a company, and the future of vehicle subscriptions?

What the Acceleration Increase Package Actually Does

The Acceleration Increase Package is a $1,200 per year subscription that makes acceleration quicker and improves torque for Mercedes-Benz’s EV models. For some, like the EQE 350 4Matic SUV, this can make a vehicle go 0-60mph in 5 seconds instead of 6.

That’s a pretty big improvement in acceleration and performance, and it’s one that anyone who enjoys fast cars would love! It’s also a great selling point for a luxury vehicle brand – you’re already visiting a Mercedes dealer for a good car, so why not get a package that makes it even better?

Here’s the problem: the hardware and technology are already in the vehicle from when you buy it. You just can’t use it until you pay an additional fee. BMW already made vehicles able to run this well – they just won’t sell them to you as-is.

If that sounds strange or unfair to you, you’re not alone. Subscription services for vehicles have already been getting negative feedback, and BMW’s latest package is just one of many.

BMW’s Other Packages and Subscription Attempts

BMW isn’t the first vehicle manufacturer to offer subscription services related to pre-installed features. Earlier in 2022, for example, GM announced a mandatory OnStar subscription for models like Buick and Cadillac.

This isn’t even the first package or feature BMW has provided for a monthly fee! Features like heated seats and steering wheels, as well as dash cam access, have either a one-time or monthly cost for BMW drivers. The company also had plans to charge vehicle owners a subscription fee for the use of Apple CarPlay, but ended up scrapping them.

So if this isn’t the first vehicle subscription service the company has tried to push onto consumers, the real question to ask is this: will it be the last?

The Future of Subscription Services and Laws for Vehicles

Earlier in 2022, New Jersey lawmakers began introducing legislation to ban vehicle subscription services just like the one BMW is offering. The bill would specifically prohibit automakers and dealers from charging ongoing fees for hardware that’s already present in vehicles at the time of purchase.

This means that not only would BMW be unable to offer the Acceleration Increase Package, but Mercedes dealers wouldn’t be able to tack on their own fees once vehicles are in their showrooms.

Is this the future of EVs that manufacturers intended? Or is it merely an unfortunate sign of the times? Hopefully, it’s the latter, and new laws and negative feedback can help carmakers make positive changes away from this trend.
How High-Tech Cars are Making Repairs Harder
31Oct
High-Tech Cars are Making Maintenance & Repairs Harder

The older a model gets, the harder it is to get replacement parts or find a mechanic who knows how to work on a ‘98 Chevy truck. But now we’re seeing the same thing with cars made this year!

What’s changed? The technology and equipment that goes into today’s vehicles require more specialization and knowledge than a mechanic has, that’s what.

Repair Shops are Struggling to Meet Specialized Demand

Most mechanics know cars, not computers. But EVs, increased advanced technology, and how features are integrated into a car’s system make it impossible to continue being an old-fashioned mechanic.

If things stay the way they are now in the car repair business, drivers might have to get an extended warranty from places like Toyota and Ford to get guaranteed service.

Cost of Equipment and Training

Many automotive manufacturers use unique systems or have specific equipment for creating their vehicles – such as Tesla models or the newest Ford Super Duty trucks. While it’s not a trade secret, it’s also not well-known what goes into making and maintaining technologically-advanced vehicles.

Mechanics will need the same equipment and systems to perform maintenance and repairs on those cars. They also need certifications, special training, and continued education to meet rapidly-changing vehicle needs.

Not only is this costly for businesses, but it isn’t likely to happen – mechanics would have to learn the special methods and equipment for working on one model of car or all of them at once, and neither is a sustainable way to run a mechanic’s service. What if the only person who can perform a Toyota’s extended warranty service is out sick for a week?

How This Impacts Drivers Negatively

As local shops are forced to specialize, limit what they can do, or sell their shops to franchise owners, drivers will find their options limited and prices for service going up.

Parts and equipment, as well as a properly-trained mechanic’s time, will cost more, services and repairs will take longer, and the old neighborhood mechanic may not be around much longer. Getting your car back from the shop could take days instead of hours.

But does that mean all hope for the future is lost already? Not necessarily.

The Future of Automobiles and Auto Repair Centers

Mechanics are already working toward bridging the knowledge gap in service – computer science majors and tech-savvy car fanatics are joining repair shops as their expertise becomes relevant. Automakers and dealerships are offering in-house repairs and maintenance options.

Drivers are also finding ways to make it easier on themselves – they’re looking into Ford and Toyota extended warranty options, which cover the cost of everything from engines to steering wheels for years.

The auto repair industry is seeing a lot of problems right now, but it’s also seeing a lot of growth and change. Now it’s just a matter of seeing where it takes us.
grandeurev
2Jun
Hyundai Combines Past and Present With New EV

It seems like everything is getting a reboot these days, from remakes of old TV shows and movies to remixes of our favorite songs. One of the more exciting reboots coming our way is a Hyundai EV based on an iconic 1980s model called the Grandeur. This car may look like it belongs in 1986 on the outside, but it’s all future everywhere else.

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