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The Future of Electric Cars in California: A Look at the State’s Ambitious Goals

In August 2022, California Air Resources Board passed the Advanced Clean Cars II rule that fast-tracks the state to zero-emission transportation. This new rule establishes a roadmap that gradually ushers in a 100% emission-free sale of motor vehicles by 2035.

While many states and countries have set goals and targets to phase out the sale of fossil-fueled vehicles, California has the most aggressive regulation. The plans may be ambitious but are achievable.

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Tesla Price Decreases: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Change

Price drops of as much as 20% have come to Tesla in a bid to undercut rivals in the increasingly crowded market. The aggressive pricing strategy is in the light of missed delivery targets for 2022.

Elon Musk had warned that the leading electric vehicle manufacturer may have to slash prices in order to maintain growth in an environment of higher interest rates and prospect of recession.

But what are the possible reasons behind the drastic price changes?

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Trucks, Terrain, Trepidation

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The pickup truck and SUV markets in the U.S. increased by 9.9% between 2019 and 2022, let’s just say 10% for the sake for simplicity. More and more people seem to be wanting buy an SUV or a pickup truck and venture out into the wilderness, at least that’s what the commercials are reflecting. No matter what brand we are looking at, commercials show their owners (mostly fairly young) taking their vehicles out where any sign of human civilization cannot be seen. The new owners crave to be In The Middle Of Nowhere, or, ITMON, a new acronym. 

The truck/SUV owners are “exploring” places where the roads aren’t paved, no speed limit signs, traffic signals. There are also no fueling stations, food, water, toilets, emergency services, doctors, nurses or walk-on clinics. Just buy this truck/SUV and get out there in the Great Outdoors, get yourself ITMON. New Hampshire, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Vermont and Oregon have laws that allow rescue services to bill you if you get yourself in a bad situation out ITMON and need to be rescued.  These bills can run up to $5,000 if the rangers have to do a lot to find you, especially in the middle of the night.

I have seen a fair number of younger people buy 4-wheel drive trucks with the specific purpose of using them to tear up the countryside. It seems these young truck owners are in competition to see who can tear up more of the landscape. We can’t be sure if the truck manufacturers condone such behavior, but their commercials certainly don’t discourage it.

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Audi A8 – Valiant in Valencia

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Taking the Audi A8 out for a prance in Spain

*When the Audi A8 last rebooted, people were hardly in an uproar over the changes. No, Audi plays it safe with their big limo, a flagship that necessarily must embody all the aspirations implicit in the marque’s “russian dolls” approach to carmaking.

The car is especially handsome under Valencia’s ochre, wintertime sun— even the tourists are straining for a look at the handsome car as it cruise the wide boulevard near L’Oceanogràfic, a stunning oceanarium situated in the east of the city of Valencia, Spain, where different marine habitats are represented. Designed by the architect Félix Candela and the structural engineers Alberto Domingo and Carlos Lázaro, the structure echoes the curving grace of the A8, casting an impressionistic reflection on my press car’s highly reflective hood in the afternoon light.

AUdi A8 in Valencia
PHOTO CREDIT: SHARPMAGAZINEME.COM

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Auto – What’s Hot in 2018

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DUBAI  — Things move quickly in 2018, and the auto industry is no different. From bold design concepts to innovative features that enhance aesthetics, performance, and the overall driving experience, automakers continue to unveil their best with each passing year.

This gallery showcases such brands as Alpine, Aston Martin, Bentley, and more. Go ahead and feast your eyes on the best of 2018.

Here’s a look at what’s hot in auto for 2018 – courtesy of our friends at wheel.thecontenthub.com

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