AUTOMOTIVE
Lexus Reveals Details about Sport BEV
Lexus previewed four battery-electric vehicles in December and has released more images and specs on one of them. The BEV (battery electric vehicle) sport concept signals the future of the brand while reviving the spirit of the LFA, Lexus says.
But will it ‘sport?’ The company says acceleration from 0 to 60 mph may land in the low two-second range, and cruising distance could exceed 435 miles, with the possible use of solid-state batteries.
With plans to be EV-only (surprise!) by 2035, Lexus is aiming to have a full lineup of EVs by 2030.
Telling it like it is - We have heard the 2030 and 2035 EV dates so often, it begs the real question: Who is going to announce EV dominance by 2040 first?
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AUTOMOTIVE
Toyota Files Patents For Faux Stick-Shift
The move to EVs has a fair share of challenges for automakers and consumers alike, but Toyota has a plan for at least one of those pain points. The automaker filed eight patents for mechanisms designed to be comforting for drivers used to manual gearboxes or just enjoy the feel of one. While EV engines have no need for a manual transmission, Toyota, among other automakers, is looking to capture the look and feel of the manual shifter with a "pseudo" clutch and shifter.
Just a joystick in the cupholder? The system will not be just for show, the driver will be able to adjust the electric motor's torque using the system. Potential features also include a clutch pedal that imitates the vibration of a traditional clutch and the ability for the EV's engine to mock stall, with none of the danger of actually stalling.
Telling it like it is - Next item on the agenda: Rescue the expression “Grinds my gears.”
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AUTOMOTIVE
California Seeks to Renew EPA Waiver Emission Standards
California, the nation's largest auto market, is seeking to renew an EPA waiver allowing them to set stricter auto tailpipe standards and ZEV (Zero-Emission Vehicle) mandates. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is expected to reissue the waiver under the Clean Air Act, reversing a Trump-era rule that sought to block states from setting these sorts of guidelines.
Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have adopted California's stricter vehicle emissions standards, which account for 1/3 of all light vehicle sales in the United States. Resistance to the waiver renewal claims it would drive manufacturing costs up by creating a patchwork of standards automakers must meet. With the Biden administration's goal of 50% ZEVs sales by 2030, the patchwork may be more uniform than expected.
Telling it like it is - Lots of cool things are patchwork, like quilts… and we cannot think of a second thing…
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CLUBHOUSE
JOIN TODAY'S CONVERSATION
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TECH/MARKETS
Power Industry Eyes Untapped Wind Markets
With energy needs expected to double in India next 20 years, the energy industry is seeking power in new ways. India already has a robust land-based wind farm system, but power giants are looking to expand into offshore wind farming. German energy giant RWE and India's Tata Power announced a collaboration that authorities expect to produce 30 gigawatts by 2030 of all offshore wind farming energy.
With more experts and companies looking for energy independence, projects like these may play a major factor in the shape of the market for years to come.
Telling it like it is - Money never falls out of the sky, but getting electricity out of the air is pretty close.
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TOGETHER WITH INHERENT
Is It Possible To Feel As Good As You Look?
We know the feeling: when you put on a crisp shirt or those fresh kicks and you just FEEL great! Look better, feel better. Our friends at INHERENT understand this better than most, which is why they downshifted and didn’t lift.
The STEVE McQUEEN by INHERENT Driver Collection is inspired by the renowned McQueen style reputation and his love of classic cars and motor racing. The items in the collection are exquisitely designed for function and style and are produced sustainably in the finest materials to honor McQueen’s legacy… perfect for that Sunday morning drive or a road trip of a lifetime.
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CULTURE
Poll Finds Potential Benefit of Remote Work
A recent poll of Small Business Owners found 56% of them feel remote work has made them better leaders. The OnePoll survey asked 1,000 people about how remote work has impacted them in a variety of perceptions and metrics.
Survey Says?
- 60% reported they feel more empathetic toward their team.
- 70% said lockdowns had given them business opportunities they would not have had before.
- 63% say they trust their employees more
- 55% claimed communication was better
- 46% say they have increased customers, with 25% reporting they have lost customers
But it isn't all good news.
- Nearly half say running their business from home has been more challenging than they expected
- 41% say they do not have the capacity to oversee all aspects of their business
- And 47% say they are busier due to taking on more roles they would have previously hired or outsourced.
Overcoming challenges is part of owning any business, and it seems the majority of small business owners have adapted to even the last few years and the unique challenges of the pandemic.
Telling it like it is - The pandemic has shown a lot of folks who they really are: Capable, smart, and able to overcome more than they imagined.
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WHAT THE KIDS ARE INTO
From One Penny To A House For a Homeless Shelter
There is a new breed of philanthropy growing amongst youngsters that’s, frankly, a lot more fun to watch than a charity fundraiser banquet at your local convention center. YouTuber Ryan Trahan created this fun video as he turned a penny into a real-life house which he donated to a homeless shelter. With over six million followers, it’s clear that the kids are into it.
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