Global electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid sales increased in July, while the U.S. market faced a sharp decline as federal incentives came to an end. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz is preparing for a major software leadership change, Jeep has introduced a new Grand Cherokee variant, General Motors and LG are preparing to restart battery production in Ohio, and Cadillac has made a leadership change ahead of its Formula 1 campaign.
Global EV Sales Rise 9% in July
Global sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids rose 9% in July compared with the same month a year earlier, according to analytics firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
The global increase contrasts sharply with the North American market. EV sales in North America declined 27% over the same period, with the drop coming as federal incentives ended.
U.S. EV Prices Move Higher
The average price of a new electric vehicle in the United States had been falling for six months, but that trend ended in July.
The average new EV price increased 1.2% from the previous month and was 1.6% higher than a year earlier. The increase coincided directly with a reduction in automaker spending on incentives.
Mercedes-Benz Software Chief to Leave
Mercedes-Benz Chief Software Officer Magnus Östberg is set to leave the automaker at the end of August. Östberg joined Mercedes-Benz in 2021 and played a major role in developing MB.OS, the company’s latest operating system.
MB.OS made its debut in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, marking an important step in the automaker’s software strategy.
Mercedes Teases Extreme AMG GT Black Series
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius is also promoting the upcoming AMG GT Black Series, which has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring.
Källenius described the upcoming track-focused supercar as something dramatically different from what customers might expect. He said engineers sometimes need to be allowed to “go crazy” and suggested that the next car of this type will be particularly extreme.
Jeep Adds Grand Cherokee Laredo Upland
Jeep has introduced a new Grand Cherokee variant called the Laredo Upland. The model adds all-terrain tires and off-road-oriented trim pieces while positioning itself below the Overland and Trailhawk in price.
The new variant gives buyers a more affordable way to get a Grand Cherokee with additional off-road-focused equipment.
GM and LG Battery Plant Set to Resume Production
A battery plant in Ohio operated by General Motors and LG has been shut down for the past seven months amid reported weak demand. Production is now expected to resume next week.
The restart comes as automakers continue adjusting battery production to changing demand for electric vehicles.
Cadillac F1 Team Changes Leadership
Cadillac’s Formula 1 team has announced that Marcin Budkowski will replace Graeme Lowdon as team principal.
The leadership change represents another development for Cadillac as the team prepares for its Formula 1 campaign.
The Bottom Line
The latest automotive headlines highlight a market moving in several directions at once. Global EV and plug-in hybrid sales continue to grow, but North America’s electric vehicle market has faced a significant setback. Meanwhile, automakers are reshaping their strategies around pricing, software, performance vehicles, battery production and motorsport.
