Jaguar Gets Massive Shitstorm For New Logo - Design Boss Assures “I’m not on drugs!”

Jaguar has pounced into a new era - are you ready? The British automaker has decided to ditch its iconic "Growler" emblem. Instead, the new design spells out “JaGUar” in a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, like it’s trying to fit in with the cool kids in tech. The goal? To make the brand feel fresher, more modern, and appealing to younger, more diverse audiences.

“Why fix what wasn’t broken?” seems to be the rallying cry from enthusiasts who now fear Jaguar is trading timeless style for fleeting trends. On social media, the brand is getting confronted with quite a shitstorm, no one seems to be happy - “stop the minimalistic logos, we’ve had enough.”

Source

“Cheap” AMG For Americans: AMG GT43 Debuts in US As Entry Level GT

Mercedes-AMG has introduced the GT 43 Coupé to the U.S. market, offering a new entry point into the high-performance GT lineup. Powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine producing 422 HP and 500 NM, the coupé starts at $105,900 (excluding taxes and fees) and is approximately $30,000 less expensive than the V8-powered GT55 and nearly $80,000 more affordable than the powerhouse GT63.

Source

Mercedes-Benz’s Big Bet on China: Smart Strategy or Downfall of Mercedes?

Mercedes-Benz’s €1.8 bln investment in China underscores just how vital the country is to the brand’s future. As its largest market and production hub outside Germany, China has become the cornerstone of Mercedes’ strategy. CEO Källenius makes no secret of this. But is this bet too big?

The investment comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing scrutiny of Western businesses aligning so closely with China. While the company touts tailored models and cutting-edge technology for Chinese consumers, the move could be seen as risky, given the uncertain trade landscape and potential backlash in Western markets.

By doubling down on China, Mercedes is prioritizing growth in the short term, but whether this gamble pays off, or leaves the brand vulnerable to global economic shifts, remains to be seen. It’s a bold play, but one that could come with significant long-term consequences.

Source (German Source)

Ford to Lay Off 4,000 People in Europe Amid Macro Challenges and Restructuring Efforts

Ford has announced plans to reduce its European workforce by approximately 4,000 employees by the end of 2027, citing significant losses in its passenger vehicle segment and challenges posed by the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and increased competition.

The job cuts will primarily affect administrative roles and positions related to petrol engine production, with 2,900 jobs in Germany and 800 in the UK being impacted. This reduction represents about 14% of Ford's European workforce.

Source

Aston Martin Struggles: Losing $1.8 Million a Day Amid Financial Turmoil

Aston Martin is currently facing significant financial challenges, with reports indicating the company is losing approximately $1.8 million daily. In the third quarter, the British luxury carmaker reported a pre-tax loss of £10.3 million ($13.4 million), contributing to a total pre-tax loss of £228 million ($295 million) for the year up to September.

Despite these challenges, there are positive signs. Deliveries of sports cars like the Vantage and DB12 have increased by 16% year-over-year, and sales of exclusive models such as the Valour and Valkyrie have risen by 132%. CEO Adrian Hallmark remains optimistic, stating that improved financial and operational performance in Q3 2024 demonstrates the effectiveness of their strategy.

Source

European Automakers Pour Millions Into Chinese Dealerships To Keep Them Afloat

European automakers are currently investing substantial funds to support their Chinese dealerships amid a significant decline in sales. The Chinese automotive market has been disrupted by aggressive pricing strategies from local brands, leading to a price war that has forced Western manufacturers to offer unsustainable discounts to remain competitive.

BMW, for instance, has allocated hundreds of millions of euros to sustain its dealer network in China. Despite these efforts, the company experienced a 30% drop in sales during the third quarter, resulting in the closure of its flagship Beijing Xingdebao 5S store. Similarly, other premium brands like Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover have invested heavily to prevent their dealerships from going out of business.

The China Automobile Dealers Association has reported that approximately 2,000 dealerships are expected to close this year. A survey conducted earlier in the year revealed that over half of the dealers anticipated unprofitability in 2024, highlighting the severe challenges faced by the industry.

Source