Hello, reader - it’s December 8th. 👋
Another week has passed, and here’s everything you shouldn’t have missed!

Not a Joke: Mercedes EQE and Audi E-Tron GT Sales Dropped to 0 In China

In October 2024, Mercedes-Benz and Audi faced significant challenges in China's automotive market, with some models recording zero sales.

The Mercedes EQE sedan, for instance, saw no new registrations that month, despite substantial discounts. Similarly, certain Audi models (e.g. E-Tron GT) failed to attract buyers, highlighting the intense competition from local brands like BYD and Nio, which offer advanced technology and competitive pricing. What is China doing to the german automotive industry?

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Not Looking Good For Tesla: These Cars And Brands Have The Highest Fatality Rates On Roads

A recent study by “iSeeCars” has found that Tesla vehicles have the highest fatal accident rate among all car brands in the U.S., with 5.6 fatalities per billion vehicle miles, nearly double the industry average of 2.8.

The study suggests that this elevated rate may be more reflective of driver behavior than vehicle design, indicating that Tesla owners might engage in riskier driving practices. Notably, the Tesla Model Y ranks sixth among individual models, with 10.6 fatalities per billion miles.

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Pope Francis Gets His Own Mercedes G-Class “Popemobile”

Pope Francis' new Popemobile, an all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV, has been delivered on December 4, 2024. The one-off model was developed in close cooperation with the Vatican and features a pearl white exterior as well as an open top design.

While this is the latest G-Class based Popemobile, Mercedes has been supplying cars to the Vatican for nearly 100 years. The first was a Nürburg 460 Pullman for Pope Pius XI, which was delivered in 1930.

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Mercedes Is About To Revolutionize How Cars Are Painted

Personalization has become a booming trend, and automakers are fully embracing it, not just for the appeal it offers customers, but for the lucrative profits from high-priced custom options. Unsurprisingly, Mercedes is taking this a step further by expanding its Manufaktur program and launching a brand-new Manufaktur Studio.

The new technology is called “PixelPaint” - a high-precision system that works like inkjet printing for vehicles. This innovation applies detailed, multi-colored designs directly onto the car, eliminating overspray and reducing waste.

Situated within Mercedes-Benz’s Sindelfingen complex, the Manufaktur Studio is touted as an exclusive space offering the “highest degree of customization.” 

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The BMW M2 CS Is Coming And She Is About To Outperform The Current M4

BMW is set to elevate its M2 lineup with the forthcoming M2 CS, anticipated to debut in Q1 2025. This high-performance model is expected to feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, delivering up to 525 horsepower and therefore surpassing the 503 hp of the current rear-wheel-drive M4 Competition.

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Jaguars Controversial Rebranding Is Driving Interest In Older Used Models

Jaguar's rebranding campaign, "Copy Nothing," has sparked a surge in interest in its used models. Auto Trader UK reports a 10% rise in searches, with the F-Pace being the most viewed. Global attention peaked on November 22, with interest quadrupling according to Google Trends.

The campaign has rekindled curiosity about Jaguar's classic appeal, suggesting consumers are eager to explore models from the brand's storied history before the brand completely changes it’s DNA. While the long-term effects remain uncertain, the immediate boost in used car interest signals a positive reception - depending on how you view it.

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