CleanMPG

This is turning out to be a very tough decade for the once iconic American brand.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 3, 2025


Stellantis announced the successful validation of Factorial’s automotive-sized Factorial solid-state battery cells. The Li-metal solid-state battery offers higher energy density, faster charging, and more cycles with minimal degradation. The validated 77Ah cells with an energy density of 375Wh/kg is being tested for near future automotive application within the Stellantis family of vehicles.

The cells can charge from 15 to over 90% charge in 18 minutes at room temp, can discharge at up to 4C rates, and perform in temps ranging...

A rarity in the auto business, Nissan lowers prices of two of its most important models.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 3, 2025


Nissan has lowered the price of both the 2025 Rogue and 2025 Pathfinder.

New MSRP for the 2025 Nissan Rogue

• Rogue S FWD - $28,590 (-$640)
• Rogue SV FWD - $29,590 (-$1,380)
• Rogue SL FWD - $35,090 (-$1,000)
• Rogue Platinum FWD - $38,590 (-$930)
• Rogue S AWD - $29,990 (-$640)
• Rogue SV AWD - $30,990 (-$1,380)
• Rogue Rock Creek AWD - $33,490 (-$1,930)
• Rogue SL AWD - $36,490 (-$1,000)
• Rogue Platinum AWD - $39,990 (-$930)

D&H = $1,390

New MSRP for the...

Hyundai sets new Q1 total and retail sales record; and best March ever.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 3, 2025


Last month, Hyundai announced it will be making a significant $21-billion USD investment in the US from 2025 to 2028. The CapEx commitment will expand its localized manufacturing capabilities, advancing future technologies, and enhancing energy infrastructure. This latest U.S. investment announcement more than doubles the $20.5 billion USD the OEM has allocated to US manufacturing since entering the U.S. market in 1986.

In detail, it looks like this to start.

In late March, Hyundai’s new Metaplant (HMGMA) hosted its Grand Opening celebration, as part of Hyundai’s commitment to the U.S. Hyundai entered into a landmark agreement with the State of...

Na is abundant, inexpensive, safe, and as a Na-Ion battery can be charge incredibly fast with no short- or long-term ill-effects.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 21, 2025


Earlier today, China's CATL revealed a second generation Shenxing fast-charging Na-Ion battery, which it said can provide a compact EV sedan 225 miles of driving range with just five-minutes of DCFC. Even more amazing, they demonstrated that the prototype could charge from 5 to 80% SOC in just under 15 minutes in temperatures of -12 degrees C/10 degrees F with the battery cold soaked and parked at – 10 degrees C! Again, I have never seen anything like this world class charging performance in warm temps, let alone extreme cold.

I had to take...

An updated HSG with turbos, belts, and pulleys.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 21, 2025


Hyundai revealed its next-generation hybrid drivetrain touted to improve power and efficiency for their entire lineup.

This next-generation hybrid system features a new transmission with two integrated motors that can be paired flexibly with a range of internal combustion engines. What did they not say is that this was a planetary system with no need for a std. transmission like the topography is now?

The newly developed transmission includes a new P1 motor that handles starting, battery energy generation and energy deployment to assist propulsion. It Appears to be a Hybrid Starter/Generator spun off a belt but later on in the release, they state this motor is directly tied to the engine to...

Expect the Camry’s powerful and efficient Hybrid only drivetrain and the very latest ADAS technology.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 21, 2025


LEXUS is set to unveil its all-new ES this coming Wednesday, April 23rd at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (April 23 - May 2).

Details of the all-new ES, a global core model that refines advanced electrification technologies and pursues further evolution of its the hallmark quietness and ride comfort, will be announced at a press conference in the Lexus booth on April 23rd.

In anticipation of the debut of this new proposition of luxury, Lexus has released the above teaser image.

And about that all-new 2025 Camry drivetrain possibly dropped into the upcoming 2026 Lexus ES, the standard 2.5L I4 is...

The all-new CLA should improve Mercedes-Benz overall sales results once available in quantity next year.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 17, 2025


At a gala in NY just after the NY Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its all-new CLA.

With the U.S. debut, Mercedes-Benz reinforced its legacy of setting benchmarks and redefining standards. This all-new model ushers in a new era of all-electric efficiency and the consumers in car digital experience.

At launch, the US CLA model lineup will be comprised of the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC. With approximately 385 miles of all-electric range (WLTP * .78) from the 268 hp CLA 250+. With a new Li-Ion battery and 800V architecture, DCFCing the CLA should add...

This aggressive Korean OEM continues to achieve record sales with affordable and flashy product.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 16, 2025


New York, NY -- The race to offering a $25,000 EV in the US is a moonshot and Kia’s just introduced compact EV may be the first to reach that goal despite some claiming it as a waste of time.
The all-new Kia EV aims to broaden EV adoption with an affordable entry level price without sacrificing amenities or EV range we have grown accustomed too. And demand. Meet Kia’s first global EV platform, the EV4.

To keep costs in check, the...

Record setting sales and an upcoming refreshed Solterra bodes well for the company even with tariff threats ahead.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 16, 2025


New York, NY -- At this year’s NY Auto Show, Subaru revealed a refreshed Solterra with several consumer-friendly additions for the upcoming 2026 model year.

From the 2023 Subaru Solterra First Drive off the California coast, the AWD drivetrain - via (2) 80 KW motors, and std. 8.3 inches of ground clearance proved itself to be an excellent light off-roading CUV while climbing rutted off-road trails with grades up to 45 degrees. The shortfalls...

A number of unforced errors hindered early 2025 US sales.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 16, 2025


Since the 2024 sales results, more than a few Tesla related narratives have crossed our windscreens adding to the ongoing controversial nature of a CEO running the once revered all-electric OEM.

As most know, Elon Musk embedded himself into the Trump campaign with an estimated $250-million USD donation and a story. Just three days after the Trump election win, Elon Musk was tapped to oversee a government cost-cutting effort with a self-imposed goal of cutting $2 trillion in Government...

The brand of 4 rings has not forgotten about its combustion engine lineup.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 3, 2025


Audi’s A6 will soon set the standard in design and aerodynamics in the full-size sedan segment. With a drag coefficient of 0.23 - the lowest for a combustion-engine production model in Audi history, possibly offered a 2.0L TFSI I4 mated to a 7-speed dual clutch, and an all-new 48V mild hybrid system (MHEV), it will provide owners with the superb efficiency. The inclusion of the (MHEV) for US buyers is only a possibility as I type. The 3.0L TFSI will continue to be the standard bearer.

The MHEV system enables fully electric slow speed driving while adding...

From California to NY or Minneapolis to Miami, there is another DCFC network from which to choose.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 10, 2025


Now with DCFC stations at 130 Pilot/Flying J Travel Centers across more than 25 states, EV drivers have another network to use thanks to Pilot, GM, and EVgo. The network offers an elevated experience along popular corridors and major interstates, enabling long-distance EV travel.

EV drivers can travel to many popular US destinations while charging on the Tesla and Electrify America DCFC networks. Today, you can add EVgo to the mix. With GM/EVgo/Pilot Flying J DCFCing infrastructure concentrated in the...

Off to the races we go...

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 2, 2025


US Q1 2025 Automotive Sales Overview

U.S. consumers continue to purchase more pickups and SUVs than sedans. Who really offers high volume sedans outside of Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Tesla anyway? US Q1 sales volumes were helped in part by the threat of President Donald Trump's tariffs on auto imports, which he implemented via Executive Order on March 26th and collection which began on April 3rd. A 25% tariff was applied to all imported passenger vehicles and key automobile parts – engines, transmissions,...

Hybrids remain the most reliable drivetrain, Lexus continues as the most reliable vehicle brand, but overall reliability continues to fall.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Feb. 13, 2025


According to JD Power, vehicle problems after three years of ownership have reached the highest level since 2009. Compared to 2024 results, the industry experienced a 6% increase in problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), which is 12 PP100 worse than a year ago, resulting in an industry average of 202 PP100. The rise in problems is attributable OEMs experiencing a 16 PP100 increase related in part to software defects. A lower score indicates higher vehicle quality.

The results of this year’s study are not unexpected given the results of the J.D. Power 2022...

The vehicles in question arrived in the U.S. the same day Trump announced the 25% tariff on European Automobiles.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 7, 2025


The German automaker will soon be adding a new 'import fee' to vehicle stickers to show customers exactly how much tariffs are inflating prices.

VW's decision to hold shipments underscores the ripple effect hitting the global auto market.

Audi’s Q5 is assembled in Mexico and nearly every car in the luxury brand's lineup ships from Europe, making its entire lineup subject to the 25% tariff.

In a statement, the Volkswagen Group spoke out against the tariffs and hoped Trump would step up to...