Volkswagen EV Sales Just Tripled

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Volkswagen’s electric vehicle sales have been skyrocketing in 2021. Volkswagen hasn’t always been the most eco-friendly automaker. Now it seems the company is changing for the better. Volkswagen is selling more electric vehicles than most automakers.

Volkswagen hybrids and EVs are on fire

The Volkswagen ID.3 | Sean Gallup via Getty Images

VW’s electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are on fire (thankfully not literally). Volkswagen has committed to producing more eco-friendly vehicles, and it is paying off in a big way. Volkswagen was once one of the most resistant automakers when it came to disclosing emission reports and reducing carbon emissions. Now the company has even invested in building a network of electric charging stations.

Electric Volkswagen sales have increased drastically. According to InsideEVs, plug-in hybrid sales are up over 204% from last year. Battery electric vehicle sales are up over 165% from last year. Volkswagen’s electric vehicle sales are set to destroy its last year’s electric vehicle sales record. The majority of sales come from European ID.3 and ID.4 models.

How many electric models does VW have?

Volkswagen ID.3 electric cars stand on display outside the "Gläserne Manufaktur".
Volkswagen ID.3 models | Sean Gallup via Getty Images

The only Volkswagen electric vehicle currently available in America is the Volkswagen ID.4. The ID.4 is a fully electric SUV. It is considered one of the better electric vehicles this year. The ID.4 trails behind other popular electric vehicles like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Volkswagen also produced a hatchback, the ID.3 in Europe that has been making waves for the company internationally. Hopefully, the ID.3 will make its way to America soon.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is estimated to travel 250 miles on a full charge. It has a comfy interior cabin and handles well. The ID.4 is the only electric vehicle in the Volkswagen lineup, but the automaker plans to add several other EVs before the decade is over. The ID.BUZZ, an electric updated version of the Volkswagen Microbus, will begin production in 2022. The ID.BUZZ will be sold first in Europe, but this could mean that the U.S. will also get a similar electric version of the Microbus.

Is the ID.4 any good?

ID.4 SUV electric cars are ready for delivery at the customer centre of German carmaker Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, northern Germany on March 26, 2021.
The Volkswagen ID.4 | Ronny Hartmann / AFP via Getty Images

The Volkswagen ID.4 is far from the most exciting EV on the market. That being said, it is competent in its own right. It comes with the novelty of being one of the few fully electric SUVs on the market. Its interior is lackluster yet efficient. Volkswagen has successfully created a decent electric SUV that consumers are responding well to.

Volkswagen ID.4 front-wheel drive models make 201 horsepower, but a stronger all-wheel drive model is set to release soon. The most impressive part of the electric SUV is its 250-mile battery range. The ID.4 is a decent electric SUV and a solid effort by VW. Is it a good electric SUV starting at $41,190? Sure. Personally, I’d much rather spend a few thousand more on the exciting Ford Mustang Mach-E. Still, Volkswagen’s charge toward the electric future is admirable.

RELATED: How Many Electric Cars Will Volkswagen Have by 2025?

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Toyota Has a New Way to Let You Know if Your Car Has a Recall

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Automotive recalls are challenging for everyone. Toyota recognizes a reactive nature in how recalls are managed and is taking a proactive step to make improvements. There is a new way for consumers to find out about pending recalls for their Toyotas.

Toyota hopes this latest initiative will help owners learn about recalls quicker, reducing risks associated with unaddressed recall components. Finding out your vehicle has a recall is bad. But having a recall notice you don’t know about can be worse.

Alerting car owners about recalls continues to be a challenge

Toyota | Getty Images

MotorTend shared official NHTSA stats regarding the average number of automotive recalls annually. In 2020 alone, more than 31 million vehicles required service in response to some 786 recalls. And when automakers realize there is a component failure that warrants a recall notice, the necessary communication steps need to be swift. But the process for dissemination of important time-sensitive repair information is still a challenge for most automakers. 

Quick notices regarding recalls are mission-critical. But sending mailers, notifying dealers, and issuing press releases may not reach vehicles owners before a component failure or at all. Toyota is looking to improve just how they reach consumers about these important repairs and replacements. A partnership initiative with Mitchell International Inc. intends to do just that. 

Toyota’s collaboration offers a recall notification solution

PR Newswire recently announced the Toyota and Mitchell partnership, an endeavor to improve the timeliness of recall notices and repairs. Mitchell Cloud Estimating will now integrate with VIN-specific Toyota recall notices. Collision repairers will now have improved timing to access and identify safety recalls, in turn, alerting Toyota customers sooner.

Mitchell and Toyota began collaborating in 2015 when Toyota launched its Toyota Recommended Repair Procedures. According to Body Shop Business, all Toyota body shops will have access to recall information on each vehicle they repair under this latest initiative. This means that when Toyota owners bring their cars into their local body shop for service like painting or fixing dents from fender benders, technicians will be able to check whether the car has any recalls. That means the brand doesn’t need to rely on consumers bringing in receipts from previous repairs or calling up Toyota directly; they can find out about recalls immediately.

Mitchell works with other automakers too

Mitchell International Inc. specializes in developing tech-based solutions and various services unique to the automotive, collision repair, workers’ compensation, and disability segments. On the auto side of the business, Mitchell engages networks of repair shops and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs.) This allows for almost instantaneous exchanges of information regarding repair data and procedures. 

Mitchell continues to improve the turnaround time for repairs, ongoing communication between entities, and reduced risks and expenses using AI and cloud-based software. The networks include data exchanges for Mazda and GM vehicles, as well. Every month, the company is responsible for processing tens of millions of transactions for 300+ insurance providers, 70,000 pharmacies, and 20,000 collision repair shops alone. 

Toyota owners can always rely on the NHTSA’s recall site to see if there’s a recall on a particular Toyota model. But this latest Toyota and Mitchell endeavor will also be an added line of communication regarding safety recall notices. Know that when you take your Toyota to the body shop, the technicians will now have the tech to learn about any outstanding recall alerts. 

RELATED: Ford Recall Fixes Could Get Easier Thanks to Google Partnership

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Will the 2022 Ford Maverick Steal Escape and Ranger Sales?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The launch of the 2022 Maverick gives Ford a solid foothold into the compact truck segment. However, it also might leave Ford with a slight problem. For one, the Blue Oval already has a pickup one size below the F-150: the Ranger. So, where does the Maverick fit in? And then there’s the Ford Escape, which shares a platform—and some hybrid tech—with the 2022 Maverick. But since it’s a crossover, does that mean Escape customers will jump ship for the Maverick?

The 2022 Ford Maverick won’t replace the Ranger

2022 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid | Ford

Fortunately, there’s a definitive answer to whether or not the 2022 Ford Maverick could cannibalize Ranger sales. And the simple answer is, no.

This is based on the conversation I had with Maverick marketing manager Trevor Scott at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show. According to Scott, the Maverick and the Ranger serve different customers with different needs. The former pickup is aimed at first-time truck buyers who value fuel economy. Meanwhile, the Ranger is designed more as a working and/or off-roading truck. And these differences in focus play out over the trucks’ specs and features.

For example, the 2022 Ford Maverick has a unibody design, while the Ranger is body-on-frame. Body-on-frame vehicles can handle greater payloads. That’s why the Ranger can tow up to 7500 lbs while the Maverick maxes out at 4000 lbs, Cars.com notes. Plus, they’re also more rugged and adept at off-roading. So, while the 2022 Maverick offers an FX4 package like the Ranger, it doesn’t offer a Tremor equivalent. Plus, it has slightly less ground clearance.

A white-with-red-and-black-stripes 2021 Ford Ranger XLT Tremor on a dusty trail
2021 Ford Ranger XLT Tremor | Ford

However, the 2022 Ford Maverick has several advantages over the Ranger. Firstly, there’s the hybrid powertrain, which should make it more efficient. Secondly, despite being shorter than the Ranger, the Maverick’s interior is more comfortable, especially in the rear, Cars.com says. The Maverick’s unibody design also means you step down, rather than up into its cabin. And it should offer a more car-like driving experience compared to the Ranger.

In short, the 2022 Ford Maverick and Ranger are very different pickup trucks, despite their similar dimensions. Thus, they likely won’t vie for the same dealership customers.

Does the 2022 Ford Maverick offer more for less than the Ford Escape Hybrid?

The situation is a little more complicated in the case of the 2022 Ford Maverick vs. Ford Escape. To paraphrase a colleague, the Maverick is roughly like “an Escape with a bed.” They ride on the same platform, have similar safety features, and can seat up to five people. And as noted earlier, the two share some hybrid powertrain tech.

However, the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid costs less than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The cheapest Escape Hybrid is the SE trim which starts at $28,030 before destination. Meanwhile, the base Maverick XL Hybrid starts at $19,995 before destination. And even the range-topping Lariat Hybrid is cheaper than the Escape SE Hybrid.

In addition, the 2022 Ford Maverick has slightly more cargo space in its bed than the Ford Escape Hybrid has behind its second row. The crossover can theoretically hold 34.4 cubic ft of cargo, but likely by blocking the rear window. Ford officially says the Escape SE Hybrid has 30.7 cubic ft of storage behind its second row. The Maverick Hybrid’s bed, though, has 33.3 cubic ft of storage, MotorTrend says.  

The side view of a red 2020 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid on a city street
2020 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid side | Ford

But the spec battle doesn’t go all the Maverick’s way. Unlike the Maverick, the Escape Hybrid is available with AWD. And while there’s a Ford Escape plug-in hybrid, there’s no Maverick PHEV. Plus, the Maverick Hybrid has 100.3 cubic ft of passenger volume, MT notes; the Escape Hybrid has 104 cubic ft.

Will the compact pickup truck out-sell the crossover, then?

So, the Ford Escape Hybrid still has some advantages over the Maverick. But MotorTrend says Ford could over its hybrid compact truck with AWD in the future. And a plug-in hybrid model, as well as an EV version, aren’t necessarily off the table. Though it’s worth noting such features and models are an unknown time away.

Seeing as both SUVs and trucks are still in high demand, it’s unlikely that the Maverick will kill the Escape. Plus, it’ll take time for buying trends to make themselves known, especially with the Maverick’s recent launch. And while the compact pickup is designed with first-time truck owners in mind, not every crossover shopper wants a truck.

Still, with the 2022 Maverick, Ford now offers entry-level hybrids in two distinct flavors: crossover and truck. Regardless of which is more popular, it means more Blue Oval hybrids will be hitting the road.

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RELATED: Can the 2022 Honda Civic Hold More Cargo Than the 2022 Ford Maverick?

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Alabama’s Own Storyteller All-Terrain Ford Camper Van Offers More Space for Less Money

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Storyteller is an Alabama-based camper van upfitter that uses its southern roots to build some truly tough 4×4 off-road RVs. Starting in 2019, Storyteller talked about using both Mercedes Sprinter vans and Ford Transit vans as the base for its off-road campers. While Storyteller hit the ground running with various Mercedes-based camper vans, we didn’t hear much from the Ford side, until now. The Alabama camper van company is now offering a rad 4×4 Mode LT Ford Transit camper van that offers more space for less money than the Sprinter version. 

Storyteller 4×4 Mode LT camper van | Storyteller

The Storyteller 4×4 Mode LT camper is ready for the trail

Storyteller finally announced the Ford Transit-based Mode LT camper. While it isn’t cheap, it is cheaper than the Mercedes Sprinter camper van models. The Mode LT starts about $4,000 cheaper, in fact, and also offers customers a little more room to boot. 

This may be the new entry-level camper from Storyteller, but the Alabama company pitches it as the simpler, more easily serviceable alternative to the slightly more expensive German van. 

What’s under the hood of the Ford Mode LT camper van? 

Storyteller 4x4 camper van parked in front of graffiti
Storyteller 4×4 Ford Transit camper van | Storyteller

The Mode LT is home to Ford’s 310-hp 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Sprinter van version’s selectable all-wheel drive, the Model LT has full-time all-wheel drive, constantly selecting which wheels to send more power to based on trail conditions. 

That being said, according to New Atlas, The Sprinter 4×4 tends to rate slightly higher than the Transit’s AWD for off-road driving, and that’s consistent with how Storyteller is differentiating the Mode 4×4 and Mode LT.

“While Ford never designed the AWD Transit to serve as your vehicle of choice for rock crawling or hyper-aggressive off-roading, the fact is that it is still a truly capable and agile travel companion,” says Storyteller. “Whether it is leading you up to Tahoe for a weekend ski getaway or carrying you and your crew down a backcountry gravel road for a night of boondocking under the stars, the Mode LT on AWD Transit platform will make you feel right at home.”

What does the cabin of the Ford Transit camper van look like?

Camper van cruising down the road
Storyteller 4×4 Ford Transit camper van | Storyteller

Although Storyteller hasn’t released pictures of the Ford Transit Mode LT RV, the new camper van has all the same equipment and options as the Sprinter version. The layout is likely to resemble the original Ford Transit Mode LT, back when the Ford Transit didn’t come with AWD and Storyteller was planning on putting swap in a Quigley 4×4. 

The Mode LT sleeps three people by using Storyteller’s Dreamweaver foldaway double bed and a separate single bed in the back. Other interior features include a GrooveLounge convertible two-seat dinette, galley with portable induction cooktop, stainless steel sink, fridge/freezer, and microwave, and swivel driver cab seats. 

Also, when the single bed isn’t in use, it can fold up to allow room for gear storage such as bikes and camping gear. There is also a Halo shower that pops out of an overhead cabinet, delivering a steady flow of warm water behind a wraparound shower curtain. The entire operation packs away neatly when the shower’s done. 

Other features shared by both the Mode 4×4 (Mercedes Sprinter) and Mode LT (Ford Transit) include the 12-kWh Volta power system with 90 watts of solar, roof rack with side ladder, air conditioning and gas heat, water heater, power awning, Storyteller wheels with BFGoodrich KO2 tires, and 79.5/91-L fresh/gray water capacity. 

How much does the strong 4×4 Ford Transit Camper van cost?

The Mode LT starts at $153,748. Like we said earlier, this is $4,000 cheaper than the Mode 4×4’s starting price. Although $4,000 isn’t all that much of a difference when something costs $150,000, it is a decent chunk of change and the Ford is just slightly bigger. Unfortunately, Storyteller warns that the Ford Transit camper vans are limited. Reservations are open and Alabama folks say that deliveries should begin in either late 2021 or early 2022.

More photos here

RELATED: Are Ford Transit Vans Very Reliable?

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