Want Your Volkswagen to Drive Itself for $9 an Hour?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Volkswagen has started rolling out over-the-air updates for the brand’s electric vehicle lineup. Tesla popularized this service, so owners did not have to go into a dealership for a simple update. In the future, Volkswagen plans to offer autonomous driving on a pay-per-use basis as an added feature for some electric vehicles.

Does the Volkswagen ID.4 get over the air updates?

A Volkswagen VW ID.3 electric vehicle | Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images

Last week, Volkswagen announced plans for this at the company’s “Innovation Talk – The Volkswagen Software Offensive.” Volkswagen electric vehicle owners will soon be able to update software via the internet. In addition, transferring certain personal settings between cars is another benefit.

VW says that smart software is the key to the future of the brand. Volkswagen announced a variety of initiatives recently, and this is at the core of the process. VW notes that new software advances will help bring in a “new era of mobility.” Newer cars like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Tiguan will be able to utilize this feature.

“Volkswagen is on the road to the future – with smart software. This makes it possible to bring highly innovative functions on board the latest vehicles and opens up completely new possibilities. Software is becoming a new factor in competitive differentiation and value creation.”

Volkswagen

Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, says that digitization is a game-changer for the brand. By adapting to software-based products and autonomous vehicles, VW plans to be ahead of the game. This is part of the new ACCELERATE strategy.

Using an autonomous driver for your Volkswagen electric vehicle?

Volkswagen says that the brand can offer the most up-to-date and innovative technology by adapting to this new digital era. In Germany, drivers already benefit from this with the WeShare electric vehicle rental program. VW hopes to offer drivers a variety of options with this initiative. Furthermore, this includes the renting of autonomous driving on a pay-per-use basis, Automotive News Europe says.

Klaus Zellmer of Volkswagen said that this might be possible in the future for as little as $9 an hour. This is incredibly convenient for people and a new way to generate cash for a company like VW. Volkswagen has dubbed this project Trinity and is aiming for the year 2026. In contrast, this will only be entry-level automation and will require a driver.

With the IQ. DRIVE program already in place in certain VW vehicles like the ID.3, Golf, ID.4, and Tiguan, level 2 autonomy is already a reality. Trinity plans to work up to level 5 autonomy, which does not require a driver at all.

The Tesla / VW path to success

Volkswagen has been clear that Tesla has been an inspiration for the future of the brand. Tesla was the first brand to offer drivers the ability to update vehicles without driving into a local dealership. VW is implementing ways to do the same. Offering an autonomous driving option would be an innovative step in the right direction.

At this time, Tesla does not offer such a service. However, it does offer Full-Self Driving for $10,000 as an add-on. However, the electric vehicle maker was forced to walk back claims that this was fully autonomous driving. Without a doubt, the race is on for automakers to provide such a service if it does come to fruition.

Clearly, many exciting things are happening in the automotive world. Companies like Tesla and Volkswagen are full speed ahead. Would you consider using such a service in the future?

RELATED: Volkswagen ID.4: How to Charge Your New Electric Vehicle

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The Average Age for a Car in the U.S. Hits a Record of 12.1 Years

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While 2020 was a tough year for various sectors of the U.S. economy, the automotive world has had to deal with several major setbacks. For starters, a sizable portion of the population began working remotely, eliminating the need for a commute and subsequently for new cars. Shortly after, a massive semiconductor shortage drastically slowed down new vehicle production, leaving dealerships stranded without inventory. As a result of these factors, the average car in the U.S. is now over 12 years old.

This latest study comes via Reuters, citing IHS Markit. While this recent data shows the direct results of the global pandemic and the subsequent microchip shortage, the average car age has been rising for almost two decades.

The average car in the U.S. is now 12.1 years old

Minivans at a dealership | Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

According to IHS Market, the average car in the U.S. is now officially 12.1 years old. This figure comes from an analysis of all vehicles on the road in 2020. This represents a quick increase from the average age of 11.9 years recorded in 2019. As you might imagine, one of the main causes for this stems from the global pandemic and folks working from home. According to IHS Market, the number of miles traveled in 2020 dropped by 13 percent, thanks to the lockdowns.

Despite a huge section of the population staying at home, over 15 million cars headed to the scrapyard last year, marking the highest amount recorded in a single year for over two decades. As IHS Markit states, an increase in scrapped cars typically lowers the average age of a car in the U.S. since people mostly get rid of older cars. However, U.S. buyers purchased so few new cars last year that the average age still increased.

Why aren’t people buying new cars?

An image of several vehicles parked on their own separate parking spot.
Cars parked outside | Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

One of the main reasons why the average age for a car in the U.S. has increased relates directly to the sale of new cars. In a year when a sizable portion of the population was left unemployed, new car sales began to decline quickly as nationwide lockdowns were enforced. To add to this trend, the microchip shortage reared its ugly head, only exacerbating the issue. With shrinking supply, even the folks who had the money to buy new cars couldn’t always find one to buy.

This leads to a rise in the used car market, with prices for even older vehicles hitting all-time highs. As a result, many buyers opted to purchase a used car that was already in the market rather than buying a brand-new one. This keeps the average age for a car the same rather than help decrease it. However, this problem goes deeper than that.

Will the average car in the U.S. continue to get older?

used cars are for sale at a dealership
Used Cars At Dealership | JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

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According to IHS Markit, the rising age of the average car in the U.S. is certainly not something new. In fact, the average age had risen steadily from 2002 to 2009. However, once the recession hit, the average age shot up and has continued an upward trajectory ever since. Whether it be a result of higher car prices or lower purchasing power, cars will likely continue to get older if the data is correct.

According to IHS Markit, this will likely open up opportunities for folks in charge of long-term maintenance. As a result, you may want to think very long-term before making any automotive purchasing decision.

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The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Is the Mary Poppins of Compact SUVs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

SUVs enjoy great popularity, and automakers are producing plenty of them in all sizes. With so many choices, choosing the right one can be daunting. But industry experts agree the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent compact crossover. In fact, one reputable source gives it a 10 out of 10. Here’s why the CX-5 is practically perfect in every way.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5: The Mary Poppins of small SUVs

In the 1964 Disney film Mary Poppins, the titular character stretches a tape measure across herself and proclaims, “As I expected: ‘Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way.'”

Perfection isn’t easy to achieve. But the 2021 Mazda CX-5 easily scored a perfect 10 out of 10 from Car and Driver. It also appears on C/D’s list of the best SUVs and crossovers of 2021. And Car and Driver even named it the best compact SUV of 2021.

You don’t even have to look that closely to see why. The exterior is sculpted and elegant. Its interior is equally gorgeous but also thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating. In fact, C/D said, “Wake up inside the top-tier CX-5 models, and you might think you’ve been abducted by kidnappers driving an Audi or a Mercedes.”

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also offers a dynamic driving experience that leaves many of its rivals in the dust. The base four-cylinder engine makes only 187 hp, but it jumps off the line and feels faster than it is. With its front-wheel-drive configuration and efficient six-speed automatic transmission, it offers great gas mileage. The available turbocharged four-cylinder gets 250 hp and offers an athletic driving performance.

With more excitement and elegance than some of its pricier competitors, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is practically perfect.

More love for the 2021 Mazda CX-5

Fun to drive with agile handling, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is also a finalist for the U.S. News Best Compact SUV for the Money award. It was also a finalist for the publication’s Best Compact SUV for Families award thanks to an impressive combination of value and build quality. 

The 2021 CX-5 boasts an upgraded infotainment system with a 10.3-inch display screen mounted on top of the dash, replacing the previous 7.0-inch version. Running on the latest Mazda Connect system, the feature provides Mazda Connected Services, including remote vehicle functions via a smartphone app and a Wi-Fi hotspot. And every trim comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

Mazda also recently added the Carbon Edition to the CX-5 lineup. It offers the spunky turbo-four without charging top-trim prices. The Carbon Edition also boasts the features of the Touring model plus all the perks of the Preferred SV package. That includes a power-adjustable passenger seat, sunroof, power liftgate, Bose audio system, and more. 

The only drawback to the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is its lack of cargo space compared to competitors. Otherwise, this compact crossover is hard to fault.

Practically perfect performance

The driving experience is where the 2021 Mazda CX-5 excels. It provides a smooth cruise with accurate steering and composed handling, particularly when cornering. Rougher roads aren’t a problem, and the noise level is as calm as the ride. The cabin is quiet, with minimal noise from the engine and road. The damping is nicely balanced too.

If you want to explore winding country roads, the 2021 CX-5 is the perfect vehicle to drive.  With an electrically assisted steering system, this SUV really shows what it can do.

The CX-5 also brims with active safety features. It comes with standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Plus, the CX-5 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest honor. It also earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Transportation Administration.

Sophisticated, comfortable, and loaded with great features, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a perfect choice for compact-SUV shoppers.

RELATED: The Most Popular 2021 Mazda CX-5 Trim Isn’t Necessarily the Best

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Say Goodbye to the Skyline: Nissan May Kill Domestic Sedan Sales

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Suppliers allege the Japanese automaker will no longer make four-door sedans, possibly beginning soon. Nissan made its name with practical sedans. It’s now focusing on better-selling, larger mode; nevertheless, The loss of the legendary Skyline will be deeply felt.

Sedan sales have drastically declined

Toyota RAV4 | Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images

For almost 20 years, the Toyota Camry dominated sales in the U.S. Market. The practical sedan made sense for a diverse spectrum of buyers, from individuals to medium size families. In an interesting turn, sedan sales have been in a steady decline. In 2015 SUVs surpassed sedans in sales for the first time. Four years later, SUVs outsold sedans two to one.

In 2019 Toyota sold 450,000 RAV4s, making it the best-selling passenger car that year. This put the SUV fourth in sales behind the F-Series, Ram, and Silverado. Next in sales after the RAV4 were the Honda CR-V, the Nissan Rogue, and the Chevy Equinox. The Camry, once a no-fail best-seller, came in a number eight. Toyota sold just under 337,000 Camry’s that year.

SUVs represented more than 47% of car sales in the 2019 U.S. market. Sedans only cornered 22% of sales for the year. Light trucks, including SUVs, pickups, and vans, are expected to see a 6% increase in sales by 2025, representing 78% of the total U.S. market.

Nissan will no longer sell sedans in Japan

According to Nikkei Asia, major suppliers were told of the Japanese automaker’s plans to halt all production of sedans on its domestic market. The move comes after years of declining sales in the segment as SUVs and crossovers continue to grow in popularity.

This practical decision is stark punctuation to a drastic change in car culture. The Japanese car market has shifted dramatically. Where compact cars and lightweight hatchbacks once ruled, sedans were some of the biggest cars on Japanese streets. But, as they have everywhere else, SUVs and crossovers have exploded in popularity in Japan.

Without dedicating time and resources to sedans, the automaker can exclusively focus on its larger offerings. It’s unclear when this change will take effect, but it could be very soon. As a result, prices for used models of popular Nissan sedans could go up after an official announcement.

The Nissan Skyline is a beloved legend

A red 1969 Nissan Skyline GT-R four door sedan on display
A 1969 Nissan Skyline GT-R four-door sedan | Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP via Getty Images

Among the sedan models produced by Nissan, none enjoy the popularity of the Skyline. For decades, the Skyline made a name for itself in Japan while American drivers could only dream. However, 2007 was the first year that the Skyline American enthusiasts covet models that are not available for U.S. import and pay dearly for those that are.

These cars were made infamous with pop culture references. Skylines appear regularly in the ‘Fast and Furious’ film series, for good reasons. These cars have limitless tuning power and incredible speed. This car is the ultimate dream for turbo JDM lovers.

The death of the Nissan Skyline is a painful loss for the automotive world. So many great cars have been relegated to archives and record books. The Skyline is in honorable company. Markets and buying patterns change. These may be the last days of the sedan at Nissan, and it’s the end of an era.

RELATED: The ‘Kenmeri’ Is the Oft-Forgotten Nissan Skyline GT-R

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