Lordstown Motors CEO, CFO Resign Amid Chaos for the Electric Vehicle Brand

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Last week, Lordstown Motors announced the brand might not have enough cash to stay afloat over the next year. Now, it appears the ship is continuing to sink with the announcement that some key players are leaving the company. Is the electric vehicle manufacturer dead before it produces its first electric vehicle?

Why is Lordstown Motors stock dropping?

The Lordstown Motors Endurance electric pickup truck | Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Lordstown Motors founder and CEO Steve Burns and Chief Financial Officer Julio Rodriguez officially stepped down this Monday morning. According to Reuters, the company recently did an internal investigation with Hindenburg Research LLC. Hindenburg is a firm that focuses on short-selling companies.

The investigation found that Lordstown overstated the pre-orders for the electric vehicle trucks in development. However, Lordstown rejected the idea that the company misled investors about future production plans.

Angela Strand was named as the newest executive chairwoman of the company. She was already the lead independent director but will take over until the company finds a more permanent CEO. Becky Roof was named as the interim finance chief.

Lordstown Motors continues to flounder

The Lordstown Motors stock (RIDE.O) found itself in a free-fall after the announcement last week. Back in February, the price stock was near an all-time high of over $30. The stock was lingering around $11 at the end of last week but has continued to fall to under $10 a share at the time of this announcement.

After growing concern the company was not doing well, Lordstown tried to soothe feelings by announcing it was in talks with other sources to raise funds. “In March, Hindenburg disclosed that it had taken a short position in Lordstown stock, saying the company had misled consumers and investors,” Reuters said. While Lordstown claimed it received enough orders to satisfy internal numbers, Hindenburg found many “fictitious” orders.

In addition to this drama, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has started a new investigation. The SEC requested more information about the SPAC merger and the misinformation related to the preorders.

The hits keep on coming for the company

According to Investors Business Daily, Lordstown Motors currently has about $587 million on hand. Unfortunately, the brand also says this is not enough to start commercial production of the electric truck, Endurance. “These conditions raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least one year,” Lordstown said in the filings.

While $587 million is enough to keep trucking along, for now, it won’t be enough to begin production of the brand’s only vehicle. The company claims it does not currently have debt and talks with other companies to raise more cash.

Burns was also the CEO of Workhorse Group, which also produces electric vehicles of a different kind. It seems as if he might be retooling his personal plans to go back to his former company. While this isn’t unusual, it doesn’t bode well for the future of Lordstown Motors. The company has an event planned for the end of June that will bring investors to tour the facilities and meet with management.

RELATED: How Extreme Weather Impacts Electric Vehicles

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How to Comfortably Live In an SUV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Whether you’re living the digital nomad life, going on an extended road trip, or just looking for an affordable and flexible living solution, living comfortably out of an SUV is completely possible. When doing this, however, it’s important to have a clear plan and keep in mind certain car safety tips to ensure the safest and most pleasant experience possible. Let’s explore some tips and tricks for SUV living.

Safety tips for SUV car living

As Complex points out, one of the most important safety steps you can take is to avoid parking in a secluded area — especially if you’re alone. While it’s also important not to park along busy highways, parking in the middle of nowhere is dangerous in its own way. Even if you’re in an area where the risk of robbery isn’t a concern for you, being completely secluded means that it will be harder for you to get help if you’re injured. 

Regardless of where you end up parking for the night, The Drive recommends texting your location to someone before you fall asleep. With at least one other person knowing where you are, you’ll know that help can find you more easily if you should become incapacitated.

If possible, you should also avoid opening your window more than a crack when you sleep. Ventilation is very important, but if you open your window too far you make it easy for others to reach inside and unlock the door. If your SUV has a sunroof, using that for fresh air is a slightly safer alternative.

Finally, make sure not to leave the car running while you sleep. Although it may be tempting to use the climate control, the Drive notes that this can cause you to run out of gas or kill your battery, effectively stranding yourself. You also put yourself at risk of breathing harmful fumes.

How to set up your sleeping arrangements

The interior of the Tesla Model X | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

Depending on your car’s setup, there are quite a few sleeping options that offer the best chances of comfort. The Drive recommends having a sleeping bag, a blanket, and at least two pillows — one for your head, and one to cover any uncomfortable gaps or protrusions within the cabin of your SUV. 

Ideally, you should be able to fold down your rear seats to create a flat space comfortable for sleeping. It’s typically best to avoid sleeping in the front seat, as this can contort your body in ways that create poor circulation in your legs. Even if your rear seats don’t fold down, it’s still better to use the back seat for sleeping.

Local regulations will dictate where you can legally and safely park your SUV. Potential options include campgrounds, rest stops, National Forest land, and 24-hour gym parking lots.

Lifestyle tricks for comfortable SUV living

When living in an SUV, RIT recommends having a good cooler so you can keep your food fresh and have access to cool drinks. Another must-have is a power inverter for your car charger. This will make it easier for you to charge electronics such as your phone, laptop, or tablet. You can then access the internet using data or a dongle, or by parking near areas with free WiFi, such as cafes and libraries. 

Baby wipes and air fresheners are good to have, as they can help keep you and your car fresh. If you’re able to park near a YMCA, you’ll also be able to access showers and toilets.

Living in an SUV — or any type of car — requires a fair amount of planning and foresight in order to stay comfortable. While this lifestyle certainly has challenges, it has its fair share of perks as well. As long as you do your research and stay safe, you can set yourself up to live comfortably in your SUV.

RELATED: Vanlife RV Conversion Kits Are a Thing for Most Any Van or SUV

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The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Just Outranked the Honda CR-V

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The battle between Honda and Hyundai is heating up! The 2022 Hyundai Tucson may have just dethroned the 2021 Honda CR-V. Let’s see why the Hyundai Tucson just outranked the Honda CR-V. 

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson vs. the 2021 Honda CR-V 

According to the U.S. News, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson ranks higher than the 2021 Honda CR-V on their list of the best compact SUVs for 2021. Their list includes 17 options, such as the 2021 Kia Sportage in fourth place, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 in sixth place, and the 2021 Jeep Compass is in last place. 

However, rankings may change as new information comes out. Currently, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are both contenders on the list that haven’t been ranked. 

Rankings are based on published reviews from respected automotive critics and data from third-party sources that include the vehicle’s performance, interior, safety ratings, reliability, awards, critic’s ratings, and more. 

Why is the Tucson ranking ahead of the CR-V? 

RELATED: The 2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line Lacks 1 Crucial Feature

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson currently ranks ahead of the 2021 Honda CR-V because it has an excellent ride, spacious and upscale interior, user-friendly infotainment system, and a long list of standard driver assistant features. One of the only cons that U.S.News mentioned is that the touch-sensitive buttons with the optional infotainment system can be distracting. 

The Honda CR-V ranks highly because it has an impressive amount of passenger and cargo space, a refined cabin, and an excellent fuel economy. U.S.News noted that it only includes a few standard infotainment features, and the touchscreen controls can be frustrating. 

You can get started in a new Hyundai Tucson for about $26,135, and the Honda CR-V begins at about $25,360. But the Tucson has been totally redesigned for 2022, while the CR-V hasn’t been redesigned since 2017. 

But the Honda CR-V still delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and up to 34 mpg on the highway. The Tucson offers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg on the highway. 

The Tucson provides 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with up to 74.8 cubic feet total. The CR-V is slightly larger, with 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 75.8 cubic feet total. 

What are the Tucson and CR-V features like? 

2021 Honda CR-V Touring | Honda

The 2021 Honda CR-V has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and tow up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped. 

You get a 2.5-liter inline-four engine in the 2022 Hyundai Tucson with 190 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 2,000 lbs. 

The base model of the Honda CR-V comes with a 5.0-inch color radio screen, but higher trim levels include a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Tucson comes with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and a 10.3-inch screen is available. Both SUVs come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Both SUVs come with standard forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. But the CR-V also includes standard adaptive cruise control, which is optional on the Tucson, along with lane-centering assistance. 

It seems like the Tucson ranks higher for having updated tech. But the CR-V holds its own with modern amenities. We suggest giving both options a test drive before making your final decision.

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Kim Kardashian Covered Her Lamborghini Urus in Something Ridiculous

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Modifying your car isn’t new. Regular folks and famous people alike have been modifying the appearance of vehicles for a long time, but this one might have missed the mark. Kim Kardashian took it a little further this week and covered her Lamborghini Urus in a fuzzy white fabric. While it sounds like just another publicity stunt from the Kardashian camp, there’s a good reason fabric-covered cars aren’t popular. Will the Lamborghini make it through the summer with its new fabric exterior?

Kim Kardashian’s Lamborghini Urus got a makeover

Kim Kardashian Covered Her Lamborghini Urus in a fuzzy fabric | Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

Say it isn’t so! Kim Kardashian covered her graphite grey Lamborghini Urus in a fuzzy white fabric all over. Not only was the outside covered in a Dumb and Dumber-esque fabric, but much of the interior was wrapped up as well. The only thing visible on the exterior was the taillights and the headlights. The face of the wheels also had fabric. The fabric covered the steering wheel, seatbelts, and seats. All of the interior pieces appeared fuzzy, including the headliner and mirror.

Not only is this not practical at all, but the fabric would not allow for the car to cool down traditionally. Cars have vents in various areas to keep the temperature of the engine and internals down. With the vehicle totally wrapped in a fabric meant for clothing, the Lamborghini Urus likely won’t be able to cool down.

There is a good reason that fabric-wrapped vehicles are not all the rage. It isn’t conducive to keeping a vehicle running in top shape due to the likelihood of overheating.

Kim Kardashian never misses an opportunity to sell something

Kardashian was using the social media circus she created to sell clothing in the same fabric. While such a fabric might make sense for overpriced shorts and t-shirts, it makes a lot less sense as an outfit for a Lamborghini. The interior is already finished in luxurious leathers and fabrics and likely did not need to be outfitted in fuzzy white fabric.

While the publicity stunt made quite a stir, what will come of the Lamborghini Urus once the fabric has turned brown after a few uses? It is summertime, after all. Mud and white fabric sound like a match made in heaven. Will it be able to be unwrapped and returned to its former glory? That is to be determined.

The comments on her posts ranged from praise from other celebrities to regular people questioning what an incredible waste of time and money this stunt was.

The Urus is one of the fastest SUVs available

The Lamborghini Urus has around 650 hp @ 6,000 rpm and has a top speed of 217 mph (305 hm/h). The 0-6ths 0 mph time is 3.6 seconds. It is one of the fastest SUVs on the market right now.

Just last week, Lamborghini Chief Executive Officer Stephan Winkelmann reported to Bloomberg that Lamborghini sold out about 10 months of production capacity. Since the SUV and the rest of the lineup is so popular, it doesn’t surprise us the brand is having trouble keeping up with demand. Perhaps Lamborghini will add a fabric exterior option for the 2022 model year.

RELATED: Lamborghini Almost Sold Out for the Year After “Revenge Spending”

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