TRIGGER WORDS, NASTY GRAMS AND THE HIGH-OCTANE TRUTH.
Editor's Note: This week, Peter doubles-down on his message about our automotive future and the future (or lack thereof) of the Detroit-based automakers. In On The Table, Peter comments on the greed-fest that is Barrett-Jackson. We also have the latest news from Singer, with a wild 911 Turbo. And in the next installment of Alain de Cadenet's "Victory By Design" videos, he presents the Shelby American Cobra Daytona Coupe. Our AE Song of the Week is "Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve. In Fumes, Peter presents the start of a new series, "The Great Races." And in The Line, we'll have results from the opening sports car race of the season, the 24 Hours of Daytona. We also have info about Audi Tradition, which kicks off its 2026 event season with three highlights on a single weekend. Onward! -WG
By Peter M. De Lorenzo
Detroit. Well, last week was another special week in the annals of Autoextremist.com. I had the temerity to suggest that with the rapid developments accelerating in battery technology, light weighting, real-world range and the charging infrastructure, EVs would become the “go-to” for the American mainstream fleet.
You would have thought I was suggesting that EVs would be shoved down the throats of the populace like one of RFK Jr.’s dimwit anti-vaccination policies, but no. I did point out that Internal Combustion Engines would be a part of the future of our transportation fleet indefinitely, especially with wider adoption of hybrids and EREVs. (As I mentioned to Peter late last week, more than 80 percent of advanced orders for the upcoming Scout vehicles are not pure EVs, but EREVs. -WG)
I also pointed out that I was card-carrying Internal Combustion True Believer, but that wasn’t enough, apparently, because writing the letters “EV” and suggesting that they would occupy a significant place in our future transportation equation brought out the pitchforks from a certain segment of the populace and our AE readers. (Or “ex” readers as the case may be. -WG)
It’s clear that the letters “EV” are a trigger word for everything wrong with America, at least from the perspective of the citizenry infatuated with the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
I am not one of those people. (Duh. -WG)
And suffice to say, I’m not only not infatuated with that person, I’m hoping this country can survive his grossly malignant term in office.
That said, a certain segment of our populace clearly does not share my feelings, as they equate anything associated with EVs as anti-American and anti- their Dear Leader. Which also means that anyone suggesting this perspective deserves to be burned at the stake in no uncertain terms. Especially me.
Which is too bad, because with our domestic auto industry mired in maintaining its short-term profitability with giant pickup trucks, crossovers and SUVs, while maintaining a presence in EV development, the rest of the auto world is accelerating hard with their EV plans, which means our domestic auto industry is being left by the side of the road.
As I said last week, this is simply not a sustainable scenario. The Detroit-based automakers, already crippled by the financial hits they took while pivoting away from EVs in order to appease the stumblebums – AKA the current administration – in Washington, are reeling. At least some of the deep thinkers at these companies understand that the U.S. auto industry could end up going the way of England’s “cottage” auto industry, churning out vehicles popular in this nation, only. Again, this is simply not sustainable.
And yes, I’m as tired as probably all of you are of hearing how the Chinese are dominating the global stage when it comes to developments in battery and charging technology, and of course, EVs themselves. But being tired of hearing about it doesn’t make it any less ominous or any less true. And Canada announcing that it was ending tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles and allowing 40,000 vehicles to be imported into that country is as ominous a development as I’ve ever heard one. This is the tip of the iceberg, folks. And once Chinese-built vehicles establish a foot hold in the North American market, it’s all over but the hand-wringing.
As I’ve stated countless times before, and I’ll probably say it countless times more before we stop publishing AE – the days of the “Motor City” being the center of the automotive universe are long gone. (And it was particularly pathetic last week when the head-in-sand local media insisted this was not the case during Detroit Auto Show “week,” which was both painfully tedious and embarrassing.)
I’m going to repeat myself, even though it will piss-off that certain faction of the populace all over again. (And, by the way, this just in: I really don’t give a shit.) EVs are going to play a prominent role in this country’s future transportation fleet, but they will be just one component of a kaleidoscope of options, along with Internal Combustion Vehicles, Hybrids and Extended Range EVs. To pretend otherwise is well, just jarringly short-sided and flat-out stupid.
And one more thing: I’m glad I riled-up the pitchfork wielding haters out there. What would AE be without a lot of controversy? It’s kind of our brand after all.
And that’s the High-Octane Truth on this frigid day in January.
Editor's Note: Click on "Next 1 Entries" at the bottom of this page to see previous issues. - WG