Author: john@provenroi.com

Italy is on the verge of striking a groundbreaking deal with SpaceX worth €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion US) to revolutionize its telecommunications services for the government. Sources familiar with the matter have disclosed that negotiations are at an advanced stage, with plans to leverage SpaceX’s Starlink technology to enhance Italy’s government and military communications infrastructure. If finalized, this deal would mark the largest project of its kind in Europe, showcasing the potential of Starlink to modernize and secure critical communications networks. The proposed five-year contract includes provisions for top-level encryption to safeguard government phone and internet services, direct-to-cell satellite communication…

Production and Deliveries of ID.4 Stopped Due to Leaky Door Handles VW Ready to Restart Production with Replacement Parts Priority is Fixing Customer Cars and Dealer Stock Volkswagen faced a setback in U.S. delivery numbers for its mass-market electric vehicle, the ID.4. Sales were down by 55% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with only 17,021 units sold. The production and delivery pause was caused by a recall related to faulty door handles on the ID.4 models. However, Volkswagen has now resolved the issue and is gearing up to resume production and deliveries. The recall affected a total of…

In 2024, the American auto market saw a surge in EV and hybrid sales, despite the polarizing debates around electric vehicles in the country. Early sales estimates for the year indicate that EVs and hybrids played a significant role in keeping the U.S. auto market robust. The U.S. EV sales received a boost in the fourth quarter, with an estimated 12% increase compared to the previous year. This pushed the total annual EV sales to 1.3 million units, accounting for about 8% of all auto sales. The overall auto market also saw growth, with total sales estimated to reach 15.9…

Tesla experienced a significant shift in the global electric vehicle market in 2024, with its first annual sales decline in over a decade. While sales fell in most major markets, China was the only region where Tesla saw growth. However, Chinese EV buyers were increasingly opting for locally made models over foreign brands. According to Reuters, Tesla delivered 657,000 vehicles in China in 2024, an 8.8% increase from the previous year. With China accounting for 36.7% of its global deliveries, it became Tesla’s second-largest market after the United States. In contrast, sales in the U.S. declined compared to 2023, indicating…

The year 2024 has come to an end, shedding light on the winners and losers in the electric vehicle sales race. Volkswagen faced a tough time, with U.S. sales of the electric ID.4 crossover plummeting by 94% in the fourth quarter and 55% overall since 2023. However, the tide seems to be turning for Volkswagen as the ID.4’s stop-sale order has been lifted, allowing U.S. dealers to resume selling the vehicle. Production of the ID.4 in the U.S. is also set to restart soon, with the aim of reclaiming its position as one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the…

Ford has truly made a mark in the electric vehicle market with the introduction of the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Initially met with skepticism from traditional Mustang fans, the Mach-E has proven itself to be a formidable contender in the EV space. When it first debuted in late 2019, many questioned how Ford could transform such an iconic gas-powered performance vehicle into an electric crossover. However, as time has passed, the Mach-E has silenced its critics with its impressive performance, excellent range, and advanced software features. In fact, it quickly became one of the top-selling EVs in America, second only to…

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has been put to the test in a new video released by the company, showcasing how the technology handles complex driving scenarios. Filmed by Tesla employees, the video features two Model Y vehicles navigating a series of tests on a closed course in California. The showcased FSD version, 12.5.6.3, is an older iteration of the system currently available to Tesla customers. Since then, newer versions like FSD 12.6 for HW3/AI3-equipped vehicles and FSD 13.2.2 for HW4/AI4 vehicles have been released. Tesla emphasized that all testing was conducted under controlled conditions with professional drivers to ensure…

Toyota is making a comeback with the rebirth of the iconic Previa seven-seater people carrier, set to hit the market in 2026. This new version will offer customers the choice between a plug-in hybrid or pure electric powertrain, making it a versatile and eco-friendly option for families on the go. The upcoming Previa will be based on the TNGA-K platform, which is shared with models like the Sienna and the Crown. The decision to use the TNGA-K platform allows Toyota to cater to the growing demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles while also offering a pure electric variant. By leveraging this…

Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, had a successful year in 2024 with sales figures showing a positive trend compared to the previous year. The company announced that it sold 51,579 units in 2024, a slight increase from the 50,122 units sold in 2023. This growth is a positive sign for the EV market, which some critics have suggested may be slowing down. Despite the overall increase in sales, Rivian did face challenges throughout the year. The brand had to adjust its sales and production targets downward in October due to a supplier miscommunication. This miscommunication with Essex Furukawa, a component…

General Motors has introduced a new solution to expedite the charging process for electric commercial vehicles, as reported in a recent patent filing by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on November 26, 2024. The patent, originally filed by GM approximately two years ago, addresses the challenge of charging large battery packs in medium-duty and heavy-duty electric vehicles, which can be time-consuming using traditional methods. General Motors multi-port charging system patent image GM’s innovative approach involves equipping vehicles with multiple charge ports and dividing battery packs into smaller “subpacks” that can be connected in parallel. This enables individual…