Looking Out #35
Sleeping on the factory floor (again), GM gives up on Ultra Cruise, designing a better gauge pack, and Galliano enchants at Maison Martin Margiela.
31st January, 2024
Welcome to Looking Out, where we connect the dots across the automotive industry, mobility, design, and culture. Looking Out is brought to you by Joe Simpson and Drew Smith of The Automobility Group. If you like what you see, tell your friends!
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Looking Out - The Podcast EP14
We’ve been to CES (Well, Drew has). If you want to hear more about what he saw and thought, click on the link below or listen via your favourite podcasting platform here.
Auto
Musk warns Tesla workers of gruelling production ramp up for mass-market EV
Why it’s interesting: Musk shows no desire to change how he treats his workers. But if the cheap Tesla really is coming in 2025, it does suggest that maybe he’s learned form past mistakes of showing a car too early and over-promising on when it will arrive. Anyone taking bets on a delivery date?
EVs stuck in the cold - what happened?
Why it’s interesting: In an on-going barrage of negative press for EVs, one recent stand out concerned a cold snap in Chicago that ‘killed’ EVs or caused them to get stuck. Kyle Conner of Out Of Spec Reviews looks at a series of compounding issues - but the reality of EVs in the cold is that despite some range loss, they present an altogether more appealing proposition than ICE cars (pre-heated cabins and no more scraping ice and snow)
Is an EV battery price drop about to change the game?
Why it’s interesting: Spend long enough reading about EVs and it won’t be long until you hear about ‘LFP’ batteries. They’re less energy dense and heavier, but use less rare-earth metals such as cobalt, are less prone to thermal run away, and are cheaper on a Kwh basis than NMCs (nickel cobalt based lithium-ion batteries). A projected price drop this year could seriously change the EV game. No prizes for guessing in which country the company bringing this change is based…
JLR’s chief designer leaves post
Why it’s interesting: Massimo Frascella leave JLR. While Gerry McGovern may be the better known design chief, it’s Massimo that’s been running the day-to-day at the ‘house of brands’ for the past few years. He’s responsible for important cars like the new Land Rover Defender. It’s as yet unclear why he left, but he did post this rather poignant goodbye note on his LinkedIn page.
Mobility
Micromobility at CES 2024: Recap Part 1
Why it’s interesting: In the sheer overwhelm of CES, Drew flubbed the micromobility coverage. Fear not, however, because Micromobility Industries has got you covered with two videos detailing everything small, electrified, and efficient. Part 2 is here.
GM to shut down Ultra Cruise
Why it’s interesting: Following on from the near-total demise of its Cruise robotaxi division, GM is shutting down its Ultra Cruise operation. Ultra Cruise was supposed to be the next big step in autonomous driving, taking the existing Super Cruise ADAS system and making it a country-wide, all-roadways endeavour. We’ll have more on Super Cruise and a discussion about these systems in the next episode of Looking Out - The Podcast.
E-Trikes Are Coming to Rescue the Aging Suburbs
Why it’s interesting: One of the most interesting themes of CES 2024 was how technology is being deployed to help people live longer, more fulfilling lives. On the one hand, as people age, their freedom of movement can decrease. On the other, the usual micromobility options often aren’t appropriate for those with mobility, balance, and bone-density issues. Enter the trike. In the almost-three years I lived in Amsterdam, I saw increasing numbers of older folk swapping their mamafiets for these. Seems they’re taking off in the States, too.
Design
Designed By Apple In California
Why it’s interesting: After listening to our show about the automotive fails of CES, one of our readers — who happens to work at Apple — shared this beautiful little animation with us. No, the irony of Apple seeming to have lost at least some of their way is not lost on them (nor us). But we could all do with an occasional reminder of the value of saying no to that which does not serve us, or the world at large.
Why fashion brands destroy billions’ worth of their own merchandise every year
Why it’s interesting: Once upon a time, a representative from a Tier 1 automotive supplier told me that their seats were more sustainable than ever because they were designed for “thermal recovery”. This means that they’re easier to incinerate at the end of their life. The sustainability comes from capturing the heat produced by the fire… I still haven’t quite got over that chat. Anyway, the fashion industry is in on the game too. In 2018, Burberry destroyed $36 million worth of stock. Meanwhile, Richemont smashed $536 million worth of watches. All in the name of “exclusivity”.
The Problem With Digital Instrument Clusters and How to Design a Better One
Why it’s interesting: With Apple, Porsche and Aston Martin’s rather sad attempts at digital clusters still haunting our dreams, Looking Out reader Casper Kessels decided he might do better. And well he might: he’s the Chief Product Officer for Snapp Automotive, and Android Auto design and development house. In this fantastic blog post, he breaks down the limitations and freedoms afforded by digital gauge clusters, and offers up a thoughtful perspective on where we might go next.
Culture
Maison Margiela Artisanal Collection 2024
Why it’s interesting: For a while, it looked like epic narrative fashion shows died with Lee McQueen. But John Galliano laid it on thick, rich, and jaw-droppingly beautiful for his newest couture collection for Margiela. With themes of dark desperation and excess, it truly was a show for our times, and the clothes were just… *bites fist*.
Azeem’s big questions for 2024
Why it’s interesting: The questions mostly sit around AI — which shouldn’t be a surprise — but the nature of the questions we should be asking is relevant and thought provoking.
A cautionary tale of shoddy AI implementation
Why it’s interesting: Speaking of AI, this is a brilliant, cautionary tale about its shoddy implementation at a US auto dealer. The disconnect between the experience delivered by the chatbot and the dealer was so bad that the author ended up buying a completely different brand of car.
Renault Argos and the Top Gear Generation
Why it’s interesting: Friend-of-Looking Out Michael Banovsky is one of the most creative writers working in the automotive journalism space today. For proof, look no further than this piece exploring the modern-day cultural resonance of the Renault Argos concept. If you like Looking Out, chances are you’ll love Michael’s schtick, too. Well worth the annual sub.
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That's it for this issue. We love feedback (positive and negative), and to answer any questions you have. So email Joe or Drew and we’ll get back to you.