DECEMBER 13, 2021

Three’s the Charm for Nissan’s Latest VC-Turbo

Test Drive
We drive the ’22 Nissan Rogue featuring a variable-compression 1.5L 3-cyl. turbo, the latest application of the Japanese automaker’s award-winning technology that shifts the engine between high and low compression depending on demand.

Consumer Reports: Electrified Vehicles Becoming More Reliable

Jake Fisher, head of automotive testing for the influential magazine, says the powertrains in battery-electric vehicles are more reliable because they have fewer parts.

Nissan Plan Too Late?; Factorial Emerges From Shadows With Solid-State JVs

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
Nissan finally, after more than a decade of basically sitting out the electrification game, has big plans. But will the vehicles come too late?

Toyota’s Chief Scientist: Avoid ‘Mono-Culture’ of EVs

Toyota has been criticized for moving too slowly toward battery-electric vehicles. In an interview, Toyota’s Gill Pratt defends the automaker’s approach and explains why it will have a bigger environmental impact.

Unlearning What Toyota Taught Us

John McElroy
Today, the automotive world is changing. EV startups, notably Tesla, have ripped Toyota’s game plan to shreds. They’re moving at lightning speed, taking daring steps with new technology and breaking the old business models.

Toyota, Feet to Fire, All in on EVs in Europe; Tesla and SK Appeal for Graphite Waivers

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
The No.1 Japanese automaker appears to have no way to go but ZEV in Europe, while Tesla and SK are asking for tariff waivers to get Chinese material for U.S. batteries.

BEV-Fixated Auto Industry Ignoring Tire Emissions

With a blinkered focus on tail-pipe emissions driving the rush towards BEVs, the industry is ignoring micro-plastic emissions from tires that can exceed ICE powertrain emissions.