SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

VW Taos Delivers Pleasure in Compact Package

Test Drive
All three Taos trim levels use VW’s EA211 1.5L turbo-4 making 158 hp and 184 lb.-ft. (250 Nm) of torque at just 1,750 rpm. The engine is based on the 1.4L turbo in the Jetta, but the automaker says the new 1.5L builds torque 35% faster.

Autoline Daily: Top Industry News for Sept. 2

Kia Reveals European Sportage; Chip Shortage Cripples U.S. Sales; CUPRA Unveils Electric Rocket

Updated Tech Highlights ’22 Infiniti QX80

With a new high-definition screen and rearview camera mirror, the 2022 QX80 starts at just under $72,000 and goes on sale first in the U.S. and Canada late this summer before heading to other markets.

Kia Announces Pricing, Specs for ’22 Niro BEV, PHEV

The ’22 Niro battery-electric and plug-in hybrid CUVs are eligible for federal tax credits of $7,500 and $4,543, respectively.

Continental’s Focus is on Self-Driving and Cars as Computers

From TU Automotive
Automotive supplier giant Continental will focus on presenting its views that cars must become mobile super-computers and be self-driving at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich.

Dried-Up Inventory Sinks U.S. Light-Vehicle Sales in August

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
August’s annualized rate was tracking about one million units higher until the inventory-drain worsened enough that sales nosedived at the end of the month, which does not bode well for the upcoming Labor Day weekend (as well as entire-September), when the market usually gets a boost from holiday deals and promotions.