Gone With the Wind: Kia Rio Discontinued in N.A.

The Rio represents what Kia initially stood for - affordable transportation. Nowadays, Kia is trending more upmarket.

It has been officially announced by Kia that the subcompact Rio sedan and hatchback line will not return for the 2024 model year. The also-small, but slightly larger Kia Forte will soldier on as the brand’s lone compact sedan offering (it may be called the Kia K4). The Kia Soul also appears to be safe as the brand’s other entry-level offering.

I figured this news was coming soon, as the Rio’s sibling vehicle, the Hyundai Accent, was discontinued last year. I also remember hearing talks while I worked at Hyundai/Kia about dropping the subcompact sedans to focus on electrifying the lineups and on SUVs. The compact sedan segment in particular has shrunk significantly in the last several years.

While not necessarily the saddest loss in the automotive world, this is noteworthy, as “inexpensive cars” are essentially what put Kia on the map back in the 90s. Now granted, those were not particularly good cars in those days vs. today… The current Rio is a solid, affordable entry level car. However, it really highlights a change in consumer tastes and that Kia feels it’s ok to now walk away from their “old bread and butter” to embrace what’s coming. Unfortunately for consumers, what’s coming is more expensive cars…

Like I mentioned previously, if you’ve been paying attention, the compact sedan segment has virtually disappeared in recent years in favor of SUVs. Some have taken the Hyundai route and converted their least expensive offerings into crossovers/SUVs (Venue). There are fewer and fewer new cars that can be had for around $20,000. Couple that with a tough used car market and high interest rates, and buying a car could be a tough task right now…

My advice is to always do your research. Know which dealers are doing markups and what your needs in are. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate! Especially on cars that might be ending production or slow-sellers, like the Rio.

Farewell Rio - hopefully we won’t have to say goodbye to all affordable cars too soon.

Here's probably one of the last new Kia Rios you'll see on a car lot!

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Mileage Milestones

Well, as of recently I can officially say I’ve put 40,000 miles on my 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada! I got it in April 2019 when it had 88,000 miles even on it - it’s now just over 98,000 four years later. Keep in mind, we went thru a pandemic that stopped all driving and office working for awhile. Plus, I have other cars to drive too.

Speaking of other cars: I have just over 110,000 on my 2008 Saturn Aura now 12 1/2 years after I got it! When I first got it, there were 66,249 miles on the clock. You do the math lol.

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How to Change the Wiper Blades on the 2022 Kia K5

If you can change your own wiper blades, you’ll save yourself time and money in the long run. The process varies by car, but overall it’s pretty simple. I’m going to show you in this YouTube video how to do just that on the Kia K5. This should also work on the Hyundai Sonata, it’s sibling vehicle. It’s simply a matter of sliding a clip into the new blade and making sure each side is correctly aligned length-wise. Don’t let the complicated instructions fool you!

Like, comment and subscribe! Thanks as always. 

Link below:

Kia K5 Wiper Blade YouTube Vid 

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Big, Bold, Electric: 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ

Here’s *quite literally* one of the biggest new car reveals as of late: the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ! Riding on GM’s Ultium battery platform shared with the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC HUMMER EV, the Escalade IQ boldly reimagines what “Escalade” means for the EV era. Advanced features such as vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging connectivity and a 55-inch total pillar-to-pillar LED display for the driver and front passenger will be on offer. Rear seat passengers will be able to access the internet and various streaming apps via a rear seat entertainment system, and a 40-speaker AKG premium sound system is available.

All the Right Appointments

As for the EV side of the equation, the Escalade IQ has it covered there too. The frunk (or E-trunk as Cadillac calls it) measures a large 12.2 cubic feet. Driving range from the 24-module 200 kWh Ultium battery packs is expected to be around 450 miles at a full charge. And eAWD will be standard as well as four-wheel steering and “Arrival Mode” (Cadillac’s version of the HUMMER EV’s Crab Walk). 0-60 MPH will take 5 seconds and 800V DC fast charging is possible. At a public fast charging station, you should be able to charge up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.

Of course, this all won’t come cheap… The Escalade IQ will START at $130,000. But hey, look at it this way: that’s roughly $20,000 less than what the current Escalade V starts at, plus since it’ll be built in Detroit, you’ll get an EV discount. So perhaps it’s a luxury EV “bargain” in that regard! I must say, I do like the way it looks. I can’t wait to sit in one when the get to auto shows and dealers.

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Say Goodbye to the Mercedes CLS

Production of the CLS will officially end on August 31st, 2023.

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed that the CLS will end production after the 2023 model year. There’s only one CLS model you can choose from in the lineup: the CLS450, which has a 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine making 362 HP. If you’re wondering why the CLS is going away, just ask yourself, “when is the last time I’ve seen one of these on the road?” Mercedes is clearly taking this opportunity to focus more on their SUV line and EQ electric vehicles.

I remember when the CLS came out originally back in the 2000s. The styling was very aggressive and elegant - personally, I believe it inspired all of the “coupe SUVs” we see rolling around these days, as well. This car won’t be replaced once it ends production in late August, so if you have the spare change, snag one while you can.

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Show Me the Car Facts #FactFridays

Did you know: The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV has a slightly smaller battery pack than the Hummer EV SUT. This is because the SUV’s wheelbase 8.9-inches shorter (126.7 inches total), which also reduces cargo and packaging space – but not passenger space, interestingly. So, while the truck has 24 Ultium battery modules, the SUV has 20. As a result, we can expect that its max driving range will be slightly less than the truck and its 0-60 MPH time will also likely be a little slower – though still crazy fast at just over 3 seconds. Additionally, the Hummer EV truck can have a max of 1000 HP, but the SUV will have a max of 830 HP.

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2024 Lamborghini Revuelto: Super Power Super Hybrid!

The Aventador is on its way out, but in its place, we’re getting the Lamborghini Revuelto! This new generation of Lambo is embracing electrification, while also keeping ties to the past. Powering this new super car is a plug-in hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 6.5L V12 engine and triple electric motors paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Combined power output will be 1001 HP. A 3.8 m-kWh battery pack is positioned between the front seats and makes a max 187 HP, but this output can be sent to the three previously mentioned electric motors as needed.

To recharge, you’ll have to access the port from the frunk - or the “front trunk” for those of you that are unfamiliar with this term. Keeping things inside, Lambo has designed the Revuelto with more passenger space and storage space. Also, there’s three digital displays, which includes the 12.3-inch display that houses the vehicle’s gauges. You can choose from 4 different drive modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, and new Cittá mode, which keeps the car in EV mode. Corsa mode unleashes all 1,001 HP while the calmer Cittá mode limits the car to 178 HP. When in full-power mode, Lambo estimates that 0-60 MPH will happen in about 2.5 seconds.

How do you like the Revuelto? I say I’m adding it to my “Dream Car Highlights” list! A PHEV Lambo in my favorite color (blue) with 1000+ HO just rocks - now I just need a small loan of a million dollars hahaha.

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2024 Hyundai Sonata - One Last Hail Mary

Sedan sales continue to circle the drain vs. SUVs... But Hyundai is preparing one final push for
relevance with the 2024 Sonata.

Sedans sales are still sliding, and rumors are swirling that Hyundai and Kia might discontinue the Sonata and K5, respectively, after the 2025 model year. This would leave only the Japanese sedans (Camry, Accord, Altima, Legacy) as the sole competitors in the midsized segment. Although the Malibu could get a surprise 10th generation as well…

Until these answers all become clearer, what we do have some certainty on is that there is going to be a refresh for the 2024 Sonata, and it draws inspiration from the redesigned Kona with a full width light bar up front as part of its lighting signature. The overall look for me seems like something out of a Star Wars cartoon/movie now – I worked in product planning a Hyundai/Kia when the current Sonata generation launched and I remember how the LED running lights running up the fender was so dynamic looking the first time I saw it on the pre-facelift. On the inside, there’s now a new steering wheel design complimented by a curved display comprised of two 12.3-inch screens, as we’ve seen gradually creeping its way into other Hyundai/Kia/Genesis products. The powertrain lineup is expected to remain the same: that consists of a base 2.5L inline four-cylinder, a 1.6L turbocharged inline four-cylinder, and a 2.5L turbo inline four-cylinder in the N-Line trims. The hybrid models will also likely carryover, but no PHEV.

First Impressions Matter

How do you like the refreshed Sonata? It looks like they left everything that matters most intact (powertrain, comfort, etc.), while changing the bits that will enhance style the most. I believe I like the non-N-Line look the best this time around (the silver car in the middle picture), it’s very sharp. I see some Lucid Air influence! Also, I think it would be great if Hyundai went ahead and offered AWD on the Sonata like its sibling, the Kia K5. As many of you are aware, I have a Kia K5 AWD with the 1.6T engine and I find it to be a great car – the 1.6T from Hyundai/Kia is one of my favorite powertrains. Pair it with the corporate hybrid system and AWD, like in the Tucson SUV, and I feel like you would have something special for a midsize sedan.

While I doubt that this refresh will move the bar overall for the Sonata in terms of its popularity vs. its SUV counterparts, I do hope it inspires Hyundai to stay in the sedan market a little longer. I’m also looking forward to seeing what the Kia K5 refresh looks like. Although Kia’s refreshes have been a little less endearing to me, as I think their vehicles are as aesthetically perfect as they can get right now.

Here's a look at the front of the pre-refresh Sonata.

And a look at the facelifted rear end - I like the "racing flag" matrix pattern in the taillights, where the outgoing model just had a continuous LED lightbar without any sort of pattern.

#sedanapocolypse

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Used Cars to Avoid?

I’ve been seeing this list of “Used Cars to Avoid” circulating on social media the last several days, and I just wanted to provide some commentary of my own. This list is put out each year by Consumer Reports, which I generally consider reliable, as I have been reading their publications and formulating my analysis of various models off of their reports (along with a few others) since I was a kid. That said:

• Its always important to perform a test drive before you buy ANY vehicle, new or used, so you know if there are any imperfections that need to be addressed and if it fits your personal lifestyle. One thing that has saved me in my car buying experience is I’ve never bought a car I didn’t want and that I couldn’t afford. So don’t be afraid to “wheel and deal” with your dealer based on what you experience on your drive.

• Its equally as important to do your research on the models you’re interested in. This is where publications such as Consumer Reports, but also sites such as Car Complaints can provide useful info on problematic model years of vehicles. It’s also important to remember that just because a particular model has a lot of issues, doesn’t mean you necessarily will. Your quality results will vary largely due to the fact that how well you maintain your car will determine its longevity. Make sure you check your owner’s manual for recommended tune up cycles.

• Some of these models on the list I’m actually quite aware DO have particular issues. For example, you’re going to want to avoid early-to-mid 2010 Hyundai and Kia vehicles with a “Theta” four-cylinder engine. Or if you do get one, make sure that you take it to your local dealer and make sure the recalls are addressed for engine failure and fires. Also, any Chrysler/Dodge vehicle with the 2.7L V6 engine, which was used through the early 2010s in some vehicles, are prone to engine knock and sludge issues – do avoid these. European vehicles are known for having higher maintenance than Asian branded vehicles, for example, so if you’re trying to get a durable and long-lasting vehicle, I would steer clear of older BMWs and Mercedes models, since while they may be cheap to purchase, any saving will be wiped out in fuel and repair costs.

• For as much smack as people talk about Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Jeep Compasses, there are few to none of those cars on this list. This is likely because very few Fiats and Alfas are sold in the U.S., and also because quality DOES actually improve over time. I had my 2018 Compass and while it wasn’t the fastest car on the road, it was far, far and away from unreliable or a lemon like the 2011 Chevy Equinox we had years ago. I quite enjoyed having it. So again, it pays to have your own experience with a car and do your own research, as I’ve mentioned.

• There are no Toyota, Lexus or Acura vehicles on this list. This is a testimony to their durability I say – its very hard to deny that Toyota and Lexus in particular have built a reputation for building a reliable car!

Do your research and happy shopping – roll on!

Copyright © 2023 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

EV Battery Manufacturing - U.S. States That Will Be EV Leaders

As EVs grow in popularity, batteries will need to be manufactured to meet demand. Some states are already gearing up to become leaders.

Battery manufacturing is going to be key to EV adoption, especially since the revised requirements for EV tax credits stipulate that in order to qualify, an EV must have its components and materials for batteries sourced from within North America. Because of that, you can expect several states within the United States to strive to become a leader in the EV business, in particular battery production. All that said, let’s discuss briefly which states are projected to become leaders in the EV space.

Georgia, Kentucky and Michigan are all projected to dominate EV battery manufacturing by 2030. The reason these states in particular are projected to be production leaders because they will be able to manufacture between 97 and 136 gigawatt hours of EV batteries. Additionally, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee will also be able to manufacture EV batteries according to outlined plans – between 46- and 97-gigawatt hours’ worth of EV batteries to be specific. Ford has already invested over $11 billion in Tennessee and Kentucky for its “BlueOval City” manufacturing facilities, where both batteries and EV trucks will be built. VW is also planning to now invest in a battery cell factory in North America instead of Europe due to the potential incentives it could bring – over $10.6 billion. Unlike Ford, however, the German automaker has not decided on a location for its factory.

Going Green

By 2030, its predicted that U.S. battery manufacturing capacity will be able to support the production of 10 to 13 million EVs per year, which puts the country in line to meet the Biden Administration’s goal of 50% EV sales by 2030 as well. While this goal might sound slightly lofty to some, its very plausible that states such as Michigan could be come poised to be leaders in the EV race. Automakers such as GM already have some manufacturing sites in the state, i.e., Factory Zero, and Michigan is part of a Midwest state alliance to expand EV charging infrastructure. Personally, I feel like if you have strong desires to “go green” right now, your best bets are to check into a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle, which offers a reduced fuel consumption driving experience without the worries of range anxiety that EVs have.

Are you following the EV revolution? Let’s see where things go. See the links below for more information on this topic.

• https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/05/map-which-states-will-build-the-most-ev-batteries-in-2030.html
  
• https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2021/09/27/ford-to-lead-americas-shift-to-electric-vehicles.html
  

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Solar Power

 

I've had this solar panel for quite some time now, but since winter hasn't been letting up here and my car batteries need to remain charged, I decided to set it up and use it as need be. According to the instructions, this solar panel can also charge and power other small appliances, so it would be interesting to see how many car batteries or appliances you can power if you had two or three of these in tandem.

The sun in the summertime will provide the most power and the greatest temperature efficiency to use this solar panel, I'm looking forward to trying it out. You can get these at your local Harbor Freight and Tools store - mine was $50 several years ago, so they will likely be more these days. Get a voltage reader as well so you can see how many volts the solar panel is producing when its charged. #cleanenergy

Copyright © 2023 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Solid Investment: BMW to Test Solid State Batteries

BMW and Solid Power are teaming up to test solid-state battery usage.

BMW will soon begin to test using a solid-state battery in its EVs. This is the direct result of a partnership between BMW and Solid Power, an American battery tech company. Prototypes of this battery will be built at BMW’s own battery facility near Munich, while testing of the new batteries could take place by mid-decade. Don’t expect to see an electric car from BMW with a solid-state battery until around 2030 or so, however. Other automakers are also making plans for solid-state battery implementation in future EVs, such as Volkswagen and Hyundai.

Solid-state batteries by design have a solid electrolyte and offer improved range and charging times vs. current liquid-type batteries. They are also inherently lower cost and safer by design, which should help alleviate concerns about EV fires after collisions. The main issue with them is one that has plagued the entire EV adoption process thus far – scaling up production to match demand. EV battery materials are a commodity. Before going full-on solid state, however, BMW intends to introduce a new lithium-ion battery in their upcoming EVs in 2025 that will promise a 30% improvement in range vs. current similar batteries. I can’t wait to check that out, especially in a vehicle like the new i4.

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Unveiled – The 2024 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 contains the most powerful engine Mazda has ever put inside a vehicle - the
e-Skyactiv G 3.3L inline-six turbo. It doesn't look bad in this new color called "Artisan Red".

Mazda has officially taken the wraps off the 2024 Mazda CX-90 SUV, and it represents a continued march upmarket for the brand. The CX-90 will be Mazda’s flagship vehicle and will eventually serve as a replacement for the current CX-9 SUV. We can look at the CX-90 and clearly see family resemblance to the upcoming CX-70 – mainly that both will use Mazda’s new longitudinal-engine architecture capable of supporting electrified powertrains. AWD is standard on the CX-90.

Speaking of powertrains, two will be found under the hood of the CX-90. One setup will consist of a 3.3L turbocharged inline-six cylinder paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Power output will be 340 HP and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, which if you really think about it, makes the CX-90 one of the more powerful entries in the mainstream segment. In fact, an I6 engine with electrification is so uncommon and European in flavor, until I would say that this vehicle will compete more so with luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5, Buick Enclave and Genesis GV80 than a Hyundai Palisade, the new Honda Pilot or Chevrolet Traverse.

If for some reason you want to go the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) route, Mazda has you covered. The second powertrain you can choose from in the 2024 CX-90 is a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-four cylinder paired with a 17.8-kWh battery pack good for 323 HP and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are paired with an in-house Mazda-designed eight-speed automatic transmission and the PHEV should have between 20-30 miles of all-electric driving range.

As for its design, I think that the CX-90 is a handsome vehicle. It looks like a longer, more luxurious evolution of the CX-9 and has solid RWD-based proportions. It also embodies Mazda’s Kodo design language well and looks sportier than many of its direct and indirect competition. Despite its expressive styling, the CX-90 is going to be roomier than the current CX-9. Mazda says six, seven and eight passenger variants will be offered, but I’ll reserve judgement on if this is going to be a comfortable family hauler until I’m personally able to get seat time in one.

To my eyes, the CX-90's interior uses thoughtful wood trim and fabric to create an environment that would make you think you're in a BMW instead of a Mazda.

Overall, I’m a fan of modern Mazdas and the direction they’re taking in general, although the loss of the Mazda6 sedan is still a disappointment to me. How about you – do you like the new CX-90? Pricing is unknown, but I will update this piece once it becomes available. Mazda says the 2024 CX-90 will go on sale in spring 2023 - so not that long of a wait for you die-hard Mazda fans out there!

Update 2/8/2023: Pricing for the 2024 CX-90 will start at $40,970 for a base model. PHEV models begin at $48,820 for the Preferred trim and $54,275 for the Premium trim. The non-electrified 3.3 Turbo S trim stats at $53,125 and Premium Plus trims begin at $61,325.

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CES 2023

If you’re interested in exploring new tech in the new year, you may want to check out what was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas! Moving beyond the pandemic shutdowns, CES returned full force, showcasing new technologies from the world’s biggest companies. From giant TVs to VR headsets to electric vehicles and components, there is a plethora of new innovations to explore. This post will focus on automotive and electric vehicle technology that stood out to me from this year’s CES.

Ram 1500 Revolution Concept

Ram finally responds to the F-150 Lightning and other EV trucks with the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept. It has many unique features, such as an optional third row jump seat, and very interesting mood lighting.

Ram has finally unveiled their answer to the F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T and Chevy Silverado EV: the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept. This EV truck looks sleek to my eyes and has several innovative features that a proper truck should, as well as a few segment exclusives. For example, on the interior of the Ram 1500 Revolution, there’s a rail system for customized seating setups and third row jump seats. The center console can also be removed for additional interior space and the armrest can be used as a desk – a feature we’ve seen on the F-150. You’ll be able to fit objects as long as 18 feet in the Ram 1500 Revolution via the mid-gate that includes a pass-through to the frunk. 

There’s a total of 28-inches of screen in the interior and the lower screen can be removed and used as a tablet or readjusted in various positions. The upper screen can slide on the adjustable Ram Track system. One feature mentioned that I think is cool is “Shadow Mode”, which would allow the Ram 1500 Revolution to follow the driver autonomously as they walk ahead of the truck. Ram says that this truck will be capable of Level 3 autonomous driving as well, with various systems such as smart seats and the steering wheel working together to provide added situational awareness to the driver. 

The Revolution will ride on the Stellantis STLA Frame EV platform and will also come with an available range extending gas engine that will be used to charge the truck’s battery. This could be a major plus for those worried about range anxiety, especially on a work site. The last vehicle I can personally remember using a range-extending engine was the BMW i3. Power figures for this EV truck aren’t known for now, but Ram says that 100 miles of range can be added in around 10 minutes with 800V DC fast charging up to 350 kW. Other capabilities will be rear-wheel steering and AWD via electric motors on the front and rear axles. Sales will begin in 2024, and I would expect there to be more official announcements on the Ram 1500 Revolution as a production version is fine-tuned.

I’m excited for this one! Ram trucks are some of the most luxurious, well-equipped trucks on the market right now. An EV model should build on that nicely.

Afeela

Afeela is an upcoming collaboration between Sony and Honda - large touchscreens and steering wheel yokes seem to be the norm in the automotive EV future.

Sony has been teasing their entry into the EV space for years, but at CES 2023, they finally made it official and announced the “Afeela” brand. Afeela is actually a concept that was developed by Sony Honda Mobility, which is a joint venture between the two companies. There are no less than 45 cameras on the car and the vehicle has the next generation of Qualcomm Technologies Snapdragon Digital Chassis for ADAS and telematics. Epic Games provides software for the infotainment system. Both Sony and Honda want the software in the vehicle, networks, and UX to highlight the ownership experience rather than performance.

Level 3 driving in Afeela vehicles will be offered “under limited conditions” according to Sony Honda Mobility while Level 2 ADAS will be offered in more areas. Sony will also be open to partnerships with customers and other automotive industry companies via the Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Digital Chassis.

If you recall, this is not Sony’s first EV concept. That title belongs to the Vision-S, revealed at CES 2020, which was then followed up by the Vision-S 02 in 2021. Many of the designers from those concept vehicles also worked on the Afeela concept. Its also worth noting that this vehicle will not be specifically called “Afeela”, but the brand it comes from will be. We will have to wait for a model name. But the Afeela brand will begin taking orders in 2025 and deliveries will begin in North America in spring 2026.

You might have to still wait some time to get your hands on an Afeela vehicle, but its quite interesting to see a non-automotive company partner with a mainstream automotive company and come out with a stylish concept such as this. I see quite a bit to technological promise in this.

Other Announcements

Mercedes is seeking to rival Tesla's Supercharging Network
while ZF wants to keep you warm and save you some
EV range.

In other CES 2023 news, Mercedes-Benz announced that the company will launch its own electric vehicle charging network with 400 of those stations and 2,500 plugs being in North America by 2027. By the end of the decade, Mercedes will have 10,000 chargers in Europe, China and other markets in an effort to improve the Mercedes-Benz EV ownership experience. In addition to this innovation, ZF showcased a heated seatbelt that would theoretically allow a driver to keep their heat turned down in their cabin in the colder months, thus improving range. I personally already use the heated seat with lower heat at times in my car in the winter, so this could work – but so far, no automakers have shown interest.

Companies that attended CES 2023 include Amazon, Bosch, Google, Hyundai, and LG. I always enjoy a good automotive technology and car show. It looks like there’s a lot of upcoming technology to be excited about in the coming years!

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