BMW has made buyers pay for the privilege to connect their phones to its already-outrageously-priced luxury vehicles since 2016 in Canada, it just started the practice this past July but now the automakers reversing its decision to allow a better customer experience.For the 2019 model year, BMW was asking Canadian buyers for $100 per year for Apple CarPlay, unless they wanted to opt for a 20-year subscription for $400. After just a few months, that price has been dropped back down to free.BMW is always looking to satisfy our customers needs and this policy change is intended to provide them with a better ownership experience, a BMW spokesperson said to Autocar.In the U.S., the decision to charge users a one-time $300 fee and then a subsequent $80-per-year subscription fee was definitely a head-scratcher, considering every other manufacturer offers the connectivity service for free on most standard models. The fees were likely implemented to make buyers similarly scratch their heads, and step up to the next-highest trim level BMW, which offered full satellite infotainment and navigation for only a few dollars more.CarPlay doesnt cost automakers any extra money, according to Apple, but it does cost money to implement the system into vehicles, one likely eaten by manufacturers who offer the service without charger unless youre BMW.While automakers have been trying to keep phone companies away from their vehicles for years, believing they could offer a better system themselves, more and more companies are now caving to consumers who prefer their phone
Origin: BMW decides to offer Apple CarPlay for free after all
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Kia Canada sells its 1 millionth vehicle in Quebec – and this customer gets her Kia Soul for free
Walking into Kia Sherbrooke to shop for a new vehicle, Sonia Blais was not in high spirits.The special education teacher from Magog, Quebec had recently become a single mother of two, with a looming divorce sapping her finances, an expensive holiday season at her door and an already harsh winter blowing over her Eastern Townships home.But a new car is what she need, so after weighing her options, she picked out a Kia Soul, a stylish subcompact, delivered, of course, with Quebecs mandatory winter tires. She paid via a roughly $25,000 loan, with financing.The purchase also made Blais, unbeknownst to her, Kia Canadas one millionth customer, a milestone that coincidentally lined up with the Korean brands 20th anniversary in this country.Even more coincidentally, Kia Sherbrooke was among the brands first concessionnaires here, selling more than a handful of the first 1,417 Sportage and Sephias to hit Canadian shores back in 1999.When Kia head office rang dealership owner Daniel Beaucage, from Groupe Beaucage, over Blais new purchase, he assumed it was over a problem with the order. Not quite, it turns outBlais was invited back to the dealership with her millionième Kia for a little ceremony this past Thursday, hosted by the new VP and COO of Kia Canada, Elias El-Achhab.She figured out from that she was in for some sort of surprise. Beaucage and co-owner Tommy Morissette started off by announcing a list of $2,000 worth of options they wanted to gift her like a remote start to keep her warm, and a bike rack, since shes a frequent rider.Then El-Achhab interrupted the declaration: C’est nous qui payons votre Kia Soul, or We are going to pay your Kia Soul.Blais croaked out a Really? before starting to cry. Kia means it when it says its cars have the power to surprise.Morissette told Driving.ca that Blais really touched its sales representatives, and everybody at the dealership was so happy luck befell her in particular.She moved us with the work shes been doing for the past 22 years with learning disabilities kids, he said. She said she never won anything in her whole life, but now shes driving one of our vehicles her second Kia were going to take very good care of her, and her Soul.For those wondering if a million vehicles is a big milestone, consider that, these days, about two million new vehicles are sold in Canada every year.When Honda Canada celebrated its 50th anniversary March 2019, the manufacturer of Canadas best-selling car, the Civic, claimed just over four million vehicles
Origin: Kia Canada sells its 1 millionth vehicle in Quebec – and this customer gets her Kia Soul for free
Volvo launches free electricity offer for UK PHEV buyers
Volvo is offering UK buyers of its plug-in hybrid models a year’s worth of free electricity, in a bid to encourage them to use their cars as efficiently as possible. The Take Charge offer, which was revealed at the unveiling of the XC40 Recharge EV last month, will be available to any UK buyer of one of the firm’s seven plug-in hybrid models between now and 30 June 2020. Volvo now offers an electrified version of every car in its line-up, with plug-in hybrid versions of the XC40, XC60, XC90 SUVs, the V60 and V90 estates and S60 and S90 saloons. All those models will now carry the new Recharge badge for electrified machines. The firm will record the total level of charge put into it over the course of a year using the Volvo On Call app, with Volvo then giving the customer a rebate based on the average price of electricity. Björn Annwall, Volvo’s commercial boss, said the scheme was designed to showcase that plug-in hybrids can be a sustainable stepping stone or alternative to full electric cars, and to fight the belief that many are bought for tax incentives and rarely plugged in to charge. “Plug-in hybrids can be very efficient if they are used in the right way,” said Annwall. “But if you just buy them for tax reasons and leave the cables in the boot it’s just a waste. “We wanted to make consumers more aware of the benefits, and this was something we could do to help all plug-in hybrid buyers. We think incentives can help, because they can put a spotlight on efficient energy usage. “The first year with a new car is when you set your habits with it, so if we put incentives then it will really make people think about how they use their cars, and show how they can change.” While Volvo’s plug-in hybrid models have previously carried Twin Engine branding, that will be phased out in favour of the new Recharge label, which will also be used for full-electric cars such as the new XC40 Recharge. Volvo has introduced an electrified version of every model in its range, and is aiming for plug-in hybrid cars to account for 20% of its sales next year. This is a key part of a major push towards electrification and reducing its average carbon emissions. The firm is aiming to be carbon neutral by
Origin: Volvo launches free electricity offer for UK PHEV buyers
Volvo PHEV buyers offered a years free charging
Volvo PHEV buyers offered a year’s free charging Twin Engine model buyers will get their charging reimbursed Volvo is offering customers a year’s free electricity to charge their car if they buy any of the Swedish manufacturer’s plug-in hybrid models. The deal is available to buyers of any of Volvo’s seven-strong PHEV line-up. These see PHEV powertrains available in the XC40, S60, V60, XC60, S90, V90, and XC90 ranges. Volvo’s aim is to encourage drivers to maximise their zero-tailpipe emission mileage with an incentive to off-set costs associated with charging their car. Customers will charge their car throughout the year, and Volvo will then reimburse them their associated costs at the end of the 12 month period. The amount repaid will be based on the average cost of electricity in the UK, and will be calculated by using the Volvo On Call app. This offers customers a number of features, but includes the ability to track how much power the car consumes. Since the majority of trips in the UK are well within a Volvo’s electric-only range, it is hoped that this added incentive will see fuel costs for a year significantly reduced for customers, while also reducing emissions produced on each journey. The offer is available to both private and business customers, with Volvo recognising that the best way to maximise a PHEV’s efficiency is to charge it as often as is reasonably possible. Since the focus is to improve driving and charging behaviour, for business customers, the refund will go to the driver rather than the company or fleet operator. Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “At Volvo, in keeping with our Swedish roots, we’ve always taken a keen interest in looking after the environment. Our recently stated ambition to become a carbon-neutral company by 2040 shows we are serious about addressing climate change. “It’s crucial that we help our plug-in hybrid customers understand how they can make the most of their car’s electric potential. So, by meeting their electricity charging costs for a year, we can encourage them to develop the good habit of regularly recharging their car’s battery, as well as saving them money at the same time.” Volvo offers plug-in hybrid options across its entire range, and is increasing the choice available to two PHEV models in some models. Hybrid options have recently been phased in, and a pure-electric XC40 is due soon as Volvo electrifies its fleet.
Origin: Volvo PHEV buyers offered a years free charging
Trudeau, Scheer offer no hope of free passage to, from P.E.I. via Confederation Bridge
The Confederation Bridge connects New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island.Can Stock Photo A Prince Edward Island senator is attempting to drum up support for no-charge use of the Confederation Bridge, but it doesnt appear as though he will have any luck getting the next prime minister on board.Senator Percy Downe, a long-time back-room Liberal who has served as a senator since 2003, is the Islands major proponent of reducing or eliminating the $47.75 bridge toll.Charged only when departing Prince Edward Island, the toll has steadily increased from $35.00 when the Confederation Bridge opened in 1997.Yet when asked by reporters during the election campaign whether Islanders could expect to receive a break in their transportation costs, two primary federal party leaders were decidedly non-committal.I understand that the toll is an impact on families here, Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer said during a campaign stop in Canoe Cove, P.E.I. We are hearing that feedback and we will have more to say on affordability measures throughout the rest of this campaign.Scheers response came a few days after Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau visited P.E.I. Trudeau took no questions while on the Island, but told reporters earlier that day The Samuel de Champlain Bridge was a replacement bridge. The Confederation Bridge was a new bridge that was built with the tolls as part of the financing.The prime ministers mention of Montreals Samuel de Champlain bridge brings up one of Senator Downes two primary arguments. Champlain Bridge in Montreal, also owned by the government of Canada, Downe wrote in The Financial Post in February 2019, is nearing completion with not a toll booth in sight, because during the 2015 federal election campaign, Justin Trudeau committed to cancelling its toll.The senators other argument: Justin Trudeaus statement in January 2017 that the government will look at what can be done to make sure that people are able to travel freely, travel efficiently, and openly across this country at modest costs.Of course, there are bridges with and without tolls all across the country. This is nothing new. Moreover, beyond the huge cost the government would incur to eliminate or slash the Confederation Bridges fare, theres another issue: the federal government doesnt operate the Confederation Bridge.Strait Crossing holds a 35-year lease through 2032, which involves maintaining the 13-kilometre span as well as collecting all tolls. Meanwhile, Islanders at the eastern end of P.E.I. who rely on both the $79.00 ferry between Wood Islands and Caribou, Nova Scotia and the tourists that boat delivers are unlikely to stand for free passage at the other end of P.E.I.Incidentally, over its 22 years of operation, the Confederation Bridge toll hasnt risen as fast as the rate of inflation. According to the Bank of Canadas inflation calculator, $35.00 in 1997 equals $52.85 in 2019, meaning the crossing is actually more affordable now than it was when the crossings construction was
Origin: Trudeau, Scheer offer no hope of free passage to, from P.E.I. via Confederation Bridge
Apple CarPlay subscription no longer ‘free’ for new cars
A year has passed since BMW released what it called OS7 – the seventh iteration of its iDrive infotainment system – but the first customers are now being asked to hand over money in order for some services to continue. Owners are now seeing the message: “Your free trial of Apple CarPlay is up. Would you like to renew? Please pay £85 for another year.” We’re used to automakers bundling in free infotainment features such as CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which migrate functions from your phone to the car’s multimedia system, but manufacturers are now starting to ask customers to pay for the services. It’s the start of a revolution called ‘features over the air’, which offers the ability to continually upgrade cars remotely with both useful and frivolous software functions. CarPlay is not free. Apple charges car makers £45 to £90 per car to use it. Then it has to be integrated into the screen, which incurs further costs, all of which are factored into the list or lease price. BMW owners now have to choose whether or not to pay for it to continue being a feature of their car, alongside add-ons such as a digital ‘key’ for up to five phones. Mercedes-Benz is also charging customers for its new MBUX operating system via the Mercedes Me Store, where CarPlay or Android Auto can be downloaded for a £267 one-off payment. Audi, meanwhile, has kicked off its over-the-air feature range with the electric E-tron SUV. Launch models are fully loaded, but on future, cheaper versions it will be possible to upgrade after the factory build, even swapping the LED lights to fancier matrix ones. The pioneer for all this is Tesla, which has long upgraded software and added features via wi-fi. The latest addition is the ability to watch Netflix programmes on the dashboard screen while charging. “CarPlay, Android Auto and infotainment upgrades are just the beginning,” said Krishna Jayaraman, program manager for connectivity and telematics at consultants Frost Sullivan. In a recent analyst report Jaguar Land Rover highlighted that three electronic ‘modules’ in its newest cars were updatable over the air, with the feature mainly used to update infotainment software. In the medium term that figure is set to rise to 14 modules, with “all” modules eventually being upgradable over the air. In future customers could, for example, download circuit-specific suspension settings the night before a track day. “Today the role of the car maker is changing,” Jayaraman said. “It’s in the business of selling an experience rather than the car itself.” Jayaraman believes subscriptions will come into their own when paying for really expensive technology, such as autonomous driving functions. “CarPlay could cost a company £90, but a self-driving feature could cost thousands,” he said. “How do you break it down so the customer can afford it?” One way is via a one-off payment for, say, a long motorway trip. This new technology does, of course, present a security risk. Volkswagen, for example, reportedly delayed sales of the next Golf because of issues with the over-the-air capability of its next-generation software for the infotainment system. The overall concept, though, is here to stay. If you don’t like the idea of it or can’t or don’t want to pay, then simply don’t subscribe. But at least now you can change your mind. Nick
Origin: Apple CarPlay subscription no longer ‘free’ for new cars
Tesla brings back free supercharging for Model S, X owners
In an effort to attract buyers back into its dealerships rather, its web pages Tesla is offering free, unlimited supercharging as an incentive on the purchase of a brand-new Model S or X.Breaking the news in a Tweet, the promotion started earlier this month. Globally, there are 1,604 Superchargers stations, so that should help curb any range anxiety. Tesla has also simplified its trim levels to include only Long Range and Performance models.A few years ago, Tesla offered a similar deal, but it was limited to 400 kWh of electricity credits each year for Model S and X orders. Tesla says the promotion is applicable to Canada, too.Last month in the U.S., Tesla amassed 18 days’ worth of Model S and X selling inventory, a stark change from the zero days Tesla started with when it was first introduced. This, coupled with now lower base prices of its vehicles, suggests Tesla is having a bit of a tough time moving EVs.Unfortunately for current Tesla owners, they will still have to pay for supercharging. In the U.S, that rate stands at 28 cents per kWh, or between 13 and 26 cents per minute.If there was ever a great time to pick up a Model S or X, nows your chance Tesla changes its charging policies frequently, so theres no telling how long this promotion will
Origin: Tesla brings back free supercharging for Model S, X owners
New Ford Focus RS comes with free vape because stereotypes
In what could possibly be the ultimate example of a stereotype coming to life, a Ford dealership is offering buyers of a Focus RS on its lot a free vape with their purchase.Prestman Auto of Salt Lake City is offering this used Ford Focus RS for US$25,900, and along with the car, is tossing in, too, the opportunity to try vaping and the culture that surrounds it.Jalopnik got in touch with the dealership to confirm the promotion was, indeed real, and not a joke like we assumed.Yes, there is a vape included in the purchase of the RS. We have a vape store next to our dealership that the buyer can go to and pick out a vape, a rep from the dealership said. We did that because most of the potential buyers for that car come with vape in hand.The Ford Focus RS garners the attention of mostly men in their mid-20s who enjoy something called hooning, saying things like hashtag-save-the-manuals, and then under-steering into a tree in a giant cloud of vape smoke (at least, if the rest of the stereotype is also true).This dealership hopes to offer all of that in one concise buying transaction. In all fairness, the car seems to be in pretty good shape, with only 34,576 miles on the odometer, which means the head gasket probably hasnt exploded yet (but maybe check before purchase). It does feature a six-speed manual transmission; and “Drift Mode,” for extra
Origin: New Ford Focus RS comes with free vape because stereotypes
Buy this US$279-million house, get a free car museum
A massive property originally owned by the creator of The Discovery Channel has been placed up for sale, and it features a lot of things motorheads might appreciate. Including, yknow, a complete car museum.Situated on the border of Utah and Colorado, the Gateway Canyons Ranch and Resort was the brainchild of Discovery Channel founder John Hendricks.The property plays host to a 72-room resort, as well as a planetarium, art studio, theater room, pool and spa, six fireplaces, library and a helipad.If you thought that having a two-car garage was enough, imagine what you could do with a whole museum. The 30,000-sq.-ft. museum is on-site and has room for up to 50 cars, and the 8,700 acres of property all around it can probably park a few more, if youre the project car type.The cars are included in the US$279-million price tag, and among the collection are some gems that could make the whole thing worthwhile. The Gateway Auto Museums website lists a 1936 Supercharged Auburn; a 1930 Duesenberg Model J LWB Transformable; a 1936 Cord Phaeton; and a 1953 Cunningham C3 Continental Coupe; as well as a one-of-one 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 Dream Car, which itself sold at Barrett-Jackson for US$3,240,000. Each of the galleries where the cars are displayed is also themed to the time period of the vehicles: Mass Mobility, Hollywood High Style, American Muscle and Racing. If that isnt enough for you, the property also includes a Baja trophy truck track for you to motor around on.A virtual tour of the museum and property is available from Google Maps, and if youre interested in buying it, there is more information available at the Robb
Origin: Buy this US$279-million house, get a free car museum
Arizona student has perfect attendance, earns free car
2001 Chrysler PT CruiserHandout / Chrysler Who among us hasn’t skipped class once or twice? Go on, raise your hand. We won’t tell. One teenager in Arizona learned the value of showing up for class, earning his way into the driver’s seat of a car. Earlier in the year, education officials in the area wanted to reward kids who exhibited punctuality and reliability, offering the chance to win a Chrysler PT Cruiser if they had perfect attendance at East Valley Institute of Technology. It would be too easy to make fun of the prize, since the PT Cruiser often falls onto the list of terrible cars, but that’s not the point. It’s admirable the administration chose to reward kids for their hard work. These same traits of reliability and being on time are important in the real world, so we certainly applaud this initiative. Of all the students who qualified, six were handed a box in which there was a car key. Only one started the PT Cruiser, of course, and it turned out to be held by Saguaro High School junior Michael Duarte. His reaction? “It’s cool,” which is far more verbiage than your author can coax out of any teenager in his own household. For those of you with short memories, Chrysler built the PT Cruiser between 2000 and 2010, seeing several iterations including convertible and turbocharged GT trims. There was also no end to the special editions, counted among which was a Woodie package and a W.P. Chrysler Signature Series, marking one of the first times a vehicle had its brand name listed twice in its official title. With that in mind, it’s exactly like a Ferrari LaFerrari, then. Well done to these Arizona students. Stay in school,
Origin: Arizona student has perfect attendance, earns free car
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