VW's $12 Billion Chinese Electric Car Plan
Welcome to The Grid, R&T's quick roundup of the auto industry and motorsports news you should know this morning.
VW's Big Plan
China is the world's largest market for automobiles. It's also a complicated place to build and sell cars. Because of that, China has a lot of sway with future planning for automakers, particularly because the country is starting to set electric car production mandates and will likely ban the sale of gas powered cars in the next 20 years.
So automakers are beginning to make big investments in Chinese production as well as EVs for the market. Ford is making a $750 million investment. Volkswagen, on the other hand, is making a $12 billion investment over the next eight years. The company plans to introduce 40 new models in that time frame with partner Anhui Jianghuai.
Hartley and Gasly Continue
Porsche LMP driver Brendon Hartley made an unexpected debut for Scuderia Toro Rosso this season to replace Daniil Kvyat. The New Zealander, who was expected to race for Chip Ganassi in IndyCar in 2018, must have made quite the impression, because he's going to drive for the team full-time in 2018.
Hartley will partner with Pierre Gasly in a new Toro Rosso lineup with Honda power.
Stinger Pricing
The Stinger, Kia's rear-wheel drive sports sedan developed at the Nurburgring by former BMW engineers, is excellent to drive. Now, it's about to go on sale, and we finally have officially official pricing. It'll start at $31,900 while the top of the line model will start at $49,200.
This is the same pricing we heard in September, but we're glad it is now confirmed.
AJ Foyt Goes Brazilian
Last year, AJ Foyt Racing had an all new lineup in IndyCar with youngsters Conor Daly and Carlos Munoz in both of his Chevy-powered cars. The season was less than good, with lackluster results for both drivers. Foyt ended up firing both, hiring veteran Tony Kanaan to drive the 14 car. Now, Foyt has announced that the second seat will be taken by another Brazilian, teenager and Indy Lights standout Matheus Leist.
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