America is down, but it’s certainly not out. Last year the us produced nearly nine million of the world’s 78 million automobiles and commercial vehicles, making it the global No.2 behind China, but ahead of the likes of Japan, Germany and South Korea. So who’s the newest, unlikeliest leader of that still-healthy American portion of the automotive world?
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Sorry Elon Musk (49) of Tesla, Mary Barra (59) of GM, and bill Jr. (64) of Ford, but it’s an old bloke called Joe (78) of The White House. You’ve got it – this kid of a automobile dealer, Joe Biden, is not only the president of America, he also made a decision last week to successfully step up and take over as the country’s a lot of important, influential and affluent (thanks to his Government’s colossal coffers) auto-industry dude.
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The man says he “loves cars”, and I believe him. A few days ago – partly as Mr President, partly as a still-keen motorist – he showed his commitment to the modern American automotive cause by being the first person outside Ford to test one of the firm’s EV prototypes, an F-150 Lightning pick-up.
Biden definitely wanted to, and did, deliver a clear message to the normally sleepy us automobile industry that there have to be a lot more cheap, mid-priced and expensive electric automobiles with blue oval, GM and Chrysler/Jeep badges. It seems he was heard, because the lighting EV will start at around $40k (£28k). also imperative to him is that EVs from us firms proudly wear ‘Made in America’ stickers, plaques or engravings. quite right, too.
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