EV Final Rule Is a Win For OEMs, VW Union, Shredding EGs

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

It’s Tuesday and the Auto Industry is alive and well as we talk about the DOE final rules on EV requirements that are a win for OEMs. We also talk about the pending UAW vote at VWs Chattanooga plant as well as the legendary metal band, Metallica, going an an EV/hydrogen powered tour.

• The finalized U.S. EV mileage ratings rule brings relief to automakers, reducing the risk of heavy fines and easing the transition to electric vehicles, a significant shift from the Department of Energy's initial proposal.
  • The Department of Energy's final rule softens its initial proposal, lowering the compliance value of EVs by 65% through 2030, allowing automakers more time to adjust.
  • Detroit 3 and the UAW voiced concerns that the original proposal could lead to $10.5 billion in fines through 2032 for failing to meet fuel economy requirements.
  • The revision was influenced by automaker and UAW feedback, aiming to balance environmental goals with industry realities.
  • The EPA's upcoming vehicle greenhouse gas emissions requirements are also set to be less stringent than proposed, promoting a gradual increase in EV production.
  • This ruling is also seen to be a boost to hybrid and PHEV sales
• Workers at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant are pushing to join the UAW, marking a pivotal moment in the union's efforts to expand its influence across foreign-owned automakers in the South.
  • Volkswagen Chattanooga employees have filed for a union election with the NLRB, demonstrating a "supermajority" interest in joining the UAW. This is the third attempt in 10 years to unionize the plant, with the last narrowly failing
  • A successful vote at VW would be a landmark victory as the UAW's persistent efforts to unionize foreign auto plants in the South have faced significant political and legislative challenges over the years.
  • VW has committed to supporting an NLRB-administered secret ballot, ensuring every employee's voice is heard, with the election timeline to be set by the NLRB.
  • President Biden and presumptive Republican rival Donald Trump are keenly watching the UAW's moves, with Biden expressing support for the workers' right to unionize, reflecting the national political significance of the union's campaign.
  • "The decision whether to join a union belongs to the workers," stated President Joe Biden, endorsing the workers' efforts and the importance of union representation.
• Heavy Metal band Metallica is teaming up with heavy truck maker Iveco to embark on a world tour using electric and hydrogen fuel-cell big rigs to haul their equipment across Europe
  • For the European leg of their M72 World Tour, Metallica is using a fleet of Iveco's battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, demonstrating their dedication to cutting carbon emissions.
  • The band is an early adopter and high-profile proponent of eco-friendly touring practices by choosing the latest in FCEV technology for their gear transportation.
  • Metallica is also employing Iveco EV minibuses for concert shuttles, further reducing the carbon footprint of their tour.

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
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