CES 2023: Placing All Bets
According to the folks at CES, the automobile is the new consumer electronic device. Especially when it is fully powered by a battery pack.
According to the folks at CES, the automobile is the new consumer electronic device. Especially when it is fully powered by a battery pack.
The only customers buying a Passat were rental car fleets. In turn, they were easy upgrade fodder.
Some did have a portal to plug in for a wee bit of electricity. Nonetheless, the internal combustion engine still ruled the roost at V&R – for now.
Simply put, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI became the benchmark for compact sedans looking to ooze more performance for more engaging driving.
The idea of slotting a key into an ignition, turning it over, depressing the brake, shifting a gear and opening up the throttle was magical to this child of the 1970s.
Of course, things change. The market changed. No longer were mid-sized family sedans attractive to families. Consumers choose the SUV instead.
This year’s NACTOY could be seen as a vote against the EV. Rather, a vote against the start-ups in the automotive industry.
It all began with a single man. He got married, had a business partner – who became part of the family. The rest reads like a script from Dallas or Dynasty.
To be honest, I felt that Volkswagen knew what they were doing by bringing the long-wheelbase model to our market.