VW deal w Xpeng in China

[grisc970]

Volkswagen deal with EV maker Xpeng shows how China tech threatens Western automakers
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/01/vol...are|com.apple.UIKit.activity.CopyToPasteboard

 

[grisc970]

Seems like Xpeng has a slick software platform that could give Rivian & most others a run for their money.

 

[joewilk45]

Competition is always good especially when billions are at stake. And like I said before the Chinese have taken a lot of our ideas why not have them return the favor. And as to China ever attacking the US I think they're smarter than that they need us to buy all their products. And all they need to do now quite frankly is to bring gold and frankincense to the wizard and their in. Bring on the Zeeker polestar is now manufacturing in South Carolina they are owned by Geely a Chinese company who owns Volvo and Zeeker
. They will first start in Mexico and I believe Canada in stalantis's closed factory. By 2028 before the king is showed the door he will leave on a Chinese golden carpet and most likely own the first Chinese dealership in the states go figure.

 

[Roger 123]

From the article:

"In particular, Chinese buyers have a taste for what are often called “software-defined vehicles.” They are connected and updatable, and essentially allow drivers to do everything through a car they would do through a phone."
“The Chinese vehicle owner can do his banking using voice commands or order takeout to meet him when he arrives at his house, or do any number of things that seem a little unusual to us here in the West, because we just aren’t built that way,” said AutoForecast Solutions analyst Conrad Layson. “However, the Chinese buyer can’t do that in a Chinese-built Volkswagen, so they went where the convenience was. They were able to bring their digital lives along with them into and out of the car.”

I'm not sure that's what we want in America. I watch a lot of YouTube car stuff and I've not seen anyone leave a comment that they wish there was more tech and screens, etc. in cars. Most people want less tech and more actual buttons.

Just look at our automotive commercials, are they advertising ordering a pizza from your car or are they showing you flying down a dirt road in UT with a rooftop tent?

Now if the auto makers force it down our throats then maybe, but I just don't think a majority of car buyers are screaming for more electronic "stuff" in their cars. At least no one I know.

I get in my car to leave tech behind and just drive (at least as much as I can).

 

[No_Remorse]

I'm thinking about the kids of today, heck even millennials, that most of them don't even want to drive and are looking for convenience more than the driving experience. Think of the fat humans in the movie Wall-E and that's how I think of people in the future! Too lazy, dumb and have everything run their lives for them, NO THANKS.

I love to drive, the visceral feel of shifting gears the management and control of my vehicle, which is why I have an old car. I love tech, but not enough where anyone impersonating my voice can route money out of my bank. This is where I think Scout is getting it right, the mixture of old and new into a platform that can take you places - simple as that.

 

[Bkenyon53]

From the article:

"In particular, Chinese buyers have a taste for what are often called “software-defined vehicles.” They are connected and updatable, and essentially allow drivers to do everything through a car they would do through a phone."
“The Chinese vehicle owner can do his banking using voice commands or order takeout to meet him when he arrives at his house, or do any number of things that seem a little unusual to us here in the West, because we just aren’t built that way,” said AutoForecast Solutions analyst Conrad Layson. “However, the Chinese buyer can’t do that in a Chinese-built Volkswagen, so they went where the convenience was. They were able to bring their digital lives along with them into and out of the car.”

I'm not sure that's what we want in America. I watch a lot of YouTube car stuff and I've not seen anyone leave a comment that they wish there was more tech and screens, etc. in cars. Most people want less tech and more actual buttons.

Just look at our automotive commercials, are they advertising ordering a pizza from your car or are they showing you flying down a dirt road in UT with a rooftop tent?

Now if the auto makers force it down our throats then maybe, but I just don't think a majority of car buyers are screaming for more electronic "stuff" in their cars. At least no one I know.

I get in my car to leave tech behind and just drive (at least as much as I can).

My daughter just got her license and first car (used Volvo XC60) and her biggest complaint is the tech without her coming out and saying it.

"Is there a way to make it so the car doesn't automatically put the parking brake on when I come to a stop?"
"Is there a way to make it so the car doesn't shut off when I come to a stop?"
"I wish you could change the heat without finding it in the screens..."

So this 16 year old (who is very tech savvy), without saying it, is saying that she doesn't like everything in the screens and wishes her car had more buttons.

 

[Roger 123]

My girls, 33 and 37, are pretty much the same.

I love my Bronco as it has a nice screen and it connects to my phone if I want it to but that's about it. All the radio and climate controls are via actual buttons, same with my Grand Cherokee (except for the heated seats and steering wheel, that's on the screen which drives me nuts).

 

[SchnauzerDad]

My daughter just got her license and first car (used Volvo XC60) and her biggest complaint is the tech without her coming out and saying it.

"Is there a way to make it so the car doesn't automatically put the parking brake on when I come to a stop?"
"Is there a way to make it so the car doesn't shut off when I come to a stop?"
"I wish you could change the heat without finding it in the screens..."

So this 16 year old (who is very tech savvy), without saying it, is saying that she doesn't like everything in the screens and wishes her car had more buttons.

Exactly why the Rivian R2 is a solid #2 for me and the Scout is a solid #1. Well that and the looks . This is why I’m willing to wait for the Scout. Nice knowing the R2 will be there in case something bad happens to Scout.

X factor is electric Defender. However THAT car is gonna be expen$ive….. ugh and therein the first world problem for me…I couldnt live with myself having to park one of the outside.

 

[SchnauzerDad]

My girls, 33 and 37, are pretty much the same.

I love my Bronco as it has a nice screen and it connects to my phone if I want it to but that's about it. All the radio and climate controls are via actual buttons, same with my Grand Cherokee (except for the heated seats and steering wheel, that's on the screen which drives me nuts).

What dipwould think placing the heated steering wheel button someplace other than the steering wheel is okay??? But yeah, my Fisker is like that and my (former)Lincoln Nautilus too. Makes zero sense.