Tesla Cuts Prices Across Lineup by Up to $5000
Welcome to The Grid, R&T's quick roundup of the auto industry and motorsports news you should know this morning.
Tesla Is Slashing Prices
Prices across the Tesla lineup are falling, including steep discounts on the Model S and Model X. Both versions of the two cars—Long Range and Performance trims—have been marked down $5000, as spotted by Electrek. The Model S now starts at $74,990 while the Model X goes for $79,990. And it doesn't appear to be a temporary sale; according to Tesla's site, that's the current price with no incentives listed.
The Model 3 also gets a discount, with all versions offered for $2000 less than before. That means you can get a new, Standard Range Plus Model 3 for $37,990; not quite as low as the rare, discontinued, $35,000 model, but still significantly cheaper.
Bronco and Mustang May Become Larger Sub Brands
Our friends at Autoweek reported that Ford is considering turning the Bronco and Mustang nameplates into full-fledged sub brands as part of its "Icons" group. That's not too far-fetched, either. Both badges are already set to appear on two vehicles, with the Bronco Sport and Mustang Mach-E on the way. Plus, Ford already has a separate communications team dedicated to "Icon" vehicles like the Mustang and Bronco. But per Autoweek, Ford isn't done yet. The company wants a smaller Bronco Sport pickup truck and is considering an even bigger Mustang family.
“Who knows what the timeframe is in this COVID atmosphere we’re in but yeah, we’re looking at more EVs, hybrids, sedans, crossovers, coupe EVs, convertible EVs, rear-drive, all-wheel drive, you name it," a source told Autoweek, referring to Mustang variants.
"There’s probably going to be a fistfight over a pickup called Mustang, though,” the source said jokingly.
Renault's Probably Not Coming Back to the U.S., Mitsubishi Could Leave
Renault never made formal announcements about a return to the U.S., but talk of increased platform sharing with Nissan, the incorporation of Mitsubishi into the alliance, and Peugeot's American ambition made us think it was possible. But the company just announced its restructured plan for the alliance, and, well, it's not looking good for a Renault American comeback narrative.
The new plan has each member of the alliance focused on different regions. Importantly, Nissan is supposed to focus on North America, China, and Japan. Renault gets Europe, Russia, South America, and North Africa. Mitsubishi will focus on Oceania and Southeast Asia, suggesting that its involvement in the U.S. market will either be less of a focus going forward or axed altogether.
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