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Transcript/ScriptUS Chicago Auto Show
HEADLINE: Chicago Auto Show Reflects Demand, Push to Electrification
TEASER: The Chicago Auto Show is a launchpad for manufacturers to showcase their latest offerings.
PUBLISHED AT: 2/14/2023 at 1:15pm BYLINE: Kane Farabaugh
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Chicago, Illinois
VIDEOGRAPHER: Kane Farabaugh
PRODUCER: Kane Farabaugh
SCRIPT EDITORS: Bowman, MPage
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO __
TRT: 3:04
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:
((INTRO))
The largest and longest running auto show in North America, the Chicago Auto Show, is an annual showcase of the latest vehicle technology and offerings available to customers. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh reports this year’s show reflects consumer demand, and government mandates.
((NARRATOR))
The Chicago Auto Show is a launchpad for manufacturers to showcase their latest offerings. In recent years the focus was the battery powered electric vehicle or B-E-V.
But amid soaring vehicles prices, variety and choice are emphasized at this year’s auto show.
((Curt McAllister, Toyota))
“At Toyota we believe it shouldn’t be just one formula.”
((NARRATOR))
Toyota’s Curt McAllister says the company’s current product lineup, a mix of electric and gas-powered automobiles, reflects customer feedback.
((Curt McAllister, Toyota))
“Our customers are telling us they want choices. They just don’t want us to try to pigeonhole them into one subset.”
((NARRATOR))
Which is why Toyota is profiling a 5th generation Prius, a best-selling hybrid that uses both a battery and a gasoline powered engine.
((Curt McAllister, Toyota))
“We now have 21 hybrids across Toyota and Lexus. So it’s a big part of our carbon neutrality message.”
((NARRATOR))
McAllister says Toyota isn’t ignoring the rapidly growing but more expensive BEV market.
((Curt McAllister, Toyota))
“We want to make sure that we have something that not only makes sense for us but also makes sense for their pocketbook.”
((NARRATOR))
Higher interest rates for car loans in 2022 slowed new vehicle purchases, marking the first drop in sales in a decade. Even so, the number of BEVs sold increased by about 65 percent from a year earlier, according to research firm Motor Intelligence. BEVs made up nearly six percent of U.S. new car sales last year.
Manufacturers say customers are struggling to overcome “range anxiety” – how far EV’s can travel before needing to recharge. In the United States, gas stations far outnumber charging stations.
((Chad Lyons, Chevrolet))
“Our customer base, some of them are not ready for EVs. And so actually our plan for the next five years is to offer EVs for those that are ready in three most competitive segments but at the same time offer ICE vehicles or gas-powered vehicles for those that are not ready.”
((NARRATOR))
Chad Lyons with General Motors’ Chevrolet brand says demand for gas powered sedans has plummeted. As a result, his company’s lineup is focused on sport utility vehicles, or SUVs. Later this year, Chevrolet will offer two new battery powered SUVs, and the choices don’t end there.
((Chad Lyons, Chevrolet))
“Pickup trucks are the heart of America, and so we are going to offer the Silverado EV as well.”
((Deyan Ninov, Design Manager, Dodge))
“Everyone loves muscle cars.
NARRATOR))
Dodge design manager Deyan Ninov says customers want vehicles that look less electric and more classic.
((Deyan Ninov, Dodge Design Manager))
“I think if you look at all the electric cars out there right now, they all sort of look the same. They all have the same feeling and character they kind of have the same proportions, the jellybean proportion.”
((NARRATOR))
Ninov is designing a concept that transitions the iconic Challenger muscle car into an all-electric vehicle.
((Deyan Ninov, Dodge Design Manager))
“Something that’s not really out there, and that’s a big part of the muscle car experience.”
((NARRATOR))
While manufacturers emphasize choice, U.S. President Joe Biden wants 50 percent of all vehicles on the road to be electric by 2030. California, meanwhile, is mandating that all new vehicles sold in the state be electric or hydrogen-powered by 2035.
Kane Farabaugh, VOA News, Chicago, Illinois
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)
Chicago, Illinois
Embargo DateFebruary 14, 2023 16:36 EST
Byline
Kane Farabaugh, VOA News, Chicago, Illinois.
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English