Motor Bella 2021: OEMs expand EV model lineup in response to market demand
Pickups include Ford Maverick, F-150 Lightning ,Toyota Tundra; SUVs include GMC Hummer EV, VW ID.4
2021/11/04
- Summary
- Ford's shows electrified range with hybrid Maverick, BEV F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E
- Volkswagen contrasts practicality and performance with ID.4 and Audi e-tron GT
- GM shows future model and technologies based on Ultium platform
- Toyota Tundra, Sienna and Jeep Wrangler 4xe highlight hybrid model options
- Panel sessions discuss current and future challenges facing electric vehicles
Summary
In place of the 2021 North American International Auto Show which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association presented Motor Bella, a one-time outdoor automotive exhibition. Motor Bella was held from September 21 through September 26, 2021 on the M1 Concourse event venue and track in Pontiac, Michigan, U.S. Showcasing a different approach to a traditional auto show, Motor Bella promoted attendee interactivity through ride-along demonstrations and test drives around the venue. The aim of Motor Bella was to serve as a preliminary test to gauge public interest in a new auto show style.
With the growing severity of emission regulations and need for environmental sustainability, OEMs have focused on developing electric vehicles. Due to U.S. market patterns, automakers have expanded their electric vehicle lineups into the SUV and light truck segments. This trend was highlighted with the models at Motor Bella. For example, electrified pickups at Motor Bella included the Ford Maverick, the Toyota Tundra and a demonstration model of the Ford F-150 Lightning. The electrified SUVs shown included the GMC Hummer EV SUV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4 and Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Audi's display comprised solely of its e-tron family models.
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| Toyota Tundra | GMC Hummer EV SUV |
In addition, Motor Bella held various panels with industry experts to discuss automotive mobility trends as part of its AutoMobili-D technology showcase. One session focused on the challenges in increasing adoption of battery electric vehicles. A different session highlighted how companies could accelerate their development processes as the growth of electric vehicles necessitates rapid innovation. Another panel discussed the future direction of the primary mobility trends, highlighting potential changes to maintain development of electrification and autonomy.
This report is the second of two reports which focuses on the content shown at Motor Bella. This report will focus primarily on EVs at the exhibition and provide information from specific panel sessions. A previous report emphasized notable internal combustion models shown at Motor Bella.
Related reports:
Motor Bella 2021: U.S. demand for SUVs and light trucks steadily grows (Oct. 2021)
WCX 2021: Challenges and considerations of electric vehicles (May 2021)
GM: Introducing 30 BEV models by 2025, next-gen Ultium battery will cost 60% less (Mar. 2021)
VW Group (Part 2): Increasing sales of SUVs and electrified vehicles (Feb. 2021)
Ford (Part 1): Collaboration with VW and targeted investment under new CEO (Nov. 2020)
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