Progress in the Automotive World: President, Tesla, UAW

After being in a pandemic mode for the past two years, what we want to see is progress taking place in the automotive world.

That progress is happening and comes in many forms. Some may admire the movement forward and the push for changes, while others might not appreciate the necessity for some of the changes and partnerships that are emerging. Regardless of which side of the coin you fall on, it’s pretty easy to see that things are moving forward, and our automotive industry is getting back on track.

An Exciting Visit to the Plant Making a Big Electric Truck

While we don’t expect to see the new GMC Hummer EV at the job sites pulling work trailers or hauling loads of materials, we know that it could do just that. What we do expect with this new electric truck is for owners who want to enjoy the adventures of heading out on the trails to be able to experience the outdoor fun they love and crave.

This new electric truck represents the newest level of advancements in the industry for GM, and the new plant where it’s being made had a significant visitor.

President Biden Heads to Detroit

Shortly after signing the new infrastructure bill into law, President Joe Biden headed to Detroit to visit Factory Zero, which is the assembly plant for the new GMC Hummer EV. A huge part of his platform and goal for progress in the automotive world is to see more electric vehicles hit the market. This new truck is exciting and a truck that piques the imagination of drivers around the country. GM plans to offer more than 30 battery-electric vehicles by 2025, and this visit gives the nod to the goals of the company.

GM Isn’t the Only Brand in the Electric Market

In a world where progress is the name of the game, we see that nearly every automaker is working toward more electric vehicles and trying to create vehicles that don’t need gasoline to operate. The Los Angeles Auto Show opened recently and gave a look at new models, including the Subaru Solterra, a variety of concept models from Hyundai and Kia, and new technology that will advance the development of battery-electric technology. The question is which brands will reach the market first and which vehicles will catch on quickly and easily.

Tesla and Hertz Are Putting EVs on the Roads

With many taxi companies being replaced by drivers that work for Uber and Lyft, Tesla and Hertz have entered a contract to allow more electric vehicles to be on the roads. Hertz will offer an expanded rental program to Uber drivers in the United States and Europe with 100,000 new Tesla Model 3 cars. These cars will allow Uber drives to collect fares and drive customers to their destinations without the worry of owning the vehicle or using gasoline during their rides around town.

The Hertz Fleet Will Go to the Best Drivers

For Uber drivers to qualify to drive the Hertz fleet of Tesla Model 3 vehicles, they will have to have a minimum of a 4.7-star rating and at least 150 trips for the ride-sharing service. This will avoid renting these cars out to drivers that are just starting out that might not be committed to being full-time drivers for the company. The price will be around $334 per week initially but may be lowered to $299 per week in the near future. This is a huge deal for both Hertz and Uber, and it’s another example of progress in the automotive world.

The Rebuilding of Hertz

If you haven’t heard much from Hertz or about its rental fleet for several months, there’s a good reason for it. Currently, Hertz is restructuring and rebuilding after coming out of bankruptcy that ended in June. The goal for Hertz is to be positioned as a technology and environmental leader. When you hire an Uber in the future, you just might get to enjoy the ride in a Tesla Model 3 that has been rented by the driver from Hertz. You should feel good about your ride if that’s the case; you’ll know that driver is a pro.

The John Deere Strike is Over

The UAW doesn’t just represent automotive workers; this massive union also represents the more than 10,000 employees of John Deere. A recent five-week strike was certainly threatening to halt progress and hold the company back from moving forward and offering the tractors and equipment offered. While this company doesn’t represent progress in the automotive world, the end of the strike is another win for the little guy and for the union that represents them. This strike will bring workers more of what they need.

Record Profits and Sales Without Benefits to Workers

With John Deere posting record profits for the past several years, workers in Iowawent on strike due to inadequate contract proposals by the company. If the company is as profitable as stated, the workers should benefit from these profits as much as anyone else. Nearly 90 percent of the UAW members rejected the first contract that was proposed by the company. The same took place with the second proposal, and the strike that began on October 14 continued. Thankfully, a third contract proposal gave these workers what they needed to be able to end the strike.

The Results of the New Contract

The more than 10,000 John Deere employees that were on strike were able to win many contract benefits that will help them for the next few years. They doubled their raise percentages, improved the pensions they will enjoy after retirement, and brought back COLA. Their action shows the rest of the working class that organized contract negotiations can still work, and the backbone of this country can still receive what they need from the companies they work for. This action may show progress in the automotive world that might not require strikes as various contracts expire at represented companies.