Electric Cars

Automakers typically boast about their vehicles' blazing speeds on the legendary N\u00fcrburgring circuit. However, French manufacturer Ligier decided to challenge this norm by aiming for the opposite: recording the slowest possible lap time. This unconventional endeavor involved their Ligier JS50 microcar, a diesel-powered quadricycle, which embarked on a unique journey around the renowned track.

Beyond merely setting a slow-speed record, the Ligier JS50's run posed another significant challenge: completing the entire 12.9-mile N\u00fcrburgring course on a single tank of fuel. Meunier and Coulomb achieved this remarkable feat, demonstrating an impressive fuel efficiency of 94.1 miles per gallon. The vehicle was equipped with what Ligier humorously termed an "ultimate racing experience" package, featuring decorative decals and an aerodynamic body kit. Inspired by this successful, albeit slow, demonstration, Ligier is reportedly contemplating bringing this unique kit to the market.

This event brilliantly illustrates that the essence of automotive passion extends beyond raw power and speed. It highlights that innovation, even in the realm of microcars, can lead to unexpected and engaging achievements. The Ligier JS50's record-setting slow lap at the N\u00fcrburgring proves that there is immense joy and ingenuity in exploring the full spectrum of a vehicle's capabilities, fostering a spirit of creative challenge and celebrating the unique character of every machine.

Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely Holding Group is reportedly evaluating an expansion into the American market, potentially introducing its premium brands, Zeekr and Lynk & Co, to U.S. consumers by the end of the current decade. This strategic move could involve utilizing Volvo's manufacturing plant in South Carolina, enabling Geely to navigate existing tariffs and establish a significant presence in North America.

Chinese Automaker Geely Eyes U.S. Expansion with Premium Brands

In a recent interview with Autoline, Ash Sutcliffe, Geely Holding Group's global communications head, indicated the company's active consideration of the United States as a key market for future growth. While Geely currently maintains strong footholds in China and a stable presence in Europe and Southeast Asia, the American market represents a substantial new frontier. Sutcliffe highlighted Zeekr and Lynk & Co as potential candidates for the U.S. launch, citing their appeal in the affordable premium and luxury vehicle segments. An official announcement regarding these plans could materialize within the next 24 to 36 months.

Geely's potential entry into the U.S. market aligns with a broader trend of Chinese automakers seeking international expansion. Despite governmental efforts to restrict the import of inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles, hybrid and gasoline-powered automobiles continue to enjoy widespread popularity globally. These traditional and hybrid powertrain options could provide a strategic avenue for Geely and other international manufacturers to secure a foothold in the competitive American automotive landscape, offering consumers a diverse range of choices.

This development underscores the evolving dynamics of the global automotive industry, where established markets are increasingly opening up to new players. Geely's exploration of the U.S. market, particularly through its premium sub-brands and leveraging existing manufacturing infrastructure, signals a calculated and ambitious strategy to compete on a global scale. The prospect of new entrants offering innovative and potentially more accessible premium options could reshape consumer expectations and drive further competition within the American automotive sector, benefiting consumers with a broader array of vehicle choices.