Electric Cars

Mitsubishi's vehicle lineup has seen various iterations globally, often incorporating designs from its alliance partners. While some collaborations, like the Mitsubishi Outlander, involve significant re-engineering, others, such as the new Eclipse Sportback EV, share close resemblances with existing models like the Nissan Leaf. This strategy continues with their latest electric offering, demonstrating a focus on collaborative development for new markets.

The upcoming Mitsubishi ASX VR-e is a prominent example of this partnership approach, drawing its foundation from the Foxtron Bria, a stylish compact crossover. This vehicle, designed by Pininfarina, is a product of Foxtron, a joint venture between Taiwanese car manufacturer Yulon and the technology giant Foxconn, widely recognized for manufacturing Apple's iPhone. Mitsubishi's decision to partner with Foxtron emerged after previous discussions between Foxtron and Nissan did not materialize, leading to a memorandum of understanding in 2025 for the ASX VR-e's introduction to Australia and New Zealand by late 2026.

In terms of specifications, the ASX VR-e is anticipated to mirror the Foxtron Bria's performance capabilities. The base rear-wheel-drive Bria model boasts 229 horsepower, achieving 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive variant offers a more robust 400 horsepower and a 0-62 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds. Both versions feature a 57.7 kWh battery, providing an estimated range of 320 miles for the RWD and 290 miles for the AWD. Although Foxtron had previously explored entering the U.S. market, these plans were put on hold due to tariff concerns, making the ASX VR-e's availability primarily focused on the Oceania region.

This venture highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, where strategic alliances and technological cross-pollination are becoming increasingly vital. Mitsubishi's re-entry into the Australian EV market with the ASX VR-e, following the i-MiEV's discontinuation, signifies a proactive step towards embracing electric mobility in a competitive environment. The collaboration with a technology leader like Foxconn through Foxtron underscores the potential for innovation and efficiency when diverse industries converge, ultimately benefiting consumers with advanced and thoughtfully designed vehicles.

Cadillac is elevating the luxury experience for its upcoming electric Escalade IQ by introducing a bespoke customization program. This initiative, previously exclusive to the ultra-luxury Celestiq sedan, allows discerning customers to personalize their SUV with an extensive range of options, albeit for a significant additional cost. This move signals Cadillac's ambition to compete with established high-end automotive brands in offering unparalleled vehicle tailoring.

The Pinnacle of Personalization: Cadillac's Curated Experience for the Escalade IQ

In a bold move by Cadillac, the esteemed 'Curated by Cadillac' personalization program, initially conceived for the opulent $400,000 Celestiq, is now accessible to buyers of the electric Escalade IQ. For an additional sum of $54,995, customers can embark on a journey of co-creation, working alongside a dedicated design concierge to craft a truly unique vehicle. This bespoke service offers an impressive palette of over 160 exterior colors, encompassing metallics, frosts, and matte finishes, alongside 44 interior color choices. These options can be meticulously combined to customize seat rows, door trims, and even specific elements within the seats themselves. Each 'Curated by Cadillac' Escalade IQ will be distinguished by hand-painted and hand-built craftsmanship at the Artisan Center in Warren, Michigan, receiving a unique VIN and serialized badges to signify its exclusivity.

While vehicle customization has long been a hallmark of ultra-luxury brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Aston Martin, its introduction to the Escalade IQ marks a significant shift. The base Escalade IQ, priced at approximately $130,300, remains considerably more accessible than its luxury counterparts. Even with the $54,995 customization fee, the total cost positions the Escalade IQ competitively against premium SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga, which starts around $230,000. However, the extent of customization offered for the Escalade IQ, while generous, is noted to be less exhaustive than that available for the Celestiq, or the practically limitless possibilities presented by Rolls-Royce, which is renowned for fulfilling almost any client request, no matter how extravagant. This strategic expansion raises intriguing questions about potential market dynamics, particularly whether the highly customizable and spacious Escalade IQ might inadvertently draw sales away from Cadillac's more expensive and less utilitarian Celestiq.