Boeing urges airlines to inspect 737 Max planes / VinFast to open dealership in U.S. / German authorities reopen criminal investigation of VW executive

Plus, Poland unveils plan for high-speed rail

Inside Transportation For December 29, 2023

Here is your Friday Transportation briefing:  Xiaomi 🚗 unveiled plans for its first electric car. Poland 🇵🇱 announced a new high-speed rail line connecting major cities, allocating €37M. VinFast 🚗 marked its debut collaboration with a U.S.-based dealer.  Thanks for reading! Robel p/Robel-Kelkile

1 Xiaomi has unveiled plans for its inaugural electric car, the SU7 sedan, poised for a debut in China next year. The Chinese smartphone maker looks to blend smartphone tech into the automotive realm. More: The SU7 represents Xiaomi's entry into the crowded EV market, emphasizing a seamless tech experience akin to their smartphones. Running on Xiaomi's "HyperOS," a software architecture developed for over six years, promising unified user experiences across phones, smart homes, and cars. The SU7 is estimated to have a full charge range of about 500 miles on China's test cycle for the higher-end model using a 101kWh battery pack from CATL. Pricing details are yet to be disclosed, but Xiaomi faces the challenge of ensuring reliability and safety at scale, a hurdle for any new car manufacturer.

2 Boeing has urged airlines to inspect 737 Max planes for a potential loose bolt in the rudder control system. The move follows the discovery of a missing nut during routine maintenance and an undelivered aircraft with a poorly tightened nut.  More: The inspections will take roughly two hours per plane and will be conducted for all existing and new 737 Max deliveries to ensure safety. Alaska Airlines announced plans to start inspections immediately, expecting to finish in the first half of January without operational impact. United Airlines and American Airlines also anticipate completing the inspections without any operational disruptions.

3 Poland has unveiled plans for a new high-speed rail line connecting major cities, allocating €37M for a 140-kilometer track and a four-kilometer tunnel. Additionally, the country is constructing an airport between Warsaw and Łódź as part of the broader Solidarity Transport Hub (CPK) project. More: The high-speed rail will link Warsaw with Łódź and Wrocław, enhancing connectivity between major cities. Łódź, known for its textile history, boasts attractions like the Central Museum of Textiles and the Manufaktura Arts Center. Wrocław, celebrated for its pastel townhouses and Gothic town hall, was the European capital of culture in 2016 and is lauded for its quality of life.

4 VinFast, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer, has partnered with North Carolina's Leith Automotive Group, marking its initial collaboration with a U.S.-based dealer. The move comes as the company looks to boost sales in the American market. More: VinFast is adjusting its distribution model, moving from a direct-to-consumer approach inspired by Tesla to a "hybrid" model involving dealerships. Leith Automotive Group, besides sales, will handle repairs, maintenance, and parts for VinFast vehicles as part of the partnership. The Vietnamese EV maker has a $4B manufacturing plant in North Carolina and is set to commence operations in 2026. The company received 70 dealer applications in the U.S., potentially allowing it to distribute EVs through 125 sales points nationwide. Globally, VinFast sold approximately 13,000 units in the second and third quarters, with over half sold to an affiliate company owned by its founder. VinFast stock is down 76% year to date.

5 Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a law preventing the state from adopting California's vehicle emission standards. The law also prohibits localities from restricting vehicle sales based on fuel source, offering residents freedom of choice in their motorized equipment. More: The law blocks Ohio from adopting California's emission standards, including EV requirements and climate-zero initiatives.  It permits natural gas companies to impose additional costs on consumers through a last-minute amendment. Localities are barred from restricting vehicle sales or use based on fuel source, allowing residents to choose their preferred automobiles. Gov. DeWine signed the law just before the 10-day signing or veto window closed, after the bill's introduction in June and passage by the General Assembly earlier in the month.

6 German authorities reopened a criminal investigation into Martin Winterkorn, the former Volkswagen chairman, for suspected market manipulation linked to the 2015 emissions-rigging scandal, following a request from prosecutors. As part of the penalties for the 2017 emissions, VW noted it cost the company €31.3B.  More: Winterkorn faces allegations of failing to promptly inform the capital market about defeat devices installed in Volkswagen's diesel engines, as legally required. The investigation, initially halted in 2021 due to another case carrying a higher penalty, has been resumed based on prosecutors' request. Winterkorn was accused in a 2019 indictment of withholding information about the emissions cheating scandal, impacting the capital market.

7 QUICK HITS 2024 is the year your startup gets funded. Make it happen with Foundersuite. Over 50k global startups have raised $15B+ with our investor DB, CRM, data room, and more.* Nasdaq issued a Non-Compliance Notice to Faraday Future Intelligent Electric.  Boomsupersonic's XB-1's Maiden flight was postponed to early 2024. The company has incorporated three completed safety enhancements.  Injuries from E-Bikes and Electric Scooters have increased by over 20%.  Amtrak achieved the highest rating in the 2023 corporate equality index.  Fisker released its December 2023 business update, which included delivery surges of over 300% from Q3 to Q4. The company also noted they manufactured 10,142 Fisker Oceans and delivered 4,700 Vehicles.  Frec Direct Indexing delivers the benefits of passive index investing with supercharged tax savings – up to 38% of your portfolio over 5 years in tax deductions.* *This is a sponsored post.

Upcoming Events JAN 30 Join TruEra for an expert discussion about the impact of the EU AI Act on US and Canadian firms Virtual Register here * This is a sponsored event

Robel Kelkile Writer Born and raised in the Bay Area, Robel Kelkile is passionate about all things tech, venture, and financial education. He has previously served both universities and state governments in their engagement strategy and tracking legislation. This newsletter was edited by Aaron Crutchfield

Discover more on inside.com/transportation Thanks for reading today's issue of Inside Transportation . Explore Explore

Share Email Share on X Open in Browser Open in Browser Open in Browser

Did someone forward this email to you? Get your free subscription here. Interested in sponsoring this newsletter? Connect with our sales team here. You received this email because you are subscribed to Inside Transportation . Manage your subscription or unsubscribe here. 767 Bryant St. #203, San Francisco, CA 94107 Copyright © 2023 Inside.com