Jenell Ross Celebrates 50 Years at the Helm of the Nation’s Only Black Woman-Owned Buick, GMC, and Mercedes-Benz Dealership
The Bob Ross Auto Group, founded by Robert P. Ross Sr. in 1974, is a family-owned business that has accomplished much in the automotive industry. Following Robert’s passing, his wife Norma and their children, Jenell, and Robert Jr., continued his legacy, expanding the dealership and receiving awards for business excellence and community service. Today, former AIADA Chair Jenell Ross, the President of Bob Ross Auto Group, leads the only Buick, GMC, and Mercedes-Benz dealership owned by an African American woman. In this episode of CBT News’ Women Driving the Industry, we explore Jenell’s personal journey as a leader in the automotive industry and her active role in her Ohio community. Jenell Ross highlights the significant role of her family’s legacy in the automotive industry. Her narrative emphasizes family values and business continuity through her leadership following her father and mother. This highlights the broader theme of generational leadership within family-owned businesses in the automotive sector. Click here for the full interview.
States Sue to Block U.S. Rules Curbing Tailpipe Emissions in Cars, Light Trucks
Republican attorneys general from 25 states sued the EPA to block rules intended to reduce planet-warming emissions from cars and light trucks and encourage electric vehicle manufacturing, arguing the agency exceeded its legal authority. The lawsuit challenging the regulations for passenger vehicles, finalized on March 20 by President Biden's administration, was filed by attorneys general from states led by Kentucky and West Virginia in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The EPA rules aim to cut fleetwide tailpipe emissions for cars and light trucks by nearly 50 percent over 2026 levels in 2032 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7.2 billion tons through 2055, reports Reuters. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said the rules would harm the American economy, threaten jobs, and raise prices while undermining the U.S. electricity grid. Coleman also said there is very little consumer interest in electric vehicles in his state. Republican state officials have said the rules amount to an attempt by the administration to transform the American passenger vehicle market improperly through strict rules that make it difficult for manufacturers to not go electric. Click here for the full story.
U.S. Pressuring Mexico to Stop Giving Chinese EV Makers Sweet Deals
Mexico is reportedly putting meetings with Chinese carmakers on hold to avoid angering the United States, one of its major partners within the free trade zone outlined by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The worry among American politicians is that China wants to circumvent high import tariffs by setting up shop in Mexico, thereby gaining cheap entry to the U.S. market. Due to this pressure from American officials who are suddenly worried about Chinese manufacturing in Mexico, ongoing talks of further investment have halted. Back in January, Mexican government officials reportedly told personnel from Chinese EV manufacturing juggernaut BYD that it wouldn't be granting any further land or tax incentives to Chinese automakers, like it'd done in the past, and that future meetings with such firms were paused for the time being, reports The Drive. The Office of the United States Trade Representative is reportedly behind Mexico's move to pause talks, and while the USTR refuses to confirm if the pressure on Mexico is coming from them, they tell Reuters that the USMCA is not supposed to "provide a back door to China and others who may be seeking to access our market without paying...tariffs." Click here for the full story.
Toyota Highlander Going Electric as Part of Toyota's Massive EV Ramp-Up
When it comes to EVs, few automakers have expressed more skepticism than Toyota, the Japanese giant putting equal emphasis on hybrids, plug-ins, and even fuel-cell vehicles. Yet, after a slow start, Toyota has plans to roll out an assortment of battery-electric vehicles starting in 2026 and at least one of its familiar nameplates is now scheduled to go 100 percent electric. Toyota earned plenty of kudos when it launched the world’s first mass-market hybrid-electric vehicle, the Prius, more than a quarter-century ago. At one point, the quirky little hatchback was the darling of green-minded celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and the best-selling vehicle in California. In recent years, however, Toyota has come under fire from environmentalists due to its avowed skepticism about battery-electric vehicles. The Japanese giant offers only two EVs in the U.S. right now – the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. It won’t expand that line-up for another two years. But, beyond that, CarBuzz has learned, it’s getting ready to roll out an assortment of all-electric models. And parts of the plan now coming together could take Toyota fans by surprise. Click here for the full story.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N-Line First Test: Great Gets Greater
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan has been treated to an extensive midcycle refresh that addressed its exterior and interior styling while adding all-wheel drive to some trims. The Sonata’s performance-oriented N-Line trim was also updated up as a result, delivering slightly more aggression while also retaining a comfortable experience for the daily commute. Motortrend recently spent a couple of fun weeks behind the wheel of the updated Sonata N-Line, putting in plenty of freeway miles, attacking twisty road loops, and plying city streets along the way as we did. We also took it to the track to see how well its performance compares to one of the only other mainstream sport sedans on the market — its Korean Kia K5 GT distant cousin. One look at the 2024 Sonata, and you’d think its all-new given how different the exterior and interior are from the 2023 model. Outside, the Hyundai sedan’s new unibrow and hidden headlight design help deliver a more modern and elegant look than before. Inside, everything from the B-pillar forward has been addressed, including the dashboard, infotainment and driver’s displays, A/C controls, and front seats. Click here for the full story.
Around the Web
If You’ve Got an EV, Google Maps Is About to Become Much More Valuable [The Washington Post]
2024 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe Tested: The V-8 Returns [Car and Driver]
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Is the Cure for What Ails Us [The Drive]
