Automakers to Axe Some Vehicles in Coming Months
Muscle cars and EVs are among the models on the chopping block.
Mercedes-Benz will end its CLS nameplate in August, replacing it with the CLE Coupe and CLE Cabriolet.
IMAGE: Pexels/Mike Bird
Automakers plan to discontinue a few models in 2024, among which are muscle cars and EV models.
The shift to electric vehicles is the main reason the future of some models is ending, according to Will Kaufman, news editor at car research site Edmunds.
Among the models being discontinued:
Dodge Chargers and Challengers. Parent company Stellantis' Dodge will cease production of the two popular muscle cars by the end of the year.
Audi R8 and TT. Audi will phase out these vehicles as it works toward becoming a fully electric company by 2033. The R8 will no longer be available in the U.S. by year’s end, according to Audi of America spokesperson Mark Dahncke. Audi is exploring potential options for an electric successor to the R8.
Kia Stinger. Production of the fastback sedan will end after the 2023 model year.
Nissan Maxima. Production of the Maxima will stop in mid-2023, 42 years after it was first introduced. According to spokesperson Ashli Bobo, Nissan's prioritization of EVs and the expectation of 40% of sales being fully electric by 2030 is the reason for the decision.
Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV. General Motors CEO Mary Barra confirmed in April that the automaker will stop producing the Bolt and Bolt EUV by the end of the year, despite record sales in the first quarter. Kaufman said GM might be doing this to accelerate production of other EV offerings.
720S.Last year, McLaren ceased production of the 720S supercar to make way for the 750s, with customer deliveries planned for the fourth quarter.
CLS. Mercedes-Benz is axing its CLS nameplate in August and will cease production of the C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet and the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet this summer. They will be replaced by the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and CLE Cabriolet, which offer additional room and more power.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
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