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GM releases full Super Bowl ad with GMC Hummer, Cadillac Lyriq: Take that, Norway!

GM just dropped its big Super Bowl ad, and it’s a good one. Will Ferrell, Kenan Thompson and Awkwafina all star in the 90-second ad titled “No Way, Norway.” The point of the ad is to get Americans hyped up about the upcoming electric vehicle range on its way from GM. Both the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV star throughout, but itÂ’s less about the vehicles, and more about changing attitudes about EVs in general. Ferrell comes after Norway aggressively, but in a playful and competitive way about how many electric cars sell in the Scandinavian country. Over half of all new car sales in Norway are of EVs, whereas GMÂ’s data show that just 4% of new cars sold in the U.S. are electric. Massive financial incentives from the Norwegian government can take much of the credit for why EVs sell at such high rates over there. However, GM thinks it can still rally the U.S. to get more excited about buying EVs once its fleet of cars using the companyÂ’s Ultium battery tech comes online. The ad is done with classic Ferrell comedy, and it sure did elicit some chuckles from us. It also follows the same “Everybody In” philosophy that GM announced back when it changed up the logo a short time ago. GM is inviting folks to strap in for the onslaught of EVs coming their way (for now, you can buy a Bolt). President BidenÂ’s administration has voiced support for a number of policies and actions to take for greater adoption of electric cars in the U.S. — we also know the federal government intends to transition its full fleet of vehicles to EVs. It's still unlikely that we make it to Norway's rate of electric car sales in the immediate future, but the U.S. could certainly begin to close the gap. Related video:

Hertz and GM team up to put 175,000 rental EVs on the road

Hertz and General Motors have announced a significant partnership that will send up to 175,000 electric vehicles into rental fleets across the country. The deal will unfold over the next five years and include vehicles from all GM brands.   The partnership will run through 2027. Hertz estimates that the electric fleet can save as many as 8 billion gasoline-powered miles, removing 1.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions from the air. Hertz says it will invest in becoming the largest renter of EVs in North America and notes that it already has tens of thousands available at 500 locations in 38 states. By the end of 2024, it plans to electrify a quarter of its fleet. Electric rental cars are a great way for travelers wanting to avoid gas, and they make excellent urban commuter cars. Hertz will also likely save a few dollars by avoiding oil changes and other routine maintenance that gas engines need. However, a hidden societal benefit of this deal may come when Hertz’s EV rental customers begin shopping for new cars. Many people are skeptical of EVs for various reasons, including range, charging, ease of operation, and cost. Giving people a low-risk introduction to EVs and the ability to test-drive one without a pressuring salesperson could drive more people to electrics. At the same time, there's also the risk that renters wanting to take their Hertz-GM EV on a road trip into sparsely populated areas may return with charging and range-related horror stories. Hertz currently doesnÂ’t ask what youÂ’re planning to do with your rental, but it does offer a chat service for questions, and range information is presented clearly on each vehicle. Related video: 2023 Cadillac Lyriq walkaround

GM considering new powertrain options for large SUVs

Aside from the new General Motors offerings, there's not a whole lot of action going on in the fullsize SUV segment. That doesn't seem to be stopping GM from pushing the envelope in the market as Automotive News is reporting that the automaker is looking to introduce some new powertrain options into the Chevy Tahoe (and Suburban), GMC Yukon (and Yukon XL) and the Cadillac Escalade - all have been redesigned for the 2015 model year.
Now, we already know that GM and Ford are collaborating on nine- and ten-speed transmissions for a broad range of applications (including the big SUVs), but this new report says that GM is also considering other options as a way to one-up the competition and, of course, to optimize fuel economy. AN quotes Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for GM trucks, as saying that "interesting powertrain technologies" are coming including a return of a hybrid SUV and possibly even a diesel engine. Although it sounds like the latter could come down to how customers respond to the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel.