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Tesla exec calls rival EVs 'little more than appliances'

Tesla's Vice President of Business Development Diarmuid O'Connell called the company's competition "little more than appliances" at the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI yesterday. "In essence, [mainstream automakers] delivered little more than appliances," O' Connell said. "Now, appliances are useful. But they tend to be white. They tend to be unemotional." According to Automotive News, O'Connell's main critique is that vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 don't deliver enough performance or range to draw the attention of consumers outside of a small group. The solution, in O'Connell's mind, is more power, more range, more excitement and a lower price – that last point is particularly rich coming from an automaker whose cheapest current offering, the Model S 60, costs $66,000 – although the cheaper Model 3 is on the horizon, way out there, somewhere. But some EVs are better than none, O'Connell added. "On balance, I'm happier that [traditional automakers are] doing these cars than not," O'Connell said. "I just wish they would do them better and faster." O'Connell also used his appearance at the Management Briefing Seminars to launch a volley at the Michigan legislature, blaming its opposition to Tesla's direct-sales model for the lack of available EVs in the Wolverine State. "I think if the Michigan Legislature would allow Tesla to sell cars in Michigan, we could probably address [the lack of available electric cars]," O'Connell said. Related Video:

Kia Sportspace Concept is a big, red wagon that previews the future

The Kia Sportspace Concept might preview some design elements for the next-gen Optima, but for now the Korean brand is keeping the focus on this somewhat sporty looking wagon on display at the Geneva Motor Show. Its shape is designed specifically to appeal to European tastes, and the styling comes from the company's design studio Frankfurt, Germany. Despite the European design ethos, there's no mistaking the Sportspace as anything but a Kia. Up front, it features a sharper version of the brand's familiar tiger-nose grille that runs horizontally to link the LED headlights. However, the major visual focus for the concept is the long roof and angled rear hatch. The designers even pitch the D-pillar forward for a slightly more sporty style. The interior almost appears to come from a completely different model. The combination of black upholstery with carbon fiber trim and large pieces of anodized aluminum makes it look like a very dark place for a drive. Kia is apparently trying to appeal to the Sportspace's Swiss audience, though. The company touts that there's enough room to store a set of skis by fitting them between the rear seats. Power for the Sportspace comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 247 horsepower that spins the front wheels, but the automaker doesn't specify anything about the transmission that it all routes through. Looking at the current Optima, it isn't hard to see the future design evolving this way. Get a preview from this big, red wagon on the show floor of the Geneva show in our gallery, above. DESIGN OVERVIEW: THE KIA SPORTSPACE CONCEPT The working week is over. The late afternoon sun is glinting on the ice crystals in the road-side snowbanks and turning the snow-capped peaks ahead pink. The road snakes ahead towards a weekend of fun and action. The journey demands a swift, efficient and refined machine to allow the maximum pleasure to be extracted from the time available. This is exactly the role for which the Kia SPORTSPACE was conceived. Its muscular proportions are ready to deliver a safe, secure but speedy passage to the slopes. Its cosseting and refined interior provides convivial yet individual space for its four passengers. Its sleek and elegant lines – both inside and out – are functional but stylish, allowing its travelling partners both comfort and convenience within a bodyshape that stands out from the crowd. This is a concept that has extracting the maximum from life at its heart.

Kia Provo Concept is a Mini-sized hatch debuting in Geneva

The machine you see above is, according to a report from Autocar, the Kia Provo Concept, and it's set to debut at the rapidly approaching Geneva Motor Show. As you can see, the Korean concept draws inspiration from young and hip hatchbacks like the Mini range and the Citroën DS3.
We can't say how much of the Provo's somewhat radical conceptual design will make it into production, such as the contrasting roof color, oversize wheel arches filled with some pretty radical wheels, and one-piece headlight and taillight housings. Suffice it to say, though, we're definitely intrigued by what we see.
Also note the diamond stitching in the interior with chrome, suede and carbon fiber accents. The flat-bottom steering wheel is also rather interesting. These details, along with the racy elements of the exterior design, make us think Kia may be targeting performance-minded buyers with the Provo.