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Lotus could be sold to Chinese automaker Geely

Two things are constant throughout the history of Lotus Cars: amazing vehicles, and financial struggles. Frequent changes in both ownership and leadership have left the company's future up in the air. And while the new management has improved quality and set a new product plan in place, its seems that Lotus could have a new parent company soon. Despite comments to the contrary, Chinese automaker Geely is rumored to be interested in acquiring Lotus Cars. The British automaker has been owned by Proton since 1996, but after Proton was sold to DRB-Hicom in 2012 investors suggested selling off Lotus. The Star Online reports that PSA in France is rumored to be looking at purchasing Proton cars from DRB-Hicom. In turn, Geely, the parent company of Volvo, is interested in purchasing Lotus from Proton. The report states that Geely has no interest in mass-market vehicles from Proton, while crossover-focus PSA, owner of Peugeot and Citroen, has no interest in a sports car manufacturer like Lotus. China has been encouraging its native automakers to purchase and acquire technology it lacks. Buying Lotus looks like it would benefit both companies. Lotus needs an influx of cash while Geely, looking to compete further on the global stage, would gain a great deal of technical and engineering knowledge from Lotus. Geely's stewardship of Volvo has been mostly hands-off, while giving the Swedish company enough money to invest in new platforms and technologies. If the same were to happen to Lotus, Colin Chapman's company could have its best years ahead of it. Related Video: News Source: The Star Online via Car BuzzImage Credit: Getty Rumormill Lotus Volvo Citroen Peugeot Lightweight Vehicles Performance Supercars Geely

Volvo prices its entry-level 2025 EX30 EV

Volvo announced Tuesday that it kept its promise to launch its new entry-level 2025 EX30 EV with an MSRP of $34,950 ($36,245 after Volvo's now-$1,295 destination fee). On top of that, we now have full pricing for the EX30 range, from the Core on up to the twin-motor Ultra. Just how reasonably priced is this new premium compact electric crossover? Well, every trim's MSRP starts below the current average transaction price for a new vehicle in the United States — and note we didn't say "electric" there.  The EX30 is offered in two powertrain variants, each with its own trim structure. The Single Motor Extended Range is offered in Core, Plus and Ultra trims. Meanwhile, the Twin Motor Performance is offered in just two: Plus and Ultra. The configuration names give it away, but if frugality is your game, the 275-mile Single Motor Extended Range is for you; if you want to hit 60 in just 3.4 seconds at the expense of range, then the Twin Motor Performance is what you're after. It'll cost you, of course; the jump from a Single Motor Core to a Twin Motor Plus is $9,950 — one heck of an upcharge for all-wheel drive — but remember: The two-wheel drive model is no penalty box. The single-motor EX30 is rear-wheel drive, not front. Here's the full pricing breakdown:  Single Motor Extended Range Core - $36,245 Plus - $40,195 Ultra - $41,895 Twin Motor Performance Plus - $46,195 Ultra - $47,895 Technically, the EX30 is $100 more expensive than we expected, but that's down to Volvo bumping up its destination fee for 2025. Hey, as Korzeniewski notes, they're still charging less to import an EX30 from overseas than Ford charges to ship an F-150 from Michigan, so we can't get too bent out of shape. Presumably the assembled-in-China EX30 does not qualify for the federal tax credit. Look for Volvo's bare-bones but stylish little electric crossover to hit dealerships in the first half of 2024; deposit holders will be able to configure their existing orders in the coming months.  Related video This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Best 3rd Row SUVs of 2024

If you plan on using a vehicle's third row a lot, let us at least make the suggestion that a minivan would be a smarter bet than anything you're going to see on this list of best three-row SUVs. Their third rows are bigger, more comfortable and easier to get to. The kids will definitely be happier. Here are our two top choices.  OK, now that that's out of the way, we totally get why minivans are totally depressing and that if the kids want to be happier, they can buy their own darn vehicle. You're buying, you're driving, you're being seen in it and you'd rather have a three-row SUV. Fair enough. Luckily, there are more choices than ever and they're really good. The best do a particularly good job of being family friendly without looking like a drab transportation appliance, although really, you can't go wrong with any of the mainstream three-row SUVs. Now, some of the luxury choices are a bit suspect, including those that are otherwise very appealing but have cramped third-row seats (the Genesis GV80 comes to mind). We're focusing on three-row SUVs here, so having a usable third row is a must.   In this list, we have broken things down into four sub-categories: Best Three-Row Crossover |  Best Full-size Three-Row SUV Best Luxury Three-Row SUV |  Best Flagship Luxury Three-Row SUV Note that we define crossovers as SUVs since most buyers use the terms interchangeably, but acknowledge that "crossover" is literally a vehicle with a car-like unibody structure as opposed to the truck-like, body-on-frame construction that traditionally has defined "SUV." In other words, we consider all crossovers SUVs, but not all SUVs are crossovers (specifically those in the full-size segment and some in the flagship luxury segment). Best Three-Row Crossover SUVs of 2024 2024 Honda Pilot Why it stands out: Exceptional storage and cargo space; unique second-row functionality; refined ride; versatile and capable TrailSport; advanced AWDCould be better: Subpar acceleration with lackadaisical transmission and engine response; so-so driver assistance tech Read our full 2024 Honda Pilot Review The Honda Pilot was completely redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor's family friendly packaging and overall focus, but it has injected a welcome sense of style (especially in the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out much better from the big crossover crowd.