Welcome to today's edition of the Daily 5.
Stellantis' assembly plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., will be its first U.S. factory to build electric vehicles. The automaker is investing more than $406 million in three Michigan plants to build electrified Ram pickups and Jeep Wagoneer SUVs as well as parts for the vehicles.
Production of the fully electric Ram 1500 REV is scheduled to begin before the end of this year.
Speaking of EVs, one Michigan dealership is embracing battery-powered cars even as some in the industry reevaluate their plans. Our story shows how Bowman Chevy's staff training and culture led to success with EV sales.
Tomorrow, we'll look at how that dealership has solved some of the challenges of servicing EVs.
This week's editorial speaks to the vehicle affordability crisis and how it could open the door for low-price Chinese cars. If pricey options continue to dominate the market, how long will the public tolerate protectionist prohibitions against an $11,500 EV made in China?
On the manufacturing side of things, Toyota supplier Denso is trying a new concept: workerless factories. A ¥69 billion ($482.9 million) plant will make advanced on-board computers that bundle control of multiple functions in the car and "be capable of 24-hour unmanned operation," Denso says.
Lastly, we have a rundown of the automotive and manufacturing policy positions the two presidential candidates outlined in their Tuesday night debate.
That's it for now. Have a great rest of your day.
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— Terry Kosdrosky, audience engagement editor
