Auto Industry News: Menzies Takes SCORE San Felipe 250, Spotify Hits the Dash, 2022 Honda Civic Debuts, and Gas Cars Take More Hits

Electric vehicles continue to elbow their way into the market, as Washington becomes the latest state to ban new sales of gas-powered cars. Perhaps unsurprising to anyone watching the industry, recent data from SEMA shows consumers still prefer a traditional powertrain under the hood. They also prefer rugged styling and a bigger footprint, with crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks continuing to top shopping lists.

Sedans remain relevant, though their target demographic seems to be changing. The production-ready 2022 Honda Civic debuted last week wearing noticeably grown-up styling for a vehicle traditionally beloved by 20-something year old men. Speaking of young drivers, Spotify launched its first in-car audio player. So, if you can remember comparing aftermarket Alpine stereos in the high-school parking lot, I guess it’s officially time to start taking a calcium supplement.

But before we dig into the industry’s most recent happenings, let’s check in with the exciting dirt-flinging action served up at the 34th Annual SCORE San Felipe 250 this weekend in Baja California.

Menzies Wins SCORE San Felipe 250

The 34th Annual SCORE San Felipe 250 wrapped on Sunday in Baja California. The grueling single-loop race runs 290 miles through the Mexican desert, putting drivers’ skill and endurance to the ultimate test. Hot off his second annual Toyo Tires Desert Challenge victory at KOH 2021 in February, off-road superstar Bryce Menzies took the overall win in this weekend’s event with a time of 4 hours 28 minutes.

“This is my first win at San Felipe and it feels amazing,” wrote an excited Menzies on social media. “Huge thanks to all my partners and all of you for your love and support! We did it!”

Trailing only 16 seconds behind the champion #7 Red Bull / Toyo Tires Trophy Truck was Luke McMillin. Luke’s cousin and fellow off-road prodigy, Andy McMillin, followed in third place by seven minutes.

Un-durance?

Also grabbing headlines at this year’s San Felipe 250 was EV automaker, Lordstown Motors. Last month, the Ohio-based startup announced it would enter a rally version of its Endurance electric pickup truck in the race. Hoping to prove the capability of the vehicle’s unique design and score a win for EVs everywhere, Lordstown’s goal was to simply finish.

Unfortunately, the race truck retired after a mere 40 miles.

A brief official statement displayed a sporting attitude, stating “the lessons learned in the desert will become part of the Endurance’s DNA.” To hear Lordstown’s explanation of why the vehicle didn’t pan out, check out the video below — set to an unnecessarily emotional soundtrack complete with sad violins. (We’re serious.)

Those drivers looking to polish their skills will be happy to learn that Bondurant is relaunching its racing school. Bondurant sold the assets of his former school, but not the Bondurant name, in 2019. The family plans to open a new racing school under the Bondurant moniker, according to a press release.

Washington to Ban Sale of New Gas-Powered Cars

After California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts all passed ambitious state-level bills banning the sales of gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, Washington is kicking things up a notch. Lawmakers in the Pacific Northwest passed a sweeping bill last week that would ban the sales of new gas vehicles by 2030 – five years sooner than any other state. Because the comprehensive legislation also applies to the registration of any vehicle model year 2030 or newer, residents also will not be able to import a new gas-powered car they purchased in another state.

However, Reuters reports the bill is “not a firm mandate” and the actual enforcement date is dependent upon the state’s adoption of a tax on vehicle miles traveled. As EVs grow in popularity – particularly in states mandating them – gas tax revenue streams will dry up. State lawmakers are exploring mileage-based or weight-based taxes to fill the financial void.

According to a clause in this bill, the new ban will only take effect when at least 75% of the vehicles registered in Washington pay to use the roads through a vehicle miles-traveled tax, rather than a traditional gas tax.

The legislation currently awaits a signature from Democratic Governor Jay Inslee.

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Bigger Picture

The 2030 target matches up with many automakers’ recent carbon-neutral and zero-emission pledges, as well as the EPA’s recent announcement that major emissions changes are in the pipeline. Also on the federal level, the Biden administration’s newly proposed $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan is packed with plans to boost EV production and sales, offer buyer incentives, and bolster U.S.-based manufacturing.

According to IHS Markit, EVs accounted for about 3.3% of the 76.5 million vehicles sold globally in 2020. In the U.S., EVs hold about 2% market share. Industry analysts, automakers, and the government have optimistic growth expectations for the upcoming decade, anticipating that by 2030, half of all new car sales will be electric.

While the auto industry’s PR message is one of EV acceptance, there are clear and present anxieties.

Last month, major automakers and parts companies, along with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, penned a six-page letter to President Biden calling for a “comprehensive plan” on electric vehicles.

The message expressed concern over the ho-hum adoption attitude of EVs among current consumers and urged more federal support for “supply- and demand-side policies” through hefty tax credits and other financial incentives.

In a separate statement to Reuters, UAW Union President Rory Gamble, who also signed the letter, said “workers will disproportionately suffer if we do not get it right. The reality is that we have a long way to go in terms of battery technology, refueling infrastructure and, importantly market demand in order to successfully make this transition.”

Light Trucks and CUVs Still Take Top Billing

EVs might be the future, but capable gas-powered light trucks are most certainly the present. According to a SEMA research report made available last week, sales of light trucks – i.e., crossovers, SUVs, pickups, and minivans – are expected to reach more than 82% of all new light vehicles purchased by 2028.

Largely driving this growth are crossovers or CUVs. As the fastest-growing light vehicle segment, there are currently over 130 different crossover models on the road. That number is expected to reach 149 models by 2023. Needless to say, it’s a crowded segment.

Also growing in popularity? Off-road packages.

Even on vehicles that will never venture further than the cul-de-sac, shoppers expect burly capability, functionality, efficiency, and performance. Often found on pickup trucks, off-road packages are now growing among mid-size SUVs and crossovers, too.

For example, those shoppers who feel the Subaru Outback simply isn’t “Outbacky” enough, can bump up the outdoor vibes with a new Outback Wilderness model. By raising the suspension, slapping on some aggressive rubber, and popping on a 700-pound-rated roof-rack, Subaru offers customers the illusion of a tailored ride – for about $10k above base pricing.

Just this month Honda registered its own new outdoorsy moniker: Trailsport. The recent redesign of the quirky Ridgeline pickup (which looks like it spent six weeks on a bulking diet) made it clear the automaker wants to inject a little more toughness into its brand identity. No word yet on what Honda’s plans are for the Trailsport name, but our guess would be a special edition or package, rather than a whole new model.

2022 Honda Civic Unveiled

Speaking of news from Honda, the automaker unveiled the final production version of its 11th-gen Civic sedan. And while CUVs might be clogging up the highways, it appears passenger cars can still play – albeit in a different, more sophisticated design language.

Long considered the vehicle-of-choice for 19-year-old men who enjoy a snap-crackle-pop exhaust, the Honda Civic shows off noticeably more grown-up styling with its 2022 model. It maintains a sporty look, but does away with what MotorTrend calls the “alien-like origami angles of the outgoing Civic.”

In fact, the new Civic looks more like “a scaled-down interpretation of the larger Accord,” the magazine continues – and we have to agree. This Civic looks slightly more mature – like it recently started keeping antacids in the glove box and switched to a lighter beer on Sunday Fundays.

While we don’t have details yet on what’s under the hood or inside the cabin, we do know the new model rides on an entirely new platform. Honda will officially pull off the cover on April 28 during a livestream event on Twitch.

Hyundai finally revealed its little Santa Cruz pickup. Available this summer, the model stands to revive an old segment. Check out the cleverly-styled truck, here.

Spotify Launches In-Car Audio Player

Audio streaming giant Spotify announced last week the debut of its all-new hardware audio device for in-vehicle entertainment. Dubbed “Car Thing,” it is a small, touchscreen music player that connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth or auxiliary cable. The device uses a Premium Spotify subscription to bring on-demand and ad-free music listening – aiming to create “a truly frictionless audio experience,” according to the company.

Equipped with touchscreen functionality, as well as an old-fashioned hard knob for us purists, Car Thing also offers voice control. Simply say “Hey Spotify” and ask for a song, album, artist, playlist, station, or podcast.

Car Thing is available at no cost for a limited time – but you must be a Premium member. Click here to get on the list! (When launched on a larger scale, expect pricing to land between $80-$100.)

The Engine Block is your one-stop source for any and all auto industry news. Keep an eye on our weekly round-up of enthusiast coverage, product reviews, vehicle spotlights, auto show/expo features, and more. Looking for some build inspo? Check back Friday for a round-up of wild project builds!