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Car Shipping Firm Bans EVs After Fire Sinks Vessel at Sea
Andrew Evans
August 04, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Ultra-rare McLaren Speedtail heading to auction
Norris beats Piastri after tire strategy call in Hungary
Ford launches 60th anniversary Bronco
Wreckreation game launch anticipated soon
Lamborghini quits Hypercar category from 2026
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Matson, Inc. has halted all new shipments of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles following a significant fire incident on one of its cargo ships that resulted in the loss of thousands of vehicles as well as the vessel itself. While the company has not specified the duration of this suspension, it continues to seek solutions for safely transporting vehicles with large lithium-ion batteries.
The Ford Bronco has marked its 60th anniversary, celebrating its legacy with a special edition that pays homage to its classic design while incorporating modern off-road features. This commemorative package, based on the Outer Banks trim, includes distinctive styling elements and upgraded performance options, with pricing expected to be slightly higher than the standard model when it launches in October.
Tesla has proposed a new stock grant of 96 million shares, valued at approximately $29 billion, to encourage Elon Musk to continue leading the company amid ongoing legal challenges regarding his previous compensation package. Despite a court ruling that invalidated Musk's earlier pay arrangement, the board believes his leadership is crucial for Tesla's ambitions, and they are seeking shareholder approval for this interim award.
The competition among German automakers to create striking car grilles continues, with Mercedes unveiling a bold new design for its upcoming electric GLC that features an impressive 942 LEDs. This innovative grille not only enhances the vehicle's aesthetic appeal but also signals a shift in design language for future Mercedes electric models.
Volkswagen's latest EV offering is the e-Transporter DoKa, a crew cab flatbed pickup designed for practicality, featuring a spacious interior for six and an electric powertrain with impressive payload capabilities. Built on an extended version of the Transporter chassis, this model prioritizes utility with a significant cargo bed length, making it suitable for various work applications while maintaining a competitive towing capacity.
Volkswagen has introduced a limited edition ID 3 GTX Fire+Ice, priced at £48,360, which pays homage to the iconic Golf Fire+Ice from the 1990s, with only 1,990 units available globally. This model, developed in partnership with Bogner, features distinctive design elements such as a striking ultra-violet metallic finish and unique interior accents inspired by the original vehicle's aesthetic.
Mercedes-Benz is committed to exploring new market opportunities in electromobility without limiting its diverse product offerings, as CEO Ola Kallenius emphasizes the importance of responding to evolving consumer needs. While the company currently features a wide array of body styles, Kallenius acknowledges that future expansions remain a possibility, provided there is a viable business case to support them.
Peter Kronschnabl, formerly a senior executive at BMW, has been appointed as the Managing Director of Genesis Motor Europe, taking over from Xavier Martinet. The brand is set to broaden its presence in Europe by launching new models and entering the high-performance segment, while also developing traditional hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles.
A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety highlights a significant decline in visibility for modern SUVs, with some models experiencing reductions of over 50% since the 1990s. This decrease, attributed to design elements like elevated hoods and large mirrors, raises concerns about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists as vehicle sizes have increased.
MOTORSPORT
Lando Norris secured victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, successfully defending against a late challenge from his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri after diverging tire strategies, which narrowed his championship gap to nine points. Meanwhile, George Russell from Mercedes clinched third place after overtaking Charles Leclerc, who struggled to maintain his lead from pole position.
Lamborghini has officially confirmed that the SC63 will not compete in the 2026 World Endurance Championship or IMSA SportsCar Championship, following a strategic shift in its motorsport focus after leaving the WEC at the end of 2024. The company will now prioritize financially viable customer racing initiatives, including the upcoming Temerario GT3 and Super Trofeo models, while the SC63 concludes its tenure with two final races in the 2025 IMSA Endurance Cup.
The Ferrari Formula 1 team is undertaking a thorough examination of Charles Leclerc's car issues that caused him to miss a podium finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix. After initially leading the race, Leclerc experienced a significant drop in performance, prompting speculation about potential chassis problems and concerns regarding the team's ride height adjustments.
George Russell expressed his frustration with Charles Leclerc's late-race defensive tactics during the Hungarian Grand Prix, particularly noting that Leclerc's movements while braking were against the rules. After successfully overtaking Leclerc for third place, Russell emphasized the challenges of maintaining control at high speeds, explaining that such maneuvers leave little room for evasive action.
Max Verstappen expressed confusion over the post-race investigation regarding his maneuver against Lewis Hamilton during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where no contact occurred between the two drivers. While the stewards acknowledged Verstappen's aggressive overtaking attempt, they concluded that there was no infraction, as Hamilton's decision to leave the track was not influenced by any contact.
Fernando Alonso emphasized the importance of examining the contrasting results from the recent races to determine the reasons behind Aston Martin's unexpected performance surge at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Despite a lackluster showing in Belgium, both drivers achieved strong qualifying positions and finishes in Hungary, prompting the team to investigate the factors contributing to their enhanced competitiveness.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella emphasized that the differing strategies employed for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the Hungarian Grand Prix were a natural aspect of racing. Despite Piastri's theoretically faster two-stop approach, Norris secured victory by opting for a one-stop strategy, highlighting the team's commitment to allowing both drivers the chance to compete for success.
Helmut Marko, an adviser for Red Bull, has indicated that the team has identified the factors contributing to Max Verstappen's struggles during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished in ninth place after starting eighth. Marko characterized the event as the team's most challenging of the season, attributing their difficulties to tire performance issues and expressing confidence that these problems are unlikely to recur in future races.
Aston Martin has settled its legal issues concerning Enrico Cardile, who recently joined the team as chief technical officer after previously serving as Ferrari's chassis technical director. Following the resolution of the legal proceedings in Italy, Cardile is now officially part of the team and is based at the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone.
CURIOSITIES
Wreckreation, a sandbox racing game from Three Fields Entertainment, has resurfaced after a period of silence, with new gameplay footage revealed during the recent THQ Nordic Showcase. Although initially slated for a 2023 release, the game is still in development, though developer updates suggest that players can expect its arrival in the near future.
A rare 2020 McLaren Speedtail, sporting a 1,035hp, 250mph-capable hybrid powertrain, is set to be auctioned in Monterey this month. This particular model, one of just 106 produced, features a striking Fresno Valentina Violet finish and a luxurious Vintage Tan interior, alongside a range of high-end options and just 71 miles on the clocks.
Chris Raschke, a seasoned racer with a diverse background in motorsports, passed away during an attempt to set a land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week in Utah. The circumstances surrounding the loss of control of his vehicle remain unclear, with investigations by the Southern California Timing Association and local authorities ongoing.
Lamborghini has filed a lawsuit against Gold Coast Exotic Imports, alleging that the dealership sold 32 supercars to unauthorized resellers instead of legitimate buyers in 2023. The automaker is currently exploring a potential settlement to address the ongoing legal issues, which include claims of contract violations and financial disputes.
A traffic incident in Houston's Galleria district escalated into a serious confrontation when a woman allegedly threatened another driver with a gun after a minor collision. The suspect, identified as Kristal Garcia, faces a second-degree felony charge for assault with a deadly weapon, aided by dashcam footage that captured the alarming encounter.
One example of the 1987 Ruf CTR, famously dubbed "Yellowbird" for the striking finish of its most famous car, is set to be auctioned at RM Sotheby’s Monterey event. This particular model, known as "Redbird," features unique personalization and a notable history, having been retained by Ruf's founder until 2005, and is expected to fetch between $4.5 million and $5 million.
The Prodrive P25, a modern interpretation of the Subaru Impreza inspired by 1990s rally cars, has gained attention since its 2022 launch, quickly selling out at around $500,000. One example of this limited-edition vehicle, designed to mimic the successful WRC97 car and sporting a 400hp version of the EJ25 engine, is available in a classified listing priced at £700,000 (approximately $928,000).
A one-off convertible example of the 2005 Ford GT, known as the GT X1, is on offer in a classified listing, at a reasonable £280,000. Created by Bell Sport and Classic at the behest of an owner who missed out on the official run of X1-inspired GTX1 cars by Genaddi Design Group, this unique vehicle still sports the 550hp supercharged V8.
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