The US Army will not have to run inefficiently any more thanks to its new MUTT Robotic Mule. They recently signed a multimillion-dollar contract to produce stronger land transportation vehicles. These MUTTs designed to follow soldiers have a bigger carrying capacity, more technology and better performance than ever before.

Need for New MUTT Robotic Mule

When soldiers are hiking for a long time or heading out to fight, they must hold a lot of gear on their backs. For a long time, the US Army has been using sluggish and out-dated mules. They are supposed to help take the load off the men and women in the army, but are not as useful as you would think. For this reason, the military has put out a large amount of money to create new and improved mules. With that said, engineers designed the MUTT (Multi-Utility Tactical Transport) vehicle.

One of these MUTTs is able to carry 1,000 pounds of gear and can charge batteries during travel. The vehicle can be driven by people or remotely controlled. This hard-working MUTT can also drive solo to complete missions like delivering food and other necessary supplies to soldiers in need.

This new vehicle is going to be big for the army. With help from the MUTT, soldiers will not have to carry as much and be able to focus more on the task at hand.

Release Date of MUTT

The 624 MUTT contract is scheduled for completion sometime in 2021. When more information is available, we will provide an update. Until then, we wish the best to our soldiers out there fighting and hope they make it home safely. Hopefully, the MUTTs will help make the end goal a reality. If you an army vehicle enthusiast, you may also want to check out how to grab a deal on Military Surplus Trucks.

Tesla had a great year in 2019 with new releases and an increase in production. They hope to have just as good as a year in 2020. This article will show you what to expect from Tesla in 2020. The company has five products worth talking about.

1. Tesla Model Y

The EV automaker should start delivering the Model Y by March 2020. The price for the Tesla Model Y Long Range is $48,000. This electric vehicle gets a 300-mile range and has a top speed of 130 miles per hour. It can go from zero to sixty in 5.5 seconds, which is much faster than the average car.

2. Tesla Semi

The company believed that this truck would only get a 300-500 mile range, with the starting price close to $150,000-$180,000. However, with testing, Tesla now says it will get close to a 600-mile range. We believe the automaker is working with an outside company to make the body for the truck. Tesla hopes to produce 100,000 trucks every year.

3. Refreshed Tesla Model S

Tesla is introducing a new “Plaid” tri-motor powertrain on the Model S. In addition, Tesla may be planning to change the interior and update the performance. The plan was to change the model last year, but the company pushed the project back because it was not as important as other models.

4. Tesla App Store

There is no official announcement that Tesla will have an app store. However, we believe that we will see an app store-like platform called SDK (software development kit). People will be able to have a third-party app ecosystem for their vehicle’s big center touchscreens. This may be the tiebreaker with other electric vehicles.

5. New Tesla Battery

Tesla wants to make its truck battery run as long as a commercial truck engine. These powerful diesel engines can run up to one million miles. This year, however, Telsa is producing a battery that will last 300,000-500,000 miles.

Tesla in 2020

What are you excited about in the Tesla 2020 lineup? Are you pre-ordering the Tesla Model Y so you can have it this year or are you excited about the new battery? Let us know in the comments below.

If you want more information on the company, check out the latest news on the 2020 Tesla Lineup.

Electric Vehicles are becoming more frequent on the roadways, charging stations are also easier to find. You could charge your car, truck or SUV while you watch TV or make dinner. The downside to this is that you have to do it manually, no matter where you are. Soon, there will be VW mobile charging robots that do the work for you. This will give you more time to finish that paperwork or prepare a presentation for work.

Future EV Charging

Today you must have a charging station for your vehicle, but that’s normal right. VW is looking toward the future where the station will find your EV on its own. They are going to be self-charging robots that will go straight to a vehicle by itself.

The driver of the EV will signal the VW robot with V2X communication or with an app. Then the Volkswagen mobile charging robot, towing energy storage devices, will come and connect the plug into your vehicle. After that, it will leave to go to other EVs that need to be recharged. Once the recharging process is finished, it will return to the vehicle and unplug the box so you can drive on a fully charged battery. There is no human interaction required.

Every robot will contain laser scanners, ultrasonic sensors and cameras to help it complete its job. The battery wagons the robots will tow can each hold an energy capacity of 25 kWh each. It can also offer DC quick charging with up to 50 kWh of energy.

Any parking space will do because the mobile charging robot will find its own way to your vehicle. This means the EV does not need to be taken to a space meant for charging. One of the models that will be able to take advantage of these charging robots will be the Volkswagen ID.3.

Plans for VW Mobile Charging Robots

Right now, they want to install 36,000 charging areas in Europe by 2025. VW is installing 400 of them on some of the most significant highways in Europe. The only downside is that this is a prototype, and we have not been given a release date yet. The company is also producing an ID.Charger. This wall box will installed in your home to make charging easier. We aren’t sure whether these chargers will be coming to America.

Make sure you also check out the new VW lineup coming soon.

The future of Volkswagen starts in January 2020. They are devoting a tremendous amount of money into new technology through 2024. The car manufacturer is trying to get ahead of the competition by launching 34 models worldwide (this includes electric and hybrid vehicles) for the 2020 Volkswagen lineup. We are not sure how many of these models are going to be released in the US, but here’s what we know so far.

What’s New With 2020 Volkswagen Lineup

The German carmaker wants the 2020 lineup to be curated with a unique selection. With that being said, VW is going to release 34 models worldwide, which is huge for any automaker. One of the models will be the 2020 Golf Mark 8.

To prove that they really prepared to develop futuristic technology, the automaker has invested $21,000,000,000 ($21 billion) in tech for the new vehicles with over $12 billion going toward e-mobility automobiles alone.

There will be 12 SUVs, which makes a third of all the models. These new vehicles are not just going to be conventional. Eight of the latest models being sold will be hybrid or electric.

By moving toward electric vehicles, Volkswagen is showing their care for the Paris Agreement (read more on that here). By 2025 the company’s vehicle carbon dioxide emissions should have cut in half. They hope to, by 2050, have carbon neutrality. That means that their vehicles will have a zero carbon footprint.

Software on the Rise

In conclusion, the brand has also been trying to build software skills. They revealed that their Car.Software organization will be a separate business in January 2020. As a result, they believe by 2025 that their software production and other services will rise from 10 to 60 percent, maybe even more.

If you want to know more about Volkswagen’s new lineup, check out the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet, which is a fan favorite. Of all the vehicles VW plans to release, which one are you most excited about?

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is going into its fifth generation and is the largest luxury SUV that the automaker has ever made. This SUV will be produced for the 2021 model year, the carmaker is giving the Escalade more attention by adding a massive curved OLED display inside the cabin.

2021 Cadillac Escalade Technology

OLED is short for organic light-emitting diode. These screens are also used in computer monitors, smartphones and TVs. Cadillac says that they are the first car company to use an OLED display and it’s huge, 38 inches to be precise.

General Motors likes to use Cadillac as its most future-directed brand. Because of this, it wouldn’t surprise us if the screen makes its way to other models.

Besides this screen, other brands are making their displays larger, specifically the higher-end ones. Congrats to Cadillac for getting a 38-inch display in the SUV. However, Byton, another carmaker, placed a 48-inch screen in their SUV, but it is not curved and most likely not OLED.

Cadillac claims that the new display has twice the pixel of a 4K TV. They wanted the best color range ever made. We are not sure if the screen feature is standard or will require an upgrade.

We do know that this model is a best-seller for the brand. The automaker sold close to 30,000 of these SUVs this year, in 2019. People will know more about the 2021 Escalade at the unveiling in Los Angeles during Oscar week on February 4, 2020.

Waiting for the New Escalade?

Are you going to wait for the new Cadillac? If not, you can save some money by purchasing a 2020 or 2019 Escalade. Let us know what you model you like the best in the comments below.

If you want to know more about the new Escalade models coming for 2021, check out the Cadillac Escalade EV.

Sadly, minivans are not as trendy anymore because of how popular SUVs have become. However, the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey are still popular and sell very well. Even though they are the same in some ways, they seem to catch varying audiences because of their differences. So we will compare the Toyota Sienna vs. Honda Odyssey, so you know which one is right for you.

1. Price

The 2020 Honda Odyssey price starts at $30,690. KBB.com says that the Odyssey is “the least expensive minivan to own.” The 2020 Toyota Sienna base price starts at $31,565. But, the top of the line model Sienna is $49,000, which is very expensive. The top of the line Odyssey is priced at $47,320.

Winner: Honda Odyssey

2. Interior Quality

The Honda Odyssey has a stylish and modern cabin that is full of soft-touch materials. The 2020 Toyota Sienna features a high quality and attractive interior as well. However, the Odyssey is more luxurious and up to date. Also, the Sienna let in a good amount of outside noise.

Winner: Honda Odyssey

3. Technology

Standard features on the Odyssey include two USB ports, a 5-inch display and Bluetooth. The improved infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay, 8-inch touchscreen, HD radio, Android Auto and satellite radio. Other available features include a WI-FI hotspot, navigation, rear-seat Blu-ray entertainment system and wireless device charging.

Standard features on the Sienna include Bluetooth, 7-inch touch screen, Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and six USB ports. Other features are satellite radio, rear-seat Blu-ray entertainment system, Driver Easy Speak and navigation.

Winner: Tie

4. Cargo Space

The Odyssey has 32.8 cubic feet of space behind the 3rd row of seats, 88.8 behind the 2nd row of seats and 144.9 behind the 1st row of seats. The Toyota Sienna seems to offer a little more space for cargo. There is 39.1 cubic feet of space behind the 3rd row, 87.1 behind the 2nd row and a total of 150 cubic foot of space behind the 1st row.

Winner: Toyota Sienna

5. Performance

The Honda Minivan has a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine that is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna has a little more horsepower than the Odyssey at 296-horsepower with a 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic. Both the Sienna and Odyssey can tow 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.

Winner: Tie

6. Safety

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave the Odyssey an overall five-star rating. With four-stars in the rollover test and five-stars in the side and frontal crash tests, this is a safer minivan. The Sienna got a five-star rating too, but only earned four-stars in the frontal crash test, which is less than the Odyssey.

Winner: Honda Odyssey.

Toyota Sienna vs. Honda Odyssey – Which is Best for Your Family?

The only way you will know which one is the best for your family is by doing your own examination. Do you need a lower price and better safety, or do you prefer more cargo space? Let us know which one you choose in the comments below.

If you would like to know more about Toyota and Honda’s future lineup, check out these articles: 2020 Honda Lineup and Future Toyota Electric Car Lineup.

In Texas, at the 51st annual San Antonio Auto & Truck Show, the Green Car Journal awarded the Ram 1500 as the 2020 Green Truck of the Year. Continue reading to find out what makes it environmentally friendly.

Ram 1500 Deserves 2020 Green Truck Award

The Ram has a brand-new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel with 480 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 12,560 pounds. Furthermore, the average diesel truck can’t achieve a fuel range like the 2020 Ram 1500. It sees a driving range of over 1,000 miles. To accomplish this, Ram paired the truck with a 33-gallon fuel tank.

The Ram 1500 for 2020 achieves 32 highway MPG. Having fuel efficiency that high is good for the environment because there is a reduction in carbon emissions. Therefore, no truck is better for the Green Award then the 2020 Ram. It also offers other fuel-efficient choices such as the eTorque mild-hybrid V-8 HEMI and the V-6 Pentastar.

Ram is honored to have received the Green Award out of five finalists. Green Car Journal chose the truck by looking at environmental factors, along with safety features, style and capability.

FCA changed a few things for 2020 on this truck. The company increased torque and improved the fuel economy, plus there is less vibration and noise. This pickup is aimed at pleasing Ram owners. Above all, horsepower was increased by 8% and torque was raised 14% over the 2019 model. The Ram EcoDiesel is now available with all configurations and models; this includes the Ram Rebel.

What Do You Think of the 2020 Ram 1500

Do you think the Ram 1500 deserved the Green Truck of the Year Award, or would you have prefered a different pickup? Would you buy this new truck? Let us know in the comments below.

In conclusion, if you want to learn more about the Ram truck options, make sure you check out the Ram 1500 Night Edition available for 2020.

General Motors wants its Chevrolet Suburban to be the Official Vehicle of Texas. Supposedly, Texans love GM’s Suburban. Change.org has a petition that GM set up. According to that petition, a Suburban is driven out of a Texas dealer’s parking lot every 90 seconds. Close to 200,000 Suburbans are owned in Texas, plus 50% of all the top Suburban dealers in the US are there as well. That is a lot of dealers.

Is the Suburban Worthy as the Official Vehicle of Texas?

So we know Texans love the Suburban, considering that it is large and can easily fit 8 people. This is not the first time Texans have favored this vehicle. In 1986 it earned the title National Car of Texas.

The Suburban will turn 85 this year. That will make it the longest-running nameplate to be in constant production ever. GM wanted to do something big for the occasion. As everyone knows, if you want something to be big, it has to be from Texas.

The petition on Change.org has had a little over 430 signings so far. It’s unclear where GM wanted to be at this point. The number of sales doesn’t line up with how many signings there have been. However, the petition is only a week old and we are not sure that a lot of people know about it yet.

What we know is that this next-generation Suburban will feature an all-new independent rear suspension and should launch in late December. Furthermore, we expect it to feature the same engine it had last year, which means it will have a 6.2-L V8.

Will the Suburban Take Over?

Do you think the Chevy Suburban will win the title, Official Car of Texas? If you would like to help the Suburban win, you can sign the petition here. If not, leave us a comment below and tell us what vehicle you would like to see win.

Have you seen that GM is also adding Amazon Alexa to their vehicles?

Ford, up until now, has made people pay for FordPass Connect. This app comes with a lot of features for your vehicle. They provided five years free and then made you pay to remotely unlock your car. Now, they are going to provide you with essential features at no cost.

What is FordPass Connect?

FordPass Connect is an app you can download to your phone. You can schedule maintenance, start the engine and unlock the doors of your car. One downside to this system is that it does not include WiFi service. However, the fact that it will be free makes Ford think they will outwit their competitors.

One of the systems that give the most peace of mind is 911 Assist. It connects to your cell phone and will automatically call 911 if an airbag was deployed. This will also provide the first responders with your GPS coordinates.

Another plus is FordPass Rewards. When you sign up, you automatically join the rewards program. This gives lessees and owners points that you can put toward maintenance.

Right now, Ford is the only big brand providing services without having to pay for it. Some other features we did not mention yet were fuel level checks, roadside assistance and vehicle health reports. Some areas even provide Amazon Key for in-car delivery. If Chrysler, GM and other large companies decide to do this, other features may be added to use for free.

But, it’s important to note that GM has added Amazon Alexa recently.

What Do You Think?

What do you think Ford will add to this app later? Also, would you consider buying a Ford vehicle now that you know these additional features are available? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Stay tuned for more updates right here at carblogwriters.com

Last year, we posted the Discontinued Cars for 2019 list. It captured a lot of attention because consumers want to know what to expect. That’s why we decided to do the same thing again this year, except it is the Discontinued Cars for 2020.

Considering that U.S. car sales dropped 11% in September, it’s time for a shake-up in the automotive world. If you want a deal on a vehicle, this list offers a great place to start. After all, dealers want to get these models off the lot as quickly as possible.

Audi TT

We first told you that this model would be discontinued back in May. This sporty coupe and convertible have been around since 1998, so plenty of people are disappointed in the news. The Audi TT will be replaced with a full-electric model down the road.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Gran Turismo & 3 Series Gran Turismo

This luxury automaker has been known for its extensive model variations. What’s interesting about these three options is that the consumer never got on board with these hatchback and four-door coupe variations. It makes sense for BMW to ax all three of these models from their upcoming lineup.

Buick Cascada

Do you remember when most models had a convertible option? Those days are gone, but the Cascada still persisted, until now. Since 2016, the Buick Cascada was offered as a midsize ragtop. In the first half of the year, the company only sold 2,000 units, so it was time to hit the chopping block.

Buick LaCrosse

This large sedan was originally going to be a refreshed model, but the automaker decided to concentrate on crossover SUVs instead. With the disappearance of the LaCrosse, the only remaining passenger car in the Buick lineup is the Regal.

Cadillac ATS

What’s interesting about the ATS is that it really isn’t being discontinued. Instead, it plans to undergo a name change for 2020. This vehicle is titled the CT4 in future models.

Cadillac CTS

We also lose the CTS for 2020. This midsize car ceases production in January to make room for the new CT5 instead.

Cadillac XTS

The Cadillac XTS has been around since 2013. What’s interesting about the lineup is that it was one of the only front-drive luxury sedans. As of now, this car is no longer being produced. Still, we don’t think too many people are disappointed.

Chevrolet Cruze

There was a time when the small car was the thing. While it had a nice ten-year run, this car can no longer compete against the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

Chevrolet Impala

The Impala will no longer be produced after January. While it isn’t their lowest seller, it still doesn’t receive the sales that the company hoped for.

Chevrolet Volt

The Chevy Volt has been around since 2010 as one of the first extended-range electric vehicles. Initially, it had a gas engine that ran a generator. Then, in 2016, the second-generation Volt offers a 53-mile range before the engine took over. While the Volt won’t be produced any longer, we think it’s possible to see the platform used on electric crossover SUVs from the automaker.

Ferrari 488

Does it make you sad to know that the 488 GTB will be no longer? Don’t fret! It will be replaced with the F8 Tributo instead. This is more powerful, beautiful and lighter.

Fiat 500 & 500e

No one expected these models to make it. On top of that, we can’t imagine that the 124 Spider, 500X and 500L will make it much longer either.

Ford Fiesta

When gas prices were soaring, the Fiesta was introduced to meet a need, but it’s not popular anymore. Fuel prices dropped and consumers wanted crossovers like the EcoSport instead. Even though it’s been around since 2011, this model just won’t make it.

Ford Taurus

Can you believe this sedan has been around since 1986? Once Ford attempted to rename the Taurus the Five Hundred, but that didn’t work out well. From 1992 until 1996, it was the best-selling car in the country, but not any longer.

Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Last year’s Santa Fe was divided into the five-passenger Sport model and the seven-passenger XL. For 2020, the Hyundai Palisade takes the XL’s place in the lineup.

Jaguar XJ

You might be wondering why Jaguar’s flagship sedan is leaving production after five-decades on lots. We don’t have all of the answers but do know that a successor is coming around the corner. It’s supposed to be more upscale plus it competes against the electric Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan.

Lincoln MKC

This compact crossover SUV isn’t really leaving, but merely getting a new name. The Lincoln Corsair is brand new for 2020 and has a lot to offer.

Lincoln MKT

The three-row crossover is being replaced with an Aviator. It will offer more style and have additional capability.

Nissan 370Z Roadster

Nothing is happening with the 370Z coupe, but you can say goodbye to the convertible. It’s leaving the lineup for good.

Nissan Rogue Hybrid

We told you that the Rogue Hybrid was dead back in July. While the gas-powered crossover is the automaker’s top-seller, the hybrid model can’t remain sustainable at current sales rates.

Smart EQ ForTwo

This Smart has been around since 2008, but it never truly fit in. The company attempted to add an electric version back in 2013, but that didn’t help. Instead, we have to say goodbye to Smart Cars.

Toyota Prius C

The Yaris-based Prius ceased production. It will be replaced by the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid.

Volkswagen Beetle

Back in 1998, the Beetle was revived for modern times. It turned heads and brought back the nostalgia of times gone by. Unfortunately, by the time the second generation was launched in 2012, the VW Beetle lost its charm.

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen & Alltrack

Bringing up the rear of the discontinued cars for 2020 list are the SportWagen and Alltrack. Blame it on the crossover SUVs once again, but these are no longer. In fact, it’s the first year that VW didn’t have a wagon since 1965. What will the world do?

Saying Goodbye to the Discontinued Cars for 2020

As we say goodbye to the discontinued car models in 2020, let’s remember that there are plenty of new vehicles to enjoy. Make sure you check out our 2020 All-New Car Lineup List.