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Luxury carmakers make way more than just cars

Whether it's as simple as Ferrari offering model cars or as opulent as Bugatti with an $84,000-belt buckle, practically every automaker does more than just sell cars to keep their brands visible. The profits from these ventures might not be enough to keep the lights on, but in such a competitive industry, any extra cash is welcome. For the automakers that get licensing just right, there is a ton of profit to be made. According to a recent story examining the practice by The New York Times, Ferrari makes around $2.6 billion from merchandising each year, and General Motors tops that at $3.5 billion. Beyond just a profit center, merchandising can also protect an automaker's name. Take Hummer for example. The GM division shut down years ago, but it has continued to produce licensed cologne on sale around the world. "Because we still have the active fragrance, we're protecting the brand if we ever decide to bring it back," Gene Reamer, a GM licensing senior manager, told the Times. The whole piece is a fascinating look into this often ignored, but quite lucrative facet of the auto business. Read it for yourself, here. Related Video: News Source: The New York TimesImage Credit: Luca Bruno / AP Photo Design/Style Earnings/Financials Marketing/Advertising Read This Ferrari GM Hummer branding

BMW M850i Coupe, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser | Autoblog Podcast #585

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor Alex Kierstein and Senior Editor, Green, John Snyder. This week, they talk about driving the BMW 8 Series Coupe, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Then they talk about the news, including electric Hummer rumors and Tesla pickup timing. Finally, they consider whether or not Greg should buy his neighbor's 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. Autoblog Podcast #585 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we're driving: BMW M850i xDrive Coupe Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Toyota Corolla Hatchback In the news: Is an all-electric Hummer in the works? Tesla pickup truck is on its way Spend My Money: 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video:

GMC Hummer EV revealed as a 1,000-hp, 350-mile, fast-charging beast

The 2022 GMC Hummer EV has finally been revealed, and it certainly looks the part. It has chunky, squared-off styling, big tires pushed to the edges, and a towering fascia. But it’s not a case of form over function. On the contrary, the Hummer EV is has some pretty wicked technology and gear under the skin. The first version of the Hummer EV that will be available is the tricked-out Edition 1. It features three electric motors, which allows for torque vectoring. These motors make 1,000 horsepower, though GMC still hasnÂ’t given real-world torque numbers. The motors are fed by a 24-module Ultium battery pack. The pack can provide an estimated 350 miles or more of range. Not only that, but it supports 800-volt fast charging up to 350 kW. ThatÂ’s comparable to PorscheÂ’s charging system, and GMC says it can add an extra 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Later, a two-motor Hummer EV and a three-motor version without torque vectoring. The Hummer EV rides on fully independent suspension with adaptive air shocks. They can provide continuous damping adjustments for comfort, and have a height adjustment range of 6 inches. When set in its max-height off-road mode, it has two additional inches of ground clearance, and the "Extract Mode" will lift it six inches higher than default. The Edition 1 model also comes with standard 35-inch mud terrain tires, and combined with the suspension, the Hummer EV has a fording depth of 2 feet and the capability to climb over an 18-inch vertical obstacle. Owners will be able to easily add more clearance since GMC made the wheel arches large enough to accommodate aftermarket 37-inch tires. Additional off-road goodies include skid plates along the chassis, rock sliders, the previously covered four-wheel steering with Crab Mode diagonal driving, and 18 camera views including angles under the truck for getting over rocks. Those cameras feature sprayers, too to keep them clean. Detailed information on torque output, torque vectoring, tire pressure, vehicle angles and more are also displayed on the infotainment screen. Speaking of that infotainment screen, itÂ’s a massive 13.4 inches and is paired with a 12.3-inch instrument display. They feature proudly in a squared-off, rugged-looking interior. The Hummer EV will get the latest version of Super Cruise, complete with automatic lane-changing. The Edition 1 gets the removable roof panels as standard, and those roof panels are clear, so you can still get some sun with them in place.