Consumer Corner
Meet the New Hyundai IONIQ 9 SUV
Hyundai’s IONIQ 9 SUV launch at the Goldstein House showcased innovation and sustainability, emphasizing family connection and establishing Hyundai’s leadership in the electric vehicle market.
As the world continues its journey towards sustainability, the automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with Hyundai Motor Company leading the charge. On December 3, 2024, Hyundai unveiled its much-anticipated IONIQ 9 SUV at the stunning Goldstein House in Beverly Hills, California—a fusion of groundbreaking vehicle innovation and architectural brilliance. This launch not only marked a significant chapter in Hyundai’s EV narrative but also set the stage for a bold redefinition of electric mobility.
A Game Changer in Electric SUVs
The IONIQ 9 is Hyundai Motor’s first large, three-row electric vehicle, representing the third addition to its acclaimed IONIQ lineup. With the success of the award-winning IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 under its belt, Hyundai is poised to solidify its position as a top contender in the global EV market. The unveiling of IONIQ 9 reflects its commitment to creating vehicles that are not just technologically advanced, but also deeply connected to the needs of modern families.
Designed under the theme “Built to Belong,” the IONIQ 9 provides a spacious and versatile interior that can comfortably seat seven occupants. Its innovative design serves to enhance connection among passengers while offering a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a lounge, exemplifying a harmonious blend of style and functionality.
A Scenic & Symbolic Venue
Selecting the legendary Goldstein House for this world premiere was a deliberate choice. The house, renowned for its mid-century modern architecture, perfectly aligns with Hyundai’s forward-thinking ethos and the spacious characteristics of the IONIQ 9. Against the backdrop of the iconic LA skyline, the event was an exquisite celebration of design, innovation, and the future of mobility, all while capturing the essence of Southern California’s distinctive culture.
President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, José Muñoz, opened the evening with an inspiring message. “We are making remarkable progress in the industry and working hard to maintain leadership in electrification,” he asserted, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries within the electric vehicle landscape.
Engaging Conversations and Insights
In addition to the unveiling, the event featured a captivating “Terrace Talk” program, where industry experts and guests engaged in thought-provoking discussions about the IONIQ 9’s design innovations and the evolution of the IONIQ brand. Notable speakers included tech content creator Judner Aura and LA entertainment reporter Amanda Salas, who brought their unique perspectives to the dialogue.
Sungwon Jee, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai, spoke about the IONIQ brand’s continuous evolution while highlighting how the event was crafted to foster meaningful interactions among attendees. This intentional approach positioned the IONIQ 9 as more than just a vehicle, but as a centerpiece for community and connection.
An Immersive Experience of Innovation
Guests were treated to immersive displays that showcased the inspiration behind the IONIQ 9, including a stunning boat sculpture embodying the vehicle’s sleek design. Die-cast models illustrated flexible seating configurations and the innovative Universal Island 2.0 console, emphasizing the spaciousness and versatility of the SUV.
The evening also celebrated the IONIQ brand’s accolades, including its recognition as World Car of the Year, and took the opportunity to reflect on Hyundai’s commitment to a sustainable future.
A Flavorful Celebration of Culture
As if the atmosphere needed further enrichment, the culinary experience, curated by Chef Kwang Uh from the Los Angeles Times’ 2024 Restaurant of the Year, Baroo, seamlessly integrated elements of K-Culture. Reflecting principles of sustainability and local sourcing, the dishes not only tantalized taste buds but also honored the spirit of community and innovation that the IONIQ 9 stood for.
With music from world-class DJ Raiden, who performed at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the evening was electrified by a celebratory energy that amplified the IONIQ 9’s unveiling.
Conclusion: A New Era in Electric Mobility
Hyundai’s unveiling of the IONIQ 9 at the Goldstein House was more than an event; it was a statement of intent. With this ambitious all-electric SUV that caters to family needs while prioritizing technological innovation and sustainable practices, Hyundai is reshaping perceptions in the automotive industry. As the brand embarks on this exciting journey, it promises to deliver more than just vehicles—it offers a deeper sense of belonging and connection in a rapidly evolving world.
Stay tuned for more updates on the IONIQ 9 and Hyundai’s continuing mission to lead the electric vehicle revolution!
About Hyundai Motor Company
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision ‘Progress for Humanity,’ Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of a sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero-emission vehicles with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies.
More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/ or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai
Source: Hyundai Motor Company
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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MALMÖ, Sweden /PRNewswire/ — Guided by the vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, is stepping up efforts to support customers with low price while ensuring long-term growth. In many IKEA markets around the world*, the price of restaurant meals will be halved Monday through Friday, and children will eat for free.
With hundreds of millions of guests visiting IKEA restaurants every year, the company aims to inspire a better everyday life through food that is healthier, more sustainable, and affordable. As part of ongoing investments in the in-store experience, Ingka Group is introducing this price drop to help people stretch their budgets, nourish their families, and find a little more joy.
For example, in France, the price of lunch for a family of four, which includes two hot-meals with meatballs for adults and two meals for kids, will cost EUR 6.96 instead of EUR 19.9. In addition, all restaurant guests will receive a EUR 5 voucher to use in-store.
“Food has always been very important for IKEA, and we wanted to enable even more people to enjoy our restaurant offer while exploring our home furnishing range,” says Tolga Öncü, Ingka Retail Manager (COO) at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). “Securing the lowest possible price for our products is always our utmost goal, and this is even more important in today’s times of economic uncertainties and cost-of-living pressures.”
At the same time, IKEA is refreshing its food offer with new dishes inspired by Asian flavours, expanding affordable, healthy options for customers.
“We always look for ways to bring more variety to our food offer, especially with new plant-based options,” says Lorena Lourido Gomez, Global Food Manager, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). “We will soon launch our very first falafel, adding this popular food to our restaurants and, later, to our Swedish Food Markets. Good quality, low price, and making a positive difference for the planet – those ingredients remain a guiding star for our food business.”
Heading toward the end of FY25, IKEA remains focused on helping customers make the most of their finances while delivering value through both food and home furnishing.
*Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, UK.
www.ingka.com/newsroom/latest-news
SOURCE IKEA
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Automotive
Slate Auto’s $20K EV Truck Dream Collapses Under Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”
Slate Auto’s sub-$20K electric pickup is no more—Trump’s new bill kills the EV tax credit that made the price possible.
Image Credit: Slate Auto
The Affordable EV Dream, Derailed
Slate Auto made waves in early 2025 by announcing an electric pickup truck with a revolutionary promise: a starting price under $20,000. With a minimalist, modular design and direct-to-consumer sales model, the company hoped to disrupt the industry by delivering a rugged, no-frills EV that everyday drivers could actually afford.
But that promise may now be broken.
In July 2025, the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” from President Donald Trump eliminated the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, a cornerstone of Slate’s pricing model. And as of now, Slate has quietly removed its sub-$20K price claims, signaling a dramatic shift in its market positioning.
What Was the Original Plan?
Slate Auto’s vision was simple:
Base price of the pickup: ~$25,000 Subtract $7,500 tax credit → final cost: $17,500 Optional bolt-on accessories and upgrades for customization
This formula positioned the Slate truck as a compelling solution for tradespeople, students, rural drivers, and eco-conscious buyers seeking low-cost alternatives to gas trucks.
What Changed?
The Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed in July 2025, includes a provision that eliminates all federal EV tax credits starting September 30, 2025. That means:
No more $7,500 off at the point of sale Budget EVs like Slate’s are left to float—or sink—on their true retail pricing EV industry analysts warn of broader slowdowns in adoption
For Slate, it means their truck is no longer “America’s first under-$20K EV pickup.” Instead, the expected price now ranges from $25,000 to $27,500, and could rise to $35K with add-ons—putting it closer to competitors like the Ford Maverick Hybrid and Chevy Equinox EV.
The Fallout
This change hits hard for Slate, which built its brand on simplicity and accessibility. Without the tax credit:
Entry-level customers are priced out Preorder holders may cancel based on unexpected price hikes Market differentiation is weakened, as affordability was Slate’s primary value proposition
Meanwhile, critics argue the rollback of tax credits slows EV adoption at a critical time in the climate fight. Environmental groups and consumer advocates are already pushing back, saying the bill disproportionately hurts low- and middle-income Americans who were just beginning to consider electric vehicles.
What’s Next for Slate?
Slate says it still plans to begin production in late 2026, but without the EV credit, it must rework its pricing strategy and value offering. Possibilities include:
Offering fewer standard features Creating stripped-down fleet or worksite models Lobbying for state-level incentives to offset federal losses
Whether these changes will be enough to keep Slate competitive remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts
The electric vehicle space is undergoing seismic shifts, and the demise of the federal EV tax credit is likely to create ripple effects across the industry. For Slate Auto, the dream of a sub-$20K EV pickup may be over—but if they can pivot wisely, the company could still carve out a niche in the fast-evolving electric truck market.
Visit Slate Auto: https://www.slate.auto/en
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Safe Seasonal Driving
(Family Features) Between increased road travel traffic, warmer pavement, higher rates of construction and more, summer driving comes with a litany of potential safety hazards. However, knowing the condition of one of your vehicle’s most important safety components – the tires – can help mitigate risks. After all, it’s the only piece of your vehicle that makes contact with the road. Before setting out on vacation (or just driving across town), consider this advice from Discount Tire’s experts to help drivers like you stay safe on the road this summer. Rotate Regularly Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles, or earlier if uneven wear develops. A good rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated every other oil change, but if you can’t remember when your tires were last rotated, book an appointment to ensure maximum handling, traction and stopping power. Replace Aging Tires As tires age, the rubber becomes harder and brittle, increasing the risk of failure on the road. Typically, experts recommend replacing any tire that’s more than 6 years old. To check the age of your tires, look for the DOT number stamped on its sidewall. If you need assistance finding new tires, Discount Tire’s online tire recommendation tool, Treadwell, combines millions of data points from tire safety checks and independent testing on tires from all major manufacturers. The tool can help you find tires suited for your vehicle, where you drive and your typical driving habits. Check Pressure Often Low tire pressure can lead to poor handling, lower gas mileage and excessive wear. At least once a month – especially before longer trips – when your tires are cool, check the air pressure to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s recommendations, which can be found in your owner’s manual or on a sticker in your vehicle’s driver side door jamb. Beware of the impact bumps and temperature changes have on air pressure. Ensure Adequate Tread Tread depth, or the amount of tread on a tire, helps determine a vehicle’s safe stopping distance. Tires are typically reaching the end of their life at 4/32 of an inch of tread. You can check it by sticking a penny upside-down in a tread groove; it’s time to replace if President Lincoln’s head is visible. Or visit your local Discount Tire store to have a technician check your tread for free. Ensure Tires are Aligned Wheel alignments adjust the direction your tires point to prevent irregular wear and improve steering. It may be time to have your alignment checked if you notice steering wheel vibration, uneven tread wear, your vehicle pulling sideways or an off-center steering wheel while driving straight. Understand Emergency Equipment Many newer vehicles now come with tire inflation kits that include puncture-coating sealants and air compressors, or even run-flat tires, instead of a spare. Check what your vehicle is equipped with ahead of taking a trip and consider a roadside assistance plan, which can help with flat repairs and replacements in times of need. Look Beyond Your Tires In addition to tires, summer provides an opportunity to look at other features of your car that need periodic replacement like rims, windshield wiper blades, lightbulbs and more. For example, windshield wiper blades should be replaced annually, or earlier if heavy streaking occurs. To locate a neighborhood tire store near you, save on in-store wait times on service appointments or shop for wheels and tires, visit DiscountTire.com. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockDiscover more from Daily News
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