“The party’s over,” said one key analyst. While domestic carmakers reported a modest upturn boost in sales for June, the U.S. auto market largely stalled out as buyers began pulling back due to price increases caused by the Trump tariffs on imported autos and auto parts. Headlight.News has more on the winners and losers.
Chinese domestic automakers are becoming a major threat as they gain acceptance around the world with new, low-cost products, Ford CEO Jim Farley warns. But that’s not the only challenge facing Ford and other traditional manufacturers – particularly those in the U.S. There are Trump’s tariffs, for one thing, as well as a shortage of the skilled workers automakers depend on. More from Headlight.News.
California vowed to fight President Donald Trump’s effort to roll back the state’s tough emission and fuel economy standards, which would allow it to push automakers to go all-electric. The upcoming court battle could leave automakers in limbo as they try to plan for the future, reports Headlight.News.
The number of all-new models coming to market over the next four years is predicted to drop sharply as manufacturers around the world cut back on investments. That will be particularly obvious in the EV market as the industry shifts back to internal combustion, according to the latest annual “Car Wars” study.
Carmakers reported healthy sales in May as buyers continued to sign for new vehicles ahead of price Increases promised when the Trump tariffs take hold. Headlight.News has details.
In a nod to Pres. Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate narrowly voted to block California’s ability to set unique emissions rules, a move critics say weakens the ability to address climate change. A court battle will likely determine whether the state will be blocked from mandating a switch to EVs by 2035.
Tesla and Waymo are about to square off in a duel, which could decide the fate of automated vehicles in the U.S. Billions of dollars in revenue and profits are at stake as the two companies prepare to compete in cities around the country.
Elon Musk is cutting back on political activity as Tesla pushes into autonomous vehicles, announcing plans to stay with the automaker as CEO for the next five years. Musk also said autonomy is the key to Tesla’s future, with its new CyberCab ready to roll next month.
Waymo is recalling more than 1,000 vehicles under pressure from NHTSA after a rash of minor accidents involving the company’s self-driving vehicles, even as it asks for more information about Tesla’s robotaxi plans. Get the story at Headlight.News.
General Motors has created new partnerships to come up with less expensive and easier to source battery chemistry. The Ultium Cells joint venture with Korea’s LG energy is set to go into production in 2028. GM claims the new technology will be cheaper without sacrificing range. More from Headlight.News.
A Silicon Valley veteran with experience at Tesla and self-driving vehicles as well as a high-tech startup will take over leadership of General Motors’ product development for battery electric and ICE vehicles, beginning in June. Get details at Headlight.News.
Buyers worried about future price increase under Trump tariff plans kept dealers busy during April. But momentum is expected to sputter out when sanctions go into effect on May 3, potentially raising vehicle prices by thousands of dollars. Headlight.News has more.