Korean automakers enjoy strong month in January, but Toyota sales stall as price increases loom and interest rate cuts are postponed. Get details at Headlight.News.
Joseph Szczesny
Has Elon Musk Jumped the Shark?
Elon Musk has staked out a big claim in the auto industry, outer space and, now, in Donald Trump’s new administration. But even some of his allies are beginning to wonder if it is all too much for the world’s richest man.
Ram Pickup Toppled by Toyota’s RAV4, Parent Stellantis Was the Big Loser of 2024
If you’re wondering just how bad things got for Stellantis last year, consider the fact that its Ram pickup fell off the podium, losing its traditional third-place position in the U.S. sales race – behind the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado – to Toyota’s RAV4 SUV. Overall, the Euro-American automaker was one of only two manufacturers to report a decline in sales in 2024 and faces serious challenges to turn things around in 2025.
Boosted by Givebacks — and Uncertainty About the New Year — Automakers Deliver Solid December Sales
The U.S. auto industry ended 2024 on a high note, manufacturers revealed Friday as they delivered uniformly solid sales numbers for December. That translated into the strongest full-year demand since the COVID pandemic struck in early 2020. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Auto Sales Expected to End Year on High Note – but 2025 Could See Momentum Stall
December has become one of the biggest car buying months of the year and this December should be something to remember. Sales are looking very healthy as carmakers spend lavishly on product promotions, interest rates dip and higher tariffs – and prices – appear on the horizon.
Santa Brings Motorists an Early Gift – But the Grinch Could Take it Away
Nearly 120 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles over the long Christmas/New Year holiday. If you’ve been planning your own trip you might have noticed fuel prices have come tumbling down across the U.S. in recent weeks. But the Grinch might be ready to steal that early holiday present, experts noting fuel prices are starting to climb back up in many parts of the country.
New Vehicle Sales Come on Strong in November – With Several Brands Setting New Records
November ended on a high note, at least from an automotive perspective, with sales of new vehicles delivering solid year-over-year gains for those brands that have so far reported their numbers for the month. And several Japanese and Korean brands ended November with new sales records.
Tesla Strikes a Delicate Balance Between U.S., China – and Trump
With its EV sales in Europe and the U.S. slowing, Tesla has become more dependent on sales in China. But the competition is fierce, and trade tensions could hamper Elon Musk’s ambitious future. Musk’s central role in the incoming Trump administration further complicates matters.
Trump Election Crimps UAW Political Influence
The 2024 election cost organized labor — especially the UAW — influence in Washington, D.C. It also handed an old foe, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, more sway over industry and labor in the new administration. Get the story at Headlight.News.
Ford Comes on Strong With October Sales Surge
Truck sales help Ford Motor Co. to double digit sales gain in October as both Ranger and F-Series put up solid numbers. Mazda also had a big month as sales outpaced Korean rivals.
October Auto Sales Rebound – Driven by Surging Korean Brands
U.S. auto sales rebounded from a September lull. Though, with an uncertain election looming over the country, automakers posted relatively modest gains in October, largely driven by surging South Korean automakers.
Scout’s Direct-to-Buyer Sales Plan Sets Off Dealer Backlash
Auto dealers are ready to go to war with Scout Motors over the new brand’s plan to sell directly to customers without using franchised retailers. Scout is also planning to build separate service centers, which are emerging a key part of the EV landscape.