The problem with a lot of new automotive technologies is that they make drivers a little too relaxed. A new study shows that reverse automatic emergency braking isn’t a substitute for a cautious, alert driver. Get details at Headlight.News.
Michael Strong
Headlight News for the Week of 2-19-24 Podcast: Ford Plans Low-Cost EVs, Cybertruck Rust, Rivian Teases New EV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review
Headlight News for the Week of 2-19-24 – Ford Plans Low-Cost EVs – Cybertruck Rust – Rivian Teases New EV – Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review – and a Week in Automotive History.
New EV Maker Scout Motors Breaks Ground on $2 Billion Plant
The stagnation of electric vehicle sales isn’t slowing the charge of automakers into the market. Scout Motors, Volkswagen’s U.S. EV subsidiary, broke ground on its $2 billion plant in South Carolina. The company expects vehicles to begin rolling off the line there in 2026. Headlight.News has details.
Rivian Teases Upcoming Reveal of New R2 Models
EV maker Rivian plans to roll out its second product line, the R2, on March 7. However, to whet the appetites of the company’s aficionados and others who are interested in a smaller, less expensive electric SUV, it offered a short teaser video of what’s coming. The...
GM Expanding Super Cruise Network to Cover 750K Miles
The fight for hands-free driving supremacy went another round with General Motors announcing plans to expand its Super Cruise network to 750,000 miles in the U.S. and Canada. The process is underway and expected to be complete next year. Get details at Headlight.News.
Auto Dealers Collect $135M YTD in EV Tax Credit Payments
Anyone who may have wondered about the potential success of offering EV buyers the option to get their tax credit at the time of sale, including using it as a down payment, can stop thinking about it — it’s working. The U.S. government’s paid out $135 million in electric vehicle tax credits in a little more than a month. Get details at Headlight.News.
Cruise Rehab Continues with Chief Safety Officer Hiring
General Motors’ autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Cruise, took another step in the rehabilitation of its image, making good on plans to hire a Chief Safety Officer. In the wake of last October’s incident with a pedestrian in San Francisco, the company said it would take steps to improve the safety of its vehicles. AV development veteran Steve Kenner is the new hire. Get details at Headlight.News.
New Vehicles Getting Cheaper
The amount consumers are paying for new cars, trucks and utility vehicles continues to decline, falling 2.6% in January to $47,401. Find out what’s driving prices down at Headlight News.
This Week’s Podcast: Chicago Auto Show Reveals, New Porsche Taycan
Headlight News for the Week of 2-12-24: Chicago Auto Show reveals – New Porsche Taycan – Seven Automakers Team for Charging Network – Ford Explorer Timberline review – This Week in Automotive History
EV Makers Cutting Prices Again
Tesla and Rivian have gotten the scissors out again, cutting prices on their new offerings. The reductions are temporary for Tesla while Rivian’s cuts are designed to help offset being ineligible for part of the $7,500 federal tax credit. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Slow Roll of Chrysler Concept Continues
The Brand of One, better known as Chrysler, continued the slow rollout of pictures of an advanced concept vehicle for the brand, which currently comprises the Pacifica minivan, and its electrified future. Get a look at Headlight.News.
Americans Don’t Have Much Faith in Self-Driving Vehicles
Recent headlines about self-driving vehicles being involved in crashes and a lack of knowledge about the technology suggest Americans aren’t in any hurry to let their car, truck or utility vehicle take the wheel. Headlight.News has details.