A few years ago, late model Hyundai and Kia vehicles were in the spotlight — the kind no automaker enjoys. Car thieves found a simple way to steal the cars because there were no immobilizers on them. The issue became such a problem a documentary film about the Kia Boyz was made, revealing the dangerous exploits of the car thieves. The automakers implemented a software update that appears to have put a dent in the problem. Go to Headlight.News for the story.
Michael Strong
Rivian Beats Q2 Earnings Estimates, Predicts Q4 Profit
EV maker Rivian beat its second quarter earnings estimates, but more importantly predicted it would be in the black for the first time ever in the final quarter of 2024. A series of cost cutting measures and changes to the way the company sells vehicles combined to make the second quarter a good one. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Lucid Secures More Funding, Beats Analysts Q2 Earnings Estimates
EV maker Lucid Motors offered up good news during its second quarter earnings call as it secured as much as $1.5 billion in new cash just in time to begin production of its second vehicle, the Gravity SUV. The company also managed to beat analysts’ estimates for the quarter. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Beware! Americans Hurtling Toward Deadliest Day on U.S. Roads
According to new data analysis, American drivers are cruising up on the deadliest day on U.S. roads: Aug. 7. The data, drawn from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records, shows Wednesday had more crashes than any other day in the year — including holidays. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Audi Expands All-Electric Offerings with New A6 E-Tron
German automaker Audi revealed the A6 e-tron as well as the performance-oriented variant, the S6. The brand will bring three versions of the vehicle to the U.S., electing to not bring its Avant models to American roads. Get details about the newest e-tron offering at Headlight.News.
Stellantis Offers Buyouts, Warns about Layoffs
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is burnishing reputation as a cost-cutter with another round of buyout offers for salaried executives. He’s also warning there could be a round of layoffs if the buyouts don’t achieve the reduction goals. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Tesla Recalls 1.85 Million Vehicles in the U.S.
EV maker Tesla Inc. announced plans to recall 1.85 million vehicles due to a problem with hood latch. The issue is software related so it will be resolved with an over-the-air update. To get more details, go to Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2024 Polaris Slingshot Roush Edition
Every summer I look forward to two weeks with one car: the Polaris Slingshot. This three-wheel sports beast looks like few things on the road today. It not only continues to attract favorable attention, the company continues to make it better each year. Find out what we thought after two weeks with the Slingshot at Headlight.News.
New Mobile Auto Repair Service Software for Dealers Kicks Off
If anyone thought Tesla’s mobile vehicle service fleet was a great idea, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, some of the team who helped develop it decided it was good enough to tweak it and pitch it to auto dealers. And many also agreed and now San Francisco-based Curbee is in business. Find out more at Headlight.News.
July New Vehicle Sales Expected to Mimic June’s Ho-Hum Result
Analysts predict sales of new cars, trucks and SUVs in July won’t set the world on fire — just like last month. This means the industry will need to wait another month to recover the sales lost due to the cyberattack against the nation’s auto dealers. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Investors Unhappy with Tesla’s Results, Musk’s Explanation
Tesla’s second quarter results reflected the tough times the EV maker’s experiencing now that there is more competition and other issues impacting sales. While the company’s overall revenue rise slightly, its net income and automotive operations revenue took massive hits. Moreover, CEO Elon Musk doesn’t seem too bothered by the numbers. Get details at Headlight.News.
Tesla Takes a Q2 Hit Due to Automotive Business
EV maker Tesla reported its overall revenue increased slightly in the second quarter, but it wasn’t because of its automotive operations, which fell 7%. The company reported net income and adjusted earnings were down year-over-year as well. Get the details at Headlight.News.