The average transaction price for a new vehicle fell last month — the 10th straight month of declines as the push by automakers to rebuild inventories exerts pressure on prices. As more and more vehicles sit longer and longer on lots, automakers offer higher incentives to move new metal. Find out more at Headline.News.
Michael Strong
Ford Issues Do-Not-Drive Order Due to Takata Airbags
The faulty Takata airbag inflator recall continues to cause problems for automakers with Ford issuing a Do-Not-Drive Advisory to owners of Ford vehicles that have been part of the three recalls involving the dangerous inflators who have not yet had their vehicles repaired. Find out more at Headlight.News
ChargePoint Develops New Charging Plug to Work With All EVs
Last year automaker after automaker agreed to use Tesla’s Charging System, more precisely the unique plug. They did this, of course, to gain access to the Supercharger network, and Tesla certainly welcomed the expected cash that should roll in with it. However, this left EV owners whose vehicles still had the non-Tesla ports twisting in the wind. However, change is coming, reports Headlight.News.
Mercedes Leading Industry Crack Down on Counterfeiters
Automakers face a slew of problems regularly: emissions compliance, workplace or office issues, quality shortcomings and more. However, the problem of counterfeit parts affects them all. Mercedes-Benz works with law enforcement globally to combat the problem, which can make vehicles less safe and certainly takes money out of the automaker’s coffers. Check out what Mercedes and the rest of the industry is dealing with at Headlight.News.
Hyundai, Kia Cuts “Most Stolen” Cars Theft Rate in Half with Software Upgrade
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.
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.