Tesla’s on-again/off-again effort to develop an affordable EV may be on again, at least according to a report by Deutsche Bank. It issued a new report claiming the automaker will launch a new vehicle that could come in under $30,000 in the U.S. — at least with the help of federal tax credits, though those may go underway when the Trump administration returns to the White House next year. Get details at Headlight.News.
Paul Eisenstein
GM Halts Cruise Robocab Program
General Motors is shutting down its Cruise robocab program, shifting resources to the development of self-driving privately owned vehicles. The move comes a year after the subsidiary was blamed for a near-fatal accident near its San Francisco headquarters. It effectively hands what proponents see as a potentially huge market to competitors like Waymo and Tesla.
VinFast Adding Second Plant in Vietnam
VinFast will add a second factory in Vietnam to handle anticipated demand for its small and midsized products. The new facility is expected to begin production by July 2025. The move comes even as it delays construction of a U.S. assembly plant.
First Look: Toyota 4Runner Gets a Complete Makeover for 2025
The 4Runner may be one of the oldest models in the Toyota line-up but it’s about to become one of the freshest, the Japanese automaker giving the 6th-generation SUV a complete makeover for 2025. The new model year brings not only an updated design but a new choice of drivetrains and new Platinum and off-road-focused Trailhunter trims. Here’s a closer look at the new SUV.
The Shake-Up Accelerates at Stellantis as Kuniskis Returns, More Moves in the Works
Dodge brand boss Tim Kuniskis has returned to Stellantis after retiring in June. He’ll take charge of Ram, the automaker announced Monday. It’s just one of the first steps in what could be a much broader management shake-up to follow the unexpected resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares earlier this month.
Lucid Hopes to Get Off the Ground as Production of Gravity SUV Begins
Lucid Motors has started rolling out its second product line and the all-new Gravity line is likely to determine whether the struggling start-off takes to the air or comes crashing back to earth. The first version of the electric SUV will start at $96,550, with lower-priced trims to follow late next year.
EV Charging is About to Get A Lot Easier
Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, there are some clear challenges to owning an EV, starting with using public chargers. The good news is that more and more are going in across the country – and seemingly by the day. And it’s about to get easier to use them without having to set up separate accounts with each charger brand. In fact, you’ll soon be able to “plug-and-charge” without having to use an app or credit card, making the process even easier than getting gas.
Sony-Honda Set to Reveal Near Production-Ready Afeela EV at CES
Four years after announcing plans to set up its own mobility division – and three years after confirming it would partner with Honda to develop a new EV – Sony will reveal a near production-ready version of an all-electric sedan at the Consumer Electronics Show next month. The all-wheel-drive model will put a premium on in-car entertainment technology and be marketed under the brand name Afeela.
Declining Interest Rates and Inflation Pay Off in Increased Auto Sales
With sales of electrified sales climbing, even as inflation and interest rates fall, Ford, Toyota, and Honda all reported strong sales in November. General Motors also hinted it had a big month while Tesla pulls back on Cybertruck.
Consumer Reports Has Some Big Surprises as it Hands Out its Annual Automotive Report Card
Ready to invest in a new car, truck or crossover? There are plenty of choices these days. But how do you know what’s right for you? Consumer Reports is offering a helping hand as it releases its Automotive Report Card. The annual study helps you figure out which brands and models are reliable, feature-loaded and fun to drive – and which products to steer close of. And this year’s report contains more than a few surprises.
Western Automakers Losing Ground in China; GM Takes $5 Billion Charge, May Close Plants
Not all that long ago, foreign manufacturers like General Motors, Ford and Volkswagen dominated the Chinese automotive market where, in some cases, they were making their biggest profits. Now, as domestic competitors like Geely and BYD gain traction, times have changed. On Wednesday, General Motors revealed plans to take more than $5 billion in charges to restructure its Chinese operations and is likely to close some of its plants there. But it’s far from the only international manufacturer struggling in the world’s largest automotive market.
Mazda CEO Reveals More on Rotary Engine Revival and Plans for the U.S.
Almost a month after confirming plans to launch a rotary-powered sports car based on its Iconic SP sports car, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro has offered more insight into what it expects to bring to market – and it means the eventual vehicle might be both smaller and more powerful than originally expected, especially for the U.S. market.