Bait-and-switch, hidden fees and other dealer scams could proliferate under the incoming administration of Donald Trump, experts warn, as the president-elect signals plans to eliminate or scale back various consumer protection rules.
Paul Eisenstein
Cadillac Set to Discontinue XT4 Crossover, Making Room for New Chevy Bolt
In a surprise move, Cadillac announced it will end production of the popular XT4 crossover in January. The move frees up space at General Motors’ Fairfax Assembly Plant to switch over to the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt. The EV will go on sale a year from now as GM’s cheapest battery-electric model.
These Are the Fastest-Charging EVs – and the Slowest
There’s no question EVs offer a number of advantages, including low energy costs and the ability to plug in at home. But what about when you need to charge up on the road? The good news is that there are more public chargers being added every day. The downside: you might be in for a long wait when you plug in, depending on what EV you’re driving. Automakers are upgrading their battery vehicles to improve charging speeds and here’s a look at the models that will add miles the fastest – as well as the slowest.
Stellantis Announces Further Layoffs – as Job Cuts Sweep Across the Industry
Stellantis is cutting another 1,100 jobs, the latest furloughs impacting workers at the Toledo, Ohio plant producing Jeep products such as the Wrangler and Gladiator. The news comes at a time when other manufacturers, including Nissan and Audi, are paring back at a time of weakening sales.
Trump’s Second Term Presents Opportunities, Poses Risk to Auto Industry, Says Top Toyota Exec
After scoring a major win in the election this week, President-elect Donald Trump is widely expected to move quickly on a broad agenda when taking office next January. He has made it clear this will include a number of issues critical to the auto industry, including tariffs and EVs. That presents some significant opportunities for manufacturers, but also poses quite a few risks, said a senior Toyota executive who spoke to Headlight.News shortly after Trump’s victory was confirmed.
Toyota Earnings Hit by Sales, Quality, Production Issues
In a rare and unexpected setback, Toyota suffered a 20% dip in its operating profit for the most recent quarter, the automaker hit by a variety of problems including recalls and quality snags that delayed the launch of the new 4Runner. But a senior U.S. official said the Japanese giant expects to get back on track in months ahead.
EV Start-Up Canoo Teeters Over the Edge
With its losses mounting and stock price tumbling, Canoo appears to be the latest EV start-up to face the threat of collapse. The company furloughed 30 employees at its factory in Oklahoma, even as two more of its top executives resigned.
Politics Becoming Less of a Factor in Who Buys – or Rejects EVs
Among all the divisive issues that the 2024 presidential race has brought to the fore you can add battery-electric vehicles. Studies have shown a clear divide between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to EVs – but a new study suggests that, going forward, who you vote for might have less of an influence on whether you go electric in the future.
Jeep Slashes Prices on Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer to Counter Weak Demand
Been eyeing one of the Jeep Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer models but turned off by the high price tag? Then you’ll likely appreciate the automaker’s decision to slash prices by as much as $7,000 on new 2025 models – though you also can expect retailers to start offering good deals on leftover 2025 SUVs.
Scout’s New Assembly Plant Could Turn into a Factory for Hire
When the new Scout plant in South Carolina opens in 2027 it will produce the brand’s two new products on a single shift. Whether there will be enough demand for the Scout Terra and Traveler models to justify adding more shifts is uncertain. That has the new Volkswagen subsidiary looking at other options, possibly including production of vehicles for other VW brands and even some competitors.
The SEMA Show Keeps Fueling America’s Love Affair with the Automobile
If you’re one of those who think America has lost its love of the automobile you might want to make a trip to Las Vegas next week to take in the 2024 SEMA Show. The annual event is an automotive love fest highlighting all the things you can do to customize your car, truck or crossover.
Hyundai Reveals Initium Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Concept, Previews New Design Language
Hyundai’s new Initium concept shows more than just the direction the Korean carmaker plans to take with its hydrogen fuel-cell technology. It also reveals the brand’s new “Art of Steel” design language.