Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigned unexpectedly on Sunday, the automaker saying “different views have emerged” in recent weeks as the Euro-American automaker struggled to come up with a way to reverse weakened sales and earnings. No immediate successor was named, though it appears that the automaker’s Chairman John Elkann effectively will take control until a replacement is named. This is a breaking story. Headlight.News will have a longer analysis shortly.
Paul Eisenstein
Tesla Could Lose Out on New California EV Tax Credits
If the Trump administration moves forward with plans to end federal EV tax credits California Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to activate state rebates to help maintain the state’s role as the biggest market for battery-electric vehicles. But there’s a catch: the governor plans to initiate a market cap that would likely exclude the state’s best-selling EV brand: Tesla.
New Life Envisioned for GM’s Old HQ
It’s an iconic part of the Detroit skyline but, with General Motors moving its headquarters to a downsized alternative the fate of the massive Renaissance Center complex has been uncertain, some calling for its demolition, others hoping to find an alternative use. Now, GM is looking at a solution that’s a bit of both as it proposes a massive new “waterfront destination.”
New York City Gets the Go to Launch $9 Congestion Free for Commuters and Visitors
As if you don’t pay enough in bridge and tunnel tolls to drive into Manhattan, things are about to get even more expensive for commuters and other visitors to New York City as the Big Apple launches a new $9 congestion fee starting January 5, 2025.
Tesla is America’s Deadliest Automotive Brand, New Study Shows
Today’s cars are safer than ever, or so they should be considering all the active and passive safety equipment onboard. But that isn’t necessarily so and, surprisingly, some of the best-equipped products don’t fare all that well when you check federal data. Case in point? Tesla turns out to have the industry’s highest fatality rate, according to a new study.
VW’s Cupra Brand Comes a Step Closer to Entering the U.S. Market
Months after Volkswagen revealed interest in bringing its sporty Cupra brand to the U.S. market it has taken a critical step closer to making that happen before the end of the decade. It’s begun talks with the Penske Automotive Group which could partner on the launch.
Kia is a Triple Threat at LA Auto Show with News about EV6, EV9 and Sportage
This week’s LA Auto Show may be more low-key than in some years — but Kia heated things up with three debuts on Thursday, including updates to the Sportage SUV and EV6. It also rolled out a new GT version of its three-row EV9.
Seven of Nine Finalists for North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year are Electrified
Battery power appears to have electrified the jurors of the North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year awards. Eight of the nine finalists are offered in all-electric or hybrid form. Here’s who’s on the list.
Honda Moves Closer to Solid-State Battery Breakthrough with New “Demo” Production Line
Even the most diehard EV fans wish for a next-generation battery-breakthrough, with most of the attention focused on solid-state batteries. Proponents claim they’ll deliver better range at lower costs, among other benefits. And now, Honda says, it’s bringing the technology closer to reality with the debut of a demonstration line meant to prove out the processes needed to launch mass production.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a Stylish, Long-Range EV for Families Needing 3 Rows
Looking for a stylish, well-equipped SUV with room for up to six, good performance and low energy costs? Hyundai is betting it has the right product for you. The Korean carmaker’s 2025 Ioniq 9, a spacious well-equipped 3-row EV, makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. And Headlight.News got a chance to check it out before the official unveiling at the LA Convention Center.
2026 Genesis GV70 and Electrified GV70 Revealed Ahead of LA Auto Show
Genesis will debut a mid-cycle makeover to two of its most popular models: the midsize GV70 and the Electrified GV70. But a handful of folks got a chance to check the sibling SUVs out during a sneak peek ahead of this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show.
Job Cuts Growing as Automakers Fret About the Future
Automakers in the U.S., Europe and Japan have announced thousands of job cuts over the past month and there’s growing concern the pace could increase as the industry moves into an uncertain new year, with a new presidential administration in Washington threatening to upend automotive rules and regulations — and possibly the economy, as well. Check out the story at Headlight.News.