With sales falling sharply, the first quarter of 2024 was an “unmitigated disaster,” according to one of Tesla’s big boosters. Now, one of the automaker’s big critics is warning the company could “go bust.”
Paul Eisenstein
Hybrids, EVs Helped Prop Up March Sales – Except for Tesla
It’s become something of conventional wisdom that the EV market is slowing down. And there’s no question that, on a percentage basis, the growth rate for battery-electric vehicles has slowed over the last 12 months. But the market does continue to grow, Kia’s EV sales jumping 151% in March. Ironically, it was the 800-pound gorilla of the battery-electric market, Tesla, where sales fell well short of expectations.
Chevy Finally Ready to Launch Retail Versions of the Silverado EV
Plagued by issues with supplier snags, battery production problems and glitchy software, General Motors has been slow to get its promised wave of new EVs to market. But it’s finally getting ready to roll the retail version of its Chevrolet Silverado EV into showrooms – at a steep price. The initial, limited-edition version of the battery pickup will start around $95,000 plus delivery fees.
UAW Gaining Traction as Mercedes’ Alabama Workers Set to File for Union Vote
In what could be a critical development for the United Auto Workers Union, employees at the Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Alabama are expected to file the paperwork needed to set up a vote aimed at organizing the factory. Workers at the Volkswagen plant in Tennessee made a similar move last month.
Highway Fatalities Fell in 2023 – But Are Still Up Over Pre-COVID Totals
Federal regulators said the number of Americans who died in highway crashes last year fell by 3.6%. But the total is still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, with safety experts pointing to a variety of causes, including distracted and drunk driving, as well as failure by passengers to wear seatbelts.
Q&A: Infiniti Americas’ Craig Keeys – What Comes Beyond the New QX80
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is the automaker’s most important new entry in decades and, according to some observers, could be its make-it-or-break-it product. Craig Keyes, the head of Infiniti Americas, spoke to Headlight.News about the 3-row luxury sedan as well as future products such as the brand’s first EV. He also discussed the challenges of taking on better-known brands like Mercedes, BMW and Lexus, in this exclusive Q&A.
EPA Clampdown on Heavy Truck, Bus Emissions Should Save Lives, Reduce Global Warming
The EPA announced strict new emissions standards meant to slash CO2 emissions from the nation’s heavy truck and bus fleet – among the country’s largest source of global warming gases. But the regulations could face a fight, both in Congress and the courts.
Toyota Teases 2025 4Runner – A Long Time Coming
Toyota plans to make some big news in a couple weeks and it’s giving a big hint at what’s on the docket with the first tease of the next-generation 4Runner. If these images offer any indication, the new 4Runner will get an evolutionary design makeover, but it’s also likely to get more significant updates when it comes to capabilities and technologies.
Lamborghini is the Latest to Get a New Logo
No bull? Well, a slightly different one, at least when it comes to the revised logo that Lamborghini has announced. It marks the most dramatic change to the iconic badge in decades – but it’s in line with what a number of other automakers have done lately.
2025 Mini Cooper S Makes its First U.S. Appearance at NY Auto Show
Mini is maxxing out with new products, and the 2025 Mini Cooper S is the latest to arrive, the three-door making its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show. It has more room and more power – but it’s also more expensive.
Koreans, Electrified Vehicles Dominate World Car Awards
The Kia EV9 was named World Car of the Year during a ceremony at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, with Korean vehicles winning three of the six awards handed out by a panel of journalists from around the world. The annual event had more than a few surprises.
All-Electric Polestar 4 Makes Its North American Debut in the Big Apple
Volvo spinoff Polestar is accelerating its product rollout this year and the New York International Auto Show brings the debut of the new Polestar 4. It’s an all-electric CUV that will be positioned in-between the Polestar 2 and 3 models in terms of size and price.