Serious off-roaders have gotten plenty of new options lately, like the GMC Sierra AT4X. General Motors’ “professional grade” truck brand has been upgrading things with the of American Expedition Vehicles and, together, GMC and AEV are showing off what could be the “ultimate” package, the Sierra Grande Concept that will make its official debut at the SEMA Show next week.
Paul Eisenstein
Ford Rethinks its Costly EV Program – and it’s Not Alone
Ford is rethinking its commitment to battery-electric vehicles, at least in the near term, company officials revealed during an earnings call. It might seem a logical move considering the automaker lost about $37,000 on every EV it sold during the third quarter. But Ford is by no means the only automaker rethinking its commitment as growth in the electric vehicle market slows. Read the story at Headlight.News.
Blurring the Lines: Lexus Reveals LF-ZC and LF-ZL EV Concepts
Like its parent, Toyota, luxury brand Lexus has been slow to embrace EV technology. But that may be set to change, at least based on the LF-ZC and LF-ZL EV concepts unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show. The Lexus LF-ZC could be in production by 2026, with the LF-ZL hinting at an all-electric flagship that may follow. Both introduce next-gen battery technology capable of delivering over 600 miles range.
Who’s Next? After Ford Settles, UAW Still Has to Crack GM and Stellantis
Ending a nearly six-week walkout, Ford reached a tentative settlement with the United Auto Workers union providing it a 25% raise — its best deal in more than two decades. Now, the UAW has to wrap up talks with General Motors and Stellantis, but there are potential sticking points that could drag things out, reports Headlight.News.
Mazda Iconic SP Blends the Miata and RX-8 — and Adds a Rotary “Range-Extender”
Sports cars seem to be getting a lot of play at the Japan Mobility Show this year with several other automakers offering up sporty concepts. Mazda certainly got the memo, showing off the Mazda Iconic SP, which is clearly inspired by the company’s past and present. Get details at Headlight.News.
UAW, Ford Reach Tentative Settlement – But Reopening Plants Could Take Weeks
The United Auto Workers Union reached a tentative settlement with Ford Motor Co. Wednesday evening, nudging the automaker to accept a wage hike averaging 25% over the course of 4.5 years for its UAW workers. The union also agreed to order an immediate end to the walkout though it will take weeks before all is back to normal, Headlight.News reports.
Honda Prelude Concept Debuts in Tokyo and Could Signal a Production EV or Hybrid
It’s been more than two decades since we last saw a new Honda Prelude roll into dealer showrooms. But while the automaker is officially calling the coupe debuting at the Japan Mobility Show a “concept,” there’s good reason to believe it’s a thinly disguised prototype, with a production Honda Prelude to follow in electrified form.
Toyota Reveals All-Electric EPU, Hints it May Enter EV Pickup Market
Toyota rolled out an all-electric pickup concept during the Japan Mobility Show. Sized slightly smaller than the automaker’s current, midsize Tacoma model, it offers a number of unique features, including a pass-through bed. Toyota hasn’t confirmed production plans but is widely expected to add an EV pickup as it ramps up its electrification program. Get details at Headlight.News.
California Suspends Cruise Robotaxi Permit Following Pedestrian Crash
California regulators suspended the permit allowing General Motors’ subsidiary Cruise to operate a fleet of driverless robocabs on the streets of San Francisco. The move happens as additional video evidence comes to light in the wake of a crash earlier this month in which a pedestrian was run over by one of the company’s vehicles. Get details at Headlight.News.
Porsche Continues 911 Legacy with New Carrera T
Porsche sure knows how to celebrate an anniversary, in this case, 60 years of the 911. The German sports car maker offers plenty of “special” models, including the Porsche 911 Carrera T. Headlight.News drove the machine to Hell (Michigan) and back and can tell you what kind of beast it is in our review.
Another Riddle from Toyota — Could This be the Rumored Crown Sport SUV?
The Toyota Crown doesn’t readily fit into any conventional category. It has the stance of a crossover, but boasts a three-box, four-door design — and Toyota prefers to label it a sedan. But it appears a second Crown model is in the works for next year and the automaker may label the hybrid, all-wheel-drive SUV the Crown Sport.
UAW’s Stand-Up Strike Shuts Down Stellantis’ Full-Size Ram Pickup Plant
With no major progress reported in contract talks with Detroit’s Big Three automakers, the UAW ordered nearly 7,000 workers to walk out at the most profitable plant operated by Stellantis, its Ram pickup line in the Detroit suburb of Sterling Heights.