Facing declining demand for its Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Gladiator models, Jeep says it will cut as many as 3,700 jobs at plants in Michigan and Ohio — and its putting at least some of the blame on California’s tough emissions rules.
Paul Eisenstein
Kia Partnering Up to Help Ocean Cleanup
It’s twice the size of Texas and still growing. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest accumulation of plastic waste in the world, but by no means the only place where cast-off plastic is accumulating in the world’s waterways. Now, a non-profit called The Ocean Cleanup believes it can dramatically reduce this waste over the next two decades. And it’s getting a helping hand from Kia which intends to turn much of that junk into useful parts for its vehicles. More from Headlight.News.
Tesla Cybertruck Crash Videos Set Off Alarms Among Safety Experts
During a live-streamed event marking the first deliveries of the Tesla Cybertruck on Nov. 30, CEO Elon Musk played off a video showing the electric truck crashing into a barrier at 35 mph. “If you’re ever in an argument with another car you will win,” Musk said, triggering cheers from the audience. But safety experts aren’t quite ready to celebrate. Despite — or perhaps because of — Cybertruck’s stiff stainless steel body panels, questions are being raised about what it could do to pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles — and whether it can actually protect its own passengers.
Next-Gen Chevy Bolt Will Only Come in EUV Form
Fans of the Chevrolet Bolt have ridden a roller-coaster this year. Parent General Motors initially indicated the Bolt would go away as it switched to EVs based on its new Ultium platform, then said an all-new Bolt would return, also using that updated technology. Now, says GM, only the longer, SUV version, the Bolt EUV, will rejoin the line-up. That means buyers will have to say goodbye to the original 5-door hatchback Bolt EV, after all.
UAW’s Organizing Drive Gaining Traction at VW’s Tennessee Plant
The United Auto Workers union is hoping the third time’s the charm at the Volkswagen assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2014 and again in 2019, workers voted to reject a union organizing bid. Now, the UAW is back as part of a broader effort to organize workers at more than a dozen non-union plants across the country. More than 1,000 of those at VW have signed cards that could trigger a third vote. More from Headlight.News.
Stellantis “In the Black” on EV, Says CEO, But Tavares Warns Other Automakers Could Be Forced Out by Losses
With rare exception EVs have been big money-losers for the auto industry. But there are a few exceptions, starting with Tesla. Now, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares says his companies electrified vehicles also are “in the black.” Speaking at an industry conference, Tavares warned that automakers who can’t improve margins could be forced out of business by the end of the decade.
Honda Debuting New EV “Series” at CES Next Month
Even as it prepares to launch its first long-range EV for the U.S. market, Honda said it will introduce an all-new “series” of global battery-electric vehicles during next month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The even will mark the launch of the first models developed internally by Honda, rather than as part of a partnership with General Motors.
Ford, Xcel Energy Team Up to Build Low-Cost Commercial EV Charging Network
For many potential EV buyers, the real worry isn’t range but charging. More precisely: finding a place to plug in. Ford is partnering with Xcel Energy, an energy provider serving nearly 4 million electric customers in eight states. Together, they’re launching a program to install 30,000 heavily subsidized EV chargers for commercial fleets by 2030. More from Headlight.News.
Man Planning “Mass Casualty” Attack Arrested Ahead of Tesla Cybertruck Launch
A Florida man was arrested after taunting authorities “to stop me” before making a threat to commit what is being described as a “mass casualty” event during the roll-out of the new Tesla Cybertruck last week. More from Headlight.News.
Lucid Lowers Prices, Simplifies Lineup
Hoping to gain more traction — and make it simpler for customers to choose the right version — for its all-electric Air sedan, EV startup Lucid lowered the price on its two lowest trim models. Its also ended the run for its original Air Dream packages. The California-based automaker also added a range of new options available across the lineup. More from Headlight.News.
First Look: 2024 Fiat 500e
Fiat hopes to charge itself up as it begins the transition to an all-electric brand. It’s pulling the covers off an all-electric version of the iconic Cinquecento, better known to Americans as the 500. The first edition headed to the U.S. will be the 2024 Fiat 500e RED edition. Here’s what we know about it at Headlight.News
You Know You Want This Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Hypercar
While there are no final specs, we’re betting you’ll hit 60 before you can pronounce the name of this exotic new hypercar, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept. We know you want it. And you may even get to drive it. If you play the Gran Turismo video game, anyway. It made its debut at the Gran Turismo World Series World Finals in Barcelona, Spain over the weekend and will be available to anyone playing the game come January. Headlight.News checks out the virtual exotic.