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Automakers

Nissan Kills Off Plans for Electric SUV, Revives Rugged Xterra Instead

Nissan Kills Off Plans for Electric SUV, Revives Rugged Xterra Instead

Even as it cuts back on plans to expand its EV line-up, Nissan says it’s bringing back the once-popular Xterra, a rugged off-road SUV it junked back in 2015. It could be joined by a new Infiniti model, both to be produced at Nissan’s underutilized plant in Canton, Mississippi. More from Headlight.News.

Tesla May Reveal “Affordable” Version of Model Y Today

Tesla May Reveal “Affordable” Version of Model Y Today

Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier this year promised to bring to market a more affordable EV and, with federal tax credits having ended last week this may be the perfect time to roll it out. The automaker’s account on X teased what could be a new, lower-cost version of the Model Y expected to debut on Tuesday. Headlight.News has more.

Rivian Chief RJ Scaringe Upbeat Despite Loss of Fed Tax Credits, Threat of Chinese Competition

Rivian Chief RJ Scaringe Upbeat Despite Loss of Fed Tax Credits, Threat of Chinese Competition

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says he has “never been more confident than I am today” about the future of the struggling EV manufacturer. That’s despite a series of challenges facing the battery-electric vehicle sector in general – including the loss of federal EV tax credits and the rise of the low-cost Chinese competitors who are threatening to enter the U.S. market. A critical test will come early next year with the launch of Rivian’s more affordable R2 model line. But it’s also counting on joint ventures and alliances like those with Volkswagen and Amazon, reports Headlight.News.

Automakers Come Up With Their Own EV Deals to Offset Lost Federal Tax Credits

Automakers Come Up With Their Own EV Deals to Offset Lost Federal Tax Credits

While federal EV tax credits expired on September 30, automakers hope to maintain sales momentum – or, at the least, head off a threatened slump – with makers like Hyundai, GM and Ford coming up with deals of their own, including big price cuts and incentives matching the lost federal tax credits. They could help boost demand, according to a new Harris poll. More from Headlight.News.

It’s No Longer “If,” But “When” Chinese Automakers Will Crack Open the U.S. Market

It’s No Longer “If,” But “When” Chinese Automakers Will Crack Open the U.S. Market

Tariffs enacted by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump effectively closed the door on auto imports from China – only a few products now entering the U.S. But, despite the current hefty tariffs, observers expect that the Trump administration will soon open the American market up to Chinese products, while also encouraging manufacturers like BYD and Geely to set up U.S. manufacturing operations. While American motorists would likely welcome vehicles like the $20,000 BYD Dolphin, this could pose an “existential threat” to traditional automakers, reports Headlight.News.

Dodge May Drop 900-hp Charger Banshee While Other Electrified Stellantis Models Are Also at Risk

Dodge May Drop 900-hp Charger Banshee While Other Electrified Stellantis Models Are Also at Risk

Stellantis is backing away from its aggressive electrification plans. It’s already abandoned the all-electric Ram REV pickup and a plug-in hybrid version of the Jeep Gladiator. Now, it appears, the 900-hp Dodge Charger Banshee could be among other battery-based models set to be axed. Headlight.News has more.

Stellantis Finally Pulls Out of its Sales Slump – But Federal Shutdown Weighs Over the Entire Industry

Stellantis Finally Pulls Out of its Sales Slump – But Federal Shutdown Weighs Over the Entire Industry

Strong sales by the Jeep and Ram brands helped Stellantis reverse its long sales slide during the third quarter, even as Volkswagen faltered in the face of a challenging economy. While U.S. auto sales are running stronger than expected, analysts still worry about the impact of tariffs and the federal government shutdown in the months ahead.

Record EV Demand Charged Up U.S. Auto Sales in September

Record EV Demand Charged Up U.S. Auto Sales in September

U.S. auto sales took a sharp upturn in September, largely driven by charged-up demand for other electrified vehicles. General Motors and Ford were among the manufacturers reporting record EV numbers for the month, motorists racing to take advantage of federal tax credits before they expired at the end of the month. Headlight.News has more.