Citing Chinese automobiles and trucks with internet connectivity as a possible national security threat, President Biden directed the Commerce Department to launch an inquiry into foreign software in automobiles. Get details at Headlight.News.
Ford
EVs Are Getting Better but Public Charging is Getting Worse
While the rate of growth may be slowing, EV sales hit a record 1 million last year as more and more Americans find them to be acceptable alternatives to conventional, gas-powered vehicles. But “charging anxiety” has become one of the key factors slowing EV growth, according to industry analysts. And a new J.D. Power study concludes that “Public charging isn’t just bad, it’s getting worse.” That said, most owners are ready to buy another EV when it’s time to trade in, especially those with the top-ranked BMW i4.
“Electrified” Vehicles Dominate Consumer Reports’ Top 10 Car Picks
They may still represent only a small share of the new car market but electrified vehicles are becoming increasing desirable, according to Consumer Reports. Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric models make up seven of the models in the non-profit publication’s 2024 10 Top Cars list. For the first time, that includes a Tesla product, the Model Y, thanks to the automaker’s increasingly ubiquitous Supercharger network. Meanwhile, BMW and Subaru topped the CR Brand Report Card rankings.
Ford Halts Shipments of F-150 Lightning Due to Undisclosed Quality Issue
Ford has ordered a “stop-shipment” of its F-150 Lightning. It’s the latest in a series of issues impacting both the 2024 battery-electric pickup, as well as the gas-powered version of the full-sized truck. While versions of the F-150 with gas engines are now being shipped again, Ford officials told Headlight.News they don’t know when the 2024 Lightning will begin rolling into showrooms.
Jeep and Ford Cut Prices, Counterfeit Auto Part Problem, 2025 Ram 1500 Review Highlight Headlight News Podcast
Headlight News for the Week of 2-26-24 – Jeep and Ford Cut Prices – Automakers Back off of EV – Counterfeit Auto Parts – 2025 Ram 1500 Review and the Week in Automotive History.
Ford Cuts Mach-E Pricing, Adds New F-150 Lightning Incentives
Hoping to perk up a slowing EV market, Ford Motor Co. has announced some lucrative financial deals for its two retail battery-electric models, the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. Price cuts on the electric crossover run as high as $8,100, while there’s as much as $12,500 in “bonus cash” on the battery pickup.
From “Ruin Porn” to High-Tech Hub: Ford Set to Reopen Long-Abandoned Michigan Central Station
When it opened 110 years ago, the Michigan Central depot was the tallest train station in the world and a showpiece for a city at its peak. Since it shut down in 1988, however, it’s been a symbol of urban decay and the decline of Detroit, in particular. Now, after a...
Sales Growth Slowing, Biden Administration May Delay EV Mandates
Facing slowing sales growth — and pressure from automakers and their dealers — the Environmental Protection Agency may delay proposed emissions rules that would require EVs to account for as much as two-thirds of the new vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2032. The move would provide more time to address issues blamed for slowing adoption, including the high cost of EVs, as well as the lack of a robust public charging network.
Headlight News for the Week of 2-19-24 Podcast: Ford Plans Low-Cost EVs, Cybertruck Rust, Rivian Teases New EV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review
Headlight News for the Week of 2-19-24 – Ford Plans Low-Cost EVs – Cybertruck Rust – Rivian Teases New EV – Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review – and a Week in Automotive History.
With Stellantis Now Onboard, Tesla Has Won the Charger Battle
Stellantis will adopt the Tesla-style North American Charging Standard. The parent of brands including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram was the last holdout among major automakers to go with the NACS plug. It means owners will have access to a substantial wider network of plugs and formalizes Tesla’s Superchargers as the de facto winner in the charging battle. Tesla, meanwhile, is taking steps to prevent the embarrassing charger failures many owners ran into during a recent Midwest cold snap.
UAW Chief Fain Blasts CEO Farley for Comments on Ford’s Future
UAW President Shawn Fain clapped back at Ford CEO Jim Farley after the automaker’s chief expressed disappointment in the union’s decision to strike Ford and concern about how it may change the relationship between the two. Fain suggested it may be time for the automaker to get a different CEO, among other things. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Shifting Focus to Smaller, More Affordable EVs is “Nonnegotiable,” says Ford CEO Farley
After delaying billions of dollars in investments, Ford is shifting its EV strategy to put more focus on smaller, more affordable models – but ones that will also deliver quick profits, CEO Jim Farley said during an automotive conference in New York on Thursday. EV...