If you’re one of those who think America has lost its love of the automobile you might want to make a trip to Las Vegas next week to take in the 2024 SEMA Show. The annual event is an automotive love fest highlighting all the things you can do to customize your car, truck or crossover.
Ford
Slumping Demand Forces Ford to Halt F-150 Lightning Production
Ford is forced to halt F-150 Lightning production again for six weeks as the automaker struggles with slumping demand for the pickup amid a broader decrease in demand for EVs.
Kia Tasman Offers Much to Like – But Will it Come to the U.S.?
Kia launched its new Tasman pickup, a midsize truck that takes direct aim at two of the global market leaders, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. The bold design is available in a variety of different body configurations and offers two different powertrain options. The question now is whether Kia will take a chance at prying open a niche in the U.S. market.
Ford Posts Mixed Q3 Results, Revises Full-Year Earnings Downward
Ford Motor Co. reported third-quarter earnings that beat some analysts’ expectations while falling short in other areas. The company revised its full-year earnings forecast after it took a $1 billion charge and saw the impact of a pricing war on its bottom line. Get details at Headlight.News.
Roadster Delayed, Entry Model Dead – But How About a Flying Tesla?
After a rough start, Tesla appeared to get back on track during the third quarter, beating both sales and earnings estimates. But, buried amidst all the financial data, CEO Elon Musk said there won’t be a $25,000 Tesla and the EV maker’s potentially rocket-powered Roadster is delayed – again. But he may be working on a flying Tesla.
Tesla Cybertruck Misses Mark Again with Costly Range Extender
When Tesla finally delivered the first Cybertruck 11 months ago it missed the mark in a number of ways, starting with range. While CEO Elon Musk originally promised a version that would clock 500 miles per charge, its currently delivering a max 301 miles. To get close to the original target would require purchasing a range-extender battery, Tesla said. But that now is missing the mark, too.
Ford Slashes Price – Again – for 2025 Mustang Mach-E
Hoping to charge up sales of the Mustang Mach-E, Ford will cut the price by as much as $6,000 for the 2025 version of the all-electric crossover. That’s on top of a handful of other changes, including a revised shifter, a new Sport Appearance Package and upgraded BlueCruise technology.
As Musk Preps to Debut Tesla RoboTaxi Automaker Struggles with Flood of Exec Departures
It’s a put-up-or-shut-up-day for Elon Musk as Tesla prepares to reveal its long-promised Cybercab, but the company has plenty of other challenges facing it right now, starting with the departure of four top-level executives leading an exodus of talent as insiders balk at the CEO’s increasingly erratic behavior.
What’s Coming to This Year’s Paris Motor Show
The Paris Motor Show has traditionally been a big event for European automakers and, in some ways, it could prove even more important this year, as Western manufacturers roll out new products designed to hold back increasingly aggressive Chinese competitors. Headlight.News looks at some of the most important products set to debut in the City of Lights this coming week.
First Look: 2025 Ford Expedition – More Rugged, More Tech and a New Split Gate
Ford has some big news for SUV buyers, the full-size Expedition line getting a complete makeover for 2025. Buyers can look for an updated design, plenty of new tech features, including a split tailgate, and a new, “off-road capable” Tremor trim. Here’s a first look.
EVs, Hybrids Salvage an Otherwise Weak September for Tesla, Ford, GM, Other Automakers
Tesla posted a modest upturn in sales for the third quarter after losing ground during the first half of the year. And it wasn’t alone. EVs, PHEVs and conventional hybrids staved off what could have been a much sharper downturn for the U.S. auto industry, helping prop up major manufacturers including General Motors, Ford, Toyota and Mitsubishi.
September Delivers Disappointing Sales
September and third quarter sales proved disappointing for automakers after months of steady gains. But electrified vehicles created a bright spot for GM and several other manufacturers — and accounted for nearly half of Toyota’s sales in the U.S.