More than two years after Volkswagen AG revealed it was taking over the long-defunct Scout, the reborn off-road brand is set to reveal its first two all-electric products. And these teaser images give us a sense of what’s coming on October 24.
Ford
First Drive: 2025 Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance
If you ask CEO Jim Rowan, the new Volvo EX90 “is a statement for where we are and where we’re going.” It’s not the first all-electric model from the Swedish automaker but it’s certainly the most powerful and lavishly equipped, serving as a counterpoint to the familiar XC90. To get a sense of what the new model is all about I spent a couple days driving the top-line Twin Motor Performance package around the Southern California coast. Here’s what I learned.
Ford Joins Ranks of U.S. Companies Abandoning or Scaling Back Diversity Programs
Ford Motor Co. will pare back its diversity efforts, joining companies like Lowe’s, John Deere and Beam Suntory, the producers of Jim Beam liquor who have entirely abandoned so-called DEI programs. Ford’s move was hailed by conservatives, but denounced as “shortsighted” by human rights advocates. For his part, CEO Jim Farley said the automaker will still work to creative an “inclusive workplace.”
Ford Ranger, Bronco Raptor Models Get Big Performance Boosts with Software Update
It normally takes some major hardware upgrades to deliver a 50 horsepower boost, but the Ford Ranger Raptor will get that big jump in performance with something as simple as a software upgrade, the automaker says. And the Bronco Raptor will get a nearly equal increase, according to Ford. Here’s how.
First Drive: 2025 Lincoln Aviator
While Navigator may be the Lincoln flagship, Aviator serves as the more likely choice looking for an upscale, 3-row SUV considering it is, at a starting price of $60,475, far more attainable for most buyers. The 2025 Lincoln Aviator gets a number of welcome updates, especially with the Black Label package, though the automaker has abandoned the sportiest package powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Here’s what we discovered during our first few days behind the wheel.
VinFast Launches VF 9 With Major Price Cut
Hoping to get it right after a botched launch of its original EV, Vietnamese start-up VinFast is ready to roll its second offering into U.S. showrooms. To increase the appeal of the three-row VF 9, VinFast has slashed the sticker price by more than $10,000 on the base model and $18,000 on the more lavishly equipped Plus package.
Sasquatch Takes the 2025 Bronco Sport to New Levels
While it may be more affordable than its bigger sibling, the Ford Bronco Sport does sacrifice a bit of off-road moxie. But as it gets a welcome refresh for the 2025 model year, Bronco Sport gets some added off-road capabilities, including the introduction of the rugged new Sasquatch package. Headlight.News looks at all you’ll find on the 2025 update.
BYD, Stellantis Dismiss Rumored Chrysler Acquisition – But Chinese Maker May Still Seek Back Door to U.S. Market
It’s been the subject of speculation for weeks, “knowledgeable sources” chattering amongst themselves about the possibility China’s BYD is in talks with Stellantis as it looks for a way to crack into the U.S. market. The two makers have firmly dismissed the rumors. But there seems little doubt Chinese automakers want to target the world’s second-largest automotive market and are sniffing around the North American auto industry looking for a way to break in.
Ford Revises EV Plans, Dumps 3-Row SUV, Delays Next-Gen Pickup
Ford officials revealed the company’s plan to adjust the production timing of its future electric vehicles as well as other future product changes. The moves are designed to improve the company’s profitability while ensuring it hits its long-term environmental goals. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Headlight.News For The Week of 8-19-24 – GM Sues Texas -Car Prices Drop – 2025 Ford Explorer Review and More
In this week's episode of the Headlight.News podcast we discuss the brewing legal battle between GM and the state of Texas, The drop in new car prices, and review the 2025 Nissan Ariya. We also discuss the debut of several new products and take a look at This Week in...
GM Laying Off 1,000 Software, Service Staff
General Motors is cutting over 1,000 salaried software and service employees, despite the automaker’s increasing focus on opportunities to expand revenues through the use of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. The company said the move will help it “prioritize investments.”
A Woodward Dream Cruise Retrospective
It’s hard to ignore the guttural roar of a classic muscle car. Now, multiply that by several thousand. That’s what we can expect on Woodward Ave., the main drag bisecting Detroit and its northern suburbs as the annual Woodward Dream Cruise gets underway. Mother Nature isn’t being very kind, heavy storms expected to put a damper on a gathering that, in good years, will bring out as many as 60,000 muscle cars, hot rods, sports cars and other cruisers – with more than 1 million folks lining the 16-mile route. That seems like a good excuse to look back at my favorite shots from the past three decades.