After halting all operations on public roads following a near-fatal crash last autumn, General Motors’ autonomous driving unit Cruise appears ready to put at least some of its robocab fleet back into use.
General Motors
Musk Promises to Reveal Tesla Robotaxi in August
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet that the automaker will reveal its new robotaxi on August 8, 2024. According to recent reports, Tesla has scrubbed plans to build an “affordable” EV to focus resources on developing the driverless ride-sharing vehicle – though Musk said such reports are false.
Tesla Kills Plan for Affordable EV
Tesla pulled the plug on a program aimed at developing a $25,000 EV, even as Chinese automakers led by BYD double down on bringing to market all-electric vehicles affordable often to reach mainstream buyers. According to Reuters, Tesla CEO Elon Musk now wants to focus on self-driving robocabs.
Ford Moves Mustang Mach-Es by Slicing Price and Discounting
Ford this week confirmed it will indefinitely delay the launch of a new, all-electric SUV to put more focus on hybrids. It’s also cut back on production of its F-150 Lightning pickup. But while some EV skeptics take these moves as a sign that the market for all-electric vehicles is waning, Ford actually saw a surge during the first quarter, notably for its Mustang Mach-E. Here’s how it charged up demand.
Hybrids, EVs Helped Prop Up March Sales – Except for Tesla
It’s become something of conventional wisdom that the EV market is slowing down. And there’s no question that, on a percentage basis, the growth rate for battery-electric vehicles has slowed over the last 12 months. But the market does continue to grow, Kia’s EV sales jumping 151% in March. Ironically, it was the 800-pound gorilla of the battery-electric market, Tesla, where sales fell well short of expectations.
Chevy Finally Ready to Launch Retail Versions of the Silverado EV
Plagued by issues with supplier snags, battery production problems and glitchy software, General Motors has been slow to get its promised wave of new EVs to market. But it’s finally getting ready to roll the retail version of its Chevrolet Silverado EV into showrooms – at a steep price. The initial, limited-edition version of the battery pickup will start around $95,000 plus delivery fees.
GM Begins Shipping Ultium Batteries from Second Plant
Although it may be amending the pace at which it rolls out its newest electric vehicles, General Motors is making sure it will have the batteries needed to power them. It began shipping Ultium battery packs from its Tennessee plant this week. Find out more at Headlight.News.
March Auto Sales Look Strong – But Affordability Remains an Issue
After an uncertain start, U.S. auto sales showed solid momentum in March, with big gains by Japan’s big three and record numbers from Hyundai – which was charged up by EV demand. But Tesla posted a rare sales slid and GM lost ground during the first quarter. Meanwhile, high transaction prices continue to keep many buyers out of the market.
2024 Buick Envision Brings New Tech and Style to Customers
Buick is shooting for the big leagues with 2024 Envision. Updated SUV promises to be more complete SUV package thanks to updated styling and new technology that sharpen its luxury credentials.
EPA Expected to Give Automakers a Break on Emissions and Mileage Standards
The Biden administration is expected to roll back new rules governing vehicle emission and mileage standards, a move that should prove particularly helpful for Detroit automakers who are heavily dependent upon large, fuel-hungry models like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Suburban. But the changes likely also will benefit some Japanese manufacturers, including Toyota and Honda, that have been reluctant to invest heavily on EV technology.
Hertz CEO Steps Down After Failed Bet on Tesla EVs
The CEO of Hertz Global Holdings, has handed in his key to the executive washroom. He’s stepping down after a disastrous move that saw the daily rental company add 100,000 Teslas to its fleet. The EVs didn’t prove as popular as expected with customers – but they did wind up experience far more repairs than anticipated. Adding insult to injury, Tesla’s big price cuts meant massive losses for Hertz when it tried to sell the vehicles off.
These Are the Greenest – and Meanest – Vehicles You Can Buy
Looking for an environmentally friendly vehicle? You have more options than ever before. That includes a flood of new battery-electric vehicles, as you might expect, but if you’re still reluctant to go with an EV you still have plenty to choose from. In fact, the top-ranked model in the 2024 GreenerCars list is a plug-in hybrid, and even some products running solely on gasoline do well in the annual study. Better yet, there are plenty of affordable options. But there also are some surprises, as Headlight.News reports.