As the growth of EV sales has slowed in recent months, automakers have begun looking at electrified alternatives, many betting that plug-in hybrids will become a “bridge” technology for motorists not quite ready to commit to an EV. But if you think battery-electric vehicles are expensive you may be shocked by what the typical PHEV costs – an average of more than $60,000. Then again, there are a few surprisingly affordable one.
General Motors
August Brought Unexpectedly Strong Auto Sales – Boosted by EVs
Solid sales gains in August point to a robust finish for the year as fear of a recessions in the auto business recede, interest rate cut looms on the horizon, and buyers take a closer look at hybrids and newer EVs. Sales of new cars and trucks continued to gain...
Headlight News For The Week of 9-2-2024 – GM Sued Again – Shakeup at Polestar – Fire At Rivian – Volvo EX90 Review and More –
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we discuss GM's latest court battle, the fire at Rivian's plant, and a surprise shakeup at struggling EV maker Polestar. We also review the 2024 Volvo EX90 before making a detour to take a look at This Week in Automotive...
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.
GM Facing Huge Liabilities as Court Okays Class Action Over Faulty Transmissions
If you had a faulty transmission on a General Motors vehicles built between the 2015 and 2019 model-years you could be covered by a new lawsuit certified by a federal court. The class-action could result in payouts to hundreds of thousands of owners across the U.S., as Headlight.News reports.
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.”
GM Recalling 1,200 Cruise Robotaxis to End U.S. Safety Probe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration agreed to end its probe of General Motors’ Cruise subsidiary’s robotaxis after it agreed to recall 1,200 of the vehicles. Go to Headlight.News for a closer look and details.
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.
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.”
First Look: 2025 GMC Yukon – When You Need Something for Both Work and Play
There are a handful of bigger vehicles out there, but you’d be hard-pressed to find many that can do more, whether for work or play. And for the upcoming model year, GMC has made some welcome updates to the full-size Yukon SUV. No crossover this, Yukon remains a classic body-on-frame design that’s rugged enough to tackle serious trails, haul hefty trailers or, if you prefer, carry up to eight passengers in relative luxury for a night on the town. Here’s a look at what’s new with the 2025 GMC Yukon.
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.