In this week’s episode of the Headlight.News podcast we talk about Stellantis’s ongoing struggles as well as Carlos Ghosn emerging from the shadows to contend with more legal issues. We also review the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Final Edition and take a look at This Week in Automotive History.
Jeep
Stellantis Announces Expanded Discounts To Clear Out Inventory
Stellantis announces massive expansion of discount programs as the company attempts to get rid of a growing overflow of inventory to free up room for future products while also continuing to navigate rough waters. Stellantis has had a rough 2024 so far with the...
Stellantis CEO Tavares May Be on His Way Out
Once one of the most respected executives in the auto industry, CEO Carlos Tavares is coming under withering fire from investors, dealers and employees as the company’s fortunes fade – especially in North America, its most profitable region. With his contract set to expire early next year, the automaker is considering whether it’s time for a management shake-up.
Jeep Cuts Gladiator Pricing Amid Ongoing Sales Slump
Jeep, along with Ram, are Stellantis’ cash cows, providing the funding for brands that, if not on life support, don’t realize nearly the profits that these American powerhouse brands bring. So, you have to wonder: What took Stellantis so long to realize that Jeep had issues — major issues. Find out more at Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition
When is a Final Edition trim package not actually the final edition? When it’s the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition. That said, it would be a helluva way to go out. Regardless, Headlight.News spent a week in the new Final Edition and we’ve got opinions — lots of ’em.
Stellantis Defensive After Dealers Urgently Voice Their Concerns As Sales Tank
Prominent Jeep and Ram dealers are increasing pressure on Stellantis executives to boost sales in the United States in the wake of a substantial market-share decline.
Jeep Promises Wagoneer S EV Will Have ‘Perfect Quality’
Jeep doubles down on quality as the brand promises that the all-new Wagoneer S EV will have 'Perfect Quality' with this push for perfection potentially delaying the launch of the model to customers. Jeep is leaving no stone unturned as the company prepares to launch...
Scout Reborn: All-Electric Brand Set to Reveal First Products Next Month
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.
As Profits Sag and Inventories Bulge, Tavares Visits U.S.
With North American sales and earnings on the slide, Stellantis faces a number of challenges that have already led to some major changes in upper management and layoffs on the factory floor. And CEO Carlos Tavares is under mounting pressure to find a fix, reports Headlight.News.
UAW Chief Threatens Strike at Stellantis
UAW President Shawn Fain used a prime-time speech during the opening of the Democratic National Convention to warn of a possible strike against Stellantis. Speaking out against what he described as “corporate greed,” Fain accused the Euro-American automaker of reneging on investments promised as part of a settlement union and management reached during contract talks last autumn.
Plug-in Hybrids Now Outselling EVs
As EV sales growth slows, automakers are looking for other ways to reduce emissions without turning off potential buyers. That’s led to a wave of new plug-in hybrids coming to market – and to a surge in demand for PHEVs which grew 50% globally during the first five months of the year. But will they continue to outpace all-electric models? That’s a matter of debate.
What Brands Will Fall to the Stellantis Axe?
Could Stellantis abandon one or more of its 14 automotive brands? In light of the automaker’s weak second-quarter earnings, that is a distinct possibility, warned CEO Carlos Tavares. But which of those marques are the most endangered? Headlight.News takes a closer look and a few seem ripe for the chopping block.