In this week’s episode of the podcast, we talk about Trump’s tariffs and how they affect the automotive industry. We also highlight how many automakers are rethinking their EV plans amid changing market conditions.
Jeep
Jeep Boss Intends to “Grow the Brand Back”
Jeep is making one of the riskiest moves in its storied history, rolling out its first global EV, the Wagoneer S. It will be followed by a flood of new models this coming year, part of a push by the off-road marque to “grow the brand back” after several unexpectedly disappointing years. Headlight.News looks at what Jeep has coming and how it will face its ongoing challenges.
First Drive: Jeep Wagoneer S Electrifies on First Drive
The new Jeep Wagoner S marks a major milestone for the Stellantis off-road brand as its first global all-electric vehicle. The 2-row SUV made its debut in New York last May but we’ve only now gotten a chance to see whether it can deliver on all its promises. To find out, Headlight.News headed out to San Diego this past weekend to put the electric Jeep through its paces.
Long-Range Ram 1500 Pickup Scrapped, Report Reveals
After delaying the launch of its Ram 1500 REV pickup, the Stellantis truck brand now has pulled the plug on an extended-range version of the EV that was to have delivered as much as 500 miles per charge. For those who need that much range, the automaker sees buyers more likely to go with the Ramcharger with its gas-electric driveline. More from Headlight.News.
Chrysler the Latest to Scale Back EV Plans; Kills off Electric Crossover
The Chrysler brand reportedly has halted work on a midsize electric crossover based on the Airflow concept vehicle. The move comes late in development as the EV was to have reached market later this year. The decision echoes one made by rival Ford which has also responded to slowing growth in the EV market by killing off a planned 3-row crossover.
Ram Pickup Toppled by Toyota’s RAV4, Parent Stellantis Was the Big Loser of 2024
If you’re wondering just how bad things got for Stellantis last year, consider the fact that its Ram pickup fell off the podium, losing its traditional third-place position in the U.S. sales race – behind the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado – to Toyota’s RAV4 SUV. Overall, the Euro-American automaker was one of only two manufacturers to report a decline in sales in 2024 and faces serious challenges to turn things around in 2025.
The Big Automotive Stories We Expect in 2025
The new year is likely to be a big year when it comes to the auto industry, especially with a new president coming into office who has signaled plans to scrap EV sales incentives and enact hefty new tariffs on imported auto parts and fully assembled vehicles. We’ve...
Western Automakers Losing Ground in China; GM Takes $5 Billion Charge, May Close Plants
Not all that long ago, foreign manufacturers like General Motors, Ford and Volkswagen dominated the Chinese automotive market where, in some cases, they were making their biggest profits. Now, as domestic competitors like Geely and BYD gain traction, times have changed. On Wednesday, General Motors revealed plans to take more than $5 billion in charges to restructure its Chinese operations and is likely to close some of its plants there. But it’s far from the only international manufacturer struggling in the world’s largest automotive market.
CEO Tavares’s Resignation Could Leave Struggling Stellantis Rudderless
With CEO Carlos Tavares resigning “with immediate effect,” and no successor in sight, Stellantis could face even more trouble trying to resolve the problems that saw its sales, earnings — and stock price tumble so far this year. The lack of a chief executive officer also comes at a time when the Euro-American automaker is set to launch an assortment of critical new products, including the first all-electric Jeep and Ram models aimed at the U.S. market.
Ram 1500 REV and Procharger Delays Add To Broader EV Holdups for Stellantis
Ram confirms it’s delayed the Ram 1500 REV and Procharger models as Stellantis grapples with a growing list of other delays for its first wave of EV models.
Stellantis Announces Further Layoffs – as Job Cuts Sweep Across the Industry
Stellantis is cutting another 1,100 jobs, the latest furloughs impacting workers at the Toledo, Ohio plant producing Jeep products such as the Wrangler and Gladiator. The news comes at a time when other manufacturers, including Nissan and Audi, are paring back at a time of weakening sales.
Jeep Slashes Prices on Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer to Counter Weak Demand
Been eyeing one of the Jeep Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer models but turned off by the high price tag? Then you’ll likely appreciate the automaker’s decision to slash prices by as much as $7,000 on new 2025 models – though you also can expect retailers to start offering good deals on leftover 2025 SUVs.