Ashes to ashes, dust to rust. The life of an automobile is fairly limited. And the same can be said for automotive nameplates. With only the rarest exceptions, even the most popular badges have finite lives, as the Ford Model Y and Volkswagen Beetle proved. With the arrival of the 2025 model year there are still more nameplates set to drive off into the sunset, the Chevrolet Malibu being just one of the best-known examples. Here’s a look at some other product lines we won’t see going forward.
Tesla posted a modest upturn in sales for the third quarter after losing ground during the first half of the year. And it wasn’t alone. EVs, PHEVs and conventional hybrids staved off what could have been a much sharper downturn for the U.S. auto industry, helping prop up major manufacturers including General Motors, Ford, Toyota and Mitsubishi.
Nissan showed its former CEO who’s “The Boss” as it won a battle in court ordering Carlos Ghosn to return a 121-foot yacht of that name, along with $32 million in damages. That’s the latest twist in a battle that began when the executive was arrested for alleged financial crimes in 2018.
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.
Mitsubishi promises updated Outlander will be a better SUV as the company prepares to shift its electrification plans into high gear following the recent confirmation of a new alliance between Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi that will enhance EV development.
Times are tough in the automotive industry with more automakers entering into alliances to pool resources and development money especially in the development of electric vehicles. The latest report suggests that a new alliance between Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi might be formed.
Mitsubishi is refocusing its EV efforts and according to a new report, it appears that two more of its iconic nameplates might make a return and play a key role in the company’s EV plans.
Mitsubishi…remember it? Going back a couple decades, it was a rising star in the U.S. market. Now, it hopes to make a real comeback with its 5-year Momentum 2030 North America business plan. That will “start immediately,” the Japanese automaker says, with an assortment of new and completely refreshed vehicles heading to American showrooms — including EVs, plug-ins and conventional hybrids.
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.
Plans call for collaboration on new models for the U.S. market Despite having been part of the same alliance for since 2016, when Nissan acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors, there’s been little indication of their alliance in the U.S. market. The exception is...
If the Mitsubishi Outlander was just another plug-in hybrid SUV, that would be good enough to make this vehicle a strong contender. It’s got enough battery to cover 38 miles of electric driving on a charge. But the Outlander PHEV is much more than just another hybrid – it’s an effective all-weather driving machine with a sophisticated all-wheel drive system and a luxury interior. Read the whole review at Headlight.News.
Headlight News for the Week of 2-19-24 – Ford Plans Low-Cost EVs – Cybertruck Rust – Rivian Teases New EV – Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review – and a Week in Automotive History.