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.
Automakers
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...
Ford Powers Promise of EVs by Offering Free Home Chargers
Ford CEO Jim Farley announced plans today to offer free home chargers and installation to buyers of the company’s slow-selling electric vehicles. Farley took to LinkedIn to outline the company’s newest incentive, the Ford Power Promise, to sell EVs while continuing to show his advocacy for them. Get details at Headlight.News.
McLaren’s W1 Will Be the Modern Reincarnation of the Legendary P1
Confirming long-standing rumors, McLaren said it will introduce a new supercar on October 6 that will serve as the modern day successor to the legendary P1. Here’s what’s we know about the new McLaren W1.
Norway, Land of the Midnight Sun, Lutefisk … and EVs
Conventional wisdom might seem to suggest that EVs have come unplugged, with traditional automakers such as Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG pulling back on their plans to go all-electric. But don’t tell that to the folks in Norway. As contributing editor Joe Szczesny discovered during a visit this week, you’ll have to look hard to find a new vehicle drawing power from a tank of gasoline.
September to See Double-Digit Sales Drop, Analysts Predict
Analysts predict new vehicle sales will drop at least 12% on a year-over-year basis. However, it’s not all bad. If you compare apples to apples, the number is a lot more digestible: less than 2%. Find out more at Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2025 Polestar 3
If one thing is certain, Polestar isn’t in a rush when it comes to releasing new models. More than seven years after introducing its first model, the gas-electric Polestar 1, the EV maker is finally rolling out the third entry in its line-up. But is the Polestar 3 the product the Volvo spin-off needs? Here’s our review.
Toyota Drops Prime Name From PHEV Models, Change Was Customer Driven
Toyota confirms that it's dropping "Prime" from the RAV4 and Prius plug-in models as the brand simplifies the naming scheme for its PHEVS while also improving the overall buying experience for customers at the same time. When Toyota introduced the "Prime" moniker back...
Back in the News: Court Orders Carlos Ghosn to Return Super-Yacht and $32 Million to Nissan
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.
New Vehicle Sales Expected to Drop for Q3
Analysts at Cox Automotive predict new vehicle sales in the U.S. will drop 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. They point to expected declines by General Motors, Toyota and Stellantis as the primary reason for the slide. However, it’s not all bad news. Find out why at Headlight.News.
Stellantis Set to Launch Layoffs Next Month — Even as it Faces Strike Threat
Stellantis Plans to lay off hundreds of full-time and seasonal employees starting October 1 as it enters “full execution mode” aimed at coping with slumping sales and earnings. But the cuts could lead to further friction even as members of the United Auto Workers Union vote on whether to authorize a strike at the Euro-American automaker.
Ford, Stellantis Move Closer to Strikes
Barely a year after wrapping up a “stand-up strike” against Detroit’s Big Three automakers the the United Auto Workers Union appears ready to launch another series of walkouts. First in line: a Ford unit producing critical tooling for parts plants and assembly lines could face a strike at midnight Wednesday after talks broke down. Stellantis could be next.