In this week’s episode of the podcast we talk about the planned merger between Nissan and Honda, Tesla’s newest recall, and Honda teasing the Prelude hybrid and a new EV. We also go for a spin in the all-new Dodge Charger Daytona, and take a trip through This Week in Automotive History.
Automakers
A Week With: 2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED)
True believers will tell you resurrections are quite inspirational. Perhaps it is with this in mind that the first version of the Fiat 500 to return to the U.S. marketplace after a five-year hiatus would be the 2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED). Check out our review at Headlight.News.
Q&A With: Stephan Winkelmann, CEO Automobili Lamborghini
A conversation on the future of Lamborghini in the face of electrification and troubles at parent company Volkswagen Group with the sports car brand’s CEO Stephan Winkelmann.
VW, Union Agree to Unprecedented 35,000 Job Cuts
In an unprecedented compromise, Volkswagen reached an agreement with its German labor union to cut as many as 35,000 jobs in Germany – though the automaker agreed not to order immediate layoffs or plant closures and dropped a demand for 10% wage cuts. The move avoided a mass walkout by members of the IG Metall union but is billed as a way to curb VW’s bloated labor costs, among the industry’s highest.
Honda to Take Lead in Planned Merger with Nissan
Honda and Nissan will merge under a new holding company, the automaker’s announced, confirming months of rumors, with the smaller of the Japanese automakers effectively taking control of the new alliance. Mitsubishi, which was rescued by Nissan in 2016, has yet to decide whether to become part of the alliance. And Renault, which bailed out Nissan in 1999, plans to determine what role it may have going forward.
Alfa Romeo Teases The Future of Stelvio SUV
Alfa Romeo prepares to jumpstart its push into the future as the brand releases new teaser video highlighting an updated design language.
Toyota Investment Aimed at Lowering EV Charging Costs, Stabilizing The Power Grid
There’s been a lot of focus on building up the public EV charging network but the vast majority of owners routinely charge at home. Toyota is helping secure $28 million in funding for startup WeaveGrid in a bid to make home charging easier and more affordable – while also ensuring that the nation’s electrical infrastructure can handle the addition of millions of battery-powered vehicles.
First Drive: 2025 Kia K4 — More than Just a New Name
It came as far from a surprise when Kia confirmed plans to introduce a new version of its long-in-the-tooth Forte sedan at the New York Auto Show last spring. Nor were we shocked to learn the new model would get an entirely new name. But, after finally getting a chance to drive the 2025 Kia K4, we were struck by just how much better it is than the outgoing four-door model. Here’s our review.
2025 Dodge Charger Won’t Get Hemi Without Major Redesign
The resignation of Carlos Tavares is raising hope that the Hemi could make a broader return into Stellantis products but Charger fans who think it’s as easy as a mere engine swap are in for a rude awakening according to a new report.
Tesla Recalls 700K Vehicles Due to Tire Pressure Issue
Tesla announced plans to recall nearly 700,000 vehicles due to a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system in those vehicles. The warning light may not remain lit during the entirety of the problem. Find out more at Headlight.News.
2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Gets $10K Discount, Non-Hybrid Version Comes To The U.S.
Alfa Romeo listens to consumer demand and brings the non-hybrid version of the Tonale to the U.S. while also giving the model a $10,000 discount.
Honda Teases New EV SUV, Will Enter Production In 2026
Honda teases EV SUV and confirms that it will be produced in 2026 alongside a wedge-shaped EV sedan.