The Headlight News podcast for the Week of 3-11-24: Rivian Reveals 3 EVs – Dodge Charger EV Debuts – Tesla Stock Crashes – Ford Maverick Hybrid – Review of Honda Prologue and the Week in Automotive History.
Automakers
Feds Open Probe into Honda Emergency Braking Problem
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started a probe into more than 250,000 Honda Insights and Passports due to dozens of complaints about the automatic emergency braking system activating for no apparent reason. Get details at Headlight.News.
BMW Might Offer Gas and EV Versions of M3, Report Says
BMW’s electrification plans continue to move forward but a new report suggests that the company will offer ICE and EV versions of M3 sedan. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Chevrolet Lifts Stop-Sale on Blazer EV
After nearly 10 weeks, Chevrolet has lifted a stop-sale order barring dealers from selling or delivering the new Chevrolet Blazer EV. The move was ordered in response to reports of serious glitches with the all-electric SUV’s software. Hoping to win back buyers, also announced price cuts running as much as $6,500, depending on the Blazer EV trim package. For more details, go to Headlight.News.
Audi Teases Q6 E-Tron, Confirms March 18 Unveiling
Audi prepares to give buyers another choice in its growing e-tron family with Q6 e-tron. Confirms the model will make its official debut on March 18. Read the story at Headlight.News.
UAW Sets Sights on Toyota Plant in Missouri
The concerted effort by the UAW to capitalize on the momentum gained by its record-setting contract with the Detroit Three may be paying off. The union is looking to organize the previously resistant plants of foreign automakers across the southeastern U.S., and it looks a Toyota plant may be the first to make the leap. Get details at Headlight.News.
Italian Automaker To Open First Residential Tower in Miami
Following in the footsteps of Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz, Italian Hypercar manufacturer Pagani is slated to open its first Pagani-branded luxury residential tower in Miami’s North Bay Village on Harbor Island. Dubbed Pagani Residences, the new...
Rivian Surprises with Three New Electric Vehicles: R2, R3, R3X
The long wait, which was somewhat spoiled by a leak, for Rivian’s next vehicle line came to an end today with a massive surprise: Rivian’s third vehicle. Headlight.News has the story.
Electric Van Segment Heats Up with Mercedes New Entry Coming to U.S.
Hybrids may be making all the buzz right now, but when it comes to the van market, battery-electrics continue to make noise. While the Ford Transit EV is the big seller, Mercedes-Benz is looking to gain ground with its new midsize luxury entry coming to the U.S. Get details at Headlight.News.
Tesla Stock Again in Freefall; How Low Will it Go?
Betting on the stock market isn’t for the fainthearted. But it takes an iron constitution to buy in on Tesla. True, those who’ve hung with the automaker since its early days have been well rewarded. But recent years have taken investors on a rollercoaster ride. And nowhere has it been more apparent than over the past few months. After nearing a 52-week late last year, Tesla shares have been in decline. And that’s now showing signs of turning into a full-on rout, even some long-term Tesla bulls getting worried.
Rivian R2 Details Leaked
A “Tesla and Rivian owner/fan” uncovered reported details about the new Rivian R2 scheduled to make its global debut Thursday. The EV maker’s new model is about the size of the Tesla Model Y and costs less than $50K. Go to Headlight.News for more information.
Driven by Soaring Hybrid Demand, Ford Maverick Sets New Sales Record
The Ford Maverick pickup has delivered a major hit for the Detroit automaker — and much of the credit goes to the hybrid version of the little pickup which accounted for nearly half of its record sales in February. Hybrids, in general, are setting all-time highs as automakers bring more to market and position them as a bridge between gas and all-electric drivetrain technologies. Read the story at Headlight.News.