In the wake of the COVID pandemic, many predicted the demise of auto dealerships. Study after study “revealed” more and more buyers were comfortable conducting most of their purchases online, especially younger buyers. Now with things nearly back to normal, it seems the reports of their demise was an exaggeration. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Automakers
EVs Are Getting Better but Public Charging is Getting Worse
While the rate of growth may be slowing, EV sales hit a record 1 million last year as more and more Americans find them to be acceptable alternatives to conventional, gas-powered vehicles. But “charging anxiety” has become one of the key factors slowing EV growth, according to industry analysts. And a new J.D. Power study concludes that “Public charging isn’t just bad, it’s getting worse.” That said, most owners are ready to buy another EV when it’s time to trade in, especially those with the top-ranked BMW i4.
Infiniti Teases 2025 QX80 Ahead of New York Debut, Will Spearhead New Artistry In Motion Design Language
Infiniti provides a glimpse into its brand revitalization with 2025 QX80. Flagship SUV will spearhead broader revitalization effort to bring the brand back into prominence
Aston Martin is the Latest to Delay its EV Plans
Aston Martin is following the lead of manufacturers including Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen, responding to slowing growth in the EV market by delaying the launch of its first all-electric model by at least a year. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Tesla Shipping New Roadster in 2025, Musk Claims
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, revealed the company plans unveil its second-generation roadster by the end of this year with deliveries starting next year. The Roadster was the first-ever Tesla vehicle, and its replacement was slated to arrive four years ago. Details at Headlight.News.
Buick Reveals New “Exceptional” Slogan, Provides Another Glimpse Of Updated Wildcat Concept
Buick prepares to enter new phase of marketing push with all-new slogan while also providing the world another glimpse of the updated Wildcat concept
IIHS Tightens Requirements for Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick + Awards
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tightened Its qualification criteria for Top Safety Pick Awards. The organization cited demand for better side crash protection and improved pedestrian detection systems as key reasons for making these changes. Get details at Headlight.News.
New 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV Gets the Automaker Back into the “Hydrogen Economy”
Honda unveiled a new version of the familiar CR-V hybrid on Tuesday, and the e:FCEV is the automaker’s newest fuel-cell vehicle, the first Honda to run on hydrogen since it killed off the Clarity FCV three years ago.
“Electrified” Vehicles Dominate Consumer Reports’ Top 10 Car Picks
They may still represent only a small share of the new car market but electrified vehicles are becoming increasing desirable, according to Consumer Reports. Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric models make up seven of the models in the non-profit publication’s 2024 10 Top Cars list. For the first time, that includes a Tesla product, the Model Y, thanks to the automaker’s increasingly ubiquitous Supercharger network. Meanwhile, BMW and Subaru topped the CR Brand Report Card rankings.
Motor Vehicle Deaths Predicted to Decline 4% in 2023
The estimated number of deaths on U.S. roadways last year fell to 44,450 from 46,270, which is a decline of 4%. The first decline since 2019 came despite Americans driving 2.1% more miles in 2023. Get details at Headlight.News.
Jeep Confirms Four-Wheel Drive Is Coming to Avenger CUV With New 4xe Model
Jeep confirms that all-new Avenger 4xe will get four-wheel drive to help it fall in line with the rest of the Jeep family in Europe. Still no plans for it to be sold in the U.S. Check out the details at Headlight.News.
Hyundai Motor Group, Toyota and Mazda Dominate as IIHS Names 22 Top Safety Picks
Three Asian automakers stood out in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s annual list of the safest vehicles consumers can buy. Toyota, Mazda and the Hyundai Motor Group — including the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands — had nearly as many winners as the rest of the industry combined, 34 of the 71 models named a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+.