Mercedes-Benz details its new strategy as the company prepares for the launch of several new products while also making the cuts necessary to help it stay flexible in a changing market environment.
Automakers
Stellantis Reveals New AutoDrive Hands-Free Tech — But Delays Availability
Stellantis is late to the hands-free party but plans to arrive with a bang. It’s newly introduced AutoDrive system is designed to allow the driver to take their hands and eyes off the road in low-speed situations. However, officials aren’t making the system available right now. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Here’s More on the VW Concept Hinting at a New, “Affordable” EV
Volkswagen released a pair of sketches showing off a new concept dubbed the ID.EVERY.1. They reveal the direction the German automaker plans to take when it launches a new, entry-level battery-electric vehicle in 2027. But what else have we learned about the show car and ID.1 production model to follow? Headlight.News has more.
Jury Hits Ford with $2.5B Verdict in Georgia Super Duty Rollover Case
A Georgia jury awarded over $2.5 billion to the survivors of a couple who were killed in 2022 when their Ford Super Duty pickup rolled over. It’s a record award to come a Georgia court and one of the highest affecting an automaker in the U.S. Headlight.News has more....
Kia Brings Competition to VW ID.Buzz With New PV5 Van
ia throws its hat into the EV wars with the all-new PV5 as it brings the fight to the Volkswagen ID.Buzz in the EV van wars.
EV and Hydrogen Truckmaker Nikola Files Chapter 11; Will Try to Sell Assets
Phoenix-based Nikola Motors has filed for Chapter 11, becoming the latest start-up to go bust while targeting the EV and hydrogen fuel-cell markets. Nikola officials said the company now plans to sell off its assets, though it isn’t clear a buyer has yet emerged.
Alef Takes Next Step — or Flight — in Development of Flying Car
Alef Aeronautics pushed ahead in the development of its flying car with a short test flight on a city street. The company’s prototype flew over another vehicle, simulating how a future driver might deal with blocked traffic. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Ford Beefs Up F-Series Security With New Features, Adds Insurance Deductible If It’s Stolen
Ford addresses the F-150’s theft problem with the rollout of several new security features and an included insurance deductible as the company clamps down on rising thefts across the nation.
Next Generation F-150 Reportedly Delayed, Production To Not Start Till 2028
A pair of new reports suggests next generation F-150 will be delayed with the current-gen model expected to hold down the fort until 2028.
GM Closing Plant in China as Part of Restructuring
The competition in China is getting tougher for General Motors. As a result, the automotive company is restructuring, including shutting down a plant that built a minivan and an SUV for the Chinese market. Find out more at Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Gets Longer-Range Battery, XRT Off-Road Package
Hyundai makes some welcome upgrades to the ioniq 5 for 2025, among other things introducing new, longer-range batteries and a charger port that can directly connect to the Tesla Supercharger network. There’s also the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT package for those who want light to moderate off-road capabilities. Here’s our review.
Nissan Teases Six Models As it Struggles to Reverse Sales, Earnings Slide
With its planned merger with Honda now likely dead, Nissan desperately needs to come up with the products that can help it head off a further decline in sales and earnings. It’s dropped a teaser showing some of what it now has in the pipeline ready to debut over the next two years – and the emphasis is on electrified drivetrain technology, with a Rogue PHEV, e-Power models and even a new Nissan Leaf in the works.