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.
Automakers
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+.
Mercedes-Benz AG Joins The Miami Luxury Condo Tower Craze
Luxury and premium automakers dabble in all types of non-automotive revenue generators. Die cast models, watches, luggage, bicycles and now high-rise residences are bearing the name of well-known car companies. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Ford Halts Shipments of F-150 Lightning Due to Undisclosed Quality Issue
Ford has ordered a “stop-shipment” of its F-150 Lightning. It’s the latest in a series of issues impacting both the 2024 battery-electric pickup, as well as the gas-powered version of the full-sized truck. While versions of the F-150 with gas engines are now being shipped again, Ford officials told Headlight.News they don’t know when the 2024 Lightning will begin rolling into showrooms.
Chinese Automaker BYD Unveils EV Supercar, Updated Dolphin EV
When Chinese automaker BYD announced that it surpassed Tesla in global electric vehicle sales, the world took notice. BYD has been on a mission since then to expand its presence in the EV sector and has formally unveiled two models that look to further solidify its lead over Tesla, the U9 BEV supercar and an updated version of the mass-market-focused Dolphin hatchback. Get details at Headlight.News.
New Vehicle Sales Going Strong in February
After a bit of dip in January, automakers are expected to report strong numbers for new vehicle sales in February. The first two months of the year are typically slower, so February’s expected returns are a pleasant surprise. Get details at Headlight.News.
Jeep and Ford Cut Prices, Counterfeit Auto Part Problem, 2025 Ram 1500 Review Highlight Headlight News Podcast
Headlight News for the Week of 2-26-24 – Jeep and Ford Cut Prices – Automakers Back off of EV – Counterfeit Auto Parts – 2025 Ram 1500 Review and the Week in Automotive History.
From City Car to Pickup, Fiat’s Geneva Concepts Preview July Debut of New Panda “Family”
Geneva Motor Show-goers will get a first look this week at an array of new Fiat concept vehicles. A next-generation take on the long-running Fiat Panda, they’ll include a mix of products from microcompact city car to pickup. And they’ll use a new “multi-energy platform” capable of running on everything from gas to pure battery power, according to Fiat CEO Olivier Francois. But the concepts are more than fantasy in chrome, with production versions set to begin rolling out this coming summer.
Jeep Drops Prices, Prepares to Launch First EV — and Hints “Range-Extender” May Follow
He’s barely been on the job three months, but a lot has happened on his watch as Antonio Filosa, the new global CEO of the Jeep brand settles in. To start with, the off-road brand has cut prices on four of its best-selling model lines. But there’s more to come – soon – Filosa revealed during a media roundtable at the brand’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan on Friday. Among other things, Jeep is getting ready to launch production of its first EV, the Wagoneer S. And Filosa revealed that the automaker is looking at adding “range-extender” technology to future battery-electric models.
GM and Cruise Preparing to Resume Robotaxi Fleet Operations
General Motors and its robotaxi subsidiary, Cruise, prepare to resume service and testing after prior safety concerns saw the company voluntarily suspend its fleet from service, according to newly released report. Get the details at Headlight.News.
2024 Toyota Crown: Toyota’s Big New Offbeat Sedan
Yes, we’ve become a nation of truck drivers, piloting pickups, vans and SUVs. But there is a small bastion of consumers who do not check themselves out of stores, don’t shop online and refuse to drive an SUV or pickup. For them, Toyota builds the 2024 Toyota Crown. Find out why in our review at Headlight.News.
Auto Companies Fight Battle Against Global Counterfeit Parts Makers
The recent investigation by U.S. Department of Homeland Security in metro Detroit turned up scores of counterfeit auto parts. The probe, aided by Detroit Three automakers, netted scores of inexpensive, but fake parts for Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge car parts. The bust is a microcosm of a much larger problem across the U.S. costing automakers billions of dollars. Find out more at Headlight.News.