Land Rover pushes the envelope of Defender performance with the 2025 Defender Octa. Hybrid power helps improve performance and fuel economy while other upgrades sharpen its trail manners.
Automakers
Sales Crashing, Stellantis Orders Temporary Layoffs
U.S. automakers reported strong sales overall for June and the second quarter – with a handful of notable exceptions. In the case of Stellantis, a 21% decline has led the automaker to order temporary layoffs at two plants – with more cuts possible.
Hackers Hijack June Sales, Automakers Report Mixed Sales Picture
Hackers blurred the sales picture for June. But it appears that overall demand was less than stellar, major brands like GM, Toyota and Hyundai reporting modest declines for the second quarter overall. That said, EV sales were stronger than anticipated — with one key exception.
Who Says EV Sales Are Slowing? Tesla, Maybe – But Not GM, Ford, Toyota or the Koreans
It’s become conventional wisdom that EV sales are slowing. With one high-profile exception, the latest numbers would tell you quite the opposite is true. As data roll in for June and the second quarter we’re seeing a number of manufacturers reporting solid increases...
Koenigsegg Breaks Four Speed Records With Jesko Absolut
Koenigsegg raises the bar on speed records with Jesko Absolut. Swedish supercar maker confirms that the hypercar smashed four different world speed records as it made its way from 0 to 250 mph and 0 again on a recent high-speed run.
Gas Prices Rise Ahead of July 4th Holiday Weekend
Prices at the gas pump remained uncharacteristically flat through the first month of the summer season, but that’s changed with the looming Independence Day holiday weekend. The national average rose to $3.50 a gallon — up 5 cents and it may continue. Get details at Headlight.News.
Toyota Axes Supra Four-Cylinder Model for 2025
Toyota puts the Supra sports car on cruise control for its model year updates but announces the four-cylinder model is being axed due to slumping demand. All Supras will now be only available with the 3.0-liter inline six.
Mercedes Pumping New Life Into its Gas Engines
With the EV market taking longer to charge up than many have expected, Mercedes-Benz is putting money back into the development of internal combustion technology, as well as hybrids, CEO Ola Kallenius said. But the automaker isn’t scrapping plans for a new EV architecture, despite recent reports, the executive said.
2024 Shelby F-150 Packs More Power Into Iconic Nameplate
Shelby American puts some of its Mustang magic into the 2024 F-150. More power and other upgrades aim to create a performance alternative that takes the Shelby formula to the trail or the job site.
Analysts Predict Tesla Deliveries to Drop for Second Straight Quarter
Electric vehicle sales have been pretty steady as a group, but that’s in large measure due to Tesla, the segment leader, seeing sales drop since the start of the year. Analysts predict Tesla’s global deliveries will drop at least 3% during Q2 while other EV makers are making gains. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Fisker’s Woes Continue – Rivian Gets a Bailout – Everyone Is Going Hybrid – JD Power IQS Study – Mercedes CLE Review – This Week In Automotive History
This week's edition of the Headlight.News podcast focuses on Fisker's ongoing woes while rival EV maker Rivian got a bailout from Volkswagen. We also talk about the recent surge in hybrid models, the J.D Power IQS study, and even go for a spin in the 2024 Mercedes CLE...
Automakers Demand Rollback of New Pedestrian Safety Rules
With fatalities rising fast, NHTSA has enacted rules requiring the use of sophisticated detection and auto-braking technologies intended to protect pedestrian – as well as those riding bicycles and motorcycles. But automakers are pushing back, claiming they can’t meet the new mandates set to go into effect in 2029.