Headlight News for the Week of 11-13-23: Dealer Shortage Over, Incentives Return and an LA Auto Show Preview
Automakers
Q&A: Shaun Bugbee, BMW’s U.S. Operations Chief “We Have the Right EVs”
While it was an early EV pioneer with the little M3, BMW fell behind rivals like Tesla and Mercedes-Benz in recent years. Now it’s making up for lost time rolling out an assortment of all-electric models, including versions of its iconic 5 Series and 7 Series lines. To get insight into the Bavarian automaker’s EV strategy Headlight.News caught up with Shaun Bugbee, executive vice president of Operations for BMW of North America during a visit to Spartanburg, South Carolina, home of the automaker’s U.S. manufacturing center.
Two Large Ford Plants Vote Against New Agreement
The voices thought to be a minority among the UAW membership may be getting louder if the “No” votes at Ford’s massive Louisville and Kentucky truck plants over the weekend is any indication. The results are also highlighting a divide between production workers and skilled trades. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Karma Automotive Reboots with new All-Electric Portfolio
Karma Automotive’s new president, Marques McCammon, talks with Headlight.News about the up-and-down company’s future, particularly its new product making its debut at the LA Auto Show in the coming days. Find out more about the company’s new leader and its product portfolio.
First Drive: 2024 BMW i5 M60 – Is This The Ultimate Electric Driving Machine?
After a long delay, BMW is flooding the market with EVs, and the i5 is one generating plenty of buzz, especially the top-trim M60 edition. Like all M models, it promises a blend of power and luxury. But does it all come together? That’s what Headlight.News set out to discover during a day’s drive of the 2024 BMW i5 M60 near the automaker’s manufacturing complex in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Polestar Betting on New Battery That Will Charge Nearly as Fast as You Can Fill Your Gas Tank
Polestar hopes to become the first automaker to adopt a unique new battery design that will address one of the biggest concerns about EVs: their long charging times. Developed by start-up StoreDot, the technology is capable of adding 100 miles of range in just five minutes. And, unlike existing chemistry, StoreDot and Polestar claim repeated fast-charging won’t degrade battery life.
GM Flint Plant Votes Against New Deal
UAW Chief Shawn Fain said the people would have their say, and the workers at General Motors plant in Flint, Michigan are saying “No thanks.” The proposed deal was voted down by a narrow margin, with complaints centering on mandatory overtime, the lauded cost-of-living adjustment and more. Get details at Headlight.News.
Mini Maxes Out
When is a Mini no longer a Mini? The British brand is about to test its limits with the launch of the 2024 Countryman. But that’s not the only change in store as Mini also begins its shift to EVs with the launch of the 2025 Countryman SE. What else is in the works? Headlight.News spoke with two of the automakers top executives to find out.
2024 VW Atlas Brings Competence to a Higher Plane
With style so often counting for more than substance, it’s nice to find a vehicle with the substance to supplement middle-of-the-road style. While it may sound like a slight for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, being described as “very good” at what you’re supposed to be, is no slight. Find out more in the review at Headlight.News.
From Bad to Worse — Startup EV Brands Face Mounting Problems
Only a few years ago, an array of EV start-ups appeared poised to revolutionize the auto industry. Today, many have vanished while others struggle for survival. There have been a few success stories but the shake-out is likely to continue, reports Headlight.News.
First Look: 2025 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
It was just a matter of time. With an all-new Countryman coming, it seemed all but certain that Mini would follow up with a high-performance version. And that’s what the automaker revealed during a special presentation in Greenville, South Carolina Wednesday night. Headlight.News was on hand for a first look.
More Bad News for Lucid
The struggling Lucid Group revealed another series of setbacks once again announcing cuts to its full-year production plans. Revenues fell well short of expectations, as well, though it did beat earnings forecast. Headlight News has more.