With EV sales growth slowing down, General Motors “is currently assessing” its massive investment in battery-electric vehicles. And, while it remains committed to CEO Mary Barra’s “path to an all-electric future,” it will shift more emphasis to the hybrids and plug-ins it was planning to abandon. And other automakers, including Ford and Stellantis, are likewise shifting direction. If anything, this validates Toyota’s strategy calling for a mix of EVs, hybrids and PHEVs, reports Headlight.News.
Automakers
GM Cutting Spending on Cruise Robocab Unit
General Motors continues looking at its business with a critical eye, planning to cut back its spending on its robocab subsidiary Cruise. The company recently revealed plans to slow its cadence on electric vehicle introductions. The new cuts come after a Cruise robocab was involved in a collision with a pedestrian. Get details at Headlight.News.
Rivian Opens Lease Option for EV Trucks
Rivian’s making it easier get into one of their EVs, kicking off its leasing program. The lease option for the R1T Adventure Package is priced at $6,794 at signing, plus $899 a month for 36 months with 30,000 total miles allowed. Read the story at Headlight.News.
“No Longer Competitive,” Volkswagen Brand Facing Job Cuts, $11 Billion in Cost Savings
The iconic Volkswagen brand is facing major problems that make it “no longer competitive,” the automaker told its staff on Monday, and that has triggered a 10 billion euro, or $10.9 billion, cost saving program that will include job cuts. More from Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Offers More Power, More Choices
Can Toyota continue to dominate the midsize pickup market? That was the key question in mind as I set out for a first drive of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The midsize truck certainly looks good on paper, with eight trim package, four powertrains – including a first-ever hybrid – and a seemingly endless list of body, bed and technology options. How did it stand up, both on-road and off? Check out this review on Headlight.News.
Cheap Gas, Cruise’s Robocab Crash, Ford Cuts EV Spending Top the Headlight News Podcast
In this edition of Headlight News for the Week of 11-27-23, we cover cheap gas, the latest fallout from Cruise’s robocab crash, Ford’s EV spending cuts and more. We also review the 2024 Buick Envista and take a trip through This Week in Automotive History. Join us!
Magna Steyr Tapped to Develop Scout EV
Volkswagen dug deep into the past to create a new all-electric vehicle brand, Scout, a couple of years ago. However, the progress has been slow — until now. When it’s become clear what company will help VW develop the new brand: Magna Steyr. Get details at Headlight.News.
Cruise Scales Back — Delays Debut of Origin Robocab
Cruise will slash the number of cities where it’s testing its autonomous vehicle technology in the wake of a serious crash last month. And it is delaying the launch of the driverless robocab it hoped to put on the road next year, the General Motors subsidiary announced. Headlight.News has the latest.
First Look: 2024 Porsche Panamera
Porsche just lifted the covers on its third-generation Panamera. And while it doesn’t break major ground from a design direction, there’s plenty to take note of. The 2024 Porsche Panamera delivers more power, upgraded infotainment technology, improved safety gear, and enhanced ride and handling. Headlight.News checks out the latest edition of the distinctive German luxury sedan.
Tesla, CEO Musk Knew About Autopilot Defects, Judge Determines
A judge in Florida cited “reasonable evidence” that Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk knew the automaker’s Autopilot system had a potentially fatal defect, a finding that could create serious problems for Tesla as it faces the third trial this year over the semi-autonomous driving system.
2024 Buick Envista: Premium Style Masks an Everyday Machine
So many things in today’s world are topsy turvy — even stuff you accepted as fact for decades. When it comes to General Motors, the order is Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and then Cadillac, right? RIGHT? Not so much anymore, and in our review of the 2024 Buick Envista, Headlight.News highlights that change.
Ford Slashing Investment, Hiring Plans for Michigan EV Battery Plant
Ford will cut its projected investment in a new EV battery plant in Marshall, Michigan by $1 billion while also cutting back on the number of workers it expects to hire, the automaker confirmed Tuesday. The plant will roll out barely half as many batteries as originally expected, reports Headlight.News.