The Toyota Crown doesn’t readily fit into any conventional category. It has the stance of a crossover, but boasts a three-box, four-door design — and Toyota prefers to label it a sedan. But it appears a second Crown model is in the works for next year and the automaker may label the hybrid, all-wheel-drive SUV the Crown Sport.
Automakers
Japan Mobility Show Concepts, Tesla Stock Decline, UAW Strike and More on the Headlight News Podcast
This week’s Headlight News focuses on some of the concepts debuting at the Japan Mobility Show, how the drop in Tesla’s stock cost CEO Elon Musk $20 billion and, of course, the UAW strike drags on. We also look at the week ahead and review a new Kia crossover.
UAW’s Stand-Up Strike Shuts Down Stellantis’ Full-Size Ram Pickup Plant
With no major progress reported in contract talks with Detroit’s Big Three automakers, the UAW ordered nearly 7,000 workers to walk out at the most profitable plant operated by Stellantis, its Ram pickup line in the Detroit suburb of Sterling Heights.
Here’s What’s Coming to the Nearly All-Electric Japan Mobility Show
It’s four years since the last Tokyo Motor Show took place, and even then, it was fading into obscurity. Organizers hope to give it a boost of adrenaline in an updated form — and with a new name. While foreign brands are largely absent, again, there’ll be lots happening at the new Japan Mobility Show as the nation’s automakers charge in with an assortment of all-electric concepts and production models.
Feds Examining Tesla Range Claims
Just how far an electric vehicle will actually travel on a full charge compared to what each EV maker claims is always up for debate. However, the U.S. Department of Justice appears to be taking a closer look at Tesla’s range claims. Get details at Headlight.News.
Toyota Unveils Battery Electric Pickup Truck
When the 2022 Ford Maverick went on sale and became a huge hit, you could hear the scrambling of competing automotive executives rushing to their design studios to come up with something similar. Of course, coming up with a new compact pickup takes years, and in the...
Tesla Stock Plunges — And Delivers a Mega-Billion-Dollar Hit to Musk’s Fortune
Sometimes you can’t wait for the day to end, and that’s probably the case for Tesla investors who watched the stock stumble since the automaker delivered a weak third-quarter earnings report, sending shares tumbling for two days in a row. Among those hardest hit, CEO Elon Musk whose own holdings have now lost more than $20 billion in value.
GM, Honda Set to Unleash Cruise Robocabs on Tokyo
Any foreigner who has tried to negotiate Tokyo’s narrow, windy and painfully crowded roads knows what a challenge that can be. But General Motors and Honda say they’re confident they’ve got a better way to navigate traffic, with the partners set to launch service by Cruise robotaxis in Japan’s capitol starting in 2026.
Nissan Hyper Punk Concept Merges Traditional Origami with the Edgy Manga Lifestyle
The Nissan Hyper Punk is easily the edgiest of four EV concepts the automaker will formally reveal at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo next week. The body looks like it emerged from an origami studio. But the Hyper Punk concept could easily find a fit in Japanese manga – or, as it turns out, the Fortnite online game.
Honda Revives Civic Hybrid, Coming Next Spring as 2025 Model
Everything that’s old is new again. Ok, perhaps it’s a bit much. But in an era where automakers are rolling out new EV after new EV, Honda’s plans to bring back the Civic Hybrid, last produced in 2015, as a 2025 model does stand out. Get details at Headlight.News.
A New Toyota Celica Could Be Coming
After bringing the Supra back to life after a protracted hiatus, it seems as if Toyota may be bringing back the Celica, which was discontinued in 2006. Find out more at Headlight.News.
GM Tells UAW: Enough is Enough. There’s No More to Give
GM manufacturing chief Gerald Johnson took an end run around UAW leaders by providing striking workers a detailed look at the company’s latest contract offer. “These are not poverty wages,” he stressed, noting many union employees will make over $100,000 before benefits. GM, Johnson stressed, simply can’t offer any more if it hopes to remain competitive.