As EV sales growth slows, automakers are looking for other ways to reduce emissions without turning off potential buyers. That’s led to a wave of new plug-in hybrids coming to market – and to a surge in demand for PHEVs which grew 50% globally during the first five months of the year. But will they continue to outpace all-electric models? That’s a matter of debate.
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What Brands Will Fall to the Stellantis Axe?
Could Stellantis abandon one or more of its 14 automotive brands? In light of the automaker’s weak second-quarter earnings, that is a distinct possibility, warned CEO Carlos Tavares. But which of those marques are the most endangered? Headlight.News takes a closer look and a few seem ripe for the chopping block.
Feds Launch Probe of Jeep, Ram Models Over Engine Stalling Problems
Federal investigators have launched a probe of 150,000 Stellantis vehicles after receiving numerous reports that their mild hybrid engines can unexpectedly stall out. In some cases, owners find it difficult to then restart the vehicles. More from Headlight.News.
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.
Stellantis CEO Announces Possible Job Cuts, Auburn Hills HQ Building Might Be Sold
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares promises massive job cuts as Stellantis attempts to restructure its operations. Several plants and even the company’s HQ building in Auburn Hills are all potential targets for job cuts.
Rearview Camera Problem Forces Stellantis to Recall 1.16M Vehicles
A software glitch preventing the rear view cameras from displaying images on the vehicle’s touchscreen necessitated a recall of 1.16 million Stellantis vehicles. The cameras are equipment on vehicles in the Ram, Jeep and Chrysler vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Flexibility is Key, Stellantis CEO Tavares Tells Investors – Though “Arrogance” Almost Knocked it Down
Stellantis faces challenges and has lost ground in the U.S. CEO Carlos Tavares acknowledged during Thursday’s “Investors Day” conference, putting some of the blame on his own shoulders. But the carmaker’s flexible strategy and new products offer hope for the future and protect the company’s profitability, he promised analysts and shareholders.
No EV Slowdown for GM, May Brought “Best Month Ever,” Says CEO Barra
The growth of the U.S. EV market may be slowing for the auto industry overall, General Motors sales were charged up, according to CEO Mary Barra, who said the automaker had its “best month ever” in May. But the automaker is still ready to adjust its electrification plans.
Mopar Releases Annual Special Edition Vehicle
Each year, Mopar, the aftermarket business for Stellantis, puts together a special edition vehicle using components from its portfolio. This year the business unit took on the Jeep Gladiator for a limited run of 250 vehicles. Get details at Headlight.News.
Shift to Plug-in Hybrids and Range-Extenders Accelerates
While growth in the battery-electric vehicle segment has slowed sharply this year, sales are rising fast for hybrids – and automakers like Toyota, General Motors, Hyundai Motor Group and others are forecasting demand could grow at a near exponential rate for plug-in hybrids and range-extenders – driven in part by revised federal emissions standards.
Jeep Will Offer Six Different Electrified Powertrain Options: From Mild Hybrid to EV
Jeep launched its first all-electric model, the Wagoneer S, this week and has more coming. But the brand wants to give buyers “freedom of choice” and, rather than go 100% EV, officials told Headlight.News they’ll soon offer six different electrified powertrain...
First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition
After an unexpectedly long wait, Chevrolet finally brings the retail version of its new, all-electric pickup to market with the arrival of the 2024 Silverado EV RST. The initial First Edition package is loaded with an array of features that should grab potential buyers’ attention. It’s now the longest-range EV pickup on the market at up to 440 miles per charge, and delivers up to 750 hp in WOW mode. It’s also targeted at those with deep pockets – until later, more affordable trims arrive. Here’s our review of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition.