This week's edition of the Headlight.News podcast focuses on Elon Musk getting his $56 billion dollar pay package and the emergence of the world's fastest EV from an unlikely place. Meanwhile, we also talk about Jeep's planned $25,000 EV and review the 2024 BMW X5...
Stellantis
Jeep Confirms $25,000 Renegade EV Coming in 2027 – Offers First Details
Jeep will introduce a $25,000 EV in 2027, officials from parent Stellantis confirmed on Thursday. CEO Carlos Tavares – who first dropped hints about the affordable offering last month – added a number of other details during a meeting with investors.
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.
Ram 1200 To Make Debut In Mexico, Could Preview a Potential Future Model for The U.S.
Ram’s 1200 pickup signals return to the compact truck segment. Peugeot technology and sturdy platform make 1200 standout
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.
$25,000 Jeep EV Coming “Very Soon,” Says Stellantis CEO
The Jeep brand just launched its first EV for the U.S. market but more are on the way – including a $25,000 all-electric SUV that should be on sale “very soon,” according to Carlos Tavares, CEO of Jeep parent Stellantis.
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...
Fiat Changes Course, Confirms Gas Engines Are Coming To 500 Hatchback
Fiat confirms that 500 hatchback will abandon its EV-only sales approach and will come with gasoline engines in an attempt to broaden its sales reach.
Stellantis Faces New Threat as Workers at Key Stamping Plant Vote to OK Strike
Months after settling a crippling strike at its North American automotive operations, Stellantis faces the threat of another walkout, workers at a critical stamping plant in suburban Detroit giving union leaders the okay to shut down the facility if no agreement can be reached over health and safety issues. A walkout would also shutter key Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram assembly lines.
Plagued by Thefts, High Costs, Free2move Car-Sharing Service All But Shuts Down
Stellantis has all but completely abandoned its Free2move ride-sharing service due to a variety of problems including thefts, damage and high operating costs. Free2move continues operating only in Washington, D.C. and could close its U.S. operations entirely.