Alfa Romeo Tonale is the Italian brand’s biggest gamble yet as the company attempts to expand its reach into the utility vehicle segment while also providing a new gateway into the brand for new buyers.
Stellantis
BYD, Stellantis Dismiss Rumored Chrysler Acquisition – But Chinese Maker May Still Seek Back Door to U.S. Market
It’s been the subject of speculation for weeks, “knowledgeable sources” chattering amongst themselves about the possibility China’s BYD is in talks with Stellantis as it looks for a way to crack into the U.S. market. The two makers have firmly dismissed the rumors. But there seems little doubt Chinese automakers want to target the world’s second-largest automotive market and are sniffing around the North American auto industry looking for a way to break in.
2024 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Rebel get Lunar Inspired Special Edition
Ram is the latest automaker to embrace the dark side of the moon with the 2024 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Rebel Lunar Edition. Special edition will help the truck hold down the fort as it prepares to update the HDs
UAW Chief Threatens Strike at Stellantis
UAW President Shawn Fain used a prime-time speech during the opening of the Democratic National Convention to warn of a possible strike against Stellantis. Speaking out against what he described as “corporate greed,” Fain accused the Euro-American automaker of reneging on investments promised as part of a settlement union and management reached during contract talks last autumn.
THE PAST LANE: CHRYSLER’S ATTEMPT TO REGAIN PRESTIGE
A once well-respected marque, the fate of Chrysler is increasingly in doubt. Last month, Carlos Tavares, the CEO of Stellantis — the Euro-American automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA — warned that some of its 14 brands could be abandoned if they don’t start delivering better sales and earnings. Chrysler is widely believed to be one of the most vulnerable divisions. But that’s really nothing new.
GM Aims to Drive Down Prices, Drive Up Profits, as it Continues EV Roll-Out
The growth of the EV market has clearly slowed this year, General Motors President Mark Reuss said during a media confab, but sales are still on the rise and GM continues planning to gain ground, even as it delays some product launches. A critical step will be driving down prices, even as profitability improves, said Reuss, who oversees GM’s product development efforts.
Ram Ends 1500 Classic Production, Long-Running Truck Was Value Focused Alternative
Ram ends an era with the decision to axe the Ram 1500 Classic after the 2024 model year. Model was the last remnant of Ram’s days as a member of the Dodge family and was also the last option left for truck buyers looking for a traditional V8 in their pickup purchase.
Plug-in Hybrids Now Outselling EVs
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.
July Wraps Up With Strong Economy, Modest Upturn in Vehicle Sales
While automakers are still tallying up the final numbers, they’re expected to reveal that, boosted by a strong economy, July vehicles sales bounced back after a weak June. Here’s a preview of what we’re likely to see.
Stellantis Offers Buyouts, Warns about Layoffs
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is burnishing reputation as a cost-cutter with another round of buyout offers for salaried executives. He’s also warning there could be a round of layoffs if the buyouts don’t achieve the reduction goals. Find out more at Headlight.News.
CFO Warns Stellantis Could Sell Off Maserati
As it looks to potentially consolidate a list of 14 automotive brands, Stellantis could sell off its most exclusive, Maserati, due to weak sales, a senior official warned. That’s on top of several other brands which, Headlight.News reported last week, may be shuttered entirely.
Headlight.News for The Week of 7-29-24 – Bad News For Ford and Tesla – Stellantis May Drop Brands – Corvette ZR1 Debut – Mini Cooper S Review – This Week in Automtive History and More
In this week's episode of the podcast, we discuss Stellantis possibly cutting brands. Both Ford and Tesla getting bad news and the debut of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. We also review the 2025 MINI Cooper S hardtop and look at a study that says EVs are Cleaner than...