Battery power appears to have electrified the jurors of the North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year awards. Eight of the nine finalists are offered in all-electric or hybrid form. Here’s who’s on the list.
Toyota
Honda Moves Closer to Solid-State Battery Breakthrough with New “Demo” Production Line
Even the most diehard EV fans wish for a next-generation battery-breakthrough, with most of the attention focused on solid-state batteries. Proponents claim they’ll deliver better range at lower costs, among other benefits. And now, Honda says, it’s bringing the technology closer to reality with the debut of a demonstration line meant to prove out the processes needed to launch mass production.
Job Cuts Growing as Automakers Fret About the Future
Automakers in the U.S., Europe and Japan have announced thousands of job cuts over the past month and there’s growing concern the pace could increase as the industry moves into an uncertain new year, with a new presidential administration in Washington threatening to upend automotive rules and regulations — and possibly the economy, as well. Check out the story at Headlight.News.
Hyundai Names Muñoz its New CEO — First Non-Korean in Leadership Position
José Muñoz will become global chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor Co. on Jan. 1. It will mark the first time a non-Korean will move into that leadership position — and comes at a critical time for what has become one of the world’s largest automakers.
These Are the Fastest-Charging EVs – and the Slowest
There’s no question EVs offer a number of advantages, including low energy costs and the ability to plug in at home. But what about when you need to charge up on the road? The good news is that there are more public chargers being added every day. The downside: you might be in for a long wait when you plug in, depending on what EV you’re driving. Automakers are upgrading their battery vehicles to improve charging speeds and here’s a look at the models that will add miles the fastest – as well as the slowest.
Stellantis Announces Further Layoffs – as Job Cuts Sweep Across the Industry
Stellantis is cutting another 1,100 jobs, the latest furloughs impacting workers at the Toledo, Ohio plant producing Jeep products such as the Wrangler and Gladiator. The news comes at a time when other manufacturers, including Nissan and Audi, are paring back at a time of weakening sales.
Trump’s Second Term Presents Opportunities, Poses Risk to Auto Industry, Says Top Toyota Exec
After scoring a major win in the election this week, President-elect Donald Trump is widely expected to move quickly on a broad agenda when taking office next January. He has made it clear this will include a number of issues critical to the auto industry, including tariffs and EVs. That presents some significant opportunities for manufacturers, but also poses quite a few risks, said a senior Toyota executive who spoke to Headlight.News shortly after Trump’s victory was confirmed.
Toyota Earnings Hit by Sales, Quality, Production Issues
In a rare and unexpected setback, Toyota suffered a 20% dip in its operating profit for the most recent quarter, the automaker hit by a variety of problems including recalls and quality snags that delayed the launch of the new 4Runner. But a senior U.S. official said the Japanese giant expects to get back on track in months ahead.
Jeep Slashes Prices on Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer to Counter Weak Demand
Been eyeing one of the Jeep Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer models but turned off by the high price tag? Then you’ll likely appreciate the automaker’s decision to slash prices by as much as $7,000 on new 2025 models – though you also can expect retailers to start offering good deals on leftover 2025 SUVs.
Toyota’s Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept Celebrates Baja Racing
Toyota celebrates Baja Racing and pushes the envelope of off-road capability with the Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept.
October Auto Sales Rebound – Driven by Surging Korean Brands
U.S. auto sales rebounded from a September lull. Though, with an uncertain election looming over the country, automakers posted relatively modest gains in October, largely driven by surging South Korean automakers.
Kia Tasman Offers Much to Like – But Will it Come to the U.S.?
Kia launched its new Tasman pickup, a midsize truck that takes direct aim at two of the global market leaders, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. The bold design is available in a variety of different body configurations and offers two different powertrain options. The question now is whether Kia will take a chance at prying open a niche in the U.S. market.