Larger automakers just can’t seem to stay away from EV startup Rivian. Ford Motor Co. once held a large, multi-billion dollar stake in the company and now Volkswagen plans to invest $5 billion in company. What does it mean? Go to Headlight.News for the story.
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Twork Named New Lucid PR Chief as it Enters a Critical Phase
Lucid Group named a new PR chief, Nick Twork taking on global communications duties at the EV start-up. The move comes at a critical time for the Silicon Valley-based automaker. While its initial product line, the Air sedan, has received generally favorable reviews, Lucid has been struggling with sluggish sales and a rapid cash burn while waiting for the more mainstream Gravity SUV to debut later this year.
Ford Recalling 550K Pickups Due to Downshift Issue
Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 550,000 full-size pickups due to a problem with a sensor that may cause the truck’s transmission to downshift, potentially resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Kia Unveils Refreshed 2025 Carnival, Including New Hybrid Model
While Kia’s tried to separate its Carnival from the minivan pack by calling it a multi-purpose vehicle, the new 2025 version features a new hybrid powertrain — just like all the other minivans. Check out more on the new Carnival at Headlight.News.
VW Teases 2025 Jetta, Jetta GLI
Volkswagen’s updated Jetta and Jetta GLI models make their debut this week, with the revised line-up expected to reach showrooms later this year. We could see a welcome upgrade in performance, as well as modest design tweaks. But might the manual gearbox be going away? Here’s what we know so far.
UAW Fight Heats Up as Honda Accused by NLRB of Anti-Union Activity
National Labor Relations Board accused Japanese automaker Honda of engaging in activities aimed at discouraging union organization activities. The agency offered several examples of the behavior. Honda officials say they look forward to the hearing. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Cyberattack Cripples Car Dealers Across U.S.
As many as 15,000 auto dealers across the United States and Canada are largely unable to operate as a result of a series of cyberattacks on CDK, a major data provider that runs the software used for everything from negotiating sales to scheduling service. It’s unclear what’s behind the attack – or when CDK will be back up and running.
Automakers Face “The Most Uncertain and Volatile” Times in Industry History
The auto industry is in the midst of the most unsettling shake-up its seen in more than a century and that’s likely force radical change in not only what products manufacturers bring to market but how and where they sell them. For one thing, Detroit automakers should consider pulling out of China, said Bank of America analyst John Murphy as part of his annual “Car Wars” study.
No CarPlay or Android Auto? No Sale, A Third of Car Buyers Say
Today’s cars are designed to pair up with personal devices, such as smartphones, typically through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But some automakers, notably General Motors, are dropping those features in favor of “native,” or built-in, systems. They do so at their own peril, according to a new survey showing a third of new vehicle buyers won’t buy such vehicles.
Jeep Extends Departure of Wrangler 392 Final Edition
Just a few months after Jeep officials announced the end of Wrangler 392 would come at the end of this model year, it’s rethought the plan. Now it will extend the swan song of the most powerful Wrangler into the 2025 model year. Get details at Headlight.News.
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.
Fisker Files for Bankruptcy
For the second time in less than a dozen years, entrepreneur Henrik Fisker’s effort at launching an automotive start-up has plunged into bankruptcy. Start-up Fisker Inc. filed for Chapter 11 protection late Monday. While the one-time auto designer said the filing leaves a “viable path forward,” the options for saving the company appear increasingly sparse.