The impact of the Kia Boyz can be measured in many ways, but the latest method to determine their impact is the simplest: Kia and Hyundai vehicles were the most stolen cars in the U.S. in 2023. They supplanted full-size pickups as the leaders. Check out the story at Headlight.News.
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Alpine Alpenglow Hy4: From Concept to Rolling Hydrogen-Powered Testbed
Originally introduced in pure concept form at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, French automaker Alpine apparently has some serious plans for the Alpenglow hypercar. A running version, dubbed the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 is set to take to the track for the 6-hour Spa-Francochamps endurance race this weekend. What stands out is not just the exotic design and impressive performance but the fact that the Hy4 uses a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.
Feds Raise “Significant Safety Concerns” Over Ford Fuel Leak Recall
A recall ordered by Ford to address gasoline leaks involving 43,000 Ford Bronco Sport And Escape SUVs has come under scrutiny. Federal regulators say they have “significant safety concerns” about whether the repairs will fix the problem and prevent possible vehicle fires.
Trump Vows to Reverse Biden EV, Auto Emissions Rules – for $1 Billion
President Donald Trump outlined a series of changes he’ll make to the Biden administration’s policies on EVs and other environmental rules if he wins reelection next November. But the changes he promised during a meeting with oil industry CEOs carries a $1 billion quid pro quo in campaign funds.
GM Wrapping Production of Malibu to Shift to Bolt EV
Although General Motors is slowing the cadence of its electric vehicle production, it’s not halting it altogether. That’s evidenced by the move to end production of the Chevy Malibu at its plant in Kansas to transition over to the next generation Bolt EV. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Lucid Model Y Rival Set to Launch in 2026
In desperate need of a more affordable product that can deliver a big boost in sales, Lucid is working up a new compact SUV taking aim at the Tesla Model Y. Expect it to enter production by 2026, with a base price of less than $50,000, said CEO Peter Rawlinson, earlier than previously expected.
Fed Probe of Tesla Autopilot, FSD Raises Securities, Wire Fraud Concerns
Tesla now faces a criminal probe, federal prosecutors raising questions about the way the automaker has promoted its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technology which – despite what Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have implied to investors and consumers – are not capable of being driven hands-free.
Rivian Q1 Earnings Fail to Make Grade, CEO Declines Comment on Apple Talks
EV maker Rivian reported first quarter earnings that were slightly better than its year-ago results but ended up falling short of analysts’ expectations. The company generated more revenue, but increased costs chewed up profits. Find out more about what happened at Headlight.News.
Lucid Reports Mixed Results, Focusing on Growth Over Profit
Nascent EV maker Lucid Motors reported its first quarter results, exceeding expectations in some areas while falling short in others. CEO Peter Rawlinson brushed aside concerns about shortcomings, noting the company was focused on growth, specifically the company’s second vehicle, the Gravity SUV. Get details at Headlight.News.
Still More Layoffs at Tesla
Tesla launched yet another round of layoffs this week as CEO Elon Musk struggles to compensate for slowing sales and a 55% drop in first-quarter earnings. The latest cuts mean Tesla will see total U.S. employment drop as much as 20%, according to one report, with some departments, including its Supercharger operations, eliminated entirely.
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.
Car Sales Fall, Ferrari’s New 812 and Polestar Charges in 10 Minutes Top This Week’s Headlight News Podcast
The Headlight News for the Week of 5-6-24 covers Auto Sales Stumble – New Ferrari 812 – Polestar EV Can Charge in 10 Minutes – Kia Telluride Review and This Week in Automotive History. Check out the podcast at Headlight.News.