The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety unveiled its new rating program for the semi-autonomous driving technologies and only one out of 14 systems tested achieved an “acceptable” rating from the safety group. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Business
Porsche Brings the Heat with New Taycan Turbo GT
German sports car maker Porsche’s tease of “the most dynamic Taycan of all time” paid off March 11 with the debut of the Taycan Turbo GT and the track-ready Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Apple Considered Buying GM — Then Dropped $1 Billion Annually Before Killing its Own Car Program
When Apple disbanded Project Titan last month, it marked the end of the tech giant’s long-standing goal of getting into the automotive business. But just how far back did that dream begin — and how much did Apple invest? Apparently, much further back than was previously known. And it spent far more than previously reported on its failed attempt to launch a line of self-driving EVs. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast Talks Rivian, New Dodge Charger EV and Reviews Honda Prologue
The Headlight News podcast for the Week of 3-11-24: Rivian Reveals 3 EVs – Dodge Charger EV Debuts – Tesla Stock Crashes – Ford Maverick Hybrid – Review of Honda Prologue and the Week in Automotive History.
Feds Open Probe into Honda Emergency Braking Problem
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started a probe into more than 250,000 Honda Insights and Passports due to dozens of complaints about the automatic emergency braking system activating for no apparent reason. Get details at Headlight.News.
Chevrolet Lifts Stop-Sale on Blazer EV
After nearly 10 weeks, Chevrolet has lifted a stop-sale order barring dealers from selling or delivering the new Chevrolet Blazer EV. The move was ordered in response to reports of serious glitches with the all-electric SUV’s software. Hoping to win back buyers, also announced price cuts running as much as $6,500, depending on the Blazer EV trim package. For more details, go to Headlight.News.
UAW Sets Sights on Toyota Plant in Missouri
The concerted effort by the UAW to capitalize on the momentum gained by its record-setting contract with the Detroit Three may be paying off. The union is looking to organize the previously resistant plants of foreign automakers across the southeastern U.S., and it looks a Toyota plant may be the first to make the leap. Get details at Headlight.News.
Rivian Surprises with Three New Electric Vehicles: R2, R3, R3X
The long wait, which was somewhat spoiled by a leak, for Rivian’s next vehicle line came to an end today with a massive surprise: Rivian’s third vehicle. Headlight.News has the story.
Electric Van Segment Heats Up with Mercedes New Entry Coming to U.S.
Hybrids may be making all the buzz right now, but when it comes to the van market, battery-electrics continue to make noise. While the Ford Transit EV is the big seller, Mercedes-Benz is looking to gain ground with its new midsize luxury entry coming to the U.S. Get details at Headlight.News.
Tesla Stock Again in Freefall; How Low Will it Go?
Betting on the stock market isn’t for the fainthearted. But it takes an iron constitution to buy in on Tesla. True, those who’ve hung with the automaker since its early days have been well rewarded. But recent years have taken investors on a rollercoaster ride. And nowhere has it been more apparent than over the past few months. After nearing a 52-week late last year, Tesla shares have been in decline. And that’s now showing signs of turning into a full-on rout, even some long-term Tesla bulls getting worried.
Rivian R2 Details Leaked
A “Tesla and Rivian owner/fan” uncovered reported details about the new Rivian R2 scheduled to make its global debut Thursday. The EV maker’s new model is about the size of the Tesla Model Y and costs less than $50K. Go to Headlight.News for more information.
Driven by Soaring Hybrid Demand, Ford Maverick Sets New Sales Record
The Ford Maverick pickup has delivered a major hit for the Detroit automaker — and much of the credit goes to the hybrid version of the little pickup which accounted for nearly half of its record sales in February. Hybrids, in general, are setting all-time highs as automakers bring more to market and position them as a bridge between gas and all-electric drivetrain technologies. Read the story at Headlight.News.