In the wake of the COVID pandemic, many predicted the demise of auto dealerships. Study after study “revealed” more and more buyers were comfortable conducting most of their purchases online, especially younger buyers. Now with things nearly back to normal, it seems the reports of their demise was an exaggeration. Find out more at Headlight.News.
While the rate of growth may be slowing, EV sales hit a record 1 million last year as more and more Americans find them to be acceptable alternatives to conventional, gas-powered vehicles. But “charging anxiety” has become one of the key factors slowing EV growth, according to industry analysts. And a new J.D. Power study concludes that “Public charging isn’t just bad, it’s getting worse.” That said, most owners are ready to buy another EV when it’s time to trade in, especially those with the top-ranked BMW i4.
Aston Martin is following the lead of manufacturers including Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen, responding to slowing growth in the EV market by delaying the launch of its first all-electric model by at least a year. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, revealed the company plans unveil its second-generation roadster by the end of this year with deliveries starting next year. The Roadster was the first-ever Tesla vehicle, and its replacement was slated to arrive four years ago. Details at Headlight.News.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tightened Its qualification criteria for Top Safety Pick Awards. The organization cited demand for better side crash protection and improved pedestrian detection systems as key reasons for making these changes. Get details at Headlight.News.
After investing a decade and billions of dollars in a project meant to bring a fully autonomous EV to market Apple reportedly has pulled the plug on the program known internally as Project Titan. More from Headlight.News.
Honda unveiled a new version of the familiar CR-V hybrid on Tuesday, and the e:FCEV is the automaker’s newest fuel-cell vehicle, the first Honda to run on hydrogen since it killed off the Clarity FCV three years ago.
The estimated number of deaths on U.S. roadways last year fell to 44,450 from 46,270, which is a decline of 4%. The first decline since 2019 came despite Americans driving 2.1% more miles in 2023. Get details at Headlight.News.
Three Asian automakers stood out in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s annual list of the safest vehicles consumers can buy. Toyota, Mazda and the Hyundai Motor Group — including the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands — had nearly as many winners as the rest of the industry combined, 34 of the 71 models named a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+.
Luxury and premium automakers dabble in all types of non-automotive revenue generators. Die cast models, watches, luggage, bicycles and now high-rise residences are bearing the name of well-known car companies. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Ford has ordered a “stop-shipment” of its F-150 Lightning. It’s the latest in a series of issues impacting both the 2024 battery-electric pickup, as well as the gas-powered version of the full-sized truck. While versions of the F-150 with gas engines are now being shipped again, Ford officials told Headlight.News they don’t know when the 2024 Lightning will begin rolling into showrooms.
After a bit of dip in January, automakers are expected to report strong numbers for new vehicle sales in February. The first two months of the year are typically slower, so February’s expected returns are a pleasant surprise. Get details at Headlight.News.