Chinese automakers are rapidly expanding exports to key regions like Europe and Latin America after long focusing on their home market. But that’s created problems as target markets fight back with new tariffs and other trade restrictions. As a result, some Chinese manufacturers are looking to shift production abroad – and that could include factories in the U.S.
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First Look: 2024 Dodge Attitude
Dodge has always been a brand with attitude. So, it’s no wonder it would use that as the name of its entry-level sedan. Haven’t heard of the Dodge Attitude? Apparently you haven’t been down “South of the Border” lately. It’s a unique Latin American product and our Mexican correspondent David Loji checked it out.
EV Maker Lucid Pushes to Net $1.7B with IPO as New Saudi Fund Becomes Lead Investor
Developing and building electric vehicles costs a lot of money, and Lucid Motors has been tapping its Saudi-based investors for billions in additional funding during the past few years. Now, the EV maker plans to go to new source: the public. At the same time, it’s getting a new top shareholder. Find out more about its IPO at Headlight.News.
Automakers Use Paris Motor Show to Push Back Against Combustion Engine Bans
Just months ago, it seemed, the internal combustion engine was on its way out, with regulators planning to phase out the technology – in some markets, like Europe, within barely a decade. While automakers once seemed ready to go along they’re now beginning to push back. That includes BMW’s CEO who called for a “correction” of EV-only strategies at this week’s Paris Motor Show.
Motorcyclists Wearing Helmets Die Less Often
Helmet laws often create discord among motorcyclists, the medical community and other safety experts. The latest study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety isn’t likely to quell any of the disagreements. The report shows more than 22,000 riders would’ve have survived fatal crashes during the last four decades. Find out more at Headlight.News.
14 Models Driving Off Into the Sunset as 2024 Comes to a Close
Ashes to ashes, dust to rust. The life of an automobile is fairly limited. And the same can be said for automotive nameplates. With only the rarest exceptions, even the most popular badges have finite lives, as the Ford Model Y and Volkswagen Beetle proved. With the arrival of the 2025 model year there are still more nameplates set to drive off into the sunset, the Chevrolet Malibu being just one of the best-known examples. Here’s a look at some other product lines we won’t see going forward.
EV Sales Set Global Record in September
Sales of electric vehicles set a new global record in September hitting 1.7 million units. This surpassed the previous record by 150,000 vehicles last December. Unsurprisingly, China is leading the charge, but contrary to what many in the U.S. would tell you, the American market is up 10% through the end of the third quarter. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Wall Street Wary About Tesla’s Shift from EVs to Robotaxis
Tesla appears to be planning a shift away from its once groundbreaking EVs to put more focus on a line of robots and robotaxis but that has generated some significant pushback from investors who question the new business model announced by CEO Elon Musk during a flashy Hollywood rollout last week.
New GM Defense Vehicle Offers More Stealth, Better Range for U.S. Armed Forces
General Motors defense unit continues to offer new vehicles with evolutionary updates designed to keep up with the changing needs of today’s warfighter. It’s showing off the prototype of its next-generation tactical vehicle at AUSA 2024. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Under Increasing Pressure, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares to Retire – But Not Until 2026
Facing mounting criticism for the automaker’s recent plunge in sales and earnings, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares will retire in 2026. The announcement comes amidst a major shake-up in the automaker’s Euro-American management team.
Tesla Cybercab Highlights Elon Musk’s Glimpse into the Future
An ebullient Elon Musk took to the stage Thursday night not just to show off the long-awaited Cybercab, Tesla’s CEO offered a peek at what his idea of what the future should be, and that kicks off sometime near the end of 2026 when the first Cybercabs go into production. Get details at Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line
All in all, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line is handsome, stylish, understated, nicely equipped and quite pleasant to drive — once you get it up to speed. Find out more about the SUV at Headlight.News.