As the first flying cabs approach production, Toyota is more than doubling down on its stake in Joby Aviation, a California-based an electric air mobility start-up that is now test flying its first production prototypes.
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EVs, Hybrids Salvage an Otherwise Weak September for Tesla, Ford, GM, Other Automakers
Tesla posted a modest upturn in sales for the third quarter after losing ground during the first half of the year. And it wasn’t alone. EVs, PHEVs and conventional hybrids staved off what could have been a much sharper downturn for the U.S. auto industry, helping prop up major manufacturers including General Motors, Ford, Toyota and Mitsubishi.
Mercedes-AMG Sees Big Opportunities for Performance EVs
While a number of automakers are rethinking their plans for EVs, Mercedes remains committed to the transition to battery-electric propulsion. And that includes its high-performance division, AMG. If anything, AMG CEO Michael Schiebe is convinced buyers “will jump into that new technology” as new models come to market.
September Delivers Disappointing Sales
September and third quarter sales proved disappointing for automakers after months of steady gains. But electrified vehicles created a bright spot for GM and several other manufacturers — and accounted for nearly half of Toyota’s sales in the U.S.
Dock Strike Poses Problems for Carmakers, Car Buyers
A strike by longshoreman called in dispute over wages and use of automation threatens to choke off shipments to ports on the East and Gulf coasts, threatening to delay deliveries of everything from groceries to autos and auto parts.
Hurricane Helene Could Trigger Another Major Semiconductor Shortage
The damage wrought by Hurricane Helene could take months to calculate but it also could be felt worldwide. The floods that roared through the mountainous western part of North Carolina devastated one town, in particular, that is known for more than just its scenic views. It’s one of the world’s largest sources of the “high-purity quartz” needed to produce semiconductors. And it could touch off another major chip shortage in the months ahead.
Tesla Leads Industry in Q3 Recalls While Ford Makes Strides
A new report shows Tesla issued more recalls than any other automaker in the U.S. during the third quarter; however, they were all resolved with over-the-air updates. Plagued by recalls during the past several years, Ford made significant improvement in the period. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Ford Powers Promise of EVs by Offering Free Home Chargers
Ford CEO Jim Farley announced plans today to offer free home chargers and installation to buyers of the company’s slow-selling electric vehicles. Farley took to LinkedIn to outline the company’s newest incentive, the Ford Power Promise, to sell EVs while continuing to show his advocacy for them. Get details at Headlight.News.
McLaren’s W1 Will Be the Modern Reincarnation of the Legendary P1
Confirming long-standing rumors, McLaren said it will introduce a new supercar on October 6 that will serve as the modern day successor to the legendary P1. Here’s what’s we know about the new McLaren W1.
Norway, Land of the Midnight Sun, Lutefisk … and EVs
Conventional wisdom might seem to suggest that EVs have come unplugged, with traditional automakers such as Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG pulling back on their plans to go all-electric. But don’t tell that to the folks in Norway. As contributing editor Joe Szczesny discovered during a visit this week, you’ll have to look hard to find a new vehicle drawing power from a tank of gasoline.
September to See Double-Digit Sales Drop, Analysts Predict
Analysts predict new vehicle sales will drop at least 12% on a year-over-year basis. However, it’s not all bad. If you compare apples to apples, the number is a lot more digestible: less than 2%. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Back in the News: Court Orders Carlos Ghosn to Return Super-Yacht and $32 Million to Nissan
Nissan showed its former CEO who’s “The Boss” as it won a battle in court ordering Carlos Ghosn to return a 121-foot yacht of that name, along with $32 million in damages. That’s the latest twist in a battle that began when the executive was arrested for alleged financial crimes in 2018.