A brand in transition, Buick’s shift to a lineup of only crossovers and sport-utility vehicles gets a new entry, the Envista. With a new design language and intriguing drivetrain, does Buick have a winner? Go to Headlight.News to find out.
Business
U.S. Consumers Continue Paying Less for New Vehicles
The average transaction price for new vehicles dropped again in February, falling a little less than 1% compared to January prices. Rising inventories and increased incentives keep pushing the prices paid for new vehicles down. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Detroit Automakers Watch as Their Sales Collapse in China – and the U.S. Could be Next
When the new Lincoln Nautilus goes on sale this spring it will mark a significant development for parent Ford Motor Co., the first time it imports a vehicle to the U.S. from China. The move will help keep the U.S. automaker’s factories there running as demand for its products has tumbled sharply in the Asian nation. But Ford is not alone. Detroit automakers – along with other foreign brands – have seen their Chinese sales – and earnings – plunge as consumers by the millions shift to domestic competitors. Could the Chinese now turn the tables on the U.S. at home? Find out at Headlight.News.
Automakers’ Semi-Autonomous Driving Tech Gets Failing Grade
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.
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.