Polestar reports increased losses for the 2023 fiscal year as the company faces renewed questions about its long-term future amid struggles with cash burn and slumping EV demand.
Business
Ram, Porsche Top J.D. Power’s 2024 Initial Quality Study
The constant addition of new technologies to new vehicles continues to give automakers problems with quality, according to J.D. Power’s latest Initial Quality Study. The same study shows Ram and Porsche were the top quality brands in their categories. Go to Headlight.News for more details.
Hyundai Jumping into Low-Priced EV Fray with Inster — Will it Come to U.S.?
One of the big problems with getting wider acceptance of electric vehicles is the price. So many EVs are priced well beyond the means of the average buyer. Finally some companies are working on the “$25K” electric vehicle, including General Motors, Tesla and now Hyundai. But will it come to the U.S.? Check out the story at Headlight.News.
Ford EV Skunkworks Program Sets Up Shop in Southern California
Ford’s secret “skunkworks” program aimed at developing “a new generation” of affordable – and profitable – EVs will operate out of a new headquarters in Long Beach, California, not far from an old factory company founder Henry Ford set up 94 years ago to build the automaker’s Model A.
Tesla Cybertruck Faces Two More Recalls
Still in its early ramp-up phase, the Tesla Cybertruck has faced a serious of problems since its official launch last November. The latest signs of trouble? Two new safety recalls — including windshield wiper failures — that can’t be fixed with updated software.
New Tariffs Force Volvo to Delay U.S. Launch of Chinese-Made EX30 EV
Volvo has “delayed” the U.S. launch of the EX30 battery-electric vehicle due to new tariffs on Chinese-made EVs announced in May by the Biden administration. That delay appears likely to last until at least sometime in 2025 when the automaker plans to begin production of the EX30 at a second plant in Ghent, Belgium.
Rivian Gets $5B Investment from Volkswagen
Larger automakers just can’t seem to stay away from EV startup Rivian. Ford Motor Co. once held a large, multi-billion dollar stake in the company and now Volkswagen plans to invest $5 billion in company. What does it mean? Go to Headlight.News for the story.
Twork Named New Lucid PR Chief as it Enters a Critical Phase
Lucid Group named a new PR chief, Nick Twork taking on global communications duties at the EV start-up. The move comes at a critical time for the Silicon Valley-based automaker. While its initial product line, the Air sedan, has received generally favorable reviews, Lucid has been struggling with sluggish sales and a rapid cash burn while waiting for the more mainstream Gravity SUV to debut later this year.
Ford Recalling 550K Pickups Due to Downshift Issue
Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 550,000 full-size pickups due to a problem with a sensor that may cause the truck’s transmission to downshift, potentially resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Kia Unveils Refreshed 2025 Carnival, Including New Hybrid Model
While Kia’s tried to separate its Carnival from the minivan pack by calling it a multi-purpose vehicle, the new 2025 version features a new hybrid powertrain — just like all the other minivans. Check out more on the new Carnival at Headlight.News.
VW Teases 2025 Jetta, Jetta GLI
Volkswagen’s updated Jetta and Jetta GLI models make their debut this week, with the revised line-up expected to reach showrooms later this year. We could see a welcome upgrade in performance, as well as modest design tweaks. But might the manual gearbox be going away? Here’s what we know so far.
UAW Fight Heats Up as Honda Accused by NLRB of Anti-Union Activity
National Labor Relations Board accused Japanese automaker Honda of engaging in activities aimed at discouraging union organization activities. The agency offered several examples of the behavior. Honda officials say they look forward to the hearing. Find out more at Headlight.News.