VinFast will add a second factory in Vietnam to handle anticipated demand for its small and midsized products. The new facility is expected to begin production by July 2025. The move comes even as it delays construction of a U.S. assembly plant.
Consumer Guides
First Look: Toyota 4Runner Gets a Complete Makeover for 2025
The 4Runner may be one of the oldest models in the Toyota line-up but it’s about to become one of the freshest, the Japanese automaker giving the 6th-generation SUV a complete makeover for 2025. The new model year brings not only an updated design but a new choice of drivetrains and new Platinum and off-road-focused Trailhunter trims. Here’s a closer look at the new SUV.
Lucid Hopes to Get Off the Ground as Production of Gravity SUV Begins
Lucid Motors has started rolling out its second product line and the all-new Gravity line is likely to determine whether the struggling start-off takes to the air or comes crashing back to earth. The first version of the electric SUV will start at $96,550, with lower-priced trims to follow late next year.
EV Charging is About to Get A Lot Easier
Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, there are some clear challenges to owning an EV, starting with using public chargers. The good news is that more and more are going in across the country – and seemingly by the day. And it’s about to get easier to use them without having to set up separate accounts with each charger brand. In fact, you’ll soon be able to “plug-and-charge” without having to use an app or credit card, making the process even easier than getting gas.
Sony-Honda Set to Reveal Near Production-Ready Afeela EV at CES
Four years after announcing plans to set up its own mobility division – and three years after confirming it would partner with Honda to develop a new EV – Sony will reveal a near production-ready version of an all-electric sedan at the Consumer Electronics Show next month. The all-wheel-drive model will put a premium on in-car entertainment technology and be marketed under the brand name Afeela.
Consumer Reports Has Some Big Surprises as it Hands Out its Annual Automotive Report Card
Ready to invest in a new car, truck or crossover? There are plenty of choices these days. But how do you know what’s right for you? Consumer Reports is offering a helping hand as it releases its Automotive Report Card. The annual study helps you figure out which brands and models are reliable, feature-loaded and fun to drive – and which products to steer close of. And this year’s report contains more than a few surprises.
Mazda CEO Reveals More on Rotary Engine Revival and Plans for the U.S.
Almost a month after confirming plans to launch a rotary-powered sports car based on its Iconic SP sports car, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro has offered more insight into what it expects to bring to market – and it means the eventual vehicle might be both smaller and more powerful than originally expected, especially for the U.S. market.
New Vehicle Sales Come on Strong in November – With Several Brands Setting New Records
November ended on a high note, at least from an automotive perspective, with sales of new vehicles delivering solid year-over-year gains for those brands that have so far reported their numbers for the month. And several Japanese and Korean brands ended November with new sales records.
New York City Gets the Go to Launch $9 Congestion Free for Commuters and Visitors
As if you don’t pay enough in bridge and tunnel tolls to drive into Manhattan, things are about to get even more expensive for commuters and other visitors to New York City as the Big Apple launches a new $9 congestion fee starting January 5, 2025.
First Drive: 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE Plug-In Hybrid SUV
You might think that Toyota is the poster child for their fleet going hybrid. But check out Lamborghini. Gas-electric hybrids are flooding out of the automaker’s Sant’Agata factory. We spent a couple days in Italy checking out the latest entry, the 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE Plug-In Hybrid SUV.
Tesla is America’s Deadliest Automotive Brand, New Study Shows
Today’s cars are safer than ever, or so they should be considering all the active and passive safety equipment onboard. But that isn’t necessarily so and, surprisingly, some of the best-equipped products don’t fare all that well when you check federal data. Case in point? Tesla turns out to have the industry’s highest fatality rate, according to a new study.
VW’s Cupra Brand Comes a Step Closer to Entering the U.S. Market
Months after Volkswagen revealed interest in bringing its sporty Cupra brand to the U.S. market it has taken a critical step closer to making that happen before the end of the decade. It’s begun talks with the Penske Automotive Group which could partner on the launch.