Automakers post strong sales for July as the industry still deals with high interest rates and the aftershocks from the CDK computer hack.
Consumer Guides
Plug-in Hybrids Now Outselling EVs
As EV sales growth slows, automakers are looking for other ways to reduce emissions without turning off potential buyers. That’s led to a wave of new plug-in hybrids coming to market – and to a surge in demand for PHEVs which grew 50% globally during the first five months of the year. But will they continue to outpace all-electric models? That’s a matter of debate.
2025 Ford Maverick Lobo: Return of the Street Truck
No wolf in sheep’s clothing, the 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo does nothing to hide its aggressive nature. It’s the latest spin-off of the compact pickup and was “inspired” by the lowered performance trucks of decades past, according to the automaker. But it also picks up on the functional features of the Maverick that have made it a hit with young buyers on a budget. Here’s a first look.
A Week With: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV: A Hint of Great Things to Come
The Blazer name has had a long history at Chevrolet. In its newest incarnation it offers a sign of the direction the bowtie brand plans to take in an electrified automotive market. But does it live up expectations? Jeff Zurschmiede spent a week with the new Chevy Blazer EV to find out.
Ford Maverick Hybrid Goes AWD for 2025
It may be the smallest pickup in Ford’s North American line-up but the Maverick has been a big success since its launch three years ago. And Ford hopes to keep the momentum going with the 2025 update of the compact truck by adding an all-wheel-drive version of the Maverick hybrid, as well as an assortment of new tech features.
Cadillac Launches Track-Ready CT5-V Blackwing Precision Package
It’s already one of the most powerful products in Cadillac history – but the luxury brand plans to take performance to the track-ready level with the debut of the new Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Precision Package. Here’s a closer look.
Instant Karma: EV Maker Set to Unveil Two New Models at Pebble Beach
While Fisker Inc. may be heading to the junkyard in the sky, there’s new life to founder Henrik Fisker’s earlier automotive start-up. Now owned by the Chinese and renamed Karma Automotive, it will show there can be life after death by unveiling two new models at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance next month. And they are meant to channel the ghosts of several other one-time automotive greats, including luxury brands Pierce-Arrow and Duesenberg.
First Look: “Ultimate” Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
When the eighth-generation Corvette made its debut four years ago, some long-time fans questioned how much further Chevrolet could go after rolling out the first mid-engine version of what has come to be known as “America’s sports car.” They got their answer Thursday night when the bowtie brand rolled out what is likely to be the “ultimate” version of the ‘Vette – at least an all-gas model. What’s clear is that the 2025 ZR1 is the fastest, most powerful – and most intimidating model in Corvette history. Here’s a closer look.
EVs Are Twice as Energy-Efficient as Gas Vehicles
Battery-electric vehicles use half as much energy to run a given distance as do vehicles powered by gasoline, according to a new study by Yale University. And the cleaner and more efficient the source of electricity used to charge a vehicle the better the equation gets.
Honda Updates Civic Si For 2025
The 2025 Honda Civic Si is taking an early bow ahead of the upcoming model year and it introduces an unusually extensive list of changes for what would normally be a mid-cycle “refresh,” with an assortment of new features, more standard equipment, new technology and, of course, the requisite tweaks to the front fascia and grille.
First Drive: 2025 Ford Explorer Adds a New “Digital Experience”
Since it made its debut nearly 35 years ago, The Ford Explorer has had a profound impact on the American auto industry, helping convince millions of motorists to move from sedans and coupes to SUVs and CUVs. Now, the automaker is rolling out a big update and while the 2025 Ford Explorer does get some design updates, much of the focus is on the new “Ford Digital Experience.” Headlight.News has this review.
Lincoln’s 2024 Nautilus Makes Ad Age’s 2024 America’s Hottest Brands List
Lincoln’s Nautilus CUV earns a spot on Ad Age’s America’s Hottest Brands of 2024″ list in potent example of how the CUV is attracting younger buyers to the Lincoln brand. Nautilus might also help bring more youth to the brand’s other models including the Navigator.