Honda and Nissan are moving forward on talks that could move past simple collaboration. The two Japanese automotive giants may set up a joint holding company, according to a report, though they so far are denying that a merger is in the works. Here’s the latest.
Deals and acquisitions
The Shake-Up Accelerates at Stellantis as Kuniskis Returns, More Moves in the Works
Dodge brand boss Tim Kuniskis has returned to Stellantis after retiring in June. He’ll take charge of Ram, the automaker announced Monday. It’s just one of the first steps in what could be a much broader management shake-up to follow the unexpected resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares earlier this month.
Judge Again Rejects Musk’s $56 Billion Pay Package
A Delaware judge has again rejected the $56 billion payout for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, even after shareholders voted to reinstate the package earlier this year. But even if the ruling is upheld, the South African-born entrepreneur and confident to President-elect Donald Trump is expected to remain the world’s richest man.
CEO Tavares’s Resignation Could Leave Struggling Stellantis Rudderless
With CEO Carlos Tavares resigning “with immediate effect,” and no successor in sight, Stellantis could face even more trouble trying to resolve the problems that saw its sales, earnings — and stock price tumble so far this year. The lack of a chief executive officer also comes at a time when the Euro-American automaker is set to launch an assortment of critical new products, including the first all-electric Jeep and Ram models aimed at the U.S. market.
CEO Carlos Tavares Tenders his Resignation as Problems Grow for Stellantis
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigned unexpectedly on Sunday, the automaker saying “different views have emerged” in recent weeks as the Euro-American automaker struggled to come up with a way to reverse weakened sales and earnings. No immediate successor was named, though it appears that the automaker’s Chairman John Elkann effectively will take control until a replacement is named. This is a breaking story. Headlight.News will have a longer analysis shortly.
Tesla Strikes a Delicate Balance Between U.S., China – and Trump
With its EV sales in Europe and the U.S. slowing, Tesla has become more dependent on sales in China. But the competition is fierce, and trade tensions could hamper Elon Musk’s ambitious future. Musk’s central role in the incoming Trump administration further complicates matters.
New Life Envisioned for GM’s Old HQ
It’s an iconic part of the Detroit skyline but, with General Motors moving its headquarters to a downsized alternative the fate of the massive Renaissance Center complex has been uncertain, some calling for its demolition, others hoping to find an alternative use. Now, GM is looking at a solution that’s a bit of both as it proposes a massive new “waterfront destination.”
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.
Si, Pablo Di Si is Out as VW Group of America CEO
Pablo di Si unexpectedly stepped down as head of the Volkswagen Group of America and will be replaced by Rivian executive Kjell Gruner, the automaker announced Tuesday. The move comes at a critical time for VW which has been struggling to move its all-electric models in the U.S., even as it prepares to launch the all-new, all-electric Scout brand.
Hyundai Names Muñoz its New CEO — First Non-Korean in Leadership Position
José Muñoz will become global chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor Co. on Jan. 1. It will mark the first time a non-Korean will move into that leadership position — and comes at a critical time for what has become one of the world’s largest automakers.
VW Deal Gives Big Boost to Struggling Rivian
Months after announcing a tentative alliance, Rivian and Volkswagen firmed up their relationship Wednesday, announcing that the German automaker is making a nearly $6 billion investment into the U.S. EV start-up. The news sent Rivian shares surging after they had fallen by as much as two-thirds their 52-week-high in recent months.
We’ve Dug Up Even More Exciting News About the New Scout Brand
Two years after Volkswagen announced plans to revive the long dormant Scout brand, we got a first look at the two new products it will be bringing to market. And there were some surprises, including news that the Scout Terra and Traveler models will be offered with a choice of all-electric and range-extended drivetrains. Headlight.News caught up with several of the brand’s top execs and reveals several other exciting details.