Chinese automakers are rapidly expanding exports to key regions like Europe and Latin America after long focusing on their home market. But that’s created problems as target markets fight back with new tariffs and other trade restrictions. As a result, some Chinese manufacturers are looking to shift production abroad – and that could include factories in the U.S.
Deals and acquisitions
Stellantis CEO Tavares May Be on His Way Out
Once one of the most respected executives in the auto industry, CEO Carlos Tavares is coming under withering fire from investors, dealers and employees as the company’s fortunes fade – especially in North America, its most profitable region. With his contract set to expire early next year, the automaker is considering whether it’s time for a management shake-up.
GM Announces Potentially Far-Reaching Collaboration with Hyundai
General Motors have inked a Memorandum of Understanding, a preliminary agreement that could lead to joint work on everything from hydrogen fuel-cells to the development and production of new gas and battery-powered vehicles. But the MoU raises questions about the future of GM’s current relationship with Japanese automaker Honda.
Chrysler Descendant Wants to Keep Brands All in the Family
Since the formation of Stellantis a few years ago, speculation about what will happen with the low-selling, but still-iconic Chrysler brand has run rampant. Officials, led by CEO Carlos Tavares, assured there were plans for Chrysler. However, time has passed with just one product left, the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, and now someone wants to resurrect the brand: Walter P. Chrysler’s great-grandson. Find out more at Headlight.News.
BYD, Stellantis Dismiss Rumored Chrysler Acquisition – But Chinese Maker May Still Seek Back Door to U.S. Market
It’s been the subject of speculation for weeks, “knowledgeable sources” chattering amongst themselves about the possibility China’s BYD is in talks with Stellantis as it looks for a way to crack into the U.S. market. The two makers have firmly dismissed the rumors. But there seems little doubt Chinese automakers want to target the world’s second-largest automotive market and are sniffing around the North American auto industry looking for a way to break in.
CFO Warns Stellantis Could Sell Off Maserati
As it looks to potentially consolidate a list of 14 automotive brands, Stellantis could sell off its most exclusive, Maserati, due to weak sales, a senior official warned. That’s on top of several other brands which, Headlight.News reported last week, may be shuttered entirely.
Want a Brand New EV For Just $14,000? There’s Just One Catch
The high cost of today’s EVs has slowed demand. But there’s one model now priced at just $14,000, making it one of the lowest-priced vehicles on the market. But there is one catch: those 3,000 Fisker Ocean SUVs are being liquidated as part of the automaker’s bankruptcy. Whether you’ll be able to get parts and service going forward is far from certain.
VinFast Hits the Brakes, Delays U.S. Plant Opening Until 2028
Vietnamese EV start-up VinFast announced a “prudent,” 3-year delay in the opening of its first U.S. assembly plant. It’s the latest in a series of setbacks for the automaker which suffered a wave of harsh reviews for its initial offering, the VF 8 crossover.
Headlight. News Podcast For The Week of 7-15-24 -Transplants Dominate The U.S. – Dealers Crippled – Red Bull Hypercar – Ranger Review – This Week in Automotive History
This week's edition of the Headlight.News podcast focuses on foreign automakers increasing their presence in vehicle production, Dealers being crippled by a cyberattack, and Red Bull's newest hypercar. We also review the Ford Ranger and take a look at This Week in...
Toyota Reportedly Ready for Return to F1 in Partnership with Haas
Will it or won’t it? That’s the big question in the racing world this week as Toyota reportedly prepares to announce plans to reenter Formula 1 racing. It would mark a return after a failed effort ended 15 years ago. But Toyota is said to be partnering up this time, likely with the American F1 Haas team.
Stellantis Invests $55 Million in Air Taxi Start-Up
Stellantis has invested an additional $55 million in Archer Aviation, a pioneer in the fast-emerging field of drone-like flying taxis. That follows a previous $110 million investment the Euro-American automaker made in Archer. And it comes at a time when the start-up completed a milestone flight and is preparing to open up a new assembly plant in Georgia.
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.