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.
Earnings and Financials
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.
Fisker Goes Bust – Elon Musk Gets $56 Billion Payout – Bugatti Goes Hybrid – Bronco Everglades Review – This Week In Automotive History and More in This Week’s Headlight.News Podcast
This week's edition of the Headlight.News podcast focuses on Elon Musk getting his revised $56 billion dollar pay package and EV automaker Fisker going bust. We also talk about Bugatti going hybrid with the all-new Tourbillion and we review the 2024 Ford Bronco...
Automakers Face “The Most Uncertain and Volatile” Times in Industry History
The auto industry is in the midst of the most unsettling shake-up its seen in more than a century and that’s likely force radical change in not only what products manufacturers bring to market but how and where they sell them. For one thing, Detroit automakers should consider pulling out of China, said Bank of America analyst John Murphy as part of his annual “Car Wars” study.
Fisker Files for Bankruptcy
For the second time in less than a dozen years, entrepreneur Henrik Fisker’s effort at launching an automotive start-up has plunged into bankruptcy. Start-up Fisker Inc. filed for Chapter 11 protection late Monday. While the one-time auto designer said the filing leaves a “viable path forward,” the options for saving the company appear increasingly sparse.
Elon Musk Gets $56 Billion – World’s Fastest EV – $25,000 Jeep EV – 2024 BMW X5 Competition Review and More in This Week’s Headlight.News Podcast
This week's edition of the Headlight.News podcast focuses on Elon Musk getting his $56 billion dollar pay package and the emergence of the world's fastest EV from an unlikely place. Meanwhile, we also talk about Jeep's planned $25,000 EV and review the 2024 BMW X5...
Elon Musk Wins Shareholder Battle To Keep His Compensation Plan
Elon Musk celebrates yes vote by Tesla shareholders that secures his record-setting compensation plan after a judge in Delaware voided the proposed pay package in January.
Jeep Confirms $25,000 Renegade EV Coming in 2027 – Offers First Details
Jeep will introduce a $25,000 EV in 2027, officials from parent Stellantis confirmed on Thursday. CEO Carlos Tavares – who first dropped hints about the affordable offering last month – added a number of other details during a meeting with investors.
Flexibility is Key, Stellantis CEO Tavares Tells Investors – Though “Arrogance” Almost Knocked it Down
Stellantis faces challenges and has lost ground in the U.S. CEO Carlos Tavares acknowledged during Thursday’s “Investors Day” conference, putting some of the blame on his own shoulders. But the carmaker’s flexible strategy and new products offer hope for the future and protect the company’s profitability, he promised analysts and shareholders.
Volvo Recalling All EX30 EVs to Repair Software Glitch
Volvo is recalling nearly 72,000 EX30 SUVs because of a software problem that can glitch the EV’s speedometer. It’s the second software problem that has plagued the new battery-electric vehicle. But motorists may not even know there’s a problem unless they read the mandatory recall notice sent under federal guidelines.
Musk Faces Growing Opposition to $56B Pay Deal Ahead of 6/13 Vote
A growing number of investors have announced they will vote against the $56 billion pay package Tesla’s board of directors wants to give CEO Elon Musk – though the South African-born executive insists he has lined up enough support for the proposals approval during a shareholder’s meeting this week. What happens if the plan is rejected? Musk already has fired a warning shot.
No EV Slowdown for GM, May Brought “Best Month Ever,” Says CEO Barra
The growth of the U.S. EV market may be slowing for the auto industry overall, General Motors sales were charged up, according to CEO Mary Barra, who said the automaker had its “best month ever” in May. But the automaker is still ready to adjust its electrification plans.