At a time when new vehicle prices are reaching record levels and interest rates remain stubbornly high, despite the recent rate cut by the Federal Reserve, affordability is becoming a critical issue that could send U.S. auto sales into a tailspin in the months ahead.
Ferrari on Thursday revealed details about its first battery-powered model, the Elettrica. But the Italian automaker is delaying a second EV. And it’s not alone. Ford has scrapped several all-electric models, while Nissan pulled the plug on the 2026 Ariya. Acura just ended production of the ZDX and Stellantis has abandoned the all-electric Ram REV. Those are among a growing list of planned EVs that no longer will make it into production — or will be substantially delayed. Here are some of the others.
Even as it cuts back on plans to expand its EV line-up, Nissan says it’s bringing back the once-popular Xterra, a rugged off-road SUV it junked back in 2015. It could be joined by a new Infiniti model, both to be produced at Nissan’s underutilized plant in Canton, Mississippi. More from Headlight.News.
For the first time in six weeks a handful of vehicles rolled down some Jaguar Land Rover plants on Wednesday, though it is expected to still take time for the British automaker to fully recover from a devastating cyberattack. Headlight.News has more.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier this year promised to bring to market a more affordable EV and, with federal tax credits having ended last week this may be the perfect time to roll it out. The automaker’s account on X teased what could be a new, lower-cost version of the Model Y expected to debut on Tuesday. Headlight.News has more.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says he has “never been more confident than I am today” about the future of the struggling EV manufacturer. That’s despite a series of challenges facing the battery-electric vehicle sector in general – including the loss of federal EV tax credits and the rise of the low-cost Chinese competitors who are threatening to enter the U.S. market. A critical test will come early next year with the launch of Rivian’s more affordable R2 model line. But it’s also counting on joint ventures and alliances like those with Volkswagen and Amazon, reports Headlight.News.
Tariffs enacted by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump effectively closed the door on auto imports from China – only a few products now entering the U.S. But, despite the current hefty tariffs, observers expect that the Trump administration will soon open the American market up to Chinese products, while also encouraging manufacturers like BYD and Geely to set up U.S. manufacturing operations. While American motorists would likely welcome vehicles like the $20,000 BYD Dolphin, this could pose an “existential threat” to traditional automakers, reports Headlight.News.
Strong sales by the Jeep and Ram brands helped Stellantis reverse its long sales slide during the third quarter, even as Volkswagen faltered in the face of a challenging economy. While U.S. auto sales are running stronger than expected, analysts still worry about the impact of tariffs and the federal government shutdown in the months ahead.
Hertz wants to put you in the driver’s seat, especially if you’re looking for a used car. The car rental giant on Tuesday announced a new online buying channel that will allow potential buyers the ability to do everything from browsing inventory to setting up financing without ever leaving home. More from Headlight.News.
Even as losses mount, Jaguar Land Rover said it will extend until at least October 1 the production shutdown triggered by a cyberattack last month. The incident comes at a time when a growing number of other automakers are struggling to fend off hackers. Headlight.News has more.
How consumers feel about the economy and their own economic prospects sit close to the heart of the decision to purchase a new vehicle. But in a worrisome sign for the future of vehicle sales consumers sentiment is slipping and price increases loom. Headlight.News has more.
Porsche may be known for speed but when it comes to its plan to go all-electric it’s suddenly decided to slow down a bit. There are still more EVs coming but it’s decided to put more emphasis on hybrids and PHEVs, notably with a new high-end crossover in the works. Headlight.News has more on this costly change of direction.