European Union officials reaffirm 2035 ban on new gasoline cars while also making revisions to help automakers reach these targets easier as the market continues to shift.
Environment
Kia Reveals 3 New Models as Part of Mainstream EV Blitz
Kia continues to roll out new EV models that the Korean brand hopes will help it counter moves by market leaders Tesla, as well as fast-growing Chinese brands like BYD and Geely. But whether it can keep its strong momentum going in the U.S. as Pres. Donald Trump enacts new anti-EV policies remains to be seen.
Next Move: Trump Shutting Down All 8,000 Chargers at Federal Buildings; Selling Off Government EVs
Since his inauguration five weeks ago, Donald Trump has taken numerous steps to cripple the emerging U.S. EV market. His latest move: shutting down about 8,000 charger ports currently operating at federal government buildings. He also has ordered the GSA to get rid of the EVs it recently acquired for its fleet. More from Headlight.News.
EV and Hydrogen Truckmaker Nikola Files Chapter 11; Will Try to Sell Assets
Phoenix-based Nikola Motors has filed for Chapter 11, becoming the latest start-up to go bust while targeting the EV and hydrogen fuel-cell markets. Nikola officials said the company now plans to sell off its assets, though it isn’t clear a buyer has yet emerged.
Honda Carves Its Own Path to Building EVs in the U.S.
Honda plans to roll out the first of three new battery-electric vehicles later this year. All will be built here in the U.S. But unlike some competitors setting up all-new, dedicated EV plants, these will be produced at existing Honda facilities in Ohio. To be able to adapt to changes in market demand, Honda has created what it calls an “EV Hub,” flexible enough to build gas, hybrid and battery-electric models on the same assembly line. Headlight.News has more.
Trump Could Roll Back Fuel Economy Rules Despite Strong Support From U.S. Motorists
During his first term in office Pres. Donald Trump attempted to roll back federal fuel economy standards. He has signaled plans to take similar steps when he returns to office and may also issue orders that could reduce demand for highly efficient EVs. But that would fly in the face of what a new survey shows: improved fuel economy “at least somewhat important” to 96% of American drivers, crossing political boundaries.
Jimmy Carter, Dead at 100, Had Major Influence on Auto Industry
He may have had just one term in the White House but it came at a critical time for the nation, as a whole, and for the auto industry, in particular. Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 100 oversaw changes to automotive safety and emissions regulations. He was also in the Oval Office at a time of a major oil embargo, an assault by automotive imports and a time of reckoning for Detroit’s automakers – including the near collapse of Chrysler Corp.
From the Heartland to the Pacific, Operation Frodo Rescues Nearly 2 Dozen Abandoned Dogs
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, but he has a bright red beard, rather than a snowy white one, and he began his annual trip a bit early this year, with a coterie of automotive journalists substituting for the usual elves, set to deliver 23 beagles rather than toys. I was one of those who made this year’s journey…and like the rest of my colleagues, it made for a unique and heartwarming holiday adventure.
Over 90% of EV Drivers Plan to Remain Battery-Electric Owners
Electric vehicle adoption has been on the rise and the latest study shows that once someone buys and EV it’s highly unlikely they’ll go back to internal combustion power. According to the Global EV Drivers Alliance, 92% of current EV owners will buy another one for their next vehicle. Check out the story at Headlight.News.
Compact SUVs Now the King of Green
According to new data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the “greenest” or most efficient vehicles running about on American roadways is the compact SUV. The data shows it’s passed the small sedan as the greenest machine on the street. Find out how at Headlight.News.
Mazda CEO Reveals More on Rotary Engine Revival and Plans for the U.S.
Almost a month after confirming plans to launch a rotary-powered sports car based on its Iconic SP sports car, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro has offered more insight into what it expects to bring to market – and it means the eventual vehicle might be both smaller and more powerful than originally expected, especially for the U.S. market.
Return of the Rotary: Mazda Green Lights the Iconic SP Sports Car
A dozen years after killing off its last rotary-powered model, the RX-8, Mazda has given the go to the Iconic SP Sports Car which will bring back the Wankel engine back into production, President Katsuhiro Mogo and other officials have confirmed. Here’s what we know.