Facing declining demand for its Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Gladiator models, Jeep says it will cut as many as 3,700 jobs at plants in Michigan and Ohio — and its putting at least some of the blame on California’s tough emissions rules.
Environment
Kia Partnering Up to Help Ocean Cleanup
It’s twice the size of Texas and still growing. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest accumulation of plastic waste in the world, but by no means the only place where cast-off plastic is accumulating in the world’s waterways. Now, a non-profit called The Ocean Cleanup believes it can dramatically reduce this waste over the next two decades. And it’s getting a helping hand from Kia which intends to turn much of that junk into useful parts for its vehicles. More from Headlight.News.
Toyota, Nissan Preparing a Flood of EVs – Too Bad They’ll Be Out of Reach for Americans
When it comes to EVs, Toyota and Nissan have been slow to join the party. But the two manufacturers plan to rapidly expand their offerings over the next several years. Between them, they’ve announced a combined nine new all-electric models due to reach showrooms in the next few years. Unfortunately for American motorists, most or all of those new EVs won’t be coming to the States. Headlight.News has more on the new Toyota and Nissan EVs.
Fisker Again Scales Back Production Plans – And Investors Applaud
For the second time this year, EV start-up Fisker has scaled back production plans, and now expects to roll out half as many Ocean SUVs as it planned at the beginning of the year. But that was fine with Wall Street, its stock price rising nearly 9% as the week came to a close. Headlight.News looks at what’s behind the cutback, and why it pleases investors.
GM, Other Automakers Rethink EVs and May Shift Near-Term Emphasis to Hybrids, Plug-Ins
With EV sales growth slowing down, General Motors “is currently assessing” its massive investment in battery-electric vehicles. And, while it remains committed to CEO Mary Barra’s “path to an all-electric future,” it will shift more emphasis to the hybrids and plug-ins it was planning to abandon. And other automakers, including Ford and Stellantis, are likewise shifting direction. If anything, this validates Toyota’s strategy calling for a mix of EVs, hybrids and PHEVs, reports Headlight.News.
Searching for Fossil Fuels Two Scientists May Help Make the “Hydrogen Economy” A Reality Instead
Proponents claim hydrogen is even better than batteries as a way to the shift away from fossil fuels. The problem is how to produce “green” hydrogen that doesn’t create its own environmental issues. A pair of scientists may have found the answer — ironically, while they were searching for fossil fuels. Headlight.News has more.
Ford Rethinks its Costly EV Program – and it’s Not Alone
Ford is rethinking its commitment to battery-electric vehicles, at least in the near term, company officials revealed during an earnings call. It might seem a logical move considering the automaker lost about $37,000 on every EV it sold during the third quarter. But Ford is by no means the only automaker rethinking its commitment as growth in the electric vehicle market slows. Read the story at Headlight.News.
Toyota Teases Future Performance EVs with Twin Concepts for Japan Mobility Show
Slow to enter the EV market, Toyota is making up for lost time. And it’s signaling its shift in direction at this week’s Japan Mobility Show where it will unveil two all-electric concept vehicles, including one that could become a battery-powered successor to the Toyota Supra.
Shell Opens World’s Largest Charging Station – with 258 Fast Chargers
A new Shell Recharge Station offers a record 258 EV quick chargers – as well as a convenience store, café and lounge for motorists when they plug in. That facility is located in Shenzhen, China but, as Headlight.News reports, similar facilities will soon start popping up across the U.S.
Toyota BEV Factory Readying for Production Next-Gen Lithium and More Advanced Solid-State Batteries
SUV concept promises 497 miles of range — and a 621-mile EV could follow. Get all the details at Headlight.News.
Competition Heating Up for Tesla’s Attention between Turkey and Saudi Arabia
As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a pitch to Tesla CEO Elon Musk to build the EV maker’s next plant there, representatives for the kingdom of Saudi Arabia are making the same pitch. Find out more at Headlight.News.