Much like the update on the Model 3 last year, the new look for the Model Y in China is evolutionary on outside with upgrades keeping with consumer demand on the inside. Get more details at Headlight.News.
EVs and batteries
An Icon Returns as VW ID.Buzz Wins North American Utility Vehicle of the Year – Here Are the List of Winners
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz took top honors as the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year on Friday morning during a ceremony marking the start of the annual Detroit Auto Show. As for the other winners? Headlight.News has the full story.
Electric Mustang Mach-E Outsells Ford’s Classic Coupe – and Is Anyone Really Surprised?
It may be the best-selling pony car on the market but the classic, gas-powered Ford Mustang coupe was outsold by the all-electric Mustang Mach-E last year. If anything, the EV gained significant momentum in 2024, something that one of Ford’s key competitors could take as encouragement as it launches its own, all-electric muscle car.
Chrysler Planning New Car and SUV Based On Halcyon Concept
A new report suggests that struggling Chrysler might pull a rabbit out of its hat with a new report suggesting the brand is getting a new car and SUV based on the Halcyon concept. Stellantis and its dizzying array of brands can be a very daunting thing for customers...
Simcoe Stepping Down, Nesbitt Becomes Only 8th Design Chief in GM History
If you want job security, it seems, you might hope to land the role as General Motors’ head of design. There’ve only been seven people to hold that position over the last century. But that exclusive club will soon grow to eight as Michael Simcoe steps down and hands his pens to GM veteran Bryan Nesbitt. Here’s more on the transition.
Honda’s New 0-Series EVs will Sport Edgy Styling, Offer Hands-Free/Eyes-Off Automation
Honda rolled out a pair of all-electric concept vehicles at CES this week, updating the two prototypes it brought to Las Vegas a year ago. And, it says, the 0 Series Saloon and SUV are close to the final production models that will roll into U.S. showrooms in 2026. Beyond the edgy styling, buyers will be offered a digital operating system borrowed from Honda’s ASIMO robot – and the ability to drive hands-free while texting or even watching videos.
UAW Files to Hold Union Election at Ford JV Battery Plant
The UAW continues its aggressive plan to expand its ranks by converting existing non-union plants or, in this case, getting new plants to align with the union right away. The organization filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to hold an election at Ford Motor Co.’s JV battery plant in Kentucky. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz Says Friendship Between Trump and Musk Is Positive For Carmakers
Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz is not concerned about the friendship between Trump and Musk and says it can benefit all automakers as analysts predict gloomy times are coming.
Sony and Honda Mobility Confirm Afeela 1 $90k Price, 2026 Launch Date
Sony Honda Mobility unveils production version of Afeela EV, confirms that the EV will start at $90k and launch in mid-2026 in California.
Feds Investigating 2.6 Million Smart Summon-Equipped Teslas
In response to a complaint and three media reports, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation opened a probe into the 2.6 million vehicles equipped with Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon and Smart Summon technologies. Get details at Headlight.News.
Mini Sales Crater For 2024, Model Switchover and Recall To Blame
Mini sales slide as the brand totally refreshes its vehicle lineup and expands its presence into the EV market.
Ram Pickup Toppled by Toyota’s RAV4, Parent Stellantis Was the Big Loser of 2024
If you’re wondering just how bad things got for Stellantis last year, consider the fact that its Ram pickup fell off the podium, losing its traditional third-place position in the U.S. sales race – behind the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado – to Toyota’s RAV4 SUV. Overall, the Euro-American automaker was one of only two manufacturers to report a decline in sales in 2024 and faces serious challenges to turn things around in 2025.