September and third quarter sales proved disappointing for automakers after months of steady gains. But electrified vehicles created a bright spot for GM and several other manufacturers — and accounted for nearly half of Toyota’s sales in the U.S.
EVs and batteries
Fiat Stops Production of Fiat 500 Due To Low Consumer Demand
Stellantis continues to endure woes as the company confirms it has stopped production of the Fiat 500 due to low consumer demand with production not set to resume until November.
Hurricane Helene Could Trigger Another Major Semiconductor Shortage
The damage wrought by Hurricane Helene could take months to calculate but it also could be felt worldwide. The floods that roared through the mountainous western part of North Carolina devastated one town, in particular, that is known for more than just its scenic views. It’s one of the world’s largest sources of the “high-purity quartz” needed to produce semiconductors. And it could touch off another major chip shortage in the months ahead.
Ford Powers Promise of EVs by Offering Free Home Chargers
Ford CEO Jim Farley announced plans today to offer free home chargers and installation to buyers of the company’s slow-selling electric vehicles. Farley took to LinkedIn to outline the company’s newest incentive, the Ford Power Promise, to sell EVs while continuing to show his advocacy for them. Get details at Headlight.News.
Norway, Land of the Midnight Sun, Lutefisk … and EVs
Conventional wisdom might seem to suggest that EVs have come unplugged, with traditional automakers such as Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG pulling back on their plans to go all-electric. But don’t tell that to the folks in Norway. As contributing editor Joe Szczesny discovered during a visit this week, you’ll have to look hard to find a new vehicle drawing power from a tank of gasoline.
First Drive: 2025 Polestar 3
If one thing is certain, Polestar isn’t in a rush when it comes to releasing new models. More than seven years after introducing its first model, the gas-electric Polestar 1, the EV maker is finally rolling out the third entry in its line-up. But is the Polestar 3 the product the Volvo spin-off needs? Here’s our review.
Nissan Says Nismo Performance Brand Will Not Go Fully Electric
Nismo reveals it has no plans to go all-electric as the brand confirms shifting market conditions are forcing it to alter its electrification plans and will instead take a more calculated approach on the creation of future performance models.
Congress Moves Closer to Passing AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
A Congressional panel ay approved a new measure that would ensure all new vehicles sold in the U.S. come equipped to receive AM radio. A number of auto manufacturers have begun phasing out that band, some claiming that electric vehicles interfere with AM signals.
Nissan Wanted To Keep R35 GT-R Around For 17 More Years, Regulations Killed That Plan
Nissan admits that it wanted to keep the GT-R around for another 17 years but evolving regulations and a changing cybersecurity environment helped put an end to the R35 model’s attempt at achieving vehicular immortality.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares Claims Maserati’s Woes Due To Poor Marketing
As Maserati continues to struggle with poor sales and a sluggish transition into EVs, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares says that poor marketing is to blame for the brand’s ongoing woes.
Ford CEO Jim Farley Says Chinese EV Industry a Threat To Ford
Ford CEO Jim Farley confirms that the Chinese EV industry is rapidly rising as a threat to the company’s business as Ford attempts to learn and adapt to an evolving EV market where Chinese automakers could emerge as potent contenders in multiple EV segments.
GM EV Owners Get to Use Tesla Superchargers with New Adapter
Like so many other automakers making electric vehicles, General Motors signed on to use the Tesla Supercharger network. Now owners of Cadillac Lyriqs, Chevrolet Equinox EVs and more can use the chargers with a new NACS DC adapter from the automaker. Find out more at Headlight.News.