As the first flying cabs approach production, Toyota is more than doubling down on its stake in Joby Aviation, a California-based an electric air mobility start-up that is now test flying its first production prototypes.
EVs and batteries
EVs, Hybrids Salvage an Otherwise Weak September for Tesla, Ford, GM, Other Automakers
Tesla posted a modest upturn in sales for the third quarter after losing ground during the first half of the year. And it wasn’t alone. EVs, PHEVs and conventional hybrids staved off what could have been a much sharper downturn for the U.S. auto industry, helping prop up major manufacturers including General Motors, Ford, Toyota and Mitsubishi.
Mercedes-AMG Sees Big Opportunities for Performance EVs
While a number of automakers are rethinking their plans for EVs, Mercedes remains committed to the transition to battery-electric propulsion. And that includes its high-performance division, AMG. If anything, AMG CEO Michael Schiebe is convinced buyers “will jump into that new technology” as new models come to market.
September Delivers Disappointing Sales
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.
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.