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.
EVs and batteries
Tesla Cybertruck Crash Videos Set Off Alarms Among Safety Experts
During a live-streamed event marking the first deliveries of the Tesla Cybertruck on Nov. 30, CEO Elon Musk played off a video showing the electric truck crashing into a barrier at 35 mph. “If you’re ever in an argument with another car you will win,” Musk said, triggering cheers from the audience. But safety experts aren’t quite ready to celebrate. Despite — or perhaps because of — Cybertruck’s stiff stainless steel body panels, questions are being raised about what it could do to pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles — and whether it can actually protect its own passengers.
Next-Gen Chevy Bolt Will Only Come in EUV Form
Fans of the Chevrolet Bolt have ridden a roller-coaster this year. Parent General Motors initially indicated the Bolt would go away as it switched to EVs based on its new Ultium platform, then said an all-new Bolt would return, also using that updated technology. Now, says GM, only the longer, SUV version, the Bolt EUV, will rejoin the line-up. That means buyers will have to say goodbye to the original 5-door hatchback Bolt EV, after all.
UAW’s Organizing Drive Gaining Traction at VW’s Tennessee Plant
The United Auto Workers union is hoping the third time’s the charm at the Volkswagen assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2014 and again in 2019, workers voted to reject a union organizing bid. Now, the UAW is back as part of a broader effort to organize workers at more than a dozen non-union plants across the country. More than 1,000 of those at VW have signed cards that could trigger a third vote. More from Headlight.News.
Stellantis “In the Black” on EV, Says CEO, But Tavares Warns Other Automakers Could Be Forced Out by Losses
With rare exception EVs have been big money-losers for the auto industry. But there are a few exceptions, starting with Tesla. Now, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares says his companies electrified vehicles also are “in the black.” Speaking at an industry conference, Tavares warned that automakers who can’t improve margins could be forced out of business by the end of the decade.
Stellantis Makes Battery Swapping Deal
Just after revealing its electric vehicles are profitable, Stellantis continues to do things a little differently. The company just inked a deal with a company called Ample to use its battery swapping technology for the automaker’s Free2Move fleet of Fiat 500e EVs in Europe. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Honda Debuting New EV “Series” at CES Next Month
Even as it prepares to launch its first long-range EV for the U.S. market, Honda said it will introduce an all-new “series” of global battery-electric vehicles during next month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The even will mark the launch of the first models developed internally by Honda, rather than as part of a partnership with General Motors.
Man Planning “Mass Casualty” Attack Arrested Ahead of Tesla Cybertruck Launch
A Florida man was arrested after taunting authorities “to stop me” before making a threat to commit what is being described as a “mass casualty” event during the roll-out of the new Tesla Cybertruck last week. More from Headlight.News.
GM Chief Barra Says EVs Here to Stay — So is She
GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra told reporters Monday evening the company remains focused on its coming array of EVs, and that hybrids are not on the agenda — for the U.S. anyway. She also dispelled any notion of a looming retirement. Find out what else she said at Headlight.News.
Lucid Lowers Prices, Simplifies Lineup
Hoping to gain more traction — and make it simpler for customers to choose the right version — for its all-electric Air sedan, EV startup Lucid lowered the price on its two lowest trim models. Its also ended the run for its original Air Dream packages. The California-based automaker also added a range of new options available across the lineup. More from Headlight.News.
First Look: 2024 Fiat 500e
Fiat hopes to charge itself up as it begins the transition to an all-electric brand. It’s pulling the covers off an all-electric version of the iconic Cinquecento, better known to Americans as the 500. The first edition headed to the U.S. will be the 2024 Fiat 500e RED edition. Here’s what we know about it at Headlight.News
Tesla Finally Delivers the Cybertruck, UAW Targets Import Makers, EV Reliability Issues Top Latest Edition of Headlight News Podcast
Headlight News for the Week of 12-4-23 talks about the first deliveries of the Tesla Cybertruck, the UAW targets imports, and EV reliability issues. We also review the Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid, preview this week’s stories and check out this week in automotive history. Check it all out at Headlight.News.