If the Trump administration moves forward with plans to end federal EV tax credits California Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to activate state rebates to help maintain the state’s role as the biggest market for battery-electric vehicles. But there’s a catch: the governor plans to initiate a market cap that would likely exclude the state’s best-selling EV brand: Tesla.
Executives
Tesla Strikes a Delicate Balance Between U.S., China – and Trump
With its EV sales in Europe and the U.S. slowing, Tesla has become more dependent on sales in China. But the competition is fierce, and trade tensions could hamper Elon Musk’s ambitious future. Musk’s central role in the incoming Trump administration further complicates matters.
Toyota Celica Rumors Gain New Steam After Exec Adds Fuel To Fire
The latest round of Toyota Celica rumors appear to haWve legitimate traction as a Toyota Executive appears to confirm that the model is indeed coming to showrooms.
GM Finally Gets Green Light to Join Formula 1
After being shown the black flag about a year ago, General Motors and TWG Global agreed to a deal to have Cadillac in the starting F1 grid in 2026. The deal will also have the Cadillac Formula 1 Team tracking to be a “full works” team by 2030. Get details at Headlight.News.
Live From LA!
The 2024 LA Auto Show is now being turned over to the public, but not before scores of new vehicles — ICE and electric — made their debut in the City of Angels. Headlight.News went to Los Angeles to ensure we had the latest news from this year’s event. Check out the stories.
Ford Keeps Scaling Back, Cutting Bronco Production, European Workforce
Sluggish Bronco sales have Ford reducing production of the once-hot-selling SUV while “reassigning” 400 workers related to the move. Additionally, the company is cutting 14% of its European workforce due to slow sales and other issues. Get details at Headlight.News.
Job Cuts Growing as Automakers Fret About the Future
Automakers in the U.S., Europe and Japan have announced thousands of job cuts over the past month and there’s growing concern the pace could increase as the industry moves into an uncertain new year, with a new presidential administration in Washington threatening to upend automotive rules and regulations — and possibly the economy, as well. Check out the story at Headlight.News.
Trump Selects Second Fox News Host for Cabinet: Transportation Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump named Sean Duffy as his choice to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation. Duffy is a former U.S. Congressman from Wisconsin, and he is the second selection plucked from Fox News. Get details at Headlight.News.
Si, Pablo Di Si is Out as VW Group of America CEO
Pablo di Si unexpectedly stepped down as head of the Volkswagen Group of America and will be replaced by Rivian executive Kjell Gruner, the automaker announced Tuesday. The move comes at a critical time for VW which has been struggling to move its all-electric models in the U.S., even as it prepares to launch the all-new, all-electric Scout brand.
Trump and Republicans Ready to Pull Plug on EV Incentives
If anyone hoped that Tesla CEO Elon Musk being named to President-elect Donald Trump’s staff might mean a reprieve for the tax credits created during the Biden administration — guess again. Those credits are as good as gone. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Trump Election Crimps UAW Political Influence
The 2024 election cost organized labor — especially the UAW — influence in Washington, D.C. It also handed an old foe, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, more sway over industry and labor in the new administration. Get the story at Headlight.News.
Car Buyers At Risk as Trump Prepares to Roll Back Consumer Protection Rules
Bait-and-switch, hidden fees and other dealer scams could proliferate under the incoming administration of Donald Trump, experts warn, as the president-elect signals plans to eliminate or scale back various consumer protection rules.