Jeep, along with Ram, are Stellantis’ cash cows, providing the funding for brands that, if not on life support, don’t realize nearly the profits that these American powerhouse brands bring. So, you have to wonder: What took Stellantis so long to realize that Jeep had issues — major issues. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Executives
Stellantis, UAW Square Off Over Commitments Made During Strike
Stellantis product plans are in flux, leading to an increasingly bitter dispute with the United Auto Workers. The union is demanding the company honor commitments made during contract negotiations last year. The dispute could threaten in launch of the Ramcharger planned for early next year. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Is Musk’s Political Shift Hurting Tesla?
As the CEO of Tesla and an outspoken advocate of green technology, Elon Musk developed a large and loyal fanbase and was frequently credited as a major force helping to build demand for the automaker’s EVs. But things have changed over the nearly two years since Musk purchased what was then Twitter and began a visible shift towards the political right. That’s changed perceptions of the South African-born Musk for many former fans. But is that costing Tesla sales? Headlight.News has this story.
GM Announces Potentially Far-Reaching Collaboration with Hyundai
General Motors have inked a Memorandum of Understanding, a preliminary agreement that could lead to joint work on everything from hydrogen fuel-cells to the development and production of new gas and battery-powered vehicles. But the MoU raises questions about the future of GM’s current relationship with Japanese automaker Honda.
Stellantis Defensive After Dealers Urgently Voice Their Concerns As Sales Tank
Prominent Jeep and Ram dealers are increasing pressure on Stellantis executives to boost sales in the United States in the wake of a substantial market-share decline.
Lucid Teases Tesla Model Y Fighter
After talking up its next vehicle in its lineup, Lucid Motors revealed a teaser of what will follow the Gravity. Officials say the new model, which will hit the streets in late 2026, aims to compete with the Tesla Model Y. Get details at Headlight.News.
Chrysler Descendant Wants to Keep Brands All in the Family
Since the formation of Stellantis a few years ago, speculation about what will happen with the low-selling, but still-iconic Chrysler brand has run rampant. Officials, led by CEO Carlos Tavares, assured there were plans for Chrysler. However, time has passed with just one product left, the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, and now someone wants to resurrect the brand: Walter P. Chrysler’s great-grandson. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Ford Joins Ranks of U.S. Companies Abandoning or Scaling Back Diversity Programs
Ford Motor Co. will pare back its diversity efforts, joining companies like Lowe’s, John Deere and Beam Suntory, the producers of Jim Beam liquor who have entirely abandoned so-called DEI programs. Ford’s move was hailed by conservatives, but denounced as “shortsighted” by human rights advocates. For his part, CEO Jim Farley said the automaker will still work to creative an “inclusive workplace.”
Hyundai Way Means Massive Sales Increase, More Hybrids, More Profit
South Korean automotive behemoth Hyundai Motor expects to sell 5.5 million vehicles globally by the end of the decade, including 2 million EVs and 1.8 million hybrids. The global number represents a 30% jump over last year’s numbers. Find out more at Headlight.News.
As Profits Sag and Inventories Bulge, Tavares Visits U.S.
With North American sales and earnings on the slide, Stellantis faces a number of challenges that have already led to some major changes in upper management and layoffs on the factory floor. And CEO Carlos Tavares is under mounting pressure to find a fix, reports Headlight.News.
Trump May End EV Tax Credits Even While Considering A White House Role for Tesla’ Musk
The $7,500 federal tax credit for buyers of battery-electric vehicles could be dropped if Donald Trump returns to the White House next January, the presidential candidate said in an interview. At the same time, Trump said he’s open to finding a role for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, possibly even making him a member of his cabinet.
GM Laying Off 1,000 Software, Service Staff
General Motors is cutting over 1,000 salaried software and service employees, despite the automaker’s increasing focus on opportunities to expand revenues through the use of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. The company said the move will help it “prioritize investments.”