It didn’t take long for the old depot to fall into ruin after the last Amtrak train departed on January 6, 1988, becoming the iconic symbol of Detroit’s decline. But later today, a sold-out ceremony will mark its rebirth as part of a nearly $1 billion project launched by Ford Motor Co. Michigan Central Station has become the centerpiece of a new campus focused on the development of advanced automotive technologies.
Executives
$25,000 Jeep EV Coming “Very Soon,” Says Stellantis CEO
The Jeep brand just launched its first EV for the U.S. market but more are on the way – including a $25,000 all-electric SUV that should be on sale “very soon,” according to Carlos Tavares, CEO of Jeep parent Stellantis.
Jeep Will Offer Six Different Electrified Powertrain Options: From Mild Hybrid to EV
Jeep launched its first all-electric model, the Wagoneer S, this week and has more coming. But the brand wants to give buyers “freedom of choice” and, rather than go 100% EV, officials told Headlight.News they’ll soon offer six different electrified powertrain...
Former Jaguar Design Chief Callum Readies First EV for Launch
What is it with car designers wanting to start their own car companies? Former Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum has developed the Callum Skye EV, a small, off-road oriented vehicle set to debut May 22. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Shake-Up at Stellantis Claims Once-Rising Star Tim Kuniskis
In the wake of the mega-merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Paris-based PSA, Tim Kuniskis seemed the fair-haired boy, the American executive CEO Carlos Tavares could turn to when there was a problem to be solved. But Kuniskis unexpectedly announced his retirement Friday, with replacements named to take on his duties at Dodge and Ram.
Musk’s Antics Could Cost Him $56 Billion Pay Package
Elon Musk’s increasingly mercurial behavior is having a substantial impact on the Texas-based EV maker. But it may also have a serious impact on the Tesla CEO himself as shareholder resistance grows to the $50 billion pay package the automaker wants to give Musk. A key investor, and former Musk “fanboy,” voting no.
Musk Appears to Reverse Course on Tesla Supercharger Cuts
Just days after firing the head of Tesla’s Supercharger operations – and dismissing her entire 500-person staff – CEO Elon Musk appeared to reverse course, announcing on his social media site X that the automaker still will invest “well over” $500 million on “new sites and expansions” of the public charging system. The apparent turnaround comes as Tesla comes under increasing pressure from Tesla investors, analysts, owners and other automakers who have done deals to gain access to the Supercharger network for their own EV customers.
Trump Vows to Reverse Biden EV, Auto Emissions Rules – for $1 Billion
President Donald Trump outlined a series of changes he’ll make to the Biden administration’s policies on EVs and other environmental rules if he wins reelection next November. But the changes he promised during a meeting with oil industry CEOs carries a $1 billion quid pro quo in campaign funds.
Lucid Model Y Rival Set to Launch in 2026
In desperate need of a more affordable product that can deliver a big boost in sales, Lucid is working up a new compact SUV taking aim at the Tesla Model Y. Expect it to enter production by 2026, with a base price of less than $50,000, said CEO Peter Rawlinson, earlier than previously expected.
Fed Probe of Tesla Autopilot, FSD Raises Securities, Wire Fraud Concerns
Tesla now faces a criminal probe, federal prosecutors raising questions about the way the automaker has promoted its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technology which – despite what Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have implied to investors and consumers – are not capable of being driven hands-free.
Still More Layoffs at Tesla
Tesla launched yet another round of layoffs this week as CEO Elon Musk struggles to compensate for slowing sales and a 55% drop in first-quarter earnings. The latest cuts mean Tesla will see total U.S. employment drop as much as 20%, according to one report, with some departments, including its Supercharger operations, eliminated entirely.
Rivian Gets $827M to Expand Illinois Plant to Build New Vehicle
EV maker Rivian received $827 million in new incentives from the State of Illinois to expand its production facility in Normal. The company currently builds all of its vehicles there, but the expansion will allow it increase production levels as well as handle...