It’s now up to California Gov. Gavin Newsom to decide whether to sign a new bill that would require automakers to install a “passive intelligent speed assistance system” into all new vehicles sold in the state starting no later than 2030. Lawmakers sent the governor the measure as part of a crackdown on speeding – which is reportedly involved in a third of the state’s fatal crashes. The measure mandates the use of a warning device but some safety advocates want to go further, installing speed limiters.
Government
Feds Report Traffic Fatalities Fell 3.2 Percent in First Half of Year
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported U.S. traffic deaths declined 3.2% during the first six months of this year. Fatalities have declined for nine straight quarters. Read the story at Headlight.News.
Think EVs Are Expensive? Check the Cost of the Average a Plug-In Hybrid
As the growth of EV sales has slowed in recent months, automakers have begun looking at electrified alternatives, many betting that plug-in hybrids will become a “bridge” technology for motorists not quite ready to commit to an EV. But if you think battery-electric vehicles are expensive you may be shocked by what the typical PHEV costs – an average of more than $60,000. Then again, there are a few surprisingly affordable one.
GM Facing Huge Liabilities as Court Okays Class Action Over Faulty Transmissions
If you had a faulty transmission on a General Motors vehicles built between the 2015 and 2019 model-years you could be covered by a new lawsuit certified by a federal court. The class-action could result in payouts to hundreds of thousands of owners across the U.S., as Headlight.News reports.
Fisker Inc. Finalizes Liquidation Plans While Helping Owners
EV maker Fisker secured a deal with creditors to liquidate its assets while providing ongoing assistance to the owners of the vehicles it has already produced. Find out more at Headlight.News.
BYD, Stellantis Dismiss Rumored Chrysler Acquisition – But Chinese Maker May Still Seek Back Door to U.S. Market
It’s been the subject of speculation for weeks, “knowledgeable sources” chattering amongst themselves about the possibility China’s BYD is in talks with Stellantis as it looks for a way to crack into the U.S. market. The two makers have firmly dismissed the rumors. But there seems little doubt Chinese automakers want to target the world’s second-largest automotive market and are sniffing around the North American auto industry looking for a way to break in.
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.
UAW Investing Millions to Defeat Trump, Elect Harris
The United Auto Worker is preparing to spend millions of dollars on what is described as the most ambitious political program in decades to defeat Republican Donald Trump and put Democrat Kamala Harris in the White House.
UAW Charges Musk, Trump With Trying to Intimidate Workers
The United Auto Workers is challenging the explicitly anti-union, and anti-workers language used by former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk during an interview on Musk’s social media service X on Monday.
Musk Uses Live Conversation With Trump to Pitch EVs to Candidate’s Skeptical Followers
It was billed as an “interview” with presidential candidate Donald Trump but billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk used the Monday night event on social media service X to promote the benefits of EVs – those from Tesla, in particular. It’s no easy sell, at least to the former president’s followers.
Auto Industry Remains Central to Presidential Race
As the 2024 Presidential campaign moves into higher gear, the U.S. auto industry is once again at the center of the nation’s political conversation. There are numerous places where candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump conflict. But they suddenly seem to agree on one key issue – sort of – EVs.
Mercedes Leading Industry Crack Down on Counterfeiters
Automakers face a slew of problems regularly: emissions compliance, workplace or office issues, quality shortcomings and more. However, the problem of counterfeit parts affects them all. Mercedes-Benz works with law enforcement globally to combat the problem, which can make vehicles less safe and certainly takes money out of the automaker’s coffers. Check out what Mercedes and the rest of the industry is dealing with at Headlight.News.