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.
Green Power
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.
Mercedes Shifts Strategy with New CLA to Offer EV and Hybrid Options
When Mercedes-Benz launches its next-generation CLA family next year it will feature, as expected, an all-electric drivetrain. But, reflecting the realities of the global market, it will also be offered with a choice of hybrid powertrains, as well. And it will move away from the controversial “one-bow” styling of earlier battery-electric models like the EQS and EQE.
Trump Readying to Relax Autonomous Vehicle Rules
Wondering what influence Tesla CEO Elon Musk may be having within the newly elected Trump administration? The incoming leaders of the U.S. Department of Transportation are readying to loosen the rules for self-driving vehicles, which would include Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology. Get details at Headlight.News.
Volkswagen Teases Tiguan Ahead of LA Launch (But We Know What it Will Look Like)
The Volkswagen Tiguan goes up against a lot of tough competitors and, hanging around since 2016, the current model is clearly in need of an update. The good news for VW fans is it will be getting one, a replacement set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this week. And the automaker is offering up a tease that gives us a hint of what it will look like.
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.
Hyundai Names Muñoz its New CEO — First Non-Korean in Leadership Position
José Muñoz will become global chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor Co. on Jan. 1. It will mark the first time a non-Korean will move into that leadership position — and comes at a critical time for what has become one of the world’s largest automakers.
Lucid Latest to Try Out for the Force
Lucid Motors offered up a specially outfitted Lucid Air to the California Highway Patrol. The department is looking at different vehicles to fit its various needs, and Lucid is the latest to slap a police livery on one of its vehicles to see if it can cut the mustard. Tesla and Ford have done the same in recent months. Get details at Headlight.News.
VW Deal Gives Big Boost to Struggling Rivian
Months after announcing a tentative alliance, Rivian and Volkswagen firmed up their relationship Wednesday, announcing that the German automaker is making a nearly $6 billion investment into the U.S. EV start-up. The news sent Rivian shares surging after they had fallen by as much as two-thirds their 52-week-high in recent months.
Global Electric Vehicle Sales Charged Up in October
As automakers revamp their electric vehicle strategies, October’s global sales results may give them reason to rethink it again. EV sales jumped 35% last month with China leading the way. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Return of the Rotary: Mazda Green Lights the Iconic SP Sports Car
A dozen years after killing off its last rotary-powered model, the RX-8, Mazda has given the go to the Iconic SP Sports Car which will bring back the Wankel engine back into production, President Katsuhiro Mogo and other officials have confirmed. Here’s what we know.
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.