Headlight News for the Week of 4-8-24 – Auto Sales Up but Tesla Down – Tesla Kills Cheap EV – Highway Deaths Drop – Land Rover Defender 130 Review – A Week in Automotive History
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Tesla Kills Plan for Affordable EV
Tesla pulled the plug on a program aimed at developing a $25,000 EV, even as Chinese automakers led by BYD double down on bringing to market all-electric vehicles affordable often to reach mainstream buyers. According to Reuters, Tesla CEO Elon Musk now wants to focus on self-driving robocabs.
Ford Moves Mustang Mach-Es by Slicing Price and Discounting
Ford this week confirmed it will indefinitely delay the launch of a new, all-electric SUV to put more focus on hybrids. It’s also cut back on production of its F-150 Lightning pickup. But while some EV skeptics take these moves as a sign that the market for all-electric vehicles is waning, Ford actually saw a surge during the first quarter, notably for its Mustang Mach-E. Here’s how it charged up demand.
Tesla Offering Big Discounts a Week After Raising Model Y Price
In mid-March, Tesla officials warned a $1,000 price increase would be applied to the Model Y on April 1 — and they made good on it. Just four days later, the EV maker is offering big discounts on several vehicles, hoping to shed excess inventory. Find out more at Headline.News.
Could Tesla “Go Bust”?
With sales falling sharply, the first quarter of 2024 was an “unmitigated disaster,” according to one of Tesla’s big boosters. Now, one of the automaker’s big critics is warning the company could “go bust.”
Ford Delays Production of Electric SUV, Readies More Hybrids
Ford mirrored the push by several other automakers to delay production of its electric vehicles, by pushing back its anticipated all-electric SUV and next-generation electric pickup truck. It also revealed plans to grow its hybrid offerings to meet growing demand for them. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Chevy Finally Ready to Launch Retail Versions of the Silverado EV
Plagued by issues with supplier snags, battery production problems and glitchy software, General Motors has been slow to get its promised wave of new EVs to market. But it’s finally getting ready to roll the retail version of its Chevrolet Silverado EV into showrooms – at a steep price. The initial, limited-edition version of the battery pickup will start around $95,000 plus delivery fees.
GM Begins Shipping Ultium Batteries from Second Plant
Although it may be amending the pace at which it rolls out its newest electric vehicles, General Motors is making sure it will have the batteries needed to power them. It began shipping Ultium battery packs from its Tennessee plant this week. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Tesla Q1 Deliveries Decline as Competitors See Increases
Tesla’s first quarter deliveries declined for the first time in nearly four years, falling short of Wall Street estimates. The declines came despite EV sales rising for competing automakers during the same period. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Q&A: Infiniti Americas’ Craig Keeys – What Comes Beyond the New QX80
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is the automaker’s most important new entry in decades and, according to some observers, could be its make-it-or-break-it product. Craig Keyes, the head of Infiniti Americas, spoke to Headlight.News about the 3-row luxury sedan as well as future products such as the brand’s first EV. He also discussed the challenges of taking on better-known brands like Mercedes, BMW and Lexus, in this exclusive Q&A.
EPA Clampdown on Heavy Truck, Bus Emissions Should Save Lives, Reduce Global Warming
The EPA announced strict new emissions standards meant to slash CO2 emissions from the nation’s heavy truck and bus fleet – among the country’s largest source of global warming gases. But the regulations could face a fight, both in Congress and the courts.
Tesla Raises Prices as CEO Musk’s Reputation Falls
Tesla made good on previously announced plans to raise prices on its bestselling Model Y by $1,000 in the U.S. The move was revealed a few weeks ago, and now it’s been put in place. The price increase comes as new study suggests CEO Elon Musk is putting off potential buyers. Get details at Headlight.News.