September and third quarter sales proved disappointing for automakers after months of steady gains. But electrified vehicles created a bright spot for GM and several other manufacturers — and accounted for nearly half of Toyota’s sales in the U.S.
Green Power
Hurricane Helene Could Trigger Another Major Semiconductor Shortage
The damage wrought by Hurricane Helene could take months to calculate but it also could be felt worldwide. The floods that roared through the mountainous western part of North Carolina devastated one town, in particular, that is known for more than just its scenic views. It’s one of the world’s largest sources of the “high-purity quartz” needed to produce semiconductors. And it could touch off another major chip shortage in the months ahead.
Ford Powers Promise of EVs by Offering Free Home Chargers
Ford CEO Jim Farley announced plans today to offer free home chargers and installation to buyers of the company’s slow-selling electric vehicles. Farley took to LinkedIn to outline the company’s newest incentive, the Ford Power Promise, to sell EVs while continuing to show his advocacy for them. Get details at Headlight.News.
McLaren’s W1 Will Be the Modern Reincarnation of the Legendary P1
Confirming long-standing rumors, McLaren said it will introduce a new supercar on October 6 that will serve as the modern day successor to the legendary P1. Here’s what’s we know about the new McLaren W1.
Norway, Land of the Midnight Sun, Lutefisk … and EVs
Conventional wisdom might seem to suggest that EVs have come unplugged, with traditional automakers such as Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG pulling back on their plans to go all-electric. But don’t tell that to the folks in Norway. As contributing editor Joe Szczesny discovered during a visit this week, you’ll have to look hard to find a new vehicle drawing power from a tank of gasoline.
First Drive: 2025 Polestar 3
If one thing is certain, Polestar isn’t in a rush when it comes to releasing new models. More than seven years after introducing its first model, the gas-electric Polestar 1, the EV maker is finally rolling out the third entry in its line-up. But is the Polestar 3 the product the Volvo spin-off needs? Here’s our review.
Chrysler Voyager Returns; Adds “Budget Friendly” Option to Minivan Line-Up
Chrysler is doubling the size of its current line-up – and offering a more wallet-friendly option in the process – with the return of the Voyager minivan. The new model will start at just under $40,000 when it goes on sale late this year.
GM EV Owners Get to Use Tesla Superchargers with New Adapter
Like so many other automakers making electric vehicles, General Motors signed on to use the Tesla Supercharger network. Now owners of Cadillac Lyriqs, Chevrolet Equinox EVs and more can use the chargers with a new NACS DC adapter from the automaker. Find out more at Headlight.News.
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.
Recall Repairs Not Free with Fisker
Those sacred few Fisker Ocean owners continue to discover new ways they’re getting worked over. The latest? The now-bankrupt EV maker is only providing the parts for recalls free of charge. Owners will need to pay the labor costs. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Genesis Planning Hypercar for 24 Hours of Le Mans – And Production Model Could Follow
Genesis is heading to Le Mans. The luxury brand is developing a new hypercar to compete in that legendary 24-hour race and other events that are part of the World Endurance Championship. With the Korean manufacturer also set to introduce its new Magma performance line-up, this is raising questions about whether Genesis might also bring a production version to market.
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.