In an unprecedented compromise, Volkswagen reached an agreement with its German labor union to cut as many as 35,000 jobs in Germany – though the automaker agreed not to order immediate layoffs or plant closures and dropped a demand for 10% wage cuts. The move avoided a mass walkout by members of the IG Metall union but is billed as a way to curb VW’s bloated labor costs, among the industry’s highest.
Hybrids
Honda to Take Lead in Planned Merger with Nissan
Honda and Nissan will merge under a new holding company, the automaker’s announced, confirming months of rumors, with the smaller of the Japanese automakers effectively taking control of the new alliance. Mitsubishi, which was rescued by Nissan in 2016, has yet to decide whether to become part of the alliance. And Renault, which bailed out Nissan in 1999, plans to determine what role it may have going forward.
Toyota Investment Aimed at Lowering EV Charging Costs, Stabilizing The Power Grid
There’s been a lot of focus on building up the public EV charging network but the vast majority of owners routinely charge at home. Toyota is helping secure $28 million in funding for startup WeaveGrid in a bid to make home charging easier and more affordable – while also ensuring that the nation’s electrical infrastructure can handle the addition of millions of battery-powered vehicles.
First Drive: 2025 Kia K4 — More than Just a New Name
It came as far from a surprise when Kia confirmed plans to introduce a new version of its long-in-the-tooth Forte sedan at the New York Auto Show last spring. Nor were we shocked to learn the new model would get an entirely new name. But, after finally getting a chance to drive the 2025 Kia K4, we were struck by just how much better it is than the outgoing four-door model. Here’s our review.
2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Gets $10K Discount, Non-Hybrid Version Comes To The U.S.
Alfa Romeo listens to consumer demand and brings the non-hybrid version of the Tonale to the U.S. while also giving the model a $10,000 discount.
Santa Brings Motorists an Early Gift – But the Grinch Could Take it Away
Nearly 120 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles over the long Christmas/New Year holiday. If you’ve been planning your own trip you might have noticed fuel prices have come tumbling down across the U.S. in recent weeks. But the Grinch might be ready to steal that early holiday present, experts noting fuel prices are starting to climb back up in many parts of the country.
Ram To Launch Ram 1500 Ramcharger First, REV Pushed Back To 2026
Ram and Stellantis confirm the Ram 1500 Ramcharger will launch first as slowing EV truck demand pushes the REV 1500 into 2026.
Honda Announces The Return of the Prelude
Honda confirms the Prelude is coming back into production as the Japanese auto giant prepares to expand its presence in the hybrid market.
Lamborghini Delays First-Ever EV Model
Lamborghini delays the launch of its first-ever EV model as it becomes the latest automaker to rethink its electrification strategy
Kia Looks at a Pickup, Other “White Space” Opportunities – But Trump is the Wild Card
It’s been a big year for Korean carmaker Kia, U.S. sales set to reach a new record. To keep momentum going it’s launching plenty of new products in 2025 and looking to enter still more “white space” beyond – a pickup one opportunity under study. But planning ahead is on hold until at least “January 21,” said the brand’s U.S. marketing chief, with the incoming Trump administration poised to address such issues as EV sale mandates and incentives, as well as tariffs on foreign-made vehicles.
Over 90% of EV Drivers Plan to Remain Battery-Electric Owners
Electric vehicle adoption has been on the rise and the latest study shows that once someone buys and EV it’s highly unlikely they’ll go back to internal combustion power. According to the Global EV Drivers Alliance, 92% of current EV owners will buy another one for their next vehicle. Check out the story at Headlight.News.
Aston Martin Unveils 2025 Valhalla, Proves The Wait Is Worth It
Aston Martin takes the veil off of the 2025 Valhalla. Hybrid supercar is the fruit of five year development effort.