One thing you can say about Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda: he’s ready to push things to the limits, as he proved while testing out a new rally version of the automaker’s GR Yaris at the R&D center in Shimoyama, Japan. While most executives tend to prefer covering up their mistakes, Toyoda left his out for everyone to see.
Personalities
Elon Musk Wins Shareholder Battle To Keep His Compensation Plan
Elon Musk celebrates yes vote by Tesla shareholders that secures his record-setting compensation plan after a judge in Delaware voided the proposed pay package in January.
Flexibility is Key, Stellantis CEO Tavares Tells Investors – Though “Arrogance” Almost Knocked it Down
Stellantis faces challenges and has lost ground in the U.S. CEO Carlos Tavares acknowledged during Thursday’s “Investors Day” conference, putting some of the blame on his own shoulders. But the carmaker’s flexible strategy and new products offer hope for the future and protect the company’s profitability, he promised analysts and shareholders.
Musk Faces Growing Opposition to $56B Pay Deal Ahead of 6/13 Vote
A growing number of investors have announced they will vote against the $56 billion pay package Tesla’s board of directors wants to give CEO Elon Musk – though the South African-born executive insists he has lined up enough support for the proposals approval during a shareholder’s meeting this week. What happens if the plan is rejected? Musk already has fired a warning shot.
From Ruin Porn to Automotive Technology Hub: Michigan Central Station Reborn
It didn’t take long for the old depot to fall into ruin after the last Amtrak train departed on January 6, 1988, becoming the iconic symbol of Detroit’s decline. But later today, a sold-out ceremony will mark its rebirth as part of a nearly $1 billion project launched by Ford Motor Co. Michigan Central Station has become the centerpiece of a new campus focused on the development of advanced automotive technologies.
Former Jaguar Design Chief Callum Readies First EV for Launch
What is it with car designers wanting to start their own car companies? Former Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum has developed the Callum Skye EV, a small, off-road oriented vehicle set to debut May 22. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Shake-Up at Stellantis Claims Once-Rising Star Tim Kuniskis
In the wake of the mega-merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Paris-based PSA, Tim Kuniskis seemed the fair-haired boy, the American executive CEO Carlos Tavares could turn to when there was a problem to be solved. But Kuniskis unexpectedly announced his retirement Friday, with replacements named to take on his duties at Dodge and Ram.
Musk’s Antics Could Cost Him $56 Billion Pay Package
Elon Musk’s increasingly mercurial behavior is having a substantial impact on the Texas-based EV maker. But it may also have a serious impact on the Tesla CEO himself as shareholder resistance grows to the $50 billion pay package the automaker wants to give Musk. A key investor, and former Musk “fanboy,” voting no.
Fed Probe of Tesla Autopilot, FSD Raises Securities, Wire Fraud Concerns
Tesla now faces a criminal probe, federal prosecutors raising questions about the way the automaker has promoted its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technology which – despite what Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have implied to investors and consumers – are not capable of being driven hands-free.
Still More Layoffs at Tesla
Tesla launched yet another round of layoffs this week as CEO Elon Musk struggles to compensate for slowing sales and a 55% drop in first-quarter earnings. The latest cuts mean Tesla will see total U.S. employment drop as much as 20%, according to one report, with some departments, including its Supercharger operations, eliminated entirely.
VP Harris Announces $100 Million in Aid for EV Manufacturing During Detroit Visit
Vice President Kamala Harris made a trip to Detroit bearing some big gifts on Monday, $100 million to help the Motor City’s automotive parts manufacturers upgrade operations to support the shift to battery-electric vehicles.
Angered by Tesla Supercharger Cuts – Competitors Look to Rival Ionna Network
Tesla delivered a shock this week when word leaked out CEO Elon Musk was effectively closing down several departments, including the one overseeing its Supercharger network. Set up in 2012, when the automaker launched its original Model S sedan, the charging system was meant to assure buyers they’d have a place to plug in. But with the Supercharger network now open to most competing EV manufacturers, the news has triggered concerns across the auto industry — and is leading Tesla rivals to put emphasis on the competing new Ionna charging network.