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.
Personalities
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.
Major New Layoffs Take Steam out of Tesla Stock Rebound
It was looking to be a very good week for Tesla, news of a weekend deal with the Chinese government sending the EV maker’s stock soaring. But that’s so yesterday in the 24-hour news cycle. And word that CEO Elon Musk has dismissed two key executives – with their entire staff set to follow – took the steam out of Tesla’s nascent stock rebound.
Q&A Till Wartenberg, Head of Hyundai N Brand and Motorsports, Sees an Electrifying Future
If your idea of an EV is a quirky looking vehicle that’s slow and stodgy, you better think again. Tesla, with the Model S Plaid, Ford with Mustang Mach-E and Mercedes-Benz with the EQS AMG, are showing that battery-electric vehicles can be stylish and fun to drive.
Musk Wants Shareholders to Vote – Again – on His $56 Billion Pay Plan
Elon Musk took a big hit to the wallet in January when a Delaware judge rejected the $56 billion payout he was awarded by Tesla. The decision, along with Tesla’s weakened stock price, briefly knocked Musk off his perch as the world’s richest man. Now, Tesla is asking its shareholders to vote again on the pay plan while proposing other changes that would make it less likely future proposals could run into legal trouble.
General Motors Moving HQ – But Not Very Far
For the fourth time in its more than 100-year history, General Motors is moving its corporate headquarters – but it isn’t going very far. The automaker will relocate from the current, facility along the Detroit River to the city’s newest highrise 1.2 miles away. The move was driven by a variety of factors, said GM CEO Mary Barra, including the need for less office space following the COVID pandemic.
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.
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.
Q&A: Hyundai Motor Group COO Jose Munoz is “Doubling Down” on EVs
After growing nearly 800% between 2019 and early 2023, the growth in EV sales has begun to slow in recent months. But despite some reports, U.S. demand is expected to still grow from 1.2 million to 1.5 million in 2024. While some automakers, such as Ford, Volkswagen and General Motors are pulling back on their commitments to electrify, at least one major executive, Hyundai’s Jose Munoz, says he is “doubling down” on EVs. Find out why at Headlight.News.
Fisker Talks with Nissan Collapse; Bankruptcy Looms Larger
Talks between Fisker and Nissan have collapsed, the troubled EV start-up reported. And with its shares plunging on the news, trading was halted on the Nasdaq exchange as the likelihood of a bankruptcy filing grow larger.
Fisker Shares Collapse After Bankruptcy Report
Danish automotive designer and entrepreneur Henrik Fisker may be heading for a second bankruptcy. Shares of Fisker went into freefall Thursday after the Wall Street Journal reported the executive’s latest car company is seeking the help of restructuring experts in preparation for a possible bankruptcy. Earlier this month, Fisker advised analysts and investors the startup is facing going-concern risks due to slow sales and weak revenues. It is unclear whether a potential tie-up with Nissan will be enough to overcome a fast-worsening cash crunch.
High Adventure on the Alcan 5000 Winter Rally
With my own eyes, I saw a large lynx cross the road ahead of us as we rounded a corner, with a sizable hare in its mouth destined to become the cat’s next meal. The lynx was massive, perhaps 40 pounds, and sleek in its ticked white winter coat. Read more at www.headlight.news.