Almost a month after confirming plans to launch a rotary-powered sports car based on its Iconic SP sports car, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro has offered more insight into what it expects to bring to market – and it means the eventual vehicle might be both smaller and more powerful than originally expected, especially for the U.S. market.
Regulatory
Tesla Strikes a Delicate Balance Between U.S., China – and Trump
With its EV sales in Europe and the U.S. slowing, Tesla has become more dependent on sales in China. But the competition is fierce, and trade tensions could hamper Elon Musk’s ambitious future. Musk’s central role in the incoming Trump administration further complicates matters.
New York City Gets the Go to Launch $9 Congestion Free for Commuters and Visitors
As if you don’t pay enough in bridge and tunnel tolls to drive into Manhattan, things are about to get even more expensive for commuters and other visitors to New York City as the Big Apple launches a new $9 congestion fee starting January 5, 2025.
Tesla is America’s Deadliest Automotive Brand, New Study Shows
Today’s cars are safer than ever, or so they should be considering all the active and passive safety equipment onboard. But that isn’t necessarily so and, surprisingly, some of the best-equipped products don’t fare all that well when you check federal data. Case in point? Tesla turns out to have the industry’s highest fatality rate, according to a new study.
Trump Readying to Relax Autonomous Vehicle Rules
Wondering what influence Tesla CEO Elon Musk may be having within the newly elected Trump administration? The incoming leaders of the U.S. Department of Transportation are readying to loosen the rules for self-driving vehicles, which would include Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology. Get details at Headlight.News.
Ford Facing Two New Investigations into Handling of Recalls
Less than a week after federal safety regulators hit Ford with one of the largest fines in automotive history, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched two new investigations into the way the automaker has handled some recent recalls.
Trump and Republicans Ready to Pull Plug on EV Incentives
If anyone hoped that Tesla CEO Elon Musk being named to President-elect Donald Trump’s staff might mean a reprieve for the tax credits created during the Biden administration — guess again. Those credits are as good as gone. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Hyundai Names Muñoz its New CEO — First Non-Korean in Leadership Position
José Muñoz will become global chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor Co. on Jan. 1. It will mark the first time a non-Korean will move into that leadership position — and comes at a critical time for what has become one of the world’s largest automakers.
GM’s Cruise Division To Pay $500k Fine For False Report To DOJ
GM’s autonomous vehicle unit Cruise is on the hook for a $500,000 fine for filing a false report to the Justice Department regarding an accident in October where a pedestrian was run over.
Ford to Pay Up to $165 Million Fine for Dragging Out Recall
Ford agreed to pay one of the largest fines in automotive history for dragging its feet on a 2020 recall covering 700,000 vehicles while also failing to give federal regulators timely information. It’s the latest in a costly series of quality and safety problems impacting Detroit’s second-largest automaker.
Nissan Gets New Activist Investor, Shares Jump on News
Days after announcing a major acceleration in its plans to cut costs — including eliminating 9,000 jobs — Nissan Motor is getting a bit of a boost. Courtesy of a regulatory filing, it was revealed Effissimo Capital Management took a 2.5% stake in late September. Find out what it means and why shareholders are excited at Headlight.News.
Trump’s Second Term Presents Opportunities, Poses Risk to Auto Industry, Says Top Toyota Exec
After scoring a major win in the election this week, President-elect Donald Trump is widely expected to move quickly on a broad agenda when taking office next January. He has made it clear this will include a number of issues critical to the auto industry, including tariffs and EVs. That presents some significant opportunities for manufacturers, but also poses quite a few risks, said a senior Toyota executive who spoke to Headlight.News shortly after Trump’s victory was confirmed.
