Headlight News Podcast For The Week of 5-20-2024 – Tariffs on Chinese Goods – The UAW Defeated – Elon Musk Could Lose $56bn Compensation package – This Week In Automotive History
Regulatory
UAW Dealt Crushing Defeat in Alabama, Workers Reject Union
The United Auto Workers lost its bid to bring workers at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Alabama into the union. The setback comes just weeks after an overwhelming victory at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga and raises questions about what the UAW might do next, its drive to organize foreign-owned transplants a key goal of union President Shawn Fain.
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.
Eight Automakers Caught Misusing Consumer Data
Multiple carmakers have been caught giving sensitive customer data too easily to law enforcement despite saying that they would not do so under Consumer Privacy Protection Principles Agreement
Mercedes Workers Next to Vote on UAW – But “Alabama is Not Michigan”
After winning a historic vote at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga last month, the United Auto Workers Union takes aim at a repeat victory as workers at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa cast their ballots. But the UAW faces strong local opposition from, among others, Gov. Kay Ivey who declared “Alabama is not Michigan,” as she signed a bill to discourage future union efforts.
Biden Announces Sweeping Tariffs on Chinese Goods Including Electric Vehicles
President Joe Biden announces sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods as an ongoing trade war between China and the United States enters a key period with the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election potentially becoming important wild card play.
Subaru Plans 8 EVs by 2028 – 4 From Partnership with Toyota
Subaru’s only EV, the Solterra, is a product of a joint venture with Toyota – and the Japanese automaker plans to take the same approach with its next three battery-electric vehicles, all due out by 2026. Then it plans to bring out four more, developed in-house, by 2028, its CEO said Monday.
Feds Raise “Significant Safety Concerns” Over Ford Fuel Leak Recall
A recall ordered by Ford to address gasoline leaks involving 43,000 Ford Bronco Sport And Escape SUVs has come under scrutiny. Federal regulators say they have “significant safety concerns” about whether the repairs will fix the problem and prevent possible vehicle fires.
Trump Vows to Reverse Biden EV, Auto Emissions Rules – for $1 Billion
President Donald Trump outlined a series of changes he’ll make to the Biden administration’s policies on EVs and other environmental rules if he wins reelection next November. But the changes he promised during a meeting with oil industry CEOs carries a $1 billion quid pro quo in campaign funds.
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.
Biden Administration Doubles Down on Autonomous Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking has proven to be a game-changing feature in many new automobiles and the Department of Transportation is preparing to ensure that all Americans get access to the technology with new rules that makes it standard starting in 2029.