Vietnamese EV start-up VinFast announced a “prudent,” 3-year delay in the opening of its first U.S. assembly plant. It’s the latest in a series of setbacks for the automaker which suffered a wave of harsh reviews for its initial offering, the VF 8 crossover.
Regulatory
Automated Driving Systems Aren’t Improving Safety, Finds New Study
More than half of the automotive models now on sale offer some form of partial automation, whether to help steer, brake or accelerate. Manufacturers have promoted these technologies as a way to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities – but, with the exception of front automatic emergency braking, a new study finds “partial automation…doesn’t confirm additional safety benefits.”
Foreign Brands Now Produce More Vehicles in the U.S. than Detroit’s Big Three
It’s been four decades since Honda started building Accords at a new plant in Marysville, Ohio. Today, foreign-owned manufacturers are producing more vehicles in the U.S. than Detroit’s Big Three. And the gap is only expected to widen, in part due to local production mandates covering battery-electric vehicles, reports Headlight.News.
Former Ferrari Racing Chief Helps UN Launch Global Road Safety Campaign
He spent years as a major force behind one of the world’s most dangerous sports – auto racing. Now, Jean Todt has taken a lead role in a new United Nations effort to address the “pandemic” of highway deaths. Its new, ad campaign hopes to halve the number of road fatalities – over 1 million annually – by 2030.
Mercedes Pumping New Life Into its Gas Engines
With the EV market taking longer to charge up than many have expected, Mercedes-Benz is putting money back into the development of internal combustion technology, as well as hybrids, CEO Ola Kallenius said. But the automaker isn’t scrapping plans for a new EV architecture, despite recent reports, the executive said.
Automakers Demand Rollback of New Pedestrian Safety Rules
With fatalities rising fast, NHTSA has enacted rules requiring the use of sophisticated detection and auto-braking technologies intended to protect pedestrian – as well as those riding bicycles and motorcycles. But automakers are pushing back, claiming they can’t meet the new mandates set to go into effect in 2029.
Tesla Cybertruck Faces Two More Recalls
Still in its early ramp-up phase, the Tesla Cybertruck has faced a serious of problems since its official launch last November. The latest signs of trouble? Two new safety recalls — including windshield wiper failures — that can’t be fixed with updated software.
New Tariffs Force Volvo to Delay U.S. Launch of Chinese-Made EX30 EV
Volvo has “delayed” the U.S. launch of the EX30 battery-electric vehicle due to new tariffs on Chinese-made EVs announced in May by the Biden administration. That delay appears likely to last until at least sometime in 2025 when the automaker plans to begin production of the EX30 at a second plant in Ghent, Belgium.
Rearview Camera Problem Forces Stellantis to Recall 1.16M Vehicles
A software glitch preventing the rear view cameras from displaying images on the vehicle’s touchscreen necessitated a recall of 1.16 million Stellantis vehicles. The cameras are equipment on vehicles in the Ram, Jeep and Chrysler vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Wiper Problems Force Tesla to Halt Cybertruck Deliveries
Tesla’s Cybertruck has gotten off to a rocky start since it finally started deliveries last November, two years late. And now, a new problem with its huge windshield wipers has forced the automaker to put deliveries of the all-electric truck on hold until it can figure out a solution.
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.
Jeep Confirms $25,000 Renegade EV Coming in 2027 – Offers First Details
Jeep will introduce a $25,000 EV in 2027, officials from parent Stellantis confirmed on Thursday. CEO Carlos Tavares – who first dropped hints about the affordable offering last month – added a number of other details during a meeting with investors.