After seven decades, Chevrolet’s second V-8 is an engineering and performance icon. And the bowtie brand’s very survival is tied to that small block engine.
Regulatory
Feds End Query into 411K Ford Vehicles Suddenly Losing Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced it was ending its investigation into complaints about a problem with Ford pickups and SUVs suddenly losing power. It covered as many as 411,000 vehicles. Get details at Headlight.News.
Scout’s New Assembly Plant Could Turn into a Factory for Hire
When the new Scout plant in South Carolina opens in 2027 it will produce the brand’s two new products on a single shift. Whether there will be enough demand for the Scout Terra and Traveler models to justify adding more shifts is uncertain. That has the new Volkswagen subsidiary looking at other options, possibly including production of vehicles for other VW brands and even some competitors.
Scout’s Direct-to-Buyer Sales Plan Sets Off Dealer Backlash
Auto dealers are ready to go to war with Scout Motors over the new brand’s plan to sell directly to customers without using franchised retailers. Scout is also planning to build separate service centers, which are emerging a key part of the EV landscape.
NHTSA Opens Investigation into 2.4 Million FSD-Equipped Teslas
Just days after showing off nearly two dozen Cybercabs running on Full Self-Driving, Tesla finds itself being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The feds are examining 2.4 million FSD-equipped vehicles due to issues driving in “reduced visibility conditions,” including a fatality. Find out more at Headlight.News.
For Tesla Cybertruck, 10 Months Bring 5 Recalls
Tesla announced a recall covering more than 27,000 vehicles. More precisely, 27,185 Cybertrucks. This marks the fifth time the all-electric pickup has faced a safety-related callback since the first dozen Cybertrucks were handed over to customers by Tesla CEO Elon Musk at the end of November 2023. And it comes at a time when Tesla has had more recalls than any other automaker.
Used Car Buyers Beware: Hurricane Helene Could Flood Market With Water-Damaged Vehicles
Hurricane Helene delivered a record punch this past week, leaving a trail of destruction from Florida’s Big Bend to the western mountain towns of North Carolina. And the impact could be felt much further away. If past natural disasters are any indication, thousands of flood-damaged vehicles could wind up being repaired just enough to put them out on the used car market. And unsuspecting buyers could be in for some major problems.
GM Recalling 450,000 SUVs, Pickups For Potential Brake Problem
General Motors will recall 449,671 pickups and SUVs due to faulty software that can lead to a failure of their brake fluid warning lights. The good new is that GM will use smartphone technology to make the repairs.
Biden Administration Pushes Forward with Chinese Connected Car Ban
The Biden administration pushed forward with plans to make it difficult to import vehicles from China. The Department of Commerce proposed a rule that would ban vehicles equipped with Chinese-made connected vehicle technologies. Get details at Headlight.News.
Feds Report Traffic Fatalities Fell 3.2 Percent in First Half of Year
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported U.S. traffic deaths declined 3.2% during the first six months of this year. Fatalities have declined for nine straight quarters. Read the story at Headlight.News.
Tesla Readying Debut of First Robotaxi
The day that Tesla CEO Elon Musk has talked about for years is about to arrive. Tesla’s reportedly set to debut its first purpose-built robotaxi in California next month. It arrives at a tenuous time for self-driving vehicles. Get more detail at Headlight.News.
GM Recalling 1,200 Cruise Robotaxis to End U.S. Safety Probe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration agreed to end its probe of General Motors’ Cruise subsidiary’s robotaxis after it agreed to recall 1,200 of the vehicles. Go to Headlight.News for a closer look and details.