New York pivots on controversial congestion charge plan. Cites changing economic climate as the cause.
Regulatory
Virginia Quits “Misguided” California EV Mandate
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday that Virginia is walking away from the California electric vehicle mandate which he termed “misguided” and “fundamentally wrong.” Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have adopted the rules which set strict targets for the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, primarily EVs. The move by Youngkin, a Republican, faces legal challenges, however.
Shift to Plug-in Hybrids and Range-Extenders Accelerates
While growth in the battery-electric vehicle segment has slowed sharply this year, sales are rising fast for hybrids – and automakers like Toyota, General Motors, Hyundai Motor Group and others are forecasting demand could grow at a near exponential rate for plug-in hybrids and range-extenders – driven in part by revised federal emissions standards.
Toyota, 3 Other Japanese Automakers, Acknowledge Cheating on Safety and Emissions Tests
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda “sincerely” apologized Monday for the automaker’s role in a cheating scandal that has swept through the Japanese auto industry. The industry giant, along with Honda, Mazda and Suzuki have pleaded after a government investigation in their home market revealed they rigged emissions and safety tests. Production of some of the vehicles have been halted, as a result.
$25,000 Jeep EV Coming “Very Soon,” Says Stellantis CEO
The Jeep brand just launched its first EV for the U.S. market but more are on the way – including a $25,000 all-electric SUV that should be on sale “very soon,” according to Carlos Tavares, CEO of Jeep parent Stellantis.
Jeep Will Offer Six Different Electrified Powertrain Options: From Mild Hybrid to EV
Jeep launched its first all-electric model, the Wagoneer S, this week and has more coming. But the brand wants to give buyers “freedom of choice” and, rather than go 100% EV, officials told Headlight.News they’ll soon offer six different electrified powertrain...
Drivers in California May Soon Pay By the Mile
States have long relied on gas taxes to cover the cost of building and maintaining their highway infrastructure. That approach falls apart as more and more EVs take to the road. California is exploring another option: tracking the mileage motorists log and charging them according to how far they drive. That could help prevent a gas tax shortfall of more than $4 billion over the next decade.
Headlight News for The Week of 5-20-2024 -Tariffs on Chinese EVs – The UAW Defeated – Elon Musk Could Lose $56 Billion Dollars – The Week In Auto History
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
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.