With sales falling sharply, the first quarter of 2024 was an “unmitigated disaster,” according to one of Tesla’s big boosters. Now, one of the automaker’s big critics is warning the company could “go bust.”
Sales
Ford Delays Production of Electric SUV, Readies More Hybrids
Ford mirrored the push by several other automakers to delay production of its electric vehicles, by pushing back its anticipated all-electric SUV and next-generation electric pickup truck. It also revealed plans to grow its hybrid offerings to meet growing demand for them. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Hybrids, EVs Helped Prop Up March Sales – Except for Tesla
It’s become something of conventional wisdom that the EV market is slowing down. And there’s no question that, on a percentage basis, the growth rate for battery-electric vehicles has slowed over the last 12 months. But the market does continue to grow, Kia’s EV sales jumping 151% in March. Ironically, it was the 800-pound gorilla of the battery-electric market, Tesla, where sales fell well short of expectations.
Chevy Finally Ready to Launch Retail Versions of the Silverado EV
Plagued by issues with supplier snags, battery production problems and glitchy software, General Motors has been slow to get its promised wave of new EVs to market. But it’s finally getting ready to roll the retail version of its Chevrolet Silverado EV into showrooms – at a steep price. The initial, limited-edition version of the battery pickup will start around $95,000 plus delivery fees.
GM Begins Shipping Ultium Batteries from Second Plant
Although it may be amending the pace at which it rolls out its newest electric vehicles, General Motors is making sure it will have the batteries needed to power them. It began shipping Ultium battery packs from its Tennessee plant this week. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Tesla Q1 Deliveries Decline as Competitors See Increases
Tesla’s first quarter deliveries declined for the first time in nearly four years, falling short of Wall Street estimates. The declines came despite EV sales rising for competing automakers during the same period. Find out more at Headlight.News.
March Auto Sales Look Strong – But Affordability Remains an Issue
After an uncertain start, U.S. auto sales showed solid momentum in March, with big gains by Japan’s big three and record numbers from Hyundai – which was charged up by EV demand. But Tesla posted a rare sales slid and GM lost ground during the first quarter. Meanwhile, high transaction prices continue to keep many buyers out of the market.
Q&A: Infiniti Americas’ Craig Keeys – What Comes Beyond the New QX80
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is the automaker’s most important new entry in decades and, according to some observers, could be its make-it-or-break-it product. Craig Keyes, the head of Infiniti Americas, spoke to Headlight.News about the 3-row luxury sedan as well as future products such as the brand’s first EV. He also discussed the challenges of taking on better-known brands like Mercedes, BMW and Lexus, in this exclusive Q&A.
EPA Clampdown on Heavy Truck, Bus Emissions Should Save Lives, Reduce Global Warming
The EPA announced strict new emissions standards meant to slash CO2 emissions from the nation’s heavy truck and bus fleet – among the country’s largest source of global warming gases. But the regulations could face a fight, both in Congress and the courts.
Tesla Raises Prices as CEO Musk’s Reputation Falls
Tesla made good on previously announced plans to raise prices on its bestselling Model Y by $1,000 in the U.S. The move was revealed a few weeks ago, and now it’s been put in place. The price increase comes as new study suggests CEO Elon Musk is putting off potential buyers. Get details at Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast Talks NY Auto Show Debuts, World Car of the Year and More
Headlight News for the Week of 4-1-24: NY Auto Show Debuts – World Car of the Year – Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Review – and This Week in Automotive History.
Ford Making Further Cuts at F-150 Lightning Plant
Slowing sales of its F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup has Ford cutting workers at the Detroit-area plant that builds the trucks. EV sales are on the rise, but that hasn’t translated to the lofty predictions made by the automaker. Find out more at Headlight.News.