Consumers actually paid more for a new vehicle in November than October, but compared to last November prices fell 1.5%. It was the third straight month prices dropped when compared to year-ago numbers. Find out why at Headlight.News.
Sales
UAW Steps Up Organizing Drive, Files Charges at Three Non-Union Plants
The United Auto Workers is stepping up its campaign to organize workers in Southern states, filing a series of unfair labor practice complaints against Honda, Hyundai and Volkswagen as part of the effort. Headlight.News has details.
Demand Down, Ford Halves Production of F-150 Lightning EV
Ford Motor Co. will slash production of its F-150 Lightning early next year, the automaker confirmed, reflecting a drop in customer demand. Ford had only recently completed a major expansion at the Dearborn, Michigan plant building the all-electric pickup to respond to initial demand following Lightning’s launch in spring 2022.
Nearly 3,700 Jeep Workers Warned of Layoffs — Blames California
Facing declining demand for its Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Gladiator models, Jeep says it will cut as many as 3,700 jobs at plants in Michigan and Ohio — and its putting at least some of the blame on California’s tough emissions rules.
Next-Gen Chevy Bolt Will Only Come in EUV Form
Fans of the Chevrolet Bolt have ridden a roller-coaster this year. Parent General Motors initially indicated the Bolt would go away as it switched to EVs based on its new Ultium platform, then said an all-new Bolt would return, also using that updated technology. Now, says GM, only the longer, SUV version, the Bolt EUV, will rejoin the line-up. That means buyers will have to say goodbye to the original 5-door hatchback Bolt EV, after all.
Polaris Updates Slingshot Lineup for 2024
With many parts of the U.S. preparing for winter weather on the horizon — i.e. snow — Polaris rolling out an updated lineup of vehicles isn’t a surprise. However, the company is showing off the newest iteration of its three-wheeled autocycle, the Slingshot. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Stellantis “In the Black” on EV, Says CEO, But Tavares Warns Other Automakers Could Be Forced Out by Losses
With rare exception EVs have been big money-losers for the auto industry. But there are a few exceptions, starting with Tesla. Now, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares says his companies electrified vehicles also are “in the black.” Speaking at an industry conference, Tavares warned that automakers who can’t improve margins could be forced out of business by the end of the decade.
Stellantis Makes Battery Swapping Deal
Just after revealing its electric vehicles are profitable, Stellantis continues to do things a little differently. The company just inked a deal with a company called Ample to use its battery swapping technology for the automaker’s Free2Move fleet of Fiat 500e EVs in Europe. Find out more at Headlight.News.
New Vehicles Get Slightly More Affordable in Third Quarter
Consumers have been concerned about the affordability of vehicles for some time now. Rising prices for new vehicles combined with a constant stream of interest rate hikes have made buying a new vehicle a more expensive proposition until recently. Find out what’s changed at Headlight.News.
Honda Debuting New EV “Series” at CES Next Month
Even as it prepares to launch its first long-range EV for the U.S. market, Honda said it will introduce an all-new “series” of global battery-electric vehicles during next month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The even will mark the launch of the first models developed internally by Honda, rather than as part of a partnership with General Motors.
GM Chief Barra Says EVs Here to Stay — So is She
GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra told reporters Monday evening the company remains focused on its coming array of EVs, and that hybrids are not on the agenda — for the U.S. anyway. She also dispelled any notion of a looming retirement. Find out what else she said at Headlight.News.
Lucid Lowers Prices, Simplifies Lineup
Hoping to gain more traction — and make it simpler for customers to choose the right version — for its all-electric Air sedan, EV startup Lucid lowered the price on its two lowest trim models. Its also ended the run for its original Air Dream packages. The California-based automaker also added a range of new options available across the lineup. More from Headlight.News.