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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Nascent EV maker Fisker’s battle to stay solvent now has the company adopting a new strategy: low-cost EV maker. The company slashed prices across its lineup by as much as 39%, including a low sticker of just under $25K. Get the details at Headlight.News.
South Korean automaker Hyundai gives its Tucson sport-utility a major overhaul for 2025 model year. Immediately noticeable is redesigned front fascia, but the bigger change comes inside the cabin, which completely different than its predecessor. Headlight.News was at the debut in NYC and has the details.
Japanese automaker Nissan plans to introduce 30 new vehicles, including seven in the U.S. and Canada as it seeks to bridge the gap between its current organizational plans. It’s dubbed the new plan, The Arc. Get the details at Headlight.News.
In an era when Detroit’s Big Three wanted to do nothing but build ever larger cars, Nash Motors had a different idea, on ethat would prove that not everyone thought bigger was better. Read the story at Headlight.News.
The run on strong new vehicle sales should continue in March, according to a forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData. New vehicle sales are expected to jump 12.1% for March and 4.5% for the first quarter. Get details at Headlight.News.
“Incomplete” and “Inexcusable.” Things haven’t been going well for Fisker Inc., the EV start-up that has begun taking steps that could lead to a bankruptcy filing in the coming weeks. Fisker has also announced it is halting production for six weeks. It’s unclear if the company will use that pause to address some of the issues with its first product line, the Fisker Ocean. Based on a new review by Consumer Reports, the list is a long one.