Volkswagen “remains committed” to its aggressive EV program, the automaker’s U.S. chief executive said. But, as sales growth slows, the German auto giant is also considering adding hybrids and plug-in hybrids to its American fleet. And it’s not alone. Other manufacturers who’ve made major commitments to EVs, such as Kia, are also turning to hybrids to help them meet emissions targets because of consumer resistance to all-electric vehicles.
Kia pumped life into an otherwise quiet Chicago Auto Show today, launching two new models at the McCormick Place Convention Center, including a new version of the Carnival people-mover which adds new technology, an updated design and a fuel-saving hybrid drivetrain option. Headlight.News checks out the 2025 Kia Carnival.
More power from a new base engine, more tech, new safety features and a midcycle design update, Kia rolls out the 2025 K5 sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. Headlight.News checks it out.
Volvo’s long been known for its wagons, and the latest V60 Cross Country conjures up memories of wagons past. Check out our review at Headlight.News.
Porsche made waves a few years ago when it introduced the all-electric Taycan. Now that we all know how to say the name correctly, they’ve rolled out the next iteration of its bestselling battery-electric model for the 2025 model year. Get details at Headlight.News.
Months after rolling out the all-electric Mini Cooper SE, the British automaker has finally lifted the covers on two new gas-powered versions of the three-door hatchback, the 2025 Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S. More from Headlight.News.
With EV sales growth flattening out, automakers are struggling to find ways to charge them back up. A critical step will require the launch of new, affordable models like the Model 2 Tesla reportedly is developing. During an earnings call, Ford CEO Jim Farley said he’s not planning to cede the market to his rival, revealing that the second-largest Detroit automaker has a “skunkworks” project underway to develop new EVs that could match, perhaps even undercut what Tesla is working on.
Ford took a hit in the fourth quarter courtesy of a massive charge, reporting a loss for the period. However, the company saw its revenue rise and it finished in the black for 2023. Get details at Headlight.News.
Rivian plans to take a step closer to becoming a full-line automaker next month, the automaker confirming it will reveal its R2 line on March 7. Smaller than the existing R1T pickup and R1S SUV, the R2 models also will be more affordable, officials last year indicating they could start around $40,000. Get the details at Headlight.News.
BMW executives have repeatedly mentioned the Bavarian automaker’s product plans included plenty of future cars with manual transmissions, including one in particular: the Z4. The company confirmed plans for a “handschalter” model for 2025. Get details at Headlight.News.
Headlight News for the Week of 2-5-24: Tesla Recalls, Musk’s Pay, Chicago and Geneva Auto Shows, Lexus GX Review and The Week Ahead. Check out the podcast for the latest.
Despite a modest increase in sales last year, Mitsubishi Motors earnings took a tumble during the most recent quarter. Bargain-basement pricing and rising incentives took much of the blame. But it hasn’t helped that the automaker has a miniscule product lineup that leaves little for dealers to sell. Company officials now hope to tap allies Nissan and Renault to help add new products to help put Mitsubishi back on the radar, especially in the critical U.S. market.