Analysts predicted new vehicle sales results for November would be strong and now that the numbers are in, they were right. Some companies even enjoyed record-setting tallies for the 11th month of 2023. Check out the results at Headlight.News.
Sales
GM CFO Jacobson Puts Brakes on Hybrid Hysteria
In recent days, several automotive executives have discussed scaling back their EV and battery production plans and started talking up the advantages of hybrids. Much of this was tied to thoughts that company’s overestimated the demand for electric vehicles, especially in light of the flattening of sales in recent months. GM CFO Paul Jacobson pumped the brakes on that notion. Get details at Headlight.News.
After Repeated Delays, Tesla Finally Hands Over Keys for First Cybertruck
Almost precisely four years after unveiling its first electric pickup, and after a long series of delays, Tesla finally delivered the first Cybertruck to customers at its Texas assembly plant on Thursday afternoon. The question is whether the all-electric pickup will live up to the hype it has received –considering it falls well short of its original range target while prices are 50% higher than what was promised in 2019. Even the automaker’s CEO Elon Musk isn’t as confident as normal.
White House May Temporarily Revise EV Tax Credit Rules as Sales Slow
The Biden admin. may give a critical boost to the auto industry as sales of battery-electric vehicles slow, temporarily lifting rules sharply curtailing the number of EVs qualifying for federal tax credits. But the senator who introduced the restrictions says he’ll fight any rollback, reports Headlight.News.
November New Vehicle Sales Expected to Rise, But Prices are Dropping
Analysts at Cox Automotive predict new vehicle sales will rise 6.5% in November. That increase is really less about people buying a lot of vehicles this month and more about poor results from last November. Find out more at Headlight.News.
First Look: 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Get Major Makeovers
They’re the bread-and-butter product lines for General Motors. And the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are getting major makeovers for 2025. The bestselling models in their respective segments roll out updated exterior and interior designs, new tech features, an upgraded diesel engine and enhancements meant to make it easier to tow trailers. Headlight.News checks out the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.
EVs and Plug-Ins Suffer Serious Problems in Annual Consumer Reports Reliability Study
While automakers are beginning to get a handle on quality issues with EVs and plug-in hybrids they still suffer more problems than conventional gas models, according to the 2023 Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Study. On the flip side, conventional hybrids were among the most reliable products now on the market, owners reported. More from Headlight.News
GM, Other Automakers Rethink EVs and May Shift Near-Term Emphasis to Hybrids, Plug-Ins
With EV sales growth slowing down, General Motors “is currently assessing” its massive investment in battery-electric vehicles. And, while it remains committed to CEO Mary Barra’s “path to an all-electric future,” it will shift more emphasis to the hybrids and plug-ins it was planning to abandon. And other automakers, including Ford and Stellantis, are likewise shifting direction. If anything, this validates Toyota’s strategy calling for a mix of EVs, hybrids and PHEVs, reports Headlight.News.
GM Cutting Spending on Cruise Robocab Unit
General Motors continues looking at its business with a critical eye, planning to cut back its spending on its robocab subsidiary Cruise. The company recently revealed plans to slow its cadence on electric vehicle introductions. The new cuts come after a Cruise robocab was involved in a collision with a pedestrian. Get details at Headlight.News.
Rivian Opens Lease Option for EV Trucks
Rivian’s making it easier get into one of their EVs, kicking off its leasing program. The lease option for the R1T Adventure Package is priced at $6,794 at signing, plus $899 a month for 36 months with 30,000 total miles allowed. Read the story at Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Offers More Power, More Choices
Can Toyota continue to dominate the midsize pickup market? That was the key question in mind as I set out for a first drive of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The midsize truck certainly looks good on paper, with eight trim package, four powertrains – including a first-ever hybrid – and a seemingly endless list of body, bed and technology options. How did it stand up, both on-road and off? Check out this review on Headlight.News.
Cheap Gas, Cruise’s Robocab Crash, Ford Cuts EV Spending Top the Headlight News Podcast
In this edition of Headlight News for the Week of 11-27-23, we cover cheap gas, the latest fallout from Cruise’s robocab crash, Ford’s EV spending cuts and more. We also review the 2024 Buick Envista and take a trip through This Week in Automotive History. Join us!