Electric vehicle sales have been pretty steady as a group, but that’s in large measure due to Tesla, the segment leader, seeing sales drop since the start of the year. Analysts predict Tesla’s global deliveries will drop at least 3% during Q2 while other EV makers are making gains. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Technology
Automakers Demand Rollback of New Pedestrian Safety Rules
With fatalities rising fast, NHTSA has enacted rules requiring the use of sophisticated detection and auto-braking technologies intended to protect pedestrian – as well as those riding bicycles and motorcycles. But automakers are pushing back, claiming they can’t meet the new mandates set to go into effect in 2029.
Ram, Porsche Top J.D. Power’s 2024 Initial Quality Study
The constant addition of new technologies to new vehicles continues to give automakers problems with quality, according to J.D. Power’s latest Initial Quality Study. The same study shows Ram and Porsche were the top quality brands in their categories. Go to Headlight.News for more details.
Hyundai Jumping into Low-Priced EV Fray with Inster — Will it Come to U.S.?
One of the big problems with getting wider acceptance of electric vehicles is the price. So many EVs are priced well beyond the means of the average buyer. Finally some companies are working on the “$25K” electric vehicle, including General Motors, Tesla and now Hyundai. But will it come to the U.S.? Check out the story at Headlight.News.
Rivian Gets $5B Investment from Volkswagen
Larger automakers just can’t seem to stay away from EV startup Rivian. Ford Motor Co. once held a large, multi-billion dollar stake in the company and now Volkswagen plans to invest $5 billion in company. What does it mean? Go to Headlight.News for the story.
Twork Named New Lucid PR Chief as it Enters a Critical Phase
Lucid Group named a new PR chief, Nick Twork taking on global communications duties at the EV start-up. The move comes at a critical time for the Silicon Valley-based automaker. While its initial product line, the Air sedan, has received generally favorable reviews, Lucid has been struggling with sluggish sales and a rapid cash burn while waiting for the more mainstream Gravity SUV to debut later this year.
First Look: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI
After teasing the launch of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI, Volkswagen has formally lifted the covers on its popular compact sedan family. The updated four-door delivers some surprises, starting with a lower entry price point. But the trade-off is the lack of any powertrain upgrades, Headlight.News reports.
Ford Recalling 550K Pickups Due to Downshift Issue
Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 550,000 full-size pickups due to a problem with a sensor that may cause the truck’s transmission to downshift, potentially resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Kia Unveils Refreshed 2025 Carnival, Including New Hybrid Model
While Kia’s tried to separate its Carnival from the minivan pack by calling it a multi-purpose vehicle, the new 2025 version features a new hybrid powertrain — just like all the other minivans. Check out more on the new Carnival at Headlight.News.
VW Teases 2025 Jetta, Jetta GLI
Volkswagen’s updated Jetta and Jetta GLI models make their debut this week, with the revised line-up expected to reach showrooms later this year. We could see a welcome upgrade in performance, as well as modest design tweaks. But might the manual gearbox be going away? Here’s what we know so far.
First Drive: 2025 Infiniti QX80 – the Flagship the Brand Needs
As it enters its 35th year in the luxury market, Infiniti is searching for the product that can provide a halo, helping it stand out from competing marques from Japan, Europe and the U.S. As we discovered during a visit to California’s lush Napa Valley wine country,...
For $4 Million You Can Get The New, 1,800-HP Bugatti Tourbillion
With the EV market cooling, hybrids are the hot ticket – and even hypercar brand Bugatti is getting into the game. For just $4 million you can drive off with the new, 1,800-horsepower Bugatti Tourbillion, the first new product from the French automaker since it was taken over by Croatia’s Rimac.