Bentley’s Batur Convertible is the final swan song for Bentley’s twin-turbocharged W12 engine. Sleek droptop will be limited to 16 units and helps conclude an era of performance for both Bentley and Volkswagen.
Technology
Fed Probe of Tesla Autopilot, FSD Raises Securities, Wire Fraud Concerns
Tesla now faces a criminal probe, federal prosecutors raising questions about the way the automaker has promoted its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technology which – despite what Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have implied to investors and consumers – are not capable of being driven hands-free.
Rivian Q1 Earnings Fail to Make Grade, CEO Declines Comment on Apple Talks
EV maker Rivian reported first quarter earnings that were slightly better than its year-ago results but ended up falling short of analysts’ expectations. The company generated more revenue, but increased costs chewed up profits. Find out more about what happened at Headlight.News.
Lucid Reports Mixed Results, Focusing on Growth Over Profit
Nascent EV maker Lucid Motors reported its first quarter results, exceeding expectations in some areas while falling short in others. CEO Peter Rawlinson brushed aside concerns about shortcomings, noting the company was focused on growth, specifically the company’s second vehicle, the Gravity SUV. Get details at Headlight.News.
Still More Layoffs at Tesla
Tesla launched yet another round of layoffs this week as CEO Elon Musk struggles to compensate for slowing sales and a 55% drop in first-quarter earnings. The latest cuts mean Tesla will see total U.S. employment drop as much as 20%, according to one report, with some departments, including its Supercharger operations, eliminated entirely.
Car Sales Fall, Ferrari’s New 812 and Polestar Charges in 10 Minutes Top This Week’s Headlight News Podcast
The Headlight News for the Week of 5-6-24 covers Auto Sales Stumble – New Ferrari 812 – Polestar EV Can Charge in 10 Minutes – Kia Telluride Review and This Week in Automotive History. Check out the podcast at Headlight.News.
VP Harris Announces $100 Million in Aid for EV Manufacturing During Detroit Visit
Vice President Kamala Harris made a trip to Detroit bearing some big gifts on Monday, $100 million to help the Motor City’s automotive parts manufacturers upgrade operations to support the shift to battery-electric vehicles.
Rivian Gets $827M to Expand Illinois Plant to Build New Vehicle
EV maker Rivian received $827 million in new incentives from the State of Illinois to expand its production facility in Normal. The company currently builds all of its vehicles there, but the expansion will allow it increase production levels as well as handle...
Angered by Tesla Supercharger Cuts – Competitors Look to Rival Ionna Network
Tesla delivered a shock this week when word leaked out CEO Elon Musk was effectively closing down several departments, including the one overseeing its Supercharger network. Set up in 2012, when the automaker launched its original Model S sedan, the charging system was meant to assure buyers they’d have a place to plug in. But with the Supercharger network now open to most competing EV manufacturers, the news has triggered concerns across the auto industry — and is leading Tesla rivals to put emphasis on the competing new Ionna charging network.
Polestar 5 Prototype Using New Battery That Can Charge Up in 10 Minutes
Among the many obstacles to widespread EV adoption, consumers often cite long charging times. But a new battery breakthrough could make it as quick – and potentially even easier – to charge up an EV as it is to fill a gas tank. A Polestar 5 prototype is going from a 10 to 80% charge in just 10 minutes.
First Drive: 2024 Acura ZDX Type S – GM DNA Helps Create Acura’s Spearhead EV
Acura’s 2024 ZDX is out to prove that Acura can compete in the EV wars. But does its combination of style, performance, and luxury have what it takes to help the ZDX emerge as a top contender in a segment that’s not only expanding but also navigating rough seas in sales.
Cadillac Likely Won’t Be All-Electric by 2030
Cadillac has backed away from its plan to offer “an all-electric portfolio by 2030,” the luxury brand’s global boss acknowledged Wednesday. While that could yet happen, said General Motors Vice President John Roth, Caddy is likely to continue offering vehicles using internal combustion engines well into the next decade.