Vietnamese EV start-up VinFast announced a “prudent,” 3-year delay in the opening of its first U.S. assembly plant. It’s the latest in a series of setbacks for the automaker which suffered a wave of harsh reviews for its initial offering, the VF 8 crossover.
Technology
Hyundai Seven Concept Reappearing as New 3-Row EV Due Later This Year
Hyundai confirmed a three-row EV will start rolling into U.S. showrooms later this year. The automaker isn’t saying much about the all-electric crossover but it appears likely to be based on the automaker’s Seven Concept and will likely adopt the Ioniq 7 nameplate.
Lucid Pushes Efficiency to New Levels with 2025 Air Pure Model
Many EV makers want to see just how far they can get their vehicles to travel on a single charge or how fast it can recharge using a fast DC charger, but Lucid’s improved its industry-leading efficiency to a new high. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Stellantis Brands Offering Free Chargers with EV Purchase
New EV buyers face an immediate dilemma once they make the choice to go all-electric: how will I charge my new vehicle? Stellantis is making it easier with a few options, including a new free home charging setup. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Could Be 1st of Several New Special Editions
Looking to build momentum for its latest – and now, all-electric – 500e, Fiat launches a special edition named for fashion legend Giorgio Armani. And it hints that it may bring a second new model to the U.S.: the Grande Panda crossover which debuted last month in both hybrid and all-electric form.
Red Bull RB17 Hypercar Comes With 1200 Horsepower V10 and $6.4 Million Price
Red Bull channels 20 years of Formula One experience into wild RB17 hypercar. Track only offering gets 1200 horsepower V10 but will ask potential owners to set aside $6.4 million for the privilege of owning one.
$25 Million Ransom Reportedly Paid to End Hack That Took Down 15,000 U.S. Dealers
Things are back to normal at 15,000 U.S. showrooms after a hack that brought operations nearly to a halt last month. Data processing firm CDK apparently paid a $25 million ransom to regain control of software controlling everything from sales prospects to payroll. But the damage has topped $1 billion in lost sales and other issues.
Biden Administration Doles Out $1.1B to GM, Stellantis to Convert Plants to EV Production
Although EV sales aren’t going at breakneck speed these days, automakers are still churning out new models and planning for future models. To make that easier, the Biden administration awarded $1.1 billion in grants to General Motors and Stellantis to convert existing plants to build electric vehicles and components. Get details at Headlight.News.
These Are the Best EVs You Can Buy Today According to Consumer Reports
From compact crossovers to full-size SUVs, roughly 100 new battery-electric vehicles have come to market over the last two years. But which ones are the best when you factor in things like range, reliability, maintenance and everyday practicality? Consumer Reports has named its 14 top choices and it includes a variety of different sizes, prices and features. But three brands – Hyundai, Kia and BMW – stood out.
Subaru’s Project Midnight Pushes The Envelope of WRX Performance
Subaru’s Project Midnight is preparing to make a potent performance statement for the Japanese auto giant. A full carbon fiber body and big performance upgrades are only a few of the tricks that this special WRX will bring to the fabled Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Lucid Gets a Reprieve as Price Cuts Help it Gain Market Traction – But Saudi Cash Remains Key
It’s been a tough year for EV start-ups, Fisker filing for bankruptcy, and several others expected to follow. But there have been a few glimmers of hope. Price cuts helped Lucid outperform sales expectations during the second quarter, buying it time to bring a second product line to market later this year. But with Wall Street still skeptical, the California manufacturer remains critically dependent on cash from the Saudis, Lucid’s largest investor.
Mazda Adds New Hybrid to 2025 CX-50 Portfolio
Mazda generated a lot of buzz when it introduced the CX-50 last year. The Japanese automaker appears to be looking keep that excitement going for the 2025 model year by adding a hybrid model to its lineup. Read all about it at Headlight.News.