After halting all operations on public roads following a near-fatal crash last autumn, General Motors’ autonomous driving unit Cruise appears ready to put at least some of its robocab fleet back into use.
Technology
First Look: 2025 Buick Enclave – Bigger, More Stylish and Now, Hands-Free
Buick’s flagship SUV is back with a new look for the upcoming model year and it’s picking up on some of the key design cues first seen on the Wildcat concept vehicle. The 2025 Buick Enclave also gets an assortment of new comfort features as well as new technology that includes the “premium” brand’s first use of the hands-free GM Super Cruise.
Musk Promises to Reveal Tesla Robotaxi in August
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet that the automaker will reveal its new robotaxi on August 8, 2024. According to recent reports, Tesla has scrubbed plans to build an “affordable” EV to focus resources on developing the driverless ride-sharing vehicle – though Musk said such reports are false.
New Vehicle Sales Jump, Tesla Kills Cheap Car, Highway Deaths Drop All Covered in Latest Headlight News Podcast
Headlight News for the Week of 4-8-24 – Auto Sales Up but Tesla Down – Tesla Kills Cheap EV – Highway Deaths Drop – Land Rover Defender 130 Review – A Week in Automotive History
Tesla Kills Plan for Affordable EV
Tesla pulled the plug on a program aimed at developing a $25,000 EV, even as Chinese automakers led by BYD double down on bringing to market all-electric vehicles affordable often to reach mainstream buyers. According to Reuters, Tesla CEO Elon Musk now wants to focus on self-driving robocabs.
Ford Moves Mustang Mach-Es by Slicing Price and Discounting
Ford this week confirmed it will indefinitely delay the launch of a new, all-electric SUV to put more focus on hybrids. It’s also cut back on production of its F-150 Lightning pickup. But while some EV skeptics take these moves as a sign that the market for all-electric vehicles is waning, Ford actually saw a surge during the first quarter, notably for its Mustang Mach-E. Here’s how it charged up demand.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Brings Back Roll-Down Rear Window, Debuts April 9th
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is slated to bring a major revamp to long-running nameplate but fans will be pleased to see that Toyota has kept the power-operated rear window for the new model year.
Could Tesla “Go Bust”?
With sales falling sharply, the first quarter of 2024 was an “unmitigated disaster,” according to one of Tesla’s big boosters. Now, one of the automaker’s big critics is warning the company could “go bust.”
Ford Delays Production of Electric SUV, Readies More Hybrids
Ford mirrored the push by several other automakers to delay production of its electric vehicles, by pushing back its anticipated all-electric SUV and next-generation electric pickup truck. It also revealed plans to grow its hybrid offerings to meet growing demand for them. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Chevy Finally Ready to Launch Retail Versions of the Silverado EV
Plagued by issues with supplier snags, battery production problems and glitchy software, General Motors has been slow to get its promised wave of new EVs to market. But it’s finally getting ready to roll the retail version of its Chevrolet Silverado EV into showrooms – at a steep price. The initial, limited-edition version of the battery pickup will start around $95,000 plus delivery fees.
GM Begins Shipping Ultium Batteries from Second Plant
Although it may be amending the pace at which it rolls out its newest electric vehicles, General Motors is making sure it will have the batteries needed to power them. It began shipping Ultium battery packs from its Tennessee plant this week. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Tesla Q1 Deliveries Decline as Competitors See Increases
Tesla’s first quarter deliveries declined for the first time in nearly four years, falling short of Wall Street estimates. The declines came despite EV sales rising for competing automakers during the same period. Find out more at Headlight.News.