Volkswagen “remains committed” to its aggressive EV program, the automaker’s U.S. chief executive said. But, as sales growth slows, the German auto giant is also considering adding hybrids and plug-in hybrids to its American fleet. And it’s not alone. Other manufacturers who’ve made major commitments to EVs, such as Kia, are also turning to hybrids to help them meet emissions targets because of consumer resistance to all-electric vehicles.
Recent headlines about self-driving vehicles being involved in crashes and a lack of knowledge about the technology suggest Americans aren’t in any hurry to let their car, truck or utility vehicle take the wheel. Headlight.News has details.
Kia pumped life into an otherwise quiet Chicago Auto Show today, launching two new models at the McCormick Place Convention Center, including a new version of the Carnival people-mover which adds new technology, an updated design and a fuel-saving hybrid drivetrain option. Headlight.News checks out the 2025 Kia Carnival.
More power from a new base engine, more tech, new safety features and a midcycle design update, Kia rolls out the 2025 K5 sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. Headlight.News checks it out.
General Motors is staying the course, it would seem, when it comes to its all-electric future. The company announced it has hired a former Tesla executive to oversee its battery development and operations. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Volvo’s long been known for its wagons, and the latest V60 Cross Country conjures up memories of wagons past. Check out our review at Headlight.News.
Porsche made waves a few years ago when it introduced the all-electric Taycan. Now that we all know how to say the name correctly, they’ve rolled out the next iteration of its bestselling battery-electric model for the 2025 model year. Get details at Headlight.News.
With EV sales growth flattening out, automakers are struggling to find ways to charge them back up. A critical step will require the launch of new, affordable models like the Model 2 Tesla reportedly is developing. During an earnings call, Ford CEO Jim Farley said he’s not planning to cede the market to his rival, revealing that the second-largest Detroit automaker has a “skunkworks” project underway to develop new EVs that could match, perhaps even undercut what Tesla is working on.
Ford took a hit in the fourth quarter courtesy of a massive charge, reporting a loss for the period. However, the company saw its revenue rise and it finished in the black for 2023. Get details at Headlight.News.
Rivian plans to take a step closer to becoming a full-line automaker next month, the automaker confirming it will reveal its R2 line on March 7. Smaller than the existing R1T pickup and R1S SUV, the R2 models also will be more affordable, officials last year indicating they could start around $40,000. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Ford may be slowing its $11-billion EV investment program but it’s still rolling out new entries, and two of them will make their debut at the Chicago Auto Show this coming week. Notably, both the Mustang Mach-E Rally and F-150 Lightning Switchgear take aim at those looking for off-road-capable battery-electric vehicles, a growing EV niche. See the story at Headlight.News.
Elon Musk created a fair share of controversy several years ago when he appeared to smoke a joint during an appearance with podcaster Joe Rogan. A new report is kicking up even more dust, the Wall Street Journal alleging money and drugs have improperly tied the Tesla CEO to the same board of directors that previously approved a $55 billion pay package for Musk.