Porsche augments its move to an all-electric Macan lineup with the discontinuation of the 718 duo, the Boxster and Cayman. Changes begin this fall. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Technology
Automakers and the Aircraft Industry Team to Make Cars Fly
The future of transportation is looking up – quite literally. Imagine, instead of an hour to 1 ½ hour drive to the airport, you can hop into a flying taxi somewhere in or around your neighborhood and get to the airport to fly on your scheduled long-haul jet in less than 10 minutes. That would be a game changer for modern, personal travel. It’s actually happening sooner than you may think.
Stellantis Invests $55 Million in Air Taxi Start-Up
Stellantis has invested an additional $55 million in Archer Aviation, a pioneer in the fast-emerging field of drone-like flying taxis. That follows a previous $110 million investment the Euro-American automaker made in Archer. And it comes at a time when the start-up completed a milestone flight and is preparing to open up a new assembly plant in Georgia.
Ineos Delays Battery-Electric Fusilier
Off-road beast maker Ineos plans to push back production of its first all-electric model, the Fusilier SUV, from 2027 to an unknown introduction date. Ineos produces two off-road focused vehicles, the Grenadier and Quartermaster, and introduced the Fusilier in February. Get more details at Headlight.News.
Who Says EV Sales Are Slowing? Tesla, Maybe – But Not GM, Ford, Toyota or the Koreans
It’s become conventional wisdom that EV sales are slowing. With one high-profile exception, the latest numbers would tell you quite the opposite is true. As data roll in for June and the second quarter we’re seeing a number of manufacturers reporting solid increases...
Mercedes Pumping New Life Into its Gas Engines
With the EV market taking longer to charge up than many have expected, Mercedes-Benz is putting money back into the development of internal combustion technology, as well as hybrids, CEO Ola Kallenius said. But the automaker isn’t scrapping plans for a new EV architecture, despite recent reports, the executive said.
Paraplegic IndyCar Driver Finds Electric Racing Car Uniquely Adaptable
Left a paraplegic following a crash six years ago, promising IndyCar driver Robert Wickens is back on track as part of the Formula E racing series thanks to an ell-electric race car specifically modified by manufacturing partner SPARK he can drive via hand controls. The third-generation Formula E car is the world’s fastest, lightest and most sustainable electric race car.
Analysts Predict Tesla Deliveries to Drop for Second Straight Quarter
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.
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.