Forget rising food costs and high interest rates. Soaring auto insurance costs have become a major contributor to resurgent inflation. March saw some of the biggest increases in premiums U.S. motorists have seen in a half century.
Technology
2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS Gets Beefier Battery and Styling Tweaks
Mercedes-Benz adds more S-Class inspiration to the all-electric EQS for 2025 as the company attempts to keep the model firmly in the minds of EV buyers while also fending off challenges from EV rivals.
Ineos Charging More for Grenadier Pickup than SUV
Nascent vehicle maker Ineos plans to charge $14,000 more for its new Grenadier Quartermaster pickup than its initial offering, the Grenadier SUV. The Quartermaster’s pricing starts at $86,900 and can be optioned up past $113,000. Get details at Headlight.News.
Breathe Easy, San Francisco: Study Finds EVs are Cleaning the City’s Air
When the EPA locked down new vehicle emissions standards last month regulators promised it would yield significant improvements in air quality by requiring a significant increase in sales of battery-electric vehicles. That’s been a matter of debate – but a new study shows that, at least in San Francisco, with some of the highest EV adoption rates in the U.S., air quality already is improving.
Q&A: Toyota Brand Boss David Christ Talks the Future of Hybrids, Plug-Ins and BEVs
A quarter-century after launching the first Prius, Toyota Tuesday introduced its 19th hybrid, the 2025 4Runner. The automaker’s “portfolio approach,” offering a mix of hybrids, PHEVs, EVs and fuel-cell vehicles has become controversial — but may be vindicated by slowing growth in the EV market. In this Q&A, Toyota’s U.S. brand boss David Christ talks about why giving customers a choice makes sense — while also laying out plans for even more electrified models in the near future.
GM Takes Another Step Toward Going Back to the Moon
General Motors is headed back to the moon — maybe. It is providing Ultium batteries as well as some experience with chassis and suspension development for the next-generation lunar terrain vehicle that just got the green light from NASA. Find out more about the project and GM’s role in it at Headlight.News.
First Look: 2024 Toyota 4Runner – More Power, More Features, More Options
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner made its official debut Tuesday night and those looking for a rugged, midsize SUV will find plenty of reasons to give it a close look. The body-on-frame utility vehicle gets a ground-up makeover that provides more choices than ever, including an optional new hybrid powertrain, the new Trailhunter and Platinum packages, an array of new tech features and over 200 dealer-installable accessories.
Lucid Keeps Auto Industry’s Strong Sales Results Rolling
Nascent EV maker Lucid Motors reported its first-quarter deliveries were up 40% compared with the year-ago period. The increase mirrored strong electric vehicle sales across the industry, except for top-selling Tesla. Find out more at Headlight.News.
GM Cruise Planning to Relaunch Robocab Operations
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.
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