Headlight News for the Week of 11-20-23 – LA Auto Show – Hyundai Ties up with Amazon – This Week in Auto History
Technology
Cruise CEO Vogt Issues Apology, Resigns in Wake of Near-Fatal Crash
Kyle Vogt is out as CEO of Cruise, GM’s robocab subsidiary. The move comes barely two months after a near fatal crash that many blame on a culture that downplays risk. Vogt took responsibility for the company’s current mess before tendering his resignation. Headlight.News looks at Cruise’s troubles and where it goes next.
Family Sues VW, Claims its Car-Net Service Failed to Help When Toddler Taken During Carjacking
An Illinois family sued Volkswagen claiming Car-Net, its emergency telematics service, refused to help track their vehicle after a carjacking despite the Atlas SUV having their 2-year-old son onboard. A customer service rep allegedly said the family would first have to pay $150 for a new subscription to the service.
Hyundai Set to Sell Cars on Amazon — And Others to Follow
Pandemic lockdowns got millions of American motorists to rethink the car buying process as they began shopping from home much like they do groceries and electronic gadgetry. So, it should be no surprise that Hyundai will start selling its products through Amazon. While it will be the online retail giant’s first automotive partner, it won’t be the last, reports Headlight.News.
Kia Reveals Updated 2024 Sorento in Los Angeles
The competitive nature of sport utility sales was reinforced at the LA Auto Show with the debut of the 2024 Kia Sorento and its 2025 hybrid siblings. The HEV and PHEV models will arrive later next year to round out the lineup. Get details at Headlight.News.
Honda Surprises with Prelude Appearance at LA Auto Show
Everyone ready for their first look all-new Honda Prologue in Los Angeles got a very welcome surprise … the Honda Prelude concept. The company’s hybrid electric concept was a big hit at the Japan Mobility Show last month and now it’s at the LA Auto Show. Get the story at Headlight.News.
Look Quick: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is An Electric Rocket for the Masses
Whatever you might think about EVs, electric motors make massive amounts of torque. And that’s what Hyundai is set to take advantage of with the 2025 Ioniq 5 N. The high-performance version of the automaker’s all-electric SUV could make traditional muscle car fans weep. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Mercedes-Benz Launches Branded High-Performance Luxury Charging Network
The race to not only produce desirable EVs, but get a portion of the charging revenue just got a little more competitive today. Mercedes-Benz cut the ribbon on the first of scores of new Mercedes-branded charging stations coming across the southern U.S. Read the whole story at Headlight.News.
First Look: 2025 Toyota Crown Signia
Toyota is launching a second version of its new Crown model and the SUV is part of what is likely to become a growing sub-brand. The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia made its media debut Tuesday night ahead of its first public showing at the LA Auto Show. Headlight.News has a closer look.
Dealer Shortage Over, Incentives Return and an LA Auto Show Preview
Headlight News for the Week of 11-13-23: Dealer Shortage Over, Incentives Return and an LA Auto Show Preview
First Drive: 2024 BMW i5 M60 – Is This The Ultimate Electric Driving Machine?
After a long delay, BMW is flooding the market with EVs, and the i5 is one generating plenty of buzz, especially the top-trim M60 edition. Like all M models, it promises a blend of power and luxury. But does it all come together? That’s what Headlight.News set out to discover during a day’s drive of the 2024 BMW i5 M60 near the automaker’s manufacturing complex in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Polestar Betting on New Battery That Will Charge Nearly as Fast as You Can Fill Your Gas Tank
Polestar hopes to become the first automaker to adopt a unique new battery design that will address one of the biggest concerns about EVs: their long charging times. Developed by start-up StoreDot, the technology is capable of adding 100 miles of range in just five minutes. And, unlike existing chemistry, StoreDot and Polestar claim repeated fast-charging won’t degrade battery life.