For years, problems with infotainment systems and other electronics in new vehicles have been the bane of automakers’ existence. However, it appears the industry’s beginning to get handle on resolving these issues, at least according to the latest J.D. Power study. Check out the story at Headlight.News.
Technology
Volvo Exits Vehicle Subscription Market, Could Signal The End of These Services
Volvo joins a growing pool of automakers in exiting the vehicle subscription market as slowing demand for EVs causes customers to move away from vehicle subscription services.
Is Musk’s Political Shift Hurting Tesla?
As the CEO of Tesla and an outspoken advocate of green technology, Elon Musk developed a large and loyal fanbase and was frequently credited as a major force helping to build demand for the automaker’s EVs. But things have changed over the nearly two years since Musk purchased what was then Twitter and began a visible shift towards the political right. That’s changed perceptions of the South African-born Musk for many former fans. But is that costing Tesla sales? Headlight.News has this story.
GM Announces Potentially Far-Reaching Collaboration with Hyundai
General Motors have inked a Memorandum of Understanding, a preliminary agreement that could lead to joint work on everything from hydrogen fuel-cells to the development and production of new gas and battery-powered vehicles. But the MoU raises questions about the future of GM’s current relationship with Japanese automaker Honda.
VW Rolls Out More Powerful Taos for 2025
Volkswagen’s enjoying strong results in 2024, buoyed largely by their lineup of SUVs. Hoping to keep the good times rolling, VW updated with 2025 Taos with more horsepower, an updated dashboard and some exterior tweaks to keep the overall look fresh. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Lucid Teases Tesla Model Y Fighter
After talking up its next vehicle in its lineup, Lucid Motors revealed a teaser of what will follow the Gravity. Officials say the new model, which will hit the streets in late 2026, aims to compete with the Tesla Model Y. Get details at Headlight.News.
Honda Confirms Acura EV Will be Built at New EV Hub
Honda updates its progress on the establishment of its first EV Hub in Marysville, Ohio. The new hub will expand Honda’s EV production capability and will be spearheaded by a new Acura model which will debut late next year.
New EV Index Study Shows Increases in Chargers, Charging Time
A new study, the HERE-SBD EV Index, reveals that the electric vehicle “landscape” is improving, but there are certain states and regions are lagging due to infrastructure issues. Find out what state made the biggest improvements year-over-year, and which ones need to work at it at Headlight.News.
Disneyland’s Autopia Goes Electric
It’s been billed as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” and environmentally minded visitors to Disneyland’s Autopia now have a big reason to smile – the popular auto-themed ride replacing its old, smoke-belching cars with new, all-electric models. Contributor John Faulkner has been a long-time visitor to Disneyland and dropped by to check out the newly updated ride.
Californians Could Soon Get Warned Every Time They Speed
It’s now up to California Gov. Gavin Newsom to decide whether to sign a new bill that would require automakers to install a “passive intelligent speed assistance system” into all new vehicles sold in the state starting no later than 2030. Lawmakers sent the governor the measure as part of a crackdown on speeding – which is reportedly involved in a third of the state’s fatal crashes. The measure mandates the use of a warning device but some safety advocates want to go further, installing speed limiters.
Driver Satisfaction with Auto Industry Improves Slightly
Despite dealing with a variety of difficult issues during the past year, a new study shows customer satisfaction with the automotive industry inched upward. The American Customer Satisfaction Index Automobile Study showed small brands made the difference in a 1% year-over-year improvement. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Think EVs Are Expensive? Check the Cost of the Average a Plug-In Hybrid
As the growth of EV sales has slowed in recent months, automakers have begun looking at electrified alternatives, many betting that plug-in hybrids will become a “bridge” technology for motorists not quite ready to commit to an EV. But if you think battery-electric vehicles are expensive you may be shocked by what the typical PHEV costs – an average of more than $60,000. Then again, there are a few surprisingly affordable one.