Months of high interest rates and higher payments slowed consumer enthusiasm for new vehicles in October, but remained strong enough for automakers to post gains. Check out what companies enjoyed the month the most at Headlight.News.
Sales
Stellantis Confirms Plans for Midsize Ram Pickup as Part of UAW Settlement
When Stellantis reached a tentative settlement with the UAW on Saturday there was a surprise buried in the agreement. As part of the deal, the automaker will build a long-awaited midsize pickup at the Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant it recently closed. And the new truck is likely to get a hybrid, possibly even an all-electric powertrain.
Honda Revives Civic Hybrid, Coming Next Spring as 2025 Model
Everything that’s old is new again. Ok, perhaps it’s a bit much. But in an era where automakers are rolling out new EV after new EV, Honda’s plans to bring back the Civic Hybrid, last produced in 2015, as a 2025 model does stand out. Get details at Headlight.News.
Tesla Cybertruck a Bust? “We Dug Our Own Grave,” Says Musk
Within a week of its 2019 launch, Tesla claimed to have logged 250,000 advance reservations for the Cybertruck, and CEO Musk claims the number is now up to 1 million. Yet, even with the all-electric pickup finally in production, it very well could turn into a bust, CEO Elon Musk telling investors and analysts “We dug our own grave with the Cybertruck.”
New Cars More Affordable in September
A combination of factors, including strong income growth and lower prices, made new vehicles more affordable in September than they were in August as well as the year-ago period. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Ford Cuts Shift as F-150 Lightning Sales “Tank”
Ford dropped a shift at the Dearborn, Michigan plant assembling its all-electric F-150 Lightning. The automaker blamed “multiple constraints,” for the move, but the UAW says the production cut comes as sales “have tanked.” If anything, Ford had expected a growing surge in demand as it prepares a major expansion of capacity at its Rouge Electric Vehicle Center.
2024 Nissan Rogue – Automaker’s Bestseller Gets a Google Update
The Nissan Rogue gets a number of updates for 2024, including new front and rear fascias. There’s more safety gear, and the big news for the upcoming model year is that Nissan’s best-seller also adopts the Google built-in system, including constantly updated maps, Google Assistant and more.
After Setting Records, New Vehicle Prices May Finally Settle Back
If you’ve been in the market for a new vehicle recently you’re well aware of how prices have skyrocketed, average transaction prices — what shoppers actually paid before driving off the dealer lot — reaching an all-time high of more $48,500 last December. But have prices finally started settling back? Might consumers finally find some bargains? Headlight.News parses the numbers.
Third Quarter New Vehicle Sales Outpace Analysts’ Predictions
New vehicle sales were strong in September rounding out a very robust third quarter. Automakers enjoyed an 18.8% jump compared to the year-ago numbers. Get details at Headlight.News.
Tesla Takes a Tumble, Q3 Sales Slipping More than Expected
But the downturn could be short-lived as automaker is ready to roll out new models. Get the details at Headlight.News.
“Havoc” in the Used Car Market Pushing Buyers to Older, Less Attractive Vehicles
For what you once have paid for a “nearly new” vehicles, you now might have to settle for something 8 years old. Find out why prices are rising, and if it’s likely to change at Headlight.News.
Toyota BEV Factory Readying for Production Next-Gen Lithium and More Advanced Solid-State Batteries
SUV concept promises 497 miles of range — and a 621-mile EV could follow. Get all the details at Headlight.News.