Author: Detroit Free Press Online

GM-owned startup BrightDrop will hit $1 billion in revenue next year

General Motors-owned BrightDrop is in a rapid expansion as some of the world’s largest companies — such as Walmart, Hertz, FedEx and Verizon — have started ordering its electric delivery vehicles and other delivery software products. BrightDrop told investors Thursday that it is on pace to reach $1 billion in revenue in 2023. It is… Continue reading GM-owned startup BrightDrop will hit $1 billion in revenue next year

EVs dominate finalists for top car, truck, SUV awards; Hyundai-Kia comes up big

Electric vehicles dominate the list of finalists for 2023 North American Car, Truck and Utility vehicle like never before, holding six of the nine spots. All three finalists for Utility Vehicle of the Year — the auto industry’s best-selling segment — are electric: Cadillac Lyriq Genesis GV60 Kia EV6. The finalists for Truck of the… Continue reading EVs dominate finalists for top car, truck, SUV awards; Hyundai-Kia comes up big

2023 Prius hybrid debuts as Toyota struggles to regain green mantle

Toyota took the wraps off three significant new vehicles Wednesday night in advance of the Los Angeles auto show. Appearing at the show, which opens to the public Friday: The bZ Compact concept, a small SUV that foreshadows the second installment in the company’s electric vehicle strategy. Toyota initially revealed the concept in Japan last… Continue reading 2023 Prius hybrid debuts as Toyota struggles to regain green mantle

Michigan advisory group, automakers want to boost EV, public transit efforts

A state advisory group whose mission is to keep Michigan competitive and central to the automotive industry has issued a new set of recommendations ranging from boosting public transit routes and electrifying buses to creating hydrogen fuel cell corridors on major highways along with more job training related to electric vehicles. The recommendations come in… Continue reading Michigan advisory group, automakers want to boost EV, public transit efforts

Customers say Ford, Jeep, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC among least reliable

This content is only available to subscribers. Get unlimited digital access. $1 for 6 Months. Subscribe Now Your subscription supports: Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Access to exclusive sports reporting on your local teams from USA TODAY… Continue reading Customers say Ford, Jeep, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC among least reliable

Winter tires make ‘unimaginable’ difference — but only fraction of drivers use them

Any day now, a few million drivers will make their vehicles safer in a way most Americans never consider — by switching to winter tires. It costs money, but less than most people expect, and the difference in steering, accelerating and braking is enough that drivers in many parts of the world wouldn’t consider trusting… Continue reading Winter tires make ‘unimaginable’ difference — but only fraction of drivers use them

With Jesse Jackson at his side, Ford CEO Jim Farley vows to do better on diversity

This content is only available to subscribers. Get unlimited digital access. $1 for 6 Months. Subscribe Now Your subscription supports: Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Access to exclusive sports reporting on your local teams from USA TODAY… Continue reading With Jesse Jackson at his side, Ford CEO Jim Farley vows to do better on diversity

Stellantis executive tells group minorities can make impact in EV space

When Mark Stewart, the chief operating officer for Stellantis’ North American operations, was asked Monday in Detroit whether there’s still time for African American automotive suppliers to become suppliers in the electric vehicle market, he offered a quick response. It’s not too late, not by a long shot. “Now is the time,” Stewart told a… Continue reading Stellantis executive tells group minorities can make impact in EV space

Here’s how I voted for 2023 car, truck and SUV of the year finalists — and why

It’s award season. Next Thursday, nine finalists for North America’s most widely based, diversely judged and — I believe — most-influential automotive awards, the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year, will be announced at the Los Angeles auto show. I’m one of the 50 jurors for NACTOY, as the awards are… Continue reading Here’s how I voted for 2023 car, truck and SUV of the year finalists — and why