Fed trims main interest rate, signals prospect of less easing in 2025

Policymakers reduced the benchmark interest despite signs that their nearly three-year fight to push down inflation to their 2% target has stalled.

By Jim Tyson • Updated Dec. 18, 2024

Stellantis, Zeta Energy ink deal to develop lithium-sulfur EV batteries

Zeta Energy's lithium-sulfur batteries do not require critical raw materials, such as cobalt, nickel manganese or graphite.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 18, 2024

Explore the Trendline➔

Automotive Manufacturing

Production strategies are changing rapidly as tariffs and shifts in consumer buying patterns affect the industry.

By WardsAuto staff

Autoline Daily 2024: Top Industry News for Dec. 17

EU Automakers Start Raising ICE Prices; Mercedes Nears Critical Production Level; BYD Building Humanoid Robot Team

Dec. 17, 2024

DOE closes on $9.6B loan to Ford’s BlueOval SK battery joint venture

The funds will finance construction of up to three electric vehicle battery plants in the U.S., two in Kentucky and one in Tennessee.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 17, 2024

Slowing global sales spark layoffs in 2024

Some automakers have reduced their workforce amid cooling demand for new vehicles.

By Larry Avila • Dec. 17, 2024

Autoline Daily 2024: Top Industry News for Dec. 16

It’s Official: Trump to Ax EV Subsidies; BYD Seagull Outsells Tesla Y in China; Major Tier 1s Skipping CES

Dec. 16, 2024

Nissan shuffles C-suite to spark turnaround

The automaker plans to announce more appointments in April as it looks to revive slumping sales.

By Larry Avila • Dec. 16, 2024

Russia Eyes Development of National Vehicle Platform

Questions about production capacity and parts availability surround government plans to develop a modular automotive platform.

By Eugene Gerden • Dec. 16, 2024

Autoline Daily 2024: Top Industry News for Dec. 13

Nikola Running Out of Cash; Trump May Drop AV Crash Reporting Rule; Chinese EV Maker Jiyue Disbands

Dec. 13, 2024

Volkswagen Leads Latest Ranking of Most-Seen Auto TV Ads

A promotion for Volkswagen’s Sign Then Drive sales event received 151.3 million national TV ad impressions from Dec. 2-8, per iSpot.tv.

By Wards Staff • Dec. 13, 2024

Experts Puncture Perception That BEVs Will Cost Auto Jobs

Elaine Buckberg, the former chief economist at General Motors, says that contrary to common belief, the adoption of battery-electric vehicles actually could lead to the creation of more jobs.

By Joseph Szczesny • Dec. 13, 2024

Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America names CEO

The automaker said Randy Parker has been instrumental in leading its U.S. sales growth, setting all-time company sales records for three consecutive years.

By Larry Avila • Dec. 13, 2024

Autoline Daily 2024: Top Industry News for Dec. 12

VW Offers 14% Pay Increase to UAW; BYD Delays European Production; EU Won’t Back Off CO2 Targets

Dec. 12, 2024

Toyota invests $922M in Kentucky advanced paint factory

The plant's production technologies aim to cut lead times, improve process accuracy and offer customers new color options.  

By Eric Walz • Dec. 12, 2024

Volkswagen, SAIC extend partnership to 2040

The joint venture will focus on product, production and decarbonization initiatives, including an accelerated electrification strategy. 

By Haley Cawthon • Dec. 12, 2024

GM’s Barra Closes Out 10th Year With Big Challenges Ahead

Mary Barra is the second longest-tenured CEO at General Motors. As she closes out her 10th year, she faces a bumpy forecast for EVs, her relationship with incoming President Donald Trump, the influence of Elon Musk and enormous challenges in China.

By David Kiley • Dec. 12, 2024

Autoline Daily 2024: Top Industry News for Dec. 11

Tesla Cybertruck Heading to China?; GM Pulls the Plug on Cruise; Kuniskis Ready To “Get Back in The Fight”

Dec. 11, 2024

Toyota names C-suite officers after resignation

Two current executives will take over Jun Nagata's chief risk officer and chief compliance officer roles.

By Kalena Thomhave • Dec. 11, 2024

Inventory management key amid EV uncertainty, affordability woes, experts say

Automakers might struggle to manage inventories as federal support for electric vehicle purchases could change with the new administration.

By Michael Brady • Dec. 11, 2024

Autoline Daily 2024: Top Industry News for Dec. 10

Kuniskis Back Running Ram; Tesla To Launch All-New 2025 Model; Porsche Axes A Third Of China Dealers

Dec. 10, 2024

Stellantis shakes up North American leadership, Ram CEO returns

As the automaker seeks to spark sales, Timothy Kuniskis has returned as Ram CEO after retiring in May.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 10, 2024

Wholesale used vehicle prices increased in first half of November

Retail pre-owned sales have increased in recent weeks, which should contribute to elevated demand, according to Cox Automotive Analyst Jeremy Robb.

By Kalena Thomhave • Dec. 10, 2024

Autoline Daily 2024: Top Industry News for Dec. 9

VW May Move ID Buzz Out of Germany; EV Raw Material Costs Plummet; Toyota Delays Next-Gen EVs

Dec. 9, 2024

WardsAuto Podcast: Auto Lobby Gauges Trump Changes

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the industry’s principal lobbying organization, is beginning to dig in with the incoming Trump Admin. to advocate for issues related to EVs, trade and factory investments put in place by President Biden.

By Wards Staff • Dec. 9, 2024

E-Storage subsidiary to build $712M plant in Kentucky

Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing is establishing a cell, module and packaging facility and is set to begin production in 2025.

By Sara Samora • Dec. 9, 2024