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6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota recalls 443K Tacoma pickups for reverse light failures
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing has recalled over 443,000 model year 2022-2025 Tacoma pickups, including hybrid models, for moisture intrusion in the rear taillight assemblies that can cause the vehicle's reverse lights to fail, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The problem is related to the adhesive securing a 'multi-layer vent patch' on the light assemblies that's designed to protect the units from water intrusion. The adhesive may separate due to thermal cycling and allow moisture to enter the light assembly, which can corrode the internal circuit board, connectors or wiring harness and cause the reverse lamp to not illuminate. Dealers will replace both reverse lamp assemblies with an improved design and repair the wiring harnesses if needed to remedy the condition. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30. The recall only includes 2022-2025 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles produced between June 30, 2021, and March 20, 2025. These vehicles are equipped with reverse lamp assemblies of a specific design using a certain type of adhesive to secure the vent patch, according to the recall report. The Tacoma is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California, Mexico for the North American market, but not all of the recalled vehicles were sold in the U.S., according to the NHTSA. The light assemblies were supplied by Hella Automotive in Mexico. Although the recall report shows an estimated 1% of the Tacoma models as having the defect, the automaker says the exact number is unknown. The NHTSA's manufacturer portal requires that automakers enter a valid or approximate population of affected vehicles and Toyota selected a value of 1. The recall is Toyota's sixth since Jan. 1, according to the NHTSA. Toyota also issued 16 recalls in 2024 on sales of over 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, which is far fewer than some other automakers. Ford Motor Co., for example, has issued 56 recalls since Jan. 1 that potentially extend to over 1.9 million vehicles. Recommended Reading Ford recalls over 160K Super Duty pickups, SUVs for backup camera fault Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Consumers sustain interest in EVs but range anxiety still a concern
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Tariffs and political uncertainty have disrupted the automobile market, but consumers are no less likely to consider purchasing electric vehicles, according to a recent study by J.D. Power. The 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Consideration Study, released May 15, found that 59% of vehicle shoppers said they were at least somewhat likely to consider an EV — the same rate the study reported one year ago. Between January and April 2025, J.D. Power surveyed 8,164 people who were planning to purchase a vehicle within a year on their intent to consider an EV. Per the report, 24% of shoppers said they were 'very likely' to consider purchasing an EV, while 35% said they were 'somewhat likely.' In fact, according to April Cox Automotive data, the EV market continues to grow. Compared to the same period last year, U.S. EV sales increased 11.4% in the first quarter of 2025. 'Despite the market volatility, EVs have found a solid ground for consumer consideration,' Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power, said in a statement. J.D. Power's findings shed light on consumer wants and needs, including the ways people shop for EVs and their biggest concerns with the vehicles. For instance, EV shoppers are likely to look at more vehicle brands — 'cross-shop' — than those shopping for ICE vehicles. The study reported that those likely to consider EVs look at an average 2.8 or 2.9 brands, while a previous J.D. Power study found that people shopping for gas-powered vehicles considered an average of 2.5 brands. 'As more EV options come to market, this should serve as an encouraging sign for automakers because it's an opportunity for them to gain a foothold and pull shoppers from outside their brands,' Gruber said, adding that the study revealed that EV shoppers also consider EVs from both mass market and luxury brands. Yet range anxiety remains a key concern, as 52% of vehicle shoppers cited charging station availability as a reason to forgo purchasing an EV. At the same time, another long-standing concern with EVs — their expense — fell in importance. The study found that 43% of shoppers said EV purchase price was a reason to avoid buying an EV, compared to 47% last year. In addition, 33% of shoppers stated they were concerned with EV cost of ownership, compared to 35% of shoppers in 2024. Much of the growth in EV sales can be attributed to more affordable, mass-market automakers such as General Motors. Still, the issue of EV affordability might box out the age group most interested in purchasing them — younger shoppers ages 25-49. 'It's an interesting dichotomy because younger consumers are the most receptive to EVs, but also the least likely to be able to afford them, while older consumers have the financial means but show less interest,' Gruber said. According to Gruber, the industry needs to focus on affordability and consumer education to continue to drive EV growth. Less expensive EVs would address what he described as the 'pent-up demand for more affordable products,' while improving consumer education could 'ease concerns' about EV ownership, as many, like public charging availability, 'are less problematic than they might seem when it comes to actually owning an EV,' he said. Recommended Reading New York expands EV purchase, charging equipment incentives
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Automotive
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Ford recalls over 1M vehicles for defective backup camera software
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Ford Motor Co. has recalled over 1 million vehicles over faulty backup camera software that may cause the infotainment screen to freeze, be delayed or black out when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes various 2021-2024 model year vehicles, including the Bronco, Ranger and Expedition SUVs, F-Series pickups (including Heavy Duty versions), the Edge, Escape and Lincoln MKX crossovers, and Mustang and Mach-E models. Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software to remedy the condition on some models, while other vehicles will receive the fix via an over-the-air update, according to the recall report. The repairs will be free and owner notifications letters are expected to be mailed June 16. The NHTSA notified Ford of the problem on Jan. 17, after receiving rearview camera complaints from customers driving 2021-2023 Ford F-150 pickup models. The agency provided the company with 37 vehicle owner questionnaires (VOQs) related to backup camera display issues. Ford's Automotive Safety Office reviewed the VOQs and found 15 reports of the issue, with 18 related to APIM software and four others which alleged an intermittent or persistent loss of the rearview camera image that were 'not categorized,' according to the NHTSA. Though further investigation by Ford's Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) between February and April, engineers reproduced the camera failure and traced it to specific SYNC4 software versions installed in the vehicles. Between April 2 and May 1, Ford's CCRG reviewed service records and OTA software data to determine if other versions of its SYNC software could lead to backup camera issues. However, its investigation determined that only vehicles equipped with SYNC4 software versions 1.7 through 1.9 experienced camera issues. All of the recalled vehicles are suspected of having these software versions. Ford's investigators also identified 232 warranty claims of backup camera faults in the North America market, leading Ford's Field Review Committee to approve the recall on May 2. According to the NHTSA recall report, the problem is described as an 'improper operational sequencing within the wireless communication subsystem of the SYNC software,' which may cause unexpected system resets. If the backup camera system restarts while the vehicle is in reverse, the center infotainment screen may freeze, show a delayed image or black screen. The automaker is not aware of any injuries related to the backup camera fault, but is aware of one allegation of minor crash resulting in property damage, according to the NHTSA. In September 2024, Ford recalled 144K Maverick pickups equipped with Ford's Connected Touch Radio unit for backup camera display screens faults, which was also related to software. In April, Ford recalled another 160K vehicles to address rearview camera display failures caused by a loose circuit board connector. Ford was also fined $165 million by the NHTSA in November 2024 for responding too slowly to a September 2020 recall of 620,000 vehicles for backup camera faults. Like the latest recall, it included F-series pickup models and the Expedition, Mustang, Escape and Ranger. The automaker has now issued a total of 56 recalls since Jan. 1, which potentially extends to over 1.9 million vehicles, according to the NHTSA. Ford also issued 67 recalls in 2024, the second highest number behind Stellantis brand Chrysler, which had 72. Recommended Reading Ford recalls 25K F-Series Super Duty pickups over tailgate camera fault Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Assisted by increasing affordability, global EV adoption continues to rise
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Despite market disruptions in the global automotive industry — including U.S. tariffs — EV sales remain on an upward trajectory. That's according to a May report from the International Energy Agency, the global energy forum of 32 industrialized countries, including the United States. The IEA's annual Global EV Outlook predicts that more than a quarter of vehicles sold around the world in 2025 will be electric. In 2024, according to the report, more than 17 million EVs were sold worldwide, comprising more than 20% of all new vehicle sales. The number of sales grew by 25% compared to 2023. And sales only continue to grow: During the first quarter of 2025, global EV sales rose by 35% versus the same period in 2024. 'Our data shows that, despite significant uncertainties, electric cars remain on a strong growth trajectory globally,' IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said in a statement, adding that EV sales are continuing to set new records. Birol also said that the share of EVs sold is expected to more than double within the next five years, reaching more than 40% of global car sales, thanks in large part to the growing affordability of EVs. Last year, the average worldwide price of an EV generally fell, according to the report. But pricing varied by country. In China, two-thirds of EVs sold were cheaper than similar gas-powered vehicles — even without discounts and other promotions. At the same time, the report noted that the limited share of affordable EV models in the U.S. has hurt EV take-up. On average, the price of an EV in the U.S. is 30% higher than a similar gas-powered car. In addition, more than 75% of cars sold in the U.S. are SUVs, but only about 20% of electric SUVs are cheaper than their gas-powered counterparts. The low prices of China's OEMs have rapidly accelerated EV adoption in China, where more than half of vehicles sold last year were EVs. But EV production in China is also driving increased EV sales around the world — China EV sales were actually responsible for nearly two-thirds of all EV purchases worldwide, per the report. The report also said that EV growth is accelerating in emerging economies, which include countries such as Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Thailand. In these regions, EV sales increased by more than 60% in 2024 alone. The increase is largely due to EV affordability, as the report noted the cheapest EVs in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Thailand were made by China-based OEMs and were often the least expensive vehicles on the market — cheaper even than gas-powered vehicles, per the report. While EV sales increased in the U.S. in 2024, sales growth declined compared to 2023. Still, the EV market in the U.S. continues to expand; 24 new models were introduced in 2024, bringing the total number of new EV models brought to market since 2020 to 110, the report said. Recommended Reading ComEd offering $100M in rebates to drive EV growth in Illinois Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rivian secures $1B infusion from VW after meeting Q2 profit goal
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Electric vehicle maker Rivian achieved its second consecutive quarterly gross profit in Q2, which triggered a $1 billion cash infusion from partner Volkswagen Group, CEO and founder RJ Scaringe said during a call with analysts May 6. The funds, which executives expect to receive by the end of June, will aid Rivian in deploying its technology and software stack to a wide array of vehicles by capitalizing on VW's scale as it pushes for broader EV adoption, according to Scaringe. 'The relationship there continues to progress really well,' Scaringe said of the partnership. 'At this point, we're very focused on executing a lot of programs across the Volkswagen Group.' In addition to financial support from VW, Rivian's efforts to scale production has also been bolstered by a $6.6 billion Department of Energy loan finalized in January to revive the company's stalled Georgia EV factory project, which is expected to start production by 2028. The company is also investing $120 million in Normal, Illinois, where it is constructing a supplier park meant to create an electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem next to its production plant where it is building the R2 SUV. However, like other automakers, Rivian also faces tariff-fueled headwinds necessitating plans to offset higher duties on automotive parts, especially battery components. CFO Claire McDonough said on the call that the company expected 'per unit direct impact from tariffs to be a couple thousand dollars for 2025 based off of the currently announced tariffs in place.' Rivian's chief concern is rising cost for battery materials. McDonough said while the company's stockpile of batteries is sufficient to carry its production through early 2026, it continues to monitor export restrictions on rare earth minerals from China. 'We are actively monitoring these developments and working to mitigate potential risks through a variety of initiatives, including strategic sourcing and proactive engagement with policymakers,' she said. Higher component costs due to tariffs moved Rivian to raise its capital expenditure guidance to between $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion. Uncertainty fueled by economic policies also led the company to revise its delivery outlook to 40,000 to 46,000 vehicles, down from 46,000 to 51,000 announced April 2. But Rivian believes higher production costs may be short-lived as it works with suppliers, including LG, to secure domestically produced batteries. Scaringe said the R2 uses the 4695 cell format currently sourced from Korea, but that will soon change. 'We've been for a while now working very closely with our partner on this, which is LG, to localize that into the United States and starting in 2027 those cells will be produced in Arizona,' he said. Recommended Reading Rivian investing $120M in Illinois to strengthen domestic supply chain Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
