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Joining the Ford lineup is one of the biggest product launches of the year: the 2021 Mustang Mach-E. The electric crossover, with deliveries set for December, launches with a First Edition trim. Additional trims, with various power setups and drivetrain layouts and ranges, will follow in 2021. The Mach-E's Mustang DNA is obvious, with not-so-subtle design elements including a pony logo on the front and tribar taillights that blink sequentially. We've collected and highlighted some early Mach-E reviews from the automotive media.

"The drive experience is exceptional. Ford decided late in the game to put the subframes intended just for the GT models into all the Mach-E's, giving them much more latitude while tuning the suspension, and dialing in a rear-drive bias that performance car enthusiasts crave. When unleashing the torque, it feels confident and manageable, with those brief white-knuckle moments to keep things lively and interesting for drivers capable…

Efforts by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to strengthen criteria to receive its top safety awards have led automakers to improve the headlights on some 2021 vehicles, the group said Tuesday.

So far, automakers have improved the ratings on 10 models for 2021 by "eliminating or changing poor or marginal headlight packages," according to new evaluations by IIHS.

The insurer-funded group, which introduced headlight evaluations as part of its crash tests in 2016, said the 10 models also boosted their ratings to Top Safety Pick+ from Top Safety Pick. Vehicles must have "good" or "acceptable" headlights as standard equipment to qualify for the 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award. Headlights rated "good" or "acceptable" can be optional equipment for the Top Safety Pick award.

The vehicles with the improved headlight ratings are the Audi A7 large sedan, Honda Accord midsize sedan, Hyundai Palisade large crossover, Mazda CX-30 subcompact …

Art Schwartz, president of Labor and Economic Associates and a former labor negotiator for General Motors, died Saturday.

He was 72. He died at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital in Michigan after a battle with COVID-19.

Schwartz was a skilled negotiator, said Kristin Dziczek, a friend of Schwartz and vice president of industry, labor and economics at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor. He shared his knowledge of labor contracts and bargaining throughout the industry, she said.

Schwartz started his career at the University of Michigan where he taught labor relations before shifting to GM in 1985.

He was general director of the company's labor relations staff where he negotiated with the UAW, IUE-CWA and United Steelworkers of America. He was also head of labor planning and was responsible for designing and administering all of the automaker's special attrition programs.

"During his 24 years acr…

Ferrari may take months rather than weeks to name a new boss after CEO Louis Camilleri abruptly left the Italian supercar maker, according to people familiar with the matter.

The company is taking a thorough and deliberate approach to resolve its second leadership crisis in as many years, the people said. Ferrari’s board will meet Tuesday for a preliminary review of candidates for the role, they said, asking not to be named as the company’s plans aren’t public.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Mike Manley, who media reports have linked to the job, isn’t currently in the running, the people said. Manley has previously said he’ll stay at the Italian-American carmaker even after its planned merger with France’s PSA Group. Italian daily Il Messaggero reported over the weekend that Manley was a top candidate.

A spokesman for Ferrari declined to comment.

Chairman John Elkann is taking over the CEO role on an interim basis until a replacement for Camilleri …

Auto executive-turned-fugitive Carlos Ghosn is under investigation in France for possible tax evasion during his last three years heading Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co., according to a person familiar with the matter.

Ghosn and French tax authorities have been discussing since the middle of last year whether the former CEO should have been considered a French resident during 2016, 2017 and 2018, said the person, who asked not to be named because the information isn’t public. Ghosn declared in 2012 that he had moved to the Netherlands and was subsequently treated as a non-resident, the person said.

The newspaper Liberation reported Monday that a French judge allowed authorities to seize almost 13 million euros ($16 million) in assets from Ghosn and his wife, Carole, pending the outcome of the probe. Authorities are preparing a “major” tax adjustment, the paper said.

A spokeswoman for Ghosn declined to comment.

The tax probe adds to Ghosn’s legal w…

People prefer personal transportation.

From bicycles to cars, transportation options that provide seclusion are the choice for consumers across the globe, who express reluctance to use public transportation and air travel.

Those are among the findings in the ninth annual "Further With Ford" trends report, issued Monday by Ford Motor Co. and compiled by Sheryl Connelly, the company's chief futurist.

The report underscores major developments across the transportation industry during the coronavirus pandemic. More than three-quarters of respondents agree with the statement they "can't imagine a life without having my own automobile," and 40 percent say their household needs more vehicles.

Because of the pandemic, 58 percent say they are less likely to travel by airplane; 52 percent are eschewing subways and buses; and 47 percent say they're less likely to use ride-hailing services and taxis.

Shifts in trans…

Join Automotive News Publisher Jason Stein for a daily podcast series about the coronavirus crisis. He’ll speak with industry experts, insiders and Automotive News reporters about how the virus is impacting and reshaping the automotive industry.

Incoming Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri discusses the road ahead for the Canadian supplier as Don Walker prepares to retire at the end of the year. He also shares insight on bringing new products to market and opportunities for Magna Steyr in North America.

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DETROIT — The UAW will avoid a government takeover under a deal struck with the U.S. Justice Department that will put the union under the oversight of an independent monitor for six years and allow members to change the way leaders are elected.

The union will pay $1.5 million to resolve tax issues related to the scandal and already has contributed $15 million toward worker training to make up for money stolen by corrupt former leaders. However, prosecutors will not levy additional fines or file racketeering charges against the union.

“The UAW does not have a problem with organized crime,” U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said at a news conference Monday.

The deal could allow UAW members to directly elect the president and vice presidents for the first time in the union’s history. A secret-ballot referendum will determine whether to end the longtime practice of having the union’s administrative caucus choose a new slate of leaders every four years.