Top Stories
VW, Union Agree to Unprecedented 35,000 Job Cuts
In an unprecedented compromise, Volkswagen reached an agreement with its German labor union to cut as many as 35,000 jobs in Germany – though the automaker agreed not to order immediate layoffs or plant closures and dropped a demand for 10% wage cuts. The move avoided a mass walkout by members of the IG Metall union but is billed as a way to curb VW’s bloated labor costs, among the industry’s highest.
Honda to Take Lead in Planned Merger with Nissan
Honda and Nissan will merge under a new holding company, the automaker’s announced, confirming months of rumors, with the smaller of the Japanese automakers effectively taking control of the new alliance. Mitsubishi, which was rescued by Nissan in 2016, has yet to decide whether to become part of the alliance. And Renault, which bailed out Nissan in 1999, plans to determine what role it may have going forward.
Alfa Romeo Teases The Future of Stelvio SUV
Alfa Romeo prepares to jumpstart its push into the future as the brand releases new teaser video highlighting an updated design language.
Toyota Investment Aimed at Lowering EV Charging Costs, Stabilizing The Power Grid
There’s been a lot of focus on building up the public EV charging network but the vast majority of owners routinely charge at home. Toyota is helping secure $28 million in funding for startup WeaveGrid in a bid to make home charging easier and more affordable – while also ensuring that the nation’s electrical infrastructure can handle the addition of millions of battery-powered vehicles.
First Drive: 2025 Kia K4 — More than Just a New Name
It came as far from a surprise when Kia confirmed plans to introduce a new version of its long-in-the-tooth Forte sedan at the New York Auto Show last spring. Nor were we shocked to learn the new model would get an entirely new name. But, after finally getting a chance to drive the 2025 Kia K4, we were struck by just how much better it is than the outgoing four-door model. Here’s our review.
Podcasts
Get the Latest Auto News on the HEADLIGHT.NEWS Podcast
First Drive: 2025 Kia K4 — More than Just a New Name
It came as far from a surprise when Kia confirmed plans to introduce a new version of its long-in-the-tooth Forte sedan at the New York Auto Show last spring. Nor were we shocked to learn the new model would get an entirely new name. But, after finally getting a chance to drive the 2025 Kia K4, we were struck by just how much better it is than the outgoing four-door model. Here’s our review.
Headlight.News For The Week of 12-2-2024 – Shakeup at Stellantis – Tesla Trouble – GM Gets Spot In F1 & More
In this week's episode of the podcast, we talk about the surprise shake-up at Stellantis, Tesla's Latest Troubles, GM's newfound place in F1 (through Cadillac) and a new car review before taking a look at This Week in Automotive History. Click Here to listen and tell...
CEO Carlos Tavares Tenders his Resignation as Problems Grow for Stellantis
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigned unexpectedly on Sunday, the automaker saying “different views have emerged” in recent weeks as the Euro-American automaker struggled to come up with a way to reverse weakened sales and earnings. No immediate successor was named, though it appears that the automaker’s Chairman John Elkann effectively will take control until a replacement is named. This is a breaking story. Headlight.News will have a longer analysis shortly.
Headlight.News For The Week of 11-25-2024 – L.A. Auto Show Debuts – VW’s Cupra Brand Coming To The U.S. and More
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we talk about some of the important debuts that happened at the L.A. Auto Show, VW’s Cupra brand coming to the U.S., and we go for a spin in a new vehicle. We also make a rest stop and take a look at This Week in Automotive History.
Latest Reviews
First Drive: 2025 Kia K4 — More than Just a New Name
It came as far from a surprise when Kia confirmed plans to introduce a new version of its long-in-the-tooth Forte sedan at the New York Auto Show last spring. Nor were we shocked to learn the new model would get an entirely new name. But, after finally getting a chance to drive the 2025 Kia K4, we were struck by just how much better it is than the outgoing four-door model. Here’s our review.
First Drive: 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona – Who Needs a Hemi?
If you’re a muscle car fan, is there life without a big V-8? That’s the question a lot of Dodge loyalists have been wondering since the performance brand ended production of the Charger and Challenger models a year ago. The Charger is about to stage its return – but for now, at least, it will be available in just two all-electric packages. The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack package pumps out a tire-spinning 670 horsepower. But is it a suitable replacement for the legendary Hemi-powered model it replaces? Headlight.News had a chance to check out the all-electric beast and here’s our review.
A Week With: 2025 Lexus UX 300h F Sport Handling AWD
Considered the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius went on sale in Japan in October 1997. Now in its fifth generation, the Prius only continues to be among the best in the segment. Check out our review of the latest iteration of the hybrid at Headlight.News.
First Look: Toyota 4Runner Gets a Complete Makeover for 2025
The 4Runner may be one of the oldest models in the Toyota line-up but it’s about to become one of the freshest, the Japanese automaker giving the 6th-generation SUV a complete makeover for 2025. The new model year brings not only an updated design but a new choice of drivetrains and new Platinum and off-road-focused Trailhunter trims. Here’s a closer look at the new SUV.
A Week With: 2024 BMW X1 M35i
The “hot hatch” has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years. A new generation of drivers discovered what many from previous generations already knew: hot hatches are among the best mixes of performance and practicality available. The segment features plenty of options, but one that may get lost in the shuffle is the BMW X1 M35i. Let’s see if we can change that at Headlight.News.