In this week’s podcast we cover Trump and his tariffs on automakers as well as his warning to automakers about raising prices to cover the costs, as well as a vehicle review and more.
Michael Strong
Stellantis Switches Plans for Belvidere Plant Opening in 2027
Plans change in the auto industry as evidenced by the move by Stellantis to reopen its plant in Belvidere, Illinois. Closed a few years ago, the UAW pressured the company to reopen the facility as part of its most recent contract negotiations. The company agreed, and it’s set to reopen in 2027, but it will not produce what was originally expected. Get details at Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD
There are more choices than ever when it comes to electric vehicles. However, one of the early arrivers, the Kia EV6, continues to evolve and improve. After three years, the newest model is surely the best one yet. Check out our review at Headlight.News.
Feds Open Investigation into 1.3M Ford Full-Size Pickups
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began a probe into a transmission issue that could affect as many as 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks from model years 2015 through 2017. The investigation began after the agency received more than 135 complaints. Get details at Headlight.News.
Karma Returns With New Two New Extended Range Models
EV maker Karma Automotive comes back around with good news, unveiling its all-new Amaris, a 2-door coupe featuring the company’s next-gen extended range powertrain. More good from Karma? Yup. Its recently introduced Gyesera 4-door will also hit the market as an EREV. Headlight.News has details.
Car Thefts Dropped 16.6% Last Year Courtesy of Kia, Hyundai Changes
Car thieves were far less successful last year, according to experts. The total number of vehicles stolen fell below the 1 million mark for the first time since 2021. In fact, the reduction ended a four-year run of increases — and Kia and Hyundai appear to be the reason. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Dodge’s New Interactive Experience Highlights Push to Gain Public Favor of New All-Electric Charger
EV adoption rates are middling, but trying to get traditional muscle car mavens to accept an all-electric model, like the new Dodge Charger Daytona, has the Dodge folks working overtime. The brand’s new Charger Virtual Experience gives them one more tool to do just that. Check out the story at Headlight.News.
Tesla Gets Excluded from Canadian Incentive Due to Musk’s Political Involvement
The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada got a little more … targeted Monday. The city of Toronto announced Tesla vehicles will no longer be eligible for the city’s EV incentives for taxis. Get details at Headlight.News.
Used Car Sales Rising as Tax Season Begins
Consumers getting tax refunds help drive the used car market early in the year and since tax refunds are up 7% compared to last year, it follows that used car sales are up during the same period. However, sales were up 16% in February, which is well ahead of the year-ago results. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Study: Owner Satisfaction with Service Departments Rise, But Dealers Still Missing Opportunities
The latest J.D. Power U.S. Customer Service Index revealed customers were happier with dealer service departments for the second straight year. However, the results also show that dealers are missing chances to improve the experience and engender more loyalty from vehicle owners. Headlight.News has details.
Trump Buys a Tesla Then Moves to End Pro-EV Rules
The day after President Donald Trump and adviser/Tesla CEO Elon Musk showed off the president’s just-purchased Tesla Model S, the Trump administration took the next step in eliminating the Biden administration’s push to increase electric vehicle production. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Lexus Reveals the New RZ for 2026
Being Toyota’s luxury sibling, Lexus hasn’t been as invested in the shift toward electric vehicles as many other luxury automakers. However, it did introduce the RZ for the 2024 model year. However, today it’s rolled out the updated version — for Europe first — with a slew of important and necessary updates. Headlight.News has details.