In this week’s podcast, we discuss the impact of the Trump tariffs, March new vehicle sales, Tesla and Stellantis taking a dip. We review the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Review and take a look at This Week in Automotive History.
Michael Strong
New Car Sales Jump in March But Tariffs May Cause 1.8M Drop in 2025 Sales
Automakers got to celebrate a bit in March as new vehicle sales jumped 10.7% compared to year-ago numbers. However, that celebration is likely to be short-lived, if the assertions in a new report prove true. The tome authored by Telemetry’s Sam Abuelsamid predicts sales will fall 1.8 million units in 2025 and the next several years don’t look much better, reports Headlight.News.
Honda Prelude Return Took Another Step Forward With Interior Reveal
One of Honda’s iconic vehicles took another step closer to a return to the streets. The automaker showed off the latest version of its Prelude concept at an event in Japan, including the first look at the interior. Headlight.News has details.
Ford, VW First to Reveal Plans Dealing with Auto Tariffs on New Car Prices
President Donald Trump’s press conference laying out the remainder of his tariff policy revealed automakers would not be facing any additional tariffs beyond the 25% on vehicles and parts crossing into the U.S. Volkswagen is adding an “import fee” to vehicles hit by the tariffs while Ford is offering discounts to try to improve affordability. Headlight.News tracks down how other carmakers are dealing with the problem.
IRS Offering Second Chance After Rejecting Tax Returns of EV Buyers
The Biden administration’s effort to make new electric vehicles more appealing to the American public with $7,500 tax credits is becoming a big hassle for some buyers. The Internal Revenue Service has been rejecting the tax returns of some EV owners claiming the credit. However, they are also looking to help. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Waiting for Tariff-Induced Price Increases to Hit Means Good Deals Available Now
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle before the anticipated price increases due to tariffs hit window stickers, there are some good values to be had. According to Cars.com, Nissan and Ford are leading the pack when it comes to good deals. Check out the details at Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 3-31-25
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.
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.