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Paul Eisenstein

Automakers – and Auto Buyers – Soon Could Be in For Tariff Refunds

Automakers – and Auto Buyers – Soon Could Be in For Tariff Refunds

A federal judge Thursday delivered a stinging defeat to the White House, ruling U.S. importers are “entitled to benefit” from the Supreme Court’s own decision tossing out Pres. Trump’s import tariffs. In other words, those who paid those illegal duties are due refunds. That includes the estimated $25 billion the U.S. auto industry paid out. Will they collect? And will they pass on any money to auto buyers? More from Headlight.News.

Dealers Sue to Prevent Scout Brand from Selling Direct to Consumers

Dealers Sue to Prevent Scout Brand from Selling Direct to Consumers

Scout Motors, the electrified vehicle brand the Volkswagen Group is set to bring back to life, faces an assortment of lawsuits aimed at preventing it from selling direct to consumers, the approach embraced by rival start-ups Tesla, Rivian and Lucid. Headlight.News looks at who’s suing Scout and why.

Soaring Vehicle Delivery Fees Are Becoming “Budget Breakers”

Soaring Vehicle Delivery Fees Are Becoming “Budget Breakers”

New vehicle prices have been running at record levels over the last several years, and posted another big jump in February. A lot of factors catch blame, including the Trump administration’s auto tariffs. But there’s another factor buyers often overlook: the delivery fees manufacturers tack on – in some cases adding more than $3,000 to a vehicle’s MSRP. Headlight.News has more.

Energy Crisis Looming? Iran War Threatens to Freeze Oil Shipments Through Key Waterway Even as Gas Prices Surge

Energy Crisis Looming? Iran War Threatens to Freeze Oil Shipments Through Key Waterway Even as Gas Prices Surge

Fear is beginning to set in on oil markets around the world as Iran strikes back after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks over the weekend. Insurers are refusing to cover shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz while Iran is upping its own drone and missile strikes on tankers and Mideast energy infrastructure. Petro prices are surging on markets as experts and traders try to determine just how much of a disruption to energy supplies could be in store, reports Headlight.News.

Ford’s Recall of 4M Pickups, SUVs Underscores Industry’s Epidemic of Software Problems

Ford’s Recall of 4M Pickups, SUVs Underscores Industry’s Epidemic of Software Problems

Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 4 million pickups and SUVs due to a software glitch that can cause their brakes to stop working and turn signals to fail, along with other exterior lights. The problem underscores a new study that finds software-related problems have become one of the industry’s biggest headaches. More from Headlight.News.

Kia Betting Big on Telluride Hybrid

Kia Betting Big on Telluride Hybrid

Kia this week officially launched production of the first-ever Telluride Hybrid…and it sees the new package as the opportunity to give a big boost to what has already been one of its biggest hits. If the gas-electric model lives up to expectations it could meant the SUV will triple its original sales expectations. More from Headlight.News.

First Drive: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Musters More Power, Better Mileage

First Drive: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Musters More Power, Better Mileage

This is a very big year for Jeep, the automaker rolling out a variety of new and updated models and powertrains. Among the most significant launches: the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. As a mid-cycle refresh, there are some modest design updates, new technology and safety features. The big news, however, is the debut of the new Hurricane 4 Turbo, the engine delivering both a big boost in power and a substantial improvement in fuel economy. Headlight.News has this review.

Automakers May Catch a Break as Trump Launches New Tariffs – But Consumers Aren’t So Lucky

Automakers May Catch a Break as Trump Launches New Tariffs – But Consumers Aren’t So Lucky

The auto industry may be getting a bit of a reprieve from the latest round of tariffs enacted by Pres. Donald Trump following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision announced last Friday finding most of his early import duties were illegal. But automakers and auto suppliers still face earlier tariffs on imported vehicles, parts and metals not covered by the court’s ruling. And that means auto buyers will continue to pay substantially inflated prices at a time when many potential customers have been driving out of the market. More from Headlight.News.