A low-profile start-up quietly backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has suddenly burst into the headlines, Dubbed Slate Auto, the Michigan-based automaker rolled out an all-electric pickup Thursday night that, it said, will go on sale in late 2026 for “under $20,000.” But rather than delivering another high-tech wonder, the Slate pickup draws its inspiration from a low-tech past. Will Americans embrace an EV with crank-up windows and no infotainment screen? Headlight.News has more.
Millions of American motorists have been priced out of the new vehicle market, all the more so when it comes to EVs which currently average about $55,000 apiece. But Slate Auto, a new start-up backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is determined to change that equation. On Thursday, it gave the world a first look at a flexible new, all-electric pickup set to go on sale in 2026. Designed to be extremely customizable, it’s expected to start under $20,000 when you factor in federal EV tax credits. Headlight.News was there for the big debut.
Luxury automaker Lexus took to the stage at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition to reveal the all-new 2026 Lexus ES — in hybrid and battery-electric form. The ES is the brand’s entry-level sedan. Find out more about the new model at Headlight.News.
On the ’cast this week, Headlight News reviews the new models debuted during the 2025 New York International Auto Show, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ plan jump into the EV market, the coming Cupra and more. Head to Headlight.News to listen.
Genesis covered two extremes during a preview event at this year’s New York International Auto Show – rolling out the ultra-exclusive X Gran Equator concept, along with a prototype of the GMR-001 Hypercar it’s developing for global endurance racing programs. Headlight.News has more.
The outlook for the automotive industry is starting to look increasingly dim, automakers frantically searching for a way to respond to the Trump administration’s broad tariff on imported autos and auto parts. The question is whether to raise prices and risk a sharp slump in sales or absorb tariffs and crash earnings.
The Kia EV3 was named World Car of the Year at the annual New York International Auto Show, with Volvo, Porsche, BYD and Volkswagen also nabbing five other awards. As Headlight.News reports, EVs, dominated.
Volkswagen came to the New York International Auto Show to reveal its all-new 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo. The new model will be marque’s flagship trim beginning with the 2026 model year. Fittingly, its more powerful and sportier than the rest of the Tiguan lineup, VW officials noted. Check out Headlight.News for the story.
Subaru is staking a big presence at this year’s New York Auto Show, and one of the highlights will be the debut of its seventh-generation Outback. The familiar SUV will come in a variety of trims, including the sporty XT, as well as an upgraded version of the off-road-ready Outback Wilderness package. Here’s more.
Kia continued its aggressive roll-out of battery-electric vehicles with the launch of the new EV4 at the New York International Auto Show. With a range of up to 330 miles per charge, the compact EV will become the brand’s new all-electric price leader. The automaker also rolled out a special version of its big EV9, the Nightfall Edition. Headlight.News has more.
Hyundai’s flagship Palisade SUV gets a makeover for 2026 and the three-row SUV not only grows bigger but adds a new hybrid option that can log more than 600 miles between fill-ups. For those who don’t want to stick to the pavement, meanwhile, there’s the brand’s first new XRT Pro package. Headlight.News has more.
While Kia’s big growth spurt during the last decade has been tied to its growing lineup of SUVs, the South Korean brand continues to produce impressive sedans, including the all-new K4 last year. Now it’s keeping another select favorite on the spec sheet: the hatchback with its new 2026 K4 Hatchback. Details at Headlight.News.