New data shows new vehicles were more affordable in January, despite lower incentives offered by automakers. Falling interest rates helped to push new vehicles to their most affordable point in nearly a year. Get details at Headlight.News.
Automakers
We Get a First Deep Look Inside Ford’s Universal EV Program
When you’re posting nearly $20 billion in write-offs on your EV program it’s probably a good time to rethink what you’re doing. And that’s precisely why Ford Motor Co. launched the skunkworks Universal EV program designed to deliver “affordable,” long-range EVs that are also “fun to drive.” While the first version is still a year away, Headlight.News got a deep dive look at how the automaker plans to pull it off.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 2-16-26
The Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 2-16-26 covers big Ford losses, sliding EV sales, the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV, President Trump pushing to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, plus we review the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus and look back at this Week in Auto History. Give us a listen.
Plant Closures Possible as VW Looks to Slash Costs
Volkswagen’s CEO and CFO presented senior management a “massive” plan to cut costs by 20% by the end of 2028, a move that could save as much as $71 billion at current exchange rates. The move could bring plant closures and cuts to employment, reports Headlight.News.
Trump Administration Moves to Kill Auto Stop/Start Technology
The Trump administration has moved to kill another fuel-saving technology, this time ending the credits automakers get for adding “auto stop/start” features to their vehicles. The head of the EPA described as “universally hated,” though many motorists credit the technology for substantial improvements in fuel economy. Headlight.News has more.
A Week With: 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus
Mazda made a big splash a few years ago with the debut of the three-row CX-90. The ute elevated the company’s profile within the “near luxury” segment. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus provides what you expect from a flagship: looks, performance, and style. With Mazda, you get all that at a mainstream price. Get more details about the CX-90 at Headlight.News.
U.S. EV Registrations Slipped for 1st Time in a Decade
Driven largely by the phase-out of federal tax credits, U.S. sales of battery-electric vehicles slid last year, with registrations down for the first time in a decade. Most experts anticipate a rebound, though how much and how fast that recovery will happen is uncertain. Headlight.News has more.
China’s BYD Beat Tesla and Has Now Topped Ford’s Global Sales, as Well
China’s BYD saw a massive surge in global sales last year. It not only topped Tesla as world’s largest seller of battery-electric vehicles but also beat Ford Motor Co. in overall global sales. More from Headlight.News.
Volkswagen Reveals Redesigned 2027 Atlas SUV
Volkswagen scored big with the launch of the 2017 Atlas, but the SUV is getting long-in-tooth as newer competitors come to market. So, VW is ready to roll out a new package, the automaker showing off a camouflaged take on what’s coming for 2027. Headlight.News has more.
Pres. Trump Threatens to Block Opening of $5.9B Gordie Howe Bridge – Critics Cry Foul, Call it a Political Favor
President Trump is threatening to block the opening of a new bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario eagerly sought by the auto industry. The president points to his escalating debut with Canada but critics see a political favor for a major GOP donor who owns a rival span across the Detroit River. Headlight.News has more.
Toyota Bucks the EV Pullback with All-Electric Highlander
While much of the industry may be paring back their EV plans, Toyota is moving in a very different direction, on Tuesday evening pulling the wraps off the latest entry into its line-up an all-electric 3-row SUV. Headlight.News checks out the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV.
Ford Reports $8.2 Billion Loss for 2025
Ford reported a loss of $8.2 billion FY2025 due to the $19.5 billion special charge in the fourth quarter related to its EV business. The fourth quarter loss was even bigger: $11.1 billion. However, the company’s 2026 guidance provided some optimism. Details at Headlight.News.