In this week’s podcast, we talk the state of automotive tariffs, price hikes, electric vehicle cuts, U.S. investments, robo taxis as well as reviewing the new 2026 Nissan Sentra and looking back at this week in automotive history.
Automakers
Nissan Reveals New Rogue Plug-In Hybrid
PHEVs are gaining ground among motorists who like the benefits of an electric vehicle but who don’t want to worry about running short on range. Nissan is the latest to plug into that emerging market segment with a version of the 2026 Rogue SUV – thanks to a helping hand from its Japanese partner, Mitsubishi. Headlight.News explains.
Akio Toyoda Goes MAGA
Days after announcing plans to invest another $10 billion in the U.S. market, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda turned up his effort to minimize trade tensions between Japan and the United States by showing up in a MAGA hat and Trump-Vance campaign T-shirt at the NASCAR race at Fuji Speedway. Headlight.News has more.
U.S. Market Will Be Core to Mitsubishi Turnaround
Despite being hammered by auto import tariffs, Mitsubishi is betting big on the U.S. market, the company told dealers on Friday. It plans to launch a variety of new products to flesh out its currently meager product line-up. But there is one problem: a lack of U.S. production. More from Headlight.News.
Driving Honda’s New Midsize Platform Ahead of Prelude’s Return
Honda sticks to its roots, pushing boundaries as it prepares to bring the Prelude back to life. Headlight.News visited the automaker’s Tochigi proving ground to check out an early prototype using an all-new midsize platform that will be shared with other new models — and powertrain technologies.
Waymo Launches Next Big Step for Robotaxis with First Intercity Service; Tesla Falls Further Behind
Waymo says it knows the way to San Jose as it puts driverless taxis on the freeway in Silicon Valley. The initiative beat out arch-rival Tesla, which just promised to pay Elon Musk billions to expand its robotaxi business. Headlight.News has more.
GM Tells Suppliers to Stop Sourcing Parts from China
As trade friction grows, General Motors wants its suppliers to stop sourcing parts and raw materials from China by 2027, according to a new report, though meeting that deadline could be challenging considering the way the global network has been set up over the last few decades. More from Headlight.News.
First Look: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder
Squaring off against some of the industry’s most popular three-row SUVs, the Nissan Pathfinder gets a number of updates for the 2026 model year that includes upgraded technology and a more rugged look, backed by an upgraded Rock Creek package for those who want improved off-road capabilities. Headlight.News offers this first look at the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder.
McLaren Tells Dealers SUV Coming as Part of New Product Blitz
British supercar brand McLaren confirmed to dealers that it will roll out a procession of new models each year through 2028, including a first-ever SUV. Headlight.News has more.
Ford Hints New Road-Ready Supercar Coming to 2026 Detroit Auto Show
Now that Ford’s Mustang GTD is rolling out, what’s the automaker planning to come up with next? It’s offering a hint with an assortment of teaser images suggesting the newly renamed Ford Racing division will debut a “production road car” in January. Stay tuned, it seems for something big – and fast – to debut at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. Headlight.News has more.
2027 Mercedes-Benz Stays Hot in the Cold
Mercedes-Benz is set to debut an all-new version of its GLB crossover next month and its expected to offer buyers a wide range of electrified drivetrain options, everything from mild hybrid to pure EV. Ahead of that official launch, Headlight.News got hold of some new pics showing the 2027 GLB undergoing cold weather testing at temps as low as -40 Fahrenheit – that includes a first look at the optional new MBUX Superscreen.
2026 Nissan Sentra Price Up Nearly 4% as Tariffs Take a Bite
Sentra is a critical model line for Nissan in the U.S. and the automaker is betting big on the 2026 makeover. But while it’s still being positioned as an affordable entry, the new model’s price rises by as much as 4%. It’s the latest new model to see a big jump as the industry copes with rising costs and the impact of the Trump auto tariffs. More from Headlight.News.