The last Ford Escape has rolled off the automaker’s assembly line in Louisville, Kentucky. That leaves a gaping hole in Ford’s line-up. But what will replace it? Headlight.News has the story.
Automakers
First Drive: 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 headed to Nashville to get a first drive of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 12-22-25
On the Headlight News podcast for the Week of 12-22-25 we cover Ford killing the Lightning, the end of the line for the Ford Escape, the last Jaguar gas-powered model, Trump sued over EV chargers, a review of the new Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ and the Week in Auto History. Check it out.
Buzz Kill: VW Says it Won’t Offer the 2026 EV Microbus in the U.S.
Volkswagen has decided not to offer the 2026 ID.Buzz microbus in the U.S., citing weak “market conditions” for the unexpected move. But it says it is “excited” about bringing back the all-electric van in 2027. Headlight.News has more.
Trump Administration Sued by 17 States Over EV Charger Funding
The Trump administration’s denial of federal government support for electric vehicles is being challenged in court by attorneys general from 17 states. In the lawsuit led by California, the states contend the administration is withholding funding allocated to build vehicle charging infrastructure. Get details at Headlight.News.
Nissan Set to Double Nismo Performance Line-Up – 10 Models on Tap
As it rolls out its latest revival plan, Nissan is shifting focus from cost-cutting to product, and there’s a renewed emphasis on performance in the works. The second-largest Japanese automaker plans to double the number of Nismo models developed as part of a collaboration with the company’s racing team. More from Headlight.News.
Ford Making Major Shift in EV Strategy, Taking Nearly $20 Billion in Charges
Ford Motor Co. is tearing up its EV plans, killing its all-electric F-150 Lightning, shifting focus to bring more hybrids, E-REVs and low-cost EVs to market. It also plans to shift production at its massive BlueOval City complex in Tennessee from EVs to gas pickups, and repurposing the batteries produced at plants in Kentucky and Michigan for non-automotive markets. Get details about this breaking story at Headlight.News.
Headlight News for the Week of 12-15-25
In the Headlight News podcast for this week, we cover everything from the pending drop in U.S. new vehicle sales for the next two years to the debut of the all-new Kia Seltos to Porsches bricking in Russia. We review the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and take a look back at this week in automotive history. Give us a listen.
A Week With: 2025 Ford Maverick XLT AWD
Back in 2018, Ford announced the axing of all its passenger cars — save one — to go all-in on trucks and SUVs. Along with that proclamation came the statement the company was also going big on electrification, which brings us to the 2025 Ford Maverick XLT AWD, its hybrid powertrain. So, is it all that, or does Ford’s smallest offering reflect the commission of an unforced error? Find out in our review at Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph
The luxury SUV market remains hot and highly competitive. This means there are plenty of compelling options in the segment, which is fantastic because luxury SUVs are among my favorite vehicles to drive — perhaps my most favorite. After a week with the all-new Infiniti QX60, nothing has changed when it comes to my preferences. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Automotive Inflation Rages as Carmakers Pass on More of Trump Tariff Costs
Expect to pay more for that new Porsche next month, the German automaker advising dealers it will start passing on more of the cost of the tariffs Pres. Donald Trump has put in place on imported autos. Porsche isn’t alone, however, a growing number of brands are raising already record-high prices to cover those new duties, even on domestically made products due to the cost of imported parts and components, reports Headlight.News.
Rivian’s About to Let You Drive Pretty Much Anywhere Hands-Free
Rivian owners who like to drive hands-free will discover they can travel a lot further than they expected later this month. The EV start-up plans to increase from 150,000 to 3.5 million the number of miles its autonomous driving system can operate on. And, starting late next year, it plans to go even further with the release of the new R2 model which will be Rivian’s first to permit hands-free/eyes-off driving. According to CEO RJ Scaringe, there’s yet more to follow.