Automakers launch a renewed wave of budget-minded models as priced-out customers seek less expensive ways to get a new vehicle for themselves.
Ford
Ford Reports Record Full-Year Revenue with “Solid” Q4 Results
Ford turned around its fourth-quarter earnings, moving from a loss to $1.8 billion in net income, pushing the company to a new benchmark for full-year revenue of $185 billion. The automaker also forecast lower earnings for 2025. Get details at Headlight.News.
As Tesla Sales Nosedive in California and Europe, is The “Musk Effect” to Blame?
Is it the “Musk Factor” at play? Industry analysts say a growing backlash aimed at Tesla CEO Elon Musk is clearly responsible for the carmaker’s sliding sales and market share in the key EV market of California, as well as in Europe. But that only complicates the challenges the automaker is facing from growing competition from both traditional automakers like Hyundai, GM and Ford, as well as th increasingly aggressive Chinese brands. More from Headlight.News.
Trump Tariffs Threaten Auto Industry’s Vast Manufacturing System and Could Mean a Big Hit for Buyers
Pres. Donald Trump has warned he may announce tariffs of up to 25% against two major trade partners, Canada and Mexico, as early as Saturday, February 1. Additional tariffs targeting China may also be announced. The potential impact could be felt far and wide — especially in the auto industry, with manufacturers facing a threat to profits and consumers facing the risk of higher prices. Some familiar vehicles could also disappear from the market, especially entry-level models.
VW Pulls the Plug on U.S. Version of the ID.7 EV
Volkswagen is the latest automaker to back off on its EV roll-out. The automaker told Headlight.News that “due to the ongoing challenging EV market” it has scrapped plans to introduce the ID.7 sedan to the U.S. market – though it will continue to be offered in Europe, China and a number of other markets.
Jeep Boss Intends to “Grow the Brand Back”
Jeep is making one of the riskiest moves in its storied history, rolling out its first global EV, the Wagoneer S. It will be followed by a flood of new models this coming year, part of a push by the off-road marque to “grow the brand back” after several unexpectedly disappointing years. Headlight.News looks at what Jeep has coming and how it will face its ongoing challenges.
Long-Range Ram 1500 Pickup Scrapped, Report Reveals
After delaying the launch of its Ram 1500 REV pickup, the Stellantis truck brand now has pulled the plug on an extended-range version of the EV that was to have delivered as much as 500 miles per charge. For those who need that much range, the automaker sees buyers more likely to go with the Ramcharger with its gas-electric driveline. More from Headlight.News.
Honda Adding TrailSport Package to Updated CR-V, Refreshing HR-V for 2026
With more and more buyers looking for added off-road capabilities, Honda will add a TrailSport package for the CR-V crossover. The entire line will get refreshed for 2026, the automaker confirmed, as will the smaller HR-V.
Stellantis to Reopen Belvidere Plant for New Midsize Pickup – Move Could Prevent Threatened Strike
Stellantis will reopen a now-shuttered assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, the company’s U.S. chief operating officer told employees in an e-mail. The factory will produce a new midsize Ram pickup, however, rather than the EV originally planned for the facility....
From Mustang to Minivans: Hal Sperlich, Dead at 95, Was Always Seeking the Next Breakthrough
Few in the auto industry can claim to have had as lasting a legacy as Hal Sperlich. The one-time engineer who eventually led product development at two of Detroit’s Big Three and shepherded the development of two iconic products: the Ford Mustang and the Chrysler minivan. Sperlich passed away Monday at the age of 95.
Trump Has the Auto Industry in His Sights
As of noon on Monday, the United States has a new president – and Donald Trump is expected to move quickly to implement an agenda calling for major changes in America’s domestic and foreign policies. The auto industry, in particular, could feel the impact of Trump’s agenda in a variety of ways: from foreign trade to EV and emissions policies. Here’s a closer look at what that might means.
Lexus Killing Off RC Coupe as Passenger Car Ranks Continue to Dwindle
Lexus is giving its RC and RC F sports coupes a “sonorous swan song,” finishing their run at the end of 2025. While the Japanese luxury brand does retain some passenger car models it mirrors the broader industry’s ongoing move to abandon passenger vehicles in favor of SUVs, CUVs and pickups.