In this week’s episode of the podcast, Truck maker Nikola goes bankrupt while trouble finds its way to Ford, GM, and Tesla. We also go for a spin in the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 before charging our batteries with This Week in Automotive History.
Hyundai
Here’s More on the VW Concept Hinting at a New, “Affordable” EV
Volkswagen released a pair of sketches showing off a new concept dubbed the ID.EVERY.1. They reveal the direction the German automaker plans to take when it launches a new, entry-level battery-electric vehicle in 2027. But what else have we learned about the show car and ID.1 production model to follow? Headlight.News has more.
Alef Takes Next Step — or Flight — in Development of Flying Car
Alef Aeronautics pushed ahead in the development of its flying car with a short test flight on a city street. The company’s prototype flew over another vehicle, simulating how a future driver might deal with blocked traffic. Find out more at Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Gets Longer-Range Battery, XRT Off-Road Package
Hyundai makes some welcome upgrades to the ioniq 5 for 2025, among other things introducing new, longer-range batteries and a charger port that can directly connect to the Tesla Supercharger network. There’s also the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT package for those who want light to moderate off-road capabilities. Here’s our review.
Automakers Make Major Strides in Preventing or Reducing Severity of Frontal Crashes
Automakers are using new forward-collision avoidance technology to great effect, a new study reveals, with 22 of 30 vehicles tested earning kudos from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. But a number of products from Detroit manufacturers fell short, reports 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.
EV Owners Getting More Places to Charge as Ionna Begins Expanding Chargeries
The primary complaint of electric vehicle owners and potential buyers has shifted from the lack of range to a lack of chargers. In the wake of that move, several companies are rushing to fill the void, including Ionna, which now moving from its public beta stage to a full-scale national expansion. Get details at Headlight.News.
Korean Brands Get Sales Boost in January
Korean automakers enjoy strong month in January, but Toyota sales stall as price increases loom and interest rate cuts are postponed. Get details at 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.
Toyota Again Tops Global Sales Charts
Toyota Motor Corp. remains the world’s best-selling automaker, having edged out competitors including Volkswagen, Hyundai Motor Group and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. But the Japanese giant still recorded a 3.7% decline in sales during 2024. How did other competitors do? More from Headlight.News.
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.
EV Sales Take Off in Fourth Quarter to Set New Records
Acceptance of electric vehicles continues to rise not just in the U.S. but around the world. One need only take a look at the 2024 sales numbers to see that buyers are more comfortable with potential EV-related shortcomings to enjoy the benefits of battery-powered vehicles. Get more details at Headlight.News.