“The party’s over,” said one key analyst. While domestic carmakers reported a modest upturn boost in sales for June, the U.S. auto market largely stalled out as buyers began pulling back due to price increases caused by the Trump tariffs on imported autos and auto parts. Headlight.News has more on the winners and losers.
Looking for the brands delivering the highest levels of initial quality? Lexus and Nissan rose to the top in this year’s J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, while General Motors had more top-ranked models than any other manufacturer. There were some surprises in this year’s IQS by Jaguar and Ram. But, yet again, motorists pointed to onboard technology as the biggest source of trouble. More from Headlight.News.
Expect to spend nearly $2,000 more for your next vehicle due to the Trump administration’s tariffs on imported autos and auto parts, automakers expected to pass on most of the $30 billion in higher costs they’ll face, according to a new study, But that could result in 1 million fewer sales this year, while some foreign-made vehicles will likely vanish from U.S. showrooms because they’ll be priced out of reach, reports Headlight.News.
The original Nissan Leaf was a game-changer. But while battery-electric vehicles today have a significant presence in the global automotive market, the Japanese EV has become little more than an afterthought. Rather than walking away, however, a completely new, third-generation Nissan Leaf today made its debut. And the automaker is betting its longer range, improved performance – and a shift to an SUV body style – will help it regain traction in today’s market. More from Headlight.News.
If you’re planning to buy an import vehicle anytime soon be prepared to wait. Dealers around the country are beginning to run short of some foreign-made models, according to recent reports, as manufacturers reduce shipments to the U.S. due to the Trump auto tariffs. And that could spell trouble for motorists, in general, as the slowdown also impacts foreign-made service and repair parts. More from Headlight.News.
The number of all-new models coming to market over the next four years is predicted to drop sharply as manufacturers around the world cut back on investments. That will be particularly obvious in the EV market as the industry shifts back to internal combustion, according to the latest annual “Car Wars” study.
Nissan plans to scrap the Versa. It’s not only the cheapest vehicle in the automaker’s line-up but the lowest-priced model offered in the U.S., period. The Trump tariffs are one of the key reasons for this decision, reports Headlight.News, noting the entire entry auto market could vanish.
As it looks for ways to raise sales in the U.S., its second-largest market, Nissan is focusing on its e-Power hybrid technology for its popular Rogue SUV. The technology is similar to using a range extender on an EV. Get details at Headlight.News.
Everyone loves a deal, and apparently, when it comes to Nissan, Honda wasn’t the only one kicking the tires — Toyota reportedly had some interest. According to reports, after the talks with Honda collapsed, a Toyota executive had discussions with Nissan officials. Find out more at Headlight.News.
This week’s podcast discusses Nissan’s ongoing struggles despite making a change at the top of the automaker. We also chronicle President Trump’s tariffs, rising EV sales, thieves hitting Ford plants as well as a review of the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Check it out!
With two key models set to go away late this year, Infiniti clearly can use new product and that’s where the next-generation QX60 comes in. The midsize, three-row SUV gets a new look for the 2026, new technology – including the hands-free ProPilot Assist system – and a first-ever Sport edition. Headlight.News checks out the 2026 Infiniti QX60.
Pres. Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported autos and auto parts were intended to bring manufacturing and jobs back to the United States but, at least for now, the plan appears to be backfiring. Though a number of automakers are looking at ways to bring new vehicle production to the States, a new study shows that the industry will sharply reduce output in North America this quarter. And that, in turn, raises the prospect of U.S. auto jobs cuts. More from Headlight.News.