In this week’s episode of the podcast we talk about soaring car sales, Honda and Nissan’s plans to merge, and even more problems for Tesla. We also review the Mini JCW Countryman and take a look at This Week in Automotive History
Automakers
Jimmy Carter, Dead at 100, Had Major Influence on Auto Industry
He may have had just one term in the White House but it came at a critical time for the nation, as a whole, and for the auto industry, in particular. Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 100 oversaw changes to automotive safety and emissions regulations. He was also in the Oval Office at a time of a major oil embargo, an assault by automotive imports and a time of reckoning for Detroit’s automakers – including the near collapse of Chrysler Corp.
A Week With: 2025 Mini JCW Countryman All4
Imagine a Mini with huge horsepower that retains all of the grippy, go-kart-like handling they enjoy but with room to carry a bunch of stuff? That would be awesome. Well, imagine no more, get yourself a 2025 Mini JCW Countryman All4. Get the details in our review at Headlight.News.
14 Models Driving Off Into the Sunset as 2024 Comes to a Close
Ashes to ashes, dust to rust. The life of an automobile is fairly limited. And the same can be said for automotive nameplates. With only the rarest exceptions, even the most popular badges have finite lives, as the Ford Model Y and Volkswagen Beetle proved. With the arrival of the 2025 model year there are still more nameplates set to drive off into the sunset, the Chevrolet Malibu being just one of the best-known examples. Here’s a look at some other product lines we won’t see going forward.
Auto Sales Expected to End Year on High Note – but 2025 Could See Momentum Stall
December has become one of the biggest car buying months of the year and this December should be something to remember. Sales are looking very healthy as carmakers spend lavishly on product promotions, interest rates dip and higher tariffs – and prices – appear on the horizon.
From the Heartland to the Pacific, Operation Frodo Rescues Nearly 2 Dozen Abandoned Dogs
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, but he has a bright red beard, rather than a snowy white one, and he began his annual trip a bit early this year, with a coterie of automotive journalists substituting for the usual elves, set to deliver 23 beagles rather than toys. I was one of those who made this year’s journey…and like the rest of my colleagues, it made for a unique and heartwarming holiday adventure.
Headlight News For The Week of 12-24-24 – Charger Daytona Review – Nissan and Honda Merge and More
In this week’s episode of the podcast we talk about the planned merger between Nissan and Honda, Tesla’s newest recall, and Honda teasing the Prelude hybrid and a new EV. We also go for a spin in the all-new Dodge Charger Daytona, and take a trip through This Week in Automotive History.
A Week With: 2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED)
True believers will tell you resurrections are quite inspirational. Perhaps it is with this in mind that the first version of the Fiat 500 to return to the U.S. marketplace after a five-year hiatus would be the 2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED). Check out our review at Headlight.News.
Q&A With: Stephan Winkelmann, CEO Automobili Lamborghini
A conversation on the future of Lamborghini in the face of electrification and troubles at parent company Volkswagen Group with the sports car brand’s CEO Stephan Winkelmann.
VW, Union Agree to Unprecedented 35,000 Job Cuts
In an unprecedented compromise, Volkswagen reached an agreement with its German labor union to cut as many as 35,000 jobs in Germany – though the automaker agreed not to order immediate layoffs or plant closures and dropped a demand for 10% wage cuts. The move avoided a mass walkout by members of the IG Metall union but is billed as a way to curb VW’s bloated labor costs, among the industry’s highest.
Honda to Take Lead in Planned Merger with Nissan
Honda and Nissan will merge under a new holding company, the automaker’s announced, confirming months of rumors, with the smaller of the Japanese automakers effectively taking control of the new alliance. Mitsubishi, which was rescued by Nissan in 2016, has yet to decide whether to become part of the alliance. And Renault, which bailed out Nissan in 1999, plans to determine what role it may have going forward.
Alfa Romeo Teases The Future of Stelvio SUV
Alfa Romeo prepares to jumpstart its push into the future as the brand releases new teaser video highlighting an updated design language.