The 2025 Kia Niro continues to soldier on with mild updates but changes to its pricing ladder have allowed the Niro to become the cheapest hybrid SUV in America as the Korean car giant prepares to accelerate its transition to electrification.
Automakers
Over-the-Air Updates Paying Off for Millions of Motorists
Most of today’s new vehicles come equipped with the capability of handling smartphone-style over-the-air updates. It’s paying off in multiple ways, allowing manufacturers to update EV range, the fuel economy of gas vehicles, add features to infotainment systems and improve safety systems. But OTA capabilities vary widely from one vehicle to another.
Driver Satisfaction with Auto Industry Improves Slightly
Despite dealing with a variety of difficult issues during the past year, a new study shows customer satisfaction with the automotive industry inched upward. The American Customer Satisfaction Index Automobile Study showed small brands made the difference in a 1% year-over-year improvement. Find out more at Headlight.News.
BMW Reportedly Launching Hydrogen Car In 2028
BMW confirms that it’s preparing to enter the hydrogen fuel cell wars with a fuel-cell entry of its own. The new model would benefit from the company’s existing partnership with Toyota and potentially enter the market in 2028.
Ford Enjoys Massive Sales Spike in August
Ford Motor Co. reported an impressive 13.4% jump in sales last month. Like many automakers, the company’s sales efforts this summer were throttled by the cyberattack on dealer management software and other factors. However, the company made up for lost time in August. Get details at Headlight.News.
Volkswagen’s Finance Chief Confirms Company Has ‘One, Maybe Two Years’ To Turn Things Around
Volkswagen’s ongoing challenges have apparently reached critical mass with the company confirming that the Volkswagen brand has only a few years remaining to turn things around before it reaches the point of no return. Stunning admission comes as the company continues to navigate its way through challenging times.
Think EVs Are Expensive? Check the Cost of the Average a Plug-In Hybrid
As the growth of EV sales has slowed in recent months, automakers have begun looking at electrified alternatives, many betting that plug-in hybrids will become a “bridge” technology for motorists not quite ready to commit to an EV. But if you think battery-electric vehicles are expensive you may be shocked by what the typical PHEV costs – an average of more than $60,000. Then again, there are a few surprisingly affordable one.
Volvo Unveils Revamped 2025 XC90, Second Facelift Brings New Vigor to Aging SUV
The Volvo XC90 is approaching its 10th year in production and while the EX90 EV is helping Volvo enter the flagship EV SUV market. the gas-powered XC90 is far from dead with the unveiling of the refreshed 2025 model.
August Brought Unexpectedly Strong Auto Sales – Boosted by EVs
Solid sales gains in August point to a robust finish for the year as fear of a recessions in the auto business recede, interest rate cut looms on the horizon, and buyers take a closer look at hybrids and newer EVs. Sales of new cars and trucks continued to gain...
Volvo Pushes Back Deadline to Be Fully Electric to 2040
Swedish-based Volvo Cars became the latest automaker to take a hard look at its commitment to become an all-electric vehicle maker and decide it couldn’t do it. Find out why and what it is going to do to at Headlight.News.
Scout Reborn: All-Electric Brand Set to Reveal First Products Next Month
More than two years after Volkswagen AG revealed it was taking over the long-defunct Scout, the reborn off-road brand is set to reveal its first two all-electric products. And these teaser images give us a sense of what’s coming on October 24.
Headlight News For The Week of 9-2-2024 – GM Sued Again – Shakeup at Polestar – Fire At Rivian – Volvo EX90 Review and More –
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we discuss GM's latest court battle, the fire at Rivian's plant, and a surprise shakeup at struggling EV maker Polestar. We also review the 2024 Volvo EX90 before making a detour to take a look at This Week in Automotive...