The Dodge Charger, Ford Maverick Lobo and Hyundai Palisade were the big winners Wednesday as a panel of 50 jurors announced their choices for North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year. Headlight.News has more.
Automakers
Ford Worker Suspended After Verbal Confrontation With Trump in Detroit
A Ford worker was suspended after calling Pres. Donald Trump a “pedophile protector” during a plant tour on Tuesday. Trump responded by flashing the worker the middle finger and twice declaring, “Fuck you.” The confrontation proved an embarrassment to Ford Chairman Bill Ford who had hoped to use the visit as a way to communicate the auto industry’s role in keeping the economy healthy. More from Headlight.News.
Honda Wants to “Revolutionize” the Small RV Market with its New Base Station
It’s small enough to fit in your garage but big enough to sleep four and keep everyone comfortable wherever you park it for the night. Honda says its new Base Station Prototype is flexible, affordable and could “revolutionize” the towable RV market.
Ford CEO Farley Suggests Sedans Could Improve Affordability
On the eve of the Detroit Auto Show, Ford CEO Jim Farley told reporters that the company is focused on improving vehicle affordability, and suggested bringing sedans back could be part of that effort. Find out more at Headlight.News.
The “Unapologetically Cool” New Bronco RTR Teams Up Ford and Vaughn Gittin Jr.
Vaughn Gittin Jr. is a self-described “professional fun-haver” and championship-winning drift and off-road driver. The good news is that he likes to share his adventures. Gittin has teamed up with Ford Motor Co. to create what the partners are describing as the new, “competition-inspired” Bronco RTR. Headlight.News has more.
Six Potentially Overlooked 2025 Models That Could be Good Deals in 2026
With 2026 models now starring in showrooms all around the country, this is a good time to pick up a deal on a “leftover” 2025. Here are six great choices you might not have considered that are well worth well giving a shot. Check out what you can get at Headlight.News.
Despite Slowdown, GM’s Barra Still Sees a “Path to an All-Electric Future”
Don’t write off EVs, not according to Mary Barra. The General Motors Chairman and CEO says her “path to an all-electric future” may take longer than expected but still believes motorists will come to recognize they’re better vehicles than those using internal combustion engines. Meanwhile, the 64-year-old executive told reporters she’s still enjoying her job, a subtle way of saying she’s not in a rush to retire, even though only one other executive in GM history was on the job as long. Headlight.News has more.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 1-12-26
The Headlight News podcast this week looks at the autonomous vehicles revealed at CES this week, plus Hyundai showing off the new robots that will build new cars in Georgia. It also previews the Detroit Auto Show, reviews the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla and more. Check it out!
Stellantis Killing Off its 4xe Plug-in Hybrids in the U.S. Market
Stellantis is phasing out the production of its 4xe technology in the North American market, even though it has two of the best-selling plug-in hybrids in its Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models. The automaker told Headlight.News it is shifting to “more competitive electrified solutions.”
Tesla Faces California Ban Over FSD Advertising
Tesla could lose access to the critical California market soon if it does not alter the advertising around its Full Self Driving, according to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. More from Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance Calligraphy Design AWD
As many automakers run from their commitments to electric vehicles, Hyundai appears to be firmly planted in the EV world. Its Ioniq lineup continues to grow, but with limited success. The design language of the group, which now includes the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance Calligraphy Design AWD, may be the root cause the ambivalence toward the vehicles. However, the interior makes up for plenty. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Lucid Launching Robotaxi with Uber – And Planning Full Level 4 Autonomy in Retail Models by 2029
Lucid has teamed up with ride-share leader Uber and tech supplier Nuro to get into the fast-emerging robotaxi market. But the automaker plans to take several steps beyond, launching a series of increasingly sophisticated autonomous technologies that will allow its next-gen EVs to operate in fully driverless mode by 2029. Headlight.News has more.