In this week’s episode of the podcast, we talk about Trump’s tariffs and how they affect the automotive industry. We also highlight how many automakers are rethinking their EV plans amid changing market conditions.
Tesla
Autonomous Driving Tech Plans Helping Some, Cursing Others in Auto Industry
Not long after General Motors revealed it was getting of its autonomous driving subsidiary, Cruise, Waymo is expanding the number of its testing cities and Tesla CEO Elon Musk made the technology part of his rosy forecast for 2025. Will self-driving cars make it or not? Get details at Headlight.News.
Tesla Earnings Miss Targets, Stock Rallies on Future Promises
After reporting its first-ever year-over-year sales decline, Tesla Inc. fell short Wall Street analysts’ expectations, but after-hours investors seemed happy with the overall message from the EV maker, pushing the stock up in post-bell trading. Get details at Headlight.News.
Lucid Reveals Gravity Now Standard with Tesla Supercharger Port and New Powertrain
Lucid’s long-awaited second vehicle, the Gravity SUV, comes with a few surprises now. The company revealed the ute is capable of traveling 450 miles on a charge with 400 kW fast charging. Perhaps most importantly, starting Jan. 31, it will use the NACS as its standard charging port, gaining access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
First Drive: Jeep Wagoneer S Electrifies on First Drive
The new Jeep Wagoner S marks a major milestone for the Stellantis off-road brand as its first global all-electric vehicle. The 2-row SUV made its debut in New York last May but we’ve only now gotten a chance to see whether it can deliver on all its promises. To find out, Headlight.News headed out to San Diego this past weekend to put the electric Jeep through its paces.
2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Starts at $59,990, Arrives in March
Tesla confirms the 2025 Model Y Juniper will arrive in showrooms this March with a starting price of $59,990 as the revamped crossover attempts to reassert itself in the marketplace. But will CEO Elon Musk’s venture into high-level politics impact sales of the eagerly awaited Model Y makeover.
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.
Next-Generation Tesla Model Y Ready for China
Much like the update on the Model 3 last year, the new look for the Model Y in China is evolutionary on outside with upgrades keeping with consumer demand on the inside. Get more details at Headlight.News.
Honda’s New 0-Series EVs will Sport Edgy Styling, Offer Hands-Free/Eyes-Off Automation
Honda rolled out a pair of all-electric concept vehicles at CES this week, updating the two prototypes it brought to Las Vegas a year ago. And, it says, the 0 Series Saloon and SUV are close to the final production models that will roll into U.S. showrooms in 2026. Beyond the edgy styling, buyers will be offered a digital operating system borrowed from Honda’s ASIMO robot – and the ability to drive hands-free while texting or even watching videos.
Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz Says Friendship Between Trump and Musk Is Positive For Carmakers
Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz is not concerned about the friendship between Trump and Musk and says it can benefit all automakers as analysts predict gloomy times are coming.
Feds Investigating 2.6 Million Smart Summon-Equipped Teslas
In response to a complaint and three media reports, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation opened a probe into the 2.6 million vehicles equipped with Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon and Smart Summon technologies. Get details at Headlight.News.
Q&A: Gary Shapiro: High-Tech Autos Take the Stage at CES 2025
Computers, TVs, drones, “smart” appliances, digital cameras. If those are the things you think of when someone mentions “consumer electronics,” you’re not alone. But you should add automobiles to the list as, these days, they’re starting to look more like smartphones on wheels. Indeed, high-tech “mobility” is one of the big topics at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. To get a sense of what we can expect at CES 2025, Headlight.News spoke to Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, the trade group sponsoring the annual event.