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First Drive: 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo

First Drive: 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo

Volkswagen delivered an all-new version of its compact Tiguan SUV earlier this year, but it was saving the best for last, at least for those looking for some serious performance. The 2026 VW Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo delivers a surprising 67 hp over the rest of the line-up, while also packing in an assortment of upscale features. Headlight.News has this review.

Slowing Sales Means We Won’t Be Seeing These EVs in the U.S.

Slowing Sales Means We Won’t Be Seeing These EVs in the U.S.

Ferrari on Thursday revealed details about its first battery-powered model, the Elettrica. But the Italian automaker is delaying a second EV. And it’s not alone. Ford has scrapped several all-electric models, while Nissan pulled the plug on the 2026 Ariya. Acura just ended production of the ZDX and Stellantis has abandoned the all-electric Ram REV. Those are among a growing list of planned EVs that no longer will make it into production — or will be substantially delayed. Here are some of the others.

It’s No Longer “If,” But “When” Chinese Automakers Will Crack Open the U.S. Market

It’s No Longer “If,” But “When” Chinese Automakers Will Crack Open the U.S. Market

Tariffs enacted by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump effectively closed the door on auto imports from China – only a few products now entering the U.S. But, despite the current hefty tariffs, observers expect that the Trump administration will soon open the American market up to Chinese products, while also encouraging manufacturers like BYD and Geely to set up U.S. manufacturing operations. While American motorists would likely welcome vehicles like the $20,000 BYD Dolphin, this could pose an “existential threat” to traditional automakers, reports Headlight.News.

Stellantis Finally Pulls Out of its Sales Slump – But Federal Shutdown Weighs Over the Entire Industry

Stellantis Finally Pulls Out of its Sales Slump – But Federal Shutdown Weighs Over the Entire Industry

Strong sales by the Jeep and Ram brands helped Stellantis reverse its long sales slide during the third quarter, even as Volkswagen faltered in the face of a challenging economy. While U.S. auto sales are running stronger than expected, analysts still worry about the impact of tariffs and the federal government shutdown in the months ahead.

All-Electric VW ID.Polo Debuting in Munich – and Ushers in a New, Less Confusing Naming Strategy

All-Electric VW ID.Polo Debuting in Munich – and Ushers in a New, Less Confusing Naming Strategy

While it’s slowed down the pace of EV rollouts, Volkswagen isn’t giving up on all-electric power and will debut a new battery version of the Polo at the Munich Auto Show next week. The little hatchback also will mark a transition in its naming strategy that VW hopes will make it easy for shoppers to figure out which EV is which. Headlight.News has more.

Automakers Hold Back on Tariff Price Hikes – For Now

Automakers Hold Back on Tariff Price Hikes – For Now

Pres. Donald Trump’s tariffs will add billions to the cost of manufacturing vehicles in the U.S., as well as importing products from abroad. So far, however, automakers have been reluctant to pass those higher costs onto consumers, fearing that could trigger a sharp downturn in demand. How long they can continue swallowing those higher costs remains to be seen. More from Headlight.News.

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is Fizzling Out

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is Fizzling Out

There was plenty of, well, “buzz” when Volkswagen officially launched sales of the ID.Buzz battery-electric van last year, bringing out a modern incarnation of its legendary microbus. But that hasn’t translated into robust demand, VW selling barely 400 Buzz models a month so far this year. A temporary stop-sale didn’t help, but there are other problems that may be short-circuiting demand for the EV. Headlight.News has more.

U.S. Auto Sales Stall as Trump Tariffs Take Hold

U.S. Auto Sales Stall as Trump Tariffs Take Hold

“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.

Expect to find Fewer Imports at Your Local Dealership as Trump Tariffs Take Hold

Expect to find Fewer Imports at Your Local Dealership as Trump Tariffs Take Hold

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 Pace of New Vehicle Development “Has Slowed to a Crawl” – Bad News for Buyers

The Pace of New Vehicle Development “Has Slowed to a Crawl” – Bad News for Buyers

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.

VW Planning “Massive” U.S. Investment, Says CEO Blume

VW Planning “Massive” U.S. Investment, Says CEO Blume

Facing potentially massive new tariffs on imported autos and auto parts, some manufacturers have begun planning ways to shift production to the U.S. That includes Volkswagen whose CEO said “massive” new investments could be coming – though a new court ruling could short-circuit such plans. More from Headlight.News.