Facing the prospect of being banned from the largest EV market in the U.S., Tesla has stopped using the name, Autopilot, on the vehicles it sells in California. It’s also updated the name of its more advanced Full Self-Driving system.
Autonomous Vehicles
Ford Getting Chatty with Chinese Automakers
Ford CEO Jim Farley’s recent positive comments about China’s growing EV fleet may have been the catalyst for talks with some Chinese automakers about potential production partnerships. Headlight.News has details.
First Look: 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is Far More than the Typical “Mid-Cycle Refresh”
It’s industry norm to make some changes midway through a vehicle’s lifecycle, though the updates are typically modest. Not so the “refresh” coming with the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. According to the automaker’s CEO, more than 2,700 components have been replaced, with updates to everything from its new “Digital Light” headlamps to its MB.OS supercomputer – and it even gets industry-first heated seatbelts. More from Headlight.News.
Falling Sales, Readying for Cybercab Crimps Tesla 2025 Earnings
Tesla faced plenty of headwinds in 2025, and the company’s revenue and profits took a hit as a result. Despite the declines, the company offered its shareholders glass-half-full guidance for 2026, and the stock rose in after-hours trading. Get the story at Headlight.News.
Volvo EX60 Debuts Today
Volvo is rolling out its next all-electric entry, the EX60, and introduces the new Gemini AI technology. It also will offer more than 400 miles range and fast charging. Here’s more of what Headlight.News has learned so far.
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!
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.
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.
Hyundai’s New Atlas Robot is Being Trained to Build Cars – But Could Eventually Do Your Dishes, Too
Is there a robot in your future? What was once the stuff of sci-fi appears to be moving ever closer to reality, or so it would seem at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show where Hyundai is showing off its new Atlas model. While the humanoid cyborg will initially find use in the company’s factories, future versions could find a place in your home.
The Top Auto Stories of 2025
Trump, tariffs and trade barriers. EVs disconnected. Autonomy and hackers. Elon Musk’s very good/very bad year. And affordability. Oh, yes, 2025 brought a series of significant developments to the automotive market. Here are the top 5 stories from the past year as picked by Headlight.News editors.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 12-22-25
On the Headlight News podcast for the Week of 12-22-25 we cover Ford killing the Lightning, the end of the line for the Ford Escape, the last Jaguar gas-powered model, Trump sued over EV chargers, a review of the new Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ and the Week in Auto History. Check it out.