The Kia EV3 was named World Car of the Year at the annual New York International Auto Show, with Volvo, Porsche, BYD and Volkswagen also nabbing five other awards. As Headlight.News reports, EVs, dominated.
Awards
Fewer Vehicles Qualify for This Year’s IIHS Top Safety Pick and Pick+ Awards
Nearly a third fewer vehicles qualified for awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety this year, compared to 2024. This reflects toughening crash test guidelines meant to protect rear-seat occupants. Headlight.News looks at which vehicles took IIHS’s coveted Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards this time around.
GM, Tesla Top Buyer Loyalty Charts as More Shoppers Buy What They Know
More new vehicle buyers remained loyal to their previous purchases in 2024 than the year prior, and General Motors and Tesla top the charts when it comes to owner retention efforts. That said, owner loyalty numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Jury Hits Ford with $2.5B Verdict in Georgia Super Duty Rollover Case
A Georgia jury awarded over $2.5 billion to the survivors of a couple who were killed in 2022 when their Ford Super Duty pickup rolled over. It’s a record award to come a Georgia court and one of the highest affecting an automaker in the U.S. Headlight.News has more....
First Drive: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Gets Longer-Range Battery, XRT Off-Road Package
Hyundai makes some welcome upgrades to the ioniq 5 for 2025, among other things introducing new, longer-range batteries and a charger port that can directly connect to the Tesla Supercharger network. There’s also the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT package for those who want light to moderate off-road capabilities. Here’s our review.
Report: Post-Pandemic Vehicle Dependability is a Real Problem
Millions of people appear to be suffering from problems dubbed “Long COVID.” Now, it seems, the vehicle you bought during the pandemic may have similar problems, according to J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Reliability issues have grown worse for vehicles produced during the worst of the COVID crisis.
Automotive Hall of Fame Announces an Unusually Diverse Lot to its Class of 2025
The Automotive Hall of Fame will add four new inductees this year recognizing “noteworthy individuals” who “helped shape” the automotive industry, motor sports world and retail market. The list includes an unusually diverse mix this year, ranging from the recently retired CEO of Daimler to the industry’s first woman test driver. Here’s a closer look.
Back to Basics at a Very Downsized Detroit Auto Show
Once one of the most important auto shows in North America, if not the world, the annual Motor City event returned to its original January schedule after a brief summer run. But what has been renamed the Detroit Auto Show is a mere fraction of the size of what it was during its glory days. Headlight.News looks at what has happened — and why.
An Icon Returns as VW ID.Buzz Wins North American Utility Vehicle of the Year – Here Are the List of Winners
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz took top honors as the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year on Friday morning during a ceremony marking the start of the annual Detroit Auto Show. As for the other winners? Headlight.News has the full story.
Ford Celebrates American Ingenuity with Mustang GTD Spirit of America Show Car
If you’ve got the floor all to yourself, why not do things with flair? That’s what Ford clearly had in mind when it crafted the Mustang GTD Spirit of American prototype that it unveiled ahead of the annual Detroit Auto Show on Thursday night. The red-white-and-blue exotic celebrates the achievement of Craig Breedlove, the one-time aerospace engineer who set an array of land speed records in a series of jet-powered racers.
Obituary: Writer, Editor, Skillful Raconteur and Legend Jean Jennings Passes Away at 70
Jean Jennings was a gifted storyteller who became one of the go-to authorities about the auto industry. Unfortunately, she was silenced by Alzheimer’s Disease, passing away this week at the age of 70. Headlight.News takes a look at her life.
Consumer Reports Has Some Big Surprises as it Hands Out its Annual Automotive Report Card
Ready to invest in a new car, truck or crossover? There are plenty of choices these days. But how do you know what’s right for you? Consumer Reports is offering a helping hand as it releases its Automotive Report Card. The annual study helps you figure out which brands and models are reliable, feature-loaded and fun to drive – and which products to steer close of. And this year’s report contains more than a few surprises.