Tesla’s second-quarter sales surged by more than 20%, far exceeding Wall Street expectations. But China’s BYD handily maintained its global lead in EV sales. And that sent Tesla shares on a sharp decline.
Awards
Maybe Quality is Job 1; After Years of Headaches, Ford Surges to the Top in 2026 JD Power IQS
Has Ford Motor Co. finally found the formula to fix its long-running quality headaches? That just might be the case based on the latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. The Detroit automaker had a huge drop in “things-gone-wrong” this year, handily besting its mainstream rivals and nearly reaching the top of the IQS quality chart overall. Headlight.News has more.
Which Cars Are the Most American-Made?
Automakers are coming under increasing pressure to move production to the U.S. – with hefty tariffs penalizing not only products imported from abroad but those built in the States using foreign parts. Which products are the most “American-made”? A new study finds Tesla and Jeep at the top of the list, though Japanese brands make up six of the top 10 spots, reports Headlight.News.
BMW iX3 Dominates World Car Awards
The BMW iX3 was the big winner at this year’s World Car Awards, taking both overall honors and a trophy in the best-EV category. Who else was honored this year? Headlight.News has more.
IIHS Reveals the Safest Vehicles You Can Buy
Today’s newest vehicles are, on the whole, safer than ever and even as it tightens its standards, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found 63 new models earning Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ ratings – up from 48 last year. Still, IIHS says automakers can yet improve their crash technology. More from Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2027 Kia Telluride Makes a Good Thing Better
It’s always a challenge making a good thing better. But that’s what Kia set out to do with the 2027 Telluride. The original model won an assortment of awards. And the Korean automaker is determined to score again with the second-generation SUV. Check out this review of the 2027 Kia Telluride to find out whether it’s succeeded.
Ford’s Recall of 4M Pickups, SUVs Underscores Industry’s Epidemic of Software Problems
Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 4 million pickups and SUVs due to a software glitch that can cause their brakes to stop working and turn signals to fail, along with other exterior lights. The problem underscores a new study that finds software-related problems have become one of the industry’s biggest headaches. More from Headlight.News.
Own an EV? Study Finds You’ve Got a 96% Chance of Trading in On Another
EV owners are becoming increasingly satisfied with their vehicles and, as a result, their likelihood of trading in for another all-electric model is nearly 100%, according to a new study by J.D. Power.
Consumer Reports Names its Top 10 Picks – and They’re All Electrified
Consumer Reports released its annual Top 10 Picks in New Cars, Trucks and SUVs and potential buyers might notice a theme running through them, all of the choices either a hybrid – or available as one – or an EV. Separately, the non-profit announced its first-ever “Safety Verdict,” ranking 29 automotive brands on a variety of factors. Who came out on top? Some surprises here, as well, reports Headlight.News.
Big Year Ahead: Ford Racing Reveals F1 Racer, Le Mans Hypercar
It’s going to be a big year for Ford Racing, the Detroit automaker’s motorsports arm on Thursday night revealing plans for an array of projects, starting with the reveal of the new F1 racer that will campaign under the Oracle Red Bull Racing flag this year using a new Ford hybrid powertrain. Ford, meanwhile, confirmed its returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a new hypercar. Headlight.News has more.
Dodge, Ford Hyundai Take Home Trophies as North American Car, Truck, Utility Vehicle Winners Revealed
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.
Buzz Kill: VW Says it Won’t Offer the 2026 EV Microbus in the U.S.
Volkswagen has decided not to offer the 2026 ID.Buzz microbus in the U.S., citing weak “market conditions” for the unexpected move. But it says it is “excited” about bringing back the all-electric van in 2027. Headlight.News has more.