The competition in China is getting tougher for General Motors. As a result, the automotive company is restructuring, including shutting down a plant that built a minivan and an SUV for the Chinese market. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Business
Nissan Teases Six Models As it Struggles to Reverse Sales, Earnings Slide
With its planned merger with Honda now likely dead, Nissan desperately needs to come up with the products that can help it head off a further decline in sales and earnings. It’s dropped a teaser showing some of what it now has in the pipeline ready to debut over the next two years – and the emphasis is on electrified drivetrain technology, with a Rogue PHEV, e-Power models and even a new Nissan Leaf in the works.
Honda Open to Resuming Talks with Nissan — If CEO Leaves
Two weeks after halting talks that would have resulted in some form of partnership between Honda Motor and its faltering rival, Nissan Motor, Honda officials say they’re willing to resume discussions. There is one caveat: current Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida needs to step down. Get details at Headlight.News.
Automakers Brace as Trump Promises New Tariffs on April 2
Automakers and auto buyers could face new import tariffs, based on comments made by Pres. Donald Trump. Such a move would drive up costs not only for foreign-made vehicles but likely also will impact many of those assembled in the U.S. as most of those rely on imported parts and components. With the average transaction price for new vehicles already near record levels, analysts warn, many buyers could be priced out of the market. And, with some trade partners already warning they would strike back with new tariffs of their own, U.S. auto exports may also take a big hit.
A Week With 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT
When there's heavy snow in the forecast, you want the Subaru Outback to be sure you get home safely. Our critic spent a week with the Touring XT trim package to see how it would handle and was greeted with a rare snow storm along the Oregon coast to check things out....
BMW’s New 3-Series EV Gets a “Heart of Joy”
BMW has an all-electric version of the venerable 3-Series in the works and, as with much of its upcoming line-up, the changes will be significant. And that doesn’t end with the switch to battery power. To make sure the 3-Series EV lives up to expectations, BMW has developed a “superbrain,” dubbed the “Heart of Joy,” that will help deliver the brand’s familiar driving experience. It’s offering some insight into what’s coming with the new BMW Vision Driving Experience concept vehicle. Here’s more.
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.
Losses Worsening, Nissan Cutting U.S. Production, Shutting 3 Global Assembly Plants, Trimming More Jobs
Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida announced a desperate new bid to reverse the company’s mounting losses after a planned merger with Honda collapsed. The second-largest Japanese automaker now plans to close three plants, reduce U.S. production and eliminate thousands of jobs. The announcement came as Uchida revealed still more losses for Nissan’s latest fiscal quarter.
Dogged by Conflict of Interest Concerns, State Dept. Appears to Back Off Purchase of $400 Million Worth of Armored Tesla Cybertrucks
The U.S. State Department on Wednesday appeared to back down on plans to purchase $400 million in armored Tesla Cybertrucks amids mounting questions about a conflict of interest considering the automaker’s CEO Elon Musk plays a major role in the new Trump administration. But it’s unclear from an updated procurement forecast whether authorities will switch to other vehicles or have simply obscured their purchase plans.
Republican FAIR Act Fails to Treat EV Owners Same as ICE-Vehicle Owners
A group of U.S. Senate Republicans proposed new legislation that would charge anyone who buys a new electric vehicle a $1,000 fee at the time of purchase. The stated goal is to off-set the lost federal gas tax revenue used to help maintain America’s roads and bridges. However, is it fair or one more attack by the party on EVs. Get details at Headlight.News.
EV Sales Could Flatten This Year as Trump, GOP Raise New Obstacles
EV sales appear likely to stagnate in 2025 in 2025, largely due to new roadblocks the Trump administration and Congress are ready to throw in the way, according to a new J.D. Power forecast. That could cause major headaches for automakers investing billions to bring more of the vehicles to market. But the research firm still sees demand rebounding later in the decade to the point where electric vehicles will account for more than a quarter of new vehicle sales.
Forget Tax Breaks, Republicans Want $1,000 Tax on Electric Vehicles
With the arrival of Donald Trump in the White House, many expect it’s simply a matter of time before the $7,500 tax credits for buying qualifying electric vehicles are history. However, some Republicans are moving in the opposite direction, calling for a one-time, $1,000 tax on new EVs. Find out why they may not be out of line at Headlight.News.