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.
Car Culture
Trump Administration Sued by 17 States Over EV Charger Funding
The Trump administration’s denial of federal government support for electric vehicles is being challenged in court by attorneys general from 17 states. In the lawsuit led by California, the states contend the administration is withholding funding allocated to build vehicle charging infrastructure. Get details at Headlight.News.
Headlight News for the Week of 12-15-25
In the Headlight News podcast for this week, we cover everything from the pending drop in U.S. new vehicle sales for the next two years to the debut of the all-new Kia Seltos to Porsches bricking in Russia. We review the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and take a look back at this week in automotive history. Give us a listen.
A Week With: 2025 Ford Maverick XLT AWD
Back in 2018, Ford announced the axing of all its passenger cars — save one — to go all-in on trucks and SUVs. Along with that proclamation came the statement the company was also going big on electrification, which brings us to the 2025 Ford Maverick XLT AWD, its hybrid powertrain. So, is it all that, or does Ford’s smallest offering reflect the commission of an unforced error? Find out in our review at Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph
The luxury SUV market remains hot and highly competitive. This means there are plenty of compelling options in the segment, which is fantastic because luxury SUVs are among my favorite vehicles to drive — perhaps my most favorite. After a week with the all-new Infiniti QX60, nothing has changed when it comes to my preferences. Find out more at Headlight.News.
EU May Delay, Even Drop, Ban on Gas, Diesel-Powered Vehicles
There’s growing pressure on the European Commission to drop, or at least push back, a mandate that would see sales of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines banned by 2035. Among those calling for such a move are the leaders of Germany, Italy and Poland. Headlight.News has more.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 12-8-25
In this week’s episode of the Headlight News podcast, we talk about Kei cars, the Trump administration cutting fuel economy standards, the latest grades from Consumer Reports, Toyota’s new supercars, plus a review of the 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph as well as look back at this week in automotive history. Check it out and give us some feedback!
A Week With: 2025 Kia Niro EV Wave
The electric vehicle segment took a blow at the end of September, when the federal EV tax incentives disappeared. Not only did it chill new vehicle sales overall, it may also have slowed the ongoing development of the vehicles. There may be no better example than the 2025 Kia Niro EV Wave. Check out our review to see more.
Is There a Kei Car in Your Future? Pres. Trump Thinks So – But Would Buyers Bite?
They’re some of the smallest cars in the world and make up 40% of the Japanese domestic market. But could “Kei cars” find a niche here in the United States? That’s something Pres. Don Trump suggested this week as he announced a rollback of federal fuel economy standards. More from Headlight.News.
Toyota Rolls Out Three New Supercars, Starting with All-Electric Lexus LFA “Concept”
Toyota rolled out three high-performance models on Friday, with an option seemingly for everyone with deep enough pockets. That includes an all-electric “concept” set to return in production form as the long-awaited replacement for the Lexus LFA, as well as two V-8 packages from its Gazoo Racing subsidiary. Headlight.News takes a closer look.
Trump Moves to Gut Biden-Era Mileage Standards – But Challenges Likely
The Trump administration moved ahead with plans to gut fuel economy standards set by former Pres. Joe Biden – effectively eliminating any significant role for EVs. But the proposal is expected to face stiff challenges and may have little impact on the price of new vehicles, as Headlight.News reports.
Race Cars, Rockets and the New Acura RSX: Honda R&D Marks 50 Years in LA
Like its Japanese rivals, Honda Motor Co. struggled to understand how to grow in the U.S. market, a challenge that led it to set up a small research and development center in Los Angeles in 1975. A half-century later the automaker operates 21 separate R&D facilities across the U.S. where its designers and engineers are working on everything from race cars to rockets, along with some significant new vehicle programs. Headlight.News dropped into the main facility in the LA suburb of Torrance to check out what’s in the works.