September turned into an unexpectedly good month for the auto industry, sales exceeding gloomy expectations. The numbers were boosted not only by demand for high-mileage hybrids but strong sedan sales, as Headlight.News reports.
Consumer Guides
As Gas Prices Approach All-Time High, Trump Administration Slashes Federal Mileage Standard
The Trump administration has slashed federal fuel economy targets for 2031 by more than 30%. The White House says the move could save over $60 billion. But the move comes at a time when fuel prices are approaching all-time highs and are already threatening to boost the average motorist’s fuel bills by $1,000 or so annually. More from Headlight.News.
5-Minute EV Charging is Here – Well, in China, Anyway
Imagine plugging in an EV with a nearly drained battery and having it ready to go again in less time than it takes to get in and out of your favorite coffee shop. That’s a reality, at least in China, where Geely this week revealed its latest high-speed charging system.
Nissan Z Kaze Concept Hints at a New Open-Top Look for the Iconic Japanese Sports Car
What’s a sports car without an open air option? That’s a question a lot of Nissan fans have been asking since the automaker ended production of the ragtop 370Z six years ago. Could it be set to return? The Nissan Z Kaze Concept may offer a hint of what’s to come.
Used Car Prices Are Also Stretching the Limits of Affordability
Posted: 9/22/26
Millions of American motorists have been priced out of the new car market. But even if they settle for something previously owned they could find it straining their budget, affordability just as much of a problem in the used vehicle market these days. More from Headlight.News.
Screwed: The Fed Rate Hike Adds to the Mounting Misery of Automakers and Auto Buyers Alike
Screwed: The Fed Rate Hike Adds to the Mounting Misery of Automakers and Auto Buyers Alike
Ford Adds More Affordable Options, Increases V-8 Availability with 2027 F-150
At first glance it may not look like Ford has done much to the 2027 F-150. But a closer inspection reveals plenty of updates, including more V-8 options, more affordable entry packages, and a big upgrade to the hands-free BlueCruise system. Ford is also expanding its ties to Carhartt. More from Headlight.News.
Hyundai Takes Things to Extremes with Big Push into Both Off-Road and Performance
If you think of Hyundai as a purveyor of plain vanilla products you could be in for a surprise. As it prepares its biggest expansion program ever the Korean automaker plans to take things to extreme, with an expanding lineup of both off-road and performance models. More from Headlight.News.
Diesel Hits an All-Time Record and It’s Going to Cost Every American Consumer
The cost of diesel is up 57% since the start of the Iran War, hitting an all-time high on Friday. That’s a problem when 80% of U.S. freight goes out using diesel-powered trucks, trains, ships and barges.
Ford Teases All-Electric Fathom Pickup Driving Down Las Vegas Strip
Hoping to build momentum ahead of the new Fathom pickup’s launch next year, Ford CEO Jim Farley has posted a handful of images showing a camouflaged version of the EV making its way along the neon-lit Las Vegas Strip. Headlight.News has more on Ford Fathom.
Who Says EVs Are Dead? Not China – or Norway, Germany, Mexico and Even Ethiopia
It’s easy to write off EVs, at least if you live in the U.S. where sales and market share have tumbled since federal tax credits phased out last September. It’s a very different story in a number of other global markets, starting with China where pure electric models now account for a third of all sales. More from Headlight.News.
Hybrids Continued to Power Up U.S. Auto Sales in August
Overall new vehicle sales held up in August thanks to the growing popularity of hybrids, which have served as a shield from increasingly troubling economic news.