On this week’s Headlight News podcast, we cover how EV sales will be affected by $4 gas, Honda’s big financial hit, Mazda’s launch of the CX-5 hybrid and review the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Review.
*Daily News*
FTC Warns Dealers Over Illegal Ad Practices
It might seem easier than ever to do your homework before buying a new vehicle. Yet all too many motorists find that the prices they see in dealer ads aren’t necessarily what they’re told they’ll have to pay at the showroom. Now, the FTC is stepping in to keep retailers honest. More from Headlight.News.
Hyundai Issues Stop Sale for Two Top-Trim Palisades Models After Fatality
Hyundai told U.S. dealers to halt sales and deliveries of two of its top-trim Palisades models due to an apparent defect not linked to two injuries – including one leading to the death of a young child. Headlight.News has more.
A Week With: 2026 Mazda3 2.5 S Premium
With so much focus on Mazda’s midsize and large SUVs, it can be difficult to remember that it was smaller vehicles like the Mazda 626 sedan and 323 hatchback that put the brand on the map. If you’re looking for a little reminder of just how good Mazda’s legacy of compact hatchbacks is, spend a week with the 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 S Premium — with a 6-speed manual. See how we liked it at Headlight.News.
Starting At $45k, Rivian R2 Isn’t a Game-Changing “Affordable” EV – But it Delivers Plenty of Power for the Money
Rivian finally has given us the numbers we’ve been waiting for. It’s new, more mainstream EV comes in at a markedly lower price than the original R1 family. But at a base price of $45,000 – plus delivery fees, the R2 is not quite the “affordable” EV many potential customers have been hoping for. Still, for the money, even the base Rivian R2 delivers serious performance and features, reports Headlight.News.
These Are the EVs That Have Been Cancelled or Delayed — So Far
Honda revealed it’s canceling three battery-electric vehicles it planned to offer in the U.S. But it’s just the latest manufacturer pulling back on its EV program as sales plunge following the phaseout of federal tax credits last September. Headlight.News looks at other EV programs that have been cancelled or delayed.
Honda Scraps Plans for 3 U.S. EVs as it Warns of Potential $16 Billion Loss
Honda scrapped plans to bring three EVs to the U.S. market, joining a growing list of manufacturers shifting plans following the phase-out of federal tax credits last September. Honda executives also warned the company could post losses of up to $16 billion due to factors that also include the cost of U.S. tariffs. More from Headlight.News.
Chrysler Lives! 2027 Pacifica Minivan Gets Updates
The recent shuffle of top executives at Stellantis forced many to look again to see if Chrysler was still alive. If new leadership alone won’t assuage you, perhaps the arrival of the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica might. The updated offering gets tweaks worth checking out, which you can do at Headlight.News.
Mercedes Aims to Make Vans Cool Again – And It’s Not Alone
Mercedes-Benz officially unveiled its new VLE series and is determined to prove that minivans aren’t just for soccer moms anymore. If anything, the automaker wants you to think of this all-electric people-mover as a “grand limousine,” and it certainly delivers the appropriate ride and features. But Mercedes isn’t the only automaker recommitting to the minivan market, reports Headlight.News.
Muscling Through the Snow in the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan
If you own a muscle car, chances are you live where the weather’s usually warm and the roads dry. But Dodge is determined to win over skeptics in the Snowbelt, as well, with the newest entry in its lineup. Headlight.News took the automaker up on its challenge, heading to the northern wilds of New England to drive the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T sedan. Here’s our review.
Mazda Bets on Hybrids – But Still Sees Room for the Rotary Engine
Is there a rotary engine in Mazda’s future? The iconic Wankel engine just might stage a comeback … someday … says the automaker’s U.S. CEO. But expect to see a lot more hybrids in the near future, according to Jim Donnelly, starting with the home-grown powertrain in the next-gen CX-5 now reaching showrooms. More from Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 3-9-26
The Headlight News podcast examines if an energy shock is coming as hybrids set a new sales record. Overall, February new vehicle sales slowed. We examine the most fuel-efficient car brands in the U.S. while reviewing the new Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid. Give us a listen and some feedback!