In the time after U.S. voters chose a new president last November, what will happen to the U.S. auto industry has been the subject of conjecture with some going on instinct and others, like the Dave Cantin Group and Kaiser Associates, taking a more data-oriented approach. EVs grow, Korean makers gain, truck sales flatten are just some of what they suggest will happen this year. Get details at Headlight.News.
Dealers and Service
Back to Basics at a Very Downsized Detroit Auto Show
Once one of the most important auto shows in North America, if not the world, the annual Motor City event returned to its original January schedule after a brief summer run. But what has been renamed the Detroit Auto Show is a mere fraction of the size of what it was during its glory days. Headlight.News looks at what has happened — and why.
VW’s Cupra Brand Comes a Step Closer to Entering the U.S. Market
Months after Volkswagen revealed interest in bringing its sporty Cupra brand to the U.S. market it has taken a critical step closer to making that happen before the end of the decade. It’s begun talks with the Penske Automotive Group which could partner on the launch.
Ford Facing Two New Investigations into Handling of Recalls
Less than a week after federal safety regulators hit Ford with one of the largest fines in automotive history, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched two new investigations into the way the automaker has handled some recent recalls.
Car Buyers At Risk as Trump Prepares to Roll Back Consumer Protection Rules
Bait-and-switch, hidden fees and other dealer scams could proliferate under the incoming administration of Donald Trump, experts warn, as the president-elect signals plans to eliminate or scale back various consumer protection rules.
Jeep Slashes Prices on Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer to Counter Weak Demand
Been eyeing one of the Jeep Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer models but turned off by the high price tag? Then you’ll likely appreciate the automaker’s decision to slash prices by as much as $7,000 on new 2025 models – though you also can expect retailers to start offering good deals on leftover 2025 SUVs.
October Auto Sales Rebound – Driven by Surging Korean Brands
U.S. auto sales rebounded from a September lull. Though, with an uncertain election looming over the country, automakers posted relatively modest gains in October, largely driven by surging South Korean automakers.
Scout’s Direct-to-Buyer Sales Plan Sets Off Dealer Backlash
Auto dealers are ready to go to war with Scout Motors over the new brand’s plan to sell directly to customers without using franchised retailers. Scout is also planning to build separate service centers, which are emerging a key part of the EV landscape.
Forget Hurricane Milton, Car Buyers Are Underwater All Over the Country
If you’ve bought a new car recently you’re well aware of how much vehicle prices have risen over the last decade. In many cases, that’s pricing many potential buyers out of the market. But others are simply taking a deep breath and signing up for hefty loans. The problem is that they may find they’re “underwater” when they next go to trade in – owing more than the vehicle is worth.
For Tesla Cybertruck, 10 Months Bring 5 Recalls
Tesla announced a recall covering more than 27,000 vehicles. More precisely, 27,185 Cybertrucks. This marks the fifth time the all-electric pickup has faced a safety-related callback since the first dozen Cybertrucks were handed over to customers by Tesla CEO Elon Musk at the end of November 2023. And it comes at a time when Tesla has had more recalls than any other automaker.
Used Car Buyers Beware: Hurricane Helene Could Flood Market With Water-Damaged Vehicles
Hurricane Helene delivered a record punch this past week, leaving a trail of destruction from Florida’s Big Bend to the western mountain towns of North Carolina. And the impact could be felt much further away. If past natural disasters are any indication, thousands of flood-damaged vehicles could wind up being repaired just enough to put them out on the used car market. And unsuspecting buyers could be in for some major problems.
GM Recalling 450,000 SUVs, Pickups For Potential Brake Problem
General Motors will recall 449,671 pickups and SUVs due to faulty software that can lead to a failure of their brake fluid warning lights. The good new is that GM will use smartphone technology to make the repairs.