At a time when new vehicle prices are reaching record levels and interest rates remain stubbornly high, despite the recent rate cut by the Federal Reserve, affordability is becoming a critical issue that could send U.S. auto sales into a tailspin in the months ahead.
Facing an uncertain economic environment that threatens to undermine demand for retail sales, including new vehicles, the Federal Reserve Board voted to cut interest rates. But it’s far from clear that will be enough to head off an automotive downturn worsened by anticipated tariff-driven price hikes. More from Headlight.News.
Strong sales of electric and electrified vehicles boosted overall U.S. auto sales during August, with manufacturers including Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Toyota and Ford Motor Co. and Honda reporting solid gains and, in some cases, record sales. More from Headlight.News.
In an abundance of caution, Hyundai has advised a small number of Ioniq 5 EV owners to park their vehicles outside and away from homes or other potential flammable items because of a risk of a battery-pack fire. It’s the latest in a series of recalls involving the all-electric crossover this year. More from Headlight.News.
There was plenty of, well, “buzz” when Volkswagen officially launched sales of the ID.Buzz battery-electric van last year, bringing out a modern incarnation of its legendary microbus. But that hasn’t translated into robust demand, VW selling barely 400 Buzz models a month so far this year. A temporary stop-sale didn’t help, but there are other problems that may be short-circuiting demand for the EV. Headlight.News has more.
While Ford may be doing well from a sales perspective this year, there’s another number it can’t be proud of. Detroit’s second-largest automaker launched 89 separate recalls during the first six months of 2025 – surpassing the previous full-year record set by General Motors. And there may be more coming. More from Headlight.News.
The Ram brand is launching what it bills as the industry’s “best” warranty on full-size trucks and vans, ranging from the 1500 pickup to the big 5500 Chassis Cab. More from Headlight.News
If you’re planning to buy an import vehicle anytime soon be prepared to wait. Dealers around the country are beginning to run short of some foreign-made models, according to recent reports, as manufacturers reduce shipments to the U.S. due to the Trump auto tariffs. And that could spell trouble for motorists, in general, as the slowdown also impacts foreign-made service and repair parts. More from Headlight.News.
It’s one of Hyundai’s best-selling model lines but that doesn’t mean the big Palisade SUV is immune from problems – or lawsuits. The Korean carmaker’s U.S. arm faces a class action claiming issues with the electronic brake controls on Palisade can make it difficult to stop the 3-row SUV. More from Headlight.News.
Ford Motor Co. issued a recall covering 1 million vehicles due to faulty backup cameras. The service action covers a baker’s dozen pickups and SUVs sold by the Ford and Lincoln brands. Some, but not all, of the affected models can be repaired remotely, according to the automaker. More from Ford.
In a nod to Pres. Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate narrowly voted to block California’s ability to set unique emissions rules, a move critics say weakens the ability to address climate change. A court battle will likely determine whether the state will be blocked from mandating a switch to EVs by 2035.
Volkswagen has been ordered to recall all of the new ID.Buzz microvans it’s sold in the U.S. because, says NHTSA, the third row is too roomy. According to the feds, that makes it too easy to squeeze a third passenger into the back row though it doesn’t have three seatbelts. That’s one of two new recalls that have forced VW to temporarily halt sales and deliveries of the new EV. Headlight.News explains.