In this week’s episode of the podcast, we talk about Trump’s tariffs and how they affect the automotive industry. We also highlight how many automakers are rethinking their EV plans amid changing market conditions.
EVs and batteries
Trump Tariffs Threaten Auto Industry’s Vast Manufacturing System and Could Mean a Big Hit for Buyers
Pres. Donald Trump has warned he may announce tariffs of up to 25% against two major trade partners, Canada and Mexico, as early as Saturday, February 1. Additional tariffs targeting China may also be announced. The potential impact could be felt far and wide — especially in the auto industry, with manufacturers facing a threat to profits and consumers facing the risk of higher prices. Some familiar vehicles could also disappear from the market, especially entry-level models.
Autonomous Driving Tech Plans Helping Some, Cursing Others in Auto Industry
Not long after General Motors revealed it was getting of its autonomous driving subsidiary, Cruise, Waymo is expanding the number of its testing cities and Tesla CEO Elon Musk made the technology part of his rosy forecast for 2025. Will self-driving cars make it or not? Get details at Headlight.News.
Feds Pump The Brakes On New Fuel Economy Regulations
The U.S. Department of Transportation orders the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration to stop implementing new fuel economy regulations in an attempt to lower new car prices but raises new questions as well.
VW Pulls the Plug on U.S. Version of the ID.7 EV
Volkswagen is the latest automaker to back off on its EV roll-out. The automaker told Headlight.News that “due to the ongoing challenging EV market” it has scrapped plans to introduce the ID.7 sedan to the U.S. market – though it will continue to be offered in Europe, China and a number of other markets.
Tesla Earnings Miss Targets, Stock Rallies on Future Promises
After reporting its first-ever year-over-year sales decline, Tesla Inc. fell short Wall Street analysts’ expectations, but after-hours investors seemed happy with the overall message from the EV maker, pushing the stock up in post-bell trading. Get details at Headlight.News.
Better Range, more Power, Lower Price for 2026 BMW iX
BMW is making some big news with the 2026 update of its battery-electric iX. The crossover will arrive in showrooms mid-year with a new base package that comes in about $10,000 less than the outgoing package. And while the 2026 BMW iX may not get much in the way of design changes, the “mid-cycle” refresh does deliver what EV buyers are most likely to appreciate: better range and improved performance.
Honda Reportedly Developing $30k EV, WIll Be Sold In U.S.
Honda reportedly building new mass-market sub-$30,000 EV to try and bring EVs to the masses.
GM Stock Plummets Despite Beating Wall Street Targets
General Motors finished 2024 strong. It beat analysts’ estimates for nearly every metric they examine. So why is the Detroit-based automaker watching its stock slide nearly 10% in the wake of all that positive news? Ignoring the obvious. Get details at Headlight.News.
Lucid Reveals Gravity Now Standard with Tesla Supercharger Port and New Powertrain
Lucid’s long-awaited second vehicle, the Gravity SUV, comes with a few surprises now. The company revealed the ute is capable of traveling 450 miles on a charge with 400 kW fast charging. Perhaps most importantly, starting Jan. 31, it will use the NACS as its standard charging port, gaining access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Alfa Romeo Pivots Away From All EV Lineup Towards Hybrids
Alfa Romeo confirms it’s moving away from an all-electric vehicle lineup as collapsing sales and other problems force the Italian automaker to pivot in an attempt to reach out to more customers.
Jeep Boss Intends to “Grow the Brand Back”
Jeep is making one of the riskiest moves in its storied history, rolling out its first global EV, the Wagoneer S. It will be followed by a flood of new models this coming year, part of a push by the off-road marque to “grow the brand back” after several unexpectedly disappointing years. Headlight.News looks at what Jeep has coming and how it will face its ongoing challenges.