On the Headlight News podcast this week, we talk about Stellantis finally getting a CEO, Tesla CEO Elon Musk being under fire for drug use and more industry happenings. Plus we throw in a review of the 2025 Chevy Equinox.
Executives
Musk Meltdown: Sex, Drugs and Mismanagement
A series of new headlines reveal how Tesla CEO Elon Musk made extensive use of drugs while working as head of the Dept. Of Government Efficiency. But his use of ketamine and other controlled substances began long before Musk began working for Pres. Donald Trump. And it has contributed to what many observers have seen as erratic personal behavior and corporate mismanagement. Headlight.News has more.
GM Chair Barra Named World’s Most Powerful Woman — Again
General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra’s earned plenty of accolades during her 10-plus-year tenure at the helm of the Detroit-based automaker. She’s earned another — again — topping Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women list. It’s the second straight year’s she’s topped the list. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Musk Says Driverless Tesla Model Y Deliveries Begin in June
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been promising a self-driving vehicle for years — and missed those targets for years. However, the time has arrived for him to make good on his word, he says, and the first set of driverless Teslas will be delivered in June. Get details in Headlight.News.
German Automakers Working on Tariff Deal with Trump Administration
Officials from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are reportedly in talks with the U.S. Department of Commerce to lessen the impact of the tariffs on European automakers shipping vehicles into the country. Get details at Headlight.News.
Antonio Filosa Named New Stellantis CEO
Stellantis has a new CEO. After a nearly 6-month search, Antonio Filosa steps into the vacancy created by the unexpected resignation of Carlos Tavares last December. The 51-year-old Filosa faces some serious challenges, including weak sales by key brands Ram and Jeep. He may also face the question of whether to abandon some of the 14 Stellantis brands, such as Chrysler and Fiat. More from Headlight.News.
Headlight News for the Week of 5-26-25
On the podcast this week we talk about Toyota revealing its new RAV4 as well as a few other surprises, plus Elon Musk’s return to running Tesla, the Wiener 500, a review of the 2026 Toyota bZ review and a trip through This Week in Automotive History.
Nissan Looks to Bolster Business with e-Power Hybrid Rogue SUV
As it looks for ways to raise sales in the U.S., its second-largest market, Nissan is focusing on its e-Power hybrid technology for its popular Rogue SUV. The technology is similar to using a range extender on an EV. Get details at Headlight.News.
Toyota Goes Into “Wait and See Mode”
With dozens of new models set to debut in the U.S. in the coming months, this should be a big year for Toyota. But the automaker’s plans have been put in a “wait and see mode,” as executives struggle to figure out how to respond to the new Trump import auto tariffs.The tariffs could bring more Toyota jobs to the U.S. – but they might also price some products out of reach, hammering sales. Headlight.News has more.
Musk Promises to Stay in Tesla Role for 5 Years, Cutting Back on Politics
Elon Musk is cutting back on political activity as Tesla pushes into autonomous vehicles, announcing plans to stay with the automaker as CEO for the next five years. Musk also said autonomy is the key to Tesla’s future, with its new CyberCab ready to roll next month.
Toyota Has a Dozen New Products Coming – And the Active Word is “Electrified”
This is going to be a big year for Toyota and its sibling Lexus brand. Look for two dozen new and refreshed models to reach showrooms in the coming months. As has become the norm for the two marques, the emphasis will be on “electrified” drivetrains, including at least five EVs. But there’ll also be something to satisfy classic gearheads, as well. More from Headlight.News.
Is Toyota Hoping for a Bargain in Nissan?
Everyone loves a deal, and apparently, when it comes to Nissan, Honda wasn’t the only one kicking the tires — Toyota reportedly had some interest. According to reports, after the talks with Honda collapsed, a Toyota executive had discussions with Nissan officials. Find out more at Headlight.News.