Sell or be killed. When talking about electric vehicles, that’s likely going to be the criteria for survival for the near future. Hyundai is doing just that, confirming the demise of an EV in its portfolio. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Government
Automakers – and Auto Buyers – Soon Could Be in For Tariff Refunds
A federal judge Thursday delivered a stinging defeat to the White House, ruling U.S. importers are “entitled to benefit” from the Supreme Court’s own decision tossing out Pres. Trump’s import tariffs. In other words, those who paid those illegal duties are due refunds. That includes the estimated $25 billion the U.S. auto industry paid out. Will they collect? And will they pass on any money to auto buyers? More from Headlight.News.
Energy Crisis Looming? Iran War Threatens to Freeze Oil Shipments Through Key Waterway Even as Gas Prices Surge
Fear is beginning to set in on oil markets around the world as Iran strikes back after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks over the weekend. Insurers are refusing to cover shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz while Iran is upping its own drone and missile strikes on tankers and Mideast energy infrastructure. Petro prices are surging on markets as experts and traders try to determine just how much of a disruption to energy supplies could be in store, reports Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 3-2-26
On this week’s edition of the Headlight News podcast, we look at the impact of the surge in oil prices, plus we look at the latest problem plaguing the auto industry: software glitches. Additionally, talk about no bonuses or profit sharing at Stellantis as well as reviewing the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5.
Iranian War Triggers Energy Price Surge, Fear of Shortages
Five decades after the Iranian revolution led to a series of global energy shocks, Pres. Donald Trump’s attack on Iran is raising global concerns of a new petro-crisis, oil prices surging on Monday, with experts warning that a shutdown of the critical Strait of Hormuz could create widespread shortages. More from Headlight.News.
Honda Tops Government’s Most Efficient List — For Gas-Powered Cars
Consumers consider a number of factors when buying a new vehicle. Price, color, body style, and powertrain are just some of the considerations. However, if fuel economy is at the top of your list and you don’t want an EV, start with a Honda. Find out why at Headlight.News.
Automakers May Catch a Break as Trump Launches New Tariffs – But Consumers Aren’t So Lucky
The auto industry may be getting a bit of a reprieve from the latest round of tariffs enacted by Pres. Donald Trump following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision announced last Friday finding most of his early import duties were illegal. But automakers and auto suppliers still face earlier tariffs on imported vehicles, parts and metals not covered by the court’s ruling. And that means auto buyers will continue to pay substantially inflated prices at a time when many potential customers have been driving out of the market. More from Headlight.News.
Inflation Hits Auto Insurance; Rates are Up and So Are Deductibles
“Affordability” is a big concern for car buyers these days. But whether you’re buying something new or hanging onto a jalopy you’re owned for years, the cost of insurance is going up, and as rates and deductibles climb less affluent customers feel more pain.
Trump Administration Moves to Kill Auto Stop/Start Technology
The Trump administration has moved to kill another fuel-saving technology, this time ending the credits automakers get for adding “auto stop/start” features to their vehicles. The head of the EPA described as “universally hated,” though many motorists credit the technology for substantial improvements in fuel economy. Headlight.News has more.
Pres. Trump Threatens to Block Opening of $5.9B Gordie Howe Bridge – Critics Cry Foul, Call it a Political Favor
President Trump is threatening to block the opening of a new bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario eagerly sought by the auto industry. The president points to his escalating debut with Canada but critics see a political favor for a major GOP donor who owns a rival span across the Detroit River. Headlight.News has more.
Ford Worker Who Heckled Trump Back on the Job – and With a Bigger Bank Account
A worker at the Ford F-150 plant who heckled Pres. Donald Trump during a tour last week is back on the job despite the president telling him he would be “fired.” And TJ Sabula comes away from the widely covered incident with at least $800,000 raised through two GoFundMe campaigns.
Ford Getting Chatty with Chinese Automakers
Ford CEO Jim Farley’s recent positive comments about China’s growing EV fleet may have been the catalyst for talks with some Chinese automakers about potential production partnerships. Headlight.News has details.