This week’s podcast includes: the return of the Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Xterra, Ford CEO Jim Farley and the 1,000-hp SUV, a review of the Kia Sportage Hybrid and more. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Government
EV Sales Set to Slide as Fed Tax Credits Expire – Forcing Desperate Automakers to Roll Out Big Deals
EV sales will “flatten considerably” once federal tax credits expire at the end of September, according to a new study. Even with more affordable models coming to market, EV market share will be nearly half what was previously expected before Congress voted to eliminate the incentives. Hoping to clear out inventory before then, automakers have launched a variety of deals that could put some buyers behind the wheel of an EV for less than $100 a month. More from Headlight.News.
Penske Pushes Back as ICE Uses IndyCar to Promote New Immigration Detention Center
If you’re setting up a new immigrant detention center in the Indiana capital, why not link it to what the city is most famous for? That, at least, was the apparent idea at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security which marked the opening of its “Speedway Slammer” with a doctored image showing an IndyCar racer in front of the facility. That hasn’t gone down well with Roger Penske and his IndyCar series. More from Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 8-18-25
The Headlight News podcast discusses EV sales and charger expansion, Ford’s new cheap EV plan, and reviews the 2025 Genesis G80 and more. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Global EV Sales Growth Rising Despite Sluggish Q2 Numbers
New data from research firm Rho Motion reveals that EV sales globally slowed in the second quarter of the year, with. automakers selling 1.6 million EVs in July, which is a 9% decline from May. However, overall numbers are up 27% for 2025. Find out more at Headlight.News.
More Muscle, More Choices – Jeep Opening the Performance Floodgate
Look for more powertrain options from Jeep going forward – with an emphasis on muscle, brand officials said Thursday. That includes the return of the 6.4-liter Hemi Hellcat engine while development of even more new performance “projects are already underway.” Jeep buyers also will get new opportunities to customize their vehicles when it comes to color, features and more, reports Headlight.News.
Automakers Hold Back on Tariff Price Hikes – For Now
Pres. Donald Trump’s tariffs will add billions to the cost of manufacturing vehicles in the U.S., as well as importing products from abroad. So far, however, automakers have been reluctant to pass those higher costs onto consumers, fearing that could trigger a sharp downturn in demand. How long they can continue swallowing those higher costs remains to be seen. More from Headlight.News.
Tariffs Drag Stellantis Deep Into the Red – and Will Get Worse in 2nd Half, Automaker Warns
Tariffs Drag Stellantis Deep Into the Red – and Will Get Worse in 2nd Half, Automaker Warns
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 7-28-25
On this week’s Headlight News podcast, we talk about President Trump’s trade deals, how the existing tariffs crashed Tesla’s and GM’s second quarter earnings, the new Honda Prelude as well as offering a review of the new Toyota Prius Prime. Check it out and tell us what you think.
EU Trade Deal Will Cost American Car Buyers, European Automakers Billions
U.S. and European trade negotiators reached the framework agreement on a new trade deal that will result in new, 15% tariffs on most European goods shopped to the States, including automobiles. That’s a sixfold increases from before and for buyers of products from brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat and Maserati, that could mean substantially higher prices. It could also hammer profits for those manufacturers – though U.S. negotiators hope the deal will see more production moved to the United States. More from Headlight.News.
UAW Says it Was Burned by Trump on Tariffs
After throwing its support behind Pres. Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported autos and auto parts, the United Auto Workers admits is coming up empty handed in the administration’s new deal with Japan, which offers nothing for workers and could lead to lower wages. Headlight.News has more.
Tesla Earnings Plunge while Musk Warns of “a Few Rough Quarters”
Tesla reported a 16% plunge in second-quarter net income as its worldwide sales continue to decline. CEO Elon Musk warned that there could yet be “a few rough quarters” ahead before the automaker gets its long-promised “affordable” EV into production. More from Headlight.News.