Stagnating demand in Western markets, the end of the ‘global car,’ and the cost of electrification present automakers and suppliers with a triple conundrum, says AlixPartners’ annual report on the state of the auto industry.
Government
Polestar Banned from Selling Vehicles in the U.S. After 2026 Model Year
The Trump administration banned Polestar from selling vehicles in the U.S. after the 2026 model year, the automaker said Thursday, the result of the Trump administration’s crackdown on connected vehicle technology from China where the EV brand’s parent is based. More from Headlight.News.
Have “Illegal” Immigrants Driven Up Auto Insurance Costs? Trump Says Yes. Data Says No
Auto insurance rates have gone up sharply this decade and the question is why premiums have risen so quickly. Pres. Trump points to illegal immigration. But that doesn’t appear to be matched by the data. Headlight.News has more.
UAW Demands Quotas on Imports, Higher Wages in Next Canada/Mexico Trade Deal
The United Auto Workers says any new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada should include quotas on imports, while boosting wages of Mexican workers and providing American workers a chance at the American Dream. Read the story at Headlight.News.
Might Trump Open the Door to Chinese Autos to Ease Strained Relations?
President Donald Trump’s summit meeting with Chinese President Ji Xinping is expected to cover a broad range of topics straining relations between the two countries, from the future of Taiwan to trade. Few would be surprised if Xi doesn’t press his American counterpart to open the door to Chinese autos. And that has the U.S. automakers — and some key lawmakers worried. Get details at Headlight.News.
Trump Raising Tariffs on EU Autos to 25%
Buyers looking for a new European vehicle could soon see prices go up by thousands of dollars, Pres. Donald Trump hiking tariffs to 25% after accusing the EU of “not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal.” More from Headlight.News.
Automakers Set to Get Billions in Tariff Refunds – But Will Buyers Also Benefit?
Detroit’s Big Three automakers are in for windfall refunds from the federal government – a combined $2.3 billion coming back now that a key portion of the Trump tariff regime was ruled illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court. But buyers may not see a penny of that, reports Headlight.News.
17.3 MPH? Wisconsin Recycling Center is Just the Latest to Use an Odd Speed Limit to Get Your Atte1ntion
If you’re like most drivers, you probably pay scant attention to speed limit signs. While some authorities react by adding radar traps, a rural Wisconsin community is trying another approach with a sign that adds a decimal point. But it’s not the first to try this unusual approach, reports Headlight.News.
Ford, Stellantis Deliver Upbeat Q1 Earnings – But Not Everyone is Impressed
After taking a financial hammering last year, both Ford and Stellantis appear to be getting the new year off on a positive note, delivering unexpectedly strong first-quarter earnings. Ford got a boost from a big tariff refund, Stellantis from a sharp upturn in sales of Ram and Jeep models. More from Headlight.News.
Automakers Warn Tariffs May Force Them to Drop Entry Models
At a time when the typical buyer now spending around $50,000 to drive off the dealer lot, millions of American motorists are being forced out of the new vehicle market. Budget buyers could soon find their choices even more limited, however, depending upon negotiations to update the U.S. -Mexico-Canada Agreement. How that shakes out may lead a number of U.S. and foreign-owned automakers to drop their most affordable models.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 4-27-26
On this week’s podcast, Headlight News examines April auto sales. We also talk about whether or not a recession is looming and take a look at the compensation plans of Detroit Three CEOs. Finally, we review the 2026 Ford F-150 Lobo and take a look at This Week in Auto History. Check out the podcast!
“Drive Less,” Oil Exec Tells Americans Struggling With High Gas Prices
Struggling to deal with the surge in gas prices since the Iran War began? A senior oil industry executive has a two-word suggestion: “drive less.” Headlight.News has more.