Carmakers are facing a decline in overall sales in 2026 as tariffs and high prices shrink the pool of consumers able to afford a new vehicle, leaving manufacturers chasing affluent customers with expensive vehicles. Headlight.News has more.
Government
EU May Delay, Even Drop, Ban on Gas, Diesel-Powered Vehicles
There’s growing pressure on the European Commission to drop, or at least push back, a mandate that would see sales of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines banned by 2035. Among those calling for such a move are the leaders of Germany, Italy and Poland. Headlight.News has more.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 12-8-25
In this week’s episode of the Headlight News podcast, we talk about Kei cars, the Trump administration cutting fuel economy standards, the latest grades from Consumer Reports, Toyota’s new supercars, plus a review of the 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph as well as look back at this week in automotive history. Check it out and give us some feedback!
A Week With: 2025 Kia Niro EV Wave
The electric vehicle segment took a blow at the end of September, when the federal EV tax incentives disappeared. Not only did it chill new vehicle sales overall, it may also have slowed the ongoing development of the vehicles. There may be no better example than the 2025 Kia Niro EV Wave. Check out our review to see more.
Is There a Kei Car in Your Future? Pres. Trump Thinks So – But Would Buyers Bite?
They’re some of the smallest cars in the world and make up 40% of the Japanese domestic market. But could “Kei cars” find a niche here in the United States? That’s something Pres. Don Trump suggested this week as he announced a rollback of federal fuel economy standards. More from Headlight.News.
Trump Administration Set to Roll Back Fuel Economy Standards
The Trump administration has invited executives from the three Detroit automakers to be on hand at the White House today as details on the rollback of current corporate average fuel economy standards are announced. It’s the latest move by the president to back off of automotive emissions and safety standards set during the prior Biden administration. More from Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 11-17-25
In this week’s podcast, we talk the state of automotive tariffs, price hikes, electric vehicle cuts, U.S. investments, robo taxis as well as reviewing the new 2026 Nissan Sentra and looking back at this week in automotive history.
Akio Toyoda Goes MAGA
Days after announcing plans to invest another $10 billion in the U.S. market, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda turned up his effort to minimize trade tensions between Japan and the United States by showing up in a MAGA hat and Trump-Vance campaign T-shirt at the NASCAR race at Fuji Speedway. Headlight.News has more.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 11-10-25
The Headlight News podcast this week covers the Japan Mobility Show, Elon’s big payday and more. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Musk’s $1 Trillion Pay Package Goes to Tesla Sharholders
Shareholders could decide the future of Elon Musk and Tesla this week as they vote on the proposed $1 trillion pay package many big investors are finding hard to accept at a time when Musk’s judgement and entrepreneurial instinct is in question. More from Headlight.News.
GM Laying Off 3,400 Workers Due to Expected EV Sales Drop
The impact of end of federal EV tax credits is being felt in many areas of the auto industry. It reached the factory floors at four General Motors-owned plants in three states as more than 3,400 workers were laid off due to the expected fall in EV sales tied to the end of the $7,500 credit Sept. 30. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Exclusive: Toyota Looking to Boost U.S. Auto Exports to Japan, Along with $10B Investment in States
Toyota committed to invest another $10 billion in the United States, as negotiations on a new U.S.-Japan trade deal moved forward — prompting Pres. Donald Trump to tell troops stationed in Japan, “Go out and buy a Toyota.” In an exclusive report, Headlight.News reports Toyota also is looking for ways to boost U.S. auto exports to Japan.