Battery power appears to have electrified the jurors of the North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year awards. Eight of the nine finalists are offered in all-electric or hybrid form. Here’s who’s on the list.
Hybrids
Honda Moves Closer to Solid-State Battery Breakthrough with New “Demo” Production Line
Even the most diehard EV fans wish for a next-generation battery-breakthrough, with most of the attention focused on solid-state batteries. Proponents claim they’ll deliver better range at lower costs, among other benefits. And now, Honda says, it’s bringing the technology closer to reality with the debut of a demonstration line meant to prove out the processes needed to launch mass production.
Mercedes Shifts Strategy with New CLA to Offer EV and Hybrid Options
When Mercedes-Benz launches its next-generation CLA family next year it will feature, as expected, an all-electric drivetrain. But, reflecting the realities of the global market, it will also be offered with a choice of hybrid powertrains, as well. And it will move away from the controversial “one-bow” styling of earlier battery-electric models like the EQS and EQE.
Volkswagen Teases Tiguan Ahead of LA Launch (But We Know What it Will Look Like)
The Volkswagen Tiguan goes up against a lot of tough competitors and, hanging around since 2016, the current model is clearly in need of an update. The good news for VW fans is it will be getting one, a replacement set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this week. And the automaker is offering up a tease that gives us a hint of what it will look like.
Return of the Rotary: Mazda Green Lights the Iconic SP Sports Car
A dozen years after killing off its last rotary-powered model, the RX-8, Mazda has given the go to the Iconic SP Sports Car which will bring back the Wankel engine back into production, President Katsuhiro Mogo and other officials have confirmed. Here’s what we know.
New, All-Electric EV To Charge Up Bentley’s Beyond100+ Plan
Bentley fleshes out the core details of its Bentley 100 plan as the company prepares to continue its push into electrification with new model it calls an “Urban SUV.”
Nissan Slashes 9K Jobs, Cuts Production 20% After Disastrous First Half of 2024
Nissan Motor Co.’s struggles not only continued in the first half of fiscal year 2024, they worsened. The results forced the automaker to make dramatic moves to shore up losses, including slashing 9,000 jobs worldwide and cutting production by 20%. Find out more what happened at Headlight.News.
Trump’s Second Term Presents Opportunities, Poses Risk to Auto Industry, Says Top Toyota Exec
After scoring a major win in the election this week, President-elect Donald Trump is widely expected to move quickly on a broad agenda when taking office next January. He has made it clear this will include a number of issues critical to the auto industry, including tariffs and EVs. That presents some significant opportunities for manufacturers, but also poses quite a few risks, said a senior Toyota executive who spoke to Headlight.News shortly after Trump’s victory was confirmed.
Hyundai Reveals Initium Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Concept, Previews New Design Language
Hyundai’s new Initium concept shows more than just the direction the Korean carmaker plans to take with its hydrogen fuel-cell technology. It also reveals the brand’s new “Art of Steel” design language.
A Week With the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus
Mazda’s new CX-70 PHEV may move you to a new level of eloquence as you consider the new plug-in hybrid offering from the Japanese automaker. Check out our review of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV at Headlight.News.
Scout’s Direct-to-Buyer Sales Plan Sets Off Dealer Backlash
Auto dealers are ready to go to war with Scout Motors over the new brand’s plan to sell directly to customers without using franchised retailers. Scout is also planning to build separate service centers, which are emerging a key part of the EV landscape.
We’ve Dug Up Even More Exciting News About the New Scout Brand
Two years after Volkswagen announced plans to revive the long dormant Scout brand, we got a first look at the two new products it will be bringing to market. And there were some surprises, including news that the Scout Terra and Traveler models will be offered with a choice of all-electric and range-extended drivetrains. Headlight.News caught up with several of the brand’s top execs and reveals several other exciting details.