The Dodge Charger, Ford Maverick Lobo and Hyundai Palisade were the big winners Wednesday as a panel of 50 jurors announced their choices for North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year. Headlight.News has more.
Hybrids
Despite Slowdown, GM’s Barra Still Sees a “Path to an All-Electric Future”
Don’t write off EVs, not according to Mary Barra. The General Motors Chairman and CEO says her “path to an all-electric future” may take longer than expected but still believes motorists will come to recognize they’re better vehicles than those using internal combustion engines. Meanwhile, the 64-year-old executive told reporters she’s still enjoying her job, a subtle way of saying she’s not in a rush to retire, even though only one other executive in GM history was on the job as long. Headlight.News has more.
Stellantis Killing Off its 4xe Plug-in Hybrids in the U.S. Market
Stellantis is phasing out the production of its 4xe technology in the North American market, even though it has two of the best-selling plug-in hybrids in its Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models. The automaker told Headlight.News it is shifting to “more competitive electrified solutions.”
The Top Auto Stories of 2025
Trump, tariffs and trade barriers. EVs disconnected. Autonomy and hackers. Elon Musk’s very good/very bad year. And affordability. Oh, yes, 2025 brought a series of significant developments to the automotive market. Here are the top 5 stories from the past year as picked by Headlight.News editors.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 12-22-25
On the Headlight News podcast for the Week of 12-22-25 we cover Ford killing the Lightning, the end of the line for the Ford Escape, the last Jaguar gas-powered model, Trump sued over EV chargers, a review of the new Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ and the Week in Auto History. Check it out.
Nissan Set to Double Nismo Performance Line-Up – 10 Models on Tap
As it rolls out its latest revival plan, Nissan is shifting focus from cost-cutting to product, and there’s a renewed emphasis on performance in the works. The second-largest Japanese automaker plans to double the number of Nismo models developed as part of a collaboration with the company’s racing team. More from Headlight.News.
Ford Making Major Shift in EV Strategy, Taking Nearly $20 Billion in Charges
Ford Motor Co. is tearing up its EV plans, killing its all-electric F-150 Lightning, shifting focus to bring more hybrids, E-REVs and low-cost EVs to market. It also plans to shift production at its massive BlueOval City complex in Tennessee from EVs to gas pickups, and repurposing the batteries produced at plants in Kentucky and Michigan for non-automotive markets. Get details about this breaking story at Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2025 Ford Maverick XLT AWD
Back in 2018, Ford announced the axing of all its passenger cars — save one — to go all-in on trucks and SUVs. Along with that proclamation came the statement the company was also going big on electrification, which brings us to the 2025 Ford Maverick XLT AWD, its hybrid powertrain. So, is it all that, or does Ford’s smallest offering reflect the commission of an unforced error? Find out in our review at Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid – Combining Power, Efficiency, Luxury in One Package
The Hyundai Palisade made an auspicious debut six years ago, taking things to a new level of roominess, style and features for the Korean carmaker. A second-generation version of the crossover takes things to new levels – especially with the launch of a first-ever Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. Headlight.News had a chance to check out the 3-row gas-electric package and here’s our review.
First Look: 2027 Kia Seltos Grows Bigger, Adds More Features, New Hybrid Option
Since its debut in 2019, the Kia Seltos has grown to become the Korean carmaker’s best-selling model line. But Kia has even bigger ambitions for the subcompact crossover as it gets a complete makeover that will see it grow larger, add more features and a first-time hybrid option. Headlight.News takes a first look at the 2027 Kia Seltos.
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.
Nissan Rogue e-Power Delivers Many EV Benefits Without the EV Headaches
Imagine getting the benefits of a battery-electric vehicle without many of the drawbacks: a quick quiet, smooth ride and high energy efficiency – but with essentially unlimited range and no need to plug in. Those are some of the claims Nissan is making for the new e-Power system it will introduce on the Rogue crossover next year. Headlight.News checked out the new technology and here’s what we discovered.