Gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon for the first time in nearly four years. As bad as that might seem for consumers, it could be even more trouble for an auto industry looking to the future with mounting trepidation. Headlight.News has more.
Regulatory
IIHS Reveals the Safest Vehicles You Can Buy
Today’s newest vehicles are, on the whole, safer than ever and even as it tightens its standards, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found 63 new models earning Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ ratings – up from 48 last year. Still, IIHS says automakers can yet improve their crash technology. More from Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 3-23-26
This week’s Headlight News podcast looks what’s coming at the NY Auto Show next week, BMW’s newest iteration of the i3, and why Hyundai’s ordered dealers to stop selling the new Palisade. We also offer up some insights about the 2027 Kia Telluride after our time behind the week and more. Take a listen. Tell us what you think!
Ford on Track to Set Yet Another Recall Record in 2025
After ordering an all-time industry record 153 recalls in 2025, Ford Motor Co. hoped to bring its problems with quality and reliability under better control this year. But with three more service actions announced this week the automaker has already had to recall another 7.4 million vehicles to address potential safety problems. More from Headlight.News.
FTC Warns Dealers Over Illegal Ad Practices
It might seem easier than ever to do your homework before buying a new vehicle. Yet all too many motorists find that the prices they see in dealer ads aren’t necessarily what they’re told they’ll have to pay at the showroom. Now, the FTC is stepping in to keep retailers honest. More from Headlight.News.
Hyundai Issues Stop Sale for Two Top-Trim Palisades Models After Fatality
Hyundai told U.S. dealers to halt sales and deliveries of two of its top-trim Palisades models due to an apparent defect not linked to two injuries – including one leading to the death of a young child. Headlight.News has more.
Hyundai, Kia Putting Brakes on 2026 EV Models
Sell or be killed. When talking about electric vehicles, that’s likely going to be the criteria for survival for the near future. Hyundai is doing just that, confirming the demise of an EV in its portfolio. Find out more at Headlight.News.
New Study Shows Drivers Can be Tracked Using Tire Pressure Sensors
The battle for the privacy rights for vehicle owners has been steadily heating up as today’s cars, trucks and SUVs become ever-more connected. A new study isn’t likely to assuage privacy wonks’ concerns, as researchers found drivers can be tracked through the sensors in tire pressure monitoring systems. Headlight.News has details.
Tesla Rolls Out its First Cybercab with No Steering Wheel – But Who Will Buy One?
Tesla this week rolled out the first version of its Cybercab with no steering wheel. And CEO Musk indicated it will be available for $30,000. But who will buy one – especially with mounting concerns about the safety of Tesla’s self-driving vehicle technology blamed for a growing number of Cybercab crashes?
Trump Administration Moves to Kill Auto Stop/Start Technology
The Trump administration has moved to kill another fuel-saving technology, this time ending the credits automakers get for adding “auto stop/start” features to their vehicles. The head of the EPA described as “universally hated,” though many motorists credit the technology for substantial improvements in fuel economy. Headlight.News has more.
U.S. EV Registrations Slipped for 1st Time in a Decade
Driven largely by the phase-out of federal tax credits, U.S. sales of battery-electric vehicles slid last year, with registrations down for the first time in a decade. Most experts anticipate a rebound, though how much and how fast that recovery will happen is uncertain. Headlight.News has more.
Headlight.News Podcast for the Week of 2-2-26
This week’s Headlight News podcast chronicles the fall of GM and Tesla earnings, Toyota setting a new sales record, Mercedes showing its new S-Class, automakers not advertising during the Super Bowl this year. Give us a listen and tell us what you think.