In this week’s Headlight News podcast, we cover the impressive Tokyo Motor Show, new introductions from Honda and Subaru, as well as GM’s layoff of hundreds of workers. We also review the Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid and look back at this week in automotive history. You can find the podcast at Headlight.News and Spotify.
Automakers suffered saw a sharp drop in electric vehicle sales during October as federal EV tax credit ended. But even sales of gas models leveled off as prices, driven higher by Trump’s auto tariffs, drove many mainstream buyers out of the market. As Headlight.News reports, the industry has become more dependent than ever on affluent households for new sales.
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.
After a 37-year run, the Lexus LS sedan is set to go out of production in the coming months – but Toyota’s luxury brand might not go without a flagship for very long. That said, two potential replacements debuting at the Japan Mobility Show this week suggest Lexus could be ready to push to new extremes. More from Headlight.News.
Toyota’s Lexus division proved Japan could compete with the best of the Western luxury brands. But can Toyota take things even further upmarket? The industry giant is determined to give it a try, officially pulling the wraps off the new Century Coupe concept at the Japan Mobility Show. Get details at Headlight.News.
“Hands-free” driving systems, like General Motors’ Super Cruise, are becoming increasingly common, but Lucid today announced a new partnership with tech giant NVIDIA aimed at bringing next-level technology to the highway. The Level 4 system would permit a Lucid vehicle to operate virtually anywhere, anytime with no input from a motorist who could even take a nap while driving from Point A to Point B. Headlight.News has more.
It’s a big year for Jeep and much of that has to do with an assortment of new powertrain options. That includes the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee which will hit the road with the all-new Hurricane 4 Turbo engine. The package manages to not only deliver a big boost in power but also a substantial improvement in fuel economy. Headlight.News has more.
Automakers offered plenty of incentives, but without $7,500 in federal government tax credits, sales of new electric vehicles — predictably — flatlined in October. J.D. Power & Associates also estimates sales of new EVs were less than half of the artificially inflated numbers from September. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Americans are swimming in automotive debt — and an increasing number are underwater on those loans. According to a new study, the average gap between what consumers owe and what they’re vehicles are worth at trade is growing. Find out what it means at Headlight.News.
Ford set a new revenue record during the third quarter, and beat Wall Street predictions for their results. However, supplier issues forced the automaker to cut its full-year earnings guidance. Get details at Headlight.News.
Automakers are making adjustments — or massive changes — to their electric vehicle plans after the $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs ended last month. Unsurprisingly, gas vehicles are coming back into vogue. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Tesla revealed its third-quarter operating income dropped 40% compared to the year-ago period despite setting a new record for deliveries and revenue during the period. Officials cited a litany of reasons, but the biggest drivers appear to be tied to tariffs and sales mix. Check out the story at Headlight.News.