In this week’s podcast we cover Trump and his tariffs on automakers as well as his warning to automakers about raising prices to cover the costs, as well as a vehicle review and more.
Sales
Sales Already in a Tailspin, Protestors Gather at Tesla Dealerships Around the World
With thousands gathered in protest at dealers around the world over the weekend, Tesla wrapped up what is expected to be a weak first quarter, the automaker watching sales dwindle as opposition grows to CEO Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration – as well as his increasingly vocal shift to the political far right. Headlight.News has the latest.
A Week With: 2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD
There are more choices than ever when it comes to electric vehicles. However, one of the early arrivers, the Kia EV6, continues to evolve and improve. After three years, the newest model is surely the best one yet. Check out our review at Headlight.News.
Fading Consumer Confidence, Aggravated by New Trump Tariffs, Could Cripple Auto Industry
Consumer confidence, a key ingredient for healthy vehicle sales, is slipping, according to new polls And with buyers already wary of price hikes, New increases, triggered by President Donald Trump’s broad tariff policies could translate into a sharp market slump, report Headlight.News.
Trump Announces Tariffs on Imported Autos, Auto Parts – Threatening Auto Sales, Earnings
President Donald Trump formally announced that 25% tariffs targeting imported autos and auto parts will go into effect on April 3, though final details impacting some Canadian and Mexican imports have yet to be finalized. Trump promised the move will spur significant growth in the domestic auto industry. But many analysts, along with industry officials, warned it could result in a hit to industry sales and earnings, driving many potential customers out of the new vehicle market. Headlight.News has more.
Nissan Turns Over a New Leaf – The Original EV to Return in SUV Form
The Nissan Leaf is back, though you might not recognize it. The first mainstream battery-electric vehicle is getting a complete makeover for 2026, returning in SUV form. It’s just one of the big announcements Nissan made Wednesday about its upcoming electrification plan including more U.S. and European EVs, new e-Power and PHEV models and more. Headlight.News has the details.
Hyundai Set to Invest $21 Billion in U.S.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest $21 billion for a variety of U.S.-based projects, including steel production and the expansion of its U.S. automotive production to 1.2 million vehicles annually. That more than doubles what the South Korean has invested since entering the U.S. market in 1986. More from Headlight.News.
Karma Returns With New Two New Extended Range Models
EV maker Karma Automotive comes back around with good news, unveiling its all-new Amaris, a 2-door coupe featuring the company’s next-gen extended range powertrain. More good from Karma? Yup. Its recently introduced Gyesera 4-door will also hit the market as an EREV. Headlight.News has details.
Dodge’s New Interactive Experience Highlights Push to Gain Public Favor of New All-Electric Charger
EV adoption rates are middling, but trying to get traditional muscle car mavens to accept an all-electric model, like the new Dodge Charger Daytona, has the Dodge folks working overtime. The brand’s new Charger Virtual Experience gives them one more tool to do just that. Check out the story at Headlight.News.
Tesla Stock Plunging for 9th Straight Week: No Automaker “Has Lost so Much Value so Quickly”
It’s hard to find anything “analogous” in automotive history to the ongoing crisis at Tesla, JP Morgan warned, as the automaker’s global sales collapse, its stock price further tumbles and CEO Elon Musk’s once hero image goes up in flames. There are few signs Pres. Donald Trump’s enthusiastic endorsement of the brand last week will generate sales. If anything, Tesla itself now warns, the company could get caught up in Trump’s trade war.
Tesla Gets Excluded from Canadian Incentive Due to Musk’s Political Involvement
The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada got a little more … targeted Monday. The city of Toronto announced Tesla vehicles will no longer be eligible for the city’s EV incentives for taxis. Get details at Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 3-17-25
In this week’s podcast, we cover Nissan finally selecting a new CEO for the struggling automaker, IIHS toughening its testing standards, JD Power’s latest study showing consumers are happier with dealers, but dealers are still falling short in some important areas. We also offer an in-depth review of the new all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ. Check it out at Headlight.News or Spotify.