In this week’s podcast, we talk the state of automotive tariffs, price hikes, electric vehicle cuts, U.S. investments, robo taxis as well as reviewing the new 2026 Nissan Sentra and looking back at this week in automotive history.
Tariffs
Akio Toyoda Goes MAGA
Days after announcing plans to invest another $10 billion in the U.S. market, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda turned up his effort to minimize trade tensions between Japan and the United States by showing up in a MAGA hat and Trump-Vance campaign T-shirt at the NASCAR race at Fuji Speedway. Headlight.News has more.
GM Tells Suppliers to Stop Sourcing Parts from China
As trade friction grows, General Motors wants its suppliers to stop sourcing parts and raw materials from China by 2027, according to a new report, though meeting that deadline could be challenging considering the way the global network has been set up over the last few decades. More from Headlight.News.
First Look: 2027 Kia Telluride Gets a New Look Befitting a Flagship SUV
The Kia Telluride took things to a new level for the Korean carmaker when it made its debut in 2019, winning an assortment of awards and generating a new class of buyers. Now, the automaker is preparing to roll out a second-generation Telluride, offering up a first look at the 3-row SUV’s new design. Headlight.News has more.
Rivian Celebrates Q3 Numbers as Lucid Hopes for Better Days
Rivian and Lucid are both electric vehicle manufacturers, but that’s where the comparisons end when looking at each company’s third-quarter earnings results. Rivian beat the street’s expectations as Lucid fell short. Headlight.News has details.
Disconnected: U.S. Auto Sales Tumble as EV Credits Disappear, Vehicle Prices Continue Surging
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.
Exclusive: Toyota Looking to Boost U.S. Auto Exports to Japan, Along with $10B Investment in States
Toyota committed to invest another $10 billion in the United States, as negotiations on a new U.S.-Japan trade deal moved forward — prompting Pres. Donald Trump to tell troops stationed in Japan, “Go out and buy a Toyota.” In an exclusive report, Headlight.News reports Toyota also is looking for ways to boost U.S. auto exports to Japan.
Ford Sets New Record, Beats Street’s Q3 Estimates
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.
Tesla Q3 Profits Take a 40% Hit Despite Revenue, Global Delivery Records
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.
First Drive: 2026 Toyota RAV4
When you’ve got one of America’s best-selling product lines you can’t risk resting on your laurels. So, Toyota has pulled out the stops with the debut of the sixth-generation RAV4. It gets not only a new look and an updated array of technology and comfort features but a first-ever GR Sport package. The off-road Woodland package also becomes more capable. Buyers meanwhile, get a choice of either a conventional or plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Headlight.News has this first review.
GM Turns Q3 Profit Despite $1.6B Charge Resulting from EV Plans
General Motors looked to be the leader in the electric vehicle market by investing heavily in the segment, and that push crimped its Q3 earnings numbers as it took a $1.6 billion charge to offset investments in its EV operations during the period. However, the company still reported a profit, and investors are happy. Get details at Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 10-20-25
Headlight.News for the Week of 10-20-25 – Jeep and Ford Plants Idled by Shortages – Tariff Breaks — Subaru, Mazda and Toyota Plans for Tokyo Motor Show – Lexus 700h review and More.