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.
Tariffs
Automakers – and Auto Buyers – Soon Could Be in For Tariff Refunds
A federal judge Thursday delivered a stinging defeat to the White House, ruling U.S. importers are “entitled to benefit” from the Supreme Court’s own decision tossing out Pres. Trump’s import tariffs. In other words, those who paid those illegal duties are due refunds. That includes the estimated $25 billion the U.S. auto industry paid out. Will they collect? And will they pass on any money to auto buyers? More from Headlight.News.
Automakers May Catch a Break as Trump Launches New Tariffs – But Consumers Aren’t So Lucky
The auto industry may be getting a bit of a reprieve from the latest round of tariffs enacted by Pres. Donald Trump following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision announced last Friday finding most of his early import duties were illegal. But automakers and auto suppliers still face earlier tariffs on imported vehicles, parts and metals not covered by the court’s ruling. And that means auto buyers will continue to pay substantially inflated prices at a time when many potential customers have been driving out of the market. More from Headlight.News.
Polestar Plans its “Largest Model Offensive in History” With 4 New Products Coming
Has Polestar finally turned the corner? The Swedish automaker, spun off by Volvo nearly a decade ago, had a very good year in 2025 – and is looking to keep the momentum going as it prepares to roll out a series of new products, starting later this year with the debut of the Polestar 5.
Plant Closures Possible as VW Looks to Slash Costs
Volkswagen’s CEO and CFO presented senior management a “massive” plan to cut costs by 20% by the end of 2028, a move that could save as much as $71 billion at current exchange rates. The move could bring plant closures and cuts to employment, reports Headlight.News.
China’s BYD Beat Tesla and Has Now Topped Ford’s Global Sales, as Well
China’s BYD saw a massive surge in global sales last year. It not only topped Tesla as world’s largest seller of battery-electric vehicles but also beat Ford Motor Co. in overall global sales. More from Headlight.News.
Pres. Trump Threatens to Block Opening of $5.9B Gordie Howe Bridge – Critics Cry Foul, Call it a Political Favor
President Trump is threatening to block the opening of a new bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario eagerly sought by the auto industry. The president points to his escalating debut with Canada but critics see a political favor for a major GOP donor who owns a rival span across the Detroit River. Headlight.News has more.
Ford Getting Chatty with Chinese Automakers
Ford CEO Jim Farley’s recent positive comments about China’s growing EV fleet may have been the catalyst for talks with some Chinese automakers about potential production partnerships. Headlight.News has details.
Mercedes Rejected Push by Treasury Sec. Lutnick to Move HQ to U.S.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius rejected pressure from Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, to move his company’s headquarters to the United States. But it will increase U.S. production. Headlight.News has more.
Earnings, Profit-Sharing Down, GM Vows to Do Better in 2026
Half empty or half-full? GM managed to beat Wall Street expectations for the fourth quarter of 2025, but still saw revenues tumble by more than 5%. And with North America largely responsible for that dip, union workers will see their own profit-sharing checks fall for the year. As Headlight.News reports, GM CEO Mary Barra promised to deliver a big upturn in 2026.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 1-26-26
On this week’s Headlight News podcast, we cover the influence China is having on the U.S. automotive market, declining Cybertruck demand and sales, Mercedes equipping its 2027 E-Class with heated seatbelts and more. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Buick Shifting Envision Production from China to the U.S.
General Motors will stop importing its Buick Envision from China in 2028, shifting production to the U.S. The move reflects the hefty tariffs now in place that have limited the number of Chinese-made vehicles shipped to the States. More from Headlight.News.