On this week’s HeadlightNews podcast, we cover GM’s $4B investment in U.S. plants, tumbling EV sales in April, the impact of tariffs on import vehicle sales and Tesla CEO ElonMusk waving the white flag. Go to HeadlightNews to check it out.
Tariffs
GM Investing $4 Billion in Expanding U.S. Manufacturing Operations
General Motors is plowing about $4 billion into plants in Michigan, Tennessee and Kansas during the next two years. The move will shift production of its highly profitable full-size pickups and SUVs from outside the U.S. to its massive plant in Orion, Michigan, north of Detroit. Find out more about the plans at Headlight.News.
Expect to find Fewer Imports at Your Local Dealership as Trump Tariffs Take Hold
If you’re planning to buy an import vehicle anytime soon be prepared to wait. Dealers around the country are beginning to run short of some foreign-made models, according to recent reports, as manufacturers reduce shipments to the U.S. due to the Trump auto tariffs. And that could spell trouble for motorists, in general, as the slowdown also impacts foreign-made service and repair parts. More from Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 6-9-25
This week’s Headlight News podcast chronicles the ongoing fight between Tesla’s Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. We also talk about the state of Chrysler as it hits 100 years old, review the 2025 Ford Expedition and take a trip through automotive history.
As Musk, Trump Go to War, Tesla Takes Collateral Damage
Barely a week after they bid adieu during a collegial meeting in the Oval Office, Pres. Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have launched what has rapidly escalated into an all-out war of words, amplified by their individual social media outlets. The feud has already left Tesla lurching, nervous shareholders fueling the automaker’s biggest one-day loss ever. But Musk appears positioned to do some damage of his own.
The Pace of New Vehicle Development “Has Slowed to a Crawl” – Bad News for Buyers
The number of all-new models coming to market over the next four years is predicted to drop sharply as manufacturers around the world cut back on investments. That will be particularly obvious in the EV market as the industry shifts back to internal combustion, according to the latest annual “Car Wars” study.
May Sales Bloom With Strong Numbers From Ford
Carmakers reported healthy sales in May as buyers continued to sign for new vehicles ahead of price Increases promised when the Trump tariffs take hold. Headlight.News has details.
Nissan Kills Versa, America’s Most Affordable Car – Blames Trump Tariffs
Nissan plans to scrap the Versa. It’s not only the cheapest vehicle in the automaker’s line-up but the lowest-priced model offered in the U.S., period. The Trump tariffs are one of the key reasons for this decision, reports Headlight.News, noting the entire entry auto market could vanish.
VW Planning “Massive” U.S. Investment, Says CEO Blume
Facing potentially massive new tariffs on imported autos and auto parts, some manufacturers have begun planning ways to shift production to the U.S. That includes Volkswagen whose CEO said “massive” new investments could be coming – though a new court ruling could short-circuit such plans. More from Headlight.News.
GM Chair Barra Named World’s Most Powerful Woman — Again
General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra’s earned plenty of accolades during her 10-plus-year tenure at the helm of the Detroit-based automaker. She’s earned another — again — topping Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women list. It’s the second straight year’s she’s topped the list. Find out more at Headlight.News.
German Automakers Working on Tariff Deal with Trump Administration
Officials from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are reportedly in talks with the U.S. Department of Commerce to lessen the impact of the tariffs on European automakers shipping vehicles into the country. Get details at Headlight.News.
Antonio Filosa Named New Stellantis CEO
Stellantis has a new CEO. After a nearly 6-month search, Antonio Filosa steps into the vacancy created by the unexpected resignation of Carlos Tavares last December. The 51-year-old Filosa faces some serious challenges, including weak sales by key brands Ram and Jeep. He may also face the question of whether to abandon some of the 14 Stellantis brands, such as Chrysler and Fiat. More from Headlight.News.