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.
Tariffs
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.
First Look: 2026 BMW M2 CS
The latest-generation BMW 2-Series brought a significant upgrade to the smallest model the automaker offers in the U.S., and the M2 took things to a new level. But now comes what you can think of as the “ultimate” take on the compact coupe, the 2026 BMW M2 CS. It’s lighter, more powerful and adds a number of chassis and suspension upgrades. Here’s a first look.
Nissan Looks to Bolster Business with e-Power Hybrid Rogue SUV
As it looks for ways to raise sales in the U.S., its second-largest market, Nissan is focusing on its e-Power hybrid technology for its popular Rogue SUV. The technology is similar to using a range extender on an EV. Get details at Headlight.News.
Honda Slashes EV Investments Due to “Market Slowdown”
Honda is cutting its planned investment in battery-electric vehicles by 30%, its CEO citing “the current market slowdown.” The automaker still plans to launch two all-new “0-Series models” next year but will slow down and stretch out development of other all-electric products. It’s not likely to be the last automaker to rethink EV spending, reports Headlight.News.
Toyota Goes Into “Wait and See Mode”
With dozens of new models set to debut in the U.S. in the coming months, this should be a big year for Toyota. But the automaker’s plans have been put in a “wait and see mode,” as executives struggle to figure out how to respond to the new Trump import auto tariffs.The tariffs could bring more Toyota jobs to the U.S. – but they might also price some products out of reach, hammering sales. Headlight.News has more.
First Look: 2026 Infiniti QX60 Gets New Look, New Tech, New Sport Package
With two key models set to go away late this year, Infiniti clearly can use new product and that’s where the next-generation QX60 comes in. The midsize, three-row SUV gets a new look for the 2026, new technology – including the hands-free ProPilot Assist system – and a first-ever Sport edition. Headlight.News checks out the 2026 Infiniti QX60.
Tariffs Backfire as Automakers Reduce North American Production
Pres. Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported autos and auto parts were intended to bring manufacturing and jobs back to the United States but, at least for now, the plan appears to be backfiring. Though a number of automakers are looking at ways to bring new vehicle production to the States, a new study shows that the industry will sharply reduce output in North America this quarter. And that, in turn, raises the prospect of U.S. auto jobs cuts. More from Headlight.News.