Automakers
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Ford invests $1B in its key Kentucky plant for truck, SUV production
The new paint shop for Ford’s highest-revenue assembly plant will boost efficiency, the automaker said.
By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 10, 2026 -
Why Hyundai is raising its local sourcing goal in North America
The company plans to source 80% of parts for vehicle manufacturing in the region from local suppliers by 2030, President and CEO José Muñoz said.
By Phil Neuffer • Sept. 10, 2026 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
TrendlineAutonomous Vehicles
Automakers continue to make big investments in autonomous vehicles. We’ve put together a curated list of stories showcasing the technologies and strategies propelling autonomy.
By WardsAuto staff -
Polestar’s EV concept teases new design language
The brand says its Formula 2030 concept, recently teased in a preview photo, will share design features with Polestar 2 and Polestar 7 models.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 10, 2026 -
Transportation secretary urges Ford to cut technology ties with China
In a letter to Ford CEO Jim Farley, the DOT said it remains “deeply alarmed” by the automaker’s continued reliance on licensed technology from China-based battery manufacturer CATL.
By Eric Walz • Sept. 9, 2026 -
VW Group plans more ‘rugged vehicles’ for US amid sweeping restructure
Volkswagen says concentrating investment on fewer models globally will enable it to achieve higher volumes for individual vehicles, reduce costs and create greater economies of scale.
By Greg Kable • Sept. 9, 2026 -
Trump escalates Canada trade war with new tariffs, import bans
The new measures include an import ban on certain motorcycles, mopeds and cycles, as well as changes to the existing tariff list.
By Antone Gonsalves • Sept. 9, 2026 -
Tesla faces federal probe over Cybercab rollout
The EV maker hasn’t played by the administration’s own exemption rules or shown why its robotaxi is better without mirrors, pedals, or a steering wheel.
By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 9, 2026 -
JLR confirms 4,000 job cuts, citing ‘significant challenges’
The automaker is opening a voluntary reduction program for management and salaried employees, which it hopes will achieve the cuts within two years.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 8, 2026 -
Carvana’s Stellantis dealers compete for nationwide sales
It’s created a service gap that represents an opportunity for other Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealers.
By Alysha Webb • Sept. 8, 2026 -
Volkswagen advances restructuring plan that could cut 50K jobs
The company also plans to reduce its model portfolio by 50% by 2035, with the North American market shifting towards higher-margin vehicles.
By Eric Walz • Sept. 4, 2026 -
Hyundai building a ‘data flywheel’ to strengthen its SDV capabilities
Data collected from millions of vehicles globally will be used to accelerate Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities and enhance AI-enabled in-vehicle infotainment systems.
By Eric Walz • Sept. 4, 2026 -
Volkswagen reshuffles execs, appoints new leader for North America
Marco Schubert was named a member of the Extended Executive Committee, starting Oct. 1, and will report directly to Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume.
By Eric Walz • Sept. 4, 2026 -
2027 Range Rover Electric launches with $180K First Edition
The new flagship luxury SUV arrives a year later than planned but is ready for Tesla Superchargers and wading through nearly three feet of water.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 4, 2026 -
Hyundai to begin delivering robotaxis to Waymo in Q4
The companies are integrating Waymo’s autonomous driving technology stack into the Ioniq 5 electric SUV.
By Eric Walz • Sept. 3, 2026 -
Volvo’s global sales decline continues
The automaker’s sales show a 7.4% YoY drop on a rolling three-month basis, nearly double that of the previous period.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 3, 2026 -
Auto finance in Q2 reflects boom in hybrid sales
Hybrids are surging in popularity; their monthly payments are lower on average than EVs and internal combustion engine models.
By Jim Henry • Sept. 3, 2026 -
Unifor secures GM deal ratification amid frayed trade relations
While the new labor contract provides assurance for GM workers in Canada, plenty of uncertainty remains about what they’ll be building.
By Keith Nuthall • Sept. 2, 2026 -
Stellantis appoints new Fiat CEO, shuffles execs for Europe
Arnaud Belloni returns to the group from Renault as CEO of Fiat while Xavier Peugeot takes on Jeep.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 2, 2026 -
Volvo cost saving prompts flagship tech hub closure
The automaker’s Stockholm office is set to shift most responsibilities to its Gothenburg headquarters.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 1, 2026 -
Electrical issue prompts recall of 27K Lucid Air EVs
Nearly all of the Air sedans Lucid has delivered in the U.S. have been recalled for an issue with its lighting system — but a fix has already been pushed out over the air.
By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 1, 2026 -
Hyundai, Amazon Autos aim for international expansion
At this time the automaker and e-commerce tech giant's online sales partnership remains limited to the U.S.
By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 1, 2026 -
Electrified powertrains drive EU new-vehicle registrations higher in July
Automakers with a strong portfolio of powertrain options beyond gas and diesel are topping the sales tables, according to Jato Dynamics.
By Paul Myles • Aug. 31, 2026 -
Honda, Nissan to partner on standardized vehicle hardware and software
The electrical/electronic architecture and jointly developed ECUs and software are planned for the companies’ next-generation SDVs in fiscal year 2029 and beyond.
By Eric Walz • Aug. 31, 2026 -
Ford names new president of subsidiary Ford Energy
Dave Carroll takes over from company veteran Lisa Drake, who is retiring from the automaker after a 32-year career.
By Eric Walz • Aug. 28, 2026 -
Rivian CFO is stepping down
Claire McDonough will leave the role on Oct. 30 after spending six years at the fledgling electric vehicle maker, which has never turned a net profit.
By Eric Walz • Aug. 28, 2026