Most OEMs reported sales growth in 2025 despite tariff-fueled headwinds

Ford Motor Co. reported its best sales year since 2019, while GM’s U.S. sales were up 6% year over year to 2.85 million vehicles.

By Eric Walz • Jan. 21, 2026

Renault unveils Filante as its international flagship

The automaker hopes the flagship fullsize hybrid CUV will help it grow in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

By Paul Myles • Jan. 21, 2026

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By WardsAuto staff

FordDirect names new chief operating officer

Tracy Noonan Fred will oversee teams dedicated to product development, dealer engagement, marketing, analytics and data strategy.

By Eric Walz • Jan. 20, 2026

Sony Honda Mobility of America’s CEO remains confident in EV market

With the joint venture's Afeela model now in production, Shugo Yamaguchi told WardsAuto he expects the joint venture will turn a profit before the end of the decade — even if others are pulling back from electric vehicles.

By Dave Zoia • Jan. 16, 2026

Hyundai hires Tesla Autopilot pioneer for top driverless role

Minwoo Park will lead software-defined vehicle and autonomous driving efforts as head of Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced vehicle platform division and as CEO of 42dot.

By Paul Myles • Jan. 16, 2026

US caps Taiwan tariffs at 15%

The limit would apply to both reciprocal and sector-specific duties, per the Commerce Department, although the implementation timeline remains unclear.

By Antone Gonsalves • Jan. 16, 2026

GM CEO: ICE and EVs can both ‘thrive under the GM tent’

Mary Barra said GM can extend its leadership in fullsize trucks and SUVs to EVs, but will continue adjusting product mix to meet demand.

By Gary Witzenburg • Jan. 15, 2026

EEOC, Tesla head to private mediation in race-based harassment lawsuit

The parties are in the process of selecting a mediator and expect mediation to start in March or April.

By Ginger Christ • Jan. 15, 2026

Mazda dresses up China-made electric SUV for Europe

The midsize CX-6e debuts in Brussels seeking to take on a EV market first dominated by the Tesla Model Y.

By Paul Myles • Jan. 14, 2026

Rivian hires chief customer officer ahead of R2 launch

Greg Revelle will oversee the EV maker’s go-to-market strategy, including leading sales, marketing and operations.

By Eric Walz • Jan. 14, 2026

GM’s CarBravo doubles warranties on used vehicles

Older, higher-mileage vehicles that do not meet the platform's standard certification criteria are eligible for a 30 day/1,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

By Eric Walz • Jan. 13, 2026

Rivian recalls nearly 20K vehicles over flawed rear suspension service procedure

The EV maker said it was aware of one crash involving a defective rear suspension toe link joint.     

By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 13, 2026

Illinois offers $24M in grants for manufacturing training programs

Applicants outside of the Chicago metropolitan area can apply for grants valued between $3 million and $6 million through the end of April.

By Nathan Owens • Jan. 12, 2026

Ford unveils in-house-built processor module for future vehicles

By developing its new electrical/electronic architecture in-house, the automaker aims to trim advanced vehicle technology costs and increase customer accessibility.

By Eric Walz • Jan. 12, 2026

U.K. battery-electric vehicle sales grow in 2025 — but lag government targets

“Rising EV uptake is an undoubted positive but the pace is still too slow and the cost to industry too high,” said SMMT’s chief executive Mike Hawes.

By Paul Myles • Jan. 12, 2026

GM expects a total charge of $7.1B in Q4 as it realigns its North America strategy

The automaker cited slowing demand and the termination of consumer tax incentives for its shift away from EVs.

By Eric Walz • Jan. 9, 2026

GM and Ford should reconsider parts consolidation

In 2015, the late FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne proposed sharing common parts across models to reduce costs. Now, standardization deserves a closer look, writes John McElroy.

By John McElroy • Jan. 9, 2026

5 auto industry trends to watch in 2026

Heading into the new year, automakers are working to mitigate the impacts of tariffs while preparing for rapid technology advancements in the industry.

By Eric Walz • Jan. 8, 2026

Thomas Ingenlath returns to Volvo Cars as head designer

Ingenlath previously headed Volvo Cars’ Polestar subsidiary and was chief designer at Volvo parent Geely.

By Paul Myles • Jan. 8, 2026

US manufacturing activity drops to lowest point of 2025: PMI

Weak demand and tariff effects are weighing on manufacturing companies nationwide, including those making transportation equipment.

By Nathan Owens • Jan. 7, 2026

VW’s Gen.Urban driverless test mule begins German on-road trials

The research project in Wolfsburg aims to assess the vehicle's passenger trust levels despite a lack of steering wheel or pedals.

By Paul Myles • Jan. 6, 2026

Honda buying LG Energy Solution’s stake in Ohio EV battery plant building for $2.85B

The transaction includes the building and infrastructure assets related to the battery joint venture, but excludes the land and equipment.

By Eric Walz • Jan. 5, 2026

US plans fresh China semiconductor tariffs for 2027

The duty rate will be set at least 30 days before the implementation date and stack on top of existing levies, per a Federal Register filing.

By Phil Neuffer • Jan. 5, 2026

Mercedes settles emissions-cheating lawsuit for nearly $150M

The total value of the multi-state settlement could reach $347 million, according to one state attorney general.

By Lamar Johnson • Jan. 5, 2026

Software glitches fueled OEM recalls in 2025

As automakers continued to add new technology to their models, the number of software-related recalls was on the rise this year.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 23, 2025