Automakers
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Ford, GM sign memory supply agreements with Micron
The deals will strengthen the automakers’ sources of supply for memory and storage for use in next-generation vehicles.
By Phil Neuffer • July 14, 2026 -
Polestar reports record first-half sales despite slump in Q2
The automaker has been banned from selling its EVs in the U.S. because of connected-vehicle technology linked to China.
By Paul Myles • July 14, 2026 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of Kia Corporation
TrendlineArtificial Intelligence
Automakers and dealers alike are increasingly seeing the use case for AI within their operations. Explore some use cases in this trendline.
By WardsAuto staff -
Facing high costs, Volkswagen aims to halve model lineup
The global automaker seeks to cut equipment options by up to 75 percent and its production capacity to 9 million units.
By Greg Kable • July 14, 2026 -
Ford and Canada’s Unifor reach tentative deal, setting up broader Detroit Three labor talks
The auto union is banking on Ford to set a deal that might be extended to GM and Stellantis, but experts warn that both sides are in a weak negotiating position.
By Keith Nuthall • July 13, 2026 -
Hyundai adds connected garage tech to vehicle infotainment screens
The automaker is partnering with Chamberlain Group, a manufacturer of garage door openers and security systems, to add its “myQ” Connected Garage technology to some models.
By Eric Walz • July 13, 2026 -
Gordie Howe bridge set to open July 27 after weekslong delay
Projections show each hour 400 commercial vehicles could cross the new span between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, originally scheduled to debut last month.
By Larry Avila • July 13, 2026 -
Gas prices might help offset glut of off-lease EVs
EV lease returns are on the rise — and if pump prices ramp up again, supply and demand might find a balance that’s good for dealers.
By Jim Henry • July 13, 2026 -
Q&A
Nissan US product chief talks tariffs, hybrids and hands-off driving
Fewer sedans and the return of the body-on-frame Xterra are part of the sweeping changes in store for the automaker's U.S. lineup, according to Ponz Pandikuthira.
By Gary Witzenburg • July 10, 2026 -
Polestar 4 lineup adds upright SUV body style
European and Asian markets will get the Polestar 4 SUV, but U.S. customers lose out due to the EV brand’s exit from the market.
By Paul Myles • July 10, 2026 -
Bentley confirms first fully electric model for September reveal
The EV, to be called Torcal, will join the British luxury brand’s Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga.
By Paul Myles • July 10, 2026 -
Ford recalls 66K hybrid SUVs for missing pedestrian warning sounds
The recall expands an October 2025 recall for a software error that can prevent pedestrian warning sounds from playing at low speeds.
By Kalena Thomhave • July 9, 2026 -
For Volvo Cars, EVs are bright spot amid lackluster Q2
The automaker’s global sales slump for the April-to-June period stems from continued trading challenges, particularly in China.
By Paul Myles • July 9, 2026 -
GM issues recall, stop-sale order for rear power seat fault in Cadillac Vistiq
The third-row power-folding seatback may fail to reverse when a person gets in the way.
By Eric Walz • July 8, 2026 -
Toyota plans Tacoma production in Texas with $3.6B expansion
The automaker won’t yet say what portion of U.S.-bound Tacomas will shift from Mexico after the buildout, but the company plans to double its San Antonio factory footprint by 2030.
By Bengt Halvorson • July 7, 2026 -
2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE preview: Luxury EV challenges van preconceptions
Fully electric passenger van has a long, spacious cabin but drives like a smaller SUV.
By Greg Kable • July 7, 2026 -
EV transition challenges auto supply chain resilience, Moody’s says
Legacy automakers have the added complexity of having to run different supply chains, for ICE, hybrid and EV powertrains.
By Paul Myles • July 7, 2026 -
Hyundai, Kia unveil ‘Plasma Care UVC’ in-vehicle sanitization tech
The system uses a plasma lamp to reduce bacteria and other odor-causing microorganisms in the cabin, even while passengers are present, according to the automaker.
By Eric Walz • July 7, 2026 -
Europe’s automaker body joins ‘Made in EU’ calls for UK inclusion
The ACEA welcomes the initiative but suggests moves to help automakers stay competitive.
By Paul Myles • July 6, 2026 -
How Nissan’s e-Power system radically simplifies hybrids
Nissan’s e-Power is the first mainstream hybrid system for the U.S. market with no mechanical connection between the engine and wheels.
By Bengt Halvorson • July 6, 2026 -
Volkswagen unveils its first electric GTI
The front-wheel-drive EV wearing the celebrated hot-hatch badge made its debut at Nürburgring 24 Hours.
By Greg Kable • July 2, 2026 -
Michigan’s Schwab Industries signs on to help build tiny Telo electric truck
The contract manufacturer will help California startup Telo build steel bodies for its radical-looking EV mating full-size-truck utility with a Mini Cooper parking footprint.
By Bengt Halvorson • July 2, 2026 -
Ford recalls 741K SUVs, pickups for rollaway risk
The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is moving, resulting in damage. The automaker expects a remedy will be available in April 2027.
By Eric Walz • July 2, 2026 -
US blocks quick USMCA extension, putting annual review process into motion
The U.S., Mexico and Canada will continue negotiating about potential adjustments to the trilateral free trade agreement, which will remain in place until at least 2036.
By Phil Neuffer • July 2, 2026 -
BMW completes its $1.7B investment in South Carolina, debuts new X5
In addition to a vehicle assembly expansion, a new battery plant is ready to support production of EVs in the U.S.
By Eric Walz • July 1, 2026 -
Column
Why are vehicle recall numbers so high?
Several large-scale safety debacles led to “a paradigm shift” in the way NHTSA tackles recalls. What's followed has been painful to automakers — and a mixed bag to dealers.
By Steve Finlay • July 1, 2026