Automakers
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Volvo Cars sets former Porsche North America leader as global CEO
Klaus Zellmer will enter a lengthy transition period as current Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson eyes his second retirement.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 21, 2026 -
Hyundai sees growth in hybrids, robotaxis and physical AI
Hyundai Motor Group’s recent CEO Investor Day served to underscore how the company’s recent technology investments fit in with making more cars, more profitably.
By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 21, 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 -
Cox raises 2026 new-car sales forecast on positive indicators
Gas prices aren't slowing sales, and wealthier buyers are accounting for a bigger piece of the market, according to the industry analysts at Cox Automotive.
By Jim Henry • Sept. 21, 2026 -
Volvo aims to double profit margins with product blitz
The automaker sees a stronger lineup with “regionally tailored electrified cars” and synergies with China’s Geely.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 18, 2026 -
Nissan, McLaren boost investment in UK’s auto industry
The automakers committed to building additional models in the country: a new hybrid Nissan Kicks and McLaren’s upcoming performance SUV.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 17, 2026 -
Fed hikes main interest rate by quarter point, citing stubborn inflation
The monetary tightening provoked criticism from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called on the Fed to cut the main interest rate regardless of price pressures.
By Jim Tyson • Sept. 17, 2026 -
Renault, Geely invest 2B reais in Brazil JV
The investment, worth $389 million, will help line up a new, electrified Renault for the market in 2027.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 17, 2026 -
Volvo adds long-range PHEV versions of XC60 and XC90
The XC60 midsize SUV now has an electric range of nearly 125 miles between charges, Volvo claims.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 16, 2026 -
Volkswagen expands driver assistance features in US models
Among the new features are driver-initiated lane changes on additional models, rear pedestrian detection and predictive adaptive cruise control for a smoother driving experience.
By Eric Walz • Sept. 16, 2026 -
Europe faces a critical point in solid-state battery development, exec says
Ilika CEO Graeme Purdy walked WardsAuto through the challenge behind scaling battery production in the region — and why he believes success at it would create a competitive advantage for the industry.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 15, 2026 -
Volkswagen revives XL1 thinking with Mission Efficiency EV
VW applied the mindset — and the shape — behind the original XL1 to its latest electric-car technology.
By Greg Kable • Sept. 15, 2026 -
Tesla preps $1.4M Texas distribution center
The automotive and technology manufacturer expects the 538,720-square-foot facility to be operational by the end of 2028, per a state filing.
By Phil Neuffer • Sept. 15, 2026 -
Vehicle infotainment remains a pain point for drivers: JD Power
Multimedia-related problems account for 25% of total vehicle complaints, according to JD Power’s 2026 U.S. Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study.
By Eric Walz • Sept. 14, 2026 -
Stellantis finds buyer for Brampton Assembly Plant
The idled plant’s potential sale comes as the automaker works to renegotiate its labor contract with Unifor, which has now paused talks citing concerns for the facility’s future.
By Edwin Lopez • Sept. 14, 2026 -
Honda invests in US maker of rare-earth-free magnets
Minnesota-based Niron Magnetics, which celebrated the start of construction of a manufacturing plant Wednesday, confirmed the investment from the automaker.
By Eric Walz • Sept. 14, 2026 -
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 -
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