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

Explore the Trendline➔

Artificial 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

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

USMCA review: 5 supply chain issues the US plans to address

The United States won’t “rubber stamp” an extension of the pact next summer and will instead look to fix a few structural issues, per U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

By Phil Neuffer • Dec. 22, 2025

Toyota plans to sell 3 US-built vehicles in Japan in 2026

The move comes shortly after a tariff deal opened the door for vehicles assembled in the U.S. to be sold in Japan without further testing.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 22, 2025

Automakers spent over $2 billion in linear TV ads in 2025

OEMs leveraged sports programming, particularly pro and college football, to reach prospective customers.

By Jim Irwin • Dec. 22, 2025

Stellantis set to make its mark at the Brussels Motor Show 2026

Automakers are finding the event in the Belgian capital increasingly influential for their new product launches.

By Paul Myles • Dec. 19, 2025

Ford cancels $6.5B battery supply contract with LG Energy Solution

Last week, the automaker also dissolved its BlueOval SK battery joint venture with SK On as it shifts away from EVs.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 19, 2025

Nissan unveils industry-first ‘Personalized Sound’ feature for its vehicle infotainment system

The feature is available on all Nissan and Infiniti vehicles equipped with Google built-in, including the new 2026 Leaf EV.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 18, 2025

Ford abandons F-150 Lightning, looks to gasoline range extender replacement

The Blue Oval brand will pivot toward ICE and hybrid powertrains as CEO Jim Farley announces a $19.5 billion EV write-down.

By Paul Myles • Dec. 17, 2025

Ford scraps EV plans, shifts to hybrids, EREVs and low-cost models

The automaker will focus its North American EV development on a new family of smaller, highly efficient and less expensive models.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 16, 2025

Consumers returning to ICE vehicles, EY global study suggests

EVs and hybrids are losing ground among motorists searching for their next vehicle, the data shows.

By Paul Myles • Dec. 16, 2025

Nissan names VP to oversee US manufacturing overhaul

Victor Taylor will lead the automaker’s supply chain, production engineering and pilot operational changes across all U.S. plants.

By Antone Gonsalves • Dec. 15, 2025

Rivian unveils AI-powered driverless tech with big upgrades

The company’s future hands-free driving system will be supported by a new in-house-designed processor and other AI-powered software enhancements.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 15, 2025

Ford, SK On dissolving BlueOval SK battery joint venture

The automaker’s planned investment in the joint venture announced in 2021 was the largest-ever manufacturing commitment in company history, Ford said at the time.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 12, 2025

FCA US recalls over 72,000 Ram trucks for blank instrument cluster displays

The digital instrument displays, which show important safety information, may be blank at startup or while driving.

By Kalena Thomhave • Dec. 12, 2025

5 electrified takeaways from the 2025 LA Auto Show

Automakers made up for the relative dearth of luxury models by showing off a variety of electrified vehicles and SUVs.

By Bengt Halvorson • Dec. 11, 2025

Fed trims main rate by quarter-point, forecasts one cut in 2026

Policymakers reduced borrowing costs for the third time in 2025 amid persistent signs of cooling in the labor market.

By Jim Tyson • Dec. 11, 2025

Ford recalls over 100K Escape SUVs for issues with liftgate hinge covers

All of the affected vehicles are equipped with an optional panoramic glass roof.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 11, 2025

BMW names Milan Nedeljković as its new CEO

He was selected for his “strategic foresight, entrepreneurial thinking, and strong implementation skills,” the automaker said.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 10, 2025

Ford teams with Renault to bring new EVs to Europe

Partnership hopes to cut vehicle production and development costs as competition builds from China.

By Paul Myles • Dec. 10, 2025

First Drive: The 2026 Volvo EX30 is exactly what the market needs

In both RWD and AWD Cross Country forms, the EX30 family points the way to stylish and affordable compact EVs.

By Bengt Halvorson • Dec. 10, 2025

LA Auto Show vehicles reveal dealers must prepare for electrified future

With myriad electrified powertrain options now on the market, automakers told WardsAuto they are committed to boosting training for dealer sales staff.

By Alysha Webb • Dec. 9, 2025