Operations

Ford launches ‘Ford Energy’ battery energy storage subsidiary

The subsidiary will manufacture battery energy storage systems for data centers, utilities and large industrial and commercial customers in the U.S.

By Eric Walz • May 12, 2026

Lithia Motors reorganizes dealerships as part of productivity push

A companywide reorganization coincides with record revenues reported in the first quarter.

By Jim Henry • May 12, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Automotive Manufacturing

Production strategies are changing rapidly as tariffs and shifts in consumer buying patterns affect the industry.

By WardsAuto staff

Renault denies collapse of expansion plans for Spanish plant

Despite rumors that the automaker is scrapping plans to bring three new models to its Palencia factory, talks with unions are ongoing.

By Paul Myles • May 12, 2026

Stellantis, Leapmotor JV expands collaboration with first new EV

The two automakers hope to benefit from China’s low-cost production techniques and European dealership distribution networks.

By Paul Myles • May 11, 2026

Sonic Automotive’s focus on used cars led to record profits in Q1

Higher revenue from used vehicles helped the company offset a 10% year-on-year drop in new-car sales.

By Jim Henry • May 7, 2026

General Motors sourcing 100% renewable energy for US operations

The company claims it is the first U.S. automaker to reach the milestone and said it matched 70% of its global electricity usage with renewables in 2025.

By Zoya Mirza • May 7, 2026

Rivian raising Georgia EV plant’s initial capacity by 50% to 300K vehicles a year

The company said it worked with the Department of Energy to update a loan of up to $4.5 billion to expand the facility and boost U.S. manufacturing jobs.

By Eric Walz • May 6, 2026

Ram surges 20% YoY as North America drives Stellantis’ Q1 volumes

Despite continuing trading challenges, the company claimed the fastest-growing automaker title, CEO Antonio Filosa said.

By Paul Myles • May 5, 2026

Asbury Automotive sheds some dealerships as an investment in the future

A new dealer management system and funds freed through the sale of some stores will help the automotive retail giant “harvest” greater operating efficiencies.

By Jim Henry • May 5, 2026

Inside Ford’s efforts to build an affordable electric truck

WardsAuto's tour of the automaker's Long Beach facility found a skunkworks team that's focused on rapidly testing new ideas as it races to gain a competitive edge.

By Bengt Halvorson • May 5, 2026

GM’s US manufacturing investments surpass $6B in one year

The company’s latest commitments totaling $830 million will support SUV and truck production at major facilities in Michigan and Ohio.

By Nathan Owens • May 4, 2026

Ford expects $1.3B tariff refund, but supply chain pressure remains

The automaker is still prepping for a $1 billion hit from tariffs in 2026 while projecting sizable commodity headwinds.

By Phil Neuffer • May 4, 2026

Nissan cancels 2 electric SUVs planned for the US market

The automaker said the decision would “better align with market conditions, customer demand and its updated strategic direction.”

By Eric Walz • May 1, 2026

Diehl Automotive Group adds Toyota, VW dealerships amid buying spree

CEO Corina Diehl said a refined corporate structure has helped accelerate its M&A process and identify unique opportunities like a collision center addition.

By Alysha Webb • Updated May 5, 2026

GM bets on trucks and keeps writing down EVs, amid war and trade unease

The automaker sees full-size pickups, SUVs and a diversified portfolio as key to maintaining margins in 2026, despite potential challenges.

By Bengt Halvorson • May 1, 2026

Higher-margin trucks, SUVs boost Ford’s revenue in Q1

Combined sales of the Bronco, Explorer and Expedition rose 17.9% year over year, which was the best first-quarter start for these models since 2002.

By Eric Walz • April 30, 2026

Volvo Cars cites geopolitical conditions for Q1 2026 sales slide

Challenges in the U.S. and China are being mitigated by strong European performance, said CEO Håkan Samuelsson.

By Paul Myles • April 29, 2026

GM forecasts $500M tariff refund, plans further mitigation efforts

The automaker still projects up to $3.5 billion in duty costs in 2026, primarily driven by Section 232 levies, including those on steel and aluminum

By Phil Neuffer • April 28, 2026

Fixed Ops, F&I carry the load for dealerships in Q1

Tariffs imposed a year ago temporarily restored some of the pricing power dealers had lost because of higher new-car inventories, a Presidio-NCM study said.

By Jim Henry • April 27, 2026

Tesla plans over $25B in capital spend for robotics, chips and AI

The planned expenses this year are triple the amount of capital spent in 2025 and will support the automaker’s factory and production line conversions.

By Eric Walz • April 24, 2026

The $100B quality tax: Why the industry is losing the war on defects

Automakers are trying to build more complex vehicles in less time, while navigating broad technology shifts. What could possibly go wrong?

By John McElroy • April 23, 2026

Renault plans global tech, production hub in India

The automaker aims to launch seven models in the local market by decade-end offered with a full range of powertrain options.

By Paul Myles • April 23, 2026

Volkswagen hits the reset button, starting with its EVs

Europe’s largest automaker admits it “lost its way” with its ID EV lineup and is returning to “true Volkswagen” qualities across the brand.

By Greg Kable • April 22, 2026

Stellantis teams with Microsoft to strengthen digital capabilities

As part of the 5-year agreement, collaborative teams will co-develop more than 100 initiatives relating to AI and cybersecurity.

By Eric Walz • April 20, 2026

Rivian, Redwood Materials announce energy storage partnership

The EV maker’s second-life battery packs will be integrated into an energy system for its Illinois assembly plant.

By Eric Walz • April 20, 2026