Operations
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Stellantis to invest $70B as part of new 5-year strategic plan
Automaker said the U.S. market leads its expectations for growth and profit powered by a slew of new partnership announcements.
By Paul Myles • May 22, 2026 -
A Colorado dealership group buys its first Chevrolet store
New co-owner Ivette Dominguez Drawe is counting on an inventory boost to kick-start sales.
By Alysha Webb • May 21, 2026 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of Toyota
TrendlineAutomotive Manufacturing
Production strategies are changing rapidly as tariffs and shifts in consumer buying patterns affect the industry.
By WardsAuto staff -
Column
Reman auto parts business just begging to be ‘discovered’
John McElroy argues that remanufactured parts should be on the minds of more dealerships — but a broader movement to utilize them needs to start with automakers.
By John McElroy • May 21, 2026 -
Michigan awards $5M to Slate Auto to expand its headquarters
The EV startup plans a total capital investment of $10.4 million in the state, creating at least 392 new jobs across corporate, engineering and design over the next five years.
By Eric Walz • May 20, 2026 -
Toyota eyes $2B plant expansion in San Antonio
That automaker is assessing potential locations and seeking incentives for a new facility in Texas, called Project Orca, with construction set to begin this year.
By Sara Samora • May 18, 2026 -
Subaru postpones in-house EV development after profits fall 90%
The automaker recorded $385 million in impairment losses and expenses related to EVs as it shifts its strategy towards ICE and hybrid vehicles.
By Eric Walz • May 18, 2026 -
JLR’s Q4 revenue improves as $2.3B in savings promised
Revenue in the final quarter of FY2026 was still down 11% YoY and by nearly 21% for the full-year, but the outlook is showing improvement.
By Paul Myles • May 18, 2026 -
Sponsored by C&R Software
Why most AI investments in auto finance aren’t delivering
When it comes to AI, point solutions tend to create more problems than they solve.
May 18, 2026 -
Goodyear in talks to close North Carolina tire factory that employs 1,700
The tire giant is looking to restructure its manufacturing footprint as increased uncertainty from weak demand and raw material disruptions affect sales.
By Nathan Owens • May 15, 2026 -
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
CEO Bryan DeBoer aims to centralize roles and combine others to remove layers, even potentially shifting service advisors to remote work.
By Jim Henry • May 12, 2026 -
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 -
Deep Dive
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