Technology

Toyota reveals grand AI vision for vehicles and beyond

The automaker’s foundational vision-language model will be central for the learning and decision-making of its autonomous-driving and safety systems.

By Bengt Halvorson • May 7, 2026

Ford’s upcoming $30,000 electric truck: 7 intriguing new twists

Fewer parts and rapid iteration are among the keys to keeping efficiency high and costs low for the automaker’s future family of affordable EVs. 

By Bengt Halvorson • May 7, 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

GM rolling out Google’s Gemini to 4M vehicles in the US

The company says it’s one of the largest deployments of generative AI in the auto industry.

By Eric Walz • May 6, 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

Volkswagen reveals ID. Polo as new entry-level EV

The compact hatchback targets Europe and other global markets with its sub-$30,000 price, but it’s not planned for the U.S.

By Greg Kable • May 1, 2026

Auto industry ransomware attacks more than doubled in 2025

The former deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division said hackers are targeting OEMs and suppliers who must act quickly to identify attacks.

By Paul Myles • April 30, 2026

2027 Infiniti QX65 review: Luxury fastback SUV makes a smooth statement

The QX65 channels FX design flair and delivers refinement and comfort for the road, not necessarily the trail.

By Eric Walz • April 29, 2026

Analysts hail Stellantis, Microsoft’s AI training partnership

Efforts to embrace AI systemically could help accelerate the automaker's competitiveness versus emerging brands from China.

By Paul Myles • April 28, 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

SDVs pose challenges to automotive supply chains, Moody’s says

Quality control of software is not as easy as hardware, but automakers are warned not to overreact.

By Paul Myles • 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

Honda recalls nearly 441K Odyssey minivans over unintended airbag deployment

The supplemental restraint system control module may misinterpret potholes and speed bumps as collisions, and inadvertently trigger some airbags.

By Kalena Thomhave • April 22, 2026

Mercedes-Benz secures multi-year EV battery supply deal with Samsung SDI

The automaker plans to use the nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries for future compact and mid-size electric SUVs and coupe models.

By Eric Walz • April 21, 2026

As EV load grows, utilities use managed charging to harness flexibility, lower costs

Active managed charging can delay costly system upgrades while saving individual customers money on their bills, utilities, automakers and aggregators say, but a lack of standardized data-sharing is slowing adoption.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 20, 2026

Honda considers an analog spin for software-defined vehicles

With an investment in semiconductor manufacturer Mythic, analog computing might help cut energy consumption in future AI-powered vehicle systems.

By Bengt Halvorson • April 20, 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

Connected data, connected decisions: The real AI advantage for inventory leaders

A smarter way to think about AI begins with better data.

April 20, 2026

Lucid confirms $750M of fresh investment, scaled-up Uber robotaxi project

Alongside the appointment of a new CEO and a vote-of-confidence investment from Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Uber is agreeing to up its investment and buy 15,000 more vehicles.

By Bengt Halvorson • April 17, 2026

Ford creates new unit to deliver next-gen vehicles, software and services

The automaker aims to make its highest-volume vehicles into platforms for digital growth with updated electrical architectures and enhanced over-the-air software capabilities.

By Eric Walz • April 16, 2026

Circle K plans 350 EV charging sites with Ionna

The partnership will involve a mix of updating existing charging stations and adding over 250 new sites to the network, all of which Ionna will operate.

By Jessica Loder • April 16, 2026

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving approved for public roads in the Netherlands

The country’s Vehicle Authority will test the deployment for 18 months, while stressing it’s an ADAS system and not self-driving technology.

By Paul Myles • April 16, 2026

Lucid Group appoints permanent CEO after 14-month search

COO Marc Winterhoff has been serving in the role on an interim basis since February 2025 following the resignation of Peter Rawlinson.

By Eric Walz • April 15, 2026

Nissan announces its new ‘Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life’ long-term strategy

The automaker aims to boost its global competitiveness with next-generation AI technologies, electrification and shared vehicle architectures.

By Eric Walz • April 15, 2026