Technology
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Courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai adds connected garage tech to vehicle infotainment screens
The automaker is partnering with Chamberlain Group, a manufacturer of garage door openers and security systems, to add its “myQ” Connected Garage technology to some models.
By Eric Walz • July 13, 2026 -
Courtesy of Nissan
Q&ANissan US product chief talks tariffs, hybrids and hands-off driving
Fewer sedans and the return of the body-on-frame Xterra are part of the sweeping changes in store for the automaker's U.S. lineup, according to Ponz Pandikuthira.
By Gary Witzenburg • July 10, 2026 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of Kia Corporation
TrendlineArtificial 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 -
Courtesy of Polestar
Polestar 4 lineup adds upright SUV body style
European and Asian markets will get the Polestar 4 SUV, but U.S. customers lose out due to the EV brand’s exit from the market.
By Paul Myles • July 10, 2026 -
Courtesy of Bentley Motors
Bentley confirms first fully electric model for September reveal
The EV, to be called Torcal, will join the British luxury brand’s Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga.
By Paul Myles • July 10, 2026 -
Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Ford recalls 66K hybrid SUVs for missing pedestrian warning sounds
The recall expands an October 2025 recall for a software error that can prevent pedestrian warning sounds from playing at low speeds.
By Kalena Thomhave • July 9, 2026 -
Courtesy of ChargePoint
ChargePoint, Optimus Energy plan to expand EV charging network in Southeast US
Florida-based Optimus will act as owner-operator of the EV chargers, while ChargePoint will serve as the exclusive provider of hardware, software and services.
By Eric Walz • July 9, 2026 -
Permission granted by Yuriy Demidko
Fox Motors uses AI to tackle problems, capitalize on opportunities
The dealership group's former CIO, Yuriy Demidko, shared his favorite AI fixes with WardsAuto.
By Alysha Webb • July 8, 2026 -
Courtesy of Toyota
Toyota plans Tacoma production in Texas with $3.6B expansion
The automaker won’t yet say what portion of U.S.-bound Tacomas will shift from Mexico after the buildout, but the company plans to double its San Antonio factory footprint by 2030.
By Bengt Halvorson • July 7, 2026 -
Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE preview: Luxury EV challenges van preconceptions
Fully electric passenger van has a long, spacious cabin but drives like a smaller SUV.
By Greg Kable • July 7, 2026 -
Courtesy of Toyota Motor UK
EV transition challenges auto supply chain resilience, Moody’s says
Legacy automakers have the added complexity of having to run different supply chains, for ICE, hybrid and EV powertrains.
By Paul Myles • July 7, 2026 -
Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai, Kia unveil ‘Plasma Care UVC’ in-vehicle sanitization tech
The system uses a plasma lamp to reduce bacteria and other odor-causing microorganisms in the cabin, even while passengers are present, according to the automaker.
By Eric Walz • July 7, 2026 -
Courtesy of Nissan
How Nissan’s e-Power system radically simplifies hybrids
Nissan’s e-Power is the first mainstream hybrid system for the U.S. market with no mechanical connection between the engine and wheels.
By Bengt Halvorson • July 6, 2026 -
Courtesy of Telo Trucks
Michigan’s Schwab Industries signs on to help build tiny Telo electric truck
The contract manufacturer will help California startup Telo build steel bodies for its radical-looking EV mating full-size-truck utility with a Mini Cooper parking footprint.
By Bengt Halvorson • July 2, 2026 -
Courtesy of BMW Group
BMW completes its $1.7B investment in South Carolina, debuts new X5
In addition to a vehicle assembly expansion, a new battery plant is ready to support production of EVs in the U.S.
By Eric Walz • July 1, 2026 -
Courtesy of Jeff Wyler Automotive Family
Dealership group creates its AI solutions in-house
Jeff Wyler Automotive Family employees harness tech training to build AI tools that boost efficiency.
By Alysha Webb • June 30, 2026 -
Courtesy of Flexis Renault Group
Renault acquires Flexis EV business from joint venture partner Volvo
The French automaker seeks to boost its vehicle production capabilities by taking control of the electric last-mile logistics company it set up with Volvo in 2024.
By Paul Myles • June 26, 2026 -
Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Ford named top mainstream brand in initial quality by JD Power
Executives said the company is moving from a “find and fix” mentality for addressing quality issues to preventing them before they occur.
By Eric Walz • June 25, 2026 -
Mario Tama via Getty Images
Managed, bidirectional EV charging gains utility, automaker support
General Motors and Rivian announcements this month underscore the growing U.S. electric vehicle fleet’s load management potential.
By Brian Martucci • June 23, 2026 -
Courtesy of General Motors
GM unveils next-gen Silverado 1500 pickup with new V8 engine options
The company has a lot riding on upcoming 2027 models for Chevy and GMC. It sold nearly 130,000 Silverado trucks in Q1, making it the Chevrolet brand’s best-selling vehicle.
By Eric Walz • June 23, 2026 -
Courtesy of Renault Group
Renault unveils 4 Troop prototype military vehicle with Thales
A collaboration with the military specialist sees the French automaker move into the burgeoning European defense sector.
By Paul Myles • June 23, 2026 -
Courtesy of Nissan Motor UK
Mixed messages, perceived costs may be roadblocks to UK EV adoption
Recent study results from the rental and leasing firm Europcar suggest fragile confidence in EVs across the broader market.
By Paul Myles • June 22, 2026 -
Courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover
JLR plans Defender models designed for US market
The British automaker eyes “double-digit revenue growth” with a wide range of powertrain choices for Land Rover.
By Paul Myles • June 18, 2026 -
Courtesy of BMW
Electric BMW M3 previewed with racing-inspired concept car
The M Concept Neue Klasse showcases new design direction, four-motor drivetrain ahead of the electric M3’s US arrival in 2027
By Greg Kable • June 18, 2026 -
Courtesy of Nissan Motor UK
Auto lobby presses UK government to revisit 2030 zero emission mandate
The industry group hopes a rethink of EV sales targets will take consumer demand into account.
By Paul Myles • June 17, 2026 -
Courtesy of American Honda Motor Co.
Honda launches free off-road app for TrailSport models
The app was developed by Honda engineers in collaboration with TrailSport owners and enthusiasts seeking off-road adventures.
By Eric Walz • June 16, 2026
