Technology

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

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

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

Bosch, Qualcomm expand partnership to include ADAS technology

Bosch said it delivered over 10 million cockpit computers to global OEMs using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon system-on-chips.

By Eric Walz • April 15, 2026

Stellantis to cut 650 engineer jobs at Opel’s German HQ

Company and unions confirm decision to trim more than a third of technicians at Rüsselsheim after Tech Center assessment.

By Paul Myles • April 14, 2026

Slate Auto says $650M boost will get it to ‘next stages of production’

Deliveries of the startup’s affordable electric truck are due in late 2026, with pricing set to be announced in June.

By Bengt Halvorson • April 14, 2026

Automotive software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing – and how do I do it right?

In the SDV era, software-in-the-loop testing is indispensable for shortening development cycles and ensuring quality right from the start.

By Barbara Kempkes • April 13, 2026

Kia plans US-bound pickup, more hybrids and robots

In a strategy update, Kia aims to double the number of U.S. hybrid models but is again lowering its EV targets.

By Bengt Halvorson • April 10, 2026

Europe vehicle registrations drop in first two months of 2026

Hybrids remained the most popular consumer choice while EVs gained market share.

By Paul Myles • April 10, 2026

Taking the jobs humans don’t want: the ironic promise of the humanoid robot

Robots are being used to perform increasingly complex tasks in automotive plants.

By John McElroy • April 8, 2026

EVs should be as repairable as ICE, Thatcham Research says

Building longevity into EVs is good for consumers and the aftermarket industries alike, says the vehicle assessor.

By Paul Myles • April 7, 2026

2027 Kia EV3 confirmed for US as entry-level electric SUV

While the automaker has confirmed a wide range of versions, it remains mum on production location and price.

By Bengt Halvorson • April 7, 2026

US-created New Car Assessment Program takes a leap forward in Europe

Politics ties NHTSA’s hands in driving vehicle safety innovations, according to Euro NCAP.

By Paul Myles • April 7, 2026