Technology

Vehicle infotainment remains a pain point for drivers: JD Power

Multimedia-related problems account for 25% of total vehicle complaints, according to JD Power’s 2026 U.S. Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study.

By Eric Walz • Sept. 14, 2026

Honda invests in US maker of rare-earth-free magnets

Minnesota-based Niron Magnetics, which celebrated the start of construction of a manufacturing plant Wednesday, confirmed the investment from the automaker.

By Eric Walz • Sept. 14, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Autonomous Vehicles

Automakers continue to make big investments in autonomous vehicles. We’ve put together a curated list of stories showcasing the technologies and strategies propelling autonomy.

By WardsAuto staff

Horse Powertrain opens first US office in Detroit

The powertrain company said it can help automakers cut costs amid rapidly changing consumer demand.

By Paul Myles • Sept. 11, 2026

Ford invests $1B in its key Kentucky plant for truck, SUV production

The new paint shop for Ford’s highest-revenue assembly plant will boost efficiency, the automaker said.

By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 10, 2026

Transportation secretary urges Ford to cut technology ties with China

In a letter to Ford CEO Jim Farley, the DOT said it remains “deeply alarmed” by the automaker’s continued reliance on licensed technology from China-based battery manufacturer CATL.

By Eric Walz • Sept. 9, 2026

VW Group plans more ‘rugged vehicles’ for US amid sweeping restructure

Volkswagen says concentrating investment on fewer models globally will enable it to achieve higher volumes for individual vehicles, reduce costs and create greater economies of scale.

By Greg Kable • Sept. 9, 2026

Tesla faces federal probe over Cybercab rollout

The EV maker hasn’t played by the administration’s own exemption rules or shown why its robotaxi is better without mirrors, pedals, or a steering wheel.

By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 9, 2026

Volkswagen advances restructuring plan that could cut 50K jobs

The company also plans to reduce its model portfolio by 50% by 2035, with the North American market shifting towards higher-margin vehicles.

By Eric Walz • Sept. 4, 2026

Hyundai building a ‘data flywheel’ to strengthen its SDV capabilities

Data collected from millions of vehicles globally will be used to accelerate Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities and enhance AI-enabled in-vehicle infotainment systems.

By Eric Walz • Sept. 4, 2026

2027 Range Rover Electric launches with $180K First Edition

The new flagship luxury SUV arrives a year later than planned but is ready for Tesla Superchargers and wading through nearly three feet of water.

By Paul Myles • Sept. 4, 2026

Hyundai to begin delivering robotaxis to Waymo in Q4

The companies are integrating Waymo’s autonomous driving technology stack into the Ioniq 5 electric SUV.

By Eric Walz • Sept. 3, 2026

Volvo cost saving prompts flagship tech hub closure

The automaker’s Stockholm office is set to shift most responsibilities to its Gothenburg headquarters.

By Paul Myles • Sept. 1, 2026

Electrical issue prompts recall of 27K Lucid Air EVs

Nearly all of the Air sedans Lucid has delivered in the U.S. have been recalled for an issue with its lighting system — but a fix has already been pushed out over the air. 

By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 1, 2026

Electrified powertrains drive EU new-vehicle registrations higher in July

Automakers with a strong portfolio of powertrain options beyond gas and diesel are topping the sales tables, according to Jato Dynamics.

By Paul Myles • Aug. 31, 2026

Honda, Nissan to partner on standardized vehicle hardware and software

The electrical/electronic architecture and jointly developed ECUs and software are planned for the companies’ next-generation SDVs in fiscal year 2029 and beyond.

By Eric Walz • Aug. 31, 2026

Express delivery: Simulation app speeds up electric truck battery design

See how Volvo Trucks has accelerated the design of its long-lasting, high-performance batteries.

By Brianne Costa • Aug. 31, 2026

Hyundai seeks to diversify revenue with its latest robotics acquisition

The company plans to expand its robotics testing and validation center tenfold by the end of the year and is looking to invest in U.S. commercial production.

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 28, 2026

Volvo will enable new connected safety features in its EVs with OTA update

The automaker’s electric EX90, ES90 and XC60 models get four additional alerts and improved audio.

By Paul Myles • Aug. 27, 2026

Hyundai targets sales growth by looking for whitespace

The automaker is finding opportunities by simply filling in its market gaps, with new model entries to include extended-range EVs, off-road SUVs and performance models.

By Bengt Halvorson • Aug. 27, 2026

Lotus merges production and electrified mobility wings

The British performance brand seeks production efficiencies as it focuses on a hybrid future.

By Paul Myles • Aug. 26, 2026

Walmart’s own EV charging network picks up the pace with 100th station

Although off to a slow start in its self-branded EV-charging buildout, the retail giant plans thousands of locations and says they already span 20 states.

By Bengt Halvorson • Aug. 26, 2026

Mitsubishi confirms US-bound, Nissan-based pickup

The brand plans to shift from four models now to six by the end of 2027 — with a pickup and maybe an SUV in the works. 

By Bengt Halvorson • Aug. 26, 2026

Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis reveals flagship GV90 electric SUV

Built on Hyundai’s eMP platform that’s exclusive for the GV90, the EV features innovative technologies that offer what Genesis calls an unprecedented in-vehicle experience.

By Eric Walz • Aug. 24, 2026

AI agents arrive in the cabin, bringing automakers opportunities and risks

Improved consumer UX is on the way, while OEMs are set to lose some control of the cockpit environment.

By Paul Myles • Aug. 21, 2026

Land Rover to bring Dakar-winning Defender to the road

The limited-edition Defender Dakar will boast a 4.4-liter V8 with more power than the racer.

By Paul Myles • Aug. 21, 2026