Nissan unveils industry-first ‘Personalized Sound’ feature for its vehicle infotainment system

The feature is available on all Nissan and Infiniti vehicles equipped with Google built-in, including the new 2026 Leaf EV.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 18, 2025

Johnson Matthey bets big on hydrogen ICE

Automotive supplier opens new R&D center just as the EU relaxes its planned ban on new gas-powered vehicles.

By Paul Myles • Dec. 18, 2025

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

Ford abandons F-150 Lightning, looks to gasoline range extender replacement

The Blue Oval brand will pivot toward ICE and hybrid powertrains as CEO Jim Farley announces a $19.5 billion EV write-down.

By Paul Myles • Dec. 17, 2025

Ford scraps EV plans, shifts to hybrids, EREVs and low-cost models

The automaker will focus its North American EV development on a new family of smaller, highly efficient and less expensive models.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 16, 2025

Consumers returning to ICE vehicles, EY global study suggests

EVs and hybrids are losing ground among motorists searching for their next vehicle, the data shows.

By Paul Myles • Dec. 16, 2025

Suppliers look to leverage EIS tech for EV battery management

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technology can be used for early detection of potential battery failures.

By Dave Zoia • Dec. 15, 2025

Rivian unveils AI-powered driverless tech with big upgrades

The company’s future hands-free driving system will be supported by a new in-house-designed processor and other AI-powered software enhancements.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 15, 2025

dSPACE introduces new radar solution for end-of-line and PTI tests

The dSPACE DARTS ARROW has been specially developed for use in end-of-line tests and periodic technical inspections (PTI) of radar-based driver assistance systems.

Dec. 15, 2025

Ford, SK On dissolving BlueOval SK battery joint venture

The automaker’s planned investment in the joint venture announced in 2021 was the largest-ever manufacturing commitment in company history, Ford said at the time.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 12, 2025

LA Auto Show vehicles reveal dealers must prepare for electrified future

With myriad electrified powertrain options now on the market, automakers told WardsAuto they are committed to boosting training for dealer sales staff.

By Alysha Webb • Dec. 9, 2025

Nexperia spat shows automotive supply chains vulnerable to geopolitics

Manufacturers must guard against production disruptions resulting from other potential international dustups, says Moody’s Supply Chain Director Sapna Amlani.

By Paul Myles • Dec. 5, 2025

Ford recalls nearly 230K Bronco SUVs over blank instrument cluster displays

The digital display, which shows critical vehicle information, may fail to power up at startup due to a software error.

By Kalena Thomhave • Dec. 3, 2025

AI design helping automakers match China’s speed-to-market

Neural Concept is growing its client base by promising production speed, efficiency and razor’s-edge technology.

By Paul Myles • Dec. 3, 2025

GM senior vice president of software and services to depart

Baris Cetinok's exit comes as the automaker brings together its vehicle software engineering and global product under one organization, which has led to a reshuffling of executive leadership.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 2, 2025

Ionna plans $250M investment in EV charging infrastructure in California

The joint venture between eight automakers plans to install up to 30,000 electric vehicle charging bays in the U.S. by 2030.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 1, 2025

Hertz’s controversy and the future of automotive inspections

The issue isn't the technology for precise vehicle inspection; it's how it’s utilized.

By Brad Kokesh • Nov. 26, 2025

The new electric Jeep Recon promises capability and performance

The Moab hero model reaches North American markets next year, boasting premium off-road handling and supercar on-road acceleration.

By Paul Myles • Nov. 25, 2025

Why automakers are rethinking over-the-air update strategies

Vehicle manufacturers are reconfiguring their software strategies to ensure costs better align with returns from the promising technology.

By Mike Gardner • Nov. 24, 2025

GM’s chief AI officer Barak Turovsky departs

The tech executive who was leading the automaker’s AI vision resigned after eight months on the job.

By Eric Walz • Nov. 24, 2025

First drive: 2026 Hyundai Palisade HEV makes a good thing better

Despite being more expensive than the gas-powered version, the automaker claims its better fuel economy will see buyers recoup those dollars within two years.

By Tanya Gazdik • Nov. 21, 2025

Waymo taps Google exec for CFO seat

The move comes at a “pivotal moment” for Waymo as it continues to scale its autonomous ride-hailing business, Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said.

By Alexei Alexis • Nov. 21, 2025

British thermal specialist claims 10-minute EV fast-charge breakthough

Charging times to rival ICE refueling is the promise of Hydrohertz's battery-pack cooling system that also claims better range and vehicle safety.

By Paul Myles • Nov. 21, 2025

Is Dassault’s real-time spatial computing the next big auto leap?

The software specialist claims its virtual twin could accelerate automakers’ product speed to market.

By Dave Zoia • Nov. 20, 2025

Bentley abandons plans to build only EVs by 2035

The luxury brand is responding to consumer demand for ICE and hybrid powertrains.

By Paul Myles • Nov. 19, 2025

2026 Toyota Hilux pickup launches in Europe as double cab

The automaker responds to consumer demand and promises BEV and hydrogen fuel-cell versions.

By Paul Myles • Nov. 19, 2025