Technology: Page

  • Kia pickup in side profile.
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    Courtesy of Kia
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    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 • April 10, 2026
  • Dacia Duster III Hybrid G150 Extreme
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    Courtesy of Renault Group
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    Europe vehicle registrations drop in first two months of 2026

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

    By • April 10, 2026
  • The interior of a Kia EV3 showing the dashboard and front seats. Explore the Trendline➔
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    Courtesy of Kia Corporation
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    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
  • Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot.
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    Courtesy of Boston Dynamics
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    Column

    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
  • Dan Harrowell Repairability BYD Dolphin
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    Courtesy of Thatcham Research
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    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 • April 7, 2026
  • The 2027 Kia EV3 in U.S. specification, in the sun
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    Courtesy of Kia
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    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 • April 7, 2026
  • Euro NCAP Zeekr X Post Crash Test 17.03.2026
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    Permission granted by Paul Myles
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    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 • April 7, 2026
  • The interior of a 2025 Ford Explorer SUV showing the steering wheel, instrument cluster and center display screen.
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    Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
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    Ford recalls nearly 255K SUVs for camera image processing module errors

    A software fault can lead to an intermittent loss of the image feed or advanced driver assist features, including blindspot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.

    By • April 6, 2026
  • Humanoid robots work on a production line.
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    Courtesy of Mobileye / Mentee Robotics
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    Deep Dive

    Autonomous vehicles are driving the auto industry toward humanoid robots

    Learnings from autonomous-vehicle development fit nicely with robotics, which industry executives said could become a potential $100 billion-plus market by decade end.

    By • April 3, 2026
  • Refreshed 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
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    Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
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    Mercedes-Benz overhauls GLE and GLS SUVs — again

    The latest facelift extends an already long model cycle for the U.S.-built SUVs.

    By Greg Kable • April 3, 2026
  • A driver in a Ford SUV travels on a highway without their hands on the steering wheel while using the automaker's BlueCruise automated driving feature.
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    Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
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    NTSB: Ford’s BlueCruise failed to intervene in 2 fatal crashes

    The agency investigated the crashes in 2024 that killed three and determined that the hands-free driving system failed to brake for stationary vehicles.

    By • Updated April 7, 2026
  • The 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid, out in the sun in Southern California.
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    Bengt Halvorson/WardsAuto
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    2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid expands the horizon

    Subaru’s first hybrid Wilderness might sound like keyword-stuffing, but it’s simply where the brand sees growth. 

    By • April 2, 2026
  • Polestar 2 and 3 Recycled Battery Content
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    Courtesy of Polestar
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    Polestar launches recycled battery content in two models

    Batteries in Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 now get at least half of their cobalt from recycled sources.

    By • April 2, 2026
  • Subaru Getaway EV, parked in the grass at a Southern California preview.
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    Bengt Halvorson/WardsAuto
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    2027 Subaru Getaway EV primed for family fun

    A smart strategy with Toyota brings Subaru an electric SUV that serves as a stealth flagship.

    By • April 1, 2026
  • A rendering of a software-defined vehicle showing various electronics and networked computer systems.
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    Courtesy of Android Automotive
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    Google will open-source Android Automotive OS SDV platform

    The company said the platform standardizes the software layer of vehicle architectures, allowing OEMs the ability to integrate modules running software from dozens of different suppliers.

    By • March 30, 2026
  • A gray 2026 Nissan Sentra undergoes moderate overlap front crash test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
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    Courtesy of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
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    IIHS eyes crash avoidance improvements with its 2026 safety awards

    SUVs accounted for 47 of the 63 vehicles that earned a spot on the 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards list.

    By • March 30, 2026
  • A Rivian truck recharges at a Rivian EV charging station on Mar. 3, 2024 in Truckee, California.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    Rivian walks back 2027 profitability target

    The EV maker no longer expects to be adjusted EBITDA positive in 2027 as it focuses on autonomous vehicle technology efforts, including a multiyear partnership with Uber.

    By Grace Noto • March 26, 2026
  • A prototype of the Afeela 1 electric sedan that was unveiled in 2023 shown outdoors with a dark sky in the background,
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    Courtesy of Sony Honda Mobility
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    Honda Sony Mobility cancels planned EVs

    The partners are reevaluating the future of the JV, which was set to launch the Afeela 1 sedan in California later this year.

    By • March 25, 2026
  • Tesla Model Y with Tesla Wall Connector
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    Courtesy of Tesla
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    Dealers need to step up and educate on EV charging: JD Power

    The firm underscored that EV drivers have a lot to navigate to understand the best home-charging option — and dealers are in the best position to help. 

    By • March 25, 2026
  • A rendering of Elon Musk's Terafab project in Austin, Texas.
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    (2026). "Terafab launch" [Video]. Retrieved from X.
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    Elon Musk to build advanced chip factories in Austin, Texas, for SpaceX and Tesla

    A public hearing related to the proposed semiconductor manufacturing and fabrication facility is scheduled for June 3 at 9 a.m. Central Time.

    By Nathan Owens • Updated May 6, 2026
  • Napa Auto Parts Store Building Exterior
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    M. Suhail via Getty Images
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    Genuine Parts Company CIO retires amid major overhaul

    The automotive and industrial parts distributor said it has no plans to replace Naveen Krishna as it undertakes dividing the company.

    By Nicole Laskowski • March 24, 2026
  • A Cadillac Escalade IQ electric SUV outfitted with sensor and other hardware to test the automaker's driving technology.
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    Courtesy of General Motors
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    GM begins public road testing of its next-generation self-driving tech

    The automaker will offer a more advanced, “eyes-off” version of its Super Cruise automated driving system in 2028, starting with the Cadillac Escalade IQ.

    By • March 24, 2026
  • A concept rendering of the $5.8 billion BlueOval SK Battery Park in Glendale, Kentucky.
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    Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
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    BlueOval SK delays layoffs at Kentucky battery plant

    Ford and SK On had previously decided to dissolve their electric vehicle battery joint venture, which included a planned $11.4 billion investment by the two companies.

    By • Updated March 27, 2026
  • Renault Twingo E Tech Electric 2026
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    Courtesy of Renault Group
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    Renault to sell EVs priced to match hybrids by 2030

    The automaker predicts its “futuREady” strategy will see production cost savings passed on to consumers.

    By • March 20, 2026
  • A white Rivian R2 electric SUV parked outdoors with greenery in the background.
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    Courtesy of Rivian
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    Uber to invest up to $1.25B in Rivian, buy 50K R2 SUVs to use as robotaxis

    The ride-hailing company will initially purchase 10,000 electric SUVs, with the option to buy 40,000 more in 2030 if certain “autonomous milestones” are met.

    By • March 19, 2026
  • The BMW i3 sedan from the front angle, as it makes its Munich debut in March 2026
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    Courtesy of BMW
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    BMW unveils fully electric i3 sedan with pioneering technology

    The distinctive sedan is based on an entirely new structure that CEO Oliver Zipse said will underpin at least six new EV models by the end of the decade.

    By Greg Kable • March 18, 2026