Vehicles
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Polestar reports record first-half sales despite slump in Q2
The automaker has been banned from selling its EVs in the U.S. because of connected-vehicle technology linked to China.
By Paul Myles • July 14, 2026 -
Facing high costs, Volkswagen aims to halve model lineup
The global automaker seeks to cut equipment options by up to 75 percent and its production capacity to 9 million units.
By Greg Kable • July 14, 2026 -
Gas prices might help offset glut of off-lease EVs
EV lease returns are on the rise — and if pump prices ramp up again, supply and demand might find a balance that’s good for dealers.
By Jim Henry • July 13, 2026 -
Q&A
Nissan 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
For Volvo Cars, EVs are bright spot amid lackluster Q2
The automaker’s global sales slump for the April-to-June period stems from continued trading challenges, particularly in China.
By Paul Myles • July 9, 2026 -
GM issues recall, stop-sale order for rear power seat fault in Cadillac Vistiq
The third-row power-folding seatback may fail to reverse when a person gets in the way.
By Eric Walz • July 8, 2026 -
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 -
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 -
Europe’s automaker body joins ‘Made in EU’ calls for UK inclusion
The ACEA welcomes the initiative but suggests moves to help automakers stay competitive.
By Paul Myles • July 6, 2026 -
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 -
Volkswagen unveils its first electric GTI
The front-wheel-drive EV wearing the celebrated hot-hatch badge made its debut at Nürburgring 24 Hours.
By Greg Kable • July 2, 2026 -
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 -
Ford recalls 741K SUVs, pickups for rollaway risk
The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is moving, resulting in damage. The automaker expects a remedy will be available in April 2027.
By Eric Walz • July 2, 2026 -
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 -
Column
Why are vehicle recall numbers so high?
Several large-scale safety debacles led to “a paradigm shift” in the way NHTSA tackles recalls. What's followed has been painful to automakers — and a mixed bag to dealers.
By Steve Finlay • July 1, 2026 -
UK auto leaders call for reform of government emission targets
Industry representatives' survey warns emission targets, "Made in EU" uncertainty and energy costs threaten disaster.
By Paul Myles • July 1, 2026 -
US bans EV maker Polestar over connected vehicle technology
The Department of Commerce withdrew authorization under the Connected Vehicle Rule, which restricts the import and sale of cars with such technology linked to China or Russia.
By Paul Myles • June 29, 2026 -
Nissan refocuses EV strategy on entry-level vehicles, sources say
The automaker does not deny reports it is shelving plans for an electric SUV at its Sunderland plant set to be an EV production hub for Europe.
By Paul Myles • June 29, 2026 -
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 -
Strong EU car sales in first 5 months of 2026
European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association data shows a 4% increase in new-vehicle registrations as hybrids remain the most popular consumer choice.
By Paul Myles • June 25, 2026 -
Slate aims to solve the affordability problem for consumers
But developers of the bare-bones electric vehicle say it could be upgraded in the future.
By Alysha Webb • June 25, 2026 -
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