First drive: 2026 Polestar 4 EV puts offbeat appeal in view

Loaded with fresh technology and push-pull design compromises, it’s a lot to take in on a quick first drive. Go tell EV shoppers that.

By Bengt Halvorson • Nov. 5, 2025

Volkswagen’s Q3 woes: Tariffs, Porsche’s ICE bet, slim EV profits

Trading headwinds will not deflect the automaker from ongoing cost-cutting as it considers a new U.S. Audi plant.

By Paul Myles • Nov. 4, 2025

AutoNation reduces its exposure to low-margin EVs

The megadealer is looking to increase luxury-brand sales to boost profits going into the new year, CEO Mike Manley said on the company’s earnings call.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 4, 2025

Stellantis looks to North America for its rebound as vehicle shipments jump 35% in Q3

The automaker is banking on the new Jeep Cherokee to further boost its U.S. sales, the company’s CEO said on a Thursday earnings call.

By Eric Walz • Nov. 3, 2025

Mercedes-Benz shrugs off profit drop to focus on top-segment vehicles

While restructuring costs and worker layoffs dented its balance sheet, growth in luxury vehicle sales boosted the automaker’s confidence.

By Paul Myles • Nov. 3, 2025

Ford recalls 1.4 million vehicles for faulty rearview cameras

The automaker has issued more than a dozen recalls since January to address backup camera problems.

By Kalena Thomhave • Oct. 31, 2025

Volvo Cars beats profit forecast in Q3

The company's turnaround plan is showing early promise thanks to a wave of job cuts and continued sales success from its XC60 mid-size SUV.

By Paul Myles • Oct. 29, 2025

Horse Powertrain CEO: Automakers need plug-and-play powertrain solutions

As EV demand slows, the Renault-Geely joint venture showcases its drop-in hybrid and range-extender options for OEMs to help meet consumer demand.

By Paul Myles • Oct. 27, 2025

Security experts offer advice on how to avoid a cyber shutdown that crippled JLR factories

Cybersecurity specialists from Upstream and Aeris share strategies to help prevent automakers from halting vehicle production.

By Paul Myles • Oct. 24, 2025

Ford faces up to $2B quarterly hit from Novelis plant fire

The automaker is preparing to boost production of its F-Series trucks with its aluminum supplier coming back online sooner than expected. 

By Larry Avila • Oct. 24, 2025

Tesla reports record-high Q3 deliveries, but YoY operating profit falls 40%

The electric automaker saw a Q3 sales boost before the expiration of the federal EV tax credit on Sept. 30.

By Eric Walz • Oct. 23, 2025

Hyundai dual-motor propulsion system makes Ioniq 9 quick, long-distance family hauler

Hyundai’s three-row all-electric CUV is a speed demon in disguise, thanks to a propulsion system with more than 400 hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque, plus boasting impressive range.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Oct. 22, 2025

LTA Auto Group makes first Northern California acquisition

The boss of the group’s parent company told WardsAuto that it plans an ambitious expansion plan in the Golden State.

By Alysha Webb • Oct. 22, 2025

Partnerships most likely way to monetize SDVs, says 5G expert

Consumers are not the low-hanging fruit for automakers according to Barbara Pareglio, GSMA smart mobility lead.

By Paul Myles • Oct. 22, 2025

ZR1 V-8 earns Corvette a rare three-peat win

As impressive as 1,064 hp is, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s ability to quietly cruise also caught our judges’ attention.

By Bob Gritzinger • Oct. 21, 2025

US auto market bifurcated, report says

Data from the company’s Q3 2025 quarterly review highlights sales markets being driven by both bargain hunters and big spenders.

By Steve Finlay • Oct. 21, 2025

Leaf propulsion system more electrifying than ever

Power, affordability and efficiency put the Nissan battery-electric vehicle’s propulsion system on our 2025 Wards 10 Best winners list.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Oct. 20, 2025

New-vehicle average transaction price hits record-high in September

The average new car cost topped $50,000 for the first time ever last month, according to Cox Automotive.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 20, 2025

Premium EVs have a bright future in Europe: Zeekr boss

The automaker’s focus on the European market gives it an advantage as consumers transition from gas-powered vehicles, said Europe CEO Lothar Schupet.

By Paul Myles • Oct. 20, 2025

Honda two-motor hybrid powertrain a well-balanced execution

Honda’s hybrid systems score well with our judges, with the propulsion system in the Civic Hybrid earning our 2025 kudos.

By Gary S. Vasilash • Oct. 17, 2025

Used vehicle prices rose slightly in September: Cox Automotive

Data showed brisk sales in Q3, but challenges lay ahead for Q4.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 17, 2025

Charger Daytona propulsion system redefines the muscle car

The Daytona’s propulsion system is about a culture change, and the audacious engineers and designers who put in time and fought battles to make this wild car a reality.

By Drew Winter • Oct. 16, 2025

Toyota-led electric quadcycle project wins $20M UK funding

The solar-powered British-built micro-car is now entering the R&D phase and could one day compete with Citroën’s Ami. 

By Paul Myles • Oct. 16, 2025

Big V-8, powerful motor make BMW M5 electrifying

Adding a plug-in hybrid system to BMW’s venerable M5 only enhances the performance sedan’s motorsports-bred character.

By Bob Gritzinger • Oct. 15, 2025

Stellantis plans $13B investment to expand US manufacturing

The automaker aims to launch five new vehicles in key segments over the next four years and add over 5,000 jobs across its plants in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.

By Eric Walz • Oct. 15, 2025