PHEVs Pose Cost Challenges for Automakers, Customers Alike

As BEV demand slows, some automakers are adding PHEVs to their lineups thinking they will be easier to sell. But they cost more to make and to buy than standard hybrids.

By David Kiley • July 15, 2025

Volvo to Build Polestar 7 in Slovakia

Polestar switches production of upcoming compact SUV from China to avoid EU BEV tariffs.

By Paul Myles • July 14, 2025

Cadillac Could See New Momentum in Era Emphasizing U.S. Brands

General Motors Cadillac brand stands to gain from the Trump Administration’s tariffs and tax policies after more than a quarter century of struggling against foreign-owned luxury vehicles.

By David Kiley • July 10, 2025

2026 Mazda CX-5 Roomier, Adding Hybrid Variant in 2027

The CX-5 CUV is Mazda’s top-selling model. The Japanese automaker is making changes to its interior and powertrain to keep it that way.

By David Kiley • July 10, 2025

Behind the Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Winners: Dodge Charger Daytona

Inside the thinking that led to a fresh interior and UX design for a modern vehicle with a legendary nameplate.

By Gary S. Vasilash • July 9, 2025

Ferrari’s Latest ‘Entry-Level’ GT Debuts

Ferrari Amalfi replaces Roma with more power and improved aerodynamics.

By Paul Myles • July 8, 2025

Volvo and Polestar Facing Leadership Changes, Tariffs and Anti-China Policy

Volvo and Polestar are brands majority-owned and controlled by Chinese automaker Geely, putting the Swedish marques in a vortex of difficulty in the U.S.

By David Kiley • July 7, 2025

Second Half Auto Sales Expected to Be Full of Headwinds

While first-half 2025 U.S. new vehicle sales fared well, there is much uncertainty around tariffs and battery-electric-vehicle tax credits, as well as inflationary fears, that make accurate forecasts for sales more difficult than usual.

By David Kiley • July 1, 2025

Compass Claims Jeep Aero Crown

Extensive wind tunnel testing cuts coefficient of drag to a claimed 0.29.

By Paul Myles • July 1, 2025

Ram Boosts Affordable Entrants with New Warlock, Black Express Heavy Duty Truck Models

The new sport-truck variants of the Ram 2500 HD series will be priced on the lower end of the scale for heavy-duty pickup trucks in the U.S.

By Christie Schweinsberg • June 30, 2025

Can VW Put the Love Back With Retooled ID.4?

With a delay in Volkswagen Group’s new BEV architecture until 2028, the German automaker is making a raft of improvements and upgrades to its ID.4 to keep it fresh until the all-new version arrives.

By David Kiley • June 30, 2025

Industry Voices | Rise of the Robotaxis: A New Era in Mobility

As the industry transitions from demonstrations to scaled deployment of robotaxis, two challenges now define the path forward: durability and cost-efficiency.

By Kobi Marenko 2 • June 30, 2025

Bosch CEO: Europe’s AI Red Tape Hurting AV Tech

CEO says excessive regulation is making Europe unattractive as a location for autonomous driving development.

By Paul Myles • June 27, 2025

2025 BYD Seal PHEV Pleasingly Competitive CUV

Chinese automaker BYD is selling its Seal PHEV CUV in Europe and turning heads with its refinement, utility and good value for the times.

By David Kiley • June 27, 2025

Fiat Runs 500e Trial Fleet With Battery-Swap Tech

Automaker’s flexible platform deemed perfect for conversion to use Ample’s swappable battery pack technology in on-road trials in Madrid.

By Paul Myles • June 26, 2025

Chinese Automakers Double European Market Share in Hybrid Push

A switch of focus from BEV to hybrid imports to escape tariffs helps China’s brands boost vehicle registrations in May.

By Paul Myles • June 25, 2025

Toyota U.K. Builds LCV Version of Land Cruiser

Brand adds AWD option to its van range, creating a halo model for its Professional model lineup.

By Paul Myles • June 25, 2025

Upstart Manufacturers Influencing Entire Automotive Industry: Analyst Takeaways From AutoTech 2025

Analysts from Omdia Automotive representing Wards Intelligence and Canalys attended several sessions, including a special Omdia Analyst Summit, at AutoTech 2025 in suburban Detroit from June 3-5. Here, the analysts present their major takeaways from the event and discuss the implications of the ongoing technological disruption for the global automotive industry.

By Wards Intelligence/Omdia Staff • June 23, 2025

Interior, Engine Upgrades Highlight 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan’s Makeover

Volkswagen gets nearly everything right in its third-generation Tiguan midsize CUV, from significant powertrain improvements to welcome interior upgrades that give the new model a good chance of gaining sales in the segment.

By Bob Gritzinger • June 23, 2025

WardsAuto Podcast: BEV Charging Infrastructure Getting Better Despite Political Opposition

Despite Republican opposition to green tax credits and government investment into sustainable technology meant to mitigate effects of climate change, BEV public charging is getting better.

By Wards Staff • June 22, 2025

Why Lucid Gravity Charges Past Tesla, Even at Tesla Chargers

The new Lucid Gravity has what it takes to make the most of the most common Tesla Supercharger connector.

By Bengt Halvorson • June 20, 2025

Ferrari May Delay Second BEV Again, Sources Claim

Low to “zero” demand for a BEV Ferrari cited as reason for another delay to planned second model.

By Paul Myles • June 18, 2025

Ram Ups Ante in U.S. Pickup Market With 10-Year Powertrain Warranty

U.S. vehicle owners keeping their cars and trucks on average more than 12 years, and financing their purchases for more than seven years, spurs the new extended warranty to give Ram pickup owners more peace of mind and keep them coming back to the fold.

By David E. Zoia • June 18, 2025

Chevy Corvette Hypercar Offers Ferrari Performance at Chevy Price

The performance numbers of the new ZR1X could make fans of Italian supercars curious about the Detroit speedster.

By David Kiley • June 17, 2025

Nissan’s Third-Gen Leaf Due With New Body, Longer Range, Faster Charging

The battery-electric vehicle that started it all gets redesigned with a new form factor and can now travel up to 303 miles on a charge.

By Christie Schweinsberg • June 17, 2025