Automakers
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Toyota names new global president and CEO
Company veteran Kenta Kon, who joined the automaker in 1991, will retain his current position as operating officer in addition to the new role.
By Jim Irwin • Feb. 6, 2026 -
Deep Dive
Automated driving is staging a comeback with the help of AI
Interest in self-driving waned as technology hit some snags and automakers invested in battery-electric vehicles. But autonomy is back in focus and headed to the market in a big way.
By Dave Zoia • Feb. 6, 2026 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Provided by NPX Semiconductors
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Volkswagen recalls more than 44,000 EVs for battery fire risk
The battery defect is due to misaligned electrodes during manufacturing, which was confirmed by supplier SK Battery America.
By Kalena Thomhave • Feb. 6, 2026 -
Volkswagen plant workers in Tennessee to join UAW in historic deal
The automaker’s agreement with the union includes a 20% across-the-board wage increase for hourly workers in Chattanooga.
By Eric Walz • Feb. 5, 2026 -
European BEV sales grow in 2025 but remain shy of targets
Hybrids remain in the top spot as the EU’s most popular consumer choice.
By Paul Myles • Feb. 5, 2026 -
Kia’s net profit declines nearly $1.9B in 2025, citing US tariffs
The automaker’s global sales surpassed 3 million vehicles last year, the most in company history.
By Eric Walz • Feb. 4, 2026 -
UK vehicle production plunged in 2025 amid US tariffs, JLR cyberattack
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said the mix of pressure created the “toughest year in a generation” for the country's vehicle manufacturing industry.
By Paul Myles • Feb. 4, 2026 -
Polestar secures $400M after record sales year
The luxury electric brand has now boosted its liquidity with two major investments in as many months.
By Paul Myles • Feb. 3, 2026 -
The top automotive industry trends to follow in 2026
With automakers navigating tariffs, a sea of regulatory changes, supply chain uncertainties and waning EV demand, we’ve rounded up articles that dive into the topics OEMs and dealers are watching.
By Eric Walz • Jan. 30, 2026 -
Hyundai Motor reports a $7.1B decline in net profit in 2025
The automaker cited U.S. tariffs as a significant factor in the declines, and it plans to up its investments in 2026 to remain competitive.
By Eric Walz • Jan. 30, 2026 -
NHTSA opens query into GM V-8 engine failures after 2025 recall
The agency is investigating whether GM’s remedy for engine defects, affecting nearly 600,000 SUVs and pickups recalled last year, resolved the mechanical issues.
By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 30, 2026 -
3 regulatory topics automakers should watch in 2026
Trade, safety and emissions standards are front and center as the Trump administration reshapes U.S. automotive policy.
By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 29, 2026 -
Tesla ending Model S, X production in Q2, CEO Elon Musk says
It’s the end of an era for the electric sedan and SUV as the company looks towards a future that includes autonomous driving, robotaxis, humanoid robots and AI compute clusters.
By Eric Walz • Jan. 29, 2026 -
GM’s net income falls by $3.3B in 2025 on EV-related charges
The automaker’s total EV-related charges were $7.9 billion last year, which significantly impacted its bottom line. But CEO Mary Barra expects a rebound in 2026.
By Eric Walz • Jan. 27, 2026 -
Trump vows to hike South Korea tariffs to 25%
The U.S. president said he would raise levies, including those on cars, because South Korea’s National Assembly has not enacted terms of a framework trade deal.
By Phil Neuffer • Jan. 27, 2026 -
Ford recalls nearly 117,000 vehicles for faulty engine block heaters
The accessory heater for some Focus, Escape and Lincoln MKC models can leak coolant and short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 27, 2026 -
Jaguar denies change in all-electric brand strategy
The automaker dismissed media reports suggesting later models of an upcoming sedan may have gasoline-assisted powertrains, saying a recent all-electric prototype was well-received.
By Paul Myles • Jan. 27, 2026 -
Honda dissolving its fuel cell system partnership with GM
Honda said it will continue internal development of its hydrogen fuel cell technology, and intends to make it a core business segment in the future.
By Eric Walz • Jan. 26, 2026 -
GM’s Buick Envision production shifting from China to US in 2028
The onshoring of production is designed in part to mitigate tariffs that have driven up the price of the compact SUV and cut into sales.
By Eric Walz • Jan. 23, 2026 -
Column
It looks like dealers’ facility upgrades do sell more cars
Many car dealers initially resisted automakers’ push to establish a common look for sales facilities, but Mazda and others’ recent experiences show the initiatives pay off.
By Steve Finlay • Jan. 23, 2026 -
Canada’s auto sector faces existential challenges in 2026
Shifts in trade policy, new China links and potential changes to electric vehicle purchase targets have created a murky outlook for the industry.
By Keith Nuthall • Jan. 22, 2026 -
Most OEMs reported sales growth in 2025 despite tariff-fueled headwinds
Ford Motor Co. reported its best sales year since 2019, while GM’s U.S. sales were up 6% year over year to 2.85 million vehicles.
By Eric Walz • Jan. 21, 2026 -
Renault unveils Filante as its international flagship
The automaker hopes the flagship fullsize hybrid CUV will help it grow in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
By Paul Myles • Jan. 21, 2026 -
FordDirect names new chief operating officer
Tracy Noonan Fred will oversee teams dedicated to product development, dealer engagement, marketing, analytics and data strategy.
By Eric Walz • Jan. 20, 2026 -
Sony Honda Mobility of America’s CEO remains confident in EV market
With the joint venture's Afeela model now in production, Shugo Yamaguchi told WardsAuto he expects the joint venture will turn a profit before the end of the decade — even if others are pulling back from electric vehicles.
By Dave Zoia • Jan. 16, 2026