Automakers
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Stellantis names former GM exec to lead purchasing and supplier quality for North America
Marcelo Conti spent the past 11 years at General Motors, most recently as the automaker’s head of purchasing for interior, exterior and thermal products.
By Eric Walz • Feb. 19, 2026 -
JLR clears distinct powertrain paths for Jaguar, Land Rover despite financial losses
The decision to sell only battery-electric Jaguars means the automaker will have to decide whether to compete as a small-volume, high-end brand — or target volume in the long-run, according to one analyst.
By Paul Myles • Feb. 19, 2026 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Provided by NPX Semiconductors
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Column
Automakers and dealers rely on each other. Can they get along better?
As hot-button issues like direct-to-consumer sales flare up, WardsAuto’s Steve Finlay spoke with dealership and OEM executives for tips on how to improve the ever-important relationship.
By Steve Finlay • Feb. 19, 2026 -
FCA US recalls 80,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees for rear coil springs that can detach
The vehicles include some models that were repaired as part of a June 2023 recall for the same issue.
By Kalena Thomhave • Feb. 18, 2026 -
Honda took a $1.7B write-off on EVs, now it’s restructuring for them
Facing what it calls “decelerating EV market growth,” the automaker is putting its R&D subsidiary in charge of development to react more quickly to trends.
By Bengt Halvorson • Feb. 17, 2026 -
Tariffs, supplier fire continue to batter Ford
Confusion over the start date for auto part levy offsets caused the automaker to incur higher costs than it originally expected.
By Phil Neuffer • Feb. 13, 2026 -
Trump’s EPA scraps greenhouse gas emissions standards
The agency said its action would rescind the electric-vehicle "mandate" in place under the former Obama and Biden Administrations.
By Bengt Halvorson • Updated Feb. 13, 2026 -
Europe sees auto rankings shuffle amid modest growth
Hybrids surged in total registration numbers, while Volkswagen overtook Tesla as the top battery-electric vehicle maker and China rose to a top 5 source of production.
By Paul Myles • Feb. 12, 2026 -
US automakers’ EV challenges are hardly surprising, says one industry watcher
Curt Hopkins, CEO of a platform for investing in collector cars, said global differences in consumer demand, technology stacks and driving preferences all contributed to the industry’s woes.
By Paul Myles • Feb. 11, 2026 -
Subaru takes a $233M loss, points to tariffs
The last quarter of 2025 also brought wide-ranging manufacturing changes in Japan and North America, as Subaru swapped locations for its Forester and Outback and readied to build EVs.
By Bengt Halvorson • Feb. 10, 2026 -
Canada’s auto strategy banks on EVs for short-term survival
Facing barriers to the vital U.S. market, Canada has unveiled incentives and regulatory shifts designed to bolster its auto sector’s competitiveness.
By Keith Nuthall • Feb. 9, 2026 -
Toyota net income falls almost 25% in first nine months of FY2026
The automaker pointed to the plunge in profits due to higher labor costs and tariffs on Japanese imports, despite the strongest North American sales since 2017.
By Eric Walz • Feb. 9, 2026 -
Volvo blames US tariffs, exchange rates for 2025 profit slump
The automaker saw operating income fall by over 40% in both the fourth quarter and full year, but expects an electrified product pipeline will help it return to growth in 2026.
By Paul Myles • Feb. 9, 2026 -
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 -
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