Automakers

Stellantis taps tech partners to create ‘digital twins’ of its assembly plants

Pilot deployments of the AI-powered technology are planned for select plants in North America beginning this year.

By Eric Walz • May 26, 2026

Lotus dumps EV-only strategy, teases 1,000+ hp hybrid

The Type 135 hybrid supercar is planned to debut in 2028 as the iconic brand celebrates the 80th anniversary of its origins.

By Paul Myles • May 26, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Artificial Intelligence

Automakers and dealers alike are increasingly seeing the use case for AI within their operations. Explore some use cases in this trendline.

By WardsAuto staff

Stellantis to invest $70B as part of new 5-year strategic plan

Automaker said the U.S. market leads its expectations for growth and profit powered by a slew of new partnership announcements.

By Paul Myles • May 22, 2026

Reman auto parts business just begging to be ‘discovered’

John McElroy argues that remanufactured parts should be on the minds of more dealerships — but a broader movement to utilize them needs to start with automakers.

By John McElroy • May 21, 2026

Michigan awards $5M to Slate Auto to expand its headquarters

The EV startup plans a total capital investment of $10.4 million in the state, creating at least 392 new jobs across corporate, engineering and design over the next five years.

By Eric Walz • May 20, 2026

Volvo’s electric EX60 launches in US, undercutting its PHEV sibling

An entry-level version of the EV priced under $60,000 will help Volvo target more shoppers.

By Paul Myles • May 20, 2026

Mercedes-AMG unveils new electric GT 4-Door Coupe

Axial-flux motors, 1,169 hp and 600-kW charging set a fresh technology template for EVs from the Mercedes performance brand.

By Greg Kable • May 20, 2026

For dealers and automakers alike, good service is good business

Automakers aren’t just interested in building and selling vehicles, they also pay keen attention to how dealers service them. Here’s why.

By Steve Finlay • May 19, 2026

Ford promises 5 new passenger cars for Europe by 2029

The automaker’s sales push comes with a warning to EU regulators that consumer powertrain choice must be respected.

By Paul Myles • May 19, 2026

Toyota eyes $2B plant expansion in San Antonio

That automaker is assessing potential locations and seeking incentives for a new facility in Texas, called Project Orca, with construction set to begin this year.

By Sara Samora • May 18, 2026

Subaru postpones in-house EV development after profits fall 90%

The automaker recorded $385 million in impairment losses and expenses related to EVs as it shifts its strategy towards ICE and hybrid vehicles.

By Eric Walz • May 18, 2026

JLR’s Q4 revenue improves as $2.3B in savings promised

Revenue in the final quarter of FY2026 was still down 11% YoY and by nearly 21% for the full-year, but the outlook is showing improvement.

By Paul Myles • May 18, 2026

Jaguar’s electric luxury GT dubbed the Type 01

The upcoming model's name is said to represent zero-tailpipe emissions and the first car in a new family of models.

By Paul Myles • May 15, 2026

Redesigned Jeep Avenger launched in European markets

The brand’s top-selling model in Europe adds new features and a cost-saving gasoline powertrain.

By Paul Myles • May 15, 2026

Honda shifts focus to hybrid, ICE models amid significant EV losses

Over the next three years, Honda said it will invest 4.4 trillion yen ($27.8 billion) in new gasoline and hybrid vehicles and 1 trillion yen in software technologies.

By Eric Walz • May 15, 2026

BMW looks to its redesigned ‘Neue Klasse’ platform to help spur growth

During its Q1 earnings call, executives shared updates on the automaker’s future EV plans, beginning with the recently launched iX3.

By Eric Walz • May 13, 2026

Hyundai’s next-gen ‘Pleos Connect’ infotainment tech launching this month

The AI-powered system features a smartphone-like interface and the automaker plans to deploy it in approximately 20 million vehicles by 2030.

By Eric Walz • May 13, 2026

UK sales surge 24% in April amid challenging environment

New-car registrations bounced back from a year ago, but questions of sustainability and meeting mandated EV targets persist.

By Paul Myles • May 13, 2026

Ford launches ‘Ford Energy’ battery energy storage subsidiary

The subsidiary will manufacture battery energy storage systems for data centers, utilities and large industrial and commercial customers in the U.S.

By Eric Walz • May 12, 2026

Renault denies collapse of expansion plans for Spanish plant

Despite rumors that the automaker is scrapping plans to bring three new models to its Palencia factory, talks with unions are ongoing.

By Paul Myles • May 12, 2026

Toyota merges 4 distinct campaigns in EV push

With EV sales on the rise, the automaker worked with four separate agencies to create a diverse set of creatives that target key demographics.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 12, 2026

US tariffs erase all of Toyota’s North America profits in FY2026

Despite selling over 10 million vehicles globally and generating the highest sales revenue in company history, tariffs turned Toyota’s North America stronghold into a loss-making region.

By Eric Walz • May 11, 2026

Lexus unveils the 2027 TZ, its first three-row electric SUV

The SUV is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture platform and will be available with two battery options with an estimated range of 300 miles.

By Eric Walz • May 11, 2026

Stellantis, Leapmotor JV expands collaboration with first new EV

The two automakers hope to benefit from China’s low-cost production techniques and European dealership distribution networks.

By Paul Myles • May 11, 2026

Kia cuts entry price of EV6 by $5,000 amid surging hybrid sales

A price drop for the sporty-styled electric vehicle bodes well for the upcoming entry-level EV3, which arrives at U.S. dealers later this year

By Bengt Halvorson • May 8, 2026