Automakers


  • Two vehicles are parked side by side while a lineup of Ford trucks is parked in the background.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Ford expects $1.3B tariff refund, but supply chain pressure remains

    The automaker is still prepping for a $1 billion hit from tariffs in 2026 while projecting sizable commodity headwinds.

    By Phil Neuffer • May 4, 2026
  • A red, 2026 Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid SUV parked outdoors on a sunny day.
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    Courtesy of Nissan North America
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    Nissan cancels 2 electric SUVs planned for the US market

    The automaker said the decision would “better align with market conditions, customer demand and its updated strategic direction.”

    By May 1, 2026
  • The interior of a Kia EV3 showing the dashboard and front seats. Explore the Trendlineâž”
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    Courtesy of Kia Corporation
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    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
  • President Donald Trump speaks with the Washington Monument in the distance.
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    Trump targets EU cars, trucks with 25% tariff

    The U.S. president said he would install the levy next week because the bloc “is not complying” with a trade agreement struck last summer.

    By Phil Neuffer • May 1, 2026
  • VW ID. Polo EV, from the front angle
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    Courtesy of Volkswagen
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    Volkswagen reveals ID. Polo as new entry-level EV

    The compact hatchback targets Europe and other global markets with its sub-$30,000 price, but it’s not planned for the U.S.

    By Greg Kable • May 1, 2026
  • 2026 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate
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    Courtesy of General Motors
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    GM bets on trucks and keeps writing down EVs, amid war and trade unease

    The automaker sees full-size pickups, SUVs and a diversified portfolio as key to maintaining margins in 2026, despite potential challenges.

    By May 1, 2026
  • A blue 2025 Ford Bronco SUV driving over rocky terrain.
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    Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
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    Higher-margin trucks, SUVs boost Ford’s revenue in Q1

    Combined sales of the Bronco, Explorer and Expedition rose 17.9% year over year, which was the best first-quarter start for these models since 2002.

    By April 30, 2026
  • Robotic Vehicle Production
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    Courtesy of ABB Robotics
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    Auto industry ransomware attacks more than doubled in 2025

    The former deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division said hackers are targeting OEMs and suppliers who must act quickly to identify attacks.

    By April 30, 2026
  • A 2027 red Infiniti QX65 SUV parked outdoors.
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    Permission granted by Eric Walz
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    2027 Infiniti QX65 review: Luxury fastback SUV makes a smooth statement

    The QX65 channels FX design flair and delivers refinement and comfort for the road, not necessarily the trail.

    By April 29, 2026
  • Volvo EX60 Home Charging 2026
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    Courtesy of Volvo Cars
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    Volvo Cars cites geopolitical conditions for Q1 2026 sales slide

    Challenges in the U.S. and China are being mitigated by strong European performance, said CEO Håkan Samuelsson.

    By April 29, 2026
  • A vehicle body is lifted by a hoist at General Motors' factory Zero EV plant in Michigan in 2021.
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    Courtesy of General Motors
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    GM forecasts $500M tariff refund, plans further mitigation efforts

    The automaker still projects up to $3.5 billion in duty costs in 2026, primarily driven by Section 232 levies, including those on steel and aluminum

    By Phil Neuffer • April 28, 2026
  • Stellantis Microsoft AI Partnership
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    Courtesy of Stellantis
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    Analysts hail Stellantis, Microsoft’s AI training partnership

    Efforts to embrace AI systemically could help accelerate the automaker's competitiveness versus emerging brands from China.

    By April 28, 2026
  • Toyota RAV4 built by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada.
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    Courtesy of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
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    Canada’s new auto lobby sets USMCA review as its initial focus

    The Pacific Manufacturing Association of Canada wants Toyota and Honda "to access the USA market — that's where vehicles made in Canada get bought,” CEO Brendan Sweeney told WardsAuto.

    By Keith Nuthall • Updated April 30, 2026
  • A red 2025 Ram 2500 pickup parked outdoors with a white fence in the background.
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    Courtesy of Stellantis
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    FCA US recalls 65K Ram trucks for instrument cluster display failures

    The unit’s 3.5-inch screen, which shows gear position and vehicle warnings, may fail to appear at startup or power off while driving due to a software error.

    By April 28, 2026
  • Land Rover Defender 130 2022
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    Courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover
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    JLR recalls more than 170,000 US mild hybrids over power loss

    A remedy for the issue that could lead to DC-DC converter failure is "currently under development," according to a JLR letter filed with NHTSA.

    By April 27, 2026
  • Smart Automobile Co. executives post next to a white and yellow vehicle during an event in Beijing, China.
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    Courtesy of Smart Automobile Co.
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    Smart signals US ambitions as it unveils Concept #2 city EV

    While current trade tensions are preventing the brand’s return, the company’s marketing chief Kang Yi said the company is not closing the door on the U.S.

    By Greg Kable • April 27, 2026
  • A rendering of a gold Tesla Cybercab with its doors open while parked on an urban street.
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    Courtesy of Tesla Inc.
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    Tesla plans over $25B in capital spend for robotics, chips and AI

    The planned expenses this year are triple the amount of capital spent in 2025 and will support the automaker’s factory and production line conversions.

    By April 24, 2026
  • Home Pro Kia PB5
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    Courtesy of Kia
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    European consumers rush to EVs as gas prices soar

    The Iran war was cited as the reason for a boom in new electric vehicle registrations across most EU markets.

    By April 24, 2026
  • SOP Ibiza And Arona 2026
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    Courtesy of Seat S.A.
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    SDVs pose challenges to automotive supply chains, Moody’s says

    Quality control of software is not as easy as hardware, but automakers are warned not to overreact.

    By April 24, 2026
  • A light gray Chevrolet Bolt EV parked outside at a charging station at a Chevrolet dealer in Colma, California.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Column

    The $100B quality tax: Why the industry is losing the war on defects

    Automakers are trying to build more complex vehicles in less time, while navigating broad technology shifts. What could possibly go wrong?

    By John McElroy • April 23, 2026
  • Renault CEO François Provost futuREady India
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    Courtesy of Renault Group
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    Renault plans global tech, production hub in India

    The automaker aims to launch seven models in the local market by decade-end offered with a full range of powertrain options.

    By April 23, 2026
  • Volvo EX60 Start Of Production 2026
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    Courtesy of Volvo Cars
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    Volvo starts global production of EX60 electric SUV

    The Swedish automaker has high hopes for its "game-changer" midsize model.

    By April 22, 2026
  • VW
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    Courtesy of Volkswagen
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    Volkswagen hits the reset button, starting with its EVs

    Europe’s largest automaker admits it “lost its way” with its ID EV lineup and is returning to “true Volkswagen” qualities across the brand.

    By Greg Kable • April 22, 2026
  • A silver 2022 Honda Odyssey minivan driving on a road with greenery in the background.
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    Courtesy of American Honda Motor Co.
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    Honda recalls nearly 441K Odyssey minivans over unintended airbag deployment

    The supplemental restraint system control module may misinterpret potholes and speed bumps as collisions, and inadvertently trigger some airbags.

    By April 22, 2026
  • A silver electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class on display at a media event in Seoul.
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    Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
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    Mercedes-Benz secures multi-year EV battery supply deal with Samsung SDI

    The automaker plans to use the nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries for future compact and mid-size electric SUVs and coupe models.

    By April 21, 2026
  • Honda 0 Series platform, emphasizing thin, light, and wise
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    Courtesy of Honda
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    Honda considers an analog spin for software-defined vehicles

    With an investment in semiconductor manufacturer Mythic, analog computing might help cut energy consumption in future AI-powered vehicle systems.

    By April 20, 2026