Technology

  • BYD Dolphin Surf, side view
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    Courtesy of BYD
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    Column

    Automakers: Catch up to China Speed!

    Once again, Detroit needs to swallow its pride and go back to school, John McElroy writes. 

    By John McElroy • June 8, 2026
  • Lotus Emira 420 Sport 2026
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    Courtesy of Lotus Group
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    Lotus launches most powerful 4-cylinder Emira 420 Sport

    The track-day focused gasoline sports car breaks cover claiming 0-62 mph in under four seconds.

    By • June 8, 2026
  • The interior of a Kia EV3 showing the dashboard and front seats. Explore the Trendline➔
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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
  • Rendering of VW PowerCo battery cell plant in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.
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    Courtesy of Volkswagen
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    Deep Dive

    In Canada, aborted EV projects raise questions over supply chain subsidies

    Several huge EV battery supply-chain projects in Canada have been mothballed, while the country continues to lay the groundwork for more prospects.

    By Keith Nuthall • June 5, 2026
  • A blue and green graphic of a software-defined vehicle with pieces coming off the back.
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    Courtesy of Arm
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    Why Western OEMs are falling behind China in SDV development

    Automakers' decision to keep software defined vehicle architecture in-house or outsource it is only part of "a really strategic decision."

    By • June 4, 2026
  • A graphic of a Stellantis SUV showing normally hidden electrical components with the corporate logos of Stellantis and Applied Intuition above.
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    Courtesy of Stellantis
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    Stellantis turns to industry partners for developing its next-gen vehicle platform

    Expanded technology partnerships aim to help the automaker grow with software-defined vehicles and advanced autonomous driving tech.

    By • June 3, 2026
  • A 2026 Lexus ES.
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    Permission granted by Tanya Gazdik
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    2026 Lexus ES review: Sedan finds your electric comfort zone

    The Toyota luxury brand is offering similarly styled hybrid and fully electric versions — with AWD available for both.

    By Tanya Gazdik • June 2, 2026
  • Container on a Taiwan port
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    Annabelle Chih via Getty Images
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    US sets Taiwan tariffs at 15% on auto parts, wood, aircraft parts

    The finalized agreement is narrowly focused on Section 232 tariffs, as outlined in a January framework accord with Taiwan.

    By Antone Gonsalves • June 1, 2026
  • The instrument cluster of a Jeep Wagoneer showing an indicator that Stellantis' hands-free drive feature is active.
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    Courtesy of Stellantis
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    Stellantis to integrate Wayve’s self-driving software in future vehicles

    The advanced automated driving capabilities are targeted for a 2028 launch in North America, eventually scaling across additional vehicle platforms and markets.

    By • May 29, 2026
  • Ferrari Luce BEV 2026
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    Courtesy of Ferrari
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    Ferrari’s $640,000 Luce EV sets a new look, reconceives cabin

    The luxury performance brand’s first electric car will serve as the halo at the top of its core lineup.

    By • May 28, 2026
  • Range Rover SV Ultra 2027
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    Courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover
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    Range Rover SV Ultra promises stellar sound and elevated luxury

    The new model claims world’s first application of British-developed electrostatic audio system featuring 21 lightweight thin‑film transducers serving as speakers.

    By • May 27, 2026
  • The Stellantis STLA One vehicle platform unveiled on stage at the company's Investor Day event on May 21.
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    Courtesy of Stellantis
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    The Stellantis ‘STLA One’ global modular vehicle platform aims to cut costs

    The new architecture brings together five different vehicle platforms into a single, more scalable version, which the automaker says will reduce complexity across models.

    By • May 27, 2026
  • A 2018 Volvo XC60 SUV, in white.
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    Courtesy of Volvo Cars
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    Volvo Cars can continue to sell vehicles in the US despite China links

    The automaker, which is owned by China-based Geely, said it had worked with the U.S. Department of Commerce to gain specific authorization.

    By • Updated 8 hours ago
  • A yellow-painted robot moves the windshield into position on a Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson in Michigan.
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    Courtesy of Stellantis
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    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 • May 26, 2026
  • Lotus Type 135 Teaser V8 Hybrid
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    Courtesy of Group Lotus
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    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 • May 26, 2026
  • A gray Slate Auto electric truck parked outdoors in front of an industrial building with metal siding.
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    Courtesy of Slate Auto
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    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 • May 20, 2026
  • Volvo EX60 Start Of Production 2026
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    Courtesy of Volvo Cars
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    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 • May 20, 2026
  • A yellow vehicle drives on a test track, with rolling hills and clouds in the background.
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    Courtesy of Mercedes-AMG
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    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
  • Businessman working on a laptop in a modern office setting
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    pexels.com / Vitaly Gariev

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    Sponsored by C&R Software

    Why most AI investments in auto finance aren’t delivering

    When it comes to AI, point solutions tend to create more problems than they solve.

    May 18, 2026
  • New Jeep Avenger 4xe 85th anniversary
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    Courtesy of Stellantis
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    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 • May 15, 2026
  • The Honda Hybrid Sedan, Acura Hybrid SUV on display during a Honda Motor Co. business briefing in Japan.
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    Courtesy of Honda Motor Co.
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    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 • May 15, 2026
  • The Pleos Connect infotainment screen with graphics and icons in split screen mode.
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    Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
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    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 • May 13, 2026
  • An aerial view of the Ford Energy battery plant in Glendale, Kentucky.
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    Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
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    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 • May 12, 2026
  • The 2027 Lexus TZ electric SUV parked outdoors in front of a modern home with glass walls.
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    Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
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    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 • May 11, 2026
  • 2026 Kia EV6 from the front angle
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    Courtesy of Kia
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    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 • May 8, 2026
  • Woven by Toyota executives Dushyant Wadivkar, John Absmeier, and Jean-François Campeau
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    Courtesy of Toyota
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    Toyota reveals grand AI vision for vehicles and beyond

    The automaker’s foundational vision-language model will be central for the learning and decision-making of its autonomous-driving and safety systems.

    By • May 7, 2026