Automakers
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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 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 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of Kia Corporation
TrendlineArtificial 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 -
Toyota merges four 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 -
Trump gives EU July 4 deadline to implement tariff deal
The president said he will raise tariffs on EU imports if the bloc does not “deliver their side of the Deal,” while EU leaders say the ratification process is progressing.
By Phil Neuffer • May 8, 2026 -
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 Bengt Halvorson • May 7, 2026 -
Ford’s upcoming $30,000 electric truck: 7 intriguing new twists
Fewer parts and rapid iteration are among the keys to keeping efficiency high and costs low for the automaker’s future family of affordable EVs.
By Bengt Halvorson • May 7, 2026 -
General Motors sourcing 100% renewable energy for US operations
The company claims it is the first U.S. automaker to reach the milestone and said it matched 70% of its global electricity usage with renewables in 2025.
By Zoya Mirza • May 7, 2026 -
Volvo Cars global sales slump 10% from February to April
The automaker cited “record-low consumer sentiment” in the U.S. and competition in China, which offset its strong EV performance in Europe.
By Paul Myles • May 7, 2026 -
GM rolling out Google’s Gemini to 4M vehicles in the US
The company says it’s one of the largest deployments of generative AI in the auto industry.
By Eric Walz • May 6, 2026 -
Rivian raising Georgia EV plant’s initial capacity by 50% to 300K vehicles a year
The company said it worked with the Department of Energy to update a loan of up to $4.5 billion to expand the facility and boost U.S. manufacturing jobs.
By Eric Walz • May 6, 2026 -
Ram surges 20% YoY as North America drives Stellantis’ Q1 volumes
Despite continuing trading challenges, the company claimed the fastest-growing automaker title, CEO Antonio Filosa said.
By Paul Myles • May 5, 2026 -
Deep Dive
Inside Ford’s efforts to build an affordable electric truck
WardsAuto's tour of the automaker's Long Beach facility found a skunkworks team that's focused on rapidly testing new ideas as it races to gain a competitive edge.
By Bengt Halvorson • May 5, 2026 -
GM’s US manufacturing investments surpass $6B in one year
The company’s latest commitments totaling $830 million will support SUV and truck production at major facilities in Michigan and Ohio.
By Nathan Owens • May 4, 2026 -
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 -
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 Eric Walz • May 1, 2026 -
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 -
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 -
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 Bengt Halvorson • May 1, 2026 -
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 Eric Walz • April 30, 2026 -
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 Paul Myles • April 30, 2026 -
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 Eric Walz • April 29, 2026