WardsAuto - Latest Newshttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/Automotive news for industry leaders. Covering automakers. dealers. suppliers, vehicles, regulations, operations, and more.en-usTue, 12 May 2026 15:19:24 -0400Ford launches ‘Ford Energy’ battery energy storage subsidiaryhttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/ford-launches-ford-energy-battery-energy-storage-subsidiary/819914/<figure><div><img src="https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/-Fa_fSePKfcIMkghUiGQgKImenlAHFSrv9WtgmBuxxI/g:ce/rs:fill:1600:900:1/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS9jcWRhbV8zODdkZFVNLndlYi4yNDAwXzEud2VicA==.webp"/></div></figure><p>The subsidiary will manufacture battery energy storage systems for data centers, utilities and large industrial and commercial customers in the U.S.</p>Eric WalzTue, 12 May 2026 15:19:24 -0400https://www.wardsauto.com/news/ford-launches-ford-energy-battery-energy-storage-subsidiary/819914/Lithia Motors reorganizes dealerships as part of productivity pushhttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/lithia-motors-reorganizes-dealerships-as-part-of-productivity-push/819922/<figure><div><img src="https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/rQwddvliJGngKGX2JPcBpTiWXkHHc9WqLVE_rUbm-Do/g:ce/rs:fill:1600:900:1/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS9HZXR0eUltYWdlcy0xODcxMTU3NzQ4LmpwZw==.webp"/></div></figure><p>A companywide reorganization coincides with record revenues reported in the first quarter.</p>Jim HenryTue, 12 May 2026 12:24:00 -0400https://www.wardsauto.com/news/lithia-motors-reorganizes-dealerships-as-part-of-productivity-push/819922/Genesis GV70 Sport Prestige delivers award-worthy sportiness, staturehttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/genesis-gv70-sport-prestige-delivers-award-worthy-sportiness-stature/819663/<figure><div><img src="https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/DXvhkIGlKMloBHwlASPn0WKafk-bff-FEKAC0D5woF0/g:ce/rs:fill:1600:900:1/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS9HZW5lc2lzX0V4dGVyaW9yLXJlc2l6ZWQuanBn.webp"/></div></figure><p>Although Genesis is relatively new to the luxury space, its interior design and execution celebrate that freshness without sacrificing capability.</p>Gary S. VasilashTue, 12 May 2026 11:44:00 -0400https://www.wardsauto.com/news/genesis-gv70-sport-prestige-delivers-award-worthy-sportiness-stature/819663/Renault denies collapse of expansion plans for Spanish planthttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/renault-denies-collapse-of-expansion-plans-for-spanish-plant/819800/<figure><div><img src="https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/kNa2IGJfqxpkxwK8prioezcbXh2t82MlBUZZ3mk5GBk/g:ce/rs:fill:1600:900:1/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS9SZW5hdWx0QXVzdHJhbFByb2R1Y3Rpb25QYWxlbmNpYVNwYWluLmpwZw==.webp"/></div></figure><p>Despite rumors that the automaker is scrapping plans to bring three new models to its Palencia factory, talks with unions are ongoing.</p>Paul MylesTue, 12 May 2026 11:27:00 -0400https://www.wardsauto.com/news/renault-denies-collapse-of-expansion-plans-for-spanish-plant/819800/Toyota merges four distinct campaigns in EV pushhttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/toyota-merges-four-distinct-campaigns-in-ev-push/819626/<figure><div><img src="https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/QEPnI69AILltoZoL-SKOaUpjnoYxsZXN_h3iLEQZEBg/g:ce/rs:fill:1600:900:1/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS85MzkzMjUxLVRveW90YS1DYXJpc3RhLVNhYXRjaGkyMDI2QkVWLUZhbWlseS5qcGc=.webp"/></div></figure><p>With EV sales on the rise, the automaker worked with four separate agencies to create a diverse set of creatives that target key demographics.</p>Sara KarlovitchTue, 12 May 2026 11:26:00 -0400https://www.wardsauto.com/news/toyota-merges-four-distinct-campaigns-in-ev-push/819626/US tariffs erase all of Toyota’s North America profits in FY2026https://www.wardsauto.com/news/us-tariffs-erase-all-of-toyotas-north-america-profits-in-fy2026/819825/<figure><div><img src="https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/pLZHWGmQxh8B2UYs8x1mtgXZtHTbmIXaT-8oLVrPkQA/g:ce/rs:fill:1600:900:1/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS8yMDI2X1RveW90YS1SQVY0LUhFVl9MaW1pdGVkX1N0b3JtQ2xvdWRfMDA4X05SLTE1MDB4OTg2LmpwZw==.webp"/></div></figure><p>Despite selling over 10 million vehicles globally and generating the highest sales revenue in company history, tariffs turned Toyota&rsquo;s North America stronghold into a loss-making region.</p>Eric WalzMon, 11 May 2026 13:06:00 -0400https://www.wardsauto.com/news/us-tariffs-erase-all-of-toyotas-north-america-profits-in-fy2026/819825/Lexus unveils the 2027 TZ, its first three-row electric SUVhttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/lexus-unveils-the-2027-tz-its-first-three-row-electric-suv/819708/<figure><div><img src="https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/KNPtuUKTHQtXE1J7NOBGKaK2ZyBZxK5he2QcCxI_8Rc/g:ce/rs:fill:1600:900:1/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS8yMDI3X0xleHVzX1RaXzAxNy0xNTAweDEwMDAuanBn.webp"/></div></figure><p>The SUV is built on Toyota&rsquo;s New Global Architecture platform and will be available with two battery options with an estimated range of 300 miles.</p>Eric WalzMon, 11 May 2026 10:21:00 -0400https://www.wardsauto.com/news/lexus-unveils-the-2027-tz-its-first-three-row-electric-suv/819708/Stellantis, Leapmotor JV expands collaboration with first new EVhttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/stellantis-leapmotor-jv-expands-collaboration-with-first-new-ev/819670/<figure><div><img src="https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/YFqaL_d8yx6dDULV9WVbtn2kRE1s-7kJcfgp62So05U/g:ce/rs:fill:1600:900:1/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS9WYXV4aGFsbEMtU1VWRVZjb25jZXB0LmpwZw==.webp"/></div></figure><p>The two automakers hope to benefit from China&rsquo;s low-cost production techniques and European dealership distribution networks.</p>Paul MylesMon, 11 May 2026 10:19:00 -0400https://www.wardsauto.com/news/stellantis-leapmotor-jv-expands-collaboration-with-first-new-ev/819670/Kia cuts entry price of EV6 by $5,000 amid surging hybrid saleshttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/kia-cuts-entry-price-of-ev6-by-5000-amid-surging-hybrid-sales/819525/<figure><div><img src="https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/nS5rGfW5npIMzAJjSC8ITJJ4584Syvf5B8KkFvi-bf4/g:ce/rs:fill:1600:900:1/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS8yNDM0N18yMDI2X0VWNi5qcGc=.webp"/></div></figure><p>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</p>Bengt HalvorsonFri, 08 May 2026 11:16:00 -0400https://www.wardsauto.com/news/kia-cuts-entry-price-of-ev6-by-5000-amid-surging-hybrid-sales/819525/Quite a comeback: Stylish cabin marks Jeep Cherokee’s triumphant returnhttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/quite-a-comeback-stylish-cabin-marks-jeep-cherokees-triumphant-return/819615/<figure><div><img src="https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/3nI_AH1G9dQzuF0wSwjt4U929xqAuGcQN14Q15EeNT8/g:ce/rs:fill:1600:900:1/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS9JTUdfNTc2Mi1yZXNpemVkLkpQRw==.webp"/></div></figure><p>A taut design, attention to detail, high level of functionality and a nod to sustainability land the completely redone Jeep Cherokee on the 2026 Wards 10 Best Interiors &amp; UX list.</p>Dave ZoiaFri, 08 May 2026 11:09:00 -0400https://www.wardsauto.com/news/quite-a-comeback-stylish-cabin-marks-jeep-cherokees-triumphant-return/819615/