News Blog

The Dodge Charger Daytona EV is so new that many people have likely never seen one in person, but the car might soon become one of the better lease deals in the automaker’s lineup. CarsDirect located a bulletin sent to dealers by Stellantis that details the numbers for a 24-month lease on the Scat Pack trim, and the early figures look promising.

Kia hasn’t lost sight of its EV ambitions, but like many other automakers, the company plans to develop new hybrids and plug-in hybrids to cope with the rollercoaster that is electric vehicle demand. While some of its PHEVs deliver more than 30 miles of all-electric range, Kia recently promised new models that offer 60 miles or more of electric range within the next couple of years.

Many people think American car companies make all of the components that go into manufacturing a domestic car, but that’s very far from the truth. Even the most American-made cars carry parts made in Asia, Europe, and Central/South America. Canada and Mexico are especially significant automotive trading partners, and Trump’s recently announced tariffs on the country could cut the industry deeper than we initially thought.

Plenty of automakers are restructuring and changing course in the hopes of realigning with the realities of the market. Job cuts and factory slowdowns look to be a staple of the industry in the coming years. However, Nissan seems to be approaching a situation where it’s preparing to lob a Hail Mary. The Japanese manufacturer is prepared to do some serious downsizing and hunting for new investors — with leadership not pulling any punches when conveying this to the public.

The Italian government is investigating Stellantis and Ferrari Chair John Elkann over tax fraud allegations as part of a broader probe into the Agnelli-family inheritance. While the case was opened earlier this year, things have been heating up with government actors searching through legal offices this week.

When politicians talk about tariffs, they’re usually referring to the U.S.’ most prominent economic rivals, like China. That said, President-Elect Trump just picked a fight with two of America’s closest trading partners and the only two countries with which we share a border.

Earlier this year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety published research showing that people who use partially automated driver assistance systems often fail to pay close enough attention. In a follow-up published today, the IIHS provided more detail, saying that drivers are more likely to take control in a dangerous situation if the systems don’t automatically shut off when a manual input is detected.

Porsche is backing off its most aggressive electrification plans. The legendary German automaker recently said it would continue developing internal combustion engines across its catalog to satisfy customer demand as EV sales take a hit.

For those of you who like a bit more sport and a bit less utility from their German crossover machine, Audi has just introduced the 2025 Q5 Sportback. And, yes – there is an SQ5 variant.

BMW is promoting its own self-driving technology after the Dingolfing facility finalized its Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) system as part of its “BMW iFactory” framework. The location is transitioning into one where the vehicles can pilot themselves around the facility at low speeds, setting the stage for other sites to follow suit. While the notion that this means something for its advanced driving technologies on-road are suspect, BMW is likewise hyping the logistical advantages of not needing human porters to move completed vehicles.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan sheds the boxy, unremarkable skin of the last-generation vehicle for something that is more than little bolder.

Electric vehicles are some of the most politically-charged products on the market, and the incoming Trump administration is expected to make significant changes to the government’s EV tax credit, up to and including killing them altogether. California, which has rules that have often run counter to Trump’s political agenda, may step up to fill the void if that happens, offering a state-level rebate to buyers.

Automakers love partnerships. Teaming up with other OEMs makes vehicle development cheaper and can yield interesting results with mix-and-match parts from two or more companies in one vehicle. Hyundai, which currently sells one pickup in the U.S., is reportedly cozying up with General Motors to jointly develop a pickup truck, and the pair could end up with significant financial investments in each other’s businesses.

Once ridiculed for being the world’s largest appliance car maker, Toyota has emerged as the unlikely savior of small, somewhat affordable performance cars in the United States. The automaker has given us the GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla in recent years, and an executive recently hinted that one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates could be returning.

Hyundai and Kia just expanded a recall for some electric models. The action now includes more than 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada for an issue with the integrated charging control units.

VinFast has officially launched its second model inside the United States, the three-row and all-electric VF9. Following the VF8 into the market, the VF9 arrives with an MSRP far lower than initially claimed and range estimates that should make it fairly competitive.

The only problem is that the VF8 was kind of a disaster. Models handed to reviewers were riddled with issues, necessitating a smoother launch for the VF9 if the company has any hope of becoming relevant on our market.

Volkswagen’s family of brands contains a few forbidden fruits that Americans have lusted over for years. Cupra is one of them, but its fortunes in North America could be shifting. The Spanish automaker announced its intentions to enter the market earlier this year, and Automotive News recently reported that the brand could partner with Penske Automotive Group to begin U.S. sales as early as 2030.

Andretti Global and its General Motors partners have been working to find a way into Formula 1 for a while, but their efforts have been rebuffed by the sport’s management and some existing teams. Leadership shuffles at Andretti could be the group’s ticket forward, however, as it could eliminate some of the tensions between Andretti himself and F1 stakeholders.

Fiat isn’t exactly a household name in America, but the brand is celebrating a milestone 125th anniversary with a new Giorgio Armani Edition 500e. The tiny EV gets a pair of exclusive color choices and other unique design elements, and a funky but upscale interior.

While plenty of other automakers seemed content to sit out the Los Angeles Auto Show this year, Kia used it as an opportunity to keep the spotlight on itself. This included the updated EV6, which received a bigger battery, styling changes, and some performance enhancements for the 2025 model year.

With over 500 horsepower, this is one all-electric family vehicle that has three rows of seats and no waiting.

Lotus doesn’t sell that many cars worldwide, but the brand made waves back in 2021 when it announced that the Emira would be its last internal combustion-powered car. At the time, Lotus said it would go all-electric by 2028, but the Chinese-owned British automaker recently walked that decision back, saying it would focus on hybrid technology instead.

The Los Angeles Auto Show is in full swing, and with it, several automakers are rolling out new and updated vehicles. Kia announced three models this morning, including an updated Sportage and EV6, and the all-new EV9. The Sportage got significant updates for the 2026 model year, so let’s see what’s new.

Nissan is eying significant job cuts to right the ship and reduce costs. As part of its effort to slash 9,000 jobs worldwide, almost 500 salaried workers in the U.S. will get the axe in the form of voluntary buyouts.

The Genesis GV70 is one of the most eye-catching and value-packed SUVs in its segment, and it’s getting an update for the 2026 model year. Genesis’ most popular vehicle will receive updated styling, new technology, and more, but will retain its two powertrain choices.

With a raft of success in its all-electric Ioniq line and a three-row option from its brother at Kia, you knew this model from Hyundai would be along eventually.

The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had released updates to the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) with a major focus on implementing advanced driver assistance technologies on all vehicles. The assertion is that this will help bolster safety and reduce on-road fatalities. But the reality may be significantly more complicated.

Ford Motor Co. has been trimming back operations in Europe for years and is reportedly planning to cut 4,000 positions in Europe by the end of 2027. The presumed culprit is lackluster interest in all-electric vehicles — models that were supposed to help the company grow inside the region, due to government action, and eventually become the dominant mode of transportation.

Yesterday, we reported on Jaguar’s new logo, part of its effort to rebrand and reset after a tough few years. The video that accompanied the logo announcement raised eyebrows, as it didn’t seem to fit with Jag’s luxury image, and much of the internet is split between thinking it’s a great idea and wondering what the automaker’s marketing team is smoking. There are very few in the middle of that spectrum, but here are a handful of the most interesting responses on Threads.

Volkswagen America’s CEO abruptly resigned yesterday, but the automaker won’t be long without a top executive. This morning, the company announced Rivian Chief Commercial Officer Kjell Gruner as his replacement. Di Si has led VW since late 2022.

We’ve heard a lot about the upcoming Ram 1500 REV and Ramcharger, but they aren’t coming as soon as we thought. Ram aimed to put both trucks on sale late this year, but so far, neither has arrived. It turns out that the delay is related to Stellantis’ busy vehicle release schedule, which includes two new EVs.

While the idea of Ford building a heavier Ford Ranger seems at odds with a market where consumers are beginning to shun full-size pickups, offering one that can haul nearly as much weight could likewise snag those walking away from the larger models. Ford has announced that the 2026 Ranger Super Duty will offer up to 9,000 pounds of towing capacity — enough to match some versions of the F-Series without outshining the better-equipped trims.

Described as a scalable platform, the STLA Frame architecture seems to be the bones on which many future Stellantis vehicles cash cows will be assembled.

Ford is facing two new investigations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA is investigating previous recalls of the Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator and Bronco Sport to determine whether the earlier actions were sufficient to fix the vehicles’ problems.

Imagine for a moment that you’re in charge of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). You’ve paused new vehicle output for the foreseeable future, and the only model you currently sell is the F-Pace, but even that’s going away at the end of 2024. What do you do to right the ship? If you answered “create a new logo,” you’ve hit the nail on the head because that’s exactly what JLR executives just did.

Big changes are in store for the Department of Transportation. President-elect Trump announced Sean Duffy as his pick for transportation secretary, a move that will help the incoming president in his goal to roll back Biden’s vehicle emissions standards and could spell major shifts in how the government regulates autonomous vehicles.

According to reports, members of the transition team for President-elect Trump are planning to make building a framework for fully self-driving vehicles a priority within the DOT.

GM’s Cruise autonomous taxi division was in the news in 2023 for all the wrong reasons. The company’s vehicles were involved in multiple high-profile crashes, culminating with an accident in October last year that involved a pedestrian who was dragged for 20 feet after being hit by another vehicle. Cruise paused operations but has been back in business for a while now, though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t forgotten about its challenges.

Hyundai is releasing a new trim for the Elantra N delivering track-day sensibilities. The manufacturer’s goal seems to be making what’s an inarguably fun sports sedan a more serious performance machine. However, it might be a bit of a stretch to call the Hyundai Elantra N TCR Edition a factory touring car.

The Tesla Cybertruck comes in any color you like, as long as it’s unpainted stainless steel. That said, the automaker has offered factory wrap options for a while now, though they’ve been out of stock since shortly after their introduction. It appears the automaker is cutting the option altogether, as Drive Tesla Canada and InsideEVs recently noticed the wraps’ disappearance from Tesla’s site.

The Jeep Gladiator drummed up a ton of interest around its release in 2019, but the off-road truck hasn’t been able to sustain that excitement. Sales have fallen dramatically over the last year, leading parent company Stellantis to resort to layoffs at the Gladiator factory.

If you haven’t been following Hertz, the automotive rental company filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and was purchased in June of 2021 by a hedge fund and equity firm that assumed they could run the business. A trail of disastrous decisions, including hiring Tom Brady as a brand ambassador and pivoting toward all-electric vehicles, have since shown that was not to be the case.

Nissan is facing unprecedented levels of debt as it heads into 2025, as the automaker will owe around $1.6 billion next year. That number could climb as high as $5.6 billion in 2026, the highest amount recorded by Bloomberg dating back to 1996.

GM employs tens of thousands of people worldwide, but a small number of them woke up to bad news this morning. The automaker laid off around 1,000 people today as part of its efforts to streamline business operations and cut costs.

Jose Munoz has served as the CEO of Hyundai and Genesis North America and COO of Hyundai Motors for a while now, but his job is about to get a whole lot bigger. The long-time auto exec was recently promoted to the position of CEO of Hyundai Motor Corporation, which will take place on January 1, 2025.

Elections have consequences, and the election of Donald Trump back to the White House might mean the $7,500 electric-vehicle tax credit is doomed.

The Polestar 3 is getting a new entry level trim that prioritizes range and a lower price tag rather than peak performance. Slated to arrive sometime in the spring of 2025, the new model is supposed to offer up to 350 miles between charges and a sub $70,000 MSRP.

Ford issued the most recalls of any automaker in 2023, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is unhappy with the company’s timing for at least one of them. The government agency said it had determined that Ford was too slow in recalling vehicles with defective rearview cameras and noted that it had failed to provide all the information required.

If you own a General Motors diesel-powered truck or SUV, you might soon receive a recall letter. The automaker is pulling back almost half a million vehicles for a bad transmission control valve, which could cause a failure and increase the risk of a crash.

Acura revived the Integra a few years back, but as these things often go, the iconic sports car is getting an SUV makeover. The new ADX arrives in 2025, sporting Integra-inspired elements like styling, its powertrain, and platform.

Well, here we are. Donald Trump won the presidential election, and he’s wasting no time making good on a few of his laundry list of promises. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy have been tapped to head the new Department of Government Efficiency. That’s DOGE, for those of you keeping track.

Rivian and Volkswagen announced a new partnership earlier this year, but it’s just now become official. The pair recently formalized their joint venture, which could be worth billions over the next few years.

Honda resurrected the Passport in 2019 as a two-row light-duty off-roader, but it hasn’t seen many updates since its arrival. That’s changing for 2026 with an all-new SUV that sees fresh styling, an updated TrailSport trim, and a load of new accessories directly from Honda.

Australia’s Willowbank Raceway has issued a formal ban on drivers running all-electric vehicles, citing fire-related safety concerns. It joins the UK-based Anglesey Circuit and West Virginia’s Summit Point as the third track to restrict EVs from competing or testing.

Serving as a three-row crossover with an all-electriq, er, electric powertrain, the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq seeks to deliver 615 horsepower and up to 300 miles in range on a single charge of it 102-kWh battery.

Porsche offers a mind-blowing number of trims and configuration options for almost every vehicle it sells, and the Taycan product line just got even more complex. The automaker announced updates to its sporty EV for 2025, which includes three new trims and better performance.

The Ford Mustang GTD is staggeringly expensive and should offer extreme performance for buyers brave enough to push it, but its exclusive price tag has already led some to look for the next best thing. Unfortunately for one SEMA presenter, the “next best thing” was a GTD lookalike, and Ford didn’t take kindly to the display.

At first, Tesla loved to tout its Cybertruck order numbers, but it now seems like the list of hopeful buyers might not be so hefty. A short while ago, we reported that the lead time for a new Cybertruck had shrunk considerably. Now, we’re learning that Tesla is implementing a new lease program designed to draw in potential buyers for the ultra-polarizing pickup truck.

Many have wondered which direction Mazda would take with future powertrain development, as the automaker has talked about rotary range-extending engines, plug-in hybrids, and more. We’re now starting to get a clearer picture of how Mazda’s propulsion systems may look going forward, as it recently snuck some significant news into its latest financial report.

GM has announced it will end production of the Cadillac XT4 early next year in a shift towards EVs, namely the next-gen Chevy Bolt, at its Fairfax plant in Kansas.