German luxury automaker and Motorrad maker, Munich-based, global conglomerate
Automakers have pulled several electric models from the U.S. market even as quarterly EV sales have risen. Q2 2026 U.S. consumer EV purchases have reached 247,226 vehicles, a sequential rise driven by higher fuel prices, new low-cost entrants and state rebates. Manufacturers and startups are responding with cheaper models, but many legacy brands have cancelled or delayed U.S. EV projects.
Chinese automakers are now producing leading electric vehicles with advanced powertrain technology and rapid charging capabilities. CATL has unveiled a third-generation lithium-iron phosphate battery that charges faster and performs well in cold weather, signaling significant progress in EV battery development.
Britney Spears has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge in California, sparing jail time. She has entered a treatment program and will face probation and fines as prosecutors outline a standard plea deal.
The Pentagon has announced a plan to pull about 5,000 US troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months as tensions over the Iran war intensify with European partners. NATO says it is studying the details of the move, while German officials say Europe must bolster its own defence capacity.
A wave of updates across multiple outlets shows former FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried pursuing a presidential pardon after completing his 25-year sentence, while Trump allies keep courting clemency. The reports, drawn from DOJ filings and interviews, highlight continued political leverage around the high-profile case.
A senior Russian military official has been killed in a car bombing near Balashikha, just outside Moscow. An explosive device under his BMW detonated around 5:30 a.m., injuring bystanders who rushed to help. The victim, Col. Damir Davydov, headed a key logistics directorate responsible for weapons distribution. Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation, while Kyiv has not commented on the attack.
A roundup of recent coverage shows interest in plug-in hybrids remains steady. Experts highlight the cost hurdle, but buyers are turning to used models to save money. The Prius Prime leads within small cars; Tucson and Sorento plug-in hybrids offer more space. The debate hinges on price versus electric range as buyers seek efficiency.
Two car bombs have wounded and killed people in Moscow and its outskirts as investigations identify a teenage suspect network. Authorities report controlled detonations and ongoing inquiries into the perpetrators and motives. The events follow a pattern of high-profile attacks targeting Russian officials after the invasion of Ukraine.
Explosions near Balashikha have killed Damir Davydov, a top Russian missile and artillery official, as investigators open a criminal case. Kyiv-linked strikes have intensified pressure on Moscow amid a broader war dynamic.
Automakers have announced strategic shifts as Chinese brands and US trade rules upend the sector. Volkswagen has proposed deep job cuts to cut costs, Jaguar Land Rover is adding hybrids and prioritising the US, and the Commerce Department has denied Polestar permission to sell new connected models in the US from 2027, pushing the brand to refocus on Europe.
Bending Spoons has begun trading on Nasdaq with a valuation around $25.5-25.7 billion and raised about $1.68 billion. The Milan-based group acquires and rebuilds aging digital brands such as Eventbrite, Evernote, Meetup and AOL, then holds them to drive growth through AI-enabled features, pricing, and tighter operations. Revenue in Q1 2026 reached $601 million with $27.5 million net income as it scales its portfolio and expands its multi-brand strategy.
Volkswagen has signalled a major restructuring plan, with reports that the group is weighing further job cuts and plant closures in Germany to cut costs and counter Chinese competition. The board meeting on July 9 will review potential closures of Hanover, Zwickau, Emden, and Neckarsulm, as part of a broader program to reduce costs and boost profitability.
Cattle on the West Coast Main Line have blocked tracks near Rugeley, causing widespread delays and cancellations for Avanti West Coast, Lumo, London Northwestern and West Midlands services. The line has been blocked for more than three hours, with disruption expected to last until 4pm. Tickets are being accepted on alternative routes.
BMW has unveiled the fifth-generation X5, adding hydrogen power and a broad lineup that includes electric, plug-in hybrid, diesel and petrol variants. The flagship iX5 60 xDrive electric model leads the range with a 141kWh battery, 578bhp, up to 525 miles of range and rapid charging up to 460kW. The SUV also features bidirectional charging and a redesigned interior, with UK availability beginning in spring 2027.
China has topped 1 million monthly car exports for the first time, with overall trade up 27%. While brands like BYD gain share overseas, EU imports face pressure from Chinese EVs. Germany’s VW group signals big structural shifts at home as it faces competition and potential plant adjustments.
Volkswagen has presented a transformation plan to streamline its model lineup and cut production capacity to about 9 million vehicles per year. The group is weighing up to 100,000 additional job cuts and may close four German plants, triggering protests as unions push back against the overhaul.
Ford is pursuing a $30,000 electric pickup built on a new Universal EV Platform, aiming to-scale production and profitability. The truck, smaller than some rivals, will launch around 2027 from Ford's Kentucky plant, as Ford reins in costs after big EV investments.