German luxury carmaker and motorcycle group with global footprint
Major automakers have pulled several electric models and cancelled projects after federal tax credits ended in 2025, while Q2 2026 US EV sales have recovered sequentially to about 247,226 units. Higher fuel prices, state rebates and low‑cost entrants such as Slate, Fiat Topolino and Chinese brands in Europe are reshaping supply, pricing and consumer demand.
PepsiCo has reported a mixed second quarter, with North American volumes flat or down and international markets driving overall growth. Revenue rose 6.4% to $24.18 billion, but North American beverage volumes fell 4% and per-share earnings narrowly missed expectations. The company has signaled a slower but steady recovery in North America as inflation pressures persist.
Volkswagen has presented a restructuring plan that will cut model lines by up to half and reduce production capacity to about 9 million vehicles a year. Chief executive Oliver Blume has said the group faces a 20% cost disadvantage to rivals and has proposed a "theoretical" further 50,000 job reductions on top of earlier cuts, prompting union protests and board resistance.
Ford has integrated Apple Maps directly into its universal electric vehicle platform, starting with a $30,000 midsize truck due in 2027. The move, part of Ford’s push for affordability and a simplified tech stack, will power navigation, EV routing, and battery preconditioning, with Latitude AI using map data for a next-gen hands-free system. Apple Maps runs natively in-vehicle, not via CarPlay, and aims to streamline features like home automation and fleet routing.
Judge has ruled that a 2008 interview with Duane “Keffe D” Davis is admissible in the murder trial over Tupac Shakur’s 1996 killing, set to begin Aug. 10. Davis is charged with murder and could face life in prison if convicted. The trial has drawn renewed attention to Davis’s memoir and related media.
A wave of Chinese automakers is expanding into Europe and the UK, challenging traditional premium brands. Zeekr, BYD and others are pursuing UK launches while major players like Geely, Volvo and Lucid push into premium segments. European and US automakers are restructuring to cope with China’s rising export power and shifting supply chains.
Citizen-enforced actions under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts are reshaping how pollution is addressed in the United States, with recent cases spotlighting vehicle idling, refinery emissions, and alleged misdemeanors by car manufacturers. The Trump administration argues enforcement should rest with the executive, while plaintiffs and environmental groups say citizen suits remain essential tools for accountability. The developing legal landscape follows several high-profile filings and ongoing litigation.
A man dressed in a black hooded outfit, described as resembling a crow, has scaled the roof of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in North Wales. He has pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance on NHS premises and was fined £200. Police and fire teams responded; the health board maintains a zero-tolerance policy on nuisance and aggression in hospitals. The suspect also admitted petty thefts.
Electric-vehicle prices have risen in July as automakers tighten incentives after the expiration of federal tax credits. Analysts say limited supply and luxury demand are keeping prices high, while cheaper, mass-market models could pressure the market later in 2026.
Europe endures a blistering heat wave with temperatures above 40C in several countries. Italy places all 27 major cities on red heat alerts; authorities extend evening hours at Rome’s Colosseum and Pantheon and open cooling measures. Wildfires, drought and energy stress accompany the heat, prompting precautions for residents and visitors.
A UK study across 18 cities shows a rise in e-scooter-related injuries among under-16s and adults, with limb, head and facial injuries most common. Helmet use remains very low. Researchers urge clearer public health messaging and tighter private-e-scooter regulations as trials continue.
A digest of recent car industry moves: Rivian adds captain’s chairs in updated models; Ford explores new sub-$30k entry crossovers and a cheaper four-door pickup; 2026 cancellations signal potential discounts; rear-camera glitches prompt safety concerns; Mazda explores a new EV-based 6e with long range.
Connor Charlton has been jailed for four years after a series of dangerous driving incidents and a perverting the course of justice. He is also banned from driving for four years and seven months. The Crown Prosecution Service released video evidence showing his BMW drifting at a roundabout and reaching 191mph on a motorway.
Genesis unveils the GV90, its first full-size electric SUV, signaling a bold push into premium markets. The Neolun variant with coach doors and a lounge-like cabin showcases high-end features as Genesis outlines its three pillars—luxury, performance and hospitality—while signaling a broader portfolio development.
Investigators have found a Luger pistol in Lake Annecy; authorities say it may be connected to the 2012 al-Hilli family killings near Annecy. Forensic tests are examining whether the weapon is the P06 model used in the attack. The case has seen multiple leads and several suspects over the years.
The Grand Tour has a new trio of hosts: Francis Bourgeois, Thomas Holland and James Engelsman have stepped into Clarkson, Hammond and May’s roles. The team has worked to win over fans, with Clarkson making a cameo and the newcomers stressing the show’s car-enthusiast core as they premiere on Prime Video.
A traveling exhibit titled Forever Grateful/Golden Gate Park opens this weekend, anchoring on Jerry Garcia’s mint-condition BMW and Kesey’s Furthur bus. It immerses visitors in 1960s San Francisco counterculture, while highlighting ongoing efforts to restore the aging Furthur bus amid wider economic and political tensions in the city.
China’s official manufacturing data and oil imports show the economy rebounding from the energy shock, with a wider recovery in crude purchases and exports lifting growth expectations while warnings grow that sustained high prices could drag on global demand.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has raised national-security concerns about Ford’s ties to Chinese battery tech and plans with Geely in Spain, prompting political and regulatory scrutiny. Ford defends its approach, while lawmakers press for clarity on independence from Chinese tech.
GM is updating its in-vehicle infotainment to surface controls proactively, revamp Super Cruise visuals, and enable split-screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The changes aim to reduce driver cognitive load and improve coexistence of native systems with third-party apps across the GM portfolio.
The FBI has moved to consider applicants who previously engaged in activities such as prostitution or bestiality only if their conduct occurred before age 18. The change aims to protect victims and avoid automatic disqualification, but it faces sharp questioning from Senate Republicans about the agency’s standards and staffing.
Ceer has unveiled its Exobot sedan and SUV at a ceremony in King Abdullah Economic City, marking the first two vehicles from Saudi Arabia’s homegrown electric-vehicle brand. The launch signals a broader push under Vision 2030 to localize manufacturing, create jobs, and position the Kingdom as a regional EV hub.