GM to pay $12.75M in California privacy settlement over selling driver data. GM: American auto giant, owns Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac.
Companies are increasingly adopting AI to improve efficiency and cut costs. Synthesia is developing AI legal avatars, Goldman Sachs emphasizes AI-driven operations, and law firms see AI as a productivity tool. Experts warn of job impacts and regulatory uncertainties as AI becomes central to these industries.
Chinese automakers have accelerated global expansion in 2026, showcasing rapid advances in batteries, charging and autonomous tech at the Beijing Auto Show while exports have surged. BYD, Geely and CATL have rolled out ultra-fast charging batteries and chargers; Geely is exploring US production through Volvo; legacy automakers are reorganising to respond to the pressure.
Australians are increasingly switching to EVs due to rising fuel prices and improved charging infrastructure. Recent consumer shifts include orders for new models like the BYD Sealion, with concerns about range and charging easing. Industry updates highlight new vehicle launches and factory disruptions amid economic pressures.
As of April 2026, Tesla's Q1 vehicle deliveries fell 4% below analyst expectations, with a record inventory buildup signaling demand challenges. Volkswagen will cease US production of its ID.4 electric SUV, shifting focus to higher-volume models amid weak EV sales. Meanwhile, Australian demand for used EVs surges due to rising fuel prices, and Toyota plans to expand its US EV lineup despite recent market setbacks.
The Trump administration is engaging with General Motors, Ford, GE Aerospace, and Oshkosh to expand defense manufacturing. Discussions focus on producing components for weapons systems to replenish supplies depleted by recent conflicts, including the Iran war and support for Ukraine. No specific projects are currently being negotiated.
President Donald Trump has given the EU until 4 July to implement the Turnberry trade deal or the US will raise tariffs on EU cars and trucks from 15% toward 25%. He has said he spoke to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, set the deadline tied to US Independence Day, and warned of "much higher" duties if the bloc does not act.
Magna is embedding AI across its global supply chain to improve quality, maintenance, safety and efficiency, while Rivian outlines an expanded R2 family and a Georgia factory to scale production; Ford unveils a Long Beach EV development center amid leadership changes in its EV unit, and Toyota is pursuing a privacy-conscious data fabric in its Woven City project.
California has reached a civil settlement with General Motors over the sale of driver data collected via OnStar, with GM to pay $12.75 million and restrictions on data use. The case, announced by Attorney General Rob Bonta, centers on the sale of location and driving data to data brokers between 2020 and 2024. Court approval is required for the payout and accompanying limits.
Stellantis has unveiled a plan to roll out nine new models under $40,000 by 2030, aiming to revive US volume and stabilize margins. The move includes new Ram, Dodge, and Jeep entries, alongside cost-cutting measures after heavy investments in electrification and a prior $26 billion annual loss.
GM has announced a major expansion into energy storage with a new sodium-ion battery program for grid-scale use, partnering with Peak Energy and investing in a development center. The initiative is designed to cut storage costs and accelerate commercialization, with initial trials planned for 2028.