American automaker, owner of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac; global manufacturing giant
E. Jean Carroll has received $5,625,005.48 that a 2023 jury awarded after finding Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The funds had been held in a court-controlled escrow account while Trump exhausted appeals and sought last-minute delays; his legal team is continuing challenges tied to a separate $83.3m judgment.
Federal and local probes have produced new findings and warnings about autonomous vehicles. The NTSB has reported that a Tesla driver manually overrode Full Self-Driving before a June crash that killed a 76‑year‑old in Katy, Texas. NHTSA has issued a directive demanding AV developers fix cases where driverless cars enter or block emergency scenes; Waymo and California regulators are under pressure over several incidents.
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.
CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business quality-of-life rankings have drawn criticism from conservatives who say the methodology unfairly targets red states. Critics argue the list conflicts with population growth data and different state policy outcomes.
Chips used in AI data centers are squeezing memory supply and driving up RAM costs, impacting smartphones, laptops, and other devices. The trend is shifting production toward high-bandwidth memory, reducing capacity for consumer chips and pressuring prices across the tech sector.
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.
A wave of updates across Uber, Waymo, Baidu, and others is redefining autonomous-vehicle deployment in major markets. Partnerships are shifting, apps are expanding beyond rides, and regulators are sharpening standards. The evolving ecosystem is accelerating, with major players preparing for broader rollout in 2028 and beyond.
Brent crude has climbed near $90 a barrel after renewed US strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and threatened alternate routes. Market risk has increased as Houthi moves against Saudi-linked shipping and US warnings and strikes have depleted spare reserves, pushing prices and fuel costs higher.
Agility Robotics is expanding Digit deployments in manufacturing and logistics, unveiling a new 60,000-square-foot facility to accelerate commercial use. The company reports proprietary progress in integrating Digit with facilities and warehouse IT, while preparing for a public listing via a reverse merger.
The National Defense Authorization Act has cleared the House with a 216-212 vote, boosting military spending and strengthening US-Israel defense cooperation. The measure now faces Senate scrutiny, with Democrats criticizing the price tag and war-related provisions while Republicans defend funding for readiness and security. The package also includes provisions tied to the SAVE America Act and election-related funding.
Automakers are expanding vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid capabilities. Ford’s F-150 systems are connecting EVs to home meters for backup power, while Kia, Tesla and GM are pursuing similar energy services as grid demand grows and EV sales slow.
A bipartisan Senate bill would bar the sale of connected vehicles by automakers that are more than 15% owned by Chinese entities, potentially affecting Mercedes-Benz, which has substantial Chinese ownership. The proposal has emerged in an ongoing policy debate about national security and supply-chain resilience.
Ford and Geely have unveiled a two-thirds/one-third joint venture to build five vehicles at Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain, starting 2028. The deal seeks to reassert Ford’s presence in Europe amid rising Chinese competition, cost pressures, and tightening regulations. Production of the Kuga PHEV will continue; two Geely electric SUVs will be built; a new multi-energy crossover is planned for 2028. The move signals broader global partnerships as U.S. policy tightens access for Chinese firms.
Canada braces for a renewed fight as Washington imposes 50% tariffs on a wide range of imports. Prime Minister Carney leads a united Team Canada in negotiations with Trump’s administration, while provinces warn of disrupted industries and rising uncertainty. Talks aim to avert full escalation before the August 19 deadline.
The latest from multiple outlets shows ongoing US strikes on Iran continue, with Tehran signaling readiness to expand its regional actions. Israel remains on the sidelines for now, while diplomacy and economic pressure shape the broader confrontation.
A coalition of 25 US states has filed suit in the US Court of International Trade to stop 10–12.5% tariffs that took effect in July on goods from about 60 trading partners. Plaintiffs say the administration has used forced‑labour claims to recreate broad levies courts have already struck down; the White House says the duties are lawful under Section 301.
The Federal Communications Commission has added "advanced robotic devices" — including humanoid robots, four‑legged machines and some connected power inverters — to a list that blocks new foreign-made models from US markets on national‑security and cybersecurity grounds. The rule has taken effect for models not yet authorised; existing authorised devices remain allowed while exemptions can be requested.
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.
Donald Trump has been touring Michigan, arguing tariffs are boosting US industry while acknowledging price pressures. The visit highlights a tension between pro-business rhetoric and the everyday costs felt by voters as Michigan buckles under inflation and higher import taxes.
Zoox has received a temporary NHTSA exemption that allows it to charge fares for its purpose-built robotaxis and will start paid rides in Las Vegas on Aug. 10. The company can deploy up to 2,500 vehicles annually for two years under enhanced federal oversight while state and local approvals remain required for expansion.
Amazon has disclosed a $600 million tariff refund in Q2 after a Supreme Court ruling found Trump-era tariffs illegal. The refunds, largely benefiting customers, will be issued automatically where specific charges can be traced. Most refunds will go to affected buyers, with third-party sellers absorbing the bulk of the levies.
Trump has visited California to headline a Republican National Committee dinner, touting his economic record and contrasting it with California leadership. He is also set to travel to Nevada to deliver remarks on the economy, while opponents argue over inflation, crime and minimum wage policies. The trip underscores a broader national debate about economic performance ahead of the 2026 midterms.
SpaceX plans to build a terrestrial cellular layer using EchoStar spectrum alongside its Starlink satellite network, aiming to challenge AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The move follows a wave of satellites and small base stations, promising better coverage and higher bandwidth.
Ford has announced the Fathom, a sub-$30,000 electric pickup built on a new Universal EV Platform. Prototypes will start in early 2027 with deliveries later that year, as Ford pushes a cost-focused, vertically integrated approach to catch up with Chinese competitors and Tesla.
Canada and the United States have resumed intensive talks to avert steep US tariffs that could take effect this week. Ottawa has offered concessions, including removing a retaliatory auto tariff, while Washington has pressed provinces to lift bans on US alcohol and pushed demands on market access and content rules for autos. Negotiators are still finalising details.
Waymo has expanded its Ojai robotaxi rollout, adding more U.S. markets and plans to accelerate fleet growth. The company is integrating its sixth‑generation self‑driving system with Zeekr’s Ojai platform, aiming to reduce cost and improve safety as deployments accelerate globally.
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.
Toyota former president Hiroshi Okuda has died at 93. He led the company from 1995, spearheading globalization and hybrid development, including the Prius. His tenure shaped Toyota’s global production network and governance, with succession continuing to probe the Toyoda family’s influence.
Cadillac has announced a leadership transition for its Formula 1 project, with Marcin Budkowski taking over as team principal. Graeme Lowdon has departed after guiding the American entrant through its debuts this season, which have featured reliability issues and no points after 11 races.
The Treasury has expanded its bond-buyback program to support longer-dated debt, but yields on the 10-year and 30-year Treasuries have remained elevated as debt levels and deficits draw scrutiny. Investors are weighing the impact on mortgages, AI infrastructure funding, and policy uncertainty across multiple outlets.
Canada has matched the United States’ 50% tariffs on a broad range of goods, escalating a tense trade war. Ottawa says it will apply counter-tariffs across sectors including steel, dairy, appliances and electronics, while promising support for affected businesses as talks stall. The row centers on autos, housing materials and consumer items, with markets reacting to the broader clash over sovereignty and trade rules.
Multiple recalls target GM’s brake-by-wire system and Kia’s Occupant Detection System, affecting over 1 million vehicles. NHTSA investigations link spindle fractures to loss of braking in several models. Recalls will replace faulty components and advise seating adjustments to minimize risk.
A wave of AI hardware standards and physics-focused models is driving enterprise adoption, with startups and giants racing to interoperate tools, open standards, and better data for real-world AI deployments. Updates cover new hardware interfaces, robotics training advances, and the shift from cloud-only AI to agents operating in physical environments.
More than 100 companies, led by OpenAI and Anthropic, have published an open letter saying AI-enabled cyberattacks will become far more widespread and sophisticated in coming months. The signatories call for defensive AI tools, shared threat intelligence, urgent government funding and coordinated testing to protect hospitals, utilities and internet infrastructure.
Tesla has revealed European specifications for the Semi, announcing a 342-mile range, 800 kW Megacharger support, and 1,073 bhp from three rear motors. BYD and others unveil competing electric trucks across 3.5–44 tonnes, highlighting chargers and efficiency as the race for long-haul electrification accelerates.
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.
Ford and GM are expanding gasoline and V-8 options for 2027 pickups while trimming some features to cut prices. Ford adds a towing-capable BlueCruise on the F-150; GM rolls out new Small Block V-8s and a refreshed Silverado/Sierra lineup. The shift comes as regulators and markets weigh the future of electrification against demand for traditional powertrains.
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.
A wave of AI-enabled tools is redefining go-to-market work and internal software. Firms are building automated revenue workflows in-house, while vendors face pressure as organizations self-serve more with AI. Disrupt iterations highlight how AI-native GTM teams are becoming a new growth driver.
Trump has announced new fuel-economy standards, reversing Biden-era rules intended to spur electric-vehicle adoption. The move reduces the fleetwide target, with specifics still to be released. Analysts say the change could reshape automaker strategy and consumer costs. The details remain forthcoming.
Ford has announced that vehicles built on its upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle platform will verify internal connections using onboard computers, a shift from traditional off-line inspections. External factory cameras remain, but internal verification will happen after power-up, guiding workers in real-time. The move accompanies broader efficiency gains, including a streamlined assembly tree for the Fathom EV.
US payrolls have grown by 29,000 in September, far below economists’ expectations of about 84,000, while the unemployment rate edges higher. Health care adds to gains, but slower hiring and contraction in female-dominated sectors temper the overall picture. The Labor Department data reinforce a steady but cooling labor market as investors await the Federal Reserve’s next move.