Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer
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 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.
Drivers have criticised 2026 regulations that split power 50/50 between internal combustion and electrical units, saying energy-management rules have forced slower, less exciting racing. Lando Norris has said commercial aims — and manufacturers such as Audi entering the sport — have driven the changes, and drivers say they have had little say in rulemaking.
Lando Norris wins the Hungarian Grand Prix for McLaren, ahead of Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli. Oscar Piastri retires with gearbox trouble after leading for a stretch. Lewis Hamilton finishes fifth following a pit-lane speed penalty, while the championship gap widens to 50 points.
A major earthquake has struck Kyushu, Japan, triggering a collapse at a shopping mall and a mill chimney, with dozens dead or missing. Power and water outages affect tens of thousands as temperatures rise. Rescuers are racing to reach survivors amid aftershocks and ongoing heat.
A set of recent car-developer features include the Genesis Box Buggy concept, Czinger 21C Spyder with BrakeNode, and Gasolini AR1, highlighting affordable performance tech and new design approaches at major events in 2026.
Max Verstappen has extended his Red Bull contract to 2030 as Formula 1 implements new engine regulations. The move follows months of speculation about his future and reflects a commitment to the team despite dissatisfaction with the sport’s energy-management rules.
Kyle Kirkwood has won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in downtown Washington, D.C., finishing 3.09 seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard after leading 128 of 147 laps. President Donald Trump has waved the green flag and taken a ceremonial lap; the race routed 25 drivers past the National Mall as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
Today in Washington, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix has begun amid Washington, D.C.’s milestone anniversary celebrations. President Trump has waved the green flag for the IndyCar race, which features a 147-lap course through iconic sites; Alex Palou and Kyle Kirkwood start on the front row as action unfolds around Capitol Hill.
Lando Norris and McLaren have won the Dutch Grand Prix after a bold tyre strategy and strong pace, overtaking Antonelli who started from pole. Verstappen suffered a dramatic first-lap crash but escaped unharmed. Norris now narrows the gap to the championship leader and shows McLaren’s upgrades are paying off.
Lando Norris has moved within striking distance in the title race after a strategic masterclass in Zandvoort. Norris has overtaken rivals to win the Dutch Grand Prix, with Antonelli still leading the standings and Russell closing in. Verstappen’s dramatic Lap 1 crash disrupted the race and reshaped the podium picture.
A deadly crash in Teesside linked to social-media videos of dangerous driving has spurred government pressure on platforms to remove such content. Police say one victim had posted similar clips; officials vow to curb the trend as calls for platform action mount.
Manufacturers have unveiled or trialled several new electric and hybrid family cars. Mercedes-Benz has launched a seven-seat GLB EV in the UK with an 85kWh battery, claimed range up to 379 miles and prices from £46,100. Bentley has previewed its Torcal EV with about 300 miles EPA range and up to 850+ PS calibration; Honda has reintroduced the Prelude as a hybrid coupe and compared it with Toyota's GR86.
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.
Honda plans to cut over $9 billion in costs by 2030 and asks suppliers to trim prices while expanding use of Chinese components; Honda and Nissan will jointly develop SDV-focused electronic control units for a 2029 rollout. Hyundai is accelerating US growth with a massive Georgia plant, a major metaplant expansion, and a target to lift US-made vehicles share.
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.
Lexus has unveiled the eighth-generation ES at its Jeddah Center, marking a major upgrade alongside a redesigned showroom that blends art, architecture, and hospitality. Chief Engineer Kohei Chiashi says the model underwent repeated testing, with a focus on comfort and electrified powertrains. The event signals a new phase in Lexus' Saudi partnership.