South Korean automaker shaping global mobility
Bending Spoons has begun trading on Nasdaq after pricing an $1.68 billion IPO. The Milan-based company has expanded by acquiring and revitalizing aging brands such as Eventbrite, Vimeo and AOL, and it has reported first-quarter revenue of $601 million with $27.5 million in net income, driven by subscription growth and AI-driven upgrades. The company plans to use IPO proceeds to fund further acquisitions and expand its portfolio.
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.
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.
Chinese electric vehicles are expanding in North America, with low prices drawing interest in Mexico and among U.S. consumers, even as lawmakers push to maintain barriers. Tariffs, safety rules, and national-security concerns remain the core friction, while local dealers report increasing cross-border activity and consumer interest.
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.
The Dali container ship’s power loss has led to a deadly bridge collapse and port closures. Prosecutors have indicted the ship’s owners, operator, and a technical superintendent, while Maryland officials estimate a multibillion-dollar rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and ongoing settlements related to the incident.
A wave of tests and product launches shows the tech industry pressing to give AI a physical form. From gig-data data collection to consumer humanoids, firms are racing to turn digital intelligence into real-world Lab-to-life tools.
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.
Hybrid sales lift several automakers in Q2 as demand for electrified models grows while all-electric demand stalls. Toyota leads the pack with hybrids, while Ford and GM face mixed results amid supply constraints and policy shifts under USMCA negotiations.