German luxury automotive brand built on a 1926 merger; part of Mercedes-Benz Group, famed for The Best or Nothing.
The Financial Conduct Authority has had parts of its £9.1bn motor‑finance compensation scheme suspended after legal challenges from Volkswagen Financial Services, Mercedes‑Benz Financial Services, Crédit Agricole Auto Finance and consumer group Consumer Voice. The Upper Tribunal has set hearings for December or February; lenders will not need to calculate or pay redress while legal proceedings continue, delaying mass payouts until at least 2027 if the scheme survives.
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.
China has topped 1 million monthly car exports for the first time, with overall trade up 27%. While brands like BYD gain share overseas, EU imports face pressure from Chinese EVs. Germany’s VW group signals big structural shifts at home as it faces competition and potential plant adjustments.
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.
The High Court has ruled that most testing strategies do not amount to prohibited defeat devices, narrowing a long-running lawsuit over NOx-emitting diesel cars. Mercedes-Benz faces one upheld allegation, which was removed from 2015. The ruling binds other manufacturers; a broader trial continues.
Three robotics and automation startups have raised significant funding this week, underscoring a shift toward automated manufacturing across diverse sectors. Munich-based microagi has secured $55 million in a seed round led by Hummingbird, while Senra instrumentalizes wire harness automation in aerospace and defense with a $65 million Series B. The funding underscores a broader push to standardize and scale automated production amid labor shortages and reshoring pressures.
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.
Kimi Antonelli has claimed pole at Spa-Francorchamps, extending his title lead. Verstappen starts behind with a heavy grid penalty, Norris is third. The Hungarian GP is approaching, with teams looking to finalise setups before the break.
Lando Norris clinches pole at the Hungaroring, with Leclerc second and Piastri third. Kimi Antonelli starts further back due to a grid penalty; the race is set to unfold amid a tight championship battle and the final sprint before the summer break.
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.
Russell has trailed Kimi Antonelli in the standings. An engine deployment problem at Spa-Francorchamps contributed to a race-ending incident and left him further behind. Mercedes has identified an engine calibration issue and is working toward a fix ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
McLaren's Lando Norris has claimed pole position at the Hungarian GP ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen spins on final lap; Hamilton faces potential penalty for impeding Piastri. Aston Martin show progress with upgrades but Alonso starts 16th. Malaysia race to feature this October, with possible Imola finale in doubt.
Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, branded as the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, slotting the race between Azerbaijan and Singapore. The move follows Middle East tensions and calendar revisions, with Imola considered as a contingency for Qatar if needed. Fans are assured a full calendar as the FIA and F1 adapt.
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 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.
Vladimir Tkachuk, founder and CEO of Uraldronzavod, has been hospitalised in grave condition following an explosion in Bolshoy Istok, near Yekaterinburg. The Upyr drone is cited as central to recent sanctions and war efforts. Authorities have opened a murder investigation as details remain unclear.
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.
Kyle Shanahan has publicly addressed the July 14 crash, saying his Tesla’s autopilot likely went off as he retrieved a fallen phone. He has taken responsibility and states the incident has reshaped his view of driver-assistance tech. He plans to coach in the preseason opener despite injuries.
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.
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.
Rashod Bateman has been arrested in Walton County, Georgia, for allegedly breaking a vehicle window with an object while a 3‑month‑old child was in the back seat. Authorities say the incident occurred around 6 a.m. on June 3. Bateman’s surrender followed; the Ravens and the NFL are monitoring the case as it unfolds.
Mercedes are limiting upgrades under the 2026 cost cap while rivals press ahead, widening the performance gap at the front. Norris has won twice in a row for McLaren, with Antonelli leading the standings and Russell close behind. Monza looms as a crucial test for Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes.
Two best friends, Maddalyn Dailey and Isabell Hill, were killed when a Camaro struck their car at 117 mph in Victorville on Aug. 14. Terry Lamar Easter, 50, has been charged with two counts of murder, willful cruelty to a child, and speed contest. Easter allegedly fled the scene, leaving his 8-year-old son in the vehicle; he later surrendered after a nationwide warrant.
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.
Lando Norris has won the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, keeping McLaren competitive as Kimi Antonelli extends his championship lead. Hamilton and Russell struggle with team orders and tyre strategy, while Mercedes respond to the pressure with strategic pit decisions.
Several manufacturers have launched or previewed new electric and hybrid models this month. Skoda has introduced the compact Epiq from £24,950; Mercedes has unveiled a seven-seat electric GLB with an 85kWh battery and up to 379 miles claimed range; Bentley has previewed the Torcal EV and a lighter Supersports coupe; Rivian has launched the smaller R2 SUV; Suzuki, Volvo, Leapmotor, Aion and Honda have released updated or new models aimed at family and city buyers.
Lando Norris has extended his McLaren contract to at least 2030, with a multi-year option beyond that date. The 26-year-old world champion has delivered McLaren’s first drivers’ title since 2008 and has won back-to-back races in the current season. He says he is “home” at McLaren and aims to keep winning with a team that has rebuilt to the front of Formula 1.
Consumer Voice has launched legal challenges against the FCA over its motor finance compensation scheme, arguing the plan short-changes consumers. The claims centre on the 3% minimum interest paid on redress and the decision not to add an 8% uplift. The Upper Tribunal will hear disputes in December or February, with rulings expected in the following months.
Max Verstappen has criticized the 2026 F1 car design, saying the machines are numb to driver input and forcing earlier braking for optimal exits. Liam Lawson has stepped in for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, with Yuki Tsunoda occupying Lawson’s Racing Bulls seat. Norris launches LN4 Fusion to back young drivers. Read how these shifts shape Madrid and Monza Grand Prix entries.
The Monaco Grand Prix penalties for pit-lane speeding have been overturned, restoring a podium to Gasly’s rivals and altering the final standings. The Court of Appeal has ruled that prior penalties were applied due to a timekeeping error, affecting several drivers and prompting fresh controversy as Briatore accuses a judge of bias.
Kimi Antonelli has extended his lead in the drivers’ standings after winning Monza from 19th on the grid, while Hamilton finishes sixth as Ferrari’s strategy and team dynamics come under renewed scrutiny. Russell remains in contention; Leclerc suffers a high-speed crash.
Kimi Antonelli has won the Monza Grand Prix after passing teammate George Russell with three laps to go, extending his lead in the drivers’ standings to 66 points. Russell finished second as Verstappen completed the podium. Ferrari endured a difficult day, with Leclerc crashing out early and Hamilton finishing sixth.
Volkswagen has agreed to sell its Osnabrück factory to Aurelius Capital and the state of Lower Saxony and has announced an initial partnership with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems to produce air‑defence components from mid‑2027. The deal will secure at least 1,200 jobs and forms part of VW's broader Future Plan 2030 restructuring and 100,000 job reductions.
Ferrari's Leclerc and Hamilton have clashed at Monza, forcing Leclerc into the gravel and leaving Hamilton sixth. With the Spanish Grand Prix approaching in Madrid, Hamilton says there are no rules of engagement at Ferrari, while Leclerc accepts responsibility for the first-lap incident. The teams are under pressure to address internal dynamics and performance gaps ahead of the next race.
A wave of investments and initiatives is shaping how communities access art and culture. New leadership at Arts Council England, a major Northern art college plan, and local projects in Ulverston and Bradford underscore a push to embed culture in daily life and regional development.
Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of repeated "provocative and hostile" actions and giving the UAE ambassador 48 hours to leave. Algeria has closed its airspace to UAE-registered aircraft while allowing commercial flights to and from Algiers until the end of 2026. The UAE has said it hopes the move will be temporary.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has extended his F1 championship lead after winning the Spanish Grand Prix on the Madrid Madring circuit, where overtaking proved difficult and the race was punctuated by a Virtual Safety Car. Norris finishes off the podium amid late-race pit-stop drama; drivers call for changes to improve racing in Madrid.
Kimi Antonelli takes an eighth win from 14 races as McLaren’s Lando Norris suffers late misfortune under the Virtual Safety Car. Norris leads at pole but a VSC timing costs him the race; Antonelli capitalises to extend his championship margin.
The 20-year-old Italian has extended his championship lead after a dominant Monza win, while rivals stumble around key pit-stop moments and reliability concerns continue to shadow other teams.
The 2027 Formula 1 calendar introduces a sprint race in Monaco, sparking debate as authorities insist it will shake up the weekend and attract more fans, despite Monaco's limited overtaking. A second sprint is planned for Singapore, with Portugal and Turkey returning to the schedule and sprint races increasing from six to ten.
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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.
George Russell has won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowing Kimi Antonelli’s world championship lead to 66 points after Antonelli crashes out in Q1. Two safety cars created a late, tense finish with Verstappen closing in to finish second. Leclerc, Piastri and Hadjar complete the top five; Norris retires after a clash.