Japanese automaker shaping EVs and alliances
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.
Toyota has raised its full-year operating profit forecast, with sales expected to reach 24.15 trillion yen and profit forecast increasing to 5650 billion yen for the year ending March 2027, buoyed by a weak yen and hybrid demand. Analysts project higher profit than the company's forecast, underscoring mixed signals from markets and ongoing supply-chain pressures.
Citizen-enforced actions under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts are reshaping how pollution is addressed in the United States, with recent cases spotlighting vehicle idling, refinery emissions, and alleged misdemeanors by car manufacturers. The Trump administration argues enforcement should rest with the executive, while plaintiffs and environmental groups say citizen suits remain essential tools for accountability. The developing legal landscape follows several high-profile filings and ongoing litigation.
London's TfL has licensed 15 private-hire autonomous vehicles with human supervision to begin trials later this summer, paving the way for robotaxis in the capital. Uber and Wayve say thousands are on the waiting list as regulators monitor safety and prepare for potential driverless trips.
July registrations hit a record for the month, driven by a surge in electrified vehicles. Pure battery electric cars rose by 44.5% year-on-year, while plug-in hybrids grew. Diesel and petrol registrations fell. Private and fleet buyers increased, and the industry warns that ongoing EV discounts are squeezing profits.
Tanzania has 222,057 tonnes of seed cotton in 2025/26 and is pushing to keep more value at home by expanding spinning, weaving and garment manufacturing. The Nyamatara Industrial Zone is under development, with land compensation already paid and infrastructure underway. Government and private sector leaders say investment is needed to unlock domestic processing and create high-value jobs.
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.
A crash on Los Alisos Boulevard in Mission Viejo has claimed one life and left another person in critical condition. Police say a racing scenario involving two Nissan Infiniti drivers led to the fatal collision. A GoFundMe has been launched to cover funeral costs, while a memorial has formed at the crash site.
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.
Automakers including Hyundai, Genesis, Ram, Jeep, Ford and Scout Motors are pursuing extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) by 2028, aiming to blend electric driving with gasoline range for long trips amid high fuel costs. Toyota's plug-in RAV4 and Hyundai’s Santa Fe EREV illustrate growing plug-in and hybrid options, while comparisons show RAV4 Plug-in leading in range and efficiency versus the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid.
A wave of robotics and AI upgrades is reshaping manufacturing. Startups like Vsim and Maven are pushing faster simulations and end-to-end automation, while established players such as Agility, Nissan and Caterpillar detail how humanoids and AMRs are being deployed to lift heavy loads, optimize flows and reduce human labor in factories.
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.
Dati has gone on trial in Paris, accused of taking 900,000 euros from a Renault-Nissan subsidiary while she was an MEP. She denies the allegations, while Carlos Ghosn faces the case in absentia. The proceedings focus on whether the contract was for legitimate legal services or disguised lobbying.
Disney has named Karandeep Anand, former CEO of Character.AI, as its first chief technology officer. He will oversee enterprise technology, infrastructure, data and AI platforms, reporting to CEO Josh D'Amaro. The move follows a rocky relationship with Character.AI and signals Disney’s renewed focus on technology to support storytelling and the company-wide One Disney initiative.
Hyundai’s 2026 Ioniq 5 AWD Limited gains 320 hp and all-wheel drive, but its 269-mile EPA range trims efficiency compared with the rear-wheel drive version. The 2025 lifecycle refresh swapped to a new charge port and added a rear wiper, shaping user experience for 2026 buyers.
A 19-year-old Norwegian, Johannes Kongsnes Natland, has been sentenced after a jury convicted him in July of conspiracy to murder. Police arrested him in March 2025 at a Huddersfield hotel with two firearms, ammunition and cash after he travelled from Norway to the UK to carry out a killing for €25,000. He had been recruited online by Sweden-based Foxtrot Network.
The UK has signalled it may align with EU tariff moves on Chinese electric vehicles as part of the Made in Europe package, while Beijing warns such steps would be discriminatory. Downing Street seeks inclusion in the bloc’s framework, aiming to safeguard its automotive sector as EU rules expand amid China’s market surge.