Japanese automaker navigating losses and EV push amid industry shifts
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.
Nissan has reported a narrowed annual loss and flat revenue as CEO Ivan Espinosa cites “clear signs” of a turnaround. The company is cutting costs and pursuing faster product execution, with a plan to return to profit in the current fiscal year, while facing intense competition from Chinese makers.
Several firms have announced expansion plans and new measures that will accelerate commercial robotaxi rollouts. Mobileye has announced a 2027 U.S. launch with an initial 100-vehicle fleet and a five-year target of 17,000; Wayve and Uber are preparing a supervised London service in the coming months; Tesla and Waymo are expanding U.S. coverage; and new indices show Chinese robotaxi players are scaling faster than many expected.
The EU has reached a compromise to enact the Turnberry trade accord with the United States, which has pledged to cap many U.S. duties on European goods at 15% while the EU will remove tariffs on U.S. industrial and some farm products. European institutions are racing to complete legislation before a July 4 deadline and recent U.S. tariff moves are hardening opposition in the Parliament.
Slate Auto has unveiled a bare‑bones two‑seat electric pickup with a $24,950 base price and a two‑row SUV conversion starting at $29,950. The company has raised the base EPA range estimate to about 205 miles, is taking preorders with a $300 deposit, and plans production to begin in late 2026 with direct online sales.
The USMCA renewal process is under way as the three North American partners weigh changes to the pact. Canada and Mexico seek a 16-year extension, while the United States signals willingness to renegotiate to boost domestic production. Negotiations are ongoing, with no immediate agreement expected, and the fate of tariffs and auto rules remains uncertain.
Ford says it has turned a corner on recalls and quality, aiming to launch a fresh lineup across North America while reducing warranty costs. Yet analysts note ongoing headwinds as suppliers, electrified powertrains and software deployment complicate new vehicle launches.
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.
Waymo plans to launch its own app in Austin and Atlanta in January 2028, ending exclusive rides with Uber in those markets. Uber confirms the contract runs through May 2028 while exploring non-Waymo AVs on its platform. Tensions rise as regulators eye a patchwork of AV rules.
In Winchester, an inquest has recorded the deaths of Kayleigh and Christopher Coll as misadventure caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas heater not designed for indoor use. The heater was used overnight in their van at the New Forest Cider Festival in October 2025; the coroner says warnings may prevent future deaths.