French automaker, part of Renault–Nissan–Mithubishi Alliance, major player in global mobility
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.
Rivian has launched the R2, a mid-market electric SUV, signaling a strategic shift from its high-price lineup. Analysts say the move could broaden EV adoption and pressure rivals, as markets respond to strong electrified sales and growing competition.
Tests show EVs cost 30% more to repair and take 14% longer, feeding higher insurance premia. Affected models include the Dacia Spring. Warranty data shows battery faults are not the top issue in used EVs; charging systems and other components drive costs.
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.
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.
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.
Nissan has reported a quarterly profit of 3.8 billion yen after a loss in the prior year, with sales at 2.96 trillion yen. The company is aiming to restore profitability by March 2027, while facing disruption from the Middle East war and competitive pressure in China, alongside a Kumamoto earthquake impact.
Cadillac has announced a leadership transition for its Formula 1 project, with Marcin Budkowski taking over as team principal. Graeme Lowdon has departed after guiding the American entrant through its debuts this season, which have featured reliability issues and no points after 11 races.
Alpine has extended Franco Colapinto’s contract through 2028, keeping the Argentine driver alongside Pierre Gasly. Colapinto has earned a career-best sixth at the Canadian Grand Prix and sits on 19 points this season as Alpine solidifies its driver lineup amid a push to improve performance.
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.