Multinational automaker formed in 2021 from PSA and FCA merger
E. Jean Carroll has asked a federal judge to require Donald Trump to pay the roughly $5.8 million that a 2023 jury awarded after finding him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Carroll's lawyers have filed for immediate disbursement after the Supreme Court declined to hear Trump's appeal; Judge Lewis Kaplan has given Trump's team until July 7 to respond.
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.
Ford has disclosed plans for a midsize electric pickup aimed at around $30,000, targeting 2027 delivery. The truck will use a universal EV platform, feature a front trunk, and promise lower ownership costs than older Teslas. Ford’s production will leverage a new “assembly tree” approach to simplify manufacturing and reduce parts. Competition tightens as BYD and others push lower-priced EVs.
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.
Omoda refreshes its flagship SUV with a Black Noble edition, revised suspension and upgraded interior. The model line gains a more powerful V2L system, a refreshed cabin, and improved driving dynamics as part of a broader UK expansion.
Ford and Geely have unveiled a two-thirds/one-third joint venture to build five vehicles at Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain, starting 2028. The deal seeks to reassert Ford’s presence in Europe amid rising Chinese competition, cost pressures, and tightening regulations. Production of the Kuga PHEV will continue; two Geely electric SUVs will be built; a new multi-energy crossover is planned for 2028. The move signals broader global partnerships as U.S. policy tightens access for Chinese firms.
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.
Donald Trump has been touring Michigan, arguing tariffs are boosting US industry while acknowledging price pressures. The visit highlights a tension between pro-business rhetoric and the everyday costs felt by voters as Michigan buckles under inflation and higher import taxes.
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.
A wave of safety recalls has affected vehicles, ladders, refrigerators and trucks, impacting hundreds of thousands of consumers. Toyota recalls 655,000 vehicles for a faulty 7-inch display; Ram 1500 seat belt anchors are under scrutiny; attic ladders face bolt-break risks; Galanz refrigerators pose fire hazards. Notifications begin this week with free repairs and updates.
Global firms are increasingly turning to Chinese technology, AI, and battery suppliers as China deepens its role in global supply chains. Auto makers and tech majors are partnering with CATL, Baidu, Alibaba, and Xpeng, while Hong Kong is rising as a testing ground for AI models and data-center capacity. The shift signals a broader move from China as a manufacturing base to a source of advanced capabilities, even as US constraints persist.
Canada and the United States have resumed intensive talks to avert steep US tariffs that could take effect this week. Ottawa has offered concessions, including removing a retaliatory auto tariff, while Washington has pressed provinces to lift bans on US alcohol and pushed demands on market access and content rules for autos. Negotiators are still finalising details.
A digest of recent car industry moves: Rivian adds captain’s chairs in updated models; Ford explores new sub-$30k entry crossovers and a cheaper four-door pickup; 2026 cancellations signal potential discounts; rear-camera glitches prompt safety concerns; Mazda explores a new EV-based 6e with long range.
Manufacturers have unveiled or trialled several new electric and hybrid family cars. Mercedes-Benz has launched a seven-seat GLB EV in the UK with an 85kWh battery, claimed range up to 379 miles and prices from £46,100. Bentley has previewed its Torcal EV with about 300 miles EPA range and up to 850+ PS calibration; Honda has reintroduced the Prelude as a hybrid coupe and compared it with Toyota's GR86.
Tesla has revealed European specifications for the Semi, announcing a 342-mile range, 800 kW Megacharger support, and 1,073 bhp from three rear motors. BYD and others unveil competing electric trucks across 3.5–44 tonnes, highlighting chargers and efficiency as the race for long-haul electrification accelerates.
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.
Volkswagen has approved its Future Plan 2030, a wide-ranging restructuring that will cut about 50,000 additional jobs — bringing total reductions to roughly 100,000 by 2030 — halve the model range by 2035 and end car production at four German plants between 2031 and 2034. The company has pledged a three‑figure billion euro investment to strengthen brands while simplifying offerings.
Ford and GM are expanding gasoline and V-8 options for 2027 pickups while trimming some features to cut prices. Ford adds a towing-capable BlueCruise on the F-150; GM rolls out new Small Block V-8s and a refreshed Silverado/Sierra lineup. The shift comes as regulators and markets weigh the future of electrification against demand for traditional powertrains.
Warren Buffett has stepped down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and has become chairman emeritus, remaining on the board. His son, Howard Buffett, has become non-executive chairman while Greg Abel continues as chief executive. The move completes a long‑planned succession more than nine months after Buffett handed the CEO role to Abel.
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.
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.
Trump has announced new fuel-economy standards, reversing Biden-era rules intended to spur electric-vehicle adoption. The move reduces the fleetwide target, with specifics still to be released. Analysts say the change could reshape automaker strategy and consumer costs. The details remain forthcoming.
Lexus has unveiled the eighth-generation ES at its Jeddah Center, marking a major upgrade alongside a redesigned showroom that blends art, architecture, and hospitality. Chief Engineer Kohei Chiashi says the model underwent repeated testing, with a focus on comfort and electrified powertrains. The event signals a new phase in Lexus' Saudi partnership.
The EU is debating an Industrial Accelerator Act to ensure subsidies and public procurement favour European-made vehicles. The discussion, at the Paris motor show, includes calls to treat the UK as part of the EU for eligibility. VW and Renault executives warn Europe faces fierce competition from China as the bloc imposes a hybrid car import quota.