Stellantis, born of a 2021 merger, now steers 14 brands from its Dutch HQ with CEO operating from Michigan; navigating EV shift and global markets.
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.
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.
Volkswagen has signalled a major restructuring plan, with reports that the group is weighing further job cuts and plant closures in Germany to cut costs and counter Chinese competition. The board meeting on July 9 will review potential closures of Hanover, Zwickau, Emden, and Neckarsulm, as part of a broader program to reduce costs and boost profitability.
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.
A cohort of new lightweight electric vehicles is entering the market. Amble’s One, a 60+ mile range, 40 mph open-air buggy, is launching from Lisbon with a design pedigree linked to Audi, Ford, Cowboy, and Apple’s late car ambitions. Volvo has ceased US imports of the EX30, highlighting demand for compact EVs.
E. Jean Carroll has received $5,625,005.48 that a 2023 jury awarded after finding Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The funds had been held in a court-controlled escrow account while Trump exhausted appeals and sought last-minute delays; his legal team is continuing challenges tied to a separate $83.3m judgment.
President Donald Trump has overridden the NATO agenda at a summit in Ankara by pressing allies to boost defence spending, threatening trade with Spain, and floating withdrawal of US troops from Europe. He has also signalled he will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering selling F‑35 jets and engines to Ankara, prompting Israeli and European alarm.
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.
Ford has integrated Apple Maps directly into its universal electric vehicle platform, starting with a $30,000 midsize truck due in 2027. The move, part of Ford’s push for affordability and a simplified tech stack, will power navigation, EV routing, and battery preconditioning, with Latitude AI using map data for a next-gen hands-free system. Apple Maps runs natively in-vehicle, not via CarPlay, and aims to streamline features like home automation and fleet routing.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Hyundai, Genesis and Kia are estimated to have outsized gains in U.S. auto sales this quarter, with Hyundai likely surpassing Ford to become the third-largest seller behind GM and Toyota. The group’s deliveries are up about 4.4% to roughly 511,000 units, helping offset Ford’s production woes and highlighting a resilient market.