image: Gemini The 2026 edition of the Fortune Global 500 contains several noteworthy data points about China’s rapidly accelerating auto industry: BYD remains the top-ranked Chinese automaker at #91--and, despite numerous headwinds, is in the same spot they were last year. Gasgoo notes it “underscores the resilience of BYD’s revenue base, built on vertical integration across the entire supply chain.” EV battery giant CATL jumps from 303 to 260 as global EV and PHEV penetrati

image: BMWBlog A recent Gauge Index survey from Hankook Tire indicated 64% of Americans are interested in an offroad adventure, versus only 30% last year. And with strong Wrangler and Bronco sales and the imminent arrival of a new Xterra, two new Scouts, and a potential US-focused Defender model, it shouldn't be surprising that other automakers are looking for a piece of the action. Reports surfaced a few months ago of a new US-built large BMW SUV, codenamed G74, that would h

Hyundai Elantra (image: Hyundai) There’s been plenty written lately about whether a sedan comeback is possible, with all sorts of rumors of various vehicles (such as a new rear-drive Buick) under development while some sedans (like the Altima) are disappearing. While some automakers ponder whether to re-enter this segment, Hyundai’s sedans are showing some strength here in the US market. Hyundai’s July sales were up 4%, but the Sonata was up 18% and the Elantra up a whopping

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/RCycwExLsqQ Audi’s Biggest SUV The Audi Q9 is positioned as Audi’s new flagship SUV for the U.S. market, aimed directly at the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS with larger dimensions, premium lighting technology, and a high-end interior. Sharing its foundation with the updated Q7, it adds a longer wheelbase, distinctive illuminated design elements, available power-operated doors, up to 23-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, and advanced driver-a

IMAGE: KOLESA.RU Or, when is a GT not a GT? Mercedes-AMG GT? Check. Toyota GR GT? Check. Range Rover GT? Er... come again? Since new spy photos of Range Rover's first entry off the new (and now, again, multi-energy) EMA platform surfaced a few weeks back, more information has been leaking out--including the notion that this vehicle might not carry the Velar name as originally believed. That hypothesis has now been confirmed, with JLR announcing the new entry will be called...

CarPlay Ultra may not be finding too many interested parties, but Apple has a new automotive partner on the software front... While several automakers are developing their own onboard operating systems (like Mercedes’ MB.OS, Hyundai’s Pleos, and Toyota’s Arene) that also permit smartphone mirroring, Ford is looking at deeper integration of Apple into their future products. Today they announced Apple Maps will be integrated directly into Ford’s upcoming Universal Electric Vehi

Historically, Ford has not been shy about partnering with other automakers to jointly develop and sell products. Here in the US, you might remember the Ohio-built Nissan Quest and Mercury Villager minivans. Those of you in Europe will recall the original VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy minivans, as well as the Ford Maverick and Nissan Terrano SUVs. More recently, Ford has reached out to help bolster their European portfolio with the disappearance of key players like Fiesta and Focu

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/39qujrbpZbA Audi A2 Revival Audi is reviving the A2 name for a new all-electric small hatchback that will replace the A1 and Q2 while drawing on the original model’s reputation for lightweight innovation and aerodynamic efficiency. Sharing MEB underpinnings with the VW ID.3 Neo and Audi Q4 e-tron, the A2 e-tron is expected to offer multiple power and battery configurations, potentially reaching 320 hp, 79 kWh, and up to 403 miles on the W

Potential Volvo EV60 (source: Autocar) With buyers having the choice of BMW’s new i3 (in both sedan and wagon forms), Mercedes’ new C-Class Electric, and the upcoming A4 e-tron (which, hopefully, will include an Avant variant), Volvo is reportedly considering bringing back a luxury sedan and wagon into US showrooms. Likely badged S60/V60 (or S70/V70), these ~$50,000 EVs would leverage the new SPA3 architecture underpinning the new EX60--and so likely to be very competitive ag

If you're looking for a family of Bolt-like affordable EVs from General Motors, you may be waiting a while... It's about that time of year when Automotive News publishes its forward assumptions about what automaker are planning for the next few years. This particular quote is noteworthy: "GM’s plans to launch new EVs this decade largely have been pushed back or canceled. A commercial van codeveloped with Hyundai is now the only new EV expected to be released by GM through 203

My 2024 Camaro is less than three years old, but I'm paying a retiree-discounted $25 a month to General Motors' Onstar for their 'protect' service (stolen vehicle assistance, automatic crash response, etc), while my 'connect' service (which includes the ability to use smartphone app to start, unlock, etc) is still in its free trial period. Unfortunately, that free connect service runs out after three years this September. I just got off the phone with OnStar and the retiree-d

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/FcM8Vew2lLA Xiaomi Branches Out Xiaomi’s Sky Nomad series marks the brand’s next major EV expansion after the success of the SUV7, targeting the premium large-SUV space with the three-row N90 and shorter N70. Built on a new platform and offered as extended-range EVs, the models pair a 1.5-liter gas generator with sizable battery options, single- or dual-motor layouts, and up to roughly 170 miles of EPA-equivalent electric range. The N90 i

It turns out high-performance EV hardware can be super-efficient, too...If you've heard about axial flux motors in the past few years, it's likely been in the context of applications in high-performance luxury automotive brands. Compared to the radial flux motors you find in most electrified vehicles, axial flux motors are lighter, more power dense, and can produce more torque--ideal for high-performance vehicles. Five years ago, Mercedes-Benz purchased the UK's Yasa, intendi

This morning I was fortunate enough to attend a briefing on McKinsey's Mobility Consumer Pulse for 2026. A few items caught eye given the considerable levels of uncertainty in today's auto industry... Yes, there's an affordability crisis, and we now know how consumers are responding. I heard a hypothesis the other day that expectations on tariffs might have caused a run on new vehicle purchases before prices went up. Now that they are up (and going up further), consumers are

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/cKZgVDtzxgU Go, MG! The MG Go concept is positioned as a stylish small electric hatch that channels the spirit of classic MG performance icons while previewing the forthcoming MG2. Designed in London and aimed at fashionable rivals such as the VW ID.Polo, Mini Cooper, and Renault 5, it appears intended less as a budget EV and more as a characterful, image-led model that could become a new brand icon, though MG has not yet revealed its int

AutoExpress interviewed Aston's CEO Adrian Hallmark, who's been on the job for just under two years, and shared what they learned about the company's future. The big news is a next-generation modular bonded aluminum platform that will allow more commonality among core models, even allowing coupes and SUVs to come down the same assembly line. The new architecture promises to be stiffer, and the percentage of Mercedes-sourced parts will rise from about one-third to about one-ha

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/g4iNCRvazNY The Power of Choice BMW’s new X5 brings the brand’s Neue Klasse design and technology strategy to its midsize luxury SUV, launching with an unusually broad range of powertrains that includes mild-hybrid gas and diesel, plug-in hybrid, full electric, and an upcoming hydrogen variant. Much of the iX3’s technology carries over, including 800V architecture, improved battery chemistry, Symbiotic Drive, Panoramic iDrive, Alexa+, and

If you're a fan of BMW's Neue Klasse design and technology, you're going to enjoy the third model to benefit from this new strategy: BMW's X5. The new iX5 electric variant will replace the iX in BMW's portfolio in the US later this year, while other markets will see it last a bit longer. The X5 launches initially in several variants, including mild hybrid gas and diesel, plug-in hybrid gas, and electric, with a hydrogen model to follow; BMW notes this is their first model wit

As JLR struggles to reboot the Jaguar brand and launches the new Freelander brand (with Chery's help) in China, they are now turning to opportunities in the US market. That has led to a Memorandum of Understanding with Stellantis, to "explore collaboration opportunities to create synergies across product and technology development, leveraging the companies’ complementary strengths to create value for both organizations." What does that mean in plain English? JLR leadership ha

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/FHqie52bNqU Peaq Performance The Skoda Peaq positions the Czech brand at the upper end of the electric SUV market, translating Skoda’s value-focused reputation into a larger, more premium three-row EV aimed at rivals such as the Kia EV9 and Peugeot E-5008. Its Modern Solid design language brings a distinctive Tech Deck front end, T-shaped lighting, flush door handles, large wheels, and aerodynamic detailing, while the powertrain lineup of