Image: Microsoft CoPilot Could Detroit bring affordable sedans back to America? I had a fascinating chat with the Wall Street Journal's Chris Otts about this (see his article here ), and thought it sounded like a good time to look into how GM, Ford, and Stellantis might go about getting back into the car market... GM actually still sells both compact and midsize sedans in China. The compact Chevy Monza is based on a low-cost variant of GM's D2 platform, so they might be able

Well, as both Tesla and Rivian demonstrated, it can be a lot more financially beneficial to buy an existing plant than build one from the ground up. Now, the Nissan-Mercedes jointly-run plant in Mexico is up for sale , with three bidders. You’ll recall BYD (who sold about 80,000 vehicles in Mexico last year, or about 5.3% of the market) began talking about building a plant in Mexico back in 2024. Then they said they’d wait until the election, and then the Financial Times

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/rGmkUVkeo4g Nissan’s Body-on-Frame Play Nissan has confirmed that its upcoming body‑on‑frame strategy will extend beyond the revived Xterra to include a next‑generation Frontier, an Infiniti off‑road variant, and new versions of the Pathfinder and QX60, signaling a broad investment in rugged architectures. AutoPerspectives is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscri

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/mwNTrwGEk90 The Best Gets Better Often described as “the best car in the world,” the latest Mercedes S‑Class arrives with a major under‑the‑skin overhaul despite its familiar look, with roughly half of its 5,400‑plus parts newly developed or revised. Styling updates focus on a larger optional illuminated grille, abundant gloss‑black trim, and distinctive illuminated star details, while customization is taken to extremes through MANUFAKTUR

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/__voxIzxGiA Volvo’s Next-Gen EV The Volvo EX60 debuts on Volvo’s new SPA3 platform, featuring advanced 800V architecture, cell-to-body construction for improved energy density and efficiency, and megacasting for reduced material waste and cost. It boasts a strong environmental focus with 27% recycled content and a 37% lower CO2 footprint. Performance highlights include a 400-mile EV range for the AWD model, rapid charging capabilities (up

Although Volvo has backed away from an all-electric portfolio by 2030, that hasn’t slowed down its EV product development — and the new EX60 doesn’t show any signs of cutting corners. It’s the debut product on the new Volvo-developed SPA3 architecture and ticks all the boxes you expect on a state-of-the-art SUV: 800V architecture, cell-to-body construction, zonal electrical architecture, in-house developed motors, and megacasting. The numbers are impressive: a 400-mile range

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/r2izJV9CuCI The big picture The CES event has grown tremendously since my last attendance in 1990, when I was a business school student working on a field study for Zenith about the then-emerging high-definition TV. Back then, the experience included visits to the National Association of Broadcasters and Zenith’s R&D labs. I never attended CES during my time at GM, as the event’s prominence grew later, and I would delegate attendance to t

My last day at CES allowed me to learn about some intriguing new technologies and spend some time on the show floor as well (and check out some actual new cars!) ... HERE is probably the biggest brand in mapping you’ve never heard of. This 40-year-old company boasts almost 240 million vehicles shipped with HERE data and solutions and claims over 3,500 patents. Their technology underlies the navigation systems in many automakers, allowing each automaker to build its own brand-

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/GIBEC3bafd4 Citroen Rethinks the MPV The Citroen ELO is a concept vehicle that embodies Citroen’s tradition of quirky, inventive design. Named for the second letters of “rEst, pLay, and wOrk,” it’s not an Electric Light Orchestra reference, but rather a statement of versatility. Citroen, having exited the compact MPV segment, aims to prove that the return of the MPV can be exciting, not dull. The ELO was designed in partnership with Decat

Surprise! I was interviewed for a podcast yesterday and asked if I had ever been surprised in the 25 years I spent in the competitor intelligence space. The best example that came to mind was the DaimlerChrysler merge r  , which I heard announced on the radio while driving into work — shortly before I was supposed to give a presentation to several hundred people on Chrysler’s potential future.  Today’s announcement  about Ford and Renault was definitely a surprise. Sure, Ford

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/QuH4Cor9LZ0 Rimac’s “Cybercab” Unveiled as a direct competitor to the Tesla Cybercab, the Verne Robotaxi is set to launch operations in Zagreb, Croatia in 2026, promising lower costs than current ride-hailing services. Like the Cybercab, it’s a two-seater with no steering wheel or pedals, offering Level 4 autonomy. The latest update from CEO Mate Rimac-known for the Rimac hypercar and as a part owner of Bugatti-showcases a fleet of 60 Ver

There has been plenty written lately about the future of auto shows, and what they mean—or don’t mean—to automakers and consumers in today’s frantic, online, instant-gratification-fueled world. I’m pleased to report that, while several automakers skipped this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, it was an altogether entertaining and educational experience. If I had to complain about one thing, it would be the singular item outside the show’s control: the rain. THE SHOW ITSELF It was

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/K4Aofl5Da1g?si=gIhIPK3E7ZFIhIzq Jeep Recon Goes Live The production version of Jeep’s electric offroad EV was revealed over three years after it was first shown to the public—and doesn’t appear to have changed, with sales starting early next year. It will launch with the high-end Moab variant at $65,000, with more affordable models to follow. Sales start in North America, with other markets to follow. It shares its STLA Large architecture

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/BddWjJA3tkE Peugeot’s New Shape The Polygon EV concept previews the next-generation 208, as the first entry on the new STLA Small Platform in 2027. Originally previewed in the Fortnite video game universe—all the better to engage younger people with the brand—it features an exterior design inspired by the legendary 204. The trio of light of front light bars is an interpretation of Peugeot’s three-claw lighting signature, and there ar

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/ijmIHmxxhIY Renault Reboots the Twingo Over three decades after its initial launch, the Twingo is back as an affordable EV for Europe, following up on the concept shown in late 2023. Sharing the same basic architecture as the new Renault 5 E-Tech, the new Twingo evokes the original with its semi-circular lamps, one-box profile, and playful touches--all for a starting price of 20,000 euros. It will compete against the upcoming VW “ID.1” (w

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/Oy23erag3MI This year’s Japan Mobility Show—the event formerly known as the Tokyo motor show—was once again a showcase for Japanese automakers, with one notable exception. And while the 2023 event featured a strong focus on EVs, the number of this year’s concepts didn’t even specify what was under the hood. Here’s a look at some of the notable production and concept debuts at the show… BYD RACCO: THE CHINESE COME KNOCKING... Chinese

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/t7OSZXkQXWU Toyota’s ‘Baby’ Land Cruiser Just in time for the original Land Cruiser’s 75th anniversary, Toyota will launch the long-rumored Land Cruiser FJ--a spiritual successor to the Tacoma-based FJ Cruiser--next year. There had been some speculation (fueled by the electric Compact Cruiser concept shown in 2022) that this new product might be an electrified BFI entry, but that’s definitely not the case. Underneath is Toyota’s 21-year-o

Dacia’s Hip New EV Who doesn’t like a stylish, innovative, urban EV? Several European automakers have talked about the idea of an “ E-car ”, comparable to Japan’s kei car (which has limits on length, width, and engine displacement): an affordable entry-level vehicle that would be subject to fewer costly regulations. Dacia notes that 100 automotive regulations have been added in Europe since 2010, and another 100 are due by 2030—all adding mass, cost, and complexity. The Daci

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/dJ2BswO1110?si=-_tAUQUdPPqc359f Although I wasn't fortunate enough to attend Monterey Car Week...