image: Ford Ford’s latest press release on the Universal EV Platform (UEVP) shows plenty of clever ideas, although nothing that sounds truly groundbreaking. Although some outlets thought Ford might actually show the upcoming midsize electric pickup, what we got today instead was a behind-the-scenes look at the product development process, a/k/a the “ skunkworks .” Noteworthy highlights include: Ford claims aerodynamic performance that’s 15% better than the best available tod

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/f4wfp7aJHDY Ferrari Sees the Light Ferrari’s first electric vehicle is officially named Luce — Italian for “light” — and represents a surprising design direction for the brand’s EV debut. Previously known as Elettrica, the Luce features an interior and exterior designed by LoveFrom, the firm co‑founded by Jony Ive, with a deliberate emphasis on physical controls rather than touch-only interfaces for safety and ergonomics. The cabin avoids

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/uwlOUMrMXu0 Kia Goes Small The KIA EV2 is a compact electric vehicle that builds on the platform and design cues of the larger EV3, offering a smaller footprint than the outgoing Soul EV and launching in Europe at under €30,000. Notable features include flush doorhandles, a rising beltline, up to 19-inch wheels, and low-mounted taillamps for easier rear access. Powered by the front-wheel-drive EGMP-derived platform, it offers battery opti

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: 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: 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: https://youtu.be/HDX_K7ehFZU LOOK—A NEW CAR! It’s not often these days that you see a steel-bodied, internal...

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/Kuw0j88JyzE TOYOTA’S NEW BZ7 FLAGSHIP Originally shown as a concept in Shanghai, Toyota’s electric...

Hyundai’s annual Investor Day brings significant news around product, technology, and powertrain… Retains 2030 global sales target of...

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/tIGIUlPeu2M Although I was fortunate to attend IAA in Munich two years ago, this year I watched all...

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/5QfQHO23eT4 Jeep Cherokee After over a two-year absence, the Cherokee—once the struggling brand’s best-seller—returns to showrooms at the end of this year. Although it shares its STLA Large  platform with the new Dodge Charger, the Cherokee retains its transverse FWD/AWD configuration. Visually, it picks up cues from the classic XJ Cherokee  from the 1980s, but has grown to within a few inches of the midsize Grand Cherokee—and gained 400

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