Often (but not exclusively) proclaimed “the best car in the world,” the Mercedes S-Class has undergone an extensive refit for the new year. While it looks quite similar to last year’s model, Mercedes tells us that about half of the over 5,400 parts are “newly developed, updated, and refined.” The 29-page press release (!) for this update offers some notable improvements (and the occasional omission): Remember the larger, bolder grille that debuted on the new GLC EQ? The new S

If you thought the offroad-oriented Genesis X Gran Equator concept from last year's New York Auto Show was perhaps a bit of a stretch for the brand, then this will come as an even bigger shock. Not entirely dissimilar to the Project Origine all-terrain hypercar that was recently announced, the X Skorpio is a more extreme counterpart to the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. With a tubular frame, an instrument cluster integrated into the steering wheel, las

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

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-

Today’s activities featured a much stronger automotive focus (although there were plenty of non-automotive distractions on hand, like this stylish portable ice maker from Euhomy that claims it can create ice in only five minutes)… A tour through Bosch ’s booth provided some insight into their newer automotive-related technologies. Their Vehicle Motion Management was initially pitched to us as a technology suite to help eliminate motion sickness, but it’s far more comprehensi

Inside the new Hudson's Detroit GM headquarters While it would have been fantastic to have General Motors unveil a new product or make a significant announcement at its hometown event, the Detroit Auto Show, the media got the next best thing: a fireside chat with CEO Mary Barra at the company’s new headquarters in Hudson’s Detroit. I’m told that, in the past, this event was held in December at the legendary Gem Theatre and included a Q&A session. The timing and location wer

Today was the longest day with the House of Journalists, starting at 6 am and going until 9 pm--but, given the "drink from a firehose" nature of this event, I wasn't too surprised to see the schedule. We started with Gentex--and if you've got an auto-dimming rearview mirror in your car (and it's currently offered on over 650 nameplates around the world), you can thank them. The focus of the discussion was "glare"-an evergreen issue and the #1 complaint among drivers according

First, a caution to the reader: this is not an automotive-themed article. Since I am essentially a newbie at CES after 36 years, and a self-proclaimed geek, I felt obligated to try to get the full experience. And there's no better place to get a sense for this event than CES Unveiled, the Sunday event where companies get a tiny square of space to showcase their products. This means if you can imagine anything in the world with AI and/or Bluetooth attached to it, you'll prob

Today I had the opportunity to learn about two relevant (and potentially complementary) technologies tied to the currently hot topic of automated driving: lidar and radar. MicroVision is celebrating its 30 th anniversary, delivering “advanced perception solutions in autonomy and mobility” this year, and briefed our #HouseofJournalists on its latest developments in lidar technology. Their target is impressive: a $200 short-range unit (and $300 long-range unit) on the market

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

The Bronco Sport that isn't a Bronco Sport (image: Autocar) The latest news out of Ford Europe has me perplexed. Let’s see if I understand this correctly... 🔸 Ford will launch a new electrified SUV at their Valencia plant in 2027 🔸 It will indirectly replace the Focus, slotting below the Kuga (a/k/a, the European version of the Ford Escape) 🔸 It will share the Kuga/Escape’s C2 platform 🔸 It will be called Bronco, and will carry cues from America’s Bronco SUV 🔸 Per Autom

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