News Roundup: Jun 22, 2026
- Adam Bernard
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Check out the video: https://youtu.be/MNbshPOwIXk
The next-generation Chevrolet Silverado delivers an evolutionary redesign rather than a radical reinvention. It keeps a broad trim lineup and leans on strong traditional truck credentials, including best-in-class standard torque, a powerful naturally aspirated V8, widespread 10-speed automatics, and a segment-unique diesel option. However, it stands apart from rivals by lacking a hybridized gas powertrain, retaining a four-cylinder base engine, and using a more conventional rear suspension setup. Inside, GM counters with major technology upgrades, including a standard digital cluster, a large 16.3-inch center touchscreen, an available passenger display, Multi-Flex center console, Super Cruise, and hands-free trailering. While some towing and payload details remain pending, the Silverado appears positioned to defend GM’s market share through a familiar mix of capability, technology, and profitability.
WHY IT MATTERS: The Silverado and Sierra are critical cash generators for GM, and their success or failure could make or break the company. Fortunately, the next-generation Ram, Ford, and Toyota fullsize trucks are three to four years away, giving GM a bit of a competitive edge.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Competent but evolutionary, which might be enough to maintain market share unless hybrid popularity grows in this segment.
BMW M Goes Electric
The BMW Concept M previews a high-performance version of the upcoming new i3, potentially called i3M, with a design and technology package aimed at redefining BMW’s electric M identity. Unveiled at Le Mans, it introduces distinctive yellow front lighting elements, a large hood vent, a trimaran-inspired front bumper, cube-shaped LED track lights, and more aggressive rear detailing with a ducktail spoiler and flared wheel arches. The concept also emphasizes sustainability through natural-fiber body panels instead of carbon fiber, while its reported four-motor layout produces around 1,000 horsepower and uses M Dynamic Performance Control for advanced torque vectoring. With a likely 100 kWh battery, 800-volt architecture, and an interior closely related to the new i3 but enhanced with M-specific graphics, seats, steering wheel, and simulated-shift paddles, the Concept M signals a serious performance-focused evolution of BMW’s next-generation EV platform.
WHY IT MATTERS: BMW M is a legendary and storied nameplate, and BMW can’t afford to build a sub-par model as its first performance EV. We have yet to see the AMG and RS EVs from Mercedes and Audi, so M is first off the line and has the opportunity to capture the attention of enthusiasts.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The i3M (or iM3) starts from a strong foundation, and BMW seems to have worked hard to make sure this new model is worthy of the badge in terms of both performance and innovation.
Retro Electric Van
The Morris JE marks the revival of Morris Commercial with a retro-inspired electric delivery van that draws directly from the original J-Type built from 1949 to 1961. Revealed at Everything Electric West in the UK, the van is planned for pilot production in Wales in 2027 and broader production in 2028. Its construction combines a recycled carbon-fiber body with an aluminum skateboard platform, with future pickup, bus, and camper variants planned. Battery options of 60 or 83 kWh are expected to deliver up to 300 miles of range, with rapid 10-to-80 percent charging in about 10 minutes and rear-motor propulsion. Despite its compact, nostalgic design, the JE offers strong commercial utility with a 2,200-pound payload and 212 cubic feet of cargo space, while its roughly £69,000 starting price places it above the Volkswagen ID. Buzz but targets buyers seeking distinctive styling, electric capability, and practical cargo capacity.
WHY IT MATTERS: EV sales have jumped in line with recent gas price jumps, and EVs offer low cost-of-ownership numbers to businesses, so Morris may have an opportunity to take advantage of this growing market. However, with brands like Renault and Peugeot entering this market, there is an increasing number of proven choices.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Is the chic design enough to outweigh the established reputations of the brands already serving the commercial market? We’ll have to wait and see.
Geely Targets Defender
The Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 positions Geely’s mainstream brand directly against rugged luxury off-roaders such as the Land Rover Defender, but with an aggressive technology-led approach. Based on the Galaxy Cruiser concept and built on Geely’s new-energy off-road architecture, it combines a 1,113-horsepower plug-in hybrid system with three electric motors and an industry-first fluid-coupled locking mechanism designed to improve torque sharing and responsiveness. Its off-road and safety technology suite includes roof-mounted lidar, crab-walking capability, active hydraulic suspension, a tire blowout drive mode, automatic obstacle avoidance, and more than 2.5 feet of wading depth. Geely’s in-house GVMC dynamic control system further supports high-speed stability, while the vehicle’s relatively low 2,880 kg curb weight gives it a favorable power-to-weight ratio versus similar rivals. Launching first in China this year with exports expected next year, the Cruiser 700 appears designed to showcase Geely’s ability to blend extreme performance, advanced software, and serious off-road capability.
WHY IT MATTERS: Offroad SUVs have been the domain of legacy automakers until recently, and the Chinese incursion into this segment has market share and profitability implications.
THE BOTTOM LINE: An unknown brand supported by a considerable amount of electrification and offroading technology is likely to provide a considerable challenge to Defender and Land Cruiser.
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