Today's Automotive Pulse
Volkswagen expands Rivian stake amid $1.75B fine risk
Volkswagen is increasing its investment in Rivian while facing potential fines of $1.75 billion over regulatory concerns. The move underscores the automaker's push into electric vehicles despite mounting compliance challenges.
Also developing:
By the numbers: LTM Ltd acquires Randstad’s Europe and Australia units for $186M
Monomyth Materials Acquires NanoGraf to Pair SiOx Silicon Anodes with Its Domestic Synthetic Graphite Platform
Monomyth Materials has acquired the assets of NanoGraf, a Chicago‑based silicon anode developer, to combine its SiOx technology with Monomyth’s domestic synthetic graphite business. The assets will form a new subsidiary, M2Innovations, responsible for advanced battery material R&D and pilot‑scale cell production, while M2Graphite continues commercial graphite manufacturing. The move addresses the fact that over 90% of active anode material and more than 60% of SiOx capacity are sourced from China. Monomyth has already invested more than $100 million in the platform and plans capital programs exceeding $1 billion for U.S. facilities.
BUILD America 250 Act Hands AV Trucks a Fed Framework
The bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act, passed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, embeds a new Subtitle E that tasks the U.S. Department of Transportation with drafting a performance‑based safety standard for autonomous commercial trucks within two years. The...
Record Vehicle Exports in 2025, but Component Exports Continue to Decline as EV Sales Grow
South Africa recorded a new high in vehicle exports for 2025, shipping 414,271 units and earning roughly $12.1 bn, which lifted total automotive export value to about $15.3 bn—15.6% of the country’s overall exports. The sector’s contribution to GDP reached 5.2%, reinforcing...
GM Cuts 600 IT Jobs to Accelerate AI Drive in Autonomous Vehicle Development
General Motors eliminated more than 600 salaried IT positions – over 10% of its department – to make room for AI‑focused hires. The move reflects a broader AI‑skills arms race in automotive manufacturing, where Ford, GM and Stellantis have collectively...
EPA Unwinds Massive Biden-Era Auto Emissions Regulations That Had 2027 Deadline
The EPA announced a proposal to postpone the compliance deadline for the Biden‑era auto emissions standards from model year 2027 to 2029, arguing that low electric‑vehicle (EV) adoption and costly industry write‑downs make the original timeline unrealistic. The 2024 rules...
Gotion Receives €92 Million for Two Battery Projects in Spain
Chinese battery maker Gotion High‑Tech has been provisionally awarded a €92 million ($100 million) grant from Spain’s PERTE VEC e‑Mobility programme for two projects in Valladolid. The projects, backed by a €944.3 million ($1.03 billion) investment, will build a battery‑cathode plant and a recycling...
Xiaomi EV Ramps up European Retail Launch Plans
Xiaomi EV is accelerating its European rollout by appointing a senior regional retail manager and hosting partner workshops, indicating a franchise dealer approach rather than direct sales. The company showcased its SU7 Ultra at a track event and highlighted integration...
64% Sales Jump in South Africa that Few Saw Coming
South Africa’s second‑largest EV charge‑point operator, Rubicon, reported a 64% jump in daily energy dispensed in the first four months of 2026, driven by a 28% month‑on‑month rise between March and April. April’s consumption reached a record 103,317 kWh, pushing quarterly...
94% of Irish EV Drivers Vow Never to Return to Petrol or Diesel
The Q2 2026 Nevo EV Consumer Sentiment Survey of over 1,000 Irish drivers shows a 94% satisfaction rate among current electric‑vehicle owners, with 97% rating their EVs as as reliable or more reliable than petrol or diesel cars. Nearly all respondents...
Nidec to Dissolve E-Axle JVs in China, Europe – Report
Nidec announced it will dissolve its e‑axle joint ventures in China and Europe as part of a structural reform drive. The move follows a ¥87.7 bn ($629 m) loss in the e‑axle segment for the fiscal half ending September and a recent...
New Fuel-Efficiency Rules, Global Testing Systems Could Raise Car Prices, Lower Mileage
India will replace its Modified Indian Driving Cycle with the global WLTP test on April 1, 2027, while tightening Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE III) targets. The new regime will make certified mileage and electric‑vehicle range appear 10‑20% lower, prompting automakers to add...
Kia Expands Accessible Mobility Range with PV5 WAV Side Entry
Kia unveiled the PV5 WAV Side Entry, a factory‑built wheelchair‑accessible electric van, at the Motability Scheme Live exhibition in Birmingham. The model introduces a first‑in‑segment side‑entry ramp that lets users board directly from the curb, a departure from traditional rear‑entry...
Hyundai Signs Hong Kong Hydrogen Ecosystem MoU
Hyundai Motor Group signed a memorandum of understanding with nine partners from Korea, Hong Kong, mainland China and France to create a full hydrogen ecosystem in Hong Kong by 2030. The agreement, announced at the International Hydrogen Development Symposium, covers waste‑to‑hydrogen production...
Scania to Supply 91 Electric Buses to VR in Sweden
Scania has secured a contract to deliver 91 battery‑electric buses to VR Sweden, the largest single EV bus order the OEM has executed in the country. The fleet, built on Scania’s Fencer f1 BEV platform, will begin operating in the Södertälje‑Nykvarn...
China's Sulphuric Acid Export Ban Threatens EV Battery Supply Chains
China has announced an immediate ban on sulphuric acid exports, a key chemical for nickel leaching and battery production. The move, timed after Middle East shipping disruptions, raises concerns for EV battery manufacturers and could ripple into fertilizer and food...
Nissan Unveils AI‑Powered ProPilot System with Wayve, 11‑Cam, 5‑Radar, 1‑Lidar Suite
Nissan announced its next‑generation ProPilot system, co‑developed with UK‑based Wayve, that replaces rule‑based code with an end‑to‑end AI driver. The prototype Ariya EV carries 11 cameras, five radars and a lidar, positioning Nissan to compete directly with Tesla’s camera‑only approach.
Ford Spins Off Energy Unit, Morgan Stanley Calls It a $10B Battery Bet
Ford Motor announced the spin‑off of Ford Energy, a dedicated battery storage subsidiary, prompting a 13% jump in its shares. Morgan Stanley valued the unit at $10 billion, citing a $2 billion Kentucky plant build‑out and a licensing deal with CATL that...
Malaysia Sets 2030 Goal for Level 3 Driverless Cars in New Roadmap
Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Sim Tze Tzin, announced a national roadmap aiming for Level 3 autonomous vehicle capability by 2030. The plan tasks the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute with building the ecosystem, from semiconductor design...
Tesla Increases Actually Smart Summon Speed by 33% in New FSD Update
Tesla rolled out FSD V14.3.3, boosting the Actually Smart Summon (ASS) top speed from 6 mph to 8 mph—a 33 % increase that cuts a typical 200‑foot lot travel time by about six seconds. The upgrade is available only on vehicles equipped with the...
Tesla Hikes Model Y Prices by up to $1,000, Marking First Increase in Two Years
Tesla raised U.S. prices for its Model Y premium all‑wheel‑drive to $49,990, premium rear‑wheel‑drive to $45,990, and Performance AWD to $57,990, the first adjustment in two years. The move signals shifting dynamics in the luxury‑electric SUV market.
How Owners of EVs From Bankrupt Fisker Saved Their Cars With an Open Source Nonprofit
When Fisker Inc. entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2024, about 11,000 Ocean SUV owners were left with $40,000‑$70,000 vehicles that suddenly lost over‑the‑air updates, connected services and warranty coverage. Within weeks, those owners created the Fisker Owners Association, a nonprofit...
Leapmotor Leverages Stellantis Deal to Accelerate European Market Entry
Stellantis deepened its joint venture with Chinese EV maker Leapmotor, adding production lines for Leapmotor’s B10 SUV at its Zaragoza plant and earmarking the Villaverde, Madrid site for future models. The move gives Leapmotor a European manufacturing base and a...
Tesla Robotaxi Rollout Stalls as Firm Discloses 17 Crash Incidents
Tesla announced a delayed rollout of its robotaxi service to Dallas and Houston while simultaneously releasing NHTSA filings that detail 17 incidents, two of which involved low‑speed crashes under remote teleoperation. The disclosures highlight safety challenges that are slowing the...
Uber Commits $10B to AV Fleet — While Trashing Waymo
Uber announced a commitment of more than $10 billion to build its own autonomous‑vehicle fleet, shifting from a pure platform model to asset ownership. The company will invest in Rivian, Lucid and Nuro and launch a hybrid service that mixes human...
What's the Deal with Level 2/2+ Safety?
Level 2 and emerging Level 2+/2++ vehicle automation rely on a human driver to supervise speed and steering functions. Safety hinges on the driver’s ability to intervene promptly, yet manufacturers often market these systems as more capable than they are, fostering driver...
Uber, Rivian Target 50k Robotaxis, Spike Lidar Metals
Uber and Rivian plan 50,000 robotaxis, boosting focus on Lidar and minor metals demand. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/05/uber-rivian-robotaxi-partnership.html
WeRide Posts Record Q1 Revenue as Robotaxi Fleet Grows to 1,300 Vehicles in 12 Countries
WeRide announced Q1 2026 revenue of $16.8 million, a 57.6% year‑on‑year increase, while its global robotaxi fleet reached about 1,300 vehicles operating in 12 countries. The growth reflects stronger product sales, higher service revenue and aggressive market expansion.
Germany Evaluates Madagascar’s Molo Graphite Mine to Curb China Reliance
German federal geoscientists visited NextSource Materials’ Molo graphite mine in Madagascar, signaling a concrete step toward diversifying Europe’s battery supply chain away from China. The assessment is part of a broader EU push, supported by a €1 bn (≈$1.08 bn) raw‑materials fund,...
Waymo Recalls Nearly 4,000 U.S. Robotaxis After Floodwater Incident
Waymo voluntarily recalled its whole U.S. robotaxi fleet, roughly 3,800 vehicles, after a driverless car drove into flood‑water on an April 20 road in San Antonio. The recall, filed with NHTSA, triggers software updates and a temporary suspension of service...
Forget the Waymo/Uber News, Focus on the Nuro and WeRide Partnerships
Waymo announced a 1,400‑square‑mile expansion into 11 U.S. cities ahead of the World Cup, while Uber’s public campaign against Waymo intensifies as their partnership unravels. The discussion on Autonomy Markets shifts focus to Uber’s remaining allies, highlighting Nuro’s new engineering...
Tesla Model Y Prices Just Went up for the First Time in Two Years
Tesla raised Model Y prices for the first time in two years, adding $1,000 to the Premium RWD and AWD trims and $500 to the Performance version. The entry‑level RWD and AWD models stay at $39,990 and $41,990, preserving affordability. The...
Stellantis, Dongfeng Seal $1.2 B Joint Venture to Relaunch Jeep Production in China
Stellantis and state‑backed Dongfeng Motor Corp. announced a joint venture worth 8 billion yuan (≈$1.18 billion) to produce two Jeep off‑road EVs and two Peugeot NEVs at Wuhan starting in 2027. The deal, which sees Stellantis invest about $130 million, signals a strategic...
Leapmotor and Stellantis Expand European Footprint with New Plant Partnerships
Leapmotor and Stellantis have deepened their joint venture, adding production lines for Leapmotor’s B10 and a new Opel‑branded electric SUV at Stellantis’ Zaragoza and Villaverde plants. The move gives the Chinese EV maker a direct manufacturing route into Europe while...
After Struggling With EVs, US Automakers Pivot to Energy
U.S. automakers Ford and General Motors are scaling back electric‑vehicle ambitions and launching dedicated battery‑energy‑storage divisions, with Ford spinning off a new Ford Energy unit slated to ship its first systems in late 2027. The move follows a $19.5 billion EV...
Testing the Entry-Level Model Y: Where and How Tesla Stripped Back Its Bestseller
Tesla’s entry‑level Model Y Rear‑Wheel‑Drive hit the European market in autumn 2025, driving a 59.6% jump in Q1 registrations and a 101.9% surge in March. Priced at €39,990 (≈$43,600) before incentives, the model can be reduced to €30,990 (≈$33,800) after a...
CEO Interview: How Ionna Is Taking On The Tesla Supercharger Network
Ionna, a new EV charging network backed by seven of the world’s largest automakers, launched in 2024 and is rapidly expanding its U.S. footprint. CEO Seth Cutler says the company aims to become the go‑to charging provider for American drivers,...
Ramaphosa Says Chinese Will Build Electric Car Charging Networks in South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa is finalising a comprehensive electric‑vehicle programme and that Chinese manufacturers, including BYD, will deploy a nationwide charging network. The plan aims to attract EV makers, boost local manufacturing and curb job losses as...
BMW, MINI EV Drivers Gain 20% Discount on IONNA Charging
BMW and MINI electric‑vehicle owners in the United States will receive an automatic 20 percent discount on all public charging sessions at IONNA stations. The reduction is applied through the My BMW app or Plug & Charge, eliminating the need for separate subscriptions or...
Leapmotor Gets Bigger Avenue Into Europe — And Beyond
Stellantis is deepening its partnership with Chinese EV maker Leapmotor, adding new production lines at its Zaragoza and Villaverde plants to build both an Opel C‑SUV and Leapmotor’s B10 model. Stellantis now holds a 21% stake in Leapmotor and the...
Car CEOs Turn to China for Tech and Speed
“François Provost, Renault’s chief executive, admits that China now leads the industry in technology, speed and competitiveness. To match them, increasingly rattled car bosses are adopting Chinese practices and partnering with Chinese firms.” https://t.co/jOyzDWRA8e
New Record For Electric Car Sales In Nordic Countries In April
In April, electric vehicles dominated new‑car sales across the Nordics, with two‑thirds of all registrations being EVs. Norway reached a 98.6% electric share, while Denmark surged to 81.9% after a rapid market maturation since 2022. Sweden and Finland lagged behind,...
Tesla Full Self Driving (Supervised) Now Permitted in Belgium
Tesla’s Full Self‑Driving (Supervised) system received its first permission to operate in Belgium after a similar approval in the Netherlands. For now, a single vehicle will conduct a 5,000‑kilometre trial in Flanders to assess differences in road infrastructure and traffic...
Gas Price Surge Drives EV Adoption Worldwide, US Lags
Soaring gas prices have drivers turning to EVs — except in the US #energysky -- via Canary Media: https://t.co/HTe1oKzsZE
Volvo and Roehl Launch First Commercial Autonomous Freight Runs in Texas
Volvo Autonomous Solutions and DSV, together with Roehl Transport and Kodiak, have started regular driver‑assisted autonomous freight trips between Dallas and Houston. The pilots represent the first commercial long‑haul autonomous trucks in Texas and aim to prove safety, efficiency and...
Tesla Discloses Two Robotaxi Crashes Involving Remote Operators in Austin
Tesla has revealed that two of its robotaxi incidents in Austin, Texas, involved remote operators taking control of the vehicles and colliding with a fence and a construction barricade. The crashes, recorded at under 10 mph and with no passengers aboard,...
Honda Taps Ace Engineer to Lead Transformation After EV Strategy Pause
Honda Motor announced that Mahito Shikama, a veteran R&D engineer, will become the company’s corporate transformation officer this summer. Shikama, known for leading powertrain and hybrid projects, is tasked with revamping Honda’s product roadmap after the automaker paused its aggressive...
OPmobility Secures Significant Order From Stellantis
French supplier OPmobility has landed a major contract with Stellantis to provide an integrated tailgate assembly for the automaker's upcoming pure‑electric SUVs in Europe. The deal centers on OPmobility’s “One4You” solution, a thermoplastic tailgate that combines the rear bumper, lighting...
Jaguar Unveils ‘Type 01’ 1,000‑hp Electric Flagship, Targeting $150,000 Ultra‑Luxury Market
Jaguar announced that its upcoming ultra‑luxury electric sedan will be called Type 01, a 1,000‑horsepower flagship priced near $150,000 with a targeted 400‑mile range. The name signals the brand’s first zero‑emissions model in a new generation, underscoring a decisive pivot toward...
Tesla Slashing Down Payments & Loan Terms in China Amidst Dropping Sales
Tesla is lowering the down‑payment on its Model 3 in China to ¥55,900 (about $8,200) and offering a five‑year loan at 0.99% interest, a move aimed at halting a sales slump. Chinese sales fell 10% year‑over‑year in April and 15% across...
BRIEFLY: EV Intent, Honda, Slate & More | 15 May 2026
The episode delivers a rapid roundup of the latest EV news, highlighting sustained consumer interest despite a sales plateau, Honda’s first operating loss and shift back to hybrids, Slate Auto’s Michigan expansion ahead of a low‑cost electric pickup launch, and...