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
Now Is Moment to Electrify Brazil’s Urban Buses
Electric buses are the most mature technology to replace diesel, already reshaping cities worldwide. Santiago, Chile, leads Latin America with the region’s largest e‑bus fleet. In Brazil, buses generate 69% of transport‑sector GHG emissions, and with COP30 in Rio the country faces pressure to meet its Paris‑Agreement target of a 67% emissions cut by 2035. Policymakers now have less than a decade to accelerate bus electrification.
Rivian Opens R2 Configurator: Here Are All the Options and Pricing
Rivian has launched an online configurator for its mid‑size R2 SUV, allowing reservation holders to customize the Performance trim priced at $57,990 with delivery slated for spring 2026. The company is rolling out the R2 in three trims, but only...
Automakers Say PM’s EV Push Can Help Grow Penetration
India’s prime minister has renewed a push for electric vehicles, linking the drive to lower oil imports and energy security. The government’s PM‑E‑DRIVE scheme earmarks roughly $1.3 billion for two‑wheelers, three‑wheelers, buses and trucks, while approving $60 million for 4,874 new charging...
Anthro Energy Clears DOE Phase Approval for 12,000-Ton Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolyte Plant in Louisville
Anthro Energy received Department of Energy approval to move its Louisville, Kentucky electrolyte plant into construction, unlocking the next phase of a $24.9 million DOE grant. The project also benefits from $18.4 million in IRA Section 48C tax credits, totaling roughly $43 million in...
Chinese EV Maker BYD: We Don’t Need to Sell Cars in the US Market
Chinese EV giant BYD announced it does not need to sell passenger cars in the United States to sustain growth. Executive Vice‑President Stella Li emphasized that the company is already thriving on strong demand in Brazil, the UK, Europe and other...
Subaru’s EBIT Collapsed in Q4, BEVs Now Postponed
Subaru’s fiscal 2026 operating profit guidance was cut to about ¥130 bn (~$936 m) after a steep EBIT drop to ¥40.1 bn (~$289 m) in Q4, a 90.1% decline from 2025. The collapse reflects mounting US tariffs and stricter emissions regulations that penalise models...
We Rode Zoox and Motional in Las Vegas. One Is Ready to Scale, One Is Not. Field Report
A field report from Las Vegas shows Zoox’s robotaxi service suffers from prohibitive wait times—averaging 48‑67 minutes—making it commercially unviable. In contrast, Motional runs a fleet of over 100 Hyundai‑based vehicles and is already conducting driver‑out testing, delivering smoother rides with...
Global Briefing: Tesla to Invest $250m in Berlin Gigafactory
Tesla announced a $250 million investment to expand its Berlin‑Brandenburg gigafactory, focusing on battery‑cell production. The funding supports the plant’s goal of reaching a one‑million‑vehicle annual output, strengthening Tesla’s European manufacturing footprint. By scaling battery capacity locally, the company aims to...
Inside Lucid’s Autonomy-Ready Architecture for Next-Gen Robotaxi Operations
Lucid Motors is engineering an autonomy‑ready platform for a next‑generation robotaxi service with Uber and Nuro, designing the Gravity vehicle architecture around self‑driving from the outset. The platform embeds redundant steering and braking systems, high‑resolution sensors, and a fail‑operational brake...
Ford CEOs Confront Shareholders Over $19.5 B Write‑Down and EV Strategy at Annual Meeting
Ford CEO Jim Farley and Executive Chair Bill Ford defended a $19.5 billion write‑down and outlined a $1 billion cost‑savings plan while unveiling a $30,000 electric midsize pickup. Shareholders pressed for accountability on the loss, tariff impacts and Middle‑East supply‑chain risks, testing...
Jeep Recon EV Production Delayed to Mid-2026
Stellantis has postponed the launch of Jeep’s fully electric Recon SUV from its original late‑2024 target to mid‑2026, citing a reassessment of production timing and market conditions. The Recon, built on the STLA large platform, promises roughly 650 horsepower, a...
BYD Sees Monthly Sales Climbing on Battery Capacity Ramp-Up
BYD said its battery capacity remains tight as multiple models enter a production ramp‑up, but April NEV deliveries rose 6.96% to 321,123 units. The company expects monthly sales to climb gradually as battery output improves, even though it recorded its...
Honda’s Financial Recovery From EV Pivot Could Take Years
Honda’s fiscal 2026 results revealed a steep decline after the automaker scrapped several electric‑vehicle programs slated for North America. The cancellations generated an EV‑related loss of roughly ¥1.31 trillion (about $9.4 billion) in Q4 and pushed the full‑year operating result into a...
Honda Posts First Annual Loss in 70 Years as $10 B EV Write‑offs Hit Bottom Line
Honda Motor Co announced a net loss of 423.9 billion yen ($2.7 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 2026, its first full‑year deficit since 1957. The loss stems from roughly $10 billion in electric‑vehicle write‑offs and a broader slowdown in global EV demand,...
Rising Fuel Prices Drive 500% EV Sales Jump at Motorfinity
Motorfinity reported a 500% year‑on‑year jump in electric‑vehicle sales in Q1 2026, with battery‑electric models climbing to 19% of total sales from 5% a year earlier. Rising petrol and diesel costs—up to £27 per tank (about $34)—and a focus on long‑term...
BYD’s FLASH Charging Is an Exercise in Systems Engineering
BYD unveiled a flash‑charging system that can deliver up to 1.5 MW, enabling a 10%‑to‑70% charge in five minutes and 10%‑to‑97% in nine minutes for the Denza Z9GT equipped with a 122 kWh Blade 2.0 battery. The technology combines a FlashPass ion‑transport battery...
Xiaomi Cuts YU7 Wait Times From One Year to Two Hours
Xiaomi announced that its YU7 electric SUV can now be delivered within two hours of order, a dramatic reduction from the previous one‑year wait. The speedup follows rapid production scaling, including a new Wuhan plant that adds 150,000 units of...
Stellantis, Dongfeng Strike $1.18 Billion Deal to Produce Peugeot and Jeep Models in China
Stellantis and state‑owned Dongfeng Motor have sealed an 8 billion yuan (≈ $1.18 billion) agreement to produce new‑energy Peugeot and Jeep models at Dongfeng’s Wuhan plant. Stellantis will invest €130 million (≈ $150 million) to launch two Peugeot NEVs and two Jeep off‑road EVs beginning in 2027,...
Tesla, Toyota Expose Surprising Auto Industry Truth
Toyota reported FY2026 operating income of about $24 billion, missing estimates by $2 billion, and projected FY2027 profit of $19 billion, roughly 37% below Wall Street forecasts. The automaker cited tariffs and geopolitical headwinds, which trimmed $9 billion from its earnings, and warned of...
Li Auto Launches All-New L9 with Global Rollout Planned
Li Auto began delivering its all‑new L9 flagship SUV in China on May 15, offering Ultra and Livis editions. The model features a third‑generation extended‑range powertrain with 420 km of pure electric range and a combined 1,650 km range. An International Exclusive version...
China to Produce Jeep and Peugeot Cars Under €1bn Dongfeng Deal
Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor Group has signed a deal with Stellantis to produce Jeep and Peugeot vehicles in China. The partnership, valued at under €1 billion, will see Dongfeng assemble both internal‑combustion and electric models at its plants. Production is expected...
VinFast Targets 1,100 Service Workshops Worldwide in 2026
VinFast announced at its Global Business Conference that it has signed memoranda of understanding with 29 after‑sales partners to expand its EV service footprint. The automaker, which already operates around 800 workshops worldwide—including 400 in Vietnam—aims to exceed 1,100 service...
In Some Countries, EVs Are Already Cheaper Than ICEVs. We’re Here To Tell You How That Looks, And Why It...
Colombia has reached electric‑vehicle price parity, with models like the Chery E5 SUV selling for $21,150—cheaper than many comparable gasoline cars. Tesla’s 2025 entry sparked a price war, pushing the Model Y to become the nation’s best‑selling vehicle in March‑April...
South Korea Launches 200‑vehicle Autonomous Driving Pilot in Gwangju with Hyundai, Kia and Partners
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, together with Hyundai Motor, Kia and several tech firms, inaugurated a 200‑vehicle autonomous‑driving pilot in Gwangju. The citywide testbed, the nation’s largest on‑road trial, targets Level‑4 autonomy by 2027 and signals a...
Tesla Now Forces Drivers to Give Feedback when Intervening on ‘Full Self-Driving’
Tesla’s latest Full Self‑Driving update (v14.3.2, software 2026.2.9.9) now forces drivers to answer a feedback prompt every time they intervene. The on‑screen dialog remains until a category—Preference, Discomfort, Navigation, or Critical—or a voice note is submitted, with no dismiss button....
Germany Allocates €1 Bn ($1.08 Bn) to Build Commercial EV Truck Charging Network
Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport announced a €1 bn ($1.08 bn) four‑year program to install commercial electric‑truck charging stations nationwide. The move aims to accelerate the shift of the $66 bn road‑freight market to battery‑electric vehicles and support the country's 2030 renewable‑energy targets.
Is Waymo’s Growth in California Flattening?
Waymo’s autonomous robotaxi service is seeing its growth in California flatten, with weekly ride additions dropping from 14,800 in January to just 2,700 in March – an 82% deceleration. Across its network of 11 U.S. cities and roughly 3,000 vehicles,...
Vaporware or Not? Aptera Assembles Its First Five Validation Models.
Aptera Motors has completed its first five validation vehicles on a new low‑volume assembly line in Carlsbad, California, marking a tangible step toward production. The three‑wheel, two‑seat EV claims a 400‑mile range from a 44 kWh battery and a drag coefficient...
Panasonic Raises EV Battery Outlook Based On Tesla's Sales Bounce
Panasonic raised its U.S. EV battery sales outlook for the fiscal year ending March 2027, projecting an 18.9% increase to 46 GWh, driven by Tesla’s rebound. Tesla’s Q1 market share jumped to 54% even as overall U.S. EV sales fell 27%, prompting...
588 Or More New Public EV Chargers Coming To Texas
The Texas Transportation Commission approved $250 million for Phase II of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, adding roughly 588‑plus public fast‑charging ports across the state. Phase I previously delivered $53 million for 65 sites, with 15 already operational. New stations will typically...
Honda CEO Tries To Distract From $5.7 Billion Annual Loss With Promise Of 15 New Hybrids And By Dropping 2040...
Honda posted a ¥414.3 bn ($2.59 bn) operating loss for FY2026, its first annual deficit since 1957, after a costly EV rollout. CEO Toshihiro Mibe announced the abandonment of the 2040 combustion‑free target and a new strategy to launch 15 hybrid models...
Can a Chinese EV-Maker Reinvent Itself as a Robot Firm?
At Xpeng's annual tech showcase, the company surprised attendees by presenting a lifelike female humanoid robot named Iron. CEO He Xiaopeng dramatically sliced the robot's synthetic skin on stage to reveal its mechanical internals, underscoring that the creation was entirely...
End of the Check Engine Light Era
Suppliers and OEMs are replacing traditional check‑engine light alerts with AI‑driven diagnostics that automatically diagnose faults, book repairs and reroute trucks. Connected platforms from DTNA and Volvo deliver real‑time data, enabling predictive maintenance and over‑the‑air updates that keep trucks on...
WeRide Posts 58% Revenue Jump, Expands Robotaxi Fleet to 1,300 Vehicles
WeRide announced Q1 2026 revenue of RMB 114 million ($16 million), up 58% YoY, and a global robotaxi fleet of roughly 1,300 vehicles. The earnings call highlighted rapid international rollout, a 35% gross margin and a share‑repurchase program worth $61.4 million.
Jaguar Reveals Official Name of Its 1,000-HP Electric Flagship
Jaguar has officially named its upcoming electric grand tourer the Type 01, marking the first model of a fully electric luxury lineup. The four‑door GT will use a new Jaguar Electric Architecture and a tri‑motor system that produces more than 1,000 hp...
UK Government Signs Self-Driving Partnership with Wayve
The UK Department for Business and Trade has signed a memorandum of understanding with London‑based autonomous‑vehicle firm Wayve to co‑develop safety‑critical self‑driving technology. The agreement, announced on 12 May 2026, focuses on large‑scale simulation, safety assurance and embedding Wayve’s AI software into...
Lotus CEO Warns Solid-State Batteries Still up to a Decade From Mass Production
Lotus chief executive Qingfeng Feng warned that solid‑state batteries could be a decade away from mass production, despite industry hype. He highlighted Geely’s lead in R&D but stressed unresolved performance trade‑offs. The comments were made at the FT Future of...
Tesla Semi Nears Mass Production with US‑Made 4680 Battery and 1.2 MW Charger
Tesla has filed certification documents with the California Air Resources Board indicating its Semi electric truck is close to mass production. The truck will be equipped with a domestically produced 4680 lithium‑ion battery and a 1.2 MW high‑power charging system, signaling...
Xpeng in Talks to Buy VW Plant for Europe Expansion
Xpeng (NYSE:XPEV) is in advanced talks with Volkswagen to acquire a European manufacturing plant as it seeks to scale beyond its contract‑produced capacity at Magna Steyr in Austria. The Chinese EV maker’s exports surged 62% in April, reaching 6,006 vehicles, underscoring...
Waymo Recalls 3,800 Robotaxis After Software Flaw Lets Cars Enter Flooded Roads
Waymo announced a voluntary recall of 3,791 robotaxis equipped with its fifth‑ and sixth‑generation automated driving systems after a software defect could allow vehicles to enter standing water on high‑speed roads. The recall follows an April 20 incident in San...
BYD Exported More Vehicles In April Than Tesla Sold Worldwide*
In April 2026 BYD exported 135,098 fully electric and plug‑in hybrid vehicles, surpassing Tesla's estimated global sales of about 119,000 units for the same month. The Chinese maker’s total passenger‑vehicle sales hit 314,100 units, combining strong domestic demand with a...
Versigent Unveiled in Anting
Versigent, a former Aptiv division, officially spun off and listed on the NYSE under the ticker VGNT on April 1, 2026. The company held a brand‑unveiling ceremony in Anting, Shanghai, emphasizing its focus on electrical architectures for electrified, smart and autonomous vehicles....
Aptiv 8th-Generation Radar Selected by Volvo
Aptiv announced a program win with Volvo for its eighth‑generation radar platform, slated for integration into Volvo’s next‑generation vehicle lineup beginning in 2028. The radar will underpin a full suite of safety and driver‑assistance functions and will be paired with...
Tesla Shares Rise 3.9% to $445 on 36% China Sales Jump and Optimus Hype
Tesla jumped 3.9% to $445 after reporting a 36% year‑over‑year rise in China‑made vehicle sales and renewed market optimism around its Optimus humanoid robot. The rally reflects investor belief that AI and robotics will become core growth engines for the...
Uber Partners with Nvidia on Autonomous Deal, Aims for 100,000 Cars by 2027
Uber disclosed a multi‑year partnership with Nvidia to embed the chipmaker’s self‑driving stack across its ride‑hailing fleet. The deal is tied to a goal of fielding 100,000 autonomous vehicles by 2027, a move that could reshape urban mobility and intensify...
Norway at 99% EV Sales Rate
Norway set a new electric‑vehicle sales record in April 2026, with EVs accounting for 98.6% of all new registrations. The figure eclipses the 98.4% share recorded the month before, confirming the country’s near‑full electrification of passenger‑car sales. Legacy manufacturers Volkswagen...
Ford Teases Affordable EV of the Future
Ford announced it will still launch an affordable electric vehicle in the United States next year, despite scaling back broader electrification timelines after the $7,500 federal EV tax credit was eliminated. The automaker’s shift reflects a strategic focus on cost‑effective...
Toyota Launches the bZ4X Touring, Its Most Powerful Non-GR Vehicle with 367 Miles Range
Toyota unveiled the bZ4X Touring (branded bZ Woodland in the US), its most powerful non‑GR EV, delivering up to 375 hp in the AWD version and a WLTP range of 367 mi. The model is 140 mm longer, boosting cargo capacity to 669 L...
Tesla’s Unsupervised Robotaxi Count IS Growing
Tesla’s unsupervised robotaxi fleet has grown to 39 vehicles, with 27 operating in Austin. Dallas and Houston each added a handful of driverless cars, bringing the total unsupervised units to 39 across three Texas cities. NHTSA data shows 30 incidents...
STRADVISION Launches Production‑Ready Integrated Perception Platform for Level‑2+ ADAS
STRADVISION announced a production‑ready integrated perception platform that combines its SVNet vision stack with a leading Physical AI developer. The solution, aimed at Level‑2+ advanced driver‑assistance, is slated for OEM delivery by the third quarter of 2026 and is designed...