Toyota Recalls over 141K Prius Models for Rear Door Switch Water Intrusion
Toyota announced a recall of over 141,000 Prius and Prius Prime hybrids from model years 2023‑2026 due to a rear‑door switch defect that can cause doors to open unexpectedly when water, especially with surfactants, infiltrates the switch. The issue arises from reduced seal contact area caused by thermal cycling and high‑force door closures, allowing short circuits. Dealers will modify the left and right rear‑door circuits at no cost, with owner notifications starting March 15. The action follows earlier recalls and extensive testing by Toyota and supplier Tokai Rika.
New-Car Affordability Challenges May Drive Used-Vehicle Demand
Used‑vehicle auction prices climbed 4% year‑over‑year in February 2026, with luxury models rising 4.1% and electric vehicles 1.8%. Rising auction costs are prompting major dealers such as AutoNation and Sonic Automotive to rely heavily on self‑sourcing through trade‑ins, lease returns...
How Creating FordDirect Helped Avert a Potential Automaker-Dealer Showdown
In 2000 Ford and its dealer network launched FordDirect, a joint‑venture that bundled digital marketing, website tools, CRM and inventory‑management services for U.S. Ford and Lincoln dealers. The initiative was born from dealer council leaders who feared the internet would...
Nissan E-Power Review: Hybrid Power Set to Amp up 2027 Rogue
Nissan showcased its third‑generation e‑Power hybrid in the European‑spec Qashqai, a system that runs a gasoline engine solely as a generator for an electric motor. The same architecture will debut in the U.S. 2027 Rogue, using a compact 2.1 kWh battery...
Ford Recalls over 4.3M Trucks, SUVs over Trailer Module Defect
Ford is recalling over 4.3 million 2021‑2026 trucks, SUVs and vans due to a software fault in the integrated trailer module that can lose communication, disabling trailer brake and lighting functions. The defect affects models including the F‑150, Super Duty, Maverick,...
Ford Recalls Nearly 413K Explorer SUVs for Rear Suspension Issue
Ford announced a recall of nearly 413,000 2017‑2019 Explorer SUVs after engineers identified a risk that rear suspension toe links could fracture, potentially causing loss of steering control. The defect affects about 1 % of the affected fleet and is linked...
AI Doubled Auto Industry Cyberattacks: Upstream
Upstream’s 2026 Global Automotive and Smart Mobility Cybersecurity Report shows that cyberattacks on the auto sector more than doubled in 2025, driven by AI‑enabled vehicle architectures and expanding API exposure. Ransomware accounted for 44% of incidents, the fastest‑growing threat, while...
MicroVision Buys Assets of Troubled Lidar Maker Luminar for $33M
MicroVision, a solid‑state lidar specialist, won the Section 363 bankruptcy auction for Luminar Technologies, paying $33 million for select assets. The deal brings Luminar’s Iris and Halo long‑range lidar inventory and engineering talent in Japan, Sweden and Florida under MicroVision’s control. CEO...
Stellantis Takes $26B Write-Down over EVs, Sells Stake in Battery JV for $100
Stellantis announced a €22.2 billion ($26 billion) write‑down tied to its electric‑vehicle strategy and sold its 49 % stake in the NextStar Energy battery JV to LG Energy Solution for a nominal $100. The charge reflects cancelled EV platforms, supply‑chain resizing and quality‑related...
Mercedes-Benz Shifts Autonomous Driving Tech in 2026 S-Class
Mercedes‑Benz will replace its U.S. Level 3 Drive Pilot with the Level 2++ MB Drive Assist Pro in the 2026 S‑Class, postponing a fully hands‑free system. The new suite offers automated lane changes and heavy‑traffic navigation and can be rolled out nationwide without state‑by‑state...