Volkswagen’s Mission Efficiency Just Set Three World Records — Using Parts From a Car You Can Already Buy
Volkswagen’s Mission Efficiency prototype has set three certified world records — including the lowest drag coefficient ever on a road-legal car — using a motor, battery, and suspension shared with the production ID. Polo, proving major efficiency gains don’t require a bigger battery.
Ford Reveals the Fathom, a $28,350 Electric Pickup Built to Take on China
Ford has revealed the Fathom, a midsize electric pickup starting at $28,350 — the first vehicle on its new cost-focused Universal EV platform. Built to compete directly with cheap Chinese EVs, the Fathom arrives in 2027 with LFP batteries and seating for five.
Toyota Reinvents the Highlander as an All-Electric SUV — and Will Build It in Kentucky
Toyota has redesigned the Highlander for 2027 as an all-electric SUV, its first EV assembled in the US. Built in Georgetown, Kentucky with batteries from Toyota’s new North Carolina battery plant, the Highlander offers up to 320 miles of range and goes on sale in late 2026.
Stellantis Delays Its Two Key Electrified Trucks Again — Ram 1500 REV and Jeep Grand Wagoneer EREV Both Slip
Stellantis has pushed back production of the Ram 1500 REV to April 2027 and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer EREV to November 2026, per supplier memos.
Mavis Tire Completes $700 Million Acquisition of Pep Boys, Creating a 4,400-Location Network
Mavis Tire has closed its $700 million acquisition of Pep Boys, expanding its network to more than 4,400 service centers across the US and Canada.
How to Keep Up With Car Maintenance as Repair Costs Keep Climbing
With repair costs climbing and millions of drivers falling behind on maintenance, here’s how to prioritize repairs, budget wisely, and avoid bigger bills.
Toyota Doubles Down on Texas With a $3.6 Billion Expansion and 2,000 New Jobs
Toyota is investing $3.6 billion to expand its San Antonio plant with a second assembly line, creating 2,000 new jobs and bringing Tacoma production back from Mexico to Texas. The move pushes Toyota’s total San Antonio investment past $8 billion since 2003.
Kia Just Had Its Best August Ever — and It’s on Track for a Fourth Straight Record Year
Kia posted its best August ever in the US, selling 83,793 vehicles with six models setting individual records, and pushed its year-to-date total to 590,377 units. The brand says it’s on track for a fourth consecutive record-breaking year, powered by surging hybrid sales and the new EV3.
US Manufacturing Investment Just Crossed $2 Trillion — and Automotive Is a Major Reason Why
merica’s manufacturing rebuild has reached a striking milestone: announced private-sector manufacturing investment has now surpassed $2.07 trillion.
