Trends

Trends

IONNA Has Doubled Its Fast-Charging Network in 2026, and Drivers Are Giving It Top Marks

IONNA, the fast-charging network founded by eight automakers, has more than doubled to over 180 US sites in 2026 and ranked first among DC fast chargers in the JD Power 2026 EVX study. Circle K partnerships, partner-app integrations, and Plug & Charge are driving its rapid growth.

Trends

America’s Aging Vehicle Fleet Is Fueling a $599.7 Billion Aftermarket Boom

The US automotive aftermarket is projected to grow to $599.7 billion in 2026, according to AAPEX’s new media guide, driven by a vehicle fleet whose average age has climbed to 12.94 years. The sector now supports nearly 5 million US jobs and continues to consolidate through active M&A activity.

Trends

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.

Trends

Nissan and Honda Are Teaming Up Again — This Time on Software, Not a Merger

A year after abandoning merger talks, Nissan and Honda are collaborating again — this time on software and electronics for the software-defined vehicles both companies plan to build by 2029. The narrower partnership lets them share technology development costs while keeping their brands and operations fully independent.

Trends

The Rise of Comfort-First Engineering in Modern Passenger Vehicles

Automakers are increasingly prioritizing passenger comfort as a core design philosophy, reshaping how vehicles are engineered from the ground up.

Trends

Smaller EVs Are Forcing a Major Realignment Across the Auto Market

Consumer appetite for compact, affordable electric vehicles is reshaping manufacturer strategies and challenging long-held assumptions about EV profitability.

Trends

How Remote Work Culture Is Permanently Reshaping Urban Driving Habits

The shift to remote and hybrid work has fundamentally changed when, where, and how people drive in cities across the world.

Trends

Why Automakers Are Betting Big on Ambient Interior Design

From mood lighting to personalized cabin atmospheres, automakers are turning interior ambiance into a powerful brand differentiator.

Trends

Why Off-Road Capability Has Become a Mainstream Consumer Expectation

Once reserved for rugged enthusiasts, off-road capability is now a standard demand reshaping how automakers design and market their vehicles.

Trends

How Aging Populations Are Quietly Reshaping Vehicle Design Priorities

As the global population grows older, automakers are rethinking how vehicles are built — from entry points to digital interfaces.