SOLON, Ohio — A nondescript facility south of Cleveland has become an early staging ground for the auto industry's next supply-chain pivot: replacing vehicle hardware from China. The plant belongs to Eagle Wireless, a maker of electronics that was formed in late 2025, largely in response to a federal rule that bans certain Chinese connected-car software and hardware in U.S. vehicles by the end of the decade. “There’s a massive opportunity for us,” said TJ Dembinski, president of Eagle Wireless. He said Eagle grew out of a need to counter China’s dominance in modules, which he knew would be challenging for U.S. automakers as the regulations took effect. It’s been a mad dash to scale up production of modules, the small circuit boards that enable vehicles to have a wireless connection to the outside world. Eagle started with about 140 employees and is aiming to grow to 1,000 in the next three years. Its revenue expectations have increased by almost 100% for the year, to nearly $100 million. “It’s been insane,” Dembinski said. The connected-vehicle rules were adopted in January 2025 under President Joe Biden, based on national security concerns around data privacy, and have been kept in place under the Trump administration. They prohibit the use of Chinese connectivity software starting in the 2027 model year and hardware starting with model-year 2030. Though those deadlines may seem far off, automakers plan vehicle programs years in advance, meaning compliant suppliers must be locked in now. Amid heightened geopolitical tensions and unpredictable trade wars, auto companies are in the middle of a disruptive uncoupling from China, on everything from inexpensive components — like Eagle’s modules — to battery materials and essential rare earth minerals. Industry concerns around complying with the regulations were heightened after electric-vehicle maker Polestar, which is majority-owned by
Jul 25, 2026 · via channel3000.com
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.] Why get certified as a technician? Formal tech certification programs can boost uptime and reduce costs Features Editor Key Takeaways: - Industry leaders said voluntary certifications from ASE, NATMI and TMC increasingly shape truck maintenance outcomes amid connected vehicles, advanced diagnostics and legal scrutiny. - Advocates said certifications improve productivity, safety and retention while reducing breakdowns, maintenance costs and downtime through standardized skills, leadership training and data management. - Fleets such as Publix tie advancement and training to certifications, while industry groups encourage stronger school partnerships and ongoing credential renewal to build talent. The difference between a routine shift and a roadside call often comes down to the skill, training and preparation of the technicians who maintain and repair the trucks. For fleet maintenance leaders, those outcomes are increasingly shaped by formal certification. Such programs, once viewed as optional, are increasingly seen as a competitive necessity in an era of connected vehicles, advanced diagnostics and heightened legal scrutiny. “Certification itself is a means of documenting and validating one’s professional reputation,” said Robert Braswell, executive director of American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council. “It affords the opportunity for measuring one’s skills against industry-accepted standards that are objectively determined.” Unlike other skilled trades, commercial vehicle maintenance is rarely subject to mandatory licensure. Certifications issued by Automotive Service Excellence, the North American Transportation Management Institute and TMC’s Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards remain voluntary. But Braswell argued that credentials still deliver measurable returns. “The certification saves a company more money than the investment in the certification program itself,” he said, pointing to more effective preventive and predictive maintenance, fewer breakdowns, more efficient labor use and tighter control of maintenance costs. ASE testing For employers, ASE certification has become a clear signal of
Jul 25, 2026 · via ttnews.com
Aston Martin has revealed something unexpected in New York. Rather than a suave, classy sports car you’d see in a spy movie, Aston Martin has created a massive, hulking SUV that you’d maybe see in a video game. In partnership with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Aston Martin is bringing us the Dreadnought. Meaning “fear nothing,” the Dreadnought is one of the most intense and imposing Aston Martin designs yet. But that may be due to its destination. The Dreadnought will only exist in the game, although a life-size model was on display at Fanatics Fest. The tactical SUV was Chiltern Green and looks intense, boxy, and dangerous, a military vehicle that looks straight out of a kid’s fantasy playset. Even though it’s never coming to the real world, it’s still a way for Aston Martin to get exposure in an entirely new way. “Expanding Aston Martin’s footprint into the gaming world allows us to engage with a new generation on their own terms,” Stefano Saporetti, Aston’s Director of Brand Diversification, said. The Dreadnought brings a new era of advertising to Aston Martin The days of James Bond are partially over. The franchise is still iconic, sure, but most teenagers and young adults don’t flock to the movie theater like they used to. They do, however, play DMZ, Warfare’s extraction mode, and Warzone, its battle royale. The Dreadnought is perfect for looking badass while racing over a variety of terrains and scouting out enemies. Appealing to a younger crowd with an interactive promo is the new frontier. Look at Porsche, Ferrari, Jeep, Lamborghini, Ford, McLaren, Dodge… All of these brands have been featured in Fortnite. Rocket League has also featured real models, including the McLaren 570S, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It may sound weird
Jul 25, 2026 · via autonocion.com
100 signatures reached To: Madison Police Department, Local Authorities Preserve and Release All Footage Connected to Corey Ruiz's Killing Corey Ruiz was shot, multiple times, at close range by police officers in Madison, Wisconsin. Police have their story, but the limited footage released tells another. Corey’s family and their legal team are calling on authorities to “preserve and publicly release all footage of the encounter, including squad-car and bystander video, and to examine whether the use of deadly force was justified while Ruiz was on the ground.” And so are we. Why is this important? Corey struggled with housing instability, substance use, and his mental health—issues that systems in our country criminalize instead of treating, cycling people like Corey in and out of jail instead of getting the care they need. But, Corey was a father and a friend, and he should be alive today. The MPD and the media want to focus on Corey's criminal record instead of the whole person he was. MPD are using the claim that Corey had a knife and possibly injured an officer in the scuffle as justification for his killing. But disturbing bystander footage shows four officers tackling him to the ground and shooting him a shocking three times in the head after being Tased, raising concerns about police brutality and unnecessary deadly force. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said it best: “It does not matter who you are or what your past is. You should not lose your life as a result of an encounter with law enforcement.” The area where the MPD officer shot and killed Corey has a history of police brutality and killings. It was just in 2015 that, blocks away, an unarmed teenager, Tony Robinson, was shot and killed by officer Matthew Kenny. His murder—and the complete lack of
Jul 24, 2026 · via sign.moveon.org
Mercedes risks sales ban amid China crackdown as another major car brand quits US market The Connected Vehicle Security Act aims to crack down on China-linked companies Don't Miss Most Read One of the most popular car brands in the world could face a sales ban in the United States under plans to crack down on Chinese vehicles and technology. The US Senate Commerce Committee gave the green light to a new ban on Chinese vehicles entering the US market. This has been pushed by Senator Ted Cruz as the US continues its attacks against companies that manufacture in China or work with Chinese businesses. Experts have warned that Mercedes-Benz could find itself unable to sell new vehicles in the United States, given its links to China. The German manufacturer is 20 per cent owned by Chinese companies, prompting Mercedes to call for the new measures to be eased. Mr Cruz, the Republican senator for Texas, said the Connected Vehicle Security Act outlines how companies with more than 15 per cent ownership by Chinese entities would face a ban. Despite this, he noted that changes would still need to be made to the terms of the Act before it could be enshrined in law. Senator Bernie Moreno said Mercedes has a deadline of 2030 to comply with the terms, adding that they could use waivers for the ownership requirement. The US could soon ban sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles |REUTERS/GETTY The Republican Senator from Ohio added: "We're preventing an absolute, total, and complete destruction of our industrial base." Some automakers have already hinted at supporting a ban on their rivals to ensure they are more successful. Ted Cruz said General Motors had been pushing for the provisions to remove Mercedes-Benz from the US market so its Cadillac brand could thrive. In
Jul 24, 2026 · via gbnews.com
Concerns over Chinese-made vehicles and their connection to U.S. roads have been building for months. Automakers and franchise dealers have largely aligned against allowing Chinese-linked vehicles, software, and hardware into the U.S. market, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have pointed to national security risks tied to connected vehicle technology. That opposition took a step forward this month. The Senate Commerce Committee advanced the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 on a unanimous, bipartisan vote, sending the bill toward a vote before the full Senate. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) would permanently block the import, sale, and operation of vehicles, software, and hardware tied to China and other foreign adversaries. Mike Stanton, President and CEO of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), joined Inside Automotive on CBT News to discuss the bill’s advancement and what it means for the franchise dealer community going forward. The fight over Chinese vehicles isn’t over The bill’s advancement out of committee doesn’t mean the fight is over, Stanton said. It still needs a vote before the full Senate, followed by three House committees. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, raised concerns during the committee session about Mercedes-Benz’s ownership structure, which exceeds the bill’s 15% foreign ownership threshold. Those kinds of details still need to be worked out before the bill reaches a final vote. “It did pass unanimously, but there is still a lot of work to be done.” NADA has spent more than three years engaging on the issue, according to Stanton, including trips to China and conversations with dealers who represent Chinese brands in other markets. The association has found alignment across its board, state and metro dealer associations, and its OEM partners on the need to keep Chinese-linked vehicles out of the U.S.
Jul 24, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
Transportation Transitions: Leadership changes at Kooner, Powerfleet, and DTNA Key takeaways - Kooner added a head of strategy to support fleet growth, partnerships, and long-term planning. - Powerfleet named Michael Casey audit committee chair, strengthening board and financial oversight. - Daimler Truck North America promoted Craig Redshaw to improve coordination across U.S. manufacturing plants. Kooner Fleet Management Solutions names Micah Einterz head of strategy Kooner Fleet Management Solutions has appointed Micah Einterz as head of strategy, a newly created role focused on strategic growth, partnerships, and organizational development. "Micah brings a rare combination of strategic thinking, operational discipline, and execution," Gary Kooner, founder and CEO of Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, said. "As we've grown into a nationwide organization, we've reached a point where building for the future requires dedicated strategic leadership. Micah's experience leading large-scale initiatives at Amazon, combined with his background in the commercial vehicle industry at Kenworth, makes him uniquely qualified to help guide our next chapter. I'm excited to have him on the team." Einterz brings more than 15 years of leadership experience from Amazon and Kenworth, including work in fleet operations, connected vehicle strategy, and service management. Read more… Powerfleet strengthens board leadership with former director Michael Casey’s return Powerfleet‘s Board of Directors recently appointed Michael Casey to rejoin the board and serve as chair of the audit committee, following Michael McConnell's resignation from the board. "I am pleased to rejoin the Powerfleet Board at an important stage in the company's development," Casey said. "I look forward to working with Andrew, my fellow directors, and reconnecting with Steve Towe and the management team as the company continues to execute its strategy and build on the progress it has made." Casey previously served as a Powerfleet director and brings public-company financial experience, accounting expertise, and technology industry
Jul 24, 2026 · via fleetowner.com
Amkor and Nvidia signed a $1.5B multiyear agreement to develop advanced packaging and test technologies for next-gen AI and accelerated-computing platforms. Nvidia’s prepayment will support Amkor’s U.S. capacity expansion in Arizona, including high-density interconnect and heterogeneous integration capabilities. Siemens announced plans to acquire two EDA companies: Defacto Technologies, a provider of tools for automated SoC design creation and integration, and Precision Innovations, which develops AI-driven chip planning and design exploration software built on the open-source OpenROAD framework. IBM plans to acquire HRL Laboratories, an R&D firm jointly owned by Boeing and GM with expertise in silicon-spin qubits and quantum sensing. Mitsubishi Electric and Sony Semiconductor will establish a joint venture, Advanced Vision Solutions, to develop image sensors with integrated AI-based analysis of visual data for a range of manufacturing equipment. Powertech Technology is planning a $400M joint venture with Broadcom to provide panel-level packaging services in Singapore, reports Taipei News. Anthropic plans to deploy up to 2 GW of AMD’s GPUs in the Helios racks, starting with 1GW in H1 2027. AMD will also invest up to $5B in Anthropic and use Claude for software development. Cerebras will combine AMD’s rack-scale solution with its wafer-scale engine in a single inference workflow. AMD partners deploying the new infrastructure include OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and others. Nokia is planning to acquire NXP‘s Chandler, Arizona fab to expand its indium phosphide semiconductor manufacturing capacity. Subject to approvals, Nokia plans to lease part of the site, starting early next year, and convert it to indium phosphide production for optical components, with the full acquisition expected to close in Q1 2029. Paras Semiconductors signed an MoU for a ~US$644M OSAT facility in Madhya Pradesh, India. Big funding Etched added $300M to scale production of its frontier model inference rack-scale system made up of co-designed chips, packages,
Jul 24, 2026 · via semiengineering.com
Schmitt-Backed Policies Lead to Major Auto Investment in Missouri U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) issued the following statement after General Motors (GM) announced a new $157 million investment in the Wentzville, Missouri, plant. The announcement comes after Schmitt co-sponsored the Connected Vehicle Security Act, which helps expand automotive production in the United States and protects American national security by banning the importation, manufacture, and sale of Chinese vehicles and car parts in the U.S. Senator Schmitt praised GM’s announcement as a major win for America’s automotive industry as Republicans work to bring supply chains back to the U.S. and create more jobs for American workers. “I’ve worked closely with American automakers like GM to increase manufacturing in Missouri and across the United States through policies like our Connected Vehicle Security Act, and repealing job-killing government regulations. Today’s announcement is proof that when we invest in American production, American workers win. This expansion will boost manufacturing in Missouri, strengthen our domestic supply chain. For decades, our supply chains have drifted overseas and taken good-paying American jobs with them. It’s time to reverse that decline. America is the birthplace of the modern automobile—and American cars belong on American assembly lines. I’m proud to work alongside GM to encourage more investment in Missouri communities and help revive this great American industry,” said Senator Schmitt. Background: The Connected Vehicles Security Act passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee this week. Schmitt championed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act which zeroed out Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) penalties, potentially saving GM $6.5 billion in CAFE penalties. The Senator joined President Trump in the Oval Office to announce this win for American automakers. In 2025, President Trump signed resolutions that Senator Schmitt supported to overturn EPA waivers that let California regulators impose
Jul 24, 2026 · via schmitt.senate.gov
A security vulnerability affecting at least two million vehicles on the road today is so serious that some cybersecurity experts are calling it one of the worst car-hacking threats in years. It involves a third-party, aftermarket device called the KARR Security System. When exploited, the threat potentially gives attackers a way to wirelessly unlock a vehicle’s doors or prevent it from starting. While Acrisure Protection Group has issued a software update to fix the issue, many drivers who have the device hooked up to their car never paid for it and may not even know it’s installed. The device was installed in several models from major car brands, including Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Ford, and Jeep, though many of those automobiles have since spread to other states and even as far as Canada and Japan. The compromised device was initially sold as an anti-theft tool for car dealerships. In a twist of irony, the device actually makes it theoretically easier for a thief to surreptitiously make off with someone else’s car. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) demonstrated that with a custom-built app, they could ping the device wirelessly over Bluetooth. With a few clicks, they could lock or unlock the doors, honk the horn, flash the headlights, or even prevent the car from starting if the engine was already off. Acrisure Protection Group reportedly learned of the vulnerability from the researchers in January 2025, but only issued a software patch on July 20, 2026. When Popular Science reached out to Acrisure for comment we received a statement from KARR Security, a product line of the company responsible for making the device with the vulnerability. Karr Security told Popular Science it has not seen the vulnerability applied in the real world to break into or steal a car.
Jul 24, 2026 · via popsci.com
USMCA Tightens Auto Rules: The Week in Automotive In this week’s automotive news, the USTR recommended stricter USMCA rules of origin, while Mexican plants outperformed US rivals in quality rankings. Meanwhile, BMW confirmed 2027 EV production in San Luis Potosí, Chinese vehicle sales jumped 30% in Mexico, Tornel resolved a 5-month strike, and NetShape opened a US$13.6M Querétaro facility. Shift into high gear– This week in Automotive! Tornel Strike Ends With 40-Hour Workweek Agreement After a bitter five-month strike that halted operations at four manufacturing facilities in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, workers at Mexican tire manufacturer Compañía Hulera Tornel have unanimously ratified a 15-point conciliation agreement with company management. BMW Confirms 2027 Start for Mexico EV Production BMW Group will begin assembly of its next-generation "Neue Klasse" electric vehicles and high-voltage batteries at its San Luis Potosi plant in 2027, leveraging Mexico’s global trade network to buffer against US tariff pressures and shifting market demand. USTR Presses for Tighter Auto Rules of Origin in USMCA Vehicles built in Mexico may soon have to clear a higher North American content bar. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has formally recommended that the automotive rules of origin in the USMCA be made stricter during the treaty's review cycle, targeting a regime that already sets the toughest content thresholds of any trade agreement currently in force. ZF Reaches 100 Million Electric Power Steering Unit Milestone Global automotive supplier ZF Group announced it has produced 100 million Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems worldwide, marking a significant manufacturing milestone for the company. Mexico Auto Plants Outpace US Rivals in J.D. Power Quality Study Automotive assembly facilities operating across Mexico have solidified a highly competitive standing within global manufacturing networks, with vehicle build quality at key domestic plants surpassing that
Jul 24, 2026 · via mexicobusiness.news
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Jul 24, 2026 · via youtube.com
Alabama spent this week celebrating a number: $15.6 billion. That’s the total two auto industry trade groups say international automakers have invested in the state since Mercedes-Benz opened its first U.S. plant near Tuscaloosa in 1997. It’s a genuinely impressive figure, and Alabama has earned the right to brag about it. It’s also, as of the same week, attached to a company a Senate committee just voted to potentially bar from selling cars in America at all. The new economic impact report, released by Autos Drive America and the American International Automobile Dealers Association, tallies more than three decades of investment from Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, and Toyota. Last year alone, those companies employed 105,806 people in Alabama, paid out roughly $8.3 billion in wages, and built 1.16 million vehicles, 21 of which were exported to 36 countries. Nobody at that announcement mentioned what was happening two floors up in Washington. On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce Committee advanced the Connected Vehicle Security Act, a bill written to keep Chinese connected-vehicle technology out of the United States. It passed by voice vote. Buried in its text is a provision that has nothing to do with where a car is built, and everything to do with who owns the company that builds it. The bill would bar any automaker from selling connected vehicles in the U.S. if a foreign adversary — China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran — owns more than 15 percent of the company. It’s aimed squarely at China, which now exports roughly 8 million vehicles a year and has become the industry’s newest and most feared competitor. Nobody in Washington is losing sleep over Mercedes-Benz stealing market share from Detroit. Here’s the problem. Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s two largest shareholders are the state-owned Chinese automaker BAIC, holding 9.98
Jul 24, 2026 · via theautowire.com
AFIP/ADCO & Privacy4Cars partner to help dealers address vehicle data privacy compliance gaps By subscribing, you agree to receive communications from Auto Remarketing and our partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We may share your information with select partners and sponsors who may contact you about their products and services. You may unsubscribe at any time. The Association of Finance & Insurance Professionals (AFIP) and the Association of Dealership Compliance Officers (ADCO) found another unique way to help dealership compliance officers, F&I professionals, and other store leadership. AFIP and ADCO announced a new promotional partnership with Privacy4Cars this week, so members of the organizations can have access to Privacy4Cars’ Vehicle Privacy Report, AutoCleared, and DisconnectedCar solutions at a preferred pricing rate. Experts said Privacy4Cars’ suite of vehicle data privacy, security, and safety solutions can help dealerships address a growing blind spot in many compliance programs: the personal data and digital connections associated with vehicles themselves. “Vehicle personal data is becoming an even more important compliance and risk-management issue for dealerships, but it is not always addressed by traditional compliance programs,” AFIP/ADCO president Shannon Robertson said in a news release. “Our members look to AFIP/ADCO to help them identify practical tools that reduce risk and improve dealership operations. “Privacy4Cars gives dealers a clear, affordable way to protect customers, support disclosure obligations, delete customer data in vehicles at trade in or lease return, disconnect prior users’ remote access where available, and document the handling of personal information left behind in vehicles,” Robertson continued. Experts explained that today’s vehicles are connected devices capable of collecting, storing, and transmitting sensitive personal information, including contacts, call logs, location history, garage codes, app credentials, payment details, and other personal data. Subscribe to Auto Remarketing to stay informed and stay ahead. By subscribing, you agree to
Jul 24, 2026 · via autoremarketing.com
Good morning. Investors are getting jittery about AI spending again. Tesla shares closed down 15% and Alphabet stock closed down 7% yesterday after both companies indicated that their eye-watering, AI-driven capital expenditure commitments would exceed initial estimates through the rest of the year. Not that their top executives didn’t try to calm fears. “I’m confident that all the things that we’re investing in will yield incredible returns,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk told investors yesterday. (They didn’t bite: It was the electric automaker’s worst market day in more than a year, with a $215 billion shave to its market cap.) Expect the pressure to continue, even as revenue predictions look up. To channel Dickens: Great expectations. More tech news below; have a wonderful weekend. —Andrew Nusca P.S. Overnight, the Trump administration replaced a global 10% duty with duties on 80-odd nations ranging from 10% to 12.5%. Three months before midterm elections in the U.S., yes, Virginia, we’re still talking about tariffs. Want to send thoughts or suggestions to Fortune Tech? Drop a line here. U.S. lawmakers introduce ‘AI Kill Switch Act’ Who should have the power to shut down artificial intelligence that gets out of hand? According to U.S. legislators, the federal government. A new bipartisan bill introduced in the House on Thursday would grant the Department of Homeland Security the authority to order private AI firms to slow or altogether stop AI models the government deems capable of causing “catastrophic harm.” Dubbed the “AI Kill Switch Act,” the legislation would require designated developers to maintain the technical ability to “throttle, suspend, or fully shut down” a given AI system, establish a response framework for such a situation, and require incident reporting and record preservation to learn from an incident. “AI is going to keep advancing, and it should," said Congressman
Jul 24, 2026 · via fortune.com
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has unveiled a new proposal aimed at protecting what he calls Americans' right to drive "Freedom Cars"—a term that appears to be making its first appearance in federal transportation policy. The phrase appeared in a July 22 letter seen by Newsweek from Duffy to key congressional committee leaders. The letter outlined the Trump administration's priorities for a major surface transportation reauthorization bill ahead of a September 30 funding deadline, covering everything from highway expansion and automated vehicles to bike lanes and transit funding. Under the proposal, federal law would prohibit any federal, state, tribal or local government from requiring that vehicles be equipped with automated driving systems or have the capability to transmit data wirelessly. Newsweek reached out to the Department of Transportation via email for comment. What Is a 'Freedom Car'? Despite the branding, "Freedom Cars" are not actual cars. The term refers to a proposed consumer-rights protection that would prevent governments from requiring motorists to own connected or self-driving vehicles. The term appears in a section of Duffy's letter titled "Freedom Car Right to Drive Disconnected and Non-Automated," which would prohibit governments from requiring vehicles to be equipped with automated driving systems or capable of transmitting data wirelessly. The letter states that the aim is to "prohibit any Federal, State, tribal, or local authority from mandating that vehicles sold or operated on public roads be equipped with automated driving systems or be capable of transmitting data wirelessly." The proposal is part of a broader section called "Protecting Consumer Choice," where Duffy argues that Americans should retain the ability to purchase and operate traditional vehicles even as the auto industry develops more advanced autonomous-driving technologies. The term "Freedom Car" appears to follow a familiar pattern in Trump administration rhetoric. Just as supporters have used the
Jul 24, 2026 · via newsweek.com
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Jul 24, 2026 · via enotrans.org
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Jul 24, 2026 · via ft.com
Toyota Fixed The Crown's Two-Tone Paint You Thought Was Ugly When Toyota brought the Crown to the United States, consensus among reviews was clear: It was a weird little crossover-sedan-thing with some neat dual-tone paint and a price tag that sounded more Lexus than Toyota. Buyers weren't always sold on the exact implementation of the dual-tone paint, so for 2027 Toyota has fixed it, and it does look a little more normal. There's a re-shuffle of features from the upper models, and it gets paddle shifters, in case you want to pretend your big fastback is a GT3 car. Most of the changes the Crown gets for 2027 are small. The Limited trim gets a couple of connected-car features previously reserved for the Platinum trim, namely digital key compatibility and Toyota's Traffic Jam Assist hands-free low-speed driver-assist system (yes, that's part of a subscription), and all trims get a very slightly worked-over rear bumper. The non-Platinum trims also get Toyota's fourth-gen hybrid system, though it actually loses one mile per gallon combined in EPA estimates relative to the 2026 model. I may not be entirely sold The most noteworthy change is the dual-tone color available on the Platinum trim. On the pre-facelift Crown, the black section stretched up the hood and over the roof without touching the metal above the doors before coming down to cover most of the car's rear end and tailgate. For 2027, the sides of the roof are now included in the accent blackout, but the trunk and rear bumper are body-colored. I, personally, would prefer a mix of both — give me back the blacked-out rear end of the 2026 model, but make the entire roof a uniform black like the 2027 car. The other change the Crown gets for 2027 is pricing, with every
Jul 24, 2026 · via jalopnik.com
Apple has made it easier for car manufacturers to include Apple Maps as their default navigation software, and Ford is the first automaker to adopt it. Ford's Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, set to debut in 2027, will embed Maps tech into its systems using Apple's new MapKit for Automotive SDK, starting with a $30,000 midsize EV. Built-in features include turn-by-turn directions via natural-language search and real-time traffic and incident information. It’s also set to include intelligent EV routing features like battery preconditioning, which communicates with a charger to let it know your car is coming, allowing it to heat up, reach the right temperature, and reduce charging times. Apple Maps will be baked into the car’s infotainment system, meaning you won’t need to own an iPhone to access mapping. Ford confirms that CarPlay will remain available on its vehicles, so you can continue to use other iPhone features safely while driving. The partnership will also see Apple Maps tech help inform future updates to Ford's BlueCruise, which enables hands-free highway driving on pre-approved roads. Ford says Maps data will help it deliver "a more seamless on-ramp-to-off-ramp experience," without elaborating. “With our new MapKit for Automotive SDK, we’re bringing Maps further into drivers’ daily lives, giving them an incredibly accurate and easy-to-use navigation system that is seamlessly integrated into Ford vehicles," says Apple's Eddy Cue, SVP of services and health. However, this isn’t an exclusive deal with Ford, so other automakers may soon begin to include Maps via Apple's new MapKit SDK.
Jul 23, 2026 · via au.pcmag.com