2 Spalding County teens arrested for allegedly stealing cars, shooting at homeowner
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Two Spalding County teens were arrested last weekend after allegedly stealing two cars, breaking into several others and shooting at a homeowner who confronted them.
Spalding County deputies said Leon McCampbell, 18, and a 16-year-old attempted to break into a car on the 100 block of Westridge Drive June 27 when the pair were confronted by a homeowner.
The pair fired three shots at the homeowner and drove off in a previously stolen car. McCampbell and the other teenager were later arrested. Deputies said two cars had been stolen Saturday and a total of eight car break-ins occurred.
Deputies also said they believe the two are connected to a string of break-ins earlier in the week.
The pair were each charged with one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, four counts of theft by taking-motor vehicle and 18 counts of entering auto. McCampbell was additionally charged with one count of aggravated assault.
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Jul 2, 2026 · via cbs46.com
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Jul 2, 2026 · via instagram.com
On the back of the Commerce Department’s incredibly stupid move to ban Polestar from selling EVs in the US, the Polestar 4 is now nearly the cheapest EV in America after a $25k discount, and the Polestar 3 has a pretty great discount applied too. Last week, the Commerce Department abruptly decided that Polestar, a Swedish company building electric cars in South Carolina (Polestar 3) and South Korea (Polestar 4) that run on American software made by Google, would be banned from selling cars in the US due to made-up cybersecurity concerns. It turns out, due to the company being owned by Geely Automotive, Commerce decided they shouldn’t be able to sell connected vehicles starting in the 2027 model year. Volvo, which is also owned by Geely but which sells both EVs and gas-powered vehicles, somehow avoided the same fate, as did Mercedes which has significant investment from China and is also not an EV-exclusive brand. But that dumb decision will at least make a few customers happy, as Polestar is now offering deep discounts on the Polestar 4, its quirky electric no-rear-window-having coupe, and the Polestar 3, its luxe SUV. The Polestar 4 is a smoking deal at just $31.4k to start The deal is available directly from Polestar’s website, where the discount is already applied, and marked as a “limited offer.” The $25k discount seems to apply to the full model line, either single or dual motor examples. Right now, the only competition at a lower price than the Polestar 4 is the Chevy Bolt EV at $27k (read our review here) and the Nissan Leaf at $30k (read our review here). The Polestar 4 is one of few electric sedans left for sale in the US, and is now one of the cheapest EVs in America, as
Jul 2, 2026 · via electrek.co
- Polestar's imminent exit from the U.S. market is resulting in some extremely enticing discounts on remaining inventory. - Polestar 4 models can be had for up to $25,000 off the sticker price, or a 39-month lease payment of only $399 per month. - The more expensive Polestar 3 is offered with up to $23,000 in rebates. Last week, fledgling electric-car maker Polestar was forced to exit the U.S. market due to a change in federal regulations surrounding connected car services, which affects vehicles manufactured in China and Russia. The U.S. government's decision to ban the Chinese-owned company from selling new cars on our shores has kickstarted a fire sale of existing Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 inventory at dealers across the country. Right now, you can qualify for up to $25,000 off a new Polestar 3 or Polestar 4. That would bring the price of a base, rear-wheel-drive Polestar 4 from $57,800 to a very attractive $32,800. For comparison, that's $195 less than a 2027 Chevy Bolt RS, one of the most affordable EVs on the market today. For Sale Near You See all results for new 2025 Polestar Polestar 3 for sale near 32256 If you want all-wheel drive, Polestar 4s with the dual-motor powertrain can be had for as little as $39,300. The Polestar 3, which originally had starting prices higher than those of the Polestar 4, is also available with a large $23,000 discount, bringing the base price of a $74,800 Long Range Dual Motor model down to $51,800 with no options. If you aren't able to pay cash for your new Polestar (or get financing from your bank or credit union), there are also compelling lease and finance deals. Polestar 4s are eligible for up to $19,000 in lease cash, bringing the monthly payment of
Jul 2, 2026 · via caranddriver.com
AWS for Industries Coins in Motion: Building agentic blockchain payments for in-vehicle experiences Agentic blockchain-based payments are poised to transform in-vehicle driving experiences. As vehicles become increasingly connected and autonomous, they are evolving from passive transportation tools into active economic agents capable of conducting their own financial transactions [see HBR Article, 2021]. Imagine your car automatically paying for highway tolls, electric charging sessions, parking fees, or even purchasing real-time traffic data, all without human intervention. In this post, we describe how this vision can become reality through blockchain-based micro-payment systems that enable vehicles to transact autonomously, efficiently, and securely. Specifically, we introduce a solution design and show how this can be applied to implement three exemplary use cases, namely agentic 1/ road toll, 2/ vehicle charging, and 3/ in-vehicle entertainment payments. Traditional payment infrastructure was never designed for the machine economy. Credit card processors charge 2–3% per transaction, making payments under a few dollars economically unviable. Banks operate on business-day schedules with settlement times measured in hours or days, creating friction for time-sensitive transactions. These limitations have constrained innovation in connected mobility services, forcing providers to bundle charges or require prepayment, both creating poor user experiences. Blockchain technology fundamentally re-imagines this paradigm and enables various use cases such as micro-payments, shopping agents, and bot-to-bot payments as depicted in Figure 1. By using stablecoins [see e.g. HBR Article, 2024] – digital currencies pegged to fiat money like dollars or euros – vehicles can conduct micro-payments with transaction costs measured in cents rather than percentages. A car can pay $0.15 for 5 minutes of parking or $0.03 for a single toll crossing, with fees that make such granular transactions economically sensible for the first time. Foundational concepts Understanding how blockchain technology enables this payment transformation requires grasping several interconnected concepts: Distributed ledger:
Jul 2, 2026 · via aws.amazon.com
Reynolds and Reynolds has released new details about its Amplify 2026 retail summit, outlining a workshop agenda centred on artificial intelligence, dealership operations, compliance and data management. The annual event will take place Aug. 10-11 at the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, Calif., bringing together dealership leaders to discuss technology and operational strategies aimed at improving performance. “Amplify provides a unique opportunity for dealers to experience firsthand the latest technology and ideas shaping the future of automotive retail,” said Chris Walsh, President and Acting CEO of Reynolds and Reynolds, in a statement. According to Reynolds and Reynolds, the workshop program will focus on practical applications that dealers can take back to their stores. Topics include building the data infrastructure needed for AI, adopting paperless repair order processes, improving data quality, streamlining accounting workflows and using real-time inventory insights to improve profitability. Several sessions will examine the growing role of AI in dealership operations, including responsible use of tools such as Claude, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. Other workshops will explore transportation and fleet opportunities, warranty administration and automation designed to reduce manual processes. Compliance will also be a key theme. One session will examine California’s CARS Act ahead of its Oct. 1, 2026 implementation date and discuss how the legislation could influence regulatory expectations in other jurisdictions. The event will also feature an expo showcasing connected dealership technologies, automation tools and AI-enabled workflows intended to improve efficiency across sales, service and back-office operations. Additional information and registration details are available through Reynolds and Reynolds.
Jul 2, 2026 · via canadianautodealer.ca
Samsara launched new agentic tools designed to help operations teams automate repetitive tasks, reduce manual work, and respond faster across their businesses. The new capabilities include Samsara Agent Studio, which allows users to deploy preconfigured AI agents or build their own workflows without developer support. Samsara said the tools are built on operational data from connected vehicles, equipment, worksites, and business processes. In 2025, the company said it captured 25 trillion data points across the Samsara Network. “Samsara has spent the last 10 years deeply embedded in the world’s most complex physical operations, giving us unprecedented visibility into what’s happening on the ground,” said Johan Land, chief product officer at Samsara. “Now, customers can act on this insight by leveraging Samsara’s platform to fully automate workflows without extensive IT expertise.” Agents Target Repetitive Operations Work Samsara Agent Studio serves as a control center for setting up and managing AI-powered workflows. The platform allows users to configure agents, set permissions, monitor usage, and turn specific capabilities on or off. Samsara said operations teams can use the studio to automate tasks such as paperwork management, driver communication, vendor coordination, and status updates. Users can build custom agents or start with more than 15 prebuilt templates across safety and maintenance. The company said the studio also allows teams to integrate company policies and documents as a knowledge base, preview agent behavior before deployment, and track outcomes through a performance dashboard. Early Use Cases Include Drivers and Maintenance Samsara said customers are already using Agent Studio to automate workflows that traditionally required dedicated staff or manual follow-up. One food distributor is using a driver assistance agent to answer parking, weigh-station, policy, and escalation questions based on location and company data. Samsara said the agent saves 30 minutes in communication time per call. A food
Jul 2, 2026 · via fleetequipmentmag.com
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Jul 2, 2026 · via youtube.com
The Kia Niro is a solid entry in the brand's American lineup, if not exactly popular. In the brand's recently published June 2026 sales results, Niro found just 2,048 buyers during the month. That was still up slightly from the same period last year, but it's well behind the company's bestseller, the Sportage. To spice things up a bit, Kia is rolling out a minor refresh that brings it more in line with its SUV siblings. - Base Trim Engine - 1.6L I4 Hybrid - Base Trim Transmission - 6-speed auto-shift manual - Base Trim Drivetrain - Front-Wheel Drive - Base Trim Horsepower - 103.5 HP @5700 RPM - Base Trim Torque - 106.3 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM - Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) - 53/54/53 MPG - Base Trim Battery Type - Lithium polymer (LiPo) - Make - Kia - Model - Niro - Segment - Compact SUV - Base Trim Battery Capacity - 1.3 kWh What can you expect on the 2027 Kia Niro? It's small but effective with lighting updates on the outside, and a revised interior with some tech updates. Let's dive in for a closer look. . "For the new model year, we’ve made meaningful investments across several areas of the vehicle to further enhance the ownership experience and ensure Niro remains a compelling choice for years to come." - Orth Hedrick, executive director for product planning, Kia North America A Closer Look At The 2027 Niro The refreshed Niro's exterior styling changes are predominantly at the front and rear. The nose has a more chiseled appearance that fits better with the brand's other SUVs, such as the Sorento and Telluride. It adopts the company's Star Map signature lighting with upright, T-shaped elements in each lamp. Kia says the change is supposed to communicate "a
Jul 2, 2026 · via carbuzz.com
Announced on 1 July 2026, the MCP (Model Context Protocol) connector Geotab allows companies to access and act on their fleet data in real-time, without leaving the AI tools already deployed within their organisation. The tool is based on this open-source protocol and works with ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, or any other MCP-approved environment. The MCP protocol was launched by Anthropic, the creator of Claude, in November 2024. By adopting this open-source standard, Geotab is creating, in its own words, «a secure and universal gateway» between fleet analytics data and enterprise AI tools. Each client thus retains the freedom to choose their platform (ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, or any future compatible tool). The client retains control over the security, privacy, and governance of their data, in accordance with their internal policies. The connector goes beyond simple consultation. Fleet managers can query their data in natural language, chain multi-step tasks, and take direct action. This allows them to create alerts, schedule maintenance operations, generate reports, or develop complete applications. The tool also integrates Ace, Geotab's agent-based platform. The telematics company is among the first in the sector to deploy a conversational chatbot dedicated to fleet management. A massive data foundation The appeal of the connector rests on the sheer volume of data that Geotab processes: approximately 37 trillion points per year, originating from over 6 million connected vehicles in 160 countries. This data covers engine status, driver behaviour, fuel consumption, routes, maintenance needs, and safety risks.
Jul 2, 2026 · via flotauto.com
Audi: Selling The Same Car Everywhere No Longer Works In Audi's vision, the global car is dead. THE BREAKDOWN - Audi believes regional differences have killed the global car. - Audi's spinoff brand AUDI (without the Four Rings) is exclusive to China. - Four-ringed models will continue in China. Audi was the first luxury automaker to enter China in 1988, six years before BMW and 17 years ahead of Mercedes. It didn’t take long for the trio to discover that Chinese customers prefer more spacious cars with roomier back seats. They all adapted by stretching the wheelbases of their global models for the locally manufactured versions. Since then, Western brands have launched a myriad of China-only models, including long-wheelbase SUVs. With help from SAIC, Audi has taken things to the next level by setting up a separate car brand specifically for the Chinese market. The recently founded AUDI, spelled out in capital letters and without the iconic Four Rings, sells two models in China that you can’t get anywhere else. The wagon-esque E5 Sportback led the way before the E7X SUV arrived, and a new sedan is also on the way. Why is Audi going through this much trouble? Simple: it believes the era of the global car has come to an end. The days when a one-size-fits-all formula worked are over, and automakers need to adapt their vehicles to suit regional preferences. As the saying goes, different strokes for different folks. In an interview with Australian magazine GoAuto, chief technical officer Rouven Mohr said there are fundamental incompatibilities between what buyers want around the world: 'I think the idea of the global car – so one car that fits the world – this is gone, to be honest, because it’s not fitting anymore in the US (and) in China.
Jul 2, 2026 · via motor1.com
Videos How AI Can Help Fleet Managers Build Their Own Solutions Syneos Health Fleet Manager Kristin Leary is exploring how AI-powered development tools, telematics data, and predictive analytics could help fleets solve operational challenges without waiting for a vendor roadmap. As artificial intelligence becomes more accessible, some fleet managers are beginning to see opportunities beyond data analysis and reporting. For Kristin Leary, fleet manager at Syneos Health, AI could eventually help fleets build custom solutions tailored to their own operations. In this On the Move interview, Leary discussed how emerging AI-powered development tools may allow fleet professionals to create applications that address specific fleet challenges without relying solely on commercial software providers. One idea she is exploring is a custom vehicle inspection and accountability tool that could use photos and AI to document vehicle condition, registration compliance, and driver responsibility. 🧭 Topics Discussed: - How AI could help fleet managers build their own custom solutions - Using telematics and data analytics to improve driver safety and reduce risk - Creating AI-powered tools for vehicle inspections, accountability, and compliance - Leveraging predictive maintenance to prevent breakdowns and control costs - Preparing fleets for a future driven by connected vehicle data and emerging technologies
Jul 2, 2026 · via automotive-fleet.com
Don't expect trackers to save your stolen car, experts say People should not expect vehicle trackers to be able to help them if their car is stolen, experts have warned. Car safety firm Thatcham Research said there was a "genuine and growing gap" between consumer expectation and the technical reality of so-called connected car features. Ian Fogg, a smartphone analyst, said his car was stolen from outside his house in March, but he has not been able to retrieve it - despite the manufacturer, Kia, being able to view its live location via the Kia Connect service. The company told the BBC that UK law prevented the Connect function being used to live track vehicles, advising customers to use it for "convenience" rather than security. Fogg told BBC News: "This car was incredibly easy to hack but incredibly difficult to track, it shouldn't be this easy to nick a car when they cost an order of magnitude more than a phone and have similar radio technology". He had video doorbell evidence of it being driven away, an Apple Airtag hidden inside it, and the Kia Connect service. His story is a cautionary tale of how tech can promise security but cannot necessarily be relied upon in the event of a crisis. He was abroad in March this year when his phone pinged to say he no longer had access to the Kia Connect app. Thieves had broken into the vehicle without having the keys, and had disconnected Fogg's phone via the entertainment system. There is an unsecured process for doing this, designed to make it easier for new owners to take over from previous ones. He watched the car drive off via his video doorbell. For a short while he was able to track it via an Apple Airtag hidden
Jul 1, 2026 · via bbc.com
California Gov. signs bill pushing deadline on vehicle technology requirements By onAnnouncements Hours before a July 1 deadline that would have required automakers to implement technology requirements in the state of California, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that pushes back the deadline. The Alliance of Automotive Innovation (Auto Innovators) warned late last month that new and used vehicle sales in California could be suspended, if SB 719 was not passed. SB 719 updates the implementation schedule for technologies required under a 2024 bill, SB1394, that requires OEMs to provide options for vehicle tracking to be disabled by the owner in an attempt to protect victims of domestic and sexual assault, along with human trafficking. In the final hour, California’s Assembly passed SB 719, sending it to the governor at 6 p.m. A press release posted by the governor’s office late Monday shows the bill as one of many signed by the governor that day. The governor’s release doesn’t provide any comments on the bill, nor does there appear to be any public comments made. It’s not the first time the governor has seen to eye to eye with automakers. In 2024, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required intelligent speed assistance (ISA) in all vehicles in the state starting in 2030. Similar to SB1394, the ISA bill would have required specific technology be in vehicles sold in California, a requirement that the rest of the nation doesn’t have. “While I appreciate the intent to improve traffic safety, this bill presents several challenges,” Newsom said at the time. “Federal law, as implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), already regulates vehicle safety standards, and adding California-specific requirements would create a patchwork of regulations that undermines this longstanding federal framework. NHTSA is also actively evaluating intelligent speed assistance
Jul 1, 2026 · via repairerdrivennews.com
Are independent mechanics about to get locked out of wrenching on new vehicles? Should you be allowed and able to choose who fixes the car that you own? Should you be able to work on your own car? The quiet battle brewing over the right to repair could decide the answer to these questions all within the walls of congress without you ever getting a say. The fight has been brewing for over a decade, and now it’s back in spotlight. Ford CEO Jim Farley made a comment about the topic that should make every car owner uncomfortable. Farley’s comment that modern cars are too complex and his argument that it’s a safety issue for you to work on your own car is just one piece of the puzzle. The larger question, and the real danger, is what happens if automakers win this fight that you didn’t even realize existed. The feds are involved and President Trump is now urging the EPA to clarify what repairs are legal, but the current administration’s latest move only takes aim at emissions equipment. It also is a memo and by no means changing the current situation. This isn’t a new topic and has been on the docket for years with bipartisan coalitions introducing bills, U.S. Senators calling out automotive executives for opposing right to repair, and even the feds telling automakers to ignore right to repair laws in certain states. The issue can affect things as simple as changing brake pads on your car. And cars being more connected and complicated than ever isn’t helping things. On the latest episode of The Drivecast we discuss the right to repair, how we got here, why it’s back in the news, what’s happening, what it means for you, and what you can do about it.
Jul 1, 2026 · via thedrive.com
- Kia is bringing the facelifted Niro to America this summer. - Crossover sports revised styling, updated interior, and new tech. - The 2027 Niro drops the electric variant to go hybrid-only. Following its debut overseas in January, Kia has introduced the facelifted Niro in America. It arrives this summer with freshened styling, new technology, and a hybrid-only lineup. Looking surprisingly refined, the 2027 Niro has a “more confident and contemporary appearance.” The changes are immediately apparent as the crossover adopts a new front fascia with classier Star Map headlights. They’re joined by a revised bumper and a reworked grille. More: Redesigned 2027 Kia Niro Desperately Wants To Be An EV3 The changes continue out back, where there’s a new liftgate that features a cleaner design. The license plate recess has been moved down to the redesigned bumper, while the taillights have been given a 3D-inspired makeover. Buyers will also find smaller changes including new Ivory Silver and Sunset Beige paint colors. Moving inside, there’s an updated interior with a new steering wheel and a panoramic curved display. Higher-end variants combine a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment system, while entry-level variants have a smaller and more basic cluster display. Speaking of screens, models equipped with Kia Connected Car Navigation Cockpit now have quick controls and an over-the-air update capability. Motivation is provided exclusively by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 139 hp (104 kW / 141 PS) and 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which sends power to the front wheels. This enables the Niro to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 10.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h). Fuel economy numbers haven’t been released, but they should echo last year’s model that
Jul 1, 2026 · via carscoops.com
Figures Abstract Mixed traffic containing connected automated vehicles (CAVs) and human-driven vehicles (HDVs) is sensitive to loss of cooperative information and heterogeneous driver responses. This study develops a probability-weighted full-frequency transfer-function framework to evaluate longitudinal string stability under communication degradation. CAVs are represented by cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) when cooperative information is available and by adaptive cruise control (ACC) when such information is unavailable; HDV responses are represented by the intelligent driver model (IDM), optimal velocity model (OVM), and risk-sensitive model (RSM). The framework preserves frequency-dependent disturbance responses and interprets the conventional algebraic condition as a low-frequency approximation. Under the adopted single-lane, small-perturbation assumptions, passive CACC-to-ACC degradation raised the global critical CAV penetration threshold from about 87.3% in an ideal connected-upgrade benchmark to about 96.0% in the degraded baseline. HDV heterogeneity mainly compressed local stable-speed regions rather than changing the global threshold, and this pattern persisted under 100 Latin Hypercube samples with ±10% HDV parameter perturbations. A 5% functional communication-reliability loss increased the critical threshold to about 99.7% and compressed the stable domain; an equivalent response delay reduced the stable-area ratio even when the global threshold changed only slightly at 0.20 s. An NGSIM US101 trajectory replay supported the IDM-based HDV component, with median speed and spacing root mean square errors of 0.8456 m/s and 3.5078 m. These findings indicate that mixed-flow stability depends not only on CAV penetration but also on cooperative-information availability and HDV response heterogeneity, while the full speed-penetration stability map remains a model-based prediction. Citation: Han H, Li F, Hao Z, Qi L, Wei Z, Zhao C (2026) Frequency-domain stability analysis of mixed traffic flow considering communication degradation and human driving heterogeneity. PLoS One 21(7): e0352664. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0352664 Editor: Lei Zhang, Beijing Institute of Technology, CHINA Received: April 3, 2026; Accepted: June 11, 2026; Published: July
Jul 1, 2026 · via journals.plos.org
CATL secures safety production permit for Jianxiawo lithium mine
CATL can likely restart its Jianxiawo lepidolite lithium mine after securing a safety production permit. Benchmark has seen a copy of the permit certificate, which was considered the last official hurdle CATL needed to overcome to resume production at the mine which has been idle since August 2025. With production resumed, Benchmark forecasts the mine could produce up to 50 kt lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2026, depending on how smoothly the resumption process goes. Jianxiawo is forecast to account for 1.5–2.7% of global lithium supply in 2026.
Jul 1, 2026 · via source.benchmarkminerals.com
Kia Seltos GTX(O), X-Line(O) launched in India with upgraded ADAS, HUD and connected tech - Kia India has launched the new Seltos GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants at a starting price of ₹21.57 lakh (ex-showroom). The biggest highlight of the new variants is the addition of Kia's ADAS F+ suite, which now packs 28 advanced driver assistance features. These include Front Collision-Avoidance Assist for junction crossings and lane changes, Evasive Steering Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control for curves and speed zones, along with Highway Driving Assist. The new features further strengthen the safety package of the Seltos. The SUV has already earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. Also check these Cars New convenience and connected features Apart from safety, Kia has equipped the GTX(O) and X-Line(O) with several premium features. These include the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), Kia Connect 2.0 with more than 85 connected features, a Digital Key, a Head-Up Display with windshield projection, Smart Air Purifier with AQI display, Smart Dashcam with front and rear cameras, rain-sensing wipers and one-touch auto up/down function for all four power windows with safety protection. Voice-enabled convenience across select regional languages has also been added. The SUV continues to be based on Kia's K3 platform and will be offered with a naturally aspirated petrol engine, a turbo-petrol and diesel engine options. Also Read : New-gen Hyundai Creta spied again: To borrow this feature from Kia Seltos Kia on the new variants Commenting on the launch, Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Kia India, said the Seltos has continued to evolve with changing customer expectations while maintaining its position as one of the company's strongest products in India. He added that following its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, the introduction of the GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants further enhances the SUV by
Jul 1, 2026 · via auto.hindustantimes.com
Kia has unveiled the updated 2027 Niro. The hybrid-only Niro is back with an interior that is more high-tech, some updated styling and a wider array of driver aids. For 2027 you will also see the lineup grow to include a new S trim alongside the LX, EX and SX. If you are looking for the most noticeable difference, head to the front. The 2027 model has been given Kia’s current Opposites United treatment. You will find a revised grille and new daytime running lights along with the brand’s Star Map signature lighting. The side profile is as you would expect from a Niro, with its flowing roofline and body-colored C-pillars underscoring its crossover nature. But around back there is a new liftgate and a restyled bumper, plus three-dimensional taillights. Kia has even introduced two fresh paint options this year: Ivory Silver and Sunset Beige. There is a good deal of upgrading going on inside as well. The dashboard has been refreshed with a panoramic curved display that includes a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. The display can also feature either a 4-inch digital gauge or you can opt for the 12.3-inch instrument cluster Even the two-tone steering wheel has been redone for 2027 to liven things up while leaving plenty of room. You could say the technology has moved forward in a big way. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard now. For those who want the Kia Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), you get Quick Controls and the ability to download software over the air. On certain trims you can put in some time with Netflix, Disney+ or YouTube while the car is at a standstill. Want to personalize your drive? The Kia Connect Store has themes for all 30 NBA teams and some from Disney. And if
Jul 1, 2026 · via thetorquereport.com