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A disguised IONIQ 6 was spotted near Hyundai’s R&D hub in Europe, revealing much more than a standard refresh model. Hyundai tests upcoming SDV with the IONIQ 6 After introducing its advanced new infotainment system, Pleos Connect, last month, Hyundai said it was the first major step in the company’s transition from a standard automaker to a “software-centric mobility leader.” The system is similar to what’s found in Tesla models, with apps and a customizable layout, making it easier to find what you need, like a smartphone. Hyundai’s setup includes two main screens. The larger central touchscreen is divided into three sections: driver information on the right, navigation and other apps on the right, and your recently used apps pinned to the bottom bar. Unlike Tesla, Hyundai Pleos Connect includes an additional, smaller display in front of the driver that provides helpful info like speed, media, and turn-by-turn directions, so you don’t have to check the infotainment system. Another difference is the addition of physical buttons for climate control and other functions located under the infotainment screen and on the steering wheel. Hyundai’s Pleos Connect debuted on the new Grandeur in Korea this month and will continue to roll out to new vehicles, including the IONIQ 3 EV. By the end of the decade, the company plans to equip about 20 million Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles with the new Pleos Connect system. The new infotainment system is Hyundai’s “first tangible step” toward an SDV architecture, which will unlock another level of in-car features. It appears Hyundai is already testing it out with its first SDV due out next year. New spy images from SH Proshots (via TheKoreanCarBlog) reveal an IONIQ 6 prototype fitted with the new Pleos Connect infotainment system inside. The exterior looks about the same as the
OTTAWA - Data from an advanced electric vehicle that falls into the wrong hands could be used to track people or carry out surveillance, an internal government document warns. The Public Safety Canada memo, prepared to address concerns about Chinese vehicles, urges Canadians to be mindful of the security and privacy risks of the digital devices they buy and use. kAmt2C=:6C E9:D J62C[ r2?252 A=65865 E@ C65F46 :ED `__ A6C 46?E E2C:77 @? r9:?6D6\>256 6=64EC:4 G69:4=6D E@ e]` A6C 46?E — H:E9 2? 2??F2= 42A @7 ch[___ G69:4=6D — :? 6I492?86 7@C =@H6C E2C:77D @? r2?25:2? 28C:4F=EFC2= AC@5F4ED]k^Am kAm%96 >6>@ D2JD r2?252 92D E@ 6IA2?5 :ED 64@?@>J :? C6DA@?D6 E@ 2 492?8:?8 86@A@=:E:42= 6?G:C@?>6?E — 2 ?646DD2CJ DE6A E@ 6?DFC6 64@?@>:4 D@G6C6:8?EJ]k^Am kAmQpE E96 D2>6 E:>6[ @A6?:?8 @FC >2C<6ED E@ ?6H A=2J6CD 42? 2>A=:7J E96 AC6D6?46 @7 9:89\C:D< G6?5@CD] r@??64E65 G69:4=6D[ D:>:=2C E@ @E96C D>2CE @C :?E6C?6E\4@??64E65 56G:46D[ 4@==64E D:8?:7:42?E 2>@F?ED @7 52E2 @? r2?25:2?D[ H9:49 42? 92G6 :?E6==:86?46 G2=F6[Q :E D2JD]k^Am kAmQu@C 6I2>A=6[ F?2FE9@C:K65 2446DD E@ 52E2 2?5 4@??64E65 G69:4=6 DJDE6>D 4@F=5 36 FD65 E@ 6DE23=:D9 A2EE6C?D @7 =:76 @C 4@?5F4E DFCG6:==2?46 @? D6?D:E:G6 D:E6D]Qk^Am kAm%96 r2?25:2? !C6DD FD65 E96 p446DD E@ x?7@C>2E:@? p4E E@ @3E2:? E96 >6>@[ H9:49 :?4=F56D <6J >6DD286D 2D H6== 2D BF6DE:@?D 2?5 2?DH6CD 23@FE E96 :DDF6]k^Am kAmxE A@:?ED @FE E92E 4@>A2?:6D :? r2?252 >FDE 4@>A=J H:E9 7656C2= AC:G24J =2H[ @C AC@G:?4:2= 6BF:G2=6?ED[ E92E D6E @FE CF=6D 7@C 4@==64E:?8[ FD:?8 2?5 5:D4=@D:?8 A6CD@?2= :?7@C>2E:@?]k^Am kAm%96 >6>@ 255D[ 9@H6G6C[ E92E :EVD :>A@CE2?E E@ C6>6>36C E96 ?2E:@?2= D64FC:EJ =2HD @7 46CE2:? 4@F?EC:6D[ =:<6 r9:?2[ 42? 4@>A6= >2?F724EFC6CD 2?5 DFAA=:6CD E@ D92C6 52E2 H:E9 E96:C 9@>6 8@G6C?>6?E @C A@=:46]k^Am kAmQ%96 C:D< E92E r2?25:2? 52E2 4@==64E65 3J 4@??64E65 G69:4=6D 2C6 2446DD65 2?5 6IA=@:E65 :?4C62D6D H96? E96D6 52E2 2C6 D6?E E@ — @C EC2?D:E E9C@F89 — 7@C6:8? ;FC:D5:4E:@?D H:E9 >@C6
- Owners say Home Assistant integrations suddenly stopped working after a backend change. - Critics argue the issue raises questions about who controls data generated by connected cars. - We’ve asked VW whether the change was intentional and if third-party access will return. Modern cars can do some pretty remarkable things. They can pre-condition their cabins before you leave work, start charging when electricity rates are cheapest, and even coordinate with your smart home. The catch? Many of those features only work because your vehicle is constantly talking to servers controlled by the automaker. Now, some Volkswagen owners are learning what happens when that connection changes. Users of the popular open-source Home Assistant platform report that Volkswagen vehicle integrations suddenly stopped working following what appears to be a recent change to the automaker’s authentication system. Home Assistant is a self-hosted smart home platform that allows users to connect and automate everything from thermostats and lights to EV chargers and vehicles. Read: Everyone Has This In Their Car Now But Fewer People Want It Volkswagen owners had used it to create automations that went far beyond the company’s official app, including charging only when rooftop solar panels were generating excess power, adjusting charging schedules based on electricity prices, and triggering custom notifications when charging started or stopped. Now, that functionality appears to be dead in the water thanks to VW’s back-end change. An Advocate Speaks Out The controversy quickly caught the attention of right-to-repair advocate and YouTuber Louis Rossmann, who argued that the issue isn’t really about Home Assistant at all. “It’s your car. It’s your data,” Rossmann said while discussing the situation. Rossmann also questioned the broader connected-car model used throughout the industry. “Who decided that the car should have its data sent only to the manufacturer’s server? Them,” he
Connected vehicle data ‘can have intelligence value’ to adversaries: federal document Advertisement Read this article for free: or Already have an account? Log in here » To continue reading, please subscribe: Digital Subscription One year of digital access for only $1.44 a week* - Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com - Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper - Access News Break, our award-winning app - Play interactive puzzles *Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time. To continue reading, please subscribe: Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional $1 for the first 4 weeks* - Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com - Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper - Access News Break, our award-winning app - Play interactive puzzles *Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks. Read unlimited articles for free today: or Already have an account? Log in here » OTTAWA – Data from an advanced electric vehicle that falls into the wrong hands could be used to track people or carry out surveillance, an internal government document warns. The Public Safety Canada memo, prepared to address concerns about Chinese vehicles, urges Canadians to be mindful of the security and privacy risks of the digital devices they buy and use. Earlier this year, Canada pledged to reduce its 100 per cent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles to 6.1 per cent — with an annual cap of 49,000 vehicles — in exchange for lower tariffs on Canadian agricultural
Australia’s spy agency issued a stark warning to politicians and public servants last week: do not discuss sensitive or classified information in vehicles. Speaking at senate estimates, ASIO Deputy Director-General Lisa Alonso Love said the warning concerned “any vehicle, whether it’s connected or not”. But she added that “connected vehicles” may come with additional risks for data collection. Her advice was that classified conversations should occur only in properly secured locations, not while travelling. The warning came after seven models of Chinese electric vehicles were added to the list of taxpayer-funded cars available to federal politicians, representing 30% of the vehicles now available under the parliamentarian vehicle scheme. But this is not just a problem with electric cars, nor cars manufactured in China. Connected vehicles of any kind come with several privacy and national security risks. What are ‘connected cars’? According to the Australian Signals Directorate, any vehicle that is connected to the internet, either through an embedded SIM card or a paired smartphone, can be considered a connected vehicle. Almost all major cars sold in Australia with “connected services” collect and transmit driver and passenger data to the vehicle manufacturer. A study by consulting firm McKinsey found 50% of cars on the road in 2021 had internet connections and predicted the number will rise to 95% by 2030. Data is collected and stored both on vehicle and offshore. For example, Great Wall Motor’s policy states its data is transmitted to Singapore but is available for analysis in China. What data do these cars collect? Connected vehicles are packed with sensors: in the seats, the dashboard, the engine, the steering wheel. Many also have additional driver-facing cameras plus external cameras. Vehicles can generate 1 to 2 terabytes of raw data per car each day. Manufacturers collect sensor data to measure
Elon Musk did not make it to Tel Aviv, but he still opened one of Israel’s most visible mobility events of the year. Tesla’s CEO appeared by video call at the Samson International Smart Mobility Summit 2026 after Transportation Minister Miri Regev said the security situation prevented him from coming to Israel. Musk spoke from Austin, Texas, where he said it was around 2:30 a.m., and took questions on autonomous driving (AD), artificial intelligence, and Tesla’s vision for the future of transportation. For more stories from The Media Line go to themedialine.org His appearance gave the summit an immediate global name, but the spotlight in Tel Aviv was less about celebrity than about the difficult work behind smart mobility: getting autonomous systems, drones, air taxis, safety software, and new transit ideas out of pilot mode and into public use. 'I’m a huge admirer of the innovation coming out of Israel' The most direct moment for the Israeli audience came when Musk turned to the country’s technology sector in a moment of appreciation: “I have to say, you know, I’m a huge admirer of the innovation coming out of Israel,” he said. “Honestly, I think objectively true that Israel punches far above its weight for population. I think probably number one, honestly, in the world,” adding, “My hat is off to Israel for just how much incredible innovation. I say innovation per capita. Israel must be number one by far in the world.” Asked about Tesla’s approach to self-driving technology, Musk said the company was making “steady progress” toward making AD widely available, relying on “AI and cameras” rather than radar or light detection and ranging (LiDAR), a technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create precise 3D maps of objects, terrain, or spaces. “It’s really trying to drive
In connected care news are MIPI Alliance, Hyundai Mobis, Volvo Cars, Hyundai Motor America, AISIN, Green Hills, DP Patterning, Elektrobit, ETAS, LG Electronics, Google, GigaDevice, Tury, Motive, Polar Semiconductor, Nexperia, Silicon Motion, Zuken, Valeo In this Article MIPI Alliance Launches Automotive SerDes Compliance Program for A-PHY Ecosystem The MIPI Alliance has launched the MIPI A-PHY Compliance Program, establishing the industry’s first formal validation framework for an automotive serializer/deserializer standard. The program allows semiconductor manufacturers to verify that their A-PHY long-reach physical layer devices conform to standardized specifications. The initiative is structured to satisfy automotive original equipment manufacturer and Tier 1 supplier demands for multi-vendor interoperability, functional safety, and electromagnetic interference robustness within centralized software-defined vehicle compute architectures. MIPI A-PHY serves as a standardized, long-reach physical layer interface operating up to 15 meters, enabling high-speed data transmission from vehicle image sensors and displays to autonomous driving system controllers. The compliance infrastructure is being deployed in phased intervals, with the initial phase concentrating on physical layer verification via a reference compliance test suite. Subsequent expansion phases will encompass link-layer and protocol adaptation layer testing to ensure stable data transmission for higher-layer protocols running across the MIPI Automotive SerDes Solutions end-to-end network framework. To execute and manage the testing methodology, MIPI designated BitifEye Digital Test Solutions GmbH as the program’s first authorized test lab. BitifEye will oversee future inter-vendor plugfests and manage the official registry of A-PHY compliant hardware. Development of the verification criteria involved collaboration across component manufacturers and test equipment providers, including Keysight Technologies, Sony Semiconductor Solutions, Tektronix, Teledyne LeCroy, and Valens Semiconductor. Hyundai Mobis Adopts Open-Source Architecture to Drive Global SDV Platform Standardization <p”>Hyundai Mobis has joined the Software-Defined Vehicle Working Group under the Eclipse Foundation to participate in the S-Core Project, a global open-source initiative focused on standardizing foundational
In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are Tesla, Waymo, WeRide, Helm.ai, Reuters, FORT Robotics, Mapless AI, American Rheinmetall, Harbinger, DENSO, Carnegie Mellon University, Massimo Group, Torc Robotics, Mila, Voltera, Revel, Swift Ride, Geotab, STRADVISION, aiMotive and AEye. In this Article Investigation Find Flaws & Problems in Tesla’s Self-Driving A Reuters investigation indicates that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving safety statistics rely on flawed methodology, and data labelers responsible for training the artificial intelligence system report a lack of trust in the technology. The investigation reveals that Tesla inflated its safety claims by comparing internal airbag-deployment data against federal crash statistics that utilize a lower threshold involving tow-truck dispatches. When evaluated using comparable airbag-deployment metrics, the data showed the system was roughly three times farther between crashes rather than the ten times safer figure claimed by company executives. Former data labelers tasked with reviewing video from vehicle external cameras reported frequent failures, including inadequate responses to emergency vehicles, motorcyclists, and construction zones. Dedicated analysis of near-miss footage also highlighted instances where the software failed to detect pedestrians and children in crosswalks. Additionally, workers noted instances of significant speeding following the introduction of more aggressive driving profiles. The report details that Tesla engaged in extensive high-definition mapping of specific operating zones ahead of public robotaxi demonstrations in California and Texas, challenging public assertions that the camera-based system operates entirely without localized digital mapping. The labor-intensive annotation required for these limited operational design domains has reportedly restricted the scaling of the unsupervised fleet, which maintains a limited deployment footprint nearly a year after initial pilot launches. Waymo Deploys Sixth-Generation Autonomous Ojai Vehicles to San Francisco and Los Angeles Fleets Waymo has commenced deployment of its sixth-generation driverless system on Ojai vehicles, initiating employee and guest testing across San Francisco and Los Angeles. Engineered on an
Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Kia Seltos GTX(A) Diesel AT 19.99 lakh Maruti Suzuki Wagon R ZXI+ AGS 1.2 6.84 lakh Engine & Transmission Engine Displacement Engine Installation Engine Type Number of Cylinders Max Engine Torque Max Engine Power Fuel Type/ Propulsion Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Number of Gears Sport Mode for Automatic Gearbox Manual Shifts via Gear Lever on Automatic Gearbox Drive Layout Lockable Differential/s Gearbox Type Pure Electric Driving Mode Fuel & Performance Auto Start/Stop Terrain Modes Fuel Supply System Fuel Tank Capacity Emission Standard Autocar Tested Mileage Autocar Tested Highway Mileage Autocar Tested City Mileage Official Fuel Economy E20 Compatibility User Reported Mileage Suspension & Steering Rear Brakes Front Brakes 4 Wheel Steer Type of Power Assist Steering Adjust type Steering Adjust Damper Control Ride Height Adjust Rear Suspension Type Rear Springs Front Springs Front Suspension Type Rear Tyre Size Spare Wheel Wheel Size Front Tyre Size Wheels Turning Radius Dimensions Length Width Wheelbase Height Doors Boot Capacity Chassis Type Ground Clearance Kerb Weight Comfort Cup Holders Bottle Holder in Doors Flat Bottom Steering Wheel Exterior Mirrors Electric Fold Exterior Mirrors Electric Adjust Push Button Start Climate Control Rear AC Vents Cooled Cup Holders Cooled Glovebox Rear Parcel Tray Cruise Control Foldable Seatback Table Roof Grab Handles Driving Modes Remote Locking Rear Power Outlet Dead Pedal Digital Instrument Cluster Rear Reading Lamp Rear Window Sun Shades Driver Armrest Storage Door Pockets Rear Windscreen Sun Shade Front Seatback Pockets Voice Assisted Sunroof Heated ORVM Ambient Lighting Launch Control Hands-free Boot Opening Vanity Mirror Glove Box Front Passenger Seat Adjust from Rear Auto Parking Trunk Light Third Row AC Vents Sunroof Sunglass Holder Power Windows Power Windows with One Touch-Down Steering Mounted Controls Keyless Entry Power Windows with One Touch-Up Interior Lamps Cabin Boot Access Bluetooth
From automated servicing to 5 minute EV charging. From connected cars and digital road user charges to AI fleet management, Aotearoa is making waves in the world of fleet technology. At the recent Yoogo Fleet Technology Roadshow, a panel of experts explained how New Zealand is at the forefront of fleet innovation – and outlined some of the other big tech trends on the horizon. Connected vehicles boost safety and efficiency Modern cars can collect an enormous amount of data, using both onboard sensors and telematics. If you choose to share that data, it can provide a wealth of insights, from when the oil needs changing to early safety alerts. Fleet managers can immediately see how each vehicle is being used, address safety issues, undertake predictive maintenance and improve fleet efficiency. “Fleet is one of the top five costs for most businesses,” noted Michelle Herlihy, CEO of Speirs Finance Group, which owns Yoogo Fleet. “One of our new customers was immediately able to reduce their fleet by 5%, based on what we identified from our data and analytics. We looked at a few more strategies and managed to reduce costs by around 10% in total, across about 700 vehicles.” New Zealand is also leading the way as the testing ground for BYD’s Internet of Things (IoT) connected vehicles, with a 1000-car pilot currently underway. This would eliminate the need for additional in-car hardware, and could potentially provide national-level data on measurables like air quality. Plus, with electronic road user charges (eRUC) set to become mandatory from next year for all vehicles, connected cars offer a way to automate and streamline compliance. Yoogo Fleet is working alongside their telematics partner, to deliver seamless eRUC integration at fleet scale. Automation and AI improve fleet management Yoogo Fleet is the first fleet company
How quickly things can change in just about seven months. At the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo in October last year, Honda was extremely bullish about its future, with CEO Toshihiro Mibe outlining the company’s ambitious plans in India, the rest of the world, and in Formula 1. If you are a fan of F1 like me, you must have seen the ongoing disaster that has marked Honda’s new partnership with Aston Martin. Not all Honda’s fault though. According to F1 insiders, poor team management by their chassis partner Aston Martin has a healthy share of the blame as well. But this is not a good look for the Japanese carmaker by any stretch. And then there were Honda’s plans for the world. In Tokyo, I got up close and personal with the Honda Series 0, a SUV and a Sedan featuring a radical new design language both outside and inside. These were going to be Honda’s flagship products across North America, Europe, and China. However, in March, Honda announced that they were pulling the plug on the Series 0 electric vehicles. The company declared its first annual loss in 70 years, a huge hit of $2.7 billion. Global tariff wars and shifting consumer preferences, particularly in the lucrative North American market, has taken a toll on the electric vehicle market. To be fair, Honda is not alone in this write-down of electric vehicle investment as other carmakers too struggle declaring massive losses amid competition from China and global tariff wars. Global carmaker Stellantis (owner of Citroen and Jeep, among other brands) declared a truly terrifying loss of $26.3 billion for 2025 and they’ve recently announced that they’ll co-develop the next Jeep for India with Tata, but that is another story. Honda, on the other hand, doubled down on India.
Brand Marketing Storyboard18 Creativity Awards 2026: Swiggy, Nestlé, HDFC, Flipkart, Puma, Lahori Zeera take center stage Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has launched the Next Gen Tiago and Next Gen Tiago.ev, with introductory prices starting at Rs 4.69 lakh for the petrol hatchback and Rs 6.99 lakh for the electric version. The company is also offering the Tiago.ev under a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model at Rs 4.69 lakh plus a battery EMI of Rs 2.6 per km. The updated Tiago range is available with petrol, iCNG and electric powertrains. Tata Motors said the new models feature redesigned exteriors, updated interiors, connected car features and additional safety technologies. Launching the vehicles, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., said, “Hatchbacks remain the gateway to personal mobility for millions of Indian families and yet, for far too long, this segment received scarce attention from the industry, when it genuinely deserved far more. The Next Gen Tiago fulfils this need by offering substantially more.” He added, “Built on a decade of trust earned from over seven lakh customers, the Next Gen Tiago is not an evolution but a full reinvention with substantially updated exteriors, a significantly more premium interior experience, advanced connected technology including a 360° surround view system with blind view monitor, and a strengthened safety package that treats safety as a necessity and not luxury.” According to the company, key additions include a 26.03 cm HD touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, iRA connected car features, a 360-degree surround-view system and a blind-view monitor. For the electric version, Tata Motors said the Tiago.ev comes with a lifetime high-voltage battery warranty on the 24 kWh battery pack and supports fast charging that can add 100 km of range in 18 minutes. On the
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Stellantis has confirmed it will use a Tata Motors platform to develop and manufacture an all-new Jeep SUV in India for global markets. The announcement came at the group's 2026 Investor Day, where Gregoire Olivier, Stellantis Asia Pacific COO, said Tata Motors would provide "a highly competitive platform" for a new Jeep vehicle that will be "developed in India, assembled in India, in our Stellantis-Tata JV in India, for the world." The SUV is targeted for a 2028 launch and will be exported to over 50 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and South America. While Stellantis has not officially named the platform, industry sources indicate Jeep will use the ARGOS architecture, the same modular platform that underpins the recently launched Tata Sierra. - ARGOS allows for AWD, which is non-negotiable for the Jeep brand - Tata will also supply Sierra’s 1.5-litre TGDi petrol engine which meets Euro 7 and BS7 norms - India made Jeep SUV will be exported to 50 countries abroad ARGOS, which stands for All-Terrain Ready, Omni-Energy and Geometry Scalable, supports petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric powertrains, and has been engineered to accommodate AWD drive, which is a non-negotiable requirement for the Jeep brand. Brand guidelines require every Jeep model line to offer at least one four-wheel-drive variant. The deal is structured as a platform and engine supply arrangement. Tata Motors will license the ARGOS platform to Stellantis and supply its 1.5-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, the same unit that powers the Sierra, Harrier and Safari. Jeep will independently design, engineer and develop the vehicle's body, interior and all other components. Tata Motors has no co-development role and no financial stake in the product's commercial success. Global Stellantis teams, rather than the Chennai-based India unit, are expected to lead vehicle development and sourcing.
On a graffitied Sarajevo backstreet, a path leads past an overgrown patch of garden to a white door. Beyond is the registered office of a company that is on the brink of winning contracts worth more than $1bn. AAFS Infrastructure and Energy is close to securing a concession to build and operate a pipeline across the Balkans to allow fossil gas shipped from the US to replace supplies that come from Russia. “This could be the most important infrastructure project ever in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” says one of the country’s top officials, who, like others, asks to remain anonymous to discuss sensitive negotiations. The company has no record of even attempting anything close to this scale. What it does have is personal connections to Donald Trump. One of AAFS’s representatives is a Washington lawyer who has acted for the Trumps in political cases. The other is the brother of the president’s former national security adviser. Both were part of a campaign that is close to Trump’s heart: the effort to overturn his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. A Guardian investigation, based on interviews with current and former Bosnian and US officials, leaked documents and corporate paperwork, has examined the obscure company that has been thrust into the global struggle for energy supremacy. It offers a glimpse of how international relations are changing under a presidency that blurs the line between government policy and the enrichment of the ruling family and those around it. “There is a logic, in our current world, of having administration-connected people involved in big economic projects or investments,” says a former senior US official in the region. “It is unsavoury but so much of my country’s politics is unsavoury these days.” In the former Yugoslavia, the stakes are higher than just who might get rich.
ICYMI: FTC names the 97 dealerships and groups it warned about deceptive pricing. New-vehicle sales are expected to hold steady in May, despite economic pressure. Scout Motors to bring 1,200 jobs to new Charlotte HQ. Volvo secures U.S. approval to continue vehicle sales despite China-linked restrictions. Ferrari launches Luce, its first all-electric vehicle. Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news. FTC names the 97 dealerships and groups it warned about deceptive pricing The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made public the names of the 97 auto dealership groups it warned about deceptive pricing practices in March, revealing that several of the country’s largest retailers were among the recipients. Initially, the FTC sent the letters in March, warning dealers that advertised vehicle prices must reflect all mandatory fees. At the time, the agency declined to identify the recipients. However, those names are now listed on the FTC’s website, alongside copies of each individual warning. Read More May auto sales expected to hold steady despite economic uncertainty. U.S. new-vehicle sales are expected to remain stable in May, despite economic uncertainty, high fuel prices, and geopolitical tensions, as a stronger stock market and higher-income buyers are supporting demand. According to Cox Automotive’s latest forecasts, May’s seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) is expected to be roughly 16.1 million units. Read More Scout Motors to bring 1,200 jobs to new Charlotte HQ Scout Motors has chosen Charlotte, North Carolina, as the location for its new corporate headquarters, expanding the company’s footprint in the Carolinas ahead of planned vehicle production in 2027. The emerging automaker said the investment will create more than 1,200 jobs in the Charlotte region over the coming years as the company prepares to launch the Scout Traveler SUV
After being away from the market for several years, the Pajero is now getting ready for a comeback. Yes, you heard that right! Mitsubishi has announced the return of the Pajero and Montero. The news was shared through the company’s official channels with a message that the Pajero story is now ready for its next chapter. What makes this announcement even more significant is that the Pajero will not return as a single SUV. Mitsubishi plans to build an entire family of vehicles under the Pajero name. The company has also revealed a clear future roadmap with several new products arriving over the next few years. There Are Plans For More Than One Pajero According to information shared by Mitsubishi, at least two Pajero-based SUVs are already under development. One of them is expected to make its global debut later this year. The new model will likely retain the body-on-frame construction, which has always been a key part of the Pajero’s rugged character. Several components and the platform are expected to be shared with the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck. However, Mitsubishi is likely to give the SUV its own distinct identity. Expected highlights include: - Ladder-frame chassis - Large SUV proportions - Dedicated suspension setup - Distinct exterior styling - Petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrain options depending on the market Fresh Design With Familiar Character The teaser released by Mitsubishi offers a small glimpse of the upcoming SUV. A connected LED daytime running light setup can be seen at the front. The lighting signature stretches across the nose and is interrupted only by the Mitsubishi logo in the centre. Other visible details include: - Upright SUV stance - Boxy silhouette - Modern alloy wheel design - High ground clearance - Strong shoulder lines Despite the all-new design, the Pajero’s tough
Renault and its strategic partner Nissan have been relentlessly working on the development of new models for launch in India. These new models will help the companies in increasing their market shares. Of the upcoming launches, the four sub-compact SUVs which are coming to India will be the most important for both of these brands. And because of this, today we are presenting you with the details of these four SUVs. Recently, Renault unveiled the concept version of its all-new compact SUV called the Bridger. This upcoming SUV will become one of the most important products under Renault’s “FutuREady” strategy for India. The company will develop this SUV in India for both domestic and international markets. The Bridger will boast a rugged and boxy SUV design with a strong road presence. It is expected to offer a high ground clearance, muscular body cladding, and a spacious cabin. Renault will base this SUV on the all-new RGMP (Renault Global Modular Platform), which has been derived from the Renault-Nissan CMF-B architecture. One of the biggest highlights of this platform is that it has been developed as a true multi-energy platform. This means the Bridger will be offered with petrol, turbo-petrol, hybrid, CNG, and electric powertrains. The Bridger will also feature Renault’s new SWEET 400 electrical architecture. Renault has explained that SWEET stands for Software Electric And Electronic Technology, and it has been co-developed with Google. This architecture will offer connected car technology, OTA updates, advanced software integration, and improved EV and hybrid management systems. Talking about the engine options, Renault is developing an all-new 1.2-litre petrol engine family for the Bridger. It will be similar to the HR10 engine offered in the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. This new engine will come in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The first option
The Honda City is the longest continuously running nameplate among mainstream cars in India and has defined the C-segment sedan for years. The current, fifth-gen model has been on sale for six years, and Honda has now given it a much-needed shot in the arm with a redesigned front fascia, updated interior and new features to keep it fresh amongst newer rivals. 2026 Honda City Hybrid Exterior Design and Engineering - This isn’t the first facelift for this generation of the City, as Honda did roll out an update in 2023 too. Like earlier, there are no sheet-metal changes, but this time Honda has managed to give the City a dose of attitude with a much sportier-looking front end. There are sleeker LED projector headlights, connected by a light bar on higher variants, and it forgoes the thick chrome band in the front grille for a more discreet look. The grille itself is all-new and features a honeycomb-like pattern, while a new 2D Honda logo sits above it for a cleaner appearance. Lower down, the new bumper features functional air curtains on the outer edges in place of fog lamps. The side profile remains largely unchanged, though the 16-inch alloy wheels get a new design and a dual-tone finish. At the rear, the tail-lights are now clear-lens units and have received a smoked-out effect, which furthers their sporty look. Rounding off the changes is a new rear bumper, which gets a faux diffuser element with a honeycomb grille in the centre and vertical reflector units along the edges. For 2026, there’s even a new Crystal Black paint shade that you see here. Other colour options include Lunar Silver, Obsidian Blue, Radiant Red, Platinum White and Meteoroid Grey. Overall, Honda has done a good job of upping the City’s sporty quotient,