How Automotive Is Converging Software, AI and EV Platforms in 2026, According to McKinsey and Gartner The global automotive industry is undergoing a structural transformation in 2026 as manufacturers increasingly shift from hardware-centric production models to software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms, according to insights from McKinsey & Company and Gartner. The growing integration of artificial intelligence is driving this transition, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and electric vehicle (EV) technologies, positioning software and data capabilities at the core of automotive innovation. Industry analysis indicates that automakers and suppliers are accelerating the adoption of continuous over-the-air (OTA) software updates, enabling vehicles to receive real-time enhancements and new features throughout their lifecycle. This evolution reflects a broader move toward cloud-to-edge integration, where data processing and decision-making are distributed across centralized cloud systems and in-vehicle computing platforms. Automotive computing architectures are also evolving, with a shift toward centralized domain controllers and heterogeneous system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Major technology players such as NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Intel are playing a key role in enabling these advancements, while automakers including Tesla, Toyota, and General Motors are increasingly developing in-house software ecosystems to enhance differentiation and control over vehicle performance. In parallel, revenue models in the automotive sector are expanding beyond traditional vehicle sales. Insights from firms such as Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group highlight the growing importance of subscription-based services, on-demand features, and data-driven offerings, particularly in fleet operations and connected-vehicle ecosystems. These models are expected to create recurring revenue streams and improve lifecycle value for manufacturers. Regulatory and safety considerations are also evolving in tandem with technological advancements. Industry stakeholders are aligning with global standards such as International Organization for Standardization frameworks and guidelines from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to address cybersecurity and functional safety requirements in increasingly connected and autonomous vehicles. According to Precedence
May 18, 2026 · via precedenceresearch.com
As The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Monday (May 18), the company has acquired a network of seven Stellantis dealerships, a move that the report said is disrupting traditional sales models while alarming established franchise owners. This expansion began with a pilot earlier this year when Carvana purchased a dealership in Casa Grande, Arizona. By last month, that location had become the top-selling Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and Dodge dealer in the U.S. Monthly sales surged from roughly 30 to 50 vehicles to 350 under Carvana’s management, according to Stellantis figures shared with dealers and seen by WSJ. The report said this growth is driven by applying the company’s digital playbook — featuring no-haggle pricing and remote, couch-based transactions — to new-car sales. It’s what attracted customer Joshua Higginbotham of Kansas City. “I’m sure I could’ve gone into a dealership, got some more gray hairs, and negotiated it down to whatever Carvana had it at or lower, but I’m not going to do that to save $1,000 or even a few thousand dollars,” he told WSJ. Advertisement: Scroll to Continue So far, Stellantis is the only carmaker to have allowed Carvana to become a franchised dealer. This move, the report added, has been tough to swallow for traditional dealers who sell Stellanis brands like Dodge and Chrysler. “Stellantis dealers are in an uproar over this,” said South Florida Jeep-Ram dealer GianMarco Taverna. He added that he doesn’t mind Carvana’s entry into business, provided Stellantis sticks to policies keeping a single dealer from growing too large. “It is up to us to compete and figure it out,” Taverna said. Meanwhile, used cars remain Carvana’s bread and butter, with the company recently reporting new quarterly records after it sold 187,393 retail units and took in revenues of $6.4 billion. Those figures marked respective
May 18, 2026 · via pymnts.com
A bill attempting to prevent vehicle theft passed the Delaware House without opposition. With many cars moving to push-to-start models, they become at risk of theft through the use of vehicle security circumvention devices. Delaware saw a 26% increase in motor vehicle theft between 2020 and 2024. Part of that is fueled by vehicle security circumvention devices, programming devices cars can recognize as keys and allow them to start. House Bill 351 would make intentional manufacturing, sale or possession of such devices a crime, according to the bill’s sponsor State Rep. Frank Cooke. “... Especially getting it from a car dealership or car garage that fixes cars, they go out and they use it to steal other cars,” Cooke said. “And we need to beat that up a little bit. Like I said, other states are following exactly what we're doing here.” Cooke added there have been violent crimes in Delaware connected with vehicle thefts, and he hopes this bill will curb both theft and violent crime. Those are tools that can act as a key and get a car started, enabling theft. “This bill comes from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and in 2024, over 850 vehicles were stolen in America,” Cooke said. “And the vehicle security circumvention devices, or key fob emulators, and relay attack devices are increasingly being used to facilitate these thefts.” Cooke said he hopes this legislation helps decrease vehicle theft and violent crime that can happen at the same time. If passed, initial violations would result in fines between $28.75 and $115, up to 90 days of imprisonment or both. For any following offenses, fines would be between $115 and $230, up to six months of imprisonment or both. The bill passed the House without opposition and now heads to the Senate.
May 18, 2026 · via delawarepublic.org
Vinfast Vf6 vs Vinfast Vf7 Vinfast Vf6 Wind Infinity 19.19 lakh Vinfast Vf7 Sky Infinity AWD 26.79 lakh Engine & Transmission Fuel Type/ Propulsion Pure Electric Driving Mode Motor Type Max Motor Power Max Motor Torque Drive Layout Gearbox Type Number of Gears Lockable Differential/s Sport Mode for Automatic Gearbox Manual Shifts via Gear Lever on Automatic Gearbox Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Number of Motors Fuel & Performance Battery Capacity Claimed Range Charging Time Auto Start/Stop Real World Highway Range (EV) Real World City Range (EV) 0-100kph Suspension & Steering Front Brakes Rear Brakes Type of Power Assist Steering Adjust Steering Adjust type Front Suspension Type Front Springs Rear Suspension Type Rear Springs Damper Control Ride Height Adjust Wheels Wheel Size Spare Wheel Dimensions Length Width Height Wheelbase Doors Ground Clearance Kerb Weight Boot Capacity Comfort Power Windows Acoustic Windshield Glove Box Front Seatback Pockets Foldable Seatback Table Power Windows with One Touch-Down Utility Recess On Dashboard Powered Tailgate Door Pockets Digital Instrument Cluster Steering Mounted Controls Bluetooth Connectivity Roof Grab Handles Power Windows with One Touch-Up Exterior Mirrors Electric Adjust Exterior Mirrors Electric Fold Remote Locking Keyless Entry Push Button Start Climate Control Rear AC Vents Third Row AC Vents Front Passenger Seat Adjust from Rear Rear Window Sun Shades Rear Windscreen Sun Shade Rear Power Outlet Sunroof Ambient Lighting Driving Modes Cruise Control Auto Parking Launch Control Dead Pedal Hands-free Boot Opening Electric Tailgate Release Safety Airbags Anti Theft Alarm Side Airbag Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Seat Belt Warning Speed Sensing Door Lock Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist BNCAP Rating Curtain Airbag Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Rear Cross Traffic Alert Day Night Interior Mirror Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock Driver Airbag Lane Keep Assist High Beam Assist Heads Up Display Front Collision Avoidance Overspeed Warning Passenger Airbag
May 18, 2026 · via autocarindia.com
On the Dash: - GM is expanding its digital ownership tools, which could strengthen long-term customer retention and service engagement. - Dealership collision centers inside the GM Collision Repair Network may benefit from increased repair referrals through the app. - Automakers continue to integrate more post-sale services into their branded mobile ecosystems to improve the customer experience. General Motors has introduced a new Collision Assistance feature through its brand mobile apps, aiming to simplify the post-accident process by helping drivers document damage, start insurance claims, and locate certified repair centers. Available through the myChevrolet, myGMC, myBuick, and myCadillac apps, Collision Assistance guides drivers through the post-collision steps with easy-to-follow prompts. Users can photograph damage, record crash details, and organize all necessary information directly within the app. They also have the option to pause and resume the process if urgent matters arise. Recently, GM introduced a self-discovery function that allows drivers to start the process whenever they choose, rather than only after a crash. The tool connects them to facilities in the GM Collision Repair Network, which includes independent body shops and dealership repair centers that adhere to GM’s repair standards. These facilities utilize specialized repair equipment, conduct pre- and post-repair scans, and provide access to ACDelco and GM Genuine parts. GM developed this feature in response to the stress and uncertainty that drivers often face after accidents. Notably, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly 17,000 police-reported crashes occur daily in the United States. This launch reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, in which manufacturers expand ownership services through branded digital ecosystems and connected-vehicle platforms. GM aims to enhance customer engagement beyond vehicle sales and dealership service visits, shifting into mobile-based ownership support.
May 18, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
Traffic management is evolving rapidly and the recent webinar “From Intersections to Networks: A New Era of Signal Performance Analytics”, offered a compelling look into how data-driven insights are transforming the way cities understand and optimize their road networks. From real-world case studies to advanced analytics techniques, the session highlighted how agencies are leveraging probe-based data to improve mobility, safety, and planning decisions. What Is Signal Analytics and Why It Matters At its core, INRIX Signal Analytics uses anonymized GPS data from connected vehicles to evaluate how intersections and corridors perform continuously at scale, without requiring physical infrastructure in the field. Instead of relying solely on traditional sensors, this approach: - Captures vehicle movement patterns continuously - Measures metrics like delay, speed, and level of service - Scales easily across entire regions This model enables agencies to gain insights at hundreds, or even thousands, of intersections simultaneously. Regional Insights from Maricopa Association of Governments One region that is utilizing Signal Analytics is the Maricopa Association of Governments. By tapping into the Signal Analytics, they were able to: - Monitor traffic trends across grouped intersections - Identify congestion patterns using control delay metrics - Track level of service (LOS) across time and geography - Build data-driven models for future planning One highlight is the potential for model calibration, where historical data helps refine traffic simulations and forecasting, something traditionally limited by lack of arterial data. City of Mesa: Turning Data into Daily Action The City of Mesa also demonstrated how it uses Signal Analytics and how it can directly support operations. Their approach includes: - Reviewing daily performance dashboards - Detecting unusual changes caused by construction or incidents - Running before-and-after studies on signal timing adjustments - Prioritizing corridors for improvement One key takeaway: context matters. Engineers emphasized the importance of
May 18, 2026 · via inrix.com
Ford Ford Charges Ahead in Europe: Seven New Models and Smart Tech to Keep Vans on Road and Businesses Earning | Ford / Key word(s): Product Launch SALZBURG, Austria, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ford today detailed a vibrant new vision for its future in Europe at a gathering of European dealers and partners. With a comprehensive product and technology rollout for commercial and retail customers planned over the next three years, Ford is renewing its commitment to European drivers and businesses. Ford’s European strategy is supported by its new Ready-Set-Ford global brand platform, which focuses on the territories where Ford authentically plays and differentiates: Build, Thrill and Adventure. The first European campaigns under the Ready-Set-Ford banner launch this month. Ford Pro Evolves from Vehicle Maker to Productivity Partner for European Business Ford Pro, Europe’s leading commercial vehicle brand for 11 years running, 1 is evolving from a vehicle manufacturer into an indispensable productivity partner for businesses of all sizes leveraging software and services to maximise the return on every vehicle. The strategy supports Ford’s global target to generate 25 per cent of Ford Pro EBIT from software and services. In the first quarter of 2026, worldwide paid software subscriptions rose 30 per cent to 879,000, with gross margins above 50 per cent. “Ford Pro is the backbone of our European business,” said Jim Baumbick, President, Ford in Europe. “We don’t just sell vans and pickups, we deliver an integrated ecosystem of vehicles, software and services. Our vehicles lead the market, and around them we’ve built a productivity accelerator our competition cannot match. For our customers, that’s not just transportation, it’s a better return on investment.” Ford Pro’s Uptime Services use connected vehicle data and predictive intelligence to identify issues before they become problems. Since 2019, every Ford Pro vehicle
May 18, 2026 · via eqs-news.com
Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to find its way into every corner of our digital lives. The headlines focus on ever-bigger models, but the future will be determined by applications built on those models. Who builds those applications—the ones that will reshape medicine, education, software development, and mundane back-end enterprise services—has not yet been decided. Whether future applications will be determined by oligopolists or entrepreneurs depends on who controls the infrastructure those applications need. Three companies—Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google—have established themselves as the dominant foundation model builders. Application developers build their tools atop those models. Total payments for such access reached over $37 billion in 2025, tripling in a single year, according to Menlo Ventures. These AI models have become the essential infrastructure of the 21st century. In the startup incubator Y Combinator’s summer 2025 cohort, for instance, nine out of 10 companies were AI-native, meaning they were built from the ground up with AI. Nearly all were dependent on the three dominant companies for the models underpinning their offerings. A startup building a coding agent or medical diagnostics tool writes code that sends requests to an AI model, and the model presents the results. The startup does not build its own model, which can cost hundreds of millions of dollars; instead, it buys access to a model. This may be efficient, but it exposes a profound competitive deficiency. The problem is that the companies that control access to those foundation models are also developing their own applications. Anthropic sells access to Claude while marketing Claude Code and Claude Cowork, its own coding agent and enterprise tool. Thousands of third-party AI application developers rely on OpenAI, while it has begun a spree of acquiring AI applications developers across coding, personal finance, and health tech. Google has already embedded its Gemini models
May 18, 2026 · via brookings.edu
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the inescapable buzzword filtering into every aspect of life. Whether you want it to or not. The rise of generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) has dominated headlines, become the focus of tech-firm keynotes, and probably even infiltrated your life – from your social media feed to the emails you receive at work. The latest arena to attempt to ride the wave of AI hysteria is the automotive world. From speeding up the design process via artificial assistance to simplifying car control through AI-powered systems, car brands are rushing to bring some form of AI integration to new models. Brands like BMW, Nissan, Tesla, Polestar and others have committed to adding AI assistants to infotainment systems. In China, at the recent Beijing motor show, Geely showed a plug-in hybrid with AI-capable powertrain management, while XPeng boasted that demonstrations of its AI-powered driver assist systems boosted customer sales by 118 per cent. How will AI be used in new cars? The first, and perhaps most obvious, integration of artificial intelligence systems will come via conversational LLMs. Systems like Grok, ChatGPT, and Gemini – which you may have heard of already – allow users to have conversations with an AI agent. The software uses deep learning, based on massive pattern-based data sets, to respond in a way that feels like a normal human conversation. LLMs can be prompted by developers to stick to certain subjects or avoid other topics that are deemed off-limits. In your car, this could mean that, instead of issuing voice commands that don’t always match user expectations, LLMs can provide a wider range of vehicle adjustment tasks or tackle other prompts with follow-on instructions. Right now, in-car systems struggle with multi-step commands, and often can’t integrate with systems outside of the car.
May 17, 2026 · via whichcar.com.au
In connected car news are NXP, Quanta, AGL, Rivian, DOJ, Hyundai, HopSkipDrive & Daimler Truck North America In this Article NXP & Quanta Zonal Networking For SDVs NXP Semiconductors has partnered with Quanta to launch a deterministic zonal networking solution designed for next-generation software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures. The platform integrates NXP’s S32 automotive processing hardware with TTTech Auto’s MotionWise middleware to ensure predictable, real-time communication across zonal networks. By providing end-to-end determinism across both hosts and networks, the solution addresses critical OEM challenges regarding latency, jitter, and late-stage integration risk in complex E/E systems. The hardware-software stack supports automated topology discovery and schedule generation via a continuous integration workflow, accelerating deployment timelines for zonal controllers. Key technical components include TSN-enabled SJA1110 switches, multi-PMIC power management, and OTA-ready S32 processors. This turnkey approach enables automated configuration for latency-sensitive applications such as audio over Ethernet and real-time RCP control. Moving forward, the collaboration aims for future alignment with the NXP CoreRide zonal reference system to further streamline global SDV integration. Automotive Grade Linux Debuts SoDeV Reference Platform Automotive Grade Linux announced the initial availability of its SoDeV open source reference platform as part of the latest Unified Code Base release, codenamed Ultimate Unagi. The SoDeV architecture integrates the AGL UCB with Linux containers, VirtIO, Xen hypervisor, and Zephyr RTOS to provide a pre-integrated stack for software-defined vehicles. By decoupling software development from hardware availability, the platform allows OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to execute development on automotive SoCs, virtual machines, or cloud environments, targeting accelerated SDV time-to-market. The Ultimate Unagi release specifically introduces support for Renesas Sparrow Hawk reference boards and migrates to the Yocto Project Scarthgap LTS release 5.0.16 for enhanced stability. The AGL ecosystem expanded with five new members, including MediaTek, EMQ, Lineo Solutions, VA Linux Systems Japan, and Very
May 17, 2026 · via autoconnectedcar.com
As vehicles become more connected and software-driven, Toyota is positioning itself not just as a manufacturer, but as a trusted partner to help fleets and private customers navigate the transition safely — particularly when it comes to managing vehicle data. At the launch of the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4, John Pappas, Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Franchise Operations at Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, emphasised that trust, reliability and data security are central to the company’s strategy as the industry moves into the connected vehicle era. In practical terms, Toyota wants to be seen as the safe pair of hands guiding customers through a period of rapid technological change. Trust becomes the foundation of connected vehicles Connected technology promises safer driving, improved maintenance and better operational efficiency. But it also raises new questions about data privacy and security — particularly for government and corporate fleets operating under strict compliance requirements. Speaking at the launch event, Pappas said trust remains the cornerstone of Toyota’s relationship with customers, even as the company moves deeper into digital services and connected technology. “At times of uncertainty, consumers turn to brands they trust,” said Pappas. “This is a position built on trust — trust in our brand, trust in our product, and trust in our dealers.” For Fleet Managers, that message resonates because reliability in the connected vehicle era extends beyond mechanical performance. It now includes software stability, cybersecurity and long-term support. Australian data stored under Australian rules One of the most important commitments highlighted during the launch was Toyota’s approach to data sovereignty — ensuring that customer information generated by connected vehicles is stored and managed locally. This is particularly relevant for government and large corporate fleets, where compliance with national privacy regulations is mandatory. “Australian customer and connected data stays protected within highly governed
May 17, 2026 · via fleetautonews.com.au
Kia India appears to be preparing a major generational update for the Sonet, one that could potentially create an unexpected challenge within the brand’s own portfolio. While the current Sonet and Syros already sit close to each other in terms of pricing and features, the next-generation Sonet is expected to move further upmarket, potentially eating into the space currently occupied by the Syros. The biggest development is likely to be the Sonet’s shift to Kia’s newer modular K1 platform, the same architecture that underpins the Syros. The new platform could allow Kia to increase the Sonet’s dimensions slightly, while also improving cabin space and rear-seat comfort, two areas where the Syros currently holds an advantage. In addition, the architecture supports more advanced safety systems and better structural rigidity, which could help the next-generation Sonet offer improved crash protection and ride quality. The platform migration may also pave the way for more premium features. The upcoming Sonet is expected to receive larger displays, an upgraded connected car suite, Level 2 ADAS, enhanced NVH insulation, and a more premium cabin layout. If Kia manages to package all these updates aggressively, the Sonet could start feeling dangerously close to the Syros in terms of overall appeal. Another important factor is brand recognition. The Sonet is already one of Kia India’s most recognisable products and has built strong recall among urban buyers since its launch. The Syros, despite being positioned as a more premium and practical offering, is still a relatively newer nameplate in comparison. As a result, buyers may naturally gravitate towards the more familiar Sonet if both SUVs begin offering similar equipment and space. Powertrain overlap could further intensify the situation. Kia is expected to continue offering turbo-petrol and diesel engine options with the next-generation Sonet, similar to the Syros. If performance,
May 17, 2026 · via carwale.com
Bmw Ix1 Lwb vs Toyota Camry Bmw Ix1 Lwb eDrive20L 51.40 lakh Toyota Camry Sprint Edition 47.48 lakh Engine & Transmission Fuel Type/ Propulsion Motor Type Pure Electric Driving Mode Number of Motors Max Motor Power Max Motor Torque Drive Layout Gearbox Type Number of Gears Lockable Differential/s Sport Mode for Automatic Gearbox Manual Shifts via Gear Lever on Automatic Gearbox Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Max Engine Power Max Engine Torque Engine Type Engine Installation Combined Max Power Engine Displacement Fuel & Performance Battery Capacity Claimed Range Charging Time Auto Start/Stop 0-100kph 20-80kph (in third gear/ kickdown) 40-100kph (in fourth gear/ kickdown) Fuel Tank Capacity Real World Highway Mileage Real World City Mileage Official Fuel Economy Suspension & Steering Front Brakes Rear Brakes Type of Power Assist Steering Adjust Steering Adjust type Front Suspension Type Front Springs Rear Suspension Type Damper Control Ride Height Adjust Wheels Wheel Size Front Tyre Size Rear Tyre Size Spare Wheel Turning Radius Rear Springs Dimensions Length Width Chassis Type Height Wheelbase Doors Kerb Weight Boot Capacity Comfort Power Windows Bluetooth Connectivity 12 Volt Port Cabin Boot Access Cup Holders Digital Instrument Cluster Door Pockets Driver Armrest Storage Vanity Mirror Electric Tailgate Release Steering Mounted Controls Rear Reading Lamp Front Seatback Pockets Headlight and Ignition on Reminder Interior Lamps Powered Tailgate Power Windows with One Touch-Down Power Windows with One Touch-Up Exterior Mirrors Electric Adjust Exterior Mirrors Electric Fold Remote Locking Keyless Entry Push Button Start Climate Control Rear AC Vents Third Row AC Vents Front Passenger Seat Adjust from Rear Rear Window Sun Shades Rear Windscreen Sun Shade Rear Power Outlet Sunroof Ambient Lighting Driving Modes Cruise Control Auto Parking Launch Control Dead Pedal Hands-free Boot Opening Safety Airbags Rear Cross Traffic Alert Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Speed Sensing Door Lock Rear
May 17, 2026 · via autocarindia.com
Audi Q7 vs Land Rover Range Rover Velar Audi Q7 Technology 55 TFSI 96.15 lakh Land Rover Range Rover Velar Autobiography 2.0 Diesel 85.90 lakh Engine & Transmission Fuel Type/ Propulsion Engine Installation Number of Cylinders Engine Displacement Engine Type Max Engine Power Max Engine Torque Drive Layout Gearbox Type Number of Gears Lockable Differential/s Sport Mode for Automatic Gearbox Manual Shifts via Gear Lever on Automatic Gearbox Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Fuel & Performance Fuel Tank Capacity Official Fuel Economy Fuel Supply System Drive Mode Types Auto Start/Stop 0-100kph Terrain Modes Emission Standard Suspension & Steering Front Brakes Rear Brakes Type of Power Assist Steering Adjust Steering Adjust type Front Suspension Type Front Springs Rear Suspension Type Rear Springs Damper Control Ride Height Adjust Wheels Wheel Size Front Tyre Size Rear Tyre Size Spare Wheel Turning Radius Dimensions Length Chassis Type Width Height Wheelbase Doors Kerb Weight Boot Capacity Comfort Power Windows Driver Armrest Storage Bluetooth Connectivity Cabin Boot Access Roof Grab Handles Cooled Glovebox Cooled Storage Cup Holders Rear Reading Lamp Digital Instrument Cluster Door Pockets 12 Volt Port Powered Tailgate Power Windows with One Touch-Down Electric Tailgate Release Front Seatback Pockets Interior Lamps Glove Box Headlight and Ignition on Reminder Sunglass Holder Voice Assisted Sunroof Vanity Mirror Steering Mounted Controls Power Windows with One Touch-Up Exterior Mirrors Electric Adjust Exterior Mirrors Electric Fold Remote Locking Keyless Entry Push Button Start Climate Control Rear AC Vents Third Row AC Vents Front Passenger Seat Adjust from Rear Rear Window Sun Shades Rear Windscreen Sun Shade Rear Power Outlet Sunroof Ambient Lighting Driving Modes Cruise Control Auto Parking Launch Control Dead Pedal Hands-free Boot Opening Bottle Holder in Doors Trunk Light Safety Airbags High Beam Assist Curtain Airbag Seat Belt Warning Dashcam Rear Seatbelt Reminder Day Night Interior Mirror
May 17, 2026 · via autocarindia.com
Rajar — the United Kingdom’s official radio measurement body — has released its Q1 2026 listening figures, prompting broadcasters across the U.K. radio sector to highlight audience gains, market leadership claims and growth in specific demographics or dayparts. Beneath those competing narratives, the topline data points to a market that remains broadly stable in reach while continuing its long-term shift toward digital listening. Among the major claims emerging from the release, Global said it remained the U.K.’s largest commercial radio group by share and hours. At the same time, Bauer Media Audio highlighted performance across several of its national brands and digital stations. The BBC, meanwhile, pointed to growth in listening share across its radio portfolio. Rajar’s published figures show BBC radio reaching 31.3 million listeners with a 43.4% share of listening, while commercial radio retained the larger overall audience reach at 39.2 million listeners and a 54.3% share. The figures suggest the BBC strengthened its share position in Q1, although commercial radio continued to dominate in total audience scale. According to Rajar, 50.6 million adults — 87% of the U.K. population aged 15 and over — tuned into radio each week during the first quarter of 2026. The figures suggest radio’s overall reach remains resilient despite continued competition from streaming, podcasts and on-demand audio. Rajar’s own trendline shows weekly reach remaining within a relatively narrow range over the past three years, fluctuating between 85.8% and 88.6% of the population. The more strategically significant movement continues to be digital consumption. Rajar says 45 million adults now listen to radio each week via digitally enabled platforms, including DAB, smart speakers, websites/apps and DTV. Digital listening accounted for 76% of all listening hours in Q1 2026, while 77% of the population tuned into digital radio each week. The importance of the connected
May 17, 2026 · via redtech.pro
- Many vehicles sold in America already rely on Chinese-made parts. - Lawmakers fear low-cost Chinese EVs could hammer U.S. factories. - Ford, GM, Toyota still source key vehicle components from China today. For years, the idea of Chinese cars in America has wavered between an absolute impossibility and a doomsday scenario for domestic automakers. Politicians and executives warn about cheap imports crushing local manufacturing. Industry groups talk about national security risks. Union leaders fear another wave of lost jobs. Quietly, though, Detroit’s dependence on China has been growing, and according to a new report, it’s probably much bigger than you realize. Read: US Senator Calls Chinese Cars “Cancer,” Wants Permanent Ban According to The Wall Street Journal, citing consulting firm AlixPartners, more than 60 U.S.-based automotive suppliers are owned by Chinese companies. Chinese firms also hold ownership stakes in roughly 5 percent of America’s estimated 10,000 suppliers. China Lives Inside America’s Most Familiar Cars That influence stretches into some of America’s most recognizable vehicles. According to CNBC, Ford’s Mustang GT reportedly uses six-speed manual transmissions sourced from China. Toyota’s Prius plug-in hybrid contains about 15 percent Chinese parts, while Chevrolet’s electric Blazer and Equinox EV reportedly use roughly 20 percent China-sourced content. Now lawmakers from both parties are trying to draw a line before Chinese automakers themselves gain a foothold in the U.S. market. Representatives John Moolenaar and Debbie Dingell recently introduced legislation aimed at restricting Chinese-made connected vehicle hardware and software over national security concerns. Untangling China Won’t Be Clean The concern isn’t just about cheap EVs flooding dealerships. Politicians worry China could repeat what many believe happened in the solar panel industry: aggressively undercut competitors with state-backed pricing until rival industries collapse. “This is about America’s future,” Dingell said. “This is about the American workers’ future.” The
May 16, 2026 · via carscoops.com
Something strange is happening in the car world right now. For years, the industry kept pushing bigger, more expensive, more extreme vehicles while assuming buyers would just keep following along. Six-figure EVs became normal headlines. Massive luxury trucks dominated marketing. Performance cars drifted further into “future collector” pricing territory that most people could never realistically touch. More Stories Like This And now people seem exhausted by it. Over the last few weeks, some of the biggest engagement across automotive media hasn’t come from hypercars or luxury EVs. It’s been coming from smaller, cheaper, more attainable vehicles that feel like normal people might actually buy them. Cheap EVs Are Suddenly Interesting Again A year ago, affordable EV coverage barely moved the needle. Now stories about lower-cost electric vehicles are suddenly exploding online. The Slate Truck EV has been generating attention far beyond what most people expected, largely because it feels simple, usable, and realistically priced instead of trying to reinvent transportation for Silicon Valley investors. That matters. A lot of buyers don’t want a rolling tech conference with a six-figure sticker price. They want something affordable that doesn’t feel like a financial hostage situation the moment the loan paperwork starts. And automakers are finally starting to notice that shift. Hybrids Quietly Won the Argument For all the noise around fully electric vehicles over the last several years, hybrids are now sitting in a very interesting position. Consumers increasingly see them as the middle ground that actually makes sense. You still get fuel economy improvements, you avoid range anxiety, and you don’t completely rebuild your life around charging infrastructure. That combination is becoming more attractive as enthusiasm around all-electric mandates cools off. Toyota especially looks smart right now. While other automakers sprinted aggressively toward fully electric lineups, Toyota kept expanding hybrid offerings
May 16, 2026 · via autos.yahoo.com
When Fisker Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2024, it left roughly 11,000 Ocean SUV owners holding the keys to vehicles that cost them anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 — and that were rapidly losing the software brains that made them work. No more over-the-air updates. No more connected services. No more warranty. The manufacturer was dead. What happened next is one of the most remarkable stories in the history of the electric vehicle industry. Instead of accepting that their cars would become rolling paperweights, Fisker Ocean owners organized, reverse-engineered their vehicles’ proprietary software, hacked into CAN bus networks, built open-source tools on GitHub, and effectively stood up a volunteer-run open-sourced car company from the ashes of Fisker. From $70,000 SUVs to orphans overnight The speed of Fisker’s collapse was staggering. The company, once touted as a Tesla rival that had secured over 31,000 Ocean reservations totaling $1.7 billion in potential revenue, produced just 11,000 vehicles before the money ran out. Bankruptcy filings revealed more than $1 billion in debts. We had reviewed the Ocean in late 2023 and found the hardware genuinely attractive — but the software was simply not ready for prime time. The irony of that headline — “Coming soon, in a future software update” — now reads like an epitaph. Those future updates never came from Fisker. They came from the owners themselves. The core problem was architectural. Fisker had built what Cory Doctorow, the digital rights author and activist, pointedly called a “software-based car.” Virtually every subsystem in the Ocean — brakes, airbags, shifting, battery management, door locks — needed to periodically connect with Fisker’s cloud servers for diagnostics or regular operations. When those servers went dark, the cars didn’t just lose their infotainment screens. They lost critical functionality. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin
May 16, 2026 · via electrek.co
The Volo Museum in Volo, Illinois, just outside Chicago, has a KITT replica on static display. The museum recently received a $50 traffic ticket from New York City, alleging that the car was traveling 36 mph in a 25 mph zone in Brooklyn on April 22. The car has not left the building in years. Museum security footage confirms it was parked at the time of the alleged offense. The universe, apparently, has a sense of humor. The explanation is almost mundane once you pull the thread. The ticket arrived with traffic camera photos showing a black Trans Am bearing the California license plate KNIGHT, the same plate carried by the TV show car and the novelty plate on the museum’s unregistered display vehicle. According to the California DMV, a person with the last name Knight renewed their registration for that exact plate in March. Somewhere in New York City, someone is driving a convincing KITT replica with that same “KNIGHT” tag, and NYC’s camera system dutifully chased the ticket back to the only KITT it could locate in any database – a motionless exhibit in Illinois. City records show that plate is connected to five other unpaid traffic violations in New York since late 2024. Nobody Knows How the Bill Found Its Way to Illinois “The fact that we’re legally tied to a movie prop is interesting,” said Jim Wojdyla, the museum’s marketing director. “We’re known for having our Hollywood cars from TV and movies, but I have no idea how we got registered from a ticket in New York to the plates in California to the Volo Museum in Illinois. We’re still trying to figure it out.” The museum has since requested a hearing to challenge the ticket. New York City hasn’t offered an explanation. The museum wrote
May 16, 2026 · via autos.yahoo.com
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia police are asking for the public’s help to identify a vehicle they say is connected to an active shooting investigation.
Investigators say they are working to identify a silver four-door sedan tied to a shooting that happened on May 8, 2026.
Police released an image of the vehicle and are asking anyone who recognizes it or has information related to the case to come forward.
Authorities said tips can be submitted directly to investigators with the Violent Crimes and Gun Crime Unit at 803-545-3596 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
May 16, 2026 · via wltx.com