Breaking stories, industry analysis, and the latest updates from the world of cars. Stay informed with AutoTimegist.
Breaking
Regulation
Tesla has until September 30 to explain, under oath, how a car with no steering wheel, pedals or mirrors meets federal safety standards.
21 requests $139M cap
Breaking
Recall
Front fuel tank straps may not be seated in the frame rail. Dealers will inspect and refit them free, with owner letters from September 21.
223,472 trucks 2023-2027
Industry
Industry News
The Kicks e-POWER becomes Sunderland's tenth model and makes its European debut, joining the Qashqai, Juke and Leaf on the line.
£170m 10th model
Breaking
Autonomy
The two-seat Cybercab has no steering wheel and no pedals. Public rides began in Austin on September 4, with Tesla claiming a million unsupervised miles.
1M miles 45 authorised
New Model
EV Launch
Third-generation Leaf drops the hatchback shape, starts at $29,990, offers up to 303 miles and finally gets a native NACS port.
$29,990 303 mi
Breaking
Recall
Rear coil springs may be incorrectly installed and can come loose while driving. Dealers will replace the lower isolators free of charge.
328,381 units Letters Sep 29
Breaking
Recall
A battery control software error can overcharge the pack and cut drive power. Toyota will reflash the ECU free of charge; owner letters go out October 18.
8,521 vehicles Letters Oct 18
Industry
Industry News
Britain's largest carmaker will shed a tenth of its global workforce over two years, targeting GBP 1.7 billion in savings after tariffs and a cyberattack.
4,000 roles GBP 1.7bn savings
Market
Market Analysis
83,793 vehicles sold in August, an all-time record. Hybrid volume rose 99% year over year as buyers redirect from full EVs.
83,793 sold Hybrids +99%
New Model
New Model
After five years away, the Pajero returns with ladder-frame construction, a 2.4-litre diesel and Super Select 4WD-II. Thailand first, then Japan and Australia.
480 Nm 230 mm clearance
New Model
EV Launch
Two powertrains and up to 630 km of WLTP range. It restores the rear window the coupe deleted, but America is not on the launch list.
630 km WLTP Dual motor AWD
Analysis
Analysis
A record 437,487 EVs sold in the final eligible quarter, then a fall to 234,171. What the data shows about the pull-forward, the slump and the recovery.
437,487 peak -28% in Q1 2026
Breaking
Policy Analysis
The EU's Industrial Accelerator Act will let automakers use green steel to meet 2035 CO₂ targets. But with supply scarce and costs 30% higher, can it work?
90% tailpipe cut 7% steel offset
Strategic Expansion
Strategic Expansion
iCAR V27 launches with Horizon AI, 560 TOPS compute, and 1,200 km range. The aggressive EV offensive targets global markets as iCAUR.
560 TOPS 1,200 km range
Industry Awards
Industry Awards
Hyundai's Palisade, Ioniq 6 N, and Venue compete for top honors. The Ioniq 9 also made the initial top 10 cut for World Car of the Year.
3 finalist spots Apr 1 winners
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
U.S. dealer lawsuit, major AC wiring recall, collapsing China sales, and Barclays' bearish forecast create a perfect storm.
5.2% margin forecast 293k China units lost
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
FADA data shows rural PV demand up 34%, outpacing urban markets. Total vehicle registrations hit 2.41 million units, a 25.62% YoY increase.
25.62% growth 34.21% rural demand
Breaking News
Breaking News
China's 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes intelligent NEVs. Learn about the 16M NEV production milestone, 250B yuan trade-in funds, and the focus on all-solid-state batteries and embodied AI.
Breaking
Recall
NHTSA investigation leads to recall of 87,394 U.S. vehicles including 3 Series, X3, and Toyota Supra due to starter overheating fire risk.
87,394 U.S. vehicles Fire risk
Technology
Technology
QuantumScape inaugurates Eagle Line pilot production, Factorial partners with Karma for first U.S. passenger vehicle solid-state battery program.
1,000+ km range 2027 production
Earnings
Earnings
Honda reports 42% profit drop, hit by ¥267.1 billion in EV-related impairments and ¥289.8 billion in U.S. tariff costs.
-42% profit ¥267B EV loss
Earnings
Earnings
Ford Q4 core profit plunges 50% to $1B, missing estimates. CEO Jim Farley projects stronger 2026 with $8B-$10B EBIT.
$0.13 EPS vs $0.19 $8-10B 2026 guide
Industry Trends
Industry Trends
VDA survey reveals 72% of German auto suppliers plan to cut domestic investment. Energy costs, bureaucracy drive exodus.
72% cut investment 78k jobs at risk
Product News
Product News
Toyota confirms the 2027 Highlander will be all-electric only, dropping gas and hybrid options. Up to 338 hp, 320-mile range.
320 mi range Late 2026 arrival
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
Cox forecasts US new-vehicle sales to dip 2.4% to 15.8 million. Rising prices, insurance costs squeeze middle-income buyers.
-2.4% sales 15.8M units
Recall
Recall
NHTSA investigates 43,752 Mazda CX-90 SUVs after 26 complaints and two crashes linked to 'sticky steering' that persists post-recall.
43,752 vehicles 26 complaints
Product News
Product News
Musk confirms Tesla will end production of the Model S and Model X in Q2 2026. Fremont factory to be retooled for Optimus robot.
Q2 2026 end ~3% of sales
Breaking
Safety
Waymo robotaxi strikes child in Santa Monica near elementary school, triggering NHTSA investigation into AV behavior in school zones.
17 mph → 6 mph Jan 23, 2026
Policy
Policy
Trump administration revokes EPA's 2009 'endangerment finding,' eliminating legal basis for federal climate regulations including vehicle emissions standards.
Feb 12, 2026 $1.3T claimed savings
Review
Review
The 2026 Hyundai Inster proves affordable EVs can be spacious, stylish, and practical. Up to 370 km range, V2L capability, and sliding rear seats.
370 km range from $35,000