The Transportation Director Summit hosts student transportation leaders from across the country for a two-day event at STN EXPO East, focused on collaborative problem-solving and targeted training.
The Transportation Director Summit begins Friday, March 27 at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord in North Carolina with a “Transportation Director Leadership Discussion” hosted by STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin. The event includes a networking mixer with appetizers and beverages provided. Discussion prompts will be based on the top challenges and changes facing the student transportation industry, as reported by participants via a survey.
On Saturday, the Transportation Director Summit participants head to Topgolf for an exclusive presentation from STN EXPO East keynote speaker Jim Knight. He will explain how to create “Leadership That Rocks” and build strong organizational culture. The day’s schedule will include multiple focused roundtable discussions as attendants are matched with different vendors to discuss the most pressing needs of their operations.
Participants will be provided with food, drinks and open golf bays as they network with other transportation directors and vendors.
Applicants must hold the position of transportation director or a qualified equivalent and be able to attend both days of the Summit. Email kristine@stnmedia.com for more information about qualifying for the Transportation Director Summit.
Register by Feb. 14 to save $100 off full conference registration. Browse conference agenda and explore other unique experiences at stnexpo.com/east.
Hyundai is bidding to build 12 submarines for Canada.
Canada may link the deal to local Korean car production.
Korea accounts for 12 percent of car sales in the country.
Just two weeks after announcing a major trade deal with China that sharply reduced tariffs on EV imports, Canada is exploring another pivotal agreement, this time with South Korea, that could open the door to more car production on Canadian soil.
Although the two countries have had a free trade agreement since 2015, removing tariffs on most goods, this new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) points to a growing interest in deeper cooperation.
Both countries are responding to the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy under the Trump administration by diversifying their economic alliances. Still, for all the optics, neither has the capacity to replace the United States as a primary economic pillar.
The current priority is to strengthen South Korea’s automotive presence in Canada. That could include domestic manufacturing of Korean-branded vehicles as well as increased production of electric vehicle components and battery technologies.
“This agreement will grow our auto sector, create good jobs and reinforce Canada’s position as a global leader in future-ready vehicle manufacturing,” said Industry Minister Mélanie Joly in a statement on Thursday.
Ties Between Auto and Defence
Canada appears to be courting major Korean automakers such as Hyundai, especially in light of South Korea’s bid to replace Canada’s current submarine fleet.
According to CTV News, both Hyundai and defence contractor Hanwha are involved in a proposal to build and maintain 12 submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. If selected, the deal could be worth up to $100 billion over the next 30 to 40 years.
Hanwha, a sprawling South Korean industrial group, has already laid groundwork by signing five separate MoUs with Canadian companies to incorporate their technologies and products into its submarine offerings. Among those agreements is a $275 million commitment toward a new structural steel beam mill in Ontario.
South Korea’s Growing Footprint in Canada’s Auto Market
In 2024, South Korean vehicles made up 12 percent of all cars sold in Canada, amounting to 228,257 units. In a statement, the Canadian government emphasized its aim to strengthen the domestic battery supply chain by encouraging investment and collaboration in battery manufacturing, materials processing, and the refinement, processing, and recycling of Canadian critical minerals.
Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, believes the timing aligns well for Canada to boost its domestic auto sector by leveraging upcoming defence investments.
“Today the business case is there to build a plant here in Canada, perhaps making electric vehicles… and to build where they sell,” he said. “Canada is interested in buying submarines and there are two healthy bidders. And both of those healthy bidders have automakers that sell a lot of cars here and sell batteries here.”
Slate’s EV truck will be built in a repurposed Indiana factory.
Old printing plant now features robots and anti-slip flooring.
Talks with suppliers next week may bring cost-cutting updates.
Breaking into the car market with an all-new vehicle is one of the hardest plays in the industry, even more so for a company with no legacy network whatsoever or any prior production history. But Slate Auto is pressing ahead with its plan to launch an affordable, all-electric pickup truck.
While key details about the production version, including pricing, are still being ironed out, the company has shared progress from the plant where it’ll be built.
Rather than building the truck overseas, perhaps somewhere where labor costs are lower, Slate Auto is manufacturing it right here in the US. It’s being brought to life at a plant in Warsaw, Indiana, which for decades served as a major printing facility, employing up to 500 people.
A Factory Transformed
As you can imagine, repurposing the site into an electric vehicle facility involves some extensive changes. Among them, 630,000 square feet of anti-slip flooring is being laid to accommodate the factory’s new layout and safety protocols.
Automation is already underway, with robotic laser welders and large-format 3D laser scanners arriving on site. According to Slate, production of its EV pickup is still scheduled to begin before the end of the year.
What Happens Without the Tax Credit?
The truck’s ultimate reception will no doubt hinge on its price. Originally, Slate Auto said it would start below $20,000 when factoring in the now-defunct $7,500 federal EV tax credit. But with that credit now scrapped under the Trump administration, the EV won’t be as cheap as originally promised.
A few months later, the company quietly updated its website to say the “Blank Slate is expected to be priced in the mid-twenties.” Although no further details were provided, the update was widely thought to reflect the anticipated changes to the federal EV tax credit at the time.
When asked about the change, Slate Auto CEO Chris Barman brushed off the concern, saying “it doesn’t matter,” and insisting the truck remains affordable. She didn’t elaborate further.
“We’re still working really closely with our suppliers to see what opportunities we have to continue to bring costs down, to see what we can do to pass along to the customer before we announce final pricing,” she said.
Slate’s CEO also mentioned that pricing will be a central part of the discussions at a meeting with the company’s suppliers scheduled for next week.
“A big part of that is going to be talking about, are there more opportunities for cost reduction? And the way we’re looking at that is we want to pass it on to the customer,” she said.
A Yangwang U9 crashed into a Zeekr 009 and BYD Seagull in China.
Thankfully, no serious injuries or battery fires occurred.
The U9 claims it can drive on three wheels and jump over road obstacles.
For a hypercar famous for hopping over potholes like a caffeinated kangaroo, the Yangwang U9 just had a very grounded moment. The Chinese electric hypercar was involved in a multi vehicle crash in Zhejiang, and this time its trick suspension could not spring it out of trouble.
According to reports shared on Chinese social media, the incident happened near an intersection while a Zeekr 009 electric MPV was stopped at a red light. The U9 reportedly struck the Zeekr at speed, then continued on to meet some roadside greenery and an advertising sign on the median.
A BYD Seagull also got caught up in the chain of impacts, according to Car News China, making this one unfortunate EV love-in. Thankfully, early accounts say no one in any of the vehicles suffered serious injuries, and there were no fatalities.
Images from the scene show heavy front-end damage to the U9, while the Zeekr 009 appears to have taken a serious hit as well, as one of its front wheels was reportedly detached.
One thing observers were quick to note was what did not happen. Despite the severity of the crash sequence, there were no reports of battery fires in any of the cars, including the U9. In a high-performance EV with a massive battery pack, that’s something to be thankful for.
Pointless Tricks
The Yangwang U9 made headlines this time last year when the BYD-owned brand released a video showing it leaping over small obstacles in the road. Using its trick Disus X suspension, the quad motor hypercar can clear potholes and spikes, dance, and drive on three wheels. But as this accident proves, some laws of physics can’t be cheated.
The regular U9 packs a 1,287-hp (1,305 PS / 960 kW) quad-motor powertrain, but last fall an appropriately-named limited edition U9 Extreme with an outrageous 2,978 hp (3,019 PS / 2,220 kW) achieved 308.4 mph (496.22 km/h).
Tesla’s Robotaxis crash every 55,000 miles, far more than humans.
Human-driven crash estimates are around once every 200,000 miles.
Robotaxis operate only in Austin, despite Musk’s 2025 nationwide claim.
As many probably expected, Tesla’s Robotaxi service hasn’t grown the way Elon Musk predicted, and it’s not running as smoothly as the company might have hoped. New data shows that the autonomous cars Tesla is operating in Austin, Texas, are crashing far more often than human drivers.
According to figures submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tesla’s Robotaxis were involved in nine crashes between July and November of last year. During that period, the fleet logged about 500,000 miles, which works out to an incident roughly every 55,000 miles.
The Numbers Behind the Crashes
That rate might not seem disastrous at first glance. But NHTSA data shows that human drivers report one police-notified crash about every 500,000 miles. Factoring in unreported incidents, estimates suggest a more realistic figure of one crash every 200,000 miles.
Even by that more forgiving measure, humans are still significantly outperforming Tesla’s current autonomous system. Electrek reported this disparity, pointing out the shortfall in Tesla’s safety metrics.
What makes this more concerning is that each robotaxi has a safety monitor riding in the front passenger seat. Even with a human on board to intervene, the vehicles are still getting into more accidents per mile than human drivers typically do alone.
What Isn’t Tesla Saying?
Tesla doesn’t appear to be exactly transparent about these crashes, either. The reports submitted to the NHTSA are heavily redacted, leaving only limited details available.
In one case from September 2025, a robotaxi reportedly “hit an animal at 27 mph,” but there’s no information on how or why it happened. That same month, another vehicle was involved in a collision with a cyclist, though again, the specifics are missing.
Overall, Tesla reported nine crashes involving its Robotaxi fleet in Austin, between July and November 2025, according to incident data uncovered by Electrek in NHTSA’s Standing General Order crash reports:
November 2025: Right turn collision
October 2025: Incident at 18 mph
September 2025: Hit an animal at 27 mph
September 2025: Collision with cyclist
September 2025: Rear collision while backing (6 mph)
September 2025: Hit a fixed object in parking lot
July 2025: Collision with SUV in construction zone
July 2025: Hit fixed object, causing minor injury (8 mph)
July 2025: Right turn collision with SUV
Robotaxi’s Slow Expansion
In July of last year, Musk made the rather absurd claim that Tesla’s Robotaxi service would reach “half of the population of the US” by the end of 2025. It’s now 2026, and the service is still limited to just one city: Austin, Texas.
Tesla has expanded its service to the San Francisco Bay Area in California, but because it doesn’t have a permit to operate fully autonomous vehicles in the state, each Model Y is equipped with a human driver. It’s hardly a Robotaxi service then, but rather simply a ride-hailing taxi service.
That said, Tesla isn’t giving up on the idea. During its Q4 earnings call this week, the company confirmed plans to expand the program into seven new cities, including Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Las Vegas, all within the first half of the year.
McLaren patent reveals a sound-based EV feedback system.
Sounds shift left, right, front, and rear with power delivery.
Drivers would hear torque vectoring as audible stereo feedback.
Electric cars make a lot of sense for most people. They’re smooth, quiet, and easy to live with, which is great for getting from A to B without any drama. But if you’re someone who actually enjoys driving, chances are most EVs feel a bit flat. They do the job, sure, but outside of the instant acceleration, there’s not much to get the pulse racing.
Hyundai challenged that norm with the launch of the Ioniq 5 N a couple of years ago, proving that electric power doesn’t have to mean a lifeless drive. Now, other manufacturers are paying attention. Porsche and Lamborghini are among those working on dynamic EV soundtracks designed to inject some drama into the otherwise silent experience.
It turns out McLaren is exploring a similar path, but with its own spin. A recently filed patent hints at a more complex approach to EV acoustics.
EV Sound Gets Smarter
Submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the filling outlines a system that modulates artificial sound depending on traction and power distribution.
In practice, if the left-side wheels lose grip, the car could direct more torque to the right and, at the same time, shift more sound output to the speakers on that side. The goal seems to be enhancing driver perception by linking sound with how the car is behaving underneath you.
The patent, unearthed by CarBuzz, also describes a setup where sounds can move between the front and rear depending on where power is being delivered. It doesn’t specify what those sounds would actually be, but McLaren could take inspiration from Hyundai’s approach and recreate tones similar to its own combustion models.
Is This Just A Patent Placeholder?
Of course, as with any technology patent, there’s no guarantee McLaren will actually use such a system in any of its future vehicles.
McLaren’s overall EV plans also remain a little murky. For now, the brand has made it clear that combustion engines and hybrid setups are still a priority. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 will be staying in the lineup for the foreseeable future.p CYVN Holdings, a major stakeholder in Nio.
Nick Collins, McLaren’s head of product, shared last year that any future EV would likely target a specific market, China being the most likely candidate. That car could incorporate tech from an existing Chinese EV brand.
It’s worth pointing out here that McLaren is now under the wing of CYVN Holdings, an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm that also holds a significant stake in Nio
New details emerged from an incident involving a student with a handgun while riding a school bus in Kanawha County, West Virginia that led to a teacher’s aide also being arrested, reported Metro News.
St. Albans Police Department officers were called on Jan. 21 after a student at Hayes Middle School was discovered with a handgun on his school bus around 3:15 p.m. A school employee who was on board the bus confiscated the weapon and turned it over to school officials.
Police said the juvenile was later released into the custody of a guardian, who indicated they had no knowledge the student possessed a firearm. Authorities also revealed the handgun had been reported stolen the night before the incident.
As the investigation continued, police then arrested Heather Dawn Sherrod, 46, of St. Albans, a teacher’s aide at Hayes Middle School. Sherrod was charged with failing to report a firearm and was taken into custody.
A criminal complaint was filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court. Investigators learned that Sherrod was informed by a student around 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 21 that a handgun had been pointed at another student. Police allege that despite being a mandated reporter, Sherrod did not report the incident. The complaint states Sherrod admitted she knew she was required to report the information but failed to do so.
Sherrod is currently being held at South Central Regional Jail on a $2,500 bond. The St. Albans Police Department continues to work closely with the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office as the investigation remains ongoing.
A Government Accountability Report (GAO) study of five federal programs for fraud prevention measures and oversight found the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries, commonly known as E-Rate, to be the only one that met all nine requirements and leading practices to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.
Meanwhile, E-Rate opponents have often characterized the funding mechanism for discounted internet and telecommunications access in libraries, schools and until recently school buses as rampant with fraud. FCC in September voted 2-1 to revoke E-Rate eligibility for school bus Wi-Fi.
In addition to E-Rate, the GAO report released in December examined the policies and procedures of the Department of Commerce’s CHIPS for America Fund, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Center Program, and the Department of Energy’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs.
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers E-Rate under FCC oversight and conducts biannual fraud risk assessments. The GAO report found USAC has implemented an entity-wide antifraud strategy, which includes measures to prevent, detect and respond to fraud, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation of fraud risk management activities.
GAO noted that E-Rate’s adherence to all nine requirements and leading practices, including maintaining risk profiles, documenting an antifraud strategy and conducting risk-based monitoring. Together, GAO said the requirements and leading practices set a high standard for other federal award programs. In fiscal year 2024, E-Rate obligated approximately $2.9 billion and disbursed $2.6 billion to help schools and libraries access affordable broadband services.
Michael Flood, founder of telecommunications consultant and strategist Alpine Frog, applauded what he called a “100-percent, A-plus score.”
“I would add that the E-Rate program is also widely recognized for continuously and consistently bringing down costs over its 30-year history due to a robust competitive bidding process and commitment to open data practices,” he commented. “E-Rate operates in an efficient and open market.”
The report also highlighted previous recommendations made by GAO to improve fraud risk management in FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The FCC implemented all six recommendations, further strengthening its oversight capabilities.
While the report identified gaps in fraud prevention measures across other federal programs, it commended the FCC and E-Rate for their proactive approach to safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring program integrity.
DUPAGE, Ill. – Durham School Services and Glenbard Township High School District 87 have started the year on a strong note with their newly formed partnership and successful start to the semester – a testament to Durham’s 109 years of expertise and safe and reliable service. The partnership will extend through July of 2027, and Durham will service a total of fifty regular routes and nine special education routes for the school district.
Durham and its sister brands currently provide student transportation for fifteen communities across Illinois, and through this partnership with Glenbard Township High School District 87, are excited to be able to expand our transportation services to another community in Illinois. Further, through our company-wide community outreach program, Partners Beyond the Bus, our team looks forward to supporting the Glenbard community and its students beyond providing transportation through various community activities and events.
“We appreciate the partnership we’ve established with Durham School Services with an emergency contract for transportation for Glenbard Township High School District 87,” said Jessica Santee, Superintendent, Glenbard Township High School District 87. “While changes of this scale and in this short timeline are extremely difficult, our shared commitment to student safety, reliability, and clear communication has helped us to start the semester off smoothly. Durham has worked closely with our district to address our needs, support drivers, and strengthen day-to-day operations. We value their responsiveness and commitment to our greater school community. We look forward to our continued partnership in providing dependable transportation services for our students and families.”
“What a great, positive way to begin 2026 by forging this partnership with Glenbard Township High School District 87,” said Tim Wertner, CEO, Durham School Services. “Even with the hustle and bustle of the holidays and New Years, our team stayed focused and worked in perfect tandem with the school district to keep the momentum going to ensure that we were prepped and ready for a successful start-up. Thank you, team, and Glenbard Township High School District 87, for all your efforts! We are off to an excellent start, and we’re thrilled to join and support the Glenbard community. We look forward to building strong bonds with the community and continuing our commitment to transport students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn every day.”
About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, are dedicated to the safety of our students and People. Collectively, for more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services and its sister brands have earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities they serve.
Waymo plans to launch paid UK robotaxi service as soon as September.
Mapping London streets now using Jaguar I-Pace vehicles with drivers.
Cars equipped with radar, lidar, and cameras to capture road data.
Londoners may soon find themselves riding in the front seat of the future, as Waymo prepares to bring its fully autonomous robotaxis to the streets of the UK. The self-driving tech firm has announced plans to launch in London, taking advantage of new regulations that will permit robotaxis to operate in the city starting in the second half of this year.
Waymo’s UK rollout comes even as scrutiny builds back home. This week, the NHTSA opened an investigation after one of the company’s robotaxis struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California, during drop-off hours.
London’s Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood has confirmed that Waymo, which is owned by Google-parent Alphabet, will launch a pilot service in April, before launching in full as early as September.
To ensure the robotaxis can handle the intricacies of London’s roads, several of its vehicles are already being tested with a safety driver behind the wheel, helping map the city’s streets.
These test vehicles typically operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are driven in select London boroughs, including Camden, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Lewisham, Newham, and the City of Westminster.
Data Collection Meets Cybersecurity Requirements
Waymo says it’s currently gathering data across the widest possible range of London streets, using the advanced cameras, lidar, and radar fitted to the Jaguar I-Pace models.
In a statement to the BBC, Minister Greenwood emphasized that all Waymo robotaxis will be subject to strict safety criteria before they’re allowed on the road. This includes resilience against cyber attacks and secure software protocols to protect against hacking.
Once the vehicles have sufficiently mapped London’s roads and meet all regulatory standards, users will be able to request a ride through the Waymo app. The service is expected to carry a “premium” price point, with fares adjusted upward during periods of high demand, though exact pricing has not yet been announced.
Growing Competition
Waymo isn’t the only company eyeing the capital. Both Uber and Lyft have expressed interest in launching robotaxi services in London once the legal framework allows. With regulators clearing a path for autonomous vehicles, the city is shaping up to be a key battleground for the next phase of ride-hailing innovation.
IM Motors revealed the LS9 Hyper SUV with three electric motors.
It features a 1.5L turbo range extender and 65.9 kWh battery pack.
Rear-wheel steering gives it a 16.2-foot turning radius in tight spots.
IM Motors, the upscale joint venture from MG and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has pulled the covers off its latest flagship. Named the LS9 Hyper, this SUV builds on the standard LS9 that debuted last year, layering in high-spec upgrades aimed at Chinese buyers who want their tech-laden luxury served in insulated comfort.
Whereas IM Motors’ smaller offerings like the IM5 and IM6 go all-in on battery-electric power, the LS9 Hyper takes a different route. It’s a range extender rather than a full EV. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 153 horsepower, but its only job is to recharge the 65.9 kWh battery.
Power is delivered through a single 215 hp electric motor at the front axle, backed up by two 261 hp motors at the rear. This setup offers an estimated all-electric range of 191 miles (308 kilometers). The three electric motors also provide torque vectoring, though we don’t think many owners will be hustling this beast through the corners.
The LS9 Hyper also debuts a clever all-electric, all-wheel 24-degree smart steering system, believed to be a first for a vehicle in this class. It achieves a turning radius of just 4.95 meters (16.2 feet), roughly two meters tighter than a Smart ForTwo.
As you can no doubt tell from the photos, this thing is big. In fact, it is 5,279 mm (207.8 inches) long, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) wide, and stands 1,806 mm (71.1 inches) tall with a massive 3,160 mm (124.4-inch) wheelbase.
The exterior design isn’t particularly noteworthy, but it does look classy. At the front, a light bar and vertically oriented headlights. It also includes a roof-mounted LiDAR and is available with 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels. Adding to the fancy looks are silver accents running along the base of the side and rear windows.
Many of the fancy MG’s best features are found in the cabin, which hasn’t been revealed yet, though it’s expected to mirror the LS9 shown here. There’s a single 27.1-inch display, encompassing the cluster and infotainment screen, as well as a separate 15.6-inch monitor for the front passenger.
Audiophiles will have plenty to enjoy with the Bang & Olufsen sound system, while all occupants benefit from massaging seats and an underfloor heating system. Rear-seat passengers aren’t overlooked either, with access to a 27-inch 5K display that folds down from the headliner.
And in case that’s not quite enough, as with the regular LS9, IM will also offers the option of an integrated shower unit built into the tailgate.
Geely Galaxy Xingyuan was China’s best-selling vehicle in 2025.
Wuling Mini EV ranked second, ahead of the Tesla Model Y in 2025.
BYD stayed China’s top-selling brand by a wide margin in 2025.
A new electric subcompact has pulled off a quiet revolution in China’s fiercely competitive car market, topping the charts without the backing of Tesla or BYD. The Geely Galaxy Xingyuan, a fully electric hatchback, has officially become the country’s best-selling vehicle for 2025, racking up 465,775 registrations and ending the two-year reign of the Tesla Model Y.
Known as the Geely EX2 in export markets, the Galaxy Xingyuan was introduced in 2024 and measures 4,135 mm (162.8 inches) in length. It sits in the subcompact category, going up against popular rivals like the BYD Dolphin, Wuling Bingo, and Aion UT.
It blends simple, approachable styling with a well-equipped interior and pricing that stays competitive, currently ranging from ¥65,800 to ¥95,800 ($9,500 to $13,800 at current exchange rates) in China.
China’s second-best-selling vehicle in 2025 was the compact Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, repeating the success of its earlier version from 2021 and 2022. The pint-sized electric hatchback from the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture entered a new generation last year, bringing more playful styling and a new five-door variant. Those updates clearly landed well, helping it reach 435,599 units sold, a huge 82 percent jump over its 2024 total.
Geely Galaxy Xingyuan
The Tesla Model Y, which held the top spot in 2023 and 2024, slipped to third place in 2025. It still put up strong numbers with 425,337 units sold, though that marked an 11.5 percent decline from the year before, even with the launch of a significantly updated version earlier in the year.
In fourth place, the BYD Qin Plus sedan registered 387,315 units sold. Available as either a fully electric model or a plug-in hybrid, the Qin Plus had previously held the second spot in both 2023 and 2024 but saw its position slip this year.
The Nissan Sylphy sedan, known as the Sentra in the US, was China’s best-selling model from 2020 to 2022 before Tesla took over. Now down to fifth place with 320,000 sales, it still holds the distinction of being the country’s best-selling non-EV. A new generation has just arrived, which might give it a boost heading into next year.
Rank
Model
Powertrain
Sales
1
Geely Galaxy Xingyuan
EV
465,775
2
Wuling Hongguang Mini EV
EV
435,599
3
Tesla Model Y
EV
425,337
4
BYD Qin Plus
PHEV/EV
387,315
5
Nissan Sylphy
ICE/Hybrid
320,000
6
BYD Seagull
EV
310,956
7
BYD Qin L
PHEV
264,671
8
Xiaomi SU7
EV
258,164
9
Volkswagen Lavida
ICE
245,000
10
BYD Song Plus
PHEV/EV
200,276
SWIPE
Source: China Passenger Car Association (CPCA)
Another standout in China’s top 10 for 2025 is the Xiaomi SU7 sedan, which landed in eighth place with 258,164 units sold. The Chinese newcomer made headlines by outselling its direct rival, the Tesla Model 3, which slipped to eleventh with 200,361.
Local Brands Dominate The Charts
According to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), BYD held onto its lead as the largest manufacturer in China by total volume, selling 3,484,525 vehicles in 2025. Geely followed in second with 2,605,565 units, marking a striking 47% increase over the previous year.
Chinese brands as a whole captured 65 percent of the domestic market, while many foreign automakers that once dominated have struggled to keep up. FAW-Volkswagen secured third place with 1,531,276 sales, but joint ventures from Toyota and Honda have now dropped out of the top five.
Lucid has completed prototypes for its midsize EV platform.
The new platform prioritizes lower costs and manufacturability.
Production is scheduled for late 2026 at high volume scale.
It’s official, Lucid has built its first midsize EV prototypes, the production version of which may be called Earth. The details, including hard platform specs and complete styling, are still largely under wraps. That said, one thing is wildly clear. This is the most important piece of Lucid’s path forward.
The update comes straight from Nick Twork, Lucid’s Head of Communications, who shared that he recently spent time in the brand’s prototype build area watching the first midsize vehicles come together. According to Twork, the new EVs retain the same core DNA as the larger Air sedan and Gravity SUV.
In other words, expect the same space efficiency, driving dynamics, and lengthy range. According to Twork, this vehicle pushes things forward thanks to “dramatically improved manufacturability and cost structure.” He also teased that the finished products “are going to surprise people.”
Can Lucid Make It Work at Scale?
That last part may sound like standard corporate hype, but the emphasis on manufacturability is the real key to not just the vehicle itself, but the future of the brand.
Lucid has already proven it can engineer some of the most advanced EVs on the market. What it hasn’t proven, at least at scale, is that it can build them profitably. The Air and Gravity have impressed on paper and on the road, but they’ve also come with premium price tags and heavy cash burn behind the scenes.
Spent time in our prototype build area today watching the first full Lucid midsize vehicles come together. Same Lucid DNA as Air and Gravity – space, efficiency, dynamics, and range – paired with dramatically improved manufacturability and cost structure. These are going to… pic.twitter.com/3K4qQ7b3oC
Lucid has confirmed that the new platform will underpin three different body styles, none of which will be sedans. In that sense, it’s designed to scale in a way that the Air and Gravity simply can’t, at least in their current forms.
That’s why the company’s focus on simplified manufacturing matters so much. If Lucid can preserve even a portion of its signature advantages while meaningfully reducing production costs, it could give it a foothold for the long term that it desperately needs.
Production is currently slated for late 2026, placing Lucid’s midsize EV just behind the Rivian R2 that will launch “by June” this year. The fact that we haven’t seen it totally unveiled seems to indicate that Lucid has a lot to manage between now and then. Expect pricing to start around $50,000.
Toyota bZ4X recall stems from incorrect taillights being sold.
Korea-spec lights lack the side marker lamp required in US.
Catalog wrongly listed Korea lights as suitable for US vehicles.
Even the most reliable brands can slip up now and then, and this time, it’s Toyota turn in the spotlight. While known for its solid track record in quality control, the automaker has nonetheless found itself navigating a rather awkward parts mishap involving the bZ4X.
Several units will now face a recall in the United States, all due to a mix-up with replacement taillights. So, what exactly went wrong?
Confused Parts Cross Borders
A recall notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that taillights originally intended for service replacements in South Korea were accidentally distributed in the U.S. Some of those may have ended up installed on American-market bZ4X models.
Due to differences in automotive lighting regulations between the two countries, the South Korean-spec taillights don’t meet American standards. The key issue lies in the side marker, as the Korean units include a side marker reflector, but U.S. regulations require a side marker lamp to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Toyota first caught wind of the problem in October, when a parts order came through from Canada requesting a Korea-spec left-hand taillight assembly for the bZ4X. That raised a red flag, prompting the company to dig deeper.
The investigation revealed a potential cause of the mix-up. Both U.S. and Korean versions of the replacement parts had been listed in the catalog, but the Korean version also displayed the term “USA” in its description, likely confusing some who purchased a replacement light.
Toyota believes that a total of 79 right-hand and left-hand replacement taillight assemblies designed for South Korea could have ended up in the United States, although it hasn’t specified how many have been fitted to customer cars.
What Happens Now?
Owners who’ve had a taillight replaced on their bZ4X will be notified via mail. Toyota dealers will inspect the installed parts to determine whether the correct U.S.-spec lights were used. If any Korean-spec units are found, Toyota will replace them at no cost.
Toyota is expected to launch a new Corolla with major upgrades.
Unofficial renderings preview a sedan with softened concept cues.
Compact model will offer hybrid and fully electric powertrain choices.
The Toyota Corolla, the best-selling nameplate in automotive history, is gearing up for a major evolution for its 13th generation. This next iteration of the compact is expected to merge a more futuristic design with a broad range of powertrain options, including hybrid and, for the first time, fully electric. If all goes according to plan, this will be the most ambitious overhaul in the model’s six-decade run.
Toyota offered a taste of that future with the radical concept unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. While visually striking, the concept’s design leaned heavily into the avant-garde, raising doubts about how much of it would survive into production.
Is This What It’ll Really Look Like?
In response, digital artist Theophilus Chin stepped in with speculative renderings that balance the bold with the believable. His vision softens the extremes, wrapping forward-thinking design in a more grounded four-door sedan shape.
The illustrations are actually based on the Lexus IS, implementing elements from the Toyota Crown Sedan before adding the signature styling features of the Corolla concept.
At the front, the design retains the hammerhead-style headlights introduced on the concept, now joined by additional daytime running lights integrated into the bumper. Below that sits a slim air intake, nestled under a full-width LED bar.
According to Toyota’s own designers, combustion-powered variants would require certain functional tweaks. This likely explains some of the more pragmatic adjustments in Chin’s version.
In line with that approach, several of the concept’s more dramatic features have been reined in. The low-slung hood and ultra-modern glasshouse have been scaled back to better suit a road-going car. Wheel sizes are more modest, and the flush door handles have given way to conventional ones. Even so, the side profile keeps its complexity, with angular character lines.
The biggest change is at the rear, where the concept’s futuristic tail has been swapped for a more conventional sedan layout, likely to align with mainstream Corolla tastes. Even so, the clean roofline, slim full-width LED taillights, subtle spoiler, and sharp surface work give it a more contemporary look than the current generation of the sedan
Did The Concept Take It Too Far?
Toyota Corolla Concept
The original concept was developed by Toyota’s European design center in France, signalling a radical shift for the popular nameplate. However, while the prospect of big changes sounds exciting, history suggests automakers tend to proceed cautiously with high-volume, globally popular models.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Toyota tempers the wildest aspects of the concept for the production version. Still, there’s always the chance they’ll take a bigger leap than expected.
What remains unknown is whether the new generation will follow the current model’s multi-body format. At present, the Corolla is sold globally as a sedan, hatchback, and estate, offering broad appeal across markets and use cases.
Toyota Corolla Concept
Besides the futuristic exterior, the concept came with a completely reimagined interior combining the latest technology with more premium materials and added space. Toyota’s messaging suggests they’re looking to elevate the segment, but production models are likely to tone things down for cost, practicality, and manufacturing scale.
Under The Skin
Toyota has not yet released technical specifications for the next-generation Corolla, but it did confirm the model will continue under its “multi-pathway” strategy, supporting multiple types of propulsion.
The lineup will offer both hybrid and fully electric powertrains to suit a wide range of global markets. Likely options for the hybrid system include new 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines currently in development, aimed at delivering more power with improved efficiency.
Designers have also stated that interior space will remain consistent across all variants, regardless of the drivetrain.
Given the driver-oriented nature of the current TNGA platform and Toyota’s steady evolution in chassis tuning, the next Corolla could offer a more rewarding experience behind the wheel. Comfort and usability remain priorities, but added sharpness wouldn’t come as a surprise.
The current 12th-generation Toyota Corolla debuted in 2018, with a mild mid-cycle update arriving in 2022. That timeline suggests the next generation could appear in 2026 or 2027, though Toyota has not yet confirmed a launch date.
Tesla is ending Model S and X production this year, Musk says.
Model S helped prove EVs could be fast, fun, and desirable.
Fremont, CA, plant will be retooled to build humanoid robots.
Tesla is quietly switching off two of the cars that helped kickstart the modern EV revolution. The Model S sedan and Model X SUV are heading for retirement as the company steers away from cars and toward humanoid robots instead.
CEO Elon Musk made the announcement on an earnings call on Wednesday, explaining that S and X production would end in California next quarter, and the Fremont plant would be repurposed to build Optimus robots.
“It’s time to bring the Model S and X programs to an honorable discharge because we’re really moving into a future that is based on autonomy,” Musk told investors.
“We’ll obviously continue to support S and X programs for as long as people have the vehicles, but we’re going to take the production space in our Fremont factory and convert that into an Optimus factory with the long term goal of having 1 million units a year.”
Game changer
It feels strange to say goodbye to the Model S, and Musk himself conceded the news was “slightly sad.” When it launched back in 2012, it rewrote the rulebook. Here was an electric car that was not a compromise box on wheels but a sleek, luxury sedan with Aston Martin vibes that could outrun a BMW M5 – and later, supercars – in a straight line. Alongside the Nissan Leaf, it helped drag EVs into the mainstream.
The Model X followed with its dramatic falcon wing doors and family friendly space, though it never quite matched the S for cultural impact. Still, both became rolling symbols of Tesla’s rise from scrappy startup to industry disruptor.
Replacements Overdue
The problem is time waits for no car, especially in the EV world. Sales numbers told the story. The Model 3 and Model Y became Tesla’s volume heroes, while S and X faded into niche status. While Tesla refreshed the S and X over the years, it never gave us all-new versions even as the threat from Western and Chinese rivals grew stronger.
Now, rather then reboot them, Tesla has decided to pivot to something different altogether, something with the potential to make even more money, and have an even bigger impact than the S did a decade ago.
We cover a harsh winter ice storm, takeaways from the 2026 NSTA Midwinter Meeting, updates to the U.S. EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and illegal passing by Waymo autonomous vehicles.
Industry consultant Tim Ammon gives tips for transportation budgeting and business efficiency while maximizing educational access for students. He will lead sessions at STN EXPO East this March in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina.
Authorities in Elk River, Minnesota are investigating how a man abducted a 7-year-old girl from her school bus stop.
According to a statement from the Sherbourne County Sheriff’s Office, the child exited her school bus just before 4 p.m. last Wednesday and was reported missing at approximately 6:30 p.m. An extensive search resulted in no information about her whereabouts.
Investigators later determined that the girl had likely been abducted. “An extensive search by law enforcement, first responders and the public didn’t reveal her whereabouts, and investigators had no corroboration that she had potentially left the area in a vehicle until hours later,” said Sherbourne County Sheriff’s Office Commander Ben Zawacki.
The sheriff’s office issue an Amber Alert at 11:40 p.m., after authorities confirmed the abduction. The investigation led officials to a white Dodge Ram believed to be connected to the disappearance. Around 1 a.m. Thursday, law enforcement agencies located the suspect vehicle and found the 7-year-old girl inside.
“The girl was safe and the suspect was arrested,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Joseph Bragg, 28, was charged in connection with the child’s abduction. No additional details about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the incident have been released. The investigation remains ongoing.
January 28, 2025 – At a time when the administration claims the U.S. is facing a nationwide energy emergency and consumers are increasingly concerned about rising electricity costs, its efforts to stop five large offshore wind projects under construction along the Atlantic Coast could cost consumers billions of dollars and keep much-needed new electricity off …
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