RENO, Nev. – STN EXPO West kicked off with a welcome reception on Thursday evening and proceeded into intensive training classes on Friday.

Dick Fischer and Pete Baxter, who together have over 100 years of service in pupil transportation and are both are expert witnesses in court for legal cases involving school bus collisions, led a class on school bus accident investigation.

The specially developed National School Bus Inspection Training Program and the official NHTSA Child Passenger Safety on School Buses National Training also took place, as well as a new 4-hour seminar on school bus routing.

AMF-Bruns also presented its Mastering Wheelchair & Occupant Securement Training Certification Class.

The education continues Saturday.

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RENO, Nev. — In a four-hour seminar on routing, consultant Kerry Somerville spoke to attendees at STN EXPO West about everything from implementing routing software and the RFP process to training and using the software.

Whether attendees came to the class Friday to become up to date on the offerings after retirement, or because they were a school bus driver being told to route themselves, or even due to being the director of safety and wanting to see the benefits of routing, all left with a deeper understanding of route specifics.

“I’m not here to talk bad about [any company], but I want you guys to be aware, to ask questions about what you’re buying and how you’re implementing it,” said Somerville owner of Transportation Planning Solutions as well as a transportation supervisor for Show Low Unified School District in Arizona.

Related: (STN Podcast E263) Not an Easy Button: Expert Gives School Bus Routing Technology Tips

Somerville explained that the RFP is the district’s opportunity to specify exactly what they want and need from software. “Designate who’s going to run the software,” he shared, adding that there needs to be a backup in case that person is unavailable.

He noted that when creating the RFP, one needs to be realistic and not ask for things that aren’t possible. Similarly, he noted it’s important to be prepared to pay for solutions that meet the requirements being asked for. He also advised not asking for good references, which any company can provide. Instead, he suggested asking about failed implementations and why they occurred.

Somerville noted that a phased implementation is a better approach, rather than implementing technology all at once. And while some districts have the expectations that the lowest bid must be accepted, that may mean they don’t get the features or functions they want or need.

One attendee shared his operation is in search of its third routing software.

When discussing what is wanted versus what is needed, Somerville noted that the bandwidth of people and the size of operation play important roles. Ask yourself, what is your end goal, he noted, adding that sometimes it’s not necessarily about implementing a new product but training on a current one.

Once new routing software is implemented, the next stage is training. He noted that five days of intense training may seem like it’s the best approach, but when it gets to day five, employees might have forgotten what you learned on day one. Instead, he advised districts engage in continuous ongoing training, citing the importance of creating a training plan.

He also said training is both the vendor and district responsibility and should include routes. If a district is implementing remote training, he said it’s important to determine if it will really work for the team.

Other aspects of implementation include student data and working with one’s IT department to make sure the nightly download is accurate. He also advised working with the district’s management team to ensure that student data is accurate and highlighted the importance of how good address data is critical.

Plus, he asked, how does your software handle changes such as adding students and routes, changing bus stop locations and deleting information? “There is no such thing as a perfect map,” he said.

He outlined pros and cons to the various type of maps available.

Maps change, Somerville explained, and there needs to be away to update them. Plus, he added that data affects the quality of routes. For instance, a left turn may have a greater penalty than a right turn, adding that UPS trucks in the U.S. are programmed to minimize or avoid left turns due to safety and efficiency benefits. On the other hand, being able to adjust speed data via software can make a significant difference in the accuracy of your runs. Other data that affect routing include attendance boundaries, hazards and walk zones.

Related: STN EXPO Scholarship Winner Has Personal Passion for Student Transportation Safety
Related: Innovation Awards Returns to STN EXPO, Vote on Site
Related: Download App for 2025 STN EXPO West Conference

Somerville said optimization should be used as a tool, not a solution. He said every year there’s a big story about a school district being promised to save millions of dollars with optimization and then it failed day one of school start up. He said all data elements affect optimization. He advised testing the runs — everything from timing, routing, time spent at each stop, and speed — the software products prior to the first day of school.

Overall, when using software, he advised using it every day as practice makes perfect. He said he finds that most school districts only use about one-tenth of the function that the software can do. “Keep the data fresh,” he said, adding to avoid the “this doesn’t work trap.”

This, he said, is why it’s important to get what you want in the RFP process.

He concluded by urging the audience to not give up. “Learning new software, new ways of doing things can be a challenge, difficult and frustrating but the reward is at the end when you can provide the answers people need quickly and easily,” he said.

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RENO, Nev. — STN EXPO West kicked off with school transportation experts Richard Fischer and Peter Baxter, who presented the “School Bus Accident Investigation: Be Prepared for a Lawsuit” session.

“You need to know more than you need to know,” said Peter Baxter Friday as the four-hour-long accident investigation session began. With the play on the famous Oscar Wilde quote, Baxter aimed to emphasize the need for transportation professionals to acquire more knowledge than they believe they will need to know in the industry.

Attendees at the session were taught about the importance of safety and preparedness within the student transportation sector, particularly as it pertains to handling incidents involving school buses. Both Fischer and Baxter said their goal was to equip attendees with essential skills in mitigating risks associated with school transportation.

Dick Fischer is widely recognized as the Father of School Bus Safety Week for successfully petitioning President Richard Nixon in 1972 for the first federal proclamation. He and Pete Baxter, a retired state director of student transportation for the Indiana Department of Education are both members of the National Association for Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame. Baxter is one of only two people to serve as president of both NAPT and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services.

Fischer, who was recognized at the 2024 STN EXPO West with a lifetime achievement award, noted that the main priority of transportation professionals should be the students they transport. He emphasized the acronym “GOAL,” short for get out and look, when addressing how drivers should not be reluctant to exit the bus when they can’t see if a student crossed or to do a  maintenance check on the bus if needed during a route.

Fischer explained that many student transportation professionals believe that it is illegal for school bus drivers to exit the vehicle while on route. However, that is not the case. Currently, California is the only state where drivers must get off the bus to cross the road with elementary students when the bus is stopped on the opposite side of where the student’s home is located. This law was established in 1932, and since then reportedly no student or driver has been killed by an illegal passing incident.

During the seminar, Fischer transitioned into the topic of the danger zone, which refers to the 10- to 12-feet hazardous area surrounding school buses where students are at the most risk during loading and unloading. He highlighted the importance of being able to look over the hood of the bus when driving.

A scenario was acted out, where two attendees with different heights represented the difference between a shorter and taller school bus driver and how their respective danger zones are different. Fischer explained the importance of setting the driver’s seat at its lowest point to get an accurate description of the true danger zone for each driver. The ability to maintain awareness of one’s surroundings is pivotal in preventing incidents and ensuring student safety.

When the question, “What do you think the toughest task is in preventing a collision?” was asked by the speakers, many attendees were quick to respond. Some of them agreed that the toughest task is predicting the other behavior of other motorists on the road.

Fischer recommended that school bus drivers conduct department safety meetings. He suggested for directors of transportation and/or safety trainers to assign a month to drivers for organizing safety meetings while sharing ideas with them on what they could discuss during these meetings.

He also pointed out that school districts with school buses equipped with cameras should look at the recorded videos on a daily basis to prevent school bus related incidents from continuously occuring. Safe behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated but wrong behavior that is not called out or reported will be repeated as well. This is why both Fischer and Baxter emphasized the importance of reporting any unprofessional behavior instead of looking the other way. They referred to this as “CYA” or covering your “Adam’s apple.” In other words, the advised taking appropriate measures to protect oneself from potential blame, legally or otherwise.

Related: Dick Fischer School Bus Safety Scholarship Offered for STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO Scholarship Winner Has Personal Passion for Student Transportation Safety
Related: Accident Investigation Training Returns to STN EXPO West

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DENVER, Colo. – EverDriven, the nation’s leader in Alternative Student Transportation, today announced a major investment in technology and talent as part of its bold vision to redefine the modern student transportation experience. EverDriven’s commitment is driven by a clear mission: to build a future where every student’s journey is safe, reliable, and fully transparent. Central to that mission is future-proof technology that puts students, caregivers, and districts at the heart of our approach.

“As we look ahead, we see technology as the key enabler of modern student transportation, where seamless access, real-time visibility, and peace of mind are the standard for every ride,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “This vision drives our investment in both world-class talent and next-generation technology. We’re not just responding to today’s needs; we’re actively building the infrastructure for tomorrow’s student journeys.”

To realize this vision, EverDriven is expanding its product engineering hub and tripling its technology workforce, adding new roles across product development, UI design, engineering, and quality assurance. This investment will accelerate platform innovation and support the infrastructure needed for a more intelligent, user-centered transportation system—one that evolves alongside the changing needs of the districts, caregivers, and students EverDriven serves.

EverDriven’s innovation rollout is already underway, with new features launching in August, including real-time vehicle tracking, historical trip analysis for smarter routing, and automated driver assignment capabilities. These advancements mark the first step in a broader strategy to set new standards for safety, efficiency, and transparency in student transportation.

“We’re investing in the people and technology that will define the future of student transportation,” said Mon-Chaio Lo, Chief Product and Technology Officer at EverDriven. “Our next-generation platform will empower districts, caregivers, drivers, and students with the tools they need for the safest, most efficient experience with 360-degree visibility today and for years to come.”

To learn more about EverDriven’s commitment to modernizing student transportation through a tech-enabled, human-led approach, visit https://www.everdriven.com/technology/.

About EverDriven:
With nearly 700 school district contracts and over 31,806 students served last year alone, EverDriven is the leader in safe and technology-enabled Alternative Student Transportation. Leveraging proprietary routing technology and customized transportation services, the company has been instrumental in addressing driver shortages, helping reduce chronic absenteeism, accommodating varying bell times, and serving unique student needs related to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, special needs, ESSA, hard-to-serve trips, and out-of-district placements. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

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Audi of America is growing their electric vehicle lineup as the 2025 Q6 Sportback e-tron and SQ6 Sportback e-tron will arrive at dealerships later this month. Both will be available in three different trims with prices starting at $69,600.

The entry-level Q6 Sportback Premium costs $5,800 more than the standard model and features a swoopy roofline that is 1.4 inches (37mm) lower than the traditional SUV. The crossover coupe also comes equipped with an S line exterior and 19-inch wheels. Rounding out the highlights are leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.5-inch infotainment system.

More: Audi Q6 And SQ6 Sportback E-Trons Bow With Sleek Styling And Up To 510 HP

The $73,400 Premium Plus trim adds an upgraded interior with a heated steering wheel, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, and an LED interior lighting plus package. The model also sports additional driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise assist and an augmented reality head-up display.

The $75,400 Prestige goes even further thanks to acoustic front door glass and a 10.9-inch front passenger display. Buyers will also find an adaptive air suspension and fancier daytime running lights.

Power comes from a 100 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS). However, this climbs to 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) when using Launch Control.

The setup enables the Q6 Sportback e-tron to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). Customers can also expect up to 319 miles (513 km) of range as well as a battery that can go from 10-80% in as little as 21 minutes when using a 270 kW DC fast charger.

The SQ6 Sportback e-tron is similar, but starts at $76,300. It’s distinguished by a slightly more aggressive design with alu-optic accents and 20-inch wheels.

Interior changes are more noticeable as the crossover coupe comes equipped with a three-spoke sport steering wheel and leather/Dinamica sport seats. They’re joined by stainless steel pedals, carbon fiber trim, and massaging front seats.

Styling aside, the SQ6 has an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) or 509 hp (380 kW / 516 PS) with Launch Control. Thanks to the extra oomph, the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time falls to 4.1 seconds, while the top speed climbs to 143 mph (230 km/h). Unfortunately, the range drops to 283 miles (455 km).

On the topic of performance, the crossover has a sport-tuned adaptive air suspension as well as an upgraded front braking system. The latter boasts six-piston calipers as well as larger 14.8-inch (375 mm) discs for added stopping power.

2025 Audi Q6 / SQ6 Sportback E-Tron Pricing

Launching a robotaxi service in a major city has long been a benchmark for autonomous driving technology. Last month, Tesla took a step toward that goal by quietly rolling out a small-scale robotaxi program in Austin, Texas.

Although the service remains limited in scope and footage has shown autonomous Model Ys making some questionable moves, Elon Musk already has his sights set on expanding. His next target? The San Francisco Bay Area.

Read: Tesla’s Robotaxi Was Caught Making A Turn It Immediately Regretted

Musk made the announcement on X when asked about a potential expansion into San Francisco. According to the him, Tesla is “waiting on regulatory approvals,” but said the service will “probably [launch] in a month or two.”

In all likelihood, Tesla will adopt a similarly cautious approach in San Francisco as it did in Austin. Currently, the Austin pilot operates within a tightly geofenced area and every vehicle includes a human safety supervisor in the passenger seat. In a recent post on X, Musk said the service’s footprint in Austin will grow this weekend, though he didn’t say how much additional ground it will cover.

San Francisco is likely to prove a more challenging area for Tesla’s self-driving systems. The city is significantly more densely populated and has more challenging roads, largely due to its extreme topography and steep streets.

Stricter Regulations

Unlike Texas, where autonomous services face relatively few restrictions, California enforces tighter oversight. To operate in San Francisco, Tesla will need to secure approvals from both the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission, according to Reuters.

And with Waymo already running its own robotaxi service in the city for quite some time, Tesla will not only need to navigate regulation but also public perception and direct competition. Earning the trust of San Francisco riders may prove just as crucial as earning the trust of regulators.

Electric vehicles may be at the center of the automotive industry’s future, but the road to widespread adoption remains anything but smooth. Most legacy automakers say that they are huge fans of electric vehicles and want nothing more than for them to dominate the auto industry and to be in every motorist’s garage.

However, according to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, the biggest resistance to electrification isn’t coming from political opposition, but from the industry’s very own heavyweights.

Read: Rivian’s New R1 Quad Has 1025 HP And Tesla Charging

Since returning to the White House for a second term, President Donald Trump has made EVs a frequent target. Even before getting elected, Trump promised to scrap the ‘EV mandate’, even though no such mandate technically existed. He followed through with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which eliminated both new and used EV tax credits.

Perhaps surprisingly, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe doesn’t appear overly concerned with recent policy changes. Speaking with Business Insider, he downplayed the impact of political shifts. “Policy changes, in the end, don’t change anything,” he said.

His view is that recent shifts may even benefit Rivian and its competitors in the EV-first space “I think that the move away from some of the tailwinds that were previously in place for electric vehicles is actually good for Rivian, it’s good for Tesla, it’s bad for the US auto industry, and it’s bad for my kids,” Scaringe added.

Since neither the R1S nor the R1T qualified for the $7,500 credit to begin with, Rivian isn’t directly affected by the change. Scaringe’s focus lies elsewhere, as he is much more concerned with legacy carmakers.

The Fight Against OEMs

“We’re basically on an island fighting all the other OEMs,” he told BI. “They would never say this publicly, because publicly they’re pro-EVs — but the biggest adversaries against electrification are big OEMs. So we fight that hard. It’s so frustrating to see companies talk out of both sides of their mouth when they say they’re pro-electrification, but they’re just gloves off on the policy side. So anti-EV.”

It’s easy to understand where Rivian’s boss is coming from. Executives from many US carmakers frequently change their positions depending on which political party is in power and which policies will impact them in the short term.

Earlier this year, GM pushed tenaciously to stop California from having the ability to set its own emissions standards. Soon after, they got what they wished for, as Senate Republicans voted to strip the state of its authority to determine its own vehicle emissions rules.

Volvo’s U.S. sales have grown 6 percent so far this year, reaching 64,680 units by midyear. Even with that upward trend, the company is taking a cautious turn, announcing plans to cut around 15 percent of its local commercial workforce in an effort to reduce expenses and brace for potential instability.

Read: Volvo Laying Off Hundreds Of US Workers Over Tariff Fallout

On the surface, the job cuts seem to be happening at an inopportune time. Volvo has several new models in its line-up, including the all-electric EX90 and ES90. However, it’s been revealed that most of the workers affected by these cuts were hired during the pandemic, and some cuts were made through attrition.

Jobs Cut at U.S. Headquarters

Citing an unnamed sourced within Volvo, , approximately 60 jobs have also been eliminated, with most of these positions located at the company’s headquarters in New Jersey. According to Volvo, it “is taking measures to become a leaner, more efficient organization with a structurally lower cost base.” The company added this “will better position us to build a profitable … future for the Americas region and for Volvo Cars overall.”

It’s not just in the US where Volvo is reducing its workforce, Auto News reports that the company is looking to slash 15 percent of its global workforce, or roughly 3,000 jobs. The majority of these will be in Sweden and come in part due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Approximately 90 percent of all vehicles Volvo sells in the US are imported, and to offset the costs of these tariffs, it plans to save the equivalent of $1.87 billion.

Other Layoffs

In April, Volvo announced that it would lay off roughly 800 workers across its US operations, impacting factories in Dublin, Virginia, and Hagerstown, Maryland, as well as its Mack Trucks plant in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

At the same time, Volvo is reportedly looking to make better use of its Ridgeville, South Carolina plant. Just 20,000 vehicles were produced there last year, representing only 13 percent of the facility’s total capacity. To boost output, the company is considering adding XC60 production to the site.

Environmentalists are celebrating a rare win of keeping a mining operation from opening up next to a National Wildlife refuge in South Georgia.

All across the U.S., there are aging oil and natural gas wells no longer in use.

A lot of them don't have anyone on the hook to seal them up. Some estimate over a million such "orphan wells" still exist.

Because they haven't been plugged, they're still leaking greenhouse gases and other chemicals into the atmosphere and into the land around them.

What would it take to plug them — or even just one of them?

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

(Image credit: Chandan Khanna)

An Arkansas transportation director and payroll specialist sang the praises of integrated technology company Bytecurve.

Using manual paper timekeeping is a common issue in the industry, said Bryan Mitchell, marketing director for Bytecurve parent company Transit Technologies, during a sponsored webinar Tuesday. He reviewed how school bus operations are complicated by elements like increased transportation costs, driver shortages, inflation, angry parents, payroll errors, union pressure and siloed tech systems. He noted that while half of U.S. students rely on bus services, school bus drivers have decreased by 15 from 2019 to 2023.

“There is so much pressure on transportation to operate darn near perfection,” he quipped. “These challenges are profound.”

Jonathan Agenten, director of North American sales for the scheduling, dispatch and payroll solution that is Bytecurve, reviewed how combining GPS tracking, routing and payroll systems though a customizable dashboard helps districts provide automation and easy answers for both parents looking for their kids and staff needing to get paid.

“You as transportation professionals should not have to spend time on the things that run well,” Agenten said. “Our system is dying to be customized specific to your department’s needs, your rules and the way you pay your people.”

Russellville School District in central Arkansas transports 3,200 students on 43 daily routes covering 99 square miles. Transportation Director Christopher King said payroll was previously a process taking up to 15 days per month and involving inaccurate entries, extra time required to verify them and a 4 to 5-inch stack of timesheets to be signed.

“We were spending hours and days on tasks that should take us minutes,” he said. “It was almost a stone tablet and chisel, that how we did payroll.”

King shared how the district modernized by replacing those outdated, paper-based payroll and dispatch systems with a fully integrated solution powered by Zonar GPS and tablets along with Bytecurve’s digital timekeeping and payroll platform. He shared that tracking the time spent, staff needed and stress involved in the manual processes helped convince administration that the Bytecurve solution was a good investment.

Christina Herdman, Russellville School District’s payroll specialist, spoke to how the phased roll-out required school bus drivers to accept the new processes. Most drivers are between 50 and 80 years old and some needed her help to set up the apps on their phones. Having rapport goes a long way, she added. “When they come into your office, give them your time. It goes a long way,” she said.

She relayed that over 95 percent of Russellville’s drivers, even those who use flip phones and are “terrified” of technology, have adjusted. She shared how staff are pleased with how easily they can clock in and out or adjust their timesheets.

Related: Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West
Related: (STN Podcast E259) Feel the Passion: Debates on Wi-Fi, Technology, Alternative Transportation & Safety
Related: Roundup: Bus Technology Summit at STN EXPO Charlotte 2025
Related: (STN Podcast E252) Onsite at STN EXPO East in Charlotte: School Bus Technology Interviews
Related: New Technology Provides Data to School Bus Routing

Stats shown during the webinar confirmed that the district has nearly eliminated payroll errors. This has saved 10 hours per week in driver communications and payroll reconciliation, and resulted in $15,000 monthly labor cost savings, even after wage increases.

Having a one-stop shop to monitor school buses and handle employee information streamlined operations and saved valuable time, King confirmed. Herdman noted that procedural changes and driver substitutions can easily be made through the system and pushed out digitally to affected parties. Communications are vastly improved and any type of reports needed can be quickly pulled.

“It has changed our lives, changed the way we operate,” King declared.

“It’s amazing,” Herdman agreed. “Payroll went from 1,000 manual tasks to [pressing]five buttons.”

Both King and Herdman praised Bytecurve’s customization and customer service, with most questions answered in hours.

Bytecurve technology is used on 55,000 buses and by over 60,000 employees nationwide, said Mitchell. Field trip management software busHive, interior cameras, and AI-powered safety solutions like driver monitoring systems and lane departure warnings can be used in tandem.

Leveraging technology thoughtfully and accurately helps put dollars back into the classroom and save administrative staff’s time, he added.

Watch the webinar on demand. 

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MG has used the Goodwood Festival of Speed to introduce two new models, a concept, and an apparent styling exercise. The company also showcased the EX4, which is a reimagining of the Metro 6R4 rally.

Starting with the IM5 executive liftback, it’s an aerodynamic EV that vaguely recalls the Porsche Taycan. It features soft flowing curves, flush-mounted door handles, and a low drag coefficient of 0.226.

More: China’s Most British Roadster Freshens Up For 2026

Buyers will also find a panoramic glass roof and 19-inch wheels with an aerodynamically optimized design. The model also sports a prominent spoiler, LED taillights, and a liftgate that opens up to reveal a 16.1 cubic foot (457 liter) boot.

MG didn’t say much about the interior, but it has a 26.3-inch screen that functions as a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The screen supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and is accompanied by a lower 10.5-inch touchscreen.

The IM5 has heated and ventilated “leather-style” seats and a 20-speaker audio system. We can also see metallic accents and a wireless smartphone charger.

MG didn’t release detailed specifications, but confirmed the IM5 will be offered with 75 and 100 kWh battery packs as well as single and dual-motor all-wheel drive systems. The 100 kWh Long Range variant can travel up to 441 miles (710 km) on a single charge. When the battery is low, it can go from a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 17 minutes.

The company also confirmed a Performance variant with 742 hp (553 kW / 752 PS) and 591 lb-ft (802 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to rocket from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds.

Pricing starts at £39,450 and climbs to £48,495 for the Performance variant.

IM6 SUV

The IM6 is essentially a taller IM5 positioned as an SUV. As a result, it has a familar design but sports cladding and a revised front end. The model is also a tad more spacious as it has 23.5 cubic feet (665 liters) of cargo space.

Power comes from a 100 kWh battery pack, which delivers up to 388 miles (624 km) of range. Rear steering is standard and the Performance variant can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds.

Pricing starts at £47,995 and jumps to £50,995 for the Performance version. There will also be a Launch Edition for £52,995.

Cyber X

Besides production models, MG showed the Cyber X. Designed to preview the brand’s new design language, the concept is a boxy electric “urban explorer.”

It features a nearly vertical front fascia with a full-width light bar and headlights that can apparently be hidden by covers when not in use. Further back, there are blacked out A-pillars and a stylish greenhouse. They’re joined by sleek bodywork, muscular fenders, and flush-mounted door handles.

Rounding out the highlights are a panoramic glass roof and plastic body cladding. They’re joined by aerodynamic wheels that are wrapped in meaty tires.

Cyberster Black

Last but not least is the self-explanatory Cyberster Black. It features a “luxurious black finish” thanks to a premium paint process that is usually reserved for luxury cars. MG didn’t go into many specifics, but said the paint has ultra-fine glass particles that help to create a subtle sparkle as well as a “shimmering effect” when in motion.

Besides the fancy paint, the roadster has been equipped with chrome wheels that contrast with red brake calipers. The model also has an all-black interior.

A Waymo self-driving robotaxi in Los Angeles recently found itself in a bit of a pickle after stopping abruptly in traffic, making an illegal left turn, and then being pulled over by a police officer in the heart of Los Angeles. While a human driver might have ended up with a ticket, fully autonomous vehicles currently dodge that fate in California since there’s no person behind the wheel to hold accountable.

Read: Waymo’s NYC Debut Comes With Training Wheels

A clip of the incident was recently shared on social media. It shows a white Jaguar I-Pace stopped in the middle of a road in Beverly Hills, much to the dismay of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class driver behind it.

According to the individual filming, the man slapped the rear of the car, either purely out of frustration, or in the hope it would get the car to start moving. Not the most reliable method, but hey, it occasionally works on stubborn toasters at home.

Maybe it did in this case too, because moments later, the robotaxi began moving again. But its next moves didn’t exactly smooth things over. A police officer in a Ford Explorer pulled in behind it, just as the Waymo SUV slipped in front of an electric Mercedes and made an awkward, and illegal, left turn.

After appearing to get confused by the flashing red and blue lights behind it, the robotaxi eventually pulled over to the side of the road.

@kiefer_d_live Replying to @himothee55 I used the song to cover up my hysterical laughter 🫣 #waymo ♬ original sound – Kiefer_D

It’s unclear what happened after the officer stepped out and approached the Jag, but they likely spoke with a human operator over the phone as there was no one onboard at the time.

No Ticket, But Not Off the Hook for Long

In the end, Waymo’s car probably without a ticket. According to The Washington Post, autonomous vehicles are currently exempt from receiving moving violations in California, as these must be issued to a human driver.

However, this policy is set to change. Starting in July 2026, police will be able to issue “notices of autonomous vehicle noncompliance” when a self-driving vehicle breaks the rules of the road. Not a moment too soon, if we may add.

Screenshot TikTok @kiefer_d_live / Waymo

Rivian has stood out among EV startups over the past decade, with its R1T and R1S showing that electric trucks and SUVs can match their gas-powered rivals in speed, capability, and comfort. Now, as it prepares to launch smaller, more affordable models like the R2 and R3, the company is also quietly supporting a new player in a very different space: a micromobility startup called Also Inc.

This new company was spun out of Rivian earlier this year with $105 million in funding from the carmaker and Eclipse, a well-known venture capital firm. While Also is remaining tight-lipped about what products it will launch, company president Chris Yu confirmed earlier this year its technologies would work for e-bikes and small three- and four-wheel neighborhood EVs and micro cars.

Read: Sales Slip Shows Rivian Needs Affordable Models Now

In July, Also reached a valuation of $1 billion following a $200 million investment from Greenoaks Capital. That’s a significant jump for a company still in stealth mode, signaling strong confidence from investors in its potential.

According to Bloomberg, Also operates out of Palo Alto and is expected to start with a team of about 80 employees. Yu mentioned that its vehicles would likely be a good fit for US communities where golf carts and other micromobility options are already part of daily life. The company is also aiming to launch several products tailored for both consumer and commercial use in regions like Asia and South America.

By establishing Also as a separate entity, Rivian can keep its focus on core vehicle development without diluting its attention. Even before the spin-off, Rivian had been exploring the idea of an electric bike, which hints at the early roots of this new venture. Although now independent, Also is expected to benefit from its connection to Rivian, gaining access to an established supply chain and possibly sharing some components between the two companies.

“When you get a small vehicle, one size doesn’t fit all,” Yu noted. “We want to give customers confidence and a brand technology platform customers can rely on with the same principles and technology, regardless of what the end solution looks like.”

Trump’s tariffs might be a major headache for European automakers shipping cars to the US, but they’re not the cause of a temporary pause in exports of the electric ID. Buzz, Volkswagen of America claims.

The automaker was responding to a story that appeared in European media claiming Trump’s decision to increase the tariffs on German exports from 2.5 percent to 27.5 percent forced VW to halt US deliveries.

Related: VW Warns Nearly 17,000 Owners To Stop Using Passenger Seat

“Not true,” a Volkswagen spokesperson told Carscoops when asked about the report in the German publication Handelsblatt. “Volkswagen of America temporarily held ID. Buzz vehicles at the port of Emden while resolving issues related to the stop sale. These vehicles are moving again, with several hundred currently on a ship. To clarify, the pause at Emden only affected East Coast-bound vehicles—we continued shipping ID. Buzzes to the West Coast throughout.”

The “stop sale” notice was issued in May when VW announced a recall for 5,644 ID. Buzz EVs because the rear seats were too wide. Yes, while you’d think Americans would be more likely to complain about seats being too narrow, the folks at the NHTSA decided that the rearmost seats on the Buzz were too generous.

There are only two seatbelts in the back but legislators reckoned the bench was wide enough to encourage a third, unbelted person to try squeezing themselves in there. VW’s remedy was to place unpadded bits of trim on the bench to reduce the size of the seating area and all of the EVs exported to the US in future will have a narrower rear seat.

Having to stop all sales of a vehicle is never good, but if ever there was a convenient time to do it, this period of tariff hell was it. While the UK has negotiated a trade deal with the US that allows the likes of Land Rover to escape with 10 percent tariffs, the EU has yet to finalize something similar, meaning its automakers’ exports are still subject to a 27.5 percent duty. VW builds US-market ID. 4s in Chattanooga, but the Buzz is manufactured in Hanover, Germany.

The Buzz is also shaping up to be far less of a sales hit than VW hoped. Having talked up the prospects of 40,000 US sales annually at one point, it’s going to struggle to hit 10k this year – in fact, it delivered just 564 in Q2. The ID. Buzz looks great, but its $61,545 starting price seems expensive and its 234-mile (377 km) range poor compared with what other EVs like the Kia EV9 offer for the same money or less. Other gripes include the stylish retro two-tone paint being restricted to upper trim level (or a $995 option on the entry-level model) and VW’s failure to launch Europe’s panel van version in the US.

Some industry watchers believe VW simply took too long launching the Buzz, having first showed a retro bus back in 2001. Perhaps if the model had come sooner, and with a combustion (possibly hybridized) engine, it might have been a better fit for mainstream America.

Carscoops

Lead image VW

After a slow start, Subaru is going all-in on electric vehicles. The effort kicked off earlier this year with the unveiling of the facelifted Solterra and the all-new Trailseeker.

The journey continues on July 17 with the debut of the 2026 Uncharted. The company isn’t saying much at this point, but revealed the model is a compact crossover that promises to be “ready for your next adventure.”

More: Toyota’s C-HR Returns To America But It’s Nothing Like You Remember

Besides revealing the name, the automaker released a dusty teaser image. It shows a Solterra-esque rear end with a split upper spoiler and a lower mid-mounted spoiler. We can also see slender taillights, an angular rear window, and “SUBARU” lettering on the liftgate.

Additional details are hard to make out, but we can see a rounded roof that is painted in a contrasting black color. We also get a glimpse of an angular shoulder line and what appears to be a bulge near the third-quarter glass.

Little else is known about the model , but previous reports have suggested the crossover is another tie-up with Toyota. This makes a lot of sense as the Uncharted appears to have a lot in common with the Toyota C-HR.

If Subaru’s new EV is indeed a rebadged C-HR, we can expect a 77 kWh battery pack as well as a standard dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS). This should enable the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in around five seconds and have a range of roughly 290 miles (467 km).

In terms of size, the Uncharted should measure around 178 inches (4,520 mm) long with a wheelbase that spans 108.3 inches (2,750 mm). That would make the model 6.6 inches (168 mm) shorter than the Solterra, with 3.9 inches (99 mm) less between the wheels.

2026 Toyota C-HR

Electric flair is taking on a retro twist. While Volkswagen has signaled that the GTI nameplate will carry on in its future performance EVs, there’s still time for one last spotlight on the short-lived GTX badge. Before the GTI transition arrives, VW introduced a special edition that puts a striking spin on its current electric lineup called the ID.3 GTX Fire+Ice.

Evolving from last year’s vibrant concept, this limited-run model draws direct inspiration from a memorable early ’90s Golf.

Retro Styling Details

The production model dials back the concept’s shimmering finish in favor of a more conventional Ultra Violet Metallic paint. Even so, it retains several distinctive touches, including a custom logo on the spoiler, transparent matte decals on the C-pillars, a Flaming Red roof strip, and coordinating GTX | FIRE & ICE lettering along the side. Rounding out the look are 20-inch Locarno alloy wheels with anodized accents that match the body color.

More: VW Beats Tesla Where It Hurts Most And The Numbers Are Brutal

Inside, the two-tone color scheme from the concept carries over, with Fire Red on the driver’s side and Keep Cool Blue on the passenger’s side. The jacket-style zippers on the front seats remain as a design nod, though they’re now decorative rather than functional. Additional details include contrast stitching and custom puddle lights.

As for equipment, the Fire+Ice edition is well stocked, featuring premium sport seats with massage function, an augmented reality head-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system, and an advanced suite of driver-assistance systems.

Performance Carries Over

The ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE doesn’t get any performance upgrades over the standard GTX and GTX Performance trims. This means it is available with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing either 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) or 322 hp (240 kW / 326 PS). The more powerful variant can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds and comes equipped with the DCC adaptive chassis. That said, it’s still slower than the more affordable Golf R, which does the deed in just 4.6 seconds.

The 79 kWh battery pack is good for a WLTP range of up to 591 km (367 miles) and is compatible with DC charging of up to 185 kW.

Volkswagen

A Nod to the ’90s

This new Fire+Ice edition pays tribute to the 1990 VW Golf Fire and Ice, developed with fashion designer Willy Bogner. The original stood out with its color scheme and was available in several trims, including the GTI. VW reports it sold 16,700 units, well above its original target of 10,000.

More: Forgotten Polo GTI Cabrio Concept Let Drivers Enjoy Open-Air With Roof Up

That retro influence carries into the present through a modern partnership with performance apparel brand BOGNER FIRE+ICE. Production will be strictly limited to 1,990 units, making it even rarer than the model that inspired it.

In Germany, pricing for the ID.3 GTX Fire+Ice starts at €56,020 (around $65,500), a €8,795 ($10,300) premium over the standard GTX trim. It’s also more expensive than both the gasoline-powered Golf GTI Clubsport (€49,280 / $57,600) and the Golf R (€55,000 / $64,300), solidifying its status as the most exclusive and most expensive ID.3 on offer.

Update: Chevrolet has opened pre-sales for the Spark EUV in Brazil, pricing the electric vehicle at R$159,990 (approximately $28,600). That’s more than twice the cost of the identical Baojun Yep Plus sold in China. The original story continues below.

Chevrolet has found a clever (read: cost-effective) way to make the most of its SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture by rebadging one of China’s most charming EVs, the Baojun Yep Plus. This fully electric urban SUV made an unexpected debut during a special event celebrating Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary in the Brazilian market.

The new model, set to be sold in Brazil as the Chevrolet Spark EUV, is essentially a Baojun Yep Plus with a Chevy badge stuck on the grille—no other major changes to speak of. Despite sharing a name and compact proportions, the Spark EUV has absolutely nothing in common with the Spark EV, Chevrolet’s short-lived electric hatchback sold in select states in the US from 2013 to 2017 before being phased out for the Bolt.

More: 12-Year Old Chevrolet Trailblazer Receives Another Facelift In Brazil

Inside, the Spark EUV borrows the modern digital cockpit of the Baojun Yep Plus, comprising a 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a free-standing 12.8-inch touchscreen. It is also expected to inherit the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) of the Chinese twin, developed by none other than drone-maker DJI.

The EV measures 3,996 mm (157.3 inches) long with a 2,560 mm (100.8 inches) wheelbase, making it Chevrolet’s smallest offering. While the Baojun lineup includes a five-door version, a three-door variant, and even a pickup concept, it’s unclear if GM plans to bring any of these alternative body styles to the Brazilian market.

Predictably, the Spark EUV borrows its electric powertrain directly from the Chinese-spec twin. A single rear-mounted electric motor generates 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque. The 42 kWh battery pack offers a respectable 401 km (249 miles) of range on China’s CLTC cycle. The Baojun Yep Plus is also available with 32 kWh and 54 kWh battery options, but we don’t know if those will be eventually offered in the Chevy.

More: China-Made 2024 Chevrolet Aveo Unveiled In Mexico

One would think that the most compelling aspect of this tiny off-roader is its affordability. Still, the Chevrolet Spark EUV starts at R$159,990 ($28,600) in Brazil, which is more than double the ¥93,800 ($13,000) price of the identical Baojun model. The little Chevy is also more expensive than the rival BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull EV) which starts at R$115,800 ($20,700) in the same market.

Deliveries of the Chevrolet Spark EUV are expected to begin this summer. The model will soon joined by the larger Chevrolet Captiva EV which is based on the Wuling Starlight S from China.

In the wake of the deadly flash floods in Texas, state leaders are exploring whether to install more flood warning sirens. Such sirens can save lives if they're part of a larger warning system.

(Image credit: Brandon Bell)

During a recent visit to Japan, it became clear that while the country is renowned worldwide for its robotics and manufacturing excellence, the...

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