Road rage incidents are nothing new, but when they involve a Tesla Cybertruck, an elderly businessman, and a 17-year-old, they’re bound to make headlines, even in a place as laid-back as the Cayman Islands. A 72-year-old man is now at the center of a police investigation after being caught on camera attacking a motorist who reportedly cut in front of him and his Tesla Cybertruck. While police arrested the 17-year-old involved, the older driver walked away with just a warning, something that didn’t sit well with locals.

The altercation occurred about a week ago on Grand Cayman. According to local reports, Larry McGean was driving his Tesla Cybertruck with his wife when a teenage driver in a Hyundai Kona merged into his lane. McGean allegedly had to slam on the Tesla’s brakes to avoid a collision and didn’t take too kindly to the driving of the 17-year-old.

Watch: Road Raging Range Rover Driver Crashes After Flipping Off Motorist

According to the Cayman Marl Road, McGean approached the driver of the Kona. Footage shared on social media shows the expat in a heated argument with the young Hyundai driver before McGean appears to open the door and lunge toward him. Although the next moments are unclear, it seems that as McGean forced his way into the cabin, the teenager quickly put him in a chokehold.

An ambulance that was passing by at the time stopped and the crew helped to separate the two men. McGean’s face was cut in the incident. Despite allegedly being the aggressor, he was let off with a warning for intended prosecution of Common Assault. In contrast, the 17-year-old driver of the Hyundai was arrested on suspicion of Assault Causing Bodily Harm.

Local police are appealing to motorists who witnessed the scuffle to get in contact with them and to provide any useful information they can. However, authorities have come under fire from many locals for not yet arresting McGean, despite footage showing his involvement in the fight. It has also raised broader concerns about how wealthy expats are treated compared to local Caymanians.

The incident continues to attract attention both online and locally, with many awaiting further updates from the police investigation.

Electric vehicles are gaining traction, but not all models leave their owners equally satisfied. A new study reveals that EV owners in the US are generally pleased with their vehicles, with the BMW iX emerging as the top-rated model. Despite an 11% drop in sales last year to 15,383 units, the all-electric German SUV has won over its owners, outscoring many more popular EVs in terms of overall satisfaction.

J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study rated vehicles on a 1,000-point scale across several key areas. These included battery range, cost of ownership, driving enjoyment, range accuracy, public charging access, ease of home charging, design, safety and tech features, service experience, and overall quality and reliability. This year, the study surveyed 6,164 owners of 2024 and 2025 BEV and PHEV models to gather their feedback.

Read: 2026 BMW iX Facelift Debuts Cheaper $75k Base Model, New Grilles

The BMW iX scored 790 out of a possible 1,000, earning the top spot overall and leading the premium BEV category. Close behind was another BMW model, the i4, with a score of 783. It was followed by the Rivian R1S at 770, the Tesla Model 3 at 767, and the Polestar 2 at 764. The average rating for premium BEVs was 756, with the Tesla Model Y (749), Audi Q8 e-tron (722), and Cadillac Lyriq (717) falling below this benchmark.

Leading the way among mass-market BEVs was the Hyundai Ioniq 6 with a rating of 751. However, one could argue the Tesla Model 3 and Y should be considered mass-market BEVs, too, rather than premium offerings. Other strong performers included the Kia EV6 (743), Chevrolet Equinox EV (737), and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (728).

Other Findings

The study also quizzed owners about the education and training they received from dealerships or the manufacturer. While 69% of first-time BEV buyers did receive some education, greater efforts can be made and this could boost ownership satisfaction.

The vast majority of EV owners are also eager to stick with an EV. In fact, 94% said they are likely to consider buying another EV as their next vehicle. According to the executive director of J.D. Power’s EV practice, Brent Gruber, “once consumers enter the EV fold, they’re highly likely to remain committed to the technology.”

The BMW iX’s top ranking underscores how satisfaction doesn’t always correlate with sales figures, highlighting the importance of the ownership experience in shaping consumer loyalty.

It’s no secret that Chinese car manufacturers are leading the charge when it comes to electric vehicles (pun fully intended). What’s surprising, though, is that they’ve managed this without selling a single car in the United States, the world’s second-largest and most lucrative car market. So, how are they pulling it off? By focusing on just about every other major region instead.

More: Porsche’s High Prices And Outdated Tech Are Killing Its Sales In China, Could It Happen Here?

According to recent data from Rho Motion, Chinese brands now command a staggering 76% share of the global EV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market, thanks to aggressive expansions into new territories. In Europe, their market share varies by country, but they’ve made particularly strong gains in less developed markets around the world.

Gaining Ground in Europe

In Germany, Europe’s largest car market, Chinese manufacturers accounted for about 4% of the 578,000 EVs sold last year. The numbers are slightly higher in the UK and France, where they captured 7% and 5% of total EV sales, respectively. In the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Belgium, Chinese EVs make up 6%, 5%, 8%, and 3% of the market. Meanwhile, their presence is even more pronounced in Spain and Austria, where they hold 10% and 11% of total EV sales.

Dominating Emerging Markets

Outside Europe, Chinese automakers are enjoying even more significant success. In Brazil, a remarkable 82% of all EVs and PHEVs sold in 2024 came from China. Similarly, they have a 77% share of the market in Thailand and a 70% share in Mexico. They also account for 75% of all EVs and PHEVs delivered in Indonesia, 52% in Malaysia, 74% in Nepal, and 64% in Israel. They’re also popular in Australia and New Zealand, accounting for 26% and 15% of sales.

Why Are They Winning?

Part of this success can be attributed to the fact that many of these countries lack a strong local car industry, giving Chinese brands an easier path to market dominance. Additionally, China’s electric vehicle industry has benefited from at least $231 billion in government subsidies and aid from 2009 through the end of 2023. This substantial financial support has allowed Chinese EVs and PHEVs to be more affordable than those from traditional automakers, giving them a competitive edge.

It was only a matter of time before the Tesla Cybertruck found its way into police service. That moment has arrived with confirmation from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department that it’s adding 10 Cybertrucks to its fleet and they won’t just be used for promotional activities.

It’s not uncommon for police forces worldwide to adopt flashy, expensive vehicles, often sparking controversy if taxpayer money is involved. In this case, however, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department emphasizes that all 10 Cybertrucks are being “donated by an anonymous supporter,” sidestepping any budget-related backlash.

According to the department, some of the Cybertrucks will be used by local SWAT teams, while others will serve as regular patrol cars for Las Vegas police officers. A pair of renderings showcase how the modified Cybertrucks could look, and even though it’s hard to stand out in Las Vegas among all the flashing lights and craziness, these Teslas will no doubt turn heads.

Read: First Police Tesla Cybertruck Hits The Streets In Irvine, But $132K Price Sparks Backlash

The version previewed for SWAT use is finished in a new desert color and sits on black aftermarket wheels with huge mud-terrain tires. It also looks to feature reinforced armored doors and windows, off-road tracks, and custom bumpers. It’s unclear if the finished product will look like this, as this rendering appears to be based on an upgraded Cybertruck from Unplugged Performance unveiled back in late 2023.

The regular police cruiser version looks a little more tame and, once again, has been previewed with a single image based on Unplugged Performance’s Cybertruck cop car unveiled last year. Modifications include new flashing light bars, custom wheels, and LED spotlights.

“Imagine when we’re out and we’re charging these things, and officers will be approached by people from all over the community to see this thing,” Sheriff Kevin McMahill told Fox 5 Vegas. “It’s an opportunity [to] inject humanity, to increase our community partnerships. This is also a tremendous recruitment tool.”

Unplugged Performance’s Tesla Cybertruck Police Car

In recent years, Lucid chief executive Peter Rawlinson has become the face of the innovative electric vehicle brand, but soon after the Gravity SUV was launched, the British engineer stepped aside. Current chief operating officer Marc Winterhoff will replace him on an interim basis as Lucid’s board looks for a permanent new CEO.

Rawlinson joined Lucid in 2013, having previously served as the vice president for vehicle engineering for the Tesla Model S. He has proven instrumental in growing the company and was there when it was rebranded from Atieva in 2016 to Lucid. Despite the encouraging growth, Lucid remains a small player in the EV space but it has big plans for 2025.

Read: Lucid CEO Says “The Market Sucks” For Cheap $25,000 EVs

“Now that we have successfully launched the Lucid Gravity, I have decided it is finally the right time for me to step aside from my roles at Lucid,” Rawlinson said. “I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments the Lucid team have achieved together through my tenure of these past twelve years. We grew from a tiny company with a big ambition, to a widely recognized technological world leader in sustainable mobility.”

Rawlinson won’t leave the company, and will now serve as Strategic Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the Board.

Financial Results

On the same day Rawlinson stepped down as CEO, Lucid announced its full-year 2024 and fourth-quarter financial results. Last year, Lucid produced a total of 9,029 vehicles and delivered 10,241. Q4 revenue reached $234.5 million, while annual revenue topped $807.8 million, and Lucid ended the quarter with roughly $6.13 billion in total liquidity.

2025 is shaping up to be a very important one for Lucid. Production of the Gravity SUV will ramp up, and the company is aiming to produce approximately 20,000 vehicles this year. Winterhoff hasn’t said what proportion of new sales will be for the Gravity, but given the strong demand for luxury SUVs, it’s possible that it could prove to be more popular than the Lucid Air sedan.

All versions of the Lucid SUV have a huge 123 kWh battery, enough to give the Gravity an impressive 450 miles (724 km) of range. It also uses a trick 926-volt electrical architecture that supports DC fast charging of up to 400 kW.

To say the Dodge Charger Daytona has sparked debate would be putting it mildly. The Charger’s transformation into an EV hasn’t exactly been met with universal applause, and early sales reflect that sentiment with some dealers already letting them go for well below MSRP.

Still, a few have made it to the streets (or rather, the drag strips), giving us our first glimpse of how this electric muscle car performs where it truly matters.

This blacked-out Charger Daytona recently appeared at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and in its first race, was lined up against a black Tesla Model Y (though it’s not clear if it’s the mid-trim Long Range AWD or the flagship Performance variant). The Charger appears to be the entry-level R/T version rather than the flagship Daytona Scat Pack.

Read: Dodge Charger Daytona Lease Drops To As Low As $249 With $4K Down, 0% APR For 6 Years

According to Dodge, the Charger Daytona R/T delivers 456 hp and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque, with a temporary boost to 496 hp for 15 seconds using the PowerShot function. That puts it above a standard Ford Mustang GT in terms of power, helping it hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds. On paper, those numbers are impressive—but real-world performance is where reputations are made.

The Tesla, on the other hand, is a pre-facelift model. If it’s the Performance variant, it should deliver 456 hp and 497 lb-ft (674 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of just under 4 seconds. Typically, these versions run the quarter-mile in well under 12 seconds, which suggests this one likely isn’t a Performance.

Furthermore, it seems to be missing the usual Performance model cues, like the distinctive wheels and red brake calipers. Unless the owner swapped those out, it’s probably the Long Range AWD model, which produces 384 hp and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm). If that’s the case, the outcome is even more embarrassing for Stellantis’ so-called “muscle coupe.”

The Race

In the race, the Tesla gets the jump off the line and takes a relatively easy win, crossing the quarter-mile in 12.54 seconds at 111.52 mph (179.46 km/h), whereas the Dodge needed 12.87 seconds at 111.84 mph (179.99 km/h). While being beaten by a Model Y is admittedly a little embarrassing, the Dodge’s time is roughly on par with a Mustang GT that can run the quarter-mile in the mid-12-second range. Sure, it cannot match the V8 rumble of the Ford, but the silent rush of an EV does have its fans.

Would the Scat Pack Have Fared Better?

The outcome raises an interesting question: Would the more powerful Daytona Scat Pack have given the Tesla a better fight? With 630 hp and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque, jumping to 670 hp with PowerShot, the Scat Pack is built for speed. Dodge claims it can run the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, which could have turned the tables in this electric rivalry.

Maybe next time, Dodge. For now, the Model Y gets to keep its bragging rights.

Production of the Scout Terra and Traveler models isn’t scheduled to begin until 2027, but Jay Leno recently had the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of the new Traveler with Scout chief executive Scott Keogh. During the interview, Keogh revealed a few interesting titbits about the duo, including the chemistry of the battery packs in development.

Earlier this month, Keogh confirmed that the BEV and EREV versions would have different battery chemistries, without providing any additional details. In this clip, he reveals the electric versions will use a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack while the EREV will utilize a smaller lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The BEV should have around 350 miles (563 km) of range, while the EREV will be able to travel up to 500 miles (804 km) thanks to the range-extending ICE.

Read: Scout’s Extended-Range EVs To Offer About 500 Miles Of Combined Range

According to Keogh, the intention behind the EREV model is for the small gasoline generator and the electric motor to work together so seamlessly that drivers won’t even notice when the engine is being used. This will be aided by the fact that the engine will be located at the rear of the vehicle, reducing NVH.

Off-Road Chops

The boss of Scout also talks up the off-roading credentials of the Terra and Traveler models, noting they will have electronically locking differentials and sway bars that can be disconnected at the touch of a button. He also reveals that an adjustable air suspension will be an optional extra on both models.

As neither of the two Scout models are production vehicles, Leno was only allowed to drive the Traveler around an airport in LA. Indeed, the cars brought to Leno’s Garage don’t even have seatbelts. Keogh says that approximately 70% of shoppers are opting for the Traveler. He also confirmed previous reports saying that the majority of people are ordering the range-extender.

If you’re on the lookout for a new hybrid and EV and are a Costco member in the US, you might want to take a look at the Costco Auto Program, as they might be able to get you a very competitive deal. The program has partnered with dealerships across the United States and is offering compelling discounts on models like the Volvo EX90, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and even the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray.

The Costco Auto Program allows members to browse through a large inventory of used and new cars at dealerships. The program promises to make the car buying experience easier, as Cosco does the price haggling for you and arranges prices with dealerships for its members. It’s also now encouraging shoppers to get behind the wheel of an electrified vehicle, launching a new EV Marketplace with several limited-run deals.

Read: Bread, Milk, And… A Chevy Equinox? How GM Is Using Costco To Boost EV Sales

Between now and April 30, 2025, Costco Gold Star and Business Members who use the service will get a $1,000 discount on any 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV, Equinox EV, GMC Sierra EV, or Hummer EV SUV/Pickup. Executive Members will be eligible for a $1,250 discount.

Those shopping for something a little more sporty can pick up a 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray with a $2,750 discount for Gold Star and Business Members, and a $3,000 discount for Executive Members. The newly-arrived 2025 Volvo EX90 is also available with a competitive discount. Gold Star and Business members can pick up the keys to the all-electric SUV with a $1,500 promo, while a $2,000 discount is available for Executive Members.

It’s not just good deals Costco members will find in the EV Marketplace. The retailer has also launched several educational articles on the platform asking popular questions related to EVs, including queries about public charging infrastructure and driving range.

Polestar is keen to lure customers away from EV market leader Tesla and is offering incentives worth as much as $20,000 to buyers willing to jump ship and lease the new Polestar 3 SUV. While there are a few hoops that shoppers will need to jump through, the process should be relatively simple and cuts a significant chunk off the Polestar 3’s $68,900 starting price.

Read: Kia Tries To Woo Tesla Owners With Discounts

Anyone in the US who currently owns or leases a Tesla can qualify by providing Polestar with registration or insurance documents showing the VIN, name, address, and expiration date. This offer is only available from February 21 to February 28, but if buyers can provide the necessary details, they’ll receive a $5,000 Polestar Conquest Bonus toward the lease of a new 2025 Polestar 3.

Stackable Savings for Bigger Discounts

In addition to this bonus, the carmaker continues to offer its $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Incentive, bringing total savings up to $20,000 off a lease. Even if you don’t own a Tesla, you’ll still be eligible for this $15,000 discount if you sign a Polestar 3 lease by February 28.

The deals appear to be offered for the entire range of the Polestar 3, but the availability of different variants differs depending on where you live in the US. That’s important as Polestar insists vehicles must be delivered by the end of February 28 to be eligible for the two discounts.

A Closer Look at the Polestar 3 Lineup

The 2025 Polestar 3 range kicks off from $68,900 for the Long Range Single Motor model, offering 350 miles (563 km) of range alongside 299 hp and 361 lb-ft (489 Nm) of torque. It joins the Long Range Dual Motor that had served as the entry-level version in 2024, starting at $74,800, while the Polestar 3 with the Performance package starts at $80,800.

Lease prices vary depending on the model and incentives. Factoring in the $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Incentive, you could lease a Long Range Dual Motor with an adjusted capitalized cost of $55,795, paying $599 per month for 27 months, with $5,599 due at signing. That”s an effective monthly payment of $806, and over the lease term, buyers would pay $21,762 excluding the downpayment. However, Polestar has not disclosed the monthly payment for Tesla owners who can stack the additional $5,000 discount.

But Is It Really Worth It?

From a financial perspective, it’s essential to look beyond the flashy discounts and focus on the effective monthly payment. Polestar’s incentives are attention-grabbing, but buyers should be cautious about other financial details like the APR on leases or the residual values, as these could easily offset the discounts.

More: Tesla Rolls Out Regular 2026 Model Y In Europe, Cuts Prices By Up To $2,100

For example, the well-equipped Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD Launch Edition—with every option ticked on, including the $8,000 FSD (Supervised), 20-inch wheels, $2,000 Performance upgrade and more—is currently available for $796 per month on a 36-month lease with 10,000 miles per year and no downpayment. This price will certainly drop further once Tesla releases the standard versions of the refreshed Model Y.

Tesla is no stranger to legal troubles and is now the subject of another lawsuit, although this time it comes from Down Under. According to a new suit in Australia’s Federal Court, Tesla Motors Australia has overstated the driving ranges of its EVs, overpromised on self-driving features, and has vehicles suffering from instances of phantom braking.

The latter has plagued Teslas for quite some time and has been the subject of other lawsuits, including in Germany. Just last week, a German court ruled that Tesla’s Autopilot system is “defective” and not “suitable for normal use” due to phantom braking problems.

Read: Court Rules Tesla’s Autopilot Defective For Normal Use After Phantom Braking

In this case, Aussie law firm JGA Saddler describes phantom braking as a “dangerous phenomenon [that] would terrify you and your passengers and could, if it causes an accident, result in serious injury and/or death.”

In addition, the director of JGA Saddler, Rebecca Jancauskas, has taken issue with Tesla selling its long-promised Full-Self Driving features without delivering on the promises its made for the system. She also asserts that many Tesla vehicles sold in Australia cannot achieve 75% of their advertised driving range, and believes the automaker has known about its defects for years but has so far failed to address the problems or pay any compensation to owners.

“It is hoped this claim underscores the importance for all EV manufacturers to be truthful in their marketing, deliver on their promises, and ensure their products are safe and reliable,” Jancauskas told Yahoo! News.

The class action is open to anyone who has purchased or leased a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y with the controversial Tesla Vision system since May 2021.

“Tesla made promises about their vehicles’ safety, performance and features such as their ‘full self-driving,’ but it appears some of these promises are falling flat,” Jancauskas added. It’s unclear how many owners and lessees have signed up to be part of the class action.

While EV sales continue to grow around the world and are expected to reach record heights this year, demand has not matched the expectations of many automakers. This has forced a number of brands to make production changes and delay investments. The latest to follow suit is BMW, which announced it will delay its plans to start producing the all-electric Mini in the UK.

While Mini is already building an EV, it was scheduled to also be manufactured at the firm’s historical Oxford plant from 2026. In 2023, BMW announced a £600 million ($758 million) investment into the site to allow it to begin building the three-door Mini Cooper EV and the Mini Aceman. By 2030, the factory was scheduled to shift entirely to EV production.

Read: Future Mini EVs Could Go RWD Thanks To BMW

However, BMW says it’s delaying the introduction of these new models to the Oxford plant, and has also decided not to accept a £60 million ($76 million) grant from the British government to aid in its production plans.

“Plant Oxford is at the heart of Mini production, manufacturing and exporting a range of models, which are sought after in the UK and around the world,” BMW said in a statement. “However, given the multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry, the BMW Group is currently reviewing the timing for reintroducing battery-electric Mini production in Oxford.

“We have informed the UK government of our decision to review the timeline for reintroducing battery-electric production in Oxford. As part of this discussion, we agreed not to take the previously announced grant, but we remain in close dialogue about our future plans.”

BMW did not provide an indication as to when production of the electric models in Oxford could start. However, it did say that it continues to use the previously-announced investments to “make the plant future-ready” and is committed to establishing a new “state-of-the-art logistics facility,” BBC reports.

The world will soon get its first detailed look at the Kia PV5 van on February 27. But even before the official debut, spy shots have surfaced of an unexpected variant, one that could shake up the commercial EV market. While Kia has so far teased only the Passenger Van and Cargo Van versions, this prototype reveals a small flatbed truck. It seems Kia is aiming to cover all the bases with its new EV family.

This disguised prototype was snapped during ongoing winter testing in Europe. While the front end has been shielded from view, it appears largely identical to the van versions of the PV5. Kia’s engineers have hidden the distinctive LED daytime running lights, but the main headlamps positioned lower down on the fascia are visible.

Read: Kia’s Road-Ready PV5 Looks Just Like Last Year’s Concept

In addition, we can see the prototype has the same tiny hood of the van, identical wing mirrors, and the same small corner windows behind the A-pillars. The familiar design continues along the side with the same doors and side windows as the van. However, whereas the PV5 models that Kia has already revealed are vans, this prototype ditches the rear cab in favor of a large bed.

Clearly designed with commercial customers in mind, this PV5 has a cage behind the front cab and a bed that looks to be at least five feet long. It stretches out far beyond the line of the rear axle and looks quite practical for anyone who will need an EV to lug around large loads.

We know that all Kia PV5 models will be underpinned by the brand’s Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module (e-CCPM) platform. However, Kia has not provided important technical details about the EV, including the size of the battery pack and how much power it will have. We suspect that entry-level models will rely on a small electric motor at the front axle, while other versions could also have an electric motor at the rear.

SHProshots

No longer satisfied with being the luxury brand within the Hyundai Motor Group, Genesis is venturing into the world of motorsport and working on several high-performance models through its new Magma sub-brand. The first of these models will be the GV60 Magma and it’s just been filmed on the move during winter testing in Europe.

The pressure is on Genesis to ensure the GV60 Magma is exceptional. As you probably already know, the GV60 shares its underpinnings with both the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and both of these have received high-performance versions in the form of the EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N. Fittingly, Genesis has brought along an Ioniq 5 N for this latest round of testing with the GV60 Magma, benchmarking it against Hyundai’s lauded EV.

Read: 2026 Genesis GV60 Magma Debuts This Fall With Over 640 HP

Much like the Ioniq 5 N, the GV60 Magma should use the latest 84 kWh battery pack introduced by the Hyundai and since added to the Kia EV6 range. It should also use the same upgraded front and rear electric motors as the Ioniq 5 N. Power details have yet to be confirmed, but the Hyundai delivers a peak of 641 hp, while the facelifted EV6 GT offers up 645 hp. The GV60 Magma should at least match them.

Performance should be extraordinary. The Ioniq 5 N needs just 3.4 seconds to run to 62 mph (100 km/h), and the Genesis should be around the same. Then there’s the matter of synthetic gear shifts. Will the GV60 Magma get them or not? This system was first launched in the Hyundai and received praise from driving enthusiasts around the world. It was then added to the updated EV6 GT late last year. We suspect the Genesis will have the same system, too, adding some extra driving involvement into the EV experience.

It’s not just the Hyundai that Genesis is testing its new flagship EV against. This clip also shows that a Porsche Taycan joined the Magma, alongside a second prototype that looks suspiciously like the soon to be unveiled Hyundai Ioniq 6 N.

Screenshot via CarSpyMedia

Images: Baldauf

Stellantis has unexpectedly hit the brakes on activities at the Brampton Assembly Plan in Canada, catching many by surprise. The facility was set to become the production hub for the next-generation Jeep Compass, but the model’s North American launch could now be delayed as Stellantis reevaluates its strategy.

Plans for the new Compass were already in motion. The compact crossover is designed to be underpinned by the STLA Medium platform, allowing Jeep the flexibility to offer it in both ICE and BEV guises. Pilot production was originally slated to begin on January 20 but was pushed back to May last year. Full-scale manufacturing was then scheduled for February 2026.

Read: 2026 Jeep Compass To First Hit Production Line In Italy

However, Stellantis spokesperson Lou Ann Gosselin confirmed to Carscoops that work on the new Compass in Canada is now on hold. All activities at the Brampton plant, including the retooling that began after production ended for the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, have been paused.

“As we navigate today’s dynamic environment, Stellantis continues to reassess its product strategy in North America to ensure it is offering customers a range of vehicles with flexible powertrain options to best meet their needs,” the spokesperson told us “As a result, the Company is temporarily pausing work on the next generation Jeep Compass, including activities at the Brampton Assembly Plant. This does not change our previously announced investment plans for Brampton.”

An unnamed source has told Auto News that Stellantis could be reevaluating whether it should launch a battery-electric version of the new Jeep Compass in North America. It could decide what to do with the new model in March, and the Compass may have a delay of eight to twelve months.

No Changes to the European Launch

Crucially, the halt at Brampton won’t impact Stellantis’s plan to start production of the new Compass at its Italian plant. “The next generation Jeep Compass, the brand’s most globally available model, will debut in Europe with production beginning in Melfi (Italy) this year,” Gosselin told us.

Union Worries

Unifor, the union representing workers at the Brampton site, has expressed its concerns about the temporary pause at the facility.

“The company has reassured the union that vehicle production plans are still in place for Brampton, although the timing of this announcement raises very serious concerns for Unifor members both in the plant doing the retooling work and those on layoff,” it said. “The chaos and uncertainty plaguing the North American auto industry, which is under the constant threat of tariffs and a dismantling of EV regulations from the United States, are having real-time impacts on workers and corporate decisions. We have been saying this as a union from day one that the threats are also dangerous to our economy and to Canadian jobs.”

In the final few days of the Biden administration, the government approved a huge loan of $6.6 billion to EV startup Rivian for the construction of its long-planned manufacturing plant in Georgia. However, as President Donald Trump continues to slash federal expenditures, the viability of the loan is under threat.

Rivian has big plans in Georgia. Its planned production facility will spawn roughly nine million square feet and have a capacity of up to 400,000 electric crossovers and SUVs every year. It will also employ up to 2,000 people during construction and as many as 7,500 when operational. However, during a recent interview, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp admitted he’s not sure about the future of the federal loan.

Read: Biden Admin Finalized Rivian’s $6.6 Billion Loan Before Trump Took Office

“You know, they secured that loan at the tail end of the Biden administration and, you know, I think there’s no secret that the Trump administration is taking a look at all those things,” Kemp told WSB-TV 2. “So I don’t really know where that stands right now.”

Rivian plans to start drawing on the loan next year and remains confident the money will still be available for it. “We’re working hard to onshore US manufacturing, providing thousands of American jobs here in Georgia,” the firm said. If the loan is pulled, it “threatens chaos,” according to Georgia Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.

Despite concerns, Kemp added the state still wants to help Rivian with the plant and will ensure that taxpayers are protected. “We got parameters in, and whether it’s the incentives, the side itself to protect taxpayers regardless of what happens with that side,” he said. “Rivian keeps telling us they’re coming and, you know, we’re taking them for their word at that.”

Rivian has already started hiring for the site and wants to start production in 2028. The factory will handle manufacturing of the R2 and R3 models, a pair of more affordable EVs that could be the make or break for the brand, which continues to lose money on every R1S and R1T it sells.

From the moment Elon Musk started to dip his toes into politics and public affairs, there’s been a growing trend of anti-Tesla sentiment among those who oppose him and his views. Of course, there are also plenty who support him, and many of them are quite vocal, but a recent study out of the UK indicated that some shoppers are being turned away by his antics.

At the same time Musk has courted a growing amount of controversy, some are also growing tired of the much-hyped Tesla Cybertruck. Bring a distaste for Musk and the Cybertruck together and you get the Cybertruck Hunters, a TikTok page doing their best to poke the bear that is the world’s richest man.

Read: Activists Project ‘Heil Tesla’ Onto Musk’s Own German Gigafactory

The TikTok page in question was only started a few days ago, but its mission is clear: the TikTokers drive around at night looking for Cybertrucks to target. When they find one, they pull up behind it and shine a projector onto the EV’s stainless steel tailgate.

They then proceed to display images and statements critical of Musk and the Cybertruck. It’s pretty clever and is similar to what recent Tesla protestors did in Germany, projecting Musk’s infamous Nazi-esque salute on the carmaker’s German factory.

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ original sound – cybertruck hunters

Musk Hate

All kinds of different messages are being displayed on the back of Cybertrucks. One reads, ‘I wonder if everyone who’s passing me think I am a Nazi?,’ before cutting to a clip of Musk making his controversial hand gesture at President Trump’s inauguration. It then reads, ‘Or do they think I am just an arrogant prick?’

Another message reads ‘Tesla Cybertruck, The Most Recalled Truck In 2024.’ Others are even more critical, with one showing an image of Musk and then stating ‘Figures the guy who made a truck shaped like a coffin… Gets pleasure out of killing 3.2 million Sudanese children.’ This appears to be in reference to Musk’s Starlink shutting its internet service in Sudan last year amid a huge humanitarian crisis.

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ Solitude (Felsmann + Tiley Reinterpretation) – M83 & Felsmann + Tiley

There are some more political messages being displayed too. One states that ‘Musk has called DEI ‘another word for racism’ and has criticized it as immoral and illegal, which might explain why he designed the Cybertruck for white pricks.’ One of the funnier messages says, ‘Don’t think of this as a truck… think of it as a small (explicit) enlarger.’

We’ve reached out to the TikTok account seeking additional information about their goals and what has triggered their disdain for Musk and the Cybertruck – although, judging from their context, the latter is probably clear…

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ this is Elon musk – العربي موراتا

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ original sound – Cindy Noir✨

It’s been over a year since Kia unveiled its PV5 Concept at CES, and now, it has showcased the all-electric van in production guise before its global premiere on February 27. Like so many other new Kia models introduced in recent years, the road-going version looks almost identical to the striking concept that previewed it.

Both passenger and cargo versions of the PV5 will be built and sold by Kia. They have mostly similar designs, but there are some differences between them. Characterizing both models are bold front fascias with sharp LED daytime running lights flowing down from the base of the windshield. There is no traditional grille in sight and instead, a charging flap slap bang in the center of the PV5’s nose. The main headlamps are positioned on either side of this charging port.

Read: Kia PV5 EV Spotted In Minivan Form Ahead Of 2025 Debut

Kind of like the Hyundai Staria, the windows of both the passenger and cargo versions of the PV5 are absolutely huge, and should give the van’s cabin a very airy and spacious feeling. Chunky door handles not present on the original concept have been added to the production model. Obviously, the cargo model ditches the rear side windows and also adopts twin side-opening tailgate doors to allow for easy loading and unloading.

For as unconventional as the front of the Kia PV5 is, the rear is mostly typical of a normal van with vertical LED taillights and large doors.

Kia says that the PV5 will be sold in several different configurations and that additional versions, in addition to the passenger and cargo models, are in the works. There will also be specialized conversion options available, ensuring customers can spec out their PV5 to suit their specific needs.

Unfortunately, Kia has yet to showcase the finished cabin of the PV5, nor has it offered any details about the all-electric powertrain. We suspect it will be offered in single and dual-motor configurations and should offer Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid compatibility. All versions will be underpinned by Kia’s Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module (e-CCPM) platform.

Zeekr doesn’t sell any of its electric vehicles in the United States and for as long as President Donald Trump remains in power, it’s unlikely it will anytime soon. However, Zeekr is behind the latest robotaxi being tested by Waymo in the US, and early this month, the Chinese company issued not one, not two, but three recalls for it on the same day.

The Waymo robotaxi is known as the RT, of which 30 examples were built in China between December 16, 2024, and January 8, 2025, with plans to bring them into the States. One of these models landed on US shores on January 27, 2025, but upon examination, it failed to meet several Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Read: USA’s New Tariffs Could Hit Waymo’s Chinese-Built Robotaxis

The first recall relates to safety concerns about the inflatable curtain and passenger airbags. During front impact testing at 40 km/h (25 mph) on a 30-degree angle when occupants were unbelted, Zeekr found that the crash test dummy shifted towards the right A-pillar, and while the airbags stopped the dummy’s head, they failed to provide enough protection.

To resolve this issue, Zeekr will fit a physical stop in the passenger seat rail, reducing movement from 300 mm (11.8 inches) to 50 mm (1.9 inches).

Other Recalls

Then there’s the second recall. In this case, an issue with the Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) can cause the airbag control module to disable the passenger airbag. The system may also be unable to correctly determine the weight of a passenger to decide whether to activate or disable the airbag. Zeekr says it will update the software of the single vehicle shipped to the US to fix the fault.

Zeekr also needs to rectify a second airbag-related issue, which was the subject of the third recall. Side-impact tests have shown the inflatable curtain airbag can get stuck on the A-pillar trim during deployment, meaning it may not completely cover the rear side window. New C-pillar chutes will be installed to rectify the fault.

The remaining 29 Zeekr RT models will be fixed at the factory before being shipped over to the US.

For several years, the VW and Audi brands were expected to stop selling combustion-powered models in Europe by 2033 as part of a broader industry shift to battery-electric vehicles. However, a new report claims that certain ICE models from the VW Group could stick around longer than expected because the EV market hasn’t developed as quickly as many had expected.

While global EV sales reached record heights around the world last year, they stalled across Europe. Indeed, whereas EVs had previously accounted for 14.6% of total new car sales in the region previously, they dropped to 13.6% in 2024. This has allegedly prompted VW to reconsider its switch to an EV-only lineup, and it’s possible popular models like the Golf, T-Roc, and Tiguan could receive facelifts in the 2030s.

Read: EV And PHEV Sales Surged 26% Globally In 2024, But The Party’s Over In Europe

Many of the car conglomerate’s next steps will be determined by the broader industry. It’s possible that plans to phase out combustion engines across Europe by 2035 could be delayed, and if this happens, it would allow the VW Group to extend the lifecycles of several of its models.

Changing Plans

According to insiders who spoke with Handelsblatt, executives from VW and Audi no longer think 2033 is a realistic date to axe all ICEs because of concerns about EV growth rates across the industry. “Nobody would set the targets in stone like that again today,” the publication’s sources said.

VW’s final planned generation of combustion engines will be introduced this year, meaning it could phase them out completely after any newly launched ICE models end their respective seven-to-eight-year production runs. However, unnamed sources say there are now discussions about giving them vehicles second facelifts next decade, which could extend their lifecycles by an extra two to three years.

Similar discussions are being had at Audi. “Internally, we are currently working on ensuring that fixed dates, such as the introduction of new electric platforms and the end of combustion engine production, can be postponed if necessary,” an insider said.

Porsche is also questioning its commitment to EVs. It has killed off the combustion-powered Macan in Europe and replaced it with the new-generation EV, but may be considering relaunching an ICE version of the popular SUV. The luxury brand had hoped that this year 50% of its sales would be for electrified vehicles, but now that seems unlikely to happen.

Street takeovers in the US are usually home to powerful homegrown muscle cars, like the Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, and Chevy Corvette. However, during a recent takeover, someone showed up in a Tesla Cybertruck and tried to do donuts in the middle of a large intersection. It didn’t go well.

It’s unclear if this Cybertruck is the entry-level All-Wheel Drive version or the flagship Cyberbeast, but regardless, it has AWD and an advanced traction control system that helps minimize traction loss. This comes in handy when you’re driving on slippery surfaces, but not when you’re trying to impress onlookers at a takeover.

Watch: Reckless Teens Destroy Chevy Camaro During Street Takeover

In this clip shared to social media, the driver of the white Cybertruck can be aggressively driving in circles in the intersection, eager to kick out the rear end of the electric truck. Even though the road is wet, the tires of the Tesla refuse to break traction, making for a lackluster display. At the same time the driver tries and fails to do donuts, cars can be heard revving in the background, many of which are probably easily capable of kicking up tire smoke and pirouetting on the spot.

While the driver of this Cybertruck failed to do donuts, the truck is actually capable of performing them – you just need to know the correct mode to switch into. In fact, Tesla has even created an off-road guide for the truck that reveals the ideal settings to do donuts.

Video Reddit

According to the carmaker, the Cybertruck needs to be in Baja mode with power biasing the rear wheels, stability control set to ‘Minimum’ and the Terrain slider set to ‘Smooth.’ With these settings engaged, it’ll happily spin up the wheels and send plumes of thick tire smoke into the air.

It’s probably a good thing the driver in question didn’t know how to kick out the tail of the Cybertruck. Had they known how, they could have easily lost control, and careened into the spectators crowding around the intersection.