It’s been six long years since Ford unveiled the Mustang Mach-E, its first mainstream electric SUV and a direct challenger to the Tesla Model Y. The model has become an important part of Ford’s global lineup, even if it hasn’t reached the same sales heights as its Californian rival.

However, in Australia, things are looking particularity bleak for the electric pony car.

Read: Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets A Classic Gas Mustang Package

Ford started selling the Mustang Mach-E in Australia in 2023 and in that time, has managed to sell just 1,113 units. This year, just 380 of them have been sold.

To put those numbers into perspective, Tesla has sold forty-six times more Model Ys this year than Ford has managed with the Mustang Mach-E. The gap is wide enough to make clear that Ford’s electric SUV won’t be troubling Tesla’s dominance anytime soon.

Everything’s Fine

Despite these meek sales, Ford Australia doesn’t seem too bothered. According to Ford’s local marketing director Ambrose Henderson, the Mach-E is different than its competitors and has been made all the more appealing thanks to recent upgrades.

“The Mach-E is something that is iconic and clearly different from most of the other EVs in the market,” Henderson told Drive.

“The market’s immensely competitive. We think, with the updates that we’ve made in terms of design, technology and the drive feel and dynamics, that it will resonate with customers. We’re really excited about what that will do going forward.”

He added that Ford’s intent was never to produce another anonymous, efficiency-shaped crossover. “There are a lot of aerodynamically designed white boxes on the road that are EVs, right? And that’s not us. That is not what we wanted to deliver. We wanted something that was authentic and really leverages off what is a global icon with Mustang,” he explained.

A Real Mustang Alternative?

According to Henderson, the Mustang Mach-E wasn’t necessarily created to chase huge volumes, but rather engineered as a compelling electric alternative to the V8-powered Mustang. According to him, the Mach-E “delivers the same excitement, the same emotion, same thrill of the drive, and the same sort of design,” as the pony car.

Of course, if you ask any car enthusiast if they’d rather drive a Mustang GT or Mustang Mach-E up a mountain pass, or along a coastal road, we suspect the vast majority would opt for the ICE model. While the Mach-E is good, few would consider it to be the same kind of sports car.

Who Is It For?

Interestingly, Henderson also hesitates to position it as a family vehicle. “The primary audience is couples, just from a demographic and opportunity perspective,” he said, suggesting Ford envisions the Mach-E less as a people mover and more as a lifestyle choice for drivers who still want a bit of Mustang spirit, even without the roar.

Jeep is taking another swing at zero emissions adventure with the 2026 Recon, the first fully electric, Trail Rated Jeep, one that packs sports car-level acceleration, and promises real off-road ability. But the timing might raise eyebrows.

With EV sales slowing, companies like Ram scrapping planned electric utilities and Jeep’s first EV, the Wagoneer S struggling for sales, is this the right moment to launch a $65,000 electric off-roader?

Also: The 2026 Grand Cherokee’s Biggest Surprise Is Hiding Under The Hood

The Recon range will expand in time but for now Jeep is launching with just one trim, the dirt-lovin’ Moab. It comes with a single motor mounted at each end of the 112.9-inch (2,870 mm) wheelbase platform, the pair together pushing out numbers that are strong, even if they don’t set any EV records.

What Powers Jeep’s Electric Trail Machine?

The Recon delivers 650 hp (659 PS) and 620 lb-ft (841 Nm) of torque, which is 50 hp (51 PS) and 3 lb-ft (4 Nm) more than the priciest version of Jeep’s first US EV, the road-biased Wagoneer S that rides on the same STLA Large platform.

It also hits 60 mph (97 kmh) in a speedy 3.6 seconds and claims a 250-mile (155 km) range from its 100 kWh battery, compared with 3.4 seconds and 294 miles (473 km) for the Launch Edition Wagoneer S. But that inconsequential difference in acceleration, and rather more worrying range gap is the price you pay for genuine off-road chops.

Only the Recon gets Jeep’s Trail Rated stamp of approval, the one you’ll have seen on vehicles like the Wrangler, meaning it’s passed a series of tough tests to prove its ability to ford water and clear obstacles that would make a crossover cry.

Mud or Midtown?

To earn that Trail Rated badge the Moab features 33-inch tires and a 15:1 final drive at the rear for extra torque multiplication when things get messy. It has selectable locking differentials Selec-Terrain driving modes, including a Rock mode that’s exclusive to the Moab, and Selec-Speed Control to make light work of steep inclines or rocks.

The 100-kWh battery is protected by a full set of steel skid plates, and suspension components like large CV joints and half shafts have been beefed up to handle all that torque.

Unlike the solid-axle Wrangler, the Recon’s suspension is independent via short-long arm (SLA) at the front and integral link at the back. And it skips the combustion SUV’s vague recirculating ball steering for a modern rack and pinion setup.

That bodes well for on-road comfort, where the Recon operates mostly as a RWD vehicle, but what about those all important off-road angles? A 33.8-degree approach, 23.3-degree ramp and 33.1-degree departure angle are no match for the new V8-powered Wrangler Moab 392’s 46.7, 24.5 and 39.8-degree stats.

Some of that can be chalked up to the 193.3-inch (4,911 mm) Recon being almost exactly the same length as a Wrangler, but riding on a 5.5-inch (140 mm) shorter wheelbase, and having far less daylight beneath its floorpan.

The Recon loses the ground clearance battle by a big margin, 9.1 (231 mm) inches playing 11.1 inches (282 mm) in the Wrangler Moab, and up to 12.9 inches/328 mm on other Wranglers.

Classic Jeep Design With a Modern Edge

Still, that’s more trail ability than 99 percent of people will ever need, and at least the Recon looks the part. The design stays true to Jeep’s roots with a boxy stance, upright grille and four-square proportions.

The illuminated grille rings, flush door handles, and contrast roof options give it a modern edge without losing the heritage feel, buyers also getting the option to replace the standard dual-plane sunroof for an optional Sky One-Touch power top.

And yes, you can remove the doors, the swing gate glass and the quarter windows, for those really hardcore adventures without needing any special tools.

Try that in your Rivian R1S. Moab trim brings a few design tricks of its own, including tough-looking black coloring for the front and rear fascias, the fender flares, uniquer badge and an anti-glare hood graphic.

Jeep’s Biggest Screen

The cabin sticks to the adventure theme, blending durable materials with forward-looking tech and looking nothing like the inside of a Wagoneer S. A horizontal dashboard layout and grab handle nod to classic Jeep interiors, but a 26-inch digital display area stretches across the dash made up of a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 14.5-inch touchscreen – the biggest in any Jeep – running Uconnect 5.

That screen’s generous dimensions should make it easier to see the pitch and roll mapping on the automaker’s Trails App, as well as checking out the camera views. And if you want to bring your own camera, a modular accessory rail is ready for your GoPro.

Related: Stellantis Spends $13 Billion To Revive Jeep And Dodge In America

Audio comes from a standard Alpine system, and Jeep has even relocated the speakers under the seats so the sound doesn’t vanish when you pop the doors off.

How Much Does It Cost?

The 2026 Jeep Recon EV will be built at Jeep’s Toluca Assembly Plant starting early next year, priced at $65,000 for the Moab trim. But expect that price to fall later as other trims, and less powerful motor setups become available – or just through massive discounts if the Recon proves as tricky to sell as the Wagoneer S.

No doubt, Jeep is taking a bold bet on a market that’s still figuring out what it wants. How do you rate the Recon’s chances?

Renault has used Solutrans 2025 to introduce the new Trafic E-Tech Electric. It’s the company’s version of the Flexis Panel Van and the styling is virtually identical.

That being said, the latest variant features an illuminated Renault logo that is flanked by “light guides” and slender turn signals. They’re joined by low-mounted headlights and a familiar front bumper.

More: Renault And Volvo Joint Venture Unveils Three New Electric Delivery Vans

Since we’ve already seen the van before, we’ll briefly mention it has black plastic accents, a dynamic beltline, and asymmetrical rear doors. They’re joined by three dimensional taillights as well as large side doors that are designed to accommodate Euro pallets.

Two different versions will be available including an L1 that measures 191.7 inches (4,870 mm) long and has a cargo capacity of 180.1 cubic feet (5.1 cubic meters). The L2 has a 15.7-inch (400 mm) longer wheelbase and this enables it to hold up to 204.8 cubic feet (5.8 cubic meters) of cargo. Renault added both models are 74.8 inches (1,900 mm) tall, which enables them to access underground parking garages.

A Straightforward Interior

While cargo takes priority, the cockpit isn’t too shabby as it features three seats as well as a “tube-shaped dashboard.” They’re joined by a three-spoke steering wheel, numerous storage compartments, and Zeta blue-jean upholstery with grey accents and contrast stitching.

Buyers will also find a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch openR evo infotainment system, which is angled towards the driver. The latter features “tailored navigation that takes into account vehicle dimensions and load to avoid unsuitable routes.” There’s also an electric route planner, which suggests the best charging stops. Customers can also upgrade to Google built-in, which will be offered as an over-the-air on-demand feature.

Two Batteries With Up To 280 Miles Of Range

The Trafic E-Tech Electric rides on a skateboard platform and features a rear-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 254 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque. It’s powered by two different battery packs.

The long-range battery will be available at launch and features a nickel manganese cobalt chemistry. It enables the van to have a range of around 280 miles (450 km) under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure.

Later on, Renault will offer an “urban-range” lithium iron phosphate battery. This variant promises to be affordable and capable of traveling nearly 217 miles (350 km) on a single charge.

Buyers will also find 800V technology, which will enable the van to go from a 15% to 80% charge in approximately 20 minutes. They’ll be joined by Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities.

Other highlights include a turning circle that is said to be equivalent to a Clio. The automaker is also aiming to use over 23% recycled materials on the van.

The Trafic E-Tech Electric will be built at the Sandouville plant, alongside the ICE-powered model. Production is slated to begin in late 2026 and the panel van will eventually be joined by chassis cab, platform cab, tipper, flatbed, and cargo box models.

A 29-year-old in Delaware has been arrested over the convoluted theft of a state-owned Ford Mustang Mach-E, in a scene that we’d love to see recreated in a Hollywood film.

The man who has been identified by police as Isiah Worthy was arrested for allegedly stealing the EV after breaking into two state office buildings using a steel sewer door, seemingly unaware of how heavily surveilled government facilities often are.

Read: Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets A Classic Gas Mustang Package

Local law enforcement reports that at approximately 3:50 p.m., they were alerted to a burglar alarm triggered at 600 South Bar Road in Dover. Police soon discovered that a masked man had forced entry into the facility with a steel sewer lid and proceeded to damage property and steal money.

While investigating the break-in, police discovered the same thief had reportedly broken into the Office of Management and Budget – Fleet Services facility on the same property. Once again, the individual broke in using the sewer lid. While inside, he allegedly stole key fobs and drove off in a Ford Mustang Mach-E.

However, the suspect didn’t make a clean getaway and ended up hitting two parked cars while trying to flee the scene. He also ditched a bank bag filled with stolen money in the parking lot.

How Police Found Him

Police had no issue tracking down the 29-year-old. Unbeknownst to him, the Mustang Mach-E had a GPS tracker and was found abandoned on Carpenter’s Bridge Road. Police scoped the area and found a man matching the suspect’s description walking along a nearby road. They arrested him and searched him, finding additional money he had stolen.

Isiah Worthy has been arrested on two counts of burglary in the third degree, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools or instruments, wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, theft under $1,500, and three counts of criminal mischief.

The Ford Puma returned in 2019 as a compact SUV, followed by a mid-cycle update in 2024 and the arrival of the fully electric Gen-E later that year. Now, Ford has introduced a subtly revised 2026 version of the EV, delivering a longer driving range and more advanced driver assistance features.

The standout figure is an improved WLTP range of 400 km (249 miles), up by 24 km (15 miles) from the outgoing model. Within the urban cycle, the 2026 Ford Puma Gen-E can manage up to 550 km (342 miles), which should mean fewer plug-in stops for most owners.

More: Ford Quietly Ends Focus Production After 27 Years Without Even Saying Goodbye

The added distance comes from an “optimised battery design” that maintains the same 43 kWh capacity. Ford hasn’t specified whether that figure applies to the base Gen-E with 17-inch wheels or the Premium trim on 18-inch alloys.

Power remains at 166 hp (124 kW) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the front wheels through a single electric motor.

That 400-km WLTP rating positions the Puma Gen-E well within its segment, closely matching rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica, Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600e, Opel Mokka Electric, Peugeot E-2008, Renault 4 E-Tech, and Mini Aceman. Even so, it still trails the Kia EV3 Long Range, which claims up to 604 km (375 miles) on the same cycle.

Hands-Free Driving

Starting from spring 2026, the smallest Ford in Europe will be available with the BlueCruise system, allowing hands-off highway driving as part of the optional Driver Assistance Pack. The technology is gradually spreading across the range, now confirmed for the Kuga and Ranger PHEV as well.

More: A Ford Bronco Just Took Google Street View Where No Camera Had Gone Before

Since its European debut in 2023, BlueCruise has expanded to 16 markets and covers more than 135,000 km (84,000 miles) of approved highways.

Any Visual Changes?

Predictably, there are no styling updates, with the Puma Gen-E retaining its grille-less design. The rest of the bodywork is shared with the facelifted mild-hybrid version.

The same goes for the interior, with the digital cockpit comprising a 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch infotainment. Another highlight of the Puma is the “Gigabox” storage compartment under the boot. The cargo capacity is 574 liters (20.3 cubic feet) at the back and another 43 liters (1.5 cubic feet) in the frunk.

The 2026 Ford Puma Gen-E is open for orders in the UK, priced from £26,245 ($34,500). That’s unchanged from the current model, though it now benefits from updated local incentives.

Ford

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N already cuts a fierce silhouette, but for some owners, that isn’t quite enough. They want something with more of a track-day attitude. Hyundai is answering that call with a new suite of N Performance Parts, led by a swan-neck rear wing reminiscent of the Porsche 911 GT3.

The optional accessory package also includes a more prominent splitter, sharper side skirts, and a diffuser extension. All of the components are finished in exposed carbon, contrasting the red accents found on the lower part of the bodywork.

More: Hyundai’s Next Performance SUV Could Be A Hybrid Rival To RAV4 GR Sport

The larger CFRP rear wing, which can also be ordered on its own, features a double-deck design adjustable to three positions: 8°, 0°, and -8°. Depending on the angle, it produces between 265 and 305 kilograms (584–672 pounds) of downforce at 257 km/h (160 mph).

A deflector mounted beneath the car trims lift and adds another 16 kilograms (35 pounds) of downforce at top speed.

Beyond the aerodynamic pieces, the package includes 20-inch forged wheels with a 12-spoke layout, finished in either black or white. They shave 1.5 kilograms (3 pounds) from the unsprung mass compared to the standard aero wheels of the same size.

To fine-tune the exterior, owners can add a racing stripe, a Sabelt tow strap, carbon center caps, and black wheel nuts.

Inside, the upgrades extend to a steering wheel wrapped in Pasubio leather, suede armrests, carbon fiber scuff plates, and floor mats marked with N Performance branding. The company also offers Ferodo brake pads designed for both street and circuit use.

More: Veloster’s Reincarnation Could Arrive As An Ioniq 3 N Hot Hatch

The Ioniq 6 N draws power from dual electric motors that produce a combined 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) and 770 Nm (568 lb-ft) of torque through the N Grin Boost function, launching it from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds. True to N division form, the EV integrates systems such as simulated gear shifts, synthesized exhaust sounds, and an N Drift Optimizer.

What’s The Cost?

Hyundai first announced these N Performance Parts in July 2025. They’re now available to order in Korea before rolling out to other international markets. According to the Korean Car Blog, the full aero package is priced at ₩11,000,000 (equal to $7,500 at current exchange rates), while the rear wing alone costs ₩4,900,000 ($3,400).

In Korea, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N starts at ₩79.9 million ($54,700). The U.S. version is expected to be priced from around $68,000 when it arrives next year.

Sources: TheKoreanBlog, Hyundai

Tesla has long been familiar with the courtroom, especially when it comes to class-action lawsuits in the United States. Over the years, the company has paid out millions to settle various cases, but this week brought a rare turn of fortune for the EV maker.

Read: California Judge Approves Class Action Against Tesla Over Racial Harassment

A California state judge has ruled that a group of African American factory workers cannot sue Tesla as a class over alleged racial discrimination, handing the company a temporary reprieve in a high-profile case that’s been unfolding for years.

What Changed in Court?

The lawsuit, originally filed by former assembly-line worker Marcus Vaughn, had claimed that Black employees at Tesla’s plant in Fremont, California, were subjected to racial discrimination that included slurs directed at them and nooses hung at their workstations.

Initially certified as a class action in 2024, the case was scheduled to go to trial in April 2026. However, earlier this week, California Superior Court Judge Peter Borkon said the 2017 lawsuit can no longer proceed as a class action, noting that many of the 200 workers randomly selected to testify at trial have been unwilling to do so.

As such, Borkon says he can no longer trust that the experiences of a smaller selection of workers can be applied to the entire class.

According to one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs, Lawrence Organ, many of those named in the class-action are low-income workers who cannot afford to miss work and testify in the case.

More Lawsuits Could Come

But Tesla is still in hot water. While the class action hasn’t been certified, the plaintiffs’ co-lead counsel, Bryan J. Schwartz, says lawyers will pursue hundreds of individual lawsuits. So far, more than 500 have been filed, and by the time it’s all said and done, more than 900 separate lawsuits alleging racial discrimination could be filed against Tesla.

“Tesla has jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire with this decertification, because they are now facing hundreds of victims of race harassment seeking damages in their own suits,” Schwartz told KQED.

The Jeep Renegade first appeared in 2014, carving out its place as a compact SUV with global reach. Over the years it has seen updates and regional variations across Europe and South America, but time has caught up with it.

More: Jeep Avenger Vs Dacia Duster – Which Budget Small SUV Deserves Your Money?

Jeep is now developing a long-anticipated successor, scheduled to arrive by 2027, aiming to refresh the smallest member of its off-road family without losing the character that defined the original.

Between Avenger and Compass

The upcoming Renegade will be sold in both North America and Europe, marking the nameplate’s return to the US market after the current generation was discontinued following the 2023 model year. It will slot beneath the Compass as Jeep’s most compact American offering, while sitting just above the Avenger in the European lineup.

Marco Montepeloso, Head of Jeep Product Planning in Europe, recently spoke with Auto Express about the Renegade’s future role.

He confirmed that the next generation will keep a similar footprint to today’s model, which measures 4,236 mm (166.8 inches) in length. This size positions it neatly between the 4,084 mm Avenger (160.8 inches) and the 4,550 mm Compass (179.1 inches), placing it toward the upper end of the sub-compact SUV class.

The current Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid in Europe after the 2024 facelift.

Montepeloso drew a clear line between the Avenger and the Renegade, noting that customer data shows little overlap.

“Looking at the customer analysis, there is a clear difference between a four-metre-long car that mainly addresses the needs of compactness for some European buyers, and a bigger 4.25 to 4.3-metre-long vehicle that caters more to young families or active lifestyles,” he told Auto Express. “These people need extra space, whether it’s in the second row or the boot.”

He added that the two models serve distinct audiences, leaving a healthy gap for the Renegade to occupy. “I don’t see a risk of cannibalisation,” he said. “There are clear differences in customers, and that’s exactly why there’s a strong opportunity for the Renegade between Avenger and Compass.”

Design Direction

Jeep Renegade concept study created by independent designer Marco Maltese

Jeep has yet to reveal the design of the next Renegade, but its visual cues will likely align with the brand’s evolving aesthetic. Expect a compact, upright stance anchored by the familiar seven-slot grille, framed by modern LED lighting and more defined wheel arches.

Short overhangs and a solid ground clearance should preserve the Renegade’s capable look, while the cabin is expected to balance technology and practicality with durable materials and physical controls alongside a digital display setup.

Earlier this year, independent designer Marco Maltese imagined his own take on a next-generation Renegade through a digital study, blending Jeep’s rugged styling cues with sharper, more contemporary proportions.

Updated Foundations and Powertrain

The next Renegade will finally move away from its aging FCA-era underpinnings in favor of a more advanced Stellantis architecture. The leading candidate is the STLA Small platform, a development of the CMP and eCMP structures already used for the Avenger and several other compact vehicles across the group.

More: Canada’s Furious As Stellantis Boss Gets Grilled Over Jeep Move

While originally planned as an EV-only, Jeep’s European boss strongly hinted that it won’t be the sole option. Mild-hybrid variants with both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations are expected, helping the brand navigate an increasingly unpredictable market landscape.

Montepeloso described this as a core principle for Europe, saying that “Freedom of Choice” remains central to Jeep’s approach. “If you want to be relevant in all markets, you need to have a wide offering of powertrains,” he said. “We need to stick with this philosophy, giving customers freedom. It’s essential for sales and for staying adaptable as regulations evolve.”

Pricing and Competition

The Jeep Renegade is set to stand among the more rugged contenders in the subcompact / B-SUV segment, sharing that space with the Dacia Duster.

Its competition will also include Stellantis stablemates like the Citroëen C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera, though those models lean more toward budget-minded buyers. Beyond that, the new Renegade will have to go up against the VW T-Roc, the next-generation Peugeot 2008, and the fully electric Renault 4 E-Tech.

Jeep has stated that the electric Renegade will reach North America by 2027 with a starting price below $25,000. However, since that figure previously included the now-discontinued $7,500 tax credit, the real-world starting price will likely climb to just over $30,000.

In Europe, the model will sit between the Avenger and Compass in the lineup, with pricing expected to begin below €30,000 (around $35,000).

Source: Auto Express

Not too long ago, BYD vehicles were a rare sight on the roads of Europe. But over the past five years, the car manufacturer has grown into a global powerhouse, expanding into new markets quicker than any of its competitors. Next year, its models will become even more commonplace throughout Europe.

Read: Stellantis Dealers Are Embracing BYD And Making Things Awkward

Despite the added weight of European tariffs on Chinese-made cars, BYD has no intention of slowing down. The company views Europe as one of its key new territories and expects to reach around 1,000 retail points across the continent before the year closes. That milestone, however, is only the start of what’s planned for 2026.

How Big Will BYD Go?

At a recent event in Frankfurt, Maria Grazia Davino, BYD’s regional managing director for Europe, outlined the company’s next move. She confirmed that BYD will double its footprint in the region next year, calling the expansion essential for winning over customers in a highly competitive landscape.

“In line with successful competitors, we need to have proximity and win proximity to the European customers,” Davino said, reports Reuters.

Currently active in 29 European markets, BYD is pursuing what Davino describes as a “long-term localization strategy.” The plan centers on building more of the vehicles it sells within Europe itself, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening its ties to local economies. Key to this effort is a major new production hub in Hungary, set to open soon.

So far this year, BYD sales in Europe have more than tripled, reaching 80,807 vehicles in just the first nine months.

Even though the Hungarian site has yet to open its doors, BYD is also weighing up the possibility of building a factory in Turkey and a site in Spain.

“Localizing in a mature region like Europe is a very important project. It requires knowledge, dedication, investments, and resources at all levels,” Davino added.

Source: Reuters

Scientists are increasingly concerned that the planet is headed for massive, irreversible changes due to global warming. In some cases, those changes have already begun.

(Image credit: Ryan Kellman)

An 11-year-old student was injured after being struck by a school bus while crossing a roadway in Hurricane City, Utah, reported 2 KUTV.

First responders were dispatched Wednesday to a local intersection following reports of an auto–pedestrian collision, the Hurricane City Police Department said . Upon arrival, emergency crews located the injured child and immediately began medical treatment.

The student, whose name was not disclosed at this writing, was transported to St. George Regional Medical Center and is reportedly in stable condition. Police said  the child may have sustained a head injury during the incident.

Witnesses told investigators that the student, who attends Hurricane Intermediate School, was running across 700 West when they were struck by a Washington County School District bus. Officials confirmed that several students were aboard the bus at the time, but no passengers or the bus driver were injured.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and police noted no additional details are available at this time.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured student and family at this time,” the Hurricane City Police Department said in a statement.

More information will be released as the investigation develops.

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Related: 6 Students Killed in Danger Zone, All by School Buses
Related: 14-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in New Jersey
Related: Teen Struck, Killed by Kentucky School Bus
Related: New York Mother and Child Struck by School Bus Following Drop-Off

The post 11-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in Utah, in Stable Condition appeared first on School Transportation News.

Tony, Ryan and Taylor recap the lessons, experiences and takeaways from the Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (TSD) Conference and Trade Show last week. It covered evacuation training in a smoke-filled school bus, legal issues like onboard sexual assaults or objectionable clothing, tips to promote good student behavior, an in-depth session on deafness and much more.

Read more TSD Conference news.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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The post (STN Podcast E284) Always Something to Learn: Special Needs Takeaways from TSD 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Leapmotor continues to expand its model lineup, this time setting its sights on one of the most competitive corners of the market: small SUVs. The new A10 slots below the larger B10 and will be accompanied by a closely related small hatchback, likely to wear the A05 badge.

The company has shared the first official photos of the new model ahead of its world premiere at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 21.

More: Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

The A10’s bodywork reflects the smooth surfacing and rounded contours seen across Leapmotor’s lineup, complemented by a Citroen-like wraparound greenhouse, discreet plastic cladding, and LED lighting with darkened clusters.

Shown in Seaweed Green and Acorn Brown, the A10 sits on five double-spoke alloy wheels. While no dimensions have been shared yet, it’s expected to measure around 4,200 to 4,300 mm (165.4–169.3 inches) in length, which places it within the small SUVs segment.

A roof-mounted Lidar unit and visible sensors along the profile indicate that the model will include a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.

Cabin and Tech

The interior is expected to follow Leapmotor’s familiar minimalist approach, pairing a large infotainment screen with a clean dashboard and seating for five. Its electric platform should offer efficient use of space, and Leapmotor has teased the A10 as a “smart, premium, long-range SUV.”

More: Stellantis’ Leapmotor Found An Unlikely Ally In Germany’s Tuning Scene

While technical details remain undisclosed, it’s likely to use a single electric motor and deliver a range competitive with other small EVs in its class.

The A10 and the related A05 supermini, scheduled for 2026, are both planned for European release, joining the T03, B05, B10, and C10 already offered there. In China, Leapmotor’s lineup is broader, spanning the B01 and C01 sedans along with the C11, C16, and D19 SUVs.

Who It’s Up Against

At home, the A10 will go head-to-head with the BYD Yuan Up (also known as the Atto 2), priced between ¥96,800 and ¥119,800 (equivalent to about $13,600–$16,900 at current exchange rates).

In Europe, it will enter a crowded field of compact electric crossovers including the Citroen e-C3 Aircross, Opel Frontera Electric, Renault 4 E-Tech, Kia EV3, Peugeot E-2008, Fiat 600e, Jeep Avenger, Alfa Romeo Junior, Ford Puma Gen-E, and the forthcoming VW ID.Cross and Skoda Epiq.

Between January and September 2025, Leapmotor delivered 395,516 vehicles globally, a 129% increase year-on-year that pushed its cumulative sales past the one-million mark. October extended its winning streak to a sixth consecutive month of record-breaking results, with 70,289 units sold.

Weibo

Kia introduced the EV9 GT at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show and promised it would “spark the hearts of driving enthusiasts who … need the practicality of a six-passenger SUV.” The model was scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2025, but it’s still nowhere to be found.

It appears there’s a good reason for this as Kia has quietly delayed the high-performance crossover. While the automaker was tight-lipped on specifics, they told Car & Driver the EV9 GT has been “delayed until further notice” due to “changing market conditions.”

More: 2026 Kia EV9 GT Is A Family Hauler With Fake Gear Shifts That Hits 60 In 4.3 Seconds

That’s not very reassuring and the publication suggested the US launch could be scrubbed entirely. This wouldn’t be the first EV to suffer that fate as Ram recently killed the 1500 REV, while Volkswagen abandoned plans to bring the ID.7 stateside.

The move isn’t terribly surprising as EV9 sales have plummeted following the elimination of the clean vehicle tax credit. Last month, dealers only sold 666 units, which compared to 1,941 sold in October of 2024.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the EV9 GT would have been ridiculously expensive. The company never announced US pricing, but the EV9 GT-Line starts at $71,900. This suggests the GT variant would have cost around $76,000, if not even more.

That’s a lot of money for a Kia, but the crossover has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces an estimated 501 hp (374 kW / 508 PS). That’s 122 hp (91 kW / 124 PS) more than the GT-Line and it enables the model to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.3 seconds.

Besides the impressive powertrain, the EV9 GT was slated to have an electronically controlled suspension, beefier front brakes, and virtual gear shift technology. They were set to be joined by an electronic limited slip differential, unique styling, and a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.

More: Kia Suddenly Pulls Its Tesla Model 3 Rival Right Before US Launch

This marks the second electric Kia bound for the U.S. market to be put on ice in recent weeks. The company also postponed the launch of the EV4 sedan “until further notice,” citing the same market factors.

Ford’s war on cars has claimed another victim and this time it’s the Focus. While the model exited North America in 2018, it has survived overseas.

Unfortunately, the grim reaper has returned as the final Focus has reportedly rolled off the assembly line in Saarlouis, Germany. Ford hasn’t officially announced the end of production, but workers have been morning the loss of the car by describing its death as “painful” and “sad.”

Even worse, the future of the Saarlouis plant looks bleak. Two years ago, Ford said they “conducted an extensive search” for a suitor and signed a non-binding agreement with a potential investor in June of 2023. However, the unnamed investor dropped out following a “rigorous due diligence process and negotiation.”

Ford Europe’s Future Comes Into Focus

The Focus’ death is the latest blow to the company’s European arm, which has seen sales plummet in recent years. There have also been painful job cuts as well as a disastrous collaboration with Volkswagen.

More: Ford Could Be Preparing To Fill A Focus-Sized Hole In Their Lineup

Amid this background, Ford of Europe has a new president with tough decisions to make. Autonews said Jim Baumbick will need to decide if the company’s new Universal EV Platform, which will be launched on a mid-size truck, would make sense for Europe.

If he rules that out, the publication suggested Baumbick could double-down on the Volkswagen partnership. In particular, they suggested Ford could potentially offer a new Fiesta based on the ID. Polo. The latter rides on the new MEB Entry platform and is targeted to cost less than €25,000 ($28,973).

While it remains to be seen if that idea will come to fruition, Ford has already announced plans for a new “multi-energy” vehicle that will be built in Valencia, Spain. Previous reports have suggested the mystery model will arrive in 2027 and be a Focus-sized crossover.

The model is rumored to be built alongside the Kuga and will reportedly share some components to help keep costs down. The crossover is also expected to offer hybrid and electric powertrains.

Sources: Autonews, Facebook

It’s no secret that the automotive industry is in the midst of a gigantic transformation. Tariffs, trade wars, and shifting consumer interests are all playing a role. Now, Tesla is working to end its reliance on Chinese-made components for U.S.-built cars.

It’s just the latest automaker to take this step, with GM reportedly doing the same, though it will take time for both companies to fully achieve their goals.

More: GM Quietly Told Suppliers To Ditch Chinese Parts And Now The Trouble Begins

According to a new report from the Wall Street Journal, Tesla earlier this year instructed suppliers to begin eliminating Chinese parts from every vehicle produced in the United States.

Evidently, it told them to get the job done within the next two years at most. If possible, it would like the shift to be done within the next year. Sources indicate that it’s already swapped out some Chinese components.

Tariffs and Timing

Several forces came together to make this happen. Tesla was already moving away from Chinese-sourced parts after the pandemic. Matters escalated this year when President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs on Chinese imports.

That created new volatility in an already fluctuating market, which affected Tesla’s pricing and procurement plans. According to the report, Tesla is working to build a business that is more resilient to political decisions.

Recently, a semiconductor conflict between China and the Netherlands triggered fresh supply interruptions at Tesla. Dutch chip maker, Nexperia, whose packaging happens in China, became tangled up in an export-blocking dispute, and as such, automakers like Tesla were caught up too.

New Routes Around China

Interestingly, Tesla has been encouraging Chinese suppliers to set up shop in Mexico and Southeast Asia for years. This could potentially allow Tesla to sidestep tariffs that are aimed solely at China itself. It also halted the use of Chinese-made lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries in favor of making them in Nevada next year.

Notably, Tesla isn’t the first automaker to go down this route. Earlier this year, GM quietly instructed its suppliers to cut out Chinese components altogether by 2027.

No doubt, these two companies won’t be the only ones to try this same trick. Only time will tell whether or not it actually works out, cuts costs, and brings more manufacturing to America.

Mazda’s EV push got off to a rough start as the MX-30 only survived two years in America. It was offered exclusively in California, and the company only sold 324 units in 2022.

More of an oddity than anything else, the 2023 model started at $34,110 and featured a tiny 35.5 kWh battery pack that provided 100 miles (161 km) of range. Besides being more expensive than competitors while offering less range, the MX-30 had suicide rear doors and an electric motor developing 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS).

More: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Grows Up And Gets A Hybrid Option

Following the failure of the MX-30, Mazda leaned on Chinese partners for the EZ-6 and EZ-60. While those are fine for certain markets, the company needed to create a ‘proper’ EV.

We’re now getting our first look at it as a mule was recently spied undergoing testing near the company’s research and development center in Irvine, California. As you can see, the model wears a heavily modified body sourced from the CX-70 or CX-90.

The front end is disguised, but features a fully enclosed grille as well as blocked off air curtains. We can also see a relatively small central intake.

Baldauf

Bigger changes occur aft of the A-pillar as the mule has a shorter wheelbase than the CX-90 as well as a significantly shorter rear overhang. The model also has third-quarter glass that is reminiscent of the CX-80. While it’s hard to judge the crossover’s size by pictures alone, spy photographers said it was about as big as the CX-50.

Speaking of size, the upcoming EV is narrower than the body suggests. A closer inspection reveals the wheels are tucked in considerably, and this means the upcoming production model will have shorter tracks than the CX-90. We can also see aerodynamic rims as well as a possible charging port hidden beneath a rear bumper flap.

Baldauf

Little else is known about the model at this point, but Mazda announced plans for the Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture way back in 2021. At the time, the company referred to it as a dedicated EV platform that would be introduced in 2025 and underpin “various vehicle sizes and body types.”

Mazda was originally planning to introduce several vehicles on the platform between 2025 and 2030. Needless to say, 2025 is almost up, and things have been delayed. It’s now believed the model could debut in 2027 and land stateside the following year.

Audi is stepping up its assault on the North American market by finally doing something its BMW and Mercedes rivals have been doing for years: building vehicles inside the US.

Related: Audi’s New 4×4 Could Blend Scout DNA With G-Class Swagger

The VW-owned luxury brand already lagged behind its opposition in terms of stateside sales, but its lack of a US plant means it’s been particularly hard-hit by the tariffs, since it relies on imports from Europe and Mexico. Now it plans to tackle that problem with a new luxury SUV aimed at the Land Rover Defender and produced in the US.

Built by Scout

The secret SUV will be a range extender hybrid designed specifically for the US market and will be built locally. But that doesn’t mean Audi is about to commission a new factory of its own on American soil, German website Automobilewoche reports.

Instead, it will build the SUV at the Blythewood, South Carolina, plant currently being constructed by VW-owned Scout Motors, which hopes to begin rolling out Scout trucks and SUVs by late 2027.

Scout, a utility brand launched by International Harvester in the late 1950s but dormant since 1980, was resurrected by VW in 2022 and plans to launch with two vehicles, the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck.

Scout’s new models have ladder-frame chassis, which would be a first for Audi, and four-wheel drive systems with proper locking differentials. Although Scout offers both fully electric and range-extender powertrains, over 80 percent of reservations are for the range-extender, CEO Scott Keogh told Bloomberg recently.

While the full EVs can travel for 350 miles (563 km) on their 120 kWh batteries, the range-extenders offer around 500 miles (800 km) of range, only 150 miles (240 km) of which comes from their smaller battery.

What Could it Look Like?

Although Audi hasn’t revealed any images of its tough new SUV, and we’ve yet to see it in spy shots, we have had strong hints from the automaker that one is on the way.

Earlier in 2025, Audi debuted the Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept, which featured portal axles and a massively increased ride height to underline how serious Audi is about building a more off-road-focused machine.

Though Audi used the Q6 as a base for that concept, the real SUV, probably due in 2028, will be much bigger and almost certainly boxier, as imagined in these images below from @theottle.

@theottle

While public awareness campaigns about illegally passing stopped school buses increase nationwide, the National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey finds that school buses and their drivers accounted for all the student fatalities reported for the 2024-2025 school year.

The 2024-2025 National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey, released Sunday at the National State Director of Pupil Transportation Services conferences in Washington, D.C., reported that six fatalities occurred in five states, with Louisiana reporting two. Four states did not participate in the survey, the most non-responses since 2015.

Over 55 years, the annual survey conducted by the Kansas State Department of Education’s School Transportation Safety Unit says school buses account for 56.5 percent of all reported fatalities, with other vehicles accounting for 39.2 percent and “other” 4.2 percent.

Several fatalities during the 2024-2025 school year occurred similarly. In Missouri, a 9-year-old girl had just exited her school bus. As the bus pulled away from the curb and began preparing to turn left, the student ran along the left side of the bus for unknown reasons. She was struck and killed by the rear left wheels.

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Find All National School Bus Loading and Unloading Surveys Since 1970

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A similar situation occurred in Wisconsin. A 5-year-old boy had unloaded the school bus at school. However, the student had dropped an item and crawled under the bus to retrieve it as the school bus driver pulled away. The student was struck and killed by the left rear dual wheels.

A 5-year-old Massachusetts boy unloaded from the school bus when the vehicle moved forward, and it struck and killed the child. The boy was killed by the left front wheel.

In Louisiana, a 7-year-old exited the school bus and was walking in front of it as the driver pulled away from the stop. He was struck and killed by the right front and right rear dual wheels of the bus.

Also in Louisiana, a 6-year-old boy was running to catch the school bus. He was in front of the bus as it pulled away from the stop, and he was struck and killed by the front of the school bus.

Similarly, in Texas, a 5-year-old was running to catch the bus. He, too, was in front of the bus as it pulled away from the stop. He was then struck and killed by the left front wheels.

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Related: High School Senior Killed Walking to Bus Stop in Florida

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Half of the fatalities took place on the trip to school, the other half on the trip home. All the students killed were under 10 years old. Three were 5 years old. The National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey stated that during the past 55 years of the survey, 73 percent of fatalities occurred to students 9 years of age and under.

Three of the fatalities took place on a Thursday, and two took place in the month of April. For five of the fatalities, the weather conditions were clear and in daylight, with one being reported during cloudy conditions and one during dark. Two fatalities were reported in rural areas, whereas four were considered urban. In all fatalities, road conditions were dry.

The survey is based on police reports of student fatalities at school bus stops when the bus was on scene at the time of the incident.

The post 6 Students Killed in Danger Zone, All by School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.

A 5-year-old Louisiana boy was killed after being run over in his family’s driveway by his grandmother, who police allege was drunk and under the influence of depressants at the time of the accident.

During a press conference last Tuesday following the incident, Slidell Police Department announced the arrest of 55-year-old Kristen Anders, who was charged with vehicular homicide. The St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office formally identified her grandson as Carson Lawson the following day.

Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau said officers were called to the family’s home at around 7 a.m. Tuesday, following reports that a child had been struck by a vehicle. Carson was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to investigators, Carson was standing in the driveway waiting for his school bus when Anders left the house to drive to work. Police allege she entered her SUV, which had been backed into the driveway, and began pulling forward, unaware the boy was directly in front of the vehicle. Because of the size of the SUV, Seuzeneau said, Carson was not visible to her. The child died instantly, according to police.

A drug recognition expert evaluated Anders at the scene. Seuzeneau said the expert determined she was impaired and under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants, though police did not specify the specific substances involved. She was taken into custody shortly thereafter and later booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Her bond was set at $50,000.

Seuzeneau spoke about the impact on first responders.

“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” he said. “I was at the scene this morning as well as several of our officers. This affects everyone. This hits home hard for all of us and all of the first responders who were at that scene.”

The police chief added that he had spoken several times with Carson’s mother on Tuesday.

“There isn’t anything that I can say that can make her feel better or make this situation better,” he said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Related: 14-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in New Jersey
Related: New Jersey School Bus Driver Struck, Killed by Another School Bus
Related: 9-Year-old Hit, Killed by School Bus in Canada
Related: Georgia Student Struck and Killed by Passing Vehicle

The post Louisiana Boy Waiting for School Bus Allegedly Killed by Impaired Grandmother appeared first on School Transportation News.