The electric vehicle era has ushered in a new reality where more and more new cars are capable of ultra fast acceleration from a standstill. However, China’s latest draft vehicle regulation aims to slow them down considerably. According to a new draft version of the National Standard, all passenger vehicles must take at least five seconds to reach 100 km/h after each ignition.

The draft title “Technical Specifications for Power-Driven Vehicles Operating on Roads” appears to be part of a broader safety and road behavior initiative in China. It is intended to replace the current GB 7258-2017 standard that didn’t include such limits.

More: China Might Kill Electric Flush Door Handles With These New Rules

Section 10.5.4 of the new proposal states: “After each power-on/ignition of a passenger vehicle (excluding automatic engine start-stop), the vehicle should be in a state where the 100 km/h acceleration time is not less than 5 seconds.”

The default performance-restricting mode upon startup could be similar to the output-limiting Eco mode found in most EVs and would be controlled by software. Of course, drivers could always choose a faster mode, but they should repeat the same process each time they start the car. Something similar is currently enforced in Europe with the speed limit warnings that need to be switched off manually.

If approved, the new rule would apply to all passenger vehicles in China, independently of the powertrain type. However, it would mostly affect the rapidly growing fleet of ultra-quick EVs. For example, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra needs 1.98 seconds for the 0–100 km/h sprint, the Zeekr 001 FR takes 2.02 seconds, the Tesla Model S Plaid 2.1 seconds, and the BYD Yangwang U9 2.36 seconds.

Speed Warnings On Your Limo

On another draft titled “Safety specifications for power-driven vehicles operating on roads”, Chinese regulators have another speed-related rule, this time for longer models.

The section 10.5.1 reads: “Passenger vehicles with a length of 6 m or more shall have an overspeed alarm function, capable of triggering an alarm via visual or audible signals when the speed exceeds the maximum permissible speed (the maximum permissible speed shall not exceed 100km/h), except for those with compliant speed limiting functions or devices.”

While the largest minivans and flagship SUVs are under the 6 m (18.7 feet) threshold, this rule could affect stretched limousines. Another victim would be the previous-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Extended Wheelbase that stretched to 6,092 mm (239.8 in), although its successor has shrunk to 5,982 mm (235.5 inches) long.

Some of Audi’s recent designs have sparked a bit of a debate, with a few clear wins and a few that miss by a mile. The new A6 Avant, for instance, looks handsome and well-proportioned, while the Q4 e-tron feels like it was designed by committee after the coffee ran out.

Read: Of Course, The New AUDI E5 EV Is Ridiculously Cheap In China

That’s why it might be worth Audi’s European design team taking a closer look at what their counterparts in China have accomplished with the all-electric E5 Sportback. The model shows how Ingolstadt could refresh its global EV aesthetics, blending familiar Audi precision with an edgier presence.

Every version of the E5 Sportback shares the same overall silhouette, but with the right enhancements, there’s plenty of room for visual drama.

Sugar Design/Instagram

These renderings from Sugar Design depict it in widebody guise inspired by the RS6 Avant and it looks absolutely brilliant. Who said EVs need to look bland and boring?

Immediately, the E5 looks a lot more menacing with the blacked-out front fascia, which is ordinarily painted to match the rest of the body on the standard model. By adding black color, the intricate LEDs running around the fascia are more visible.

Additionally, lowering the car and installing a sharp new splitter makes the car look a whole lot more aggressive. The RS badge is a nice touch, too.

Sugar Design/Instagram

Just like a proper RS model, the E5 Sportback has also been imagined with flared wheel arches at the front and rear. It also sits on oversized wheels and, as with the standard model, has a contrasting gloss-black roof.

Completing the stylistic changes is a new blacked-out rear fascia that, like the front, has a transformative effect on the car’s overall design.

For now, we’re not getting our hopes up that Audi will bring some of the E5’s key design elements into global markets. Still, considering how quickly the model has gained traction there, borrowing a few of its visual ideas might not be such a bad move for the global lineup.

Mercedes has kicked off the teaser campaign for the new generation GLB, ahead of its debut on December 8. It follows in the footsteps of the CLA and features a high-tech interior with seating for up to seven people.

Details are still under wraps, but Mercedes confirmed that the GLB will feature an optional MBUX Superscreen. The setup is expected to combine a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14-inch central infotainment screen and a matching 14-inch passenger display.

More: 2026 Mercedes GLB Spied With Gas And Electric Power

Buyers will also find the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System, which features an MBUX Virtual Assistant with avatars as well as Google Maps navigation. We can also expect plenty of artificial intelligence.

Technology aside, the GLB has circular air vents and a floating center console. The latter houses large cup holders and an available wireless smartphone charger. They’re joined by a new steering wheel as well as five- and seven-seat configurations.

What Else Is New Inside?

Mercedes wasn’t ready to talk numbers, but they revealed the redesigned crossover has “noticeably more headroom in the first two rows of seats.” Second-row passengers will also find additional legroom, added thigh support, and an adjustable backrest.

Third-row occupants haven’t been forgotten as entry and egress has been improved. When not needed, the rear seats fold into the load floor.

A panoramic glass roof comes standard and customers can upgrade to a fancier version that can transition from clear to opaque in a matter of milliseconds. Customers can also get an illuminated roof that features a “starry sky.”

Speaking of the roof, it features heat-insulating laminated safety glass as well as an infrared-reflecting coating. Mercedes says this keeps the interior cool in summer, while also minimizing heat loss in winter.

The GLB will come with a “comprehensive range of driver assistance systems.” These will be supported by “eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance computer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.”

Testing Continues

With a debut less than a month away, the automaker is wrapping up testing at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen. As part of this effort, the GLB is being subjected to cold-weather testing in climatic wind tunnels that can simulate temperatures of up to -40° F (-40° C).

Mercedes added the tunnels have cutting-edge snow cannons that can “simulate fierce blizzards where snowflakes race towards the test vehicle at speeds of up to 124 mph (200 km/h).”

These tests appear to have paid off as the upcoming GLB EQ heats the interior twice as fast as its predecessor on a 20‑minute drive in temperatures of 19.4° F (-7° C). This undercuts the heating time of a conventionally powered model and it uses half the energy as the outgoing EQB.

The company went on to say the added efficiency increases range and can be partially chalked up to an innovative heat pump. It collects waste heat from the electric motors and battery as well as from ambient air.

Electric And Hybrid Powertrains

SHProshots

Mercedes didn’t mention performance specifications, but the GLB EQ will presumably have an 85 kWh battery pack as well as at least two powertrains. The entry-level variant could have a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.

We can also expect a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque.

Customers can also look forward to an assortment of hybridized powertrains that consist of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. In the European CLA, this provides outputs of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) as well as 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm).

Mercedes went head-to-head with BMW at September’s Munich Auto Show, with both companies revealing compact electric SUVs, and the Bavarian iX3 definitely looked more dynamic in our view, despite the best efforts of the GLC’s huge new grille.

But AMG is working on its own GLC version that could deliver the stage presence the stock model lacked.

Related: Mercedes Is Preparing A 40-Car Blitz To Reshape Its Future

Our spy photo team caught a Mercedes-AMG GLC EQ prototype testing in Germany, managing to fire off shots of both the exterior and interior and, thus, highlighting some important details.

One is the wider track versus the non-AMG version, the fat forged alloy wheels being pushed to the outer edges of the bodywork to improve both the handling and the visual swagger.

What Visual Changes Will AMG Bring?

Helping push those wheels into the pavement is another AMG-specific detail, a pop-up rear spoiler mounted at the top of the rear hatch. It’s also likely that the spoiler will be paired with a rear diffuser in the production version, even if we can’t see one on this prototype.

SH Proshots

Also not fully visible on this test car is the AMG grille. We know it’ll be massive, probably carrying over the same basic outline as the new full-height grille that got its first outing on the regular GLC EQ in September, and has since been seen again on the gorgeous Vision Iconic GT concept that broke cover a few weeks after.

However, we’re still waiting to see what AMG has in mind for the grille’s center section and whether it will integrate its now-traditional vertical vanes.

Sporty Cabin, Supercar-Rivaling Power

Less mystery shrouds the interior after spy photographers snuck up close to a parked GLC and fired off some shots revealing the presence of a set of heavily bolstered black and red bucket seats. Expect the door panels and center armrest to be trimmed to match by the time production starts, probably midway through 2026.

Of course, no AMG model would be complete without a gigantic injection of horsepower. Mercedes has so far only revealed one powertrain for the GLC, a 483 hp (490 PS / 360 kW) dual-motor setup for the GLC 400 4Matic that draws juice from a 94 kWh battery to deliver up to 443 miles (713 km) of WLTP range.

Not bad, but the AMG version will leave it for dust if (as rumored) it rocks up with three Yasa axial flux motors and as much as 938 hp (952 PS / 700 kW).

SH Proshots

It looks like Tesla’s found itself with a problem of abundance. The automaker has more cars sitting on lots across the United States than it seems to know what to do with. And with the federal EV tax credit gone, sales have slowed considerably.

To keep things moving, Tesla has decided to do something a little different, by renting out its own cars directly to customers, starting at two locations in California, with more likely on the way.

Read: Elon Musk’s Trillion Dollar Pay Hinges On A Bet That Could Break Tesla

The company recently confirmed that its stores in San Diego and Costa Mesa are now offering rentals from the entire Tesla lineup.

What Does It Cost?

If you’ve been curious about living with a Model 3 or Model Y, you can now take one home for as little as $60 per day. The Cybertruck, perhaps the most talked-about of the bunch, is listed at $75 per day, while the more premium Model S and Model X command $90 per day.

Of course, no deal from Tesla would be complete without some important caveats. For starters, cars must be rented for a minimum of three days and a maximum of seven days.

Furthermore, while renters will be able to enjoy unlimited mileage, they will not be permitted to drive the Tesla out of the state. They’ll also be hit with a $30 fee if the car is returned with less than 50 percent charge.

There’s no word on whether the advertised rates include insurance, or if Tesla, like traditional car rental companies, will try to sting shoppers with exorbitant insurance fees.

What we do know is that only the upper-tier Premium trims are being offered. The entry-level Standard versions aren’t part of the deal, and neither are the high-performance Performance or Plaid variants.

Tesla will no doubt hope that by offering cheap rentals, it can convince interested shoppers to place an order. To help further convince them, they’ll receive a $250 credit if they place an order within seven days of the rental.

Among Europe’s more unconventional small SUVs, the Nissan Juke has always stood out for its offbeat quirkiness, and now, it’s preparing to take a major leap forward. A camouflaged prototype of the fully electric, third-generation Juke has been seen undergoing testing on public roads, signaling its progress toward a 2026 market debut.

The upcoming Juke first appeared in an official teaser back in March, sharing the spotlight with the next-generation Micra and Leaf.

More: Nissan’s Smallest Hatch Is Back And It’s Unrecognizable

Interestingly, the EV won’t replace the current combustion-powered model. Instead, Nissan plans to keep selling the petrol and hybrid versions alongside the new electric one, giving buyers a broader mix of powertrains for a while yet.

Even under heavy camouflage, the prototype’s proportions reveal plenty about its direction. Its compact, muscular stance brings to mind the Ford Puma Gen-E, yet the Nissan still shows its personality through angular fender flares, sharp split LED headlights, and a distinctive, tapering greenhouse that nods to the Juke’s earlier generations.

SH Proshots

The tail borrows some cues from the Nissan Kicks playbook, but the rear glass is more slanted, and the tailgate is more sculpted for a sportier look. The prototype rides on futuristic-looking, large alloy wheels finished in black.

We can also see the pop-out door handles on the front doors, and the hidden door handles mounted on the C-pillars – just like in the original. Overall, the design has been significantly toned down compared to the Hyper Punk Concept from 2023.

More: Nissan Fixed The Ariya Right After Ghosting America

While Nissan has yet to share details about the underpinnings of the new Juke, we know that the model will be manufactured at the Sunderland plant in the UK.

Chassis and Powertrain

The new Juke EV is expected to use a shortened version of the AmpR Medium (CMF-EV) platform that also underpins the Leaf and Ariya, both built at the same facility. A smaller-scale alternative could be the AmpR Small (CMF-BEV) platform from the Micra, assembled in Douai, France.

Whatever the choice, a single front-mounted electric motor seems likely, possibly paired with two available battery sizes to broaden appeal and price flexibility within the segment.

When it arrives in 2026, the new Nissan Juke EV will compete with the likes of the Peugeot e-2008, Fiat 600e, Jeep Compass, Opel Mokka Electric, Mini Aceman, Ford Puma Gen-E, as well as the upcoming VW ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq twins.

We all knew that sales of EVs in the US would fall dramatically in October, since there’s no $7,500 federal tax credit available. However, major automakers like Hyundai and Kia may not have anticipated just how dramatically sales would fall due to this policy change.

Starting with Hyundai, it recently confirmed that it sold 70,118 vehicles last month, a 2 percent decline from the 71,802 in October 2024. Importantly, year-to-date sales are up 10 percent to 748,467. But this is where the good news mostly ends.

Read: Hyundai Enjoys Record Sales Thanks To Some Unlikely Models

Sales of the Ioniq 5 plummeted 62 percent to just 1,642 units, down from 4,498 sold last October. Similarly, Hyundai sold 52 percent fewer Ioniq 6s, down from 837 units to 398. The Ioniq 9 wasn’t available last year, but it hasn’t been a big seller this year, shifting 4,494 units year-to-date and just 317 in October.

Other Hyundai models that experienced significant declines included the Kona (-13 percent), Santa Cruz (-29 percent), Sonata (-32 percent), and Elantra (-16 percent). Helping to prop up total sales were the likes of the Palisade (+6 percent), Santa Fe (+22 percent), Tucson (+16 percent), and Venue (+49 percent).

Hyundai USA Sales

Kia’s EV Collapse

Things are similar at Kia. Year-to-date, it sold 705,150 vehicles, a solid increase from the 653,078 units moved over the same period in 2024. Its total sales also rose slightly in October from 68,908 units to 69,002. However, like Hyundai, Kia EVs didn’t share in this success.

Kia sold just 666 examples of the three-row EV9 this October, over 1,941 examples sold the same month last year. Overall sales of the EV9 this year are down from 17,911 to just 13,114. Then there’s the EV6, which saw its number fall from 1,732 to just 508.

Through the first ten months of the year, 11,585 EV6s have been sold compared to the 17,717 last year. Kia also sells the Niro as an EV in the US, but has grouped its sales with those of the gasoline and hybrid versions.

These numbers come just after Kia confirmed that it has postponed the American launch of the EV4 “until further notice” due to changing market conditions.

Kia USA Sales

For the second time this year, Toyota has delayed its plan to build a new factory dedicated to EV batteries in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture. The decision, while not unexpected, highlights the company’s cautious approach amid fluctuating global demand for electric vehicles.

Sales of Toyota’s EVs have slowed, yet the automaker maintains that the plant will still move forward in due course.

Read: Toyota’s Lineup Overhaul Could Include A Surprise Sedan And Electric Highlander

Toyota paid roughly 6 billion yen, about $39 million, for the site located in an industrial zone under development in northeastern Fukuoka Prefecture. As part of the purchase, the company agreed to begin construction within three years.

Earnings Results Shift The Timeline

Despite this, the car manufacturer announced in March that it would postpone work at the site due to fall demand for its EVs. The governor of Fukuoka, as well as Toyota President Koji Sato, have since confirmed work on the site has been postponed for a second time.

Production had initially been slated to start in 2028, though an updated timeline has yet to be provided, according to Nikkei Asia.

Word of the delay coincided with Toyota’s latest earnings report. It cut its global EV sales expectations by 10 percent from a previous forecast of 277,000 units for the fiscal year ending March 2026.

Even so, Toyota hasn’t ruled out adjusting its long-term targets, including its aim to reach 1.5 million global EV sales in 2026, a figure that could yet evolve as market conditions change.

Toyota Is Still Betting On EVs

Notably, Toyota is still investing heavily in new electric vehicles and factories. It continues to work towards opening a new factory in Shanghai, China, around 2027, to produce EVs for Lexus. This facility will likely handle the production of the LF-ZC and LF-ZL that were introduced a couple of years ago as concepts.

Toyota’s EV sales through the first nine months of the year were actually up 20.6 percent to 117,031 units, but even so, that number has still fallen short of expectations.

Until the company is confident that sales will rise significantly, it doesn’t make sense to rush and build new plants only for them to sit idle or operate at partial capacity.

Sources: Nikkei Asia

Home insurance is getting less affordable, and less available, as insurers raise prices and pull back from areas with extreme weather. That's forcing families across the country to make tough choices.

(Image credit: Ryan Kellman)

NEWBURGH, N.Y.- Today, Beacon Mobility announced George M. Carroll Transportation, Inc. as the newest member of the Beacon Mobility family. George M. Carroll Transportation, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that has been specializing in transportation for children with special needs since 1969. The company also offers charter services for special occasions and community events. With this acquisition, Beacon Mobility now serves transportation customers through 30 companies in 25 states, nationwide.

“George M. Carroll Transportation, Inc. has been a pillar in Newburgh’s school community for decades and we are proud to welcome their dedicated team to the Beacon Mobility family,” said David A. Duke, Chief Development Officer for Beacon Mobility. “Moving ahead, we remain focused on delivering safe, reliable transportation services to students and members of the local community. We look forward to working with the outstanding drivers, monitors and employees that support day to day operations for the Newburgh Enlarged City School district and beyond.”

“We have been a family-owned and operated school transportation business for decades and our proud of the work we do for Newburgh Enlarged City School district,” said John Schindler, seller of George M. Carroll Transportation, Inc. “With the support of our loyal drivers and staff, we are confident we will continue to expand our footprint as the newest members of the Beacon Mobility family and look forward to our growing partnership to support our students, schools and communities.”

George M. Carroll Transportation, Inc. operates in Newburgh, New York and has a fleet of 46 vehicles, including transit vans and minivans. The company is supported by a dedicated team of nearly 70 employees who serve as drivers, monitors, mechanics and administrative staff to support daily operations.

About George M. Carroll Transportation, Inc.: George M Carroll transportation inc. was incorporated in 1969 and has been servicing Newburgh Enlarged City School district since 1979. We are a family owned and operated transportation company, specializing in safe transportation for special needs children. In 2002 we were awarded the prestigious New York State School Bus Contractor of the year award.

About Beacon Mobility: Beacon Mobility, a people-focused, values-driven organization, continues to grow its national footprint while staying true to its core purpose: providing mobility without limits. With 30 local brands operating in 25 states, Beacon is united in its commitment to transporting people to live, learn, and achieve.

Their goal is their north star: to provide the best people transportation experience, because every ride matters. Guided by their values of We Care, We Collaborate, We Do The Right Thing, and We Have Fun, Beacon’s experienced and compassionate team delivers customized transportation solutions that empower communities and elevate lives.

The post Beacon Mobility Announces Acquisition Of Newburgh’s George M. Carroll Transportation, INC. appeared first on School Transportation News.

DENVER, Colo. — EverDriven, the leader in Alternative Student Transportation, is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural Modern Student Transportation Awards. The Awards recognize school district leaders who are applying forward-thinking solutions to get students to school safely and reliably, every single day. The winners were formally announced and honored during the 2025 TSD Conference in Dallas, Texas.

After receiving dozens of inspiring nominations from across the country, EverDriven is honored to spotlight four exceptional winners whose work exemplifies the future of student mobility. The winners were selected by a panel of judges from across the student transportation and education industries, including Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven; Barbara Duffield, Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection; Kevin Gordon, President at Capital Advisors; and Glenna Wright-Gallo, Vice President of Policy at Everway.

2025 Modern Student Transportation Award Winners

Equity in Education Accessibility Award

Jeremy Stowe – Director of Transportation at Buncombe County Schools, North Carolina

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Jeremy built a new transportation system in record time to support more than 1,200 Buncombe County students experiencing housing instability across 660 square miles. His leadership turned crisis into action, keeping students connected to their schools and communities with speed, equity, and deep compassion.

Humanitarian Award

Earl Kent III – Route Planning Manager at Denver Public Schools, Colorado

Earl’s compassion and ingenuity have made him a champion for students facing housing instability. From using AI to route students to their new schools after school closures to solving everyday challenges with empathy, Earl ensures every child has a safe ride and a trusted advocate, no matter the hour or circumstance.

Safety & Reliability Award

Kayla Denaco – Assistant Director of Transportation at Lewiston Public Schools, Maine

Kayla transformed Lewiston’s transportation system from dated and paper-based to a fully digitized, efficient operation. Her work has improved safety, saved thousands in district costs, and ensured over 600 McKinney-Vento students received reliable and dignified transportation.

Top Innovator

Quanika Dukes-Spruill – Executive Director of Pupil Transportation at Newark Public Schools, New Jersey

As Executive Director of Pupil Transportation for New Jersey’s largest school district, Quanika Dukes-Spruill is redefining the future of student mobility. Through her visionary leadership, Newark has implemented smarter vendor management, advanced routing technologies, and forward-thinking state advocacy—achieving measurable cost savings while ensuring transportation solutions remain equitable, efficient, and centered on students’ needs.

“This year’s honorees, and every nominee, represent the heart of what makes modern student transportation so special,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Across the country, leaders are raising the bar with creativity, compassion, and courage to ensure every student has a safe and consistent ride to school. The individuals recognized through these awards embody that shared mission, and we’re proud to celebrate all who are driving this work forward.”

To honor their efforts, each winner receives a personalized crystal award, a digital winner’s seal for use across marketing materials and social media, travel and registration to the 2025 TSD Conference, and a $2,500 college scholarship to be awarded to a student in their district who qualifies under the McKinney-Vento Act or receives special education services.

As EverDriven looks ahead to 2026, the Modern Student Transportation Awards will continue to elevate the voices of those who make equity, safety, and innovation possible every day. Nominations for next year’s program will open in the summer, inviting districts across the country to share the stories of those driving meaningful impact for students. Congratulations to all nominees and finalists for their extraordinary efforts. Their stories will continue to inspire the future of student transportation.

About EverDriven:
EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that’s safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in transporting students across a wide range of needs — from everyday support to the most complex circumstances — including students with disabilities, students experiencing housing instability, and other high-need populations. Serving more than 800 districts across 36 states, the company completed over 2 million trips last year, 99.99% of them accident-free with 100% safety compliance. EverDriven’s deeply human, fully compliant, and AI-powered approach helps districts get students on the road in hours, not days, while maintaining consistent, high-trust rides that complement traditional yellow bus fleets. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

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FRISCO, Texas — When Lisa Navarra stood before a room of Transporting Students with Disabilities (TSD) and Special Needs Conference attendees, she didn’t see people who were “just” drivers, trainers, supervisors or directors. She saw leaders. Leaders who manage people, time and safety every day. Those who guide drivers to guide students to be consistent, calm and confident before the first bell even rings.

“Transportation is so much more than transit,” she reminded them durig her Monday morning keynote. “You create the environment that students step into each morning, one that can set the tone for their entire day.”

For Navarra, the journey from special education teacher to school transportation trainer was fueled by purpose, and a realization that behavior management, emotional regulation and growth mindset strategies weren’t just for classrooms. They belonged on school buses, too, she said.

Her message was simple yet transformative: When transportation professionals see themselves as educators and role models, they empower students to feel safe, regulate their emotions and be ready to learn.

She noted the process starts with meeting the kids where they were at.

“But where are we at?” she asked, adding another question to consider is, “What do I need to do to reach this child, to ride safely?”

Supervisors, she noted, need to support and empower drivers to better breakdown the silos between education and transportation.

She said when one sees themself as a professional who is prepared to manage challenges, it gives a sense a validation and thus a sense of purpose. Instead of waiting to see what students are capable of, be proactive in demonstrating and announcing behaviors they want to see on the bus, she advised.

Navarra asked, “Why are we making things so complicated?” She noted the impact of a positive school bus environment, speaking the language educators speak and creating a safe, meaningful environment that kids are ready to learn in.

Sometimes drivers need strategies on how to teach developmentally appropriate behavior, she said, adding that students might not know what safe behavior is. If they don’t explain what safe behavior should look like, she said students will never know how to meet expectations.

For drivers who are stuck in a rut or look at driving as “just a job,” she encouraged attendees to remind them that they are managing the learning environment. Raymond Forsberg, director of transportation at Mesquite Independent School District in Texas, said he tells his school bus drivers they manage people, time and money.

“I remind them how they’re leaders. I compare what they do, to what I do. I tell them how they manage people, time and money,” he said. “Let them know they are part of the ownership. Remind them of how they are leaders. We’re all here for the paycheck. The people drivers manage are the students, for time they have keep to the schedule and the money part is the 150,000 vehicle they’re driving.”

Related: Education Leader Challenges Transportation Professionals to Reimagine Compliance and Student Access
Related: Legal Keynote Opens Attendees’ Eyes to Federal Special Needs Transportation Laws
Related: Mother of Sandy Hook Victim Discusses Tragedy Planning for Students with Disabilities

Additionally, Navarra provided examples and research that illustrates the importance of not praising the ability, but the process and effort that students or even drivers give.

Phrases like “great job” or “you’re so smart” don’t provide the student with context into what type of behavior is correct and needs to be recreated. Instead, she advised, saying phrases like, “You did a great job being safe when you entered the bus and put your seatbelt on.”

Other examples of behavior-specific praise are:

• “I have noticed how you are trying your best to speak quietly today. Thank you.”
• “I admire the way you are trying to keep your feet out of the aisle.”
• “You took a breath when the bus got noisy, and you stayed calm.”
• “You were very thoughtful when you said hello to the new student.”

She underscored the importance of using behavior-specific praise with action and outcome, which can lead to a learning experience. Navarra continued, saying general praise can sound encouraging, but it does not clearly communicate the behaviors we want students to internalize and demonstrate independently.

She provided factors to consider, such as the setting (private or public) and the type of praise (non-behavior specific or specific.)

She provided the following guidelines on how to praise:

1. Be sincere
2. Be specific
3. Praise students on the ‘what’ they can change
4. Be mindful when praising easily earned achievements
5. Be mindful when praising for doing what they love
6. Encourage mastery of skills instead of comparing themselves to others

Bobbi Bican, the transportation account manager for Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12 in New Oxford, Pennsylvania, said following the keynote positive feedback and not settling for non-specific phrases like, “Great job” resonated for her.

Instead of settling for non-specific praise, she said she’s going to try and re-phrase her praise by saying, “Great job, sitting down in your seat today, being safe.” She noted that she learned the importance of showing the behavior and building that safe environment.

“I’m so excited to have learned that today,” she said, adding she plans to put some systems in place with her drivers and team to “give them the power.”

The post Closing TSD Keynote Bridges Gap Between Student Behavior, Positive Reinforcement appeared first on School Transportation News.

Six months after unveiling the ID.EVO at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, Volkswagen has released photos of the production version, now officially named the ID. Unyx 08.

It’s a fully electric SUV scheduled to go on sale next year, joining VW’s steadily growing electric lineup in China. The introduction of this model reflects the brand’s continued push into the world’s largest EV market, where new entries arrive at a relentless pace.

More: VW’s Next Electric Sedan Looks Nothing Like You’d Expect

The ID. Unyx 08 is the newest model to roll out of Volkswagen Anhui, the joint venture between JAC Motors and the German automaker. The EV was developed through Volkswagen’s collaboration with Xpeng, with more models to follow in the near future including an electric sedan.

The exterior design stays remarkably close to the original concept, retaining its clean, sculpted surfaces, frameless doors, blacked-out A-pillars, and prominent rear shoulders. A cool touch is the illuminated wolf badge on the third brake light under the rear spoiler.

How Much Has Changed From The Concept?

A closer look reveals only minor changes for production. The headlights and taillights have been reshaped slightly, while new shut lines appear on the hood and tailgate. You’ll also spot visible ADAS sensors, flush-fitting door handles, and light adjustments to the front bumper intake and rear diffuser.

In one of the official images, the SUV sits on the same five-spoke alloy wheels as the concept, featuring a copper diamond-cut finish and Brembo brake calipers.

Volkswagen hasn’t released interior photos yet but confirmed that the Unyx 08 will feature an onboard AI assistant and L2++ driver assistance. Based on current trends in China’s EV sector, it’s safe to expect a large central infotainment display complemented by a compact digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.

Specifications

The SUV measures 5,000 mm (196.9 inches) in length, 1,954 mm (76.9 inches) in width, and 1,688 mm (66.5 inches) in height, with a wheelbase stretching 3,030 mm (119.3 inches).

That makes it 318 mm (12.5 inches) longer than the U.S.-spec Tiguan and 101 mm (4 inches) shorter than the Atlas, though its wheelbase surpasses both.

More: VW Ending Its Longest-Running SUV After Two Decades With A Farewell Edition

Unlike some rivals offering range-extender setups, the ID. Unyx 08 will be sold exclusively as a battery-electric model. It’s built on an 800V electrical architecture and will come in single- and dual-motor versions, promising a CLTC range of more than 700 km (435 miles).

Data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) lists the rear motor at 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS) and the front motor at 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), producing a combined 496 hp (370 kW / 503 PS) in the all-wheel-drive configuration.

Power comes from a CATL-supplied lithium-iron-phosphate battery, though capacity details remain undisclosed.

When it goes on sale in 2026, the ID. Unyx 08 will become the third model in the expanding Volkswagen Anhui lineup, joining the smaller ID. Unyx 06 crossover, which is based on the Cupra Tavascan, and the ID. Unyx 07 sedan.

It will soon be joined by another electric sedan with similar styling that will share its underpinnings with the Xpeng P7.

Volkswagen plans to launch 30 new models through its joint ventures in China, with 20 of them being electrified.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk made history last week after securing a pay deal that could result in him making a staggering $1 trillion over the next decade. Now the boss of rival Rivian has bagged a similar performance-related package, though the $$$ numbers aren’t anything like as epic.

Also: Elon Musk’s Trillion Dollar Pay Hinges On A Bet That Could Break Tesla

Not that Rivian CEO JR Scaringe won’t be an extremely wealthy man if he hits the targets the company has set for him. His basic salary doubles to $2 million under the terms of the new package, and he stands to make around $4.6 billion if he’s ticked every box a decade from now.

As with Tesla’s offering to Musk, Rivian won’t hand out that thank you in cash, but instead as share options. Scaringe is receiving options to buy up to 36.5 million shares of Class A stock at $15.22 per share, but the award depends on Rivian’s stock price hitting milestones between $40 and $140 over the next 10 years.

What Needs To Happen First?

When you consider that Rivian’s share price is currently hovering around $15, having once been as high as $129 after its 2021 IPO, you can see that this is not going to be a walk in the park for Scaringe. He is also required to smash various operating income and cash flow targets, Reuters reports.

Unlike Tesla’s Musk deal, this one didn’t require shareholder approval and was decided by a Rivian board that wants to keep Scaringe focused on growing the company and ensuring the smooth development and rollout of next year’s Model Y rival, the R2.

More: Rivian Tore Apart A Xiaomi EV And Discovered What America Can’t Match

This isn’t the Rivian CEO’s first performance-related pay deal. A previous package inked in 2021depended on the automaker’s share price reaching $110-295, but this new contract recognizes that Scaringe had little chance of hitting even the lowest of those targets.

Rivian is currently dealing with the loss of federal EV tax credits and recently showed 600 employees the door in a cost-cutting drive.

It’s been three years since Renault bravely reinvented its Megane and Scenic family models as EVs, and in another three years or so, the pair will shake things up again – this time by going back to petrol power.

More: The 4 And 5 Are Eating Megane Sales, But Renault Is Cooking Something

The next generation of both family EVs, due before the end of the decade, could offer a mix of fully-electric and hybrid powertrains, according to comments new Renault Group CEO Francois Provost made to media at last week’s Twingo launch.

What’s Next For Megane And Scenic?

“Bigger cars are one of our priorities,” new Provost told Auto Express magazine, subtly acknowledging that Renault’s electric push has worked well for the little 4 and 5, but less so on grown-up models like the Megane, which is struggling to find buyers.

“In the next mid-term plan we propose a new platform and solutions to continue our ambition to grow in the [compact] C-segment in the heart of Europe.”

That new platform will bring the next generations of the Megane and Scenic together with the next Austral, Espace, and Rafale, which are currently only available as hybrids.

Renault has no plans to abandon electric power for the Megane and Scenic, but will instead strengthen their appeal with more powertrain options to snare buyers still suspicious of anything without a gas tank.

“We also think that if [adoption] is not as rapid as expected, perhaps you can complete this…with some extensions like range extender or plug-in hybrid, and that’s what we are working on,” Renault brand CEO Fabrice Cambolive told the magazine.

Of those two options, a Nissan E-Force-style range-extender solution – where the engine only charges the battery rather than drive the wheels – looks likely to get the nod, Cambolive said.

Refresh In The Meantime

But with combustion power still years away, Renault needs an intermediate plan to boost sales of the Megane and has a couple of ideas up its sleeve. One is an imminent facelift, and we’ve already seen a camouflaged prototype of this revised hatch on test.

The other, likely to arrive at the same time, is a bigger battery. The largest battery currently available is a 60 kWh unit that gives a feeble 285 miles (459 km) of range, but the bigger Scenic has an 87 kWh pack which lasts 382 miles (615 km) between fills, and the Megane’s new Nissan Leaf cousin has a 75 kWh battery that provides a 303-mile (488 km) range.

Sources: Auto Express

Toyota has just unveiled the new generation of the Hilux, and while the new model has barely touched showroom floors, it’s already been reimagined to showcase just how far owners can take customization.

More: New Toyota Hilux Debuts Sumo-Inspired Looks And EV Option

During the truck’s official launch in Thailand, the brand presented a lineup of rugged, modified builds, blending genuine factory accessories with a few aftermarket touches to hint at the model’s versatility.

GR Flavor in Full Effect

The display featured no fewer than six distinct takes on the pickup, each aimed at a different type of driver. One stood out for its GR Parts catalogue treatment, equipped with a black grille, red skid plate, glossy black fender extensions, branded side steps, and black wheels wrapped in chunky off-road tires.

Accessories from Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division didn’t stop there. The brand also showcased roof and bed racks, plus the signature red mudflaps familiar to GR-badged models.

A GR Sport version of the new Hilux is expected to follow, with a tougher stance, refined performance, and chassis upgrades tailored to those seeking a sharper drive.

Interestingly, the GR Parts build wasn’t the star of the show. That honor went to an off-road-focused version developed by Australian tuner ARB, which looked ready to tackle almost anything.

It sat higher thanks to a lift kit and wore a rugged front bumper with clearance cutouts, auxiliary LEDs, a roof rack, a side awning, and a bed rack designed for specialized gear.

Overlanding Camper

Still, what caught our eye was an overlanding camper conversion of the Hilux with a tent mounted on a custom bed rack. The adventure-packed model came with a lifted suspension, all/terrain tires, beadlock wheels, rock sliders, a skid plate with integrated lights, an LED bar on the roof, and an aerodynamic snorkel.

More: Toyota Hilux Transforms Into A 6×6 Military Truck Ready For Battle

Another rugged example took a different visual route, wearing a matte gray-and-red color scheme with a snorkel, protective hardware, raised suspension, and carbon-plated tailpipe. Mudflaps and new wheels rounded out its stance.

Unlike the European and Australian Hilux, which come exclusively in double-cab form, the Thai-market truck is available in Standard Cab and Smart Cab configurations.

The Standard Cab provided the base for a particularly practical build featuring a lift kit, black wheels, white-and-black graphics, extended mirrors, and a metal cage that expanded the load capacity of the open cargo area.

More: Toyota Hilux Champ Shows Off Its Customization Potential

Rounding out the lineup was a sportier, road-focused Hilux finished in yellow with a carbon-textured wrap for the hood and tailgate. It sat lower on new wheels, backed by uprated brakes, though the heart remained unchanged, a 2.8-liter turbodiesel producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS).

Depending on the market, the new Hilux range will also include mild-hybrid diesel, petrol, and fully electric options, underscoring its global versatility.

Available Accessories

Toyota Thailand’s official website lists a comprehensive range of add-ons for the new Hilux. Among them are additional plastic cladding for the doors, larger wheel arch extensions, door handle covers, a rear spoiler, stainless steel exhaust outlets, and bed liners.

Owners can also choose underbody protection and metal-look garnish for the taillights, tailgate, hood, and bumper intakes. Inside, options include heavy-duty floor mats, aluminum scuff plates, and clever storage solutions.

Thailand has a prominent tuning culture, which is why most automakers advertise the customization capabilities of their trucks. Judging from the aforementioned builds and the popularity of the Hilux, we expect to see a lot of interesting conversions in the future.

FRISCO, Texas. – Sunday evening featured a Tailgate Reception with dinner and drinks on the Trade Show floor among vendor booths. Attendees were encouraged to wear their favorite football jersey.

Then on Monday, attendees had another chance to network with vendors and view the best products and services on the school transportation market.

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The first Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs Conference and Trade Show (TSD) was held in 1992. It was originally called the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Preschoolers National Conference. School Transportation News acquired the TSD Conference in 2012 and has faithfully continued it as the ultimate platform for addressing school transportation topics of importance pertaining to children with disabilities and special needs. Alternative school transportation is one such topic that has received widespread national attention recently.

Both the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) have recently written comprehensive industry papers on the topic.

The theme in both these publications is that school-age students should be transported in the yellow school bus to provide the highest level of school transportation safety. While this may not always be achievable or realistic, depending on child-specific circumstances, these associations acknowledge alternative transportation is a feasible option when the yellow bus is not the appropriate option.

The annual TSD Conference has traditionally provided a setting for promoting a national dialogue on topics to move forward the agenda of safe school transportation for children with disabilities and special needs. From its inception in 1992, when I was a keynote presenter, I have been involved in advocating for safe transportation for children with disabilities and special needs. Along with several of my peers, promoting meaningful decision-making for this vulnerable population includes not compromising safety for cost-savings, while simultaneously endorsing efficiency as a key component of the decision-making process.

The 2022 TSD conference once again provided me a chance to compellingly advocate for the provision of safe transportation of children with disabilities and special needs in all modes of school transportation. My specific agenda at this meeting was to gain national attention for alternative transportation and its role in the provision of safe transportation, when the “Yellow School Bus,” was eliminated as the most feasible mode of safe school transportation. My ultimate goal was that the 17th National Congress on Student Transportation (NCST) this past May would address alternative transportation and acknowledge its role in school transportation as a necessity for specific populations, including students with disabilities and special needs.

It was rewarding when, for the first time since the inception of this industry standard-setting exercise in 1939, the 17th NCST provided a new section on alternative transportation under writing committee chairperson Tyler Bryan, education associate for school transportation at the Delaware Department of Education.

The committee’s work focused on four areas: Driver credentials, driver training, vehicle design/equipment requirements and special education policy considerations. The alternative transportation committee approval was a milestone as the first non-yellow school bus section addressed at the NCST and was a definitive victory for the well-being of children with disabilities and special needs.

As an alternative transportation committee member, I was committed to reinforcing that students with disabilities and special needs would only be recommended to receive alternative transportation services student’s individual needs. When assigning alternative transportation, it is essential that school district and contract providers, school district personnel, drivers, parents and students as appropriate, are aware and knowledgeable of special education policy requirements to implement safe transportation.

It recommends IEP teams, including the parent and transportation personnel, should be involved in discussing the mode of transportation for each individual child. The parent of the child with a disability should be made aware of the vehicle selection to provide their child’s related service transportation if a vehicle other than a school bus is used. When a school vehicle selection is changed during the course of a school year, parents should be informed about the change. This change should be consistent with the current IEP approval for transportation services.

Additionally, it recommends annual IEP meetings should evaluate whether alternative transportation is required or whether the student can now be serviced by the school bus. The decision to utilize alternative transportation should never be a unilateral decision. It should only be recommended and approved through the IEP meeting process with oral
and written justification for its necessity. Key considerations for endorsing alternative transportation should include the age of the child, the impact of a child’s disability on providing safe transportation services in the selected alternative transportation vehicle, the necessity for a reduction of length of ride time, and the ability to provide safe access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) within and outside of the school district.

It is essential to consider what alternative transportation vehicle works best to ensure safe travel, including the need for an attendant on the alternative transportation vehicle. This list is not exhaustive, but other considerations include child safety restraint systems, wheelchair transport and appropriate behavioral interventions.

From my perspective as an expert witness, including on alternative transportation cases involving children with disabilities, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of driver training and using substitute drivers that have the knowledge required to provide a safe ride under all circumstances. This applies to all transportation personnel as well. It is crucial to invite alternative transportation providers to the IEP meeting to ensure the opportunity to share vital child specific information, as permissible under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

As the framework for alternative student transportation continues to evolve, it is important to follow the newly formed Alternative Student Transportation Associations (ASTA) actions. On its website, ASTA states: “We are working to advance regulations that put student safety and access to transportation first. By collaborating with policymakers, school districts and industry leaders, we hope to help educate policies that will enhance safety, accessibility and operational efficiency while putting students first.”

The uniformity of providing safe student transportation in alternative transportation vehicles requires ongoing commitment to monitoring this emerging trend. Transparency and trust are crucial as the continuum of school transportation services for specific populations of students, requiring this option increases. Safety and compliance with federal and state regulations should always remain a priority during the IEP decision-making process for each individual child assigned to ride alternative transportation.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the October 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

Linda Bluth is a national compliance and regulatory expert on IDEA transportation law and provisions. She is a tenured faculty member for TSD Conference, a regular contributor to School Transportation News, and an NAPT Hall of Fame member.

Related: (STN Podcast E282) Onsite at TSD 2025 (Part 1/2): Mission-Critical Partners for Special Needs Transportation
Related: TSD Panel Shares How Technology Improves Special Needs Transportation Operations
Related: School District Directors Share Strategies for Transporting Students with Disabilities
Related: Growing Safely: How Royse City ISD Protects Special Needs Riders

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Marty Savino, national account manager for School-Radio, shares how reliable bus radios support student safety and provide dependable communication services for school bus operations.

For the three-year anniversary of the founding of FirstAlt by First Student, Vice President Gregg Prettyman addresses common misconceptions about alternative transportation safety standards, as well as a Samsara partnership incorporating live video for added oversight.

Tim Logan, director of transportation for Garland Independent School District in Texas, and John Daniels, vice president of marketing for Transfinder, discuss how Transfinder technology helps the transportation department streamline operations and better serve students with special needs and their families.

Read more TSD Conference news.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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While the Ford F-150 dominates North America, the Toyota Hilux continues to reign just about everywhere else. Now entering its ninth generation, Toyota’s workhorse returns with sharper styling, a thoroughly redesigned cabin, reinforced ladder-frame underpinnings, and, for the first time, a fully electric powertrain.

More: Toyota’s Baby Land Cruiser FJ Looks Retro Enough To Break Your Heart

The new design theme, dubbed “Cyber Sumo,” takes a different path from the hammerhead styling found in other recent Toyota models. Up front, slimmer LED headlights flank a body-colored honeycomb grille, while angular bumper intakes and a solid skid plate add a functional, squared-off presence.

The fully electric version wears a unique front bumper with a closed grille and redesigned intakes, a subtle cue to its zero-emission identity.

The profile remains familiar because the greenhouse, pillars, and doors carry over from the outgoing model that’s been around since 2015. Even so, re-sculpted front and rear fenders with boxy wheel arches, paired with fresh wheel designs, give it a tougher stance.

At the rear, the Hilux shows more definition than before, with sharper LED taillights and a modernized bumper that now incorporates practical side steps similar to those on the Ford Ranger.

Its footprint stays consistent with its predecessor at 5,320 mm in length and a 3,085 mm wheelbase. Toyota has chosen to offer only the dual-cab version in Europe and Australia, while markets such as Thailand retain the Single Cab and Smart Cab configurations.

How Has The Interior Changed?

The cabin has been thoroughly overhauled, blending modern tech with the Hilux’s traditionally utilitarian nature. A boxy dashboard frames a free-standing 12.3-inch infotainment screen (8-inch in the base Thai-spec model) and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (7-inch in lower trims). Importantly, physical controls remain for core functions such as climate and audio, preserving tactile ease of use.

The chunky steering wheel with buttons is borrowed from the Land Cruiser, while the compact gear knob and drive mode selector sit on the center console. Dual storage compartments line the passenger side, and dashboard-mounted cupholders complete the layout.

Toyota has also expanded the Hilux’s safety credentials with a “significantly extended” suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, bringing it in line with the brand’s passenger car range.

Multiple Powertrain Options

Toyota’s “Multipathway” approach to propulsion continues here, and the new Hilux exemplifies it. Depending on the market, buyers can choose from the familiar 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine in regular or mild-hybrid form, as well as a 2.7-liter gasoline option.

The biggest leap, however, is the all-electric version. It uses dual electric motors producing a combined 193 hp (144 kW / 196 PS), powered by a 59.2 kWh battery pack.

Toyota quotes a range of 240 km (149 miles) under the WLTP cycle, or just over 300 km (186 miles) using NEDC standards. It may not rival long-range EVs, but Toyota plans to add a hydrogen fuel-cell variant by 2028.

Payload and towing capacities remain robust: up to 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) and 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) respectively for internal combustion models. The Hilux BEV, with its heavier battery setup, carries 715 kg (1,576 lbs) and tows 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs).

Upgraded Underpinnings

Under the skin, the Hilux rides on an upgraded version of the IMV ladder-frame architecture of its predecessor rather than moving to the more modern TNGA-F used by the Tacoma and Land Cruiser. 

Still, it benefits from a new electric power steering, new engine and cabin mounts for reduced vibrations, new front rail extensions for improved crash perfromance, and a revised suspension setup.

The suspension setup combines independent coil springs at the front with a rigid rear axle supported by leaf springs. Toyota Australia says there are two distinct calibrations: one tuned for heavy-load and towing performance, and another focused on everyday ride comfort.

More: Toyota Shrinks Its Hilux Champ Into The Super Short Wheelbase

In terms of off-road credentials, the 4×4 versions use a part-time 4WD system with high and low range ratios, now improved with the standard fitment of a rear locking differential and the available Multi-Terrain Select system.

Pricing and Availability

Production remains centered in Thailand, where the diesel-powered Hilux Travo is already on sale, priced between ฿767,000 ($23,700) and ฿1,366,000 ($42,200). The fully electric model starts at ฿1,491,000 ($46,100), placing it at the top of the lineup.

The new Hilux will reach Europe and Australia in December 2025, followed by broader Asian rollouts in 2026 and a home-market debut in Japan by mid-2026. Detailed specifications and pricing for each region will be announced closer to launch.

Toyota