The National School Transportation Association named Long Island, New York contractor Suffolk Transportation as its Contractor of the Year and inducted former president Carina Noble to its Hall of Fame during the Annual Meeting and Convention in Boston, Massachusetts.

School Transportation News is in its third year as sponsor of the NSTA Contractor of the Year award.

One of the largest school bus contractors in New York state, Suffolk Transportation Services and Suffolk Bus was established in 1955, though the company traces its origins to 1922, and was acquired in 1970 by John A. Corrado. John J. Corrado currently serves as president and CEO with his sons John R. and Joseph as assistant vice presidents. Suffolk Bus transports 62,000 students in 24 Long Island school districts each school day with 1,800 school buses over 1,500 routes.

“This award is a testament to the passion, integrity and professionalism of every member of our team,” said Thomas Smith, Suffolk’s chief operating officer. “Their dedication to safe, reliable service, a strong company culture, and leadership across the student transportation industry inspires me every day. We’re proud to stand with our fellow NSTA member companies in raising the bar for what excellence in pupil transportation truly means.”

Thomas McAteer is executive vice president and Angelo Carbone is director of the company’s transit and paratransit operations for Suffolk. 

Meanwhile, Noble joined the NSTA Hall of Fame following her term as the association’s president from 2021 to 2023. She is the senior vice president of communications for National Express, the second largest school bus contractor in North America.

NSTA credited her with helping to obtain a two-year exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for under-the-hood requirements of the school bus inspection exam needed for the commercial driver’s license and amendments to the Clean School Bus Act that now allows private contractors direct access to grants.

“Carina Noble’s impact on NSTA cannot be overstated. She has served in a variety of capacities with the organization and left us in a better place each time. As government relations committee chair, Carina was focused and determined to use our advocacy platform in a positive way,” commented NSTA Executive Director Curt Macsysn. “Personally, I have leaned on Carina for advice and support over the years, and she has always come through with her calm and reasoned approach. I’m thrilled that she is entering into the NSTA Hall of Fame, and there isn’t a more worthy recipient.”

In all, NSTA awarded 18 members and two companies during its Annual Meeting and Convention, held July 20-23. STN President and Publisher Tony Corpin joined Macysyn in presenting the magazine’s Innovator of the Year award to Guarav Sharda, chief technology officer of Beacon Mobility, for his direction and implementation of AI-based HR tools for employees. Sharda was also recognized at STN EXPO West a week earlier.

Six individuals also received NSTA Golden Merit awards for their dedication and contributions to school bus safety, community service, business practices and vehicle maintenance. They are Glenn Brayman, fleet manager for First Student in Massachusetts; Melissa Castle, a location manager for Mid Columbia Bus in Oregon; Michelle Harpenau, manager for Durham School Services in Boston, Massachusetts; Kevin Kilner, director of safety for Beacon Mobility; David Kinley, vice president of operations in New York for Student Transportation of America; and Barbie Stucker, general manager of Big Sky Bus Lines in Montana.

Distinguish Service Awards were given to Paul Mori, the New York director of client relations for Beacon Mobility and Susan Rady of Johnson School Bus Service in Wisconsin, for “significant, substantial and special contributions to pupil transportation contracting.”

NSTA Outstanding Driver Service Award Recipients went to Linda Caudillo of Mid Columbia Bus Company; Jeffrey Flitcraft of B.R. Williams in Pennsylvania, Kilra Hylton of TransAction Associates in Massachusetts, Duane Versteegh of School Bus Inc. in South Dakota, and Becky Williams of Dousman Transport Company in Wisconsin.

First Student took home the Go Yellow, Go Green Award for adopting and advancing electric school buses, which the company operates over 2,000 across North America. Tim Weaverling of insurance provider RWR-Keystone was named Committee Member of the Year while John Benjamin, president of Benjamin Bus in Minnesota was named Committee Chair of the Year. Lee Edwards of Wells Fargo Equipment Finance was awarded Vendor Partner of the Year.

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Related: Historic Year for Minnesota School Bus Contractor Punctuated by NSTA Award
Related: NSTA: The Bus Stop with Tony Corpin, Publisher, School Transportation News
Related: Update: I Squared Completes Acquisition of National Express School Bus Contracto

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DENVER — Across the country, 98% of school districts are actively modernizing student transportation, according to EverDriven’s newly released Future of Modern Student Transportation and Safety Report, a groundbreaking report that provides a comprehensive look at how school districts across the United States are modernizing their transportation systems to better serve students. With a sharp focus on safety, equity, and chronic absenteeism, districts are turning to technology and flexible models to ensure every student can get to school, especially those navigating the challenges of homelessness, living in foster care, or requiring specialized accommodations.

“When student transportation is frictionless, education becomes more equitable,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Districts across the country are modernizing student transportation to be student-centered, meeting the diverse needs of learners with technology, flexibility, and safety at the forefront. Every child deserves not just a ride to school, but a reliable, dignified path to opportunity.”

Key Findings from the Report

• 98% of districts are prioritizing transportation modernization.
• 95% expect transportation budgets to increase in the next five years, by an average of 26%. Two-thirds of districts have already secured funding.
• 49% have begun implementing modern solutions; 47% plan to within five years.
• 68% say technology will play a significant or critical role in their strategy. Districts are prioritizing a variety of technology solutions aimed at addressing student safety.
• 88% report equity gaps in transportation access across student groups.

What’s Driving the Shift

Districts are addressing long-standing transportation challenges that contribute to higher absenteeism among their most vulnerable students. Equity remains a pressing concern, with 88% of districts reporting access gaps, particularly in non-regulated states.

Meanwhile, rising operational pressures are accelerating the need for modernization. Administrators report top pain points such as high maintenance costs (25%), inefficient routes and schedules (24%), and challenges meeting regulatory compliance requirements (23%).

On-the-ground challenges include ensuring student safety (20%), coordinating schedules across diverse student groups (20%), adapting to shifting populations (19%), and improving communication with families (19%). Superintendents and transportation directors often differ in priorities, reinforcing the need for comprehensive, system-wide solutions.

The Modernization Response

In response, school districts are turning to a wide range of technology-enabled and flexible transportation strategies that are safer, more efficient, and built around students’ real-world needs. Many are already implementing:
Real-time GPS tracking systems (52%), AI-assisted routing software (48%), and driver monitoring systems (47%) to improve visibility and reduce inefficiencies.
Onboard camera systems (39%) and collision avoidance technology (37%) to enhance student safety.
Parent and student communication apps (44%) and emergency communication tools (37%) to improve family engagement and responsiveness.
Alternative Student Transportation models, already adopted by 37% of districts, are being used to serve students outside of standard bus routes and provide right-sized, technology-equipped vehicles.

Additionally, most districts plan to expand investments in collision avoidance systems (36%), safety training programs (35%), and AI-powered logistics (34%) over the next five years.

“We’re witnessing a transformation in student transportation,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “Districts are reimagining what it means to serve every student with dignity, reliability, and safety. From AI-powered routing to inclusive mobility options, this report shows how schools are turning innovation into impact.”

Since 2015, EverDriven has transported more than 111,000 students, including 47,000+ experiencing homelessness and 32,000+ with disabilities, with a 99.99% safety record. The company continues to partner with school districts across the country to build reliable, flexible, and inclusive transportation systems.

Download the full Future of Modern Student Transportation and Safety Report.

Survey Methodology:

The Future of Modern Student Transportation and Safety Report, developed by EverDriven in partnership with Hanover Research, is based on insights from more than 500 U.S.-based district leaders — including superintendents, chief business officers, and transportation directors, among others.

About EverDriven

EverDriven is the trusted leader in alternative student transportation, dedicated to ensuring that the most vulnerable children in the U.S. have access to safe and reliable transportation. Operating across 34 states with a network of over 9,000 drivers completing more than 2 million trips annually, EverDriven partners with school districts nationwide to eliminate transportation barriers and support student success. For more information, visit www.everdriven.com.

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A teen girl was struck by a school bus in Bergen County, New Jersey, reported ABC 7.

The incident reportedly occurred last Wednesday at an intersection just before 9 a.m.

According to the news report, the driver of the school bus operated by First Student, Inc., remained on the scene after the crash and cooperated with the investigation.

Police stated child was seriously injured and taken by medevac helicopter to an area hospital. It was unclear at this report how the incident took place. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, but a preliminary information indicated it not appear a crime occurred.

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Related: Massachusetts Student Struck, Killed by School Bus
Related: Louisiana Student Struck and Killed by School Bus
Related: 8-Year-Old Struck, Killed by Vehicle After Exiting School Bus in Texas
Related: Texas Student Struck and Killed by School Bus

The post 14-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in New Jersey appeared first on School Transportation News.

A deep dive into the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services’ 13th National Stop Arm Violation Count as well as updates on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Funding program and electric bus manufacturer LION.

Hear from Katrina Morris, who is the transportation director for West Shore Educational Service District in Michigan, executive director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, and this year’s Peter J. Grandolfo Memorial Award of Excellence winner. Her Proactive Response Training for School Bus Drivers is being taught in 33 states, she’s leveraging sports partnerships for student transportation visibility, and she’s dedicated to safety training for students.

Read more about safety.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

 

Message from RIDE.

 

 

Message from School-Radio.

 

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E267) I Believe in This: Illegal Passing Drops & Michigan Pupil Transportation Leader Speaks appeared first on School Transportation News.

STN staff spoke with speakers, training instructors and attendees at the STN EXPO West conference last month to ask them about the educational sessions and trainings as well as their thoughts on the importance of the content as it impacts the student transportation industry.

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Related: WATCH: STN EXPO West 2025
Related: (STN Podcast E266) Recap STN EXPO West: It All Comes Back To Safety & Training
Related: (STN Podcast E265) Onsite at STN EXPO West: Innovations & Partnerships for School Transportation Success

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The School District of Philadelphia is gearing up for its annual “Ring the Bell” bus tour ahead of the upcoming academic year.

The “Ring the Bell” bus tour consists of a colorful school bus that visits multiple locations across Philadelphia during the summer, typically late July through mid‑August.

During each stop, families can pick up free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, access on‑site registration for PreK–12th grade, sign up for the Parent Portal to access student information online, participate in interactive educational activities, games, and raffles, enjoy snacks and frozen treats, and receive immunizations and school physicals (at select sites).

According to the district’s website, all bus tours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting July 28 through Aug. 15. Locations can be found here.

The aim of the tour, which is built around a “festival-like” community experience, is to eliminate barriers for busy families by bringing services directly to neighborhoods, so parents don’t have to hunt for information.

The festive atmosphere often includes raffles, prizes, and fun for kids and families.

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Related: Salvation Army Hosts Stuff the Bus Donation Drive in Indiana
Related: Kentucky School District Seeking Bus Drivers, Monitors Ahead of School Year
Related: Arizona Annual Stuff the Bus Back to School Drive Returns
Related: (Free White Paper) Prep Your Bus Fleet for Rolling Back to School

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CAMPBELL, Calif., – ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT), a leading provider of EV charging solutions, today announced Safeguard Care, a new service offering that provides end-to-end reliability monitoring of ChargePoint charging stations. The program, available now in six launch markets, utilizes a network of trained service providers to routinely inspect chargers, identifying and repairing many common issues while onsite.

“ChargePoint continues to develop innovative solutions that ensure EV charger reliability, from anti-vandalism measures to monitoring our hardware from our network operations center. Safeguard Care further demonstrates our commitment to delivering a reliable charging experience,” said JD Singh, Chief Customer Experience Officer of ChargePoint. “As the original manufacturer of the chargers, we are able to ensure the highest standards of service and support. With Safeguard Care, we are giving station owners and EV drivers peace of mind knowing that chargers will be in pristine working order.”

Safeguard Care, combined with ChargePoint AssureÒ, is an ideal solution for charging providers with high traffic and distributed charging stations, such as municipalities, parking garages and workplaces. It is particularly beneficial for station owners who do not have their own dedicated staff to inspect and maintain their stations on a regular basis. Each Safeguard Care visit includes a visual inspection of the charging station and the physical area around the chargers, cleaning, minor repairs or adjustments if necessary, and a test charge to validate functionality after the completion of repairs. Any issues the Safeguard Care inspector cannot address on site will be escalated directly to ChargePoint support for follow up.

For more information about Safeguard Care, please visit: https://www.chargepoint.com/businesses/services.

About ChargePoint Holdings, Inc
ChargePoint has established itself as the leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging innovation since its inception in 2007, long before EVs became widely available. The company provides comprehensive solutions tailored to the entire EV ecosystem, from the grid to the dashboard of the vehicle. The company serves EV drivers, charging station owners, vehicle manufacturers, and similar types of stakeholders. With a commitment to accessibility and reliability, ChargePoint’s extensive portfolio of software, hardware, and services ensures a seamless charging experience for drivers across North America and Europe. ChargePoint empowers every driver in need of charging access, connecting them to over 1.25 million charging ports worldwide. ChargePoint has facilitated the powering of more than 16 billion electric miles, underscoring its dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electrifying the future of transportation. For further information, please visit the ChargePoint pressroom or the ChargePoint Investor Relations site. For media inquiries, contact the ChargePoint press office.

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Even as the EV market continues to shift and evolve, Mercedes-Benz is moving ahead with plans to expand its electric lineup. Mercedes-Benz has been working on the new all-electric GLC with EQ Technology for quite some time, and we now finally know when it will be unveiled.

Read: Mercedes Previews New GLC EV With 320+ kW DC Fast Charging

As previously speculated, it will premiere at the IAA Mobility show in September, more commonly known as the Munich Motor Show. In an era where electric SUVs and crossovers are becoming increasingly popular, the GLC EV will play an important role for the German brand.

The upcoming GLC EV will effectively replace the EQC, a model that struggled to make an impression. It’s expected to match the overall size of the combustion-engine GLC, but with a distinctly updated design. Mercedes describes it as “a new face of the brand,” signaling a more modern and refined aesthetic.

Design Details Come Into Focus

Mercedes has released a single teaser image previewing the new model, but prototypes spied in recent months have offered us a better look at the model. The teaser hints at an illuminated front grille that gives the SUV a more prominent presence. Prototypes have also revealed reworked LED headlights and taillights, indicating a comprehensive redesign.

Key rivals to the GLC with EQ Technology include the Porsche Macan Electric and the BMW iX3, which will soon be thoroughly updated as part of the brand’s Neue Klasse era. Fittingly, the automaker has developed an 800-volt electrical architecture for the SUV that offers DC fast charging speeds of up to 320 kW. That means it will be possible to add roughly 162 miles (260 km) of range in just 10 minutes.

Launch Version and Future Plans

The first version arriving on the market will be the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology. Mercedes hasn’t shared specific performance details yet, including motor configuration or acceleration times, but a more powerful variant is likely to follow not long after.

Other than presenting the electric GLC, in Munich Mercedes will also showcase the MB.Drive Assist Pro semi-autonomous driving system and offer rides in a specially-equipped CLA. The EQS and S-Class with Drive Pilot will also be available for demo drives. Joining the GLC with EQ on display be the radical new Concept AMG GT XX.

Less than a month ago, BMW announced a recall impacting more than 70,000 of its electric vehicles, revealing a software issue that could cause the high-voltage system to shut down unexpectedly. Fast forward to July, and the German brand has issued another recall for several of its EVs in the United States. This time, the recall is also related to battery cell modules that may have been assembled incorrectly.

Read: BMW Recalls Thousands Of EVs That Can Lose Power While Driving

According to the recall notice, the issue stems from the process of compressing individual battery cells to form a single module. In this case, BMW says the force used to combine the cells within the module may have exceeded its specifications. This means that over the lifetime of the vehicle, and when combined with repeated charging sessions, the module frame could fail.

What Can Go Wrong

If the frame does weaken or fail, it could lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system. This would result in a total loss of propulsion, creating a potential crash risk. There’s also an increased chance of fire if a failure occurs.

The recall impacts a total of 136 vehicles. Oftentimes, only a small percentage of affected vehicles are thought to have the issue. That’s not the case here, as BMW believes that all 136 vehicles have battery cell modules that may not have been assembled to specifications.

Those include 2022-2025 BMW iX models manufactured from November 3, 2021, and February 14, 2024, as well as 2023-2024 BMW i7s built from June 12, 2023, to July 19, 2023, and 2022-2023 BMW i4s assembled from June 2, 2022, to May 11, 2023.

Notably, vehicles involved in the recall may not suffer from any issues for quite some time. In its analysis, BMW says that damage to the module frame of impacted models may not occur until the latter part of 2026. Nevertheless, it’s decided now is the time to issue a recall.

Owners will begin receiving notification letters on September 5. Dealers have already been instructed to replace the affected high-voltage battery cell modules on all impacted vehicles.

Long before electric vehicles became a common sight on roads, there was a time when resourceful hobbyists took matters into their own hands. Back then, converting gas-powered cars into EVs was a niche pursuit, often tackled with simple electric powertrains and a lot of trial and error.

Among the few small companies that specialized in these conversions was an American outfit called Jet Industries. Now, one of its creations is heading to auction.

Read: Dodge’s New Charger Coming To Europe And The Middle East In 2025

From the outside, this 1980 Dodge Omni 024 looks just like any other. But beneath its ordinary exterior, the original engine has been replaced by a compact 23-horsepower electric motor. That’s a laughable figure by modern EV standards, but this was the 1970s and 1980s, when the idea of an electric car was still closer to a science project than a production model.

Vintage Tech Under the Hatch

Pop the trunk and you’ll find a dedicated compartment that holds the battery pack. It’s unclear how many Dodge Omni 024s were converted by the Texas-based firm, but it’s certainly quite rare.

There’s also no word on how far it could travel on a single charge. What we do know is that rather than using a lithium-ion pack like most current EVs, this special Omni simply had a bunch of 12-volt lead-acid batteries in the rear, reportedly weighing upwards of 1,000 lbs.

Photos Mecum

Curiously, all of the batteries have been removed from the trunk of this Dodge, so it no longer runs. Mecum Auctions is handling the sale of the EV, but has not provided any photos of its underside. Chances are, there’s plenty of rust there, judging from the photos of the trunk.

A Rare Find, If Not a Valuable One

While the car’s uniqueness is undeniable, its value is likely modest. Given its condition and limited appeal beyond collectors of obscure automotive history, a sale price in the low thousands wouldn’t be surprising.

It may not run, and it’s definitely not fast, but if you’ve got a soft spot for oddball EVs and a high tolerance for rust, this relic might be calling your name. Check out the listing here, just don’t forget your trickle charger and a tetanus shot.

Photos Mecum

Fun retro style and a bargain price tag have helped make Renault’s 5 EV a massive hit, and now the automaker is looking to replicate that success one rung down the size and affordability ladder. The automaker has already shown next year’s Twingo in concept form, and now we’ve got pictures of the baby EV testing in prototype form.

Renault has bolted its Twingo badge to various small cars over the years, but the new one harks back to the 1993 original, an egg-shaped one-box hatch with distinctive frog-like eyes. But instead of two doors and a wheezy petrol engine, the new one has a practical four-door layout and zippy all-electric powertrain.

Related: Renault’s Updated Twingo Concept Hints At Next Year’s €20,000 EV

The 5’s baby brother goes on sale next year when it’s expected to cost less than €20,000 (£17k / $23k). That’ll make it slightly more expensive than the most basic Dacia Spring and Leapmotor 01, and put it into battle with the €19,990 Dolphin Surf from China’s BYD and – eventually – VW’s ID.1.

Renault previewed its budget EV with the Twingo E-Tech concept, which made its debut last year and was wheeled out again at the start of 2025, after some minor cosmetic surgery. The first shots of a prototype tell us the production car will stick close to the concept’s promise. Its wheels are pushed tight into each corner to free up as much interior space as possible, the windshield is swept back, just like the original Twingo’s, and the bulging headlights ensure it has the same friendly face.

The large charging port flap on the passenger fender is a different shape, sitting on the other side of the one on the concept, and this test car appears to have conventional door handles, whereas the show car had them concealed in the front door skin and the upper door frame next to the C-pillar. We’re hoping they’ll have migrated to their original concept positions by the time the car makes its production debut.

Nicolas Laperruque/SHProshots

We don’t get to see inside the Twingo this time, but the concept had a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a separate 10.1-inch floating infotainment screen. Renault doesn’t make a habit of overpromising and underdelivering. It didn’t reveal any tech specs for the Twingo E-Tech, but common sense says it’ll identify on a shortened version of the same AmpR Small architecture found in the Renault 4 and 5.

If it gets the same 40 kWh battery and 94 hp (95 PS / 70 kW) single-motor setup as the base 5 it should be good for over 200 miles (320 km) of range and zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) in around 11 seconds, though 121 hp (122 PS / 90 kW) and even 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW) upgrades could be an option tick away.

Renault

VW’s sporty Cupra brand just posted its best-ever half-year sales figures, but one plan that could have helped supercharge the company’s growth has just hit the skids. A project to launch Cupra onto the American market within five years is now off the table, it confirmed this week.

Related: Cupra’s Latest Concept Hints At Its Future

Citing “ongoing challenges within the automotive industry” and “evolving market dynamics,” Cupra has abandoned its US 2030 expansion strategy, and though it didn’t go into any more detail than that, a slowdown in EV take-up in America and import tariffs on cars exported there from Europe are surely behind the decision.

Under the terms of a deal just reached between the US and the EU, European cars will attract a 15 percent levy, up from just 2.5 percent before the tariff chaos started this spring.

Electric Crossovers and a North American Footprint

Cupra announced it would land on US soil with two electric crossovers, one a successor to the current combustion Formentor, and the second a bigger electric SUV. The larger model was to be built at a VW Group plant in North America, though possibly one in Mexico, whose output is now subject to hefty 30 percent tariffs. Another report suggested Cupra was talking to the US Penske dealer group about selling EVs, PHEVs, and combustion models.

But Cupra was eager to make clear this week that it wasn’t abandoning its ideas of expanding to North America altogether, merely putting them on indefinite hold. Four years from now, with another US president in the hot seat, the trade situation could look quite different.

“We’re not stopping, just postponing our U.S. launch and will continue to monitor market developments in the coming years to determine the best timing and approach, aligned with the brand’s long-term vision,” said Sven Schuwirth, Executive Vice-President for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Cupra’s parent company, Seat.

Tariffs Are Taking a Toll Elsewhere, Too

Cupra’s sales are already impacted by another set of tariffs because the China-built Tavascan is clobbered with a 21.3 percent duty when entering the EU, on top of the 10 percent applied to all imports. But despite the setback, increased production costs for all of its models, and greater competition, Cupra deliveries grew by 33.4 percent to 167,600 in the first six months of 2025.

Lead image Cupra/ChatGPT

Even in a world where long-delayed product launches are the norm, the second-gen Tesla Roadster has become somewhat of a running joke in the automotive world. First presented as a running prototype in November of 2017, Tesla had promised to start building the electric hypercar killer in 2020. We’re now more than halfway through 2025, and Tesla has yet to unveil the production version.

Read: 8 Years Later, Tesla’s Still Taking $50K Roadster Reservations Musk Promised For 2020

Despite its prolonged absence, Tesla insists the Roadster remains in development, with ever-growing promises to match. According to Tesla’s head of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, the Roadster will be the “last best driver’s car.” Given how outlandish that statement is, we’re surprised Tesla boss Elon Musk didn’t make it.

New Promises of Progress, But Few Details

Moravy made the comment during the recent X Takeover event, around the 26-minute mark in the video below. He mentioned that Musk was recently shown “some cool demos” of the new model, but didn’t provide any further details about what those demos involved.

“We spent a lot of time in the last few years rethinking what we did, and why we did it, and what would make an awesome and exciting last best driver’s car,” Moravy said. “We’ve been making it better and better, and it is even a little bit more than a car. We showed Elon some cool demos last week and tech we’ve been working on, and he got a little excited.”

Rocket Thrusters and Lofty Goals

Tesla has made some very bold claims about the Roadster. In 2018, Elon Musk said it would be sold with a SpaceX option package that added around 10 small rocket thrusters to “dramatically improve acceleration, top speed, braking & cornering.”

More recently, in mid-2024, he went as far as to say that “the new Tesla Roadster can fly”. Until Tesla demonstrates this publicly, these remarks come off as little more than efforts to buoy the company’s stock price.

As we recently revealed, Tesla continues to accept $50,000 reservations for the Roadster, despite not yet announcing the car’s final price tag or when customers can expect to take delivery.

Tesla’s Robotaxi service may have generated plenty of headlines since launching in a geofenced area of Austin recently, but soon, Waymo will be adding a second Texas city to its program. Already providing more than 250,000 paid trips in Austin and other major US cities every week, Waymo will launch in Dallas next year, showing Tesla a thing or two about how to run a successful robotaxi service.

Rather than going it alone, Waymo is leveraging the operational scale and expertise of Avis to help ensure smooth day-to-day management as it enters a new market. The rental giant will help to manage its fleet operations, as well as infrastructure, vehicle maintenance, and general depot operations.

Read: Tech Founder Predicts The End Of Driving For Your Kids And Maybe You Too

“We look forward to bringing our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the people of Dallas next year, offering a new era of safe and seamless transportation,” Waymo co-chief executive Tekedra Mawakana said. “Working together with our fleet partner Avis, Waymo will offer more riders a stress-free way to get around.”

The self-driving car division of Alphabet didn’t disclose how much of Dallas will be covered by its robotaxi service. Nevertheless, Waymo says it is confident it can contribute to Dallas’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating all traffic-related deaths and reducing severe injury crashes by 50 percent by 2030.

“We are excited that fully autonomous ride-hailing services are scheduled to begin in Dallas next year,” Dallas city manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert added. “The Waymo and Avis partnership will offer an innovative, technology-based transportation option for our residents and visitors.  We look forward to the launch of this new service.”

Dallas won’t be the end of Waymo’s expansion. The company is reportedly considering launching in Houston and San Antonio in the future. It could also expand into San Diego, Boston, and New York. According to ABC News, Waymo is also eyeing Tokyo as the first market outside of the US for its robotaxis.

Ferrari has promised to reveal its first ever EV next spring, having given us a look at the Elettrica’s (name still tentative) electric heart at the back end of this year. It’s uncharted land for the Italian supercar brand so it appears to be checking its work against a Chinese car that’s already wowed the world with its performance.

Related: Xiaomi Shatters Its Nurburgring Record Again And Immediately Launches Limited Edition

That car is a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra sedan, which was spotted coming out of the gates of Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters in Italy, its yellow paint and dual silver stripes – the same combo used in most of Xiaomi’s marketing pics – making it difficult to miss.

An Unexpected Visitor at Maranello

Ferrari, like every other brand, is constantly buying and borrowing cars from rival automakers for research purposes. But even five years ago the idea of the world’s most famous sports car company thinking a Chinese car was worth investigating would have been laughable.

Plenty has changed in those five years. The SU7 Ultra is currently the fastest electric production car around the Nurburgring, its 7:04.957 time improving on the Porsche Taycan’s by almost three seconds. And separately, an Ultra prototype has recorded an unholy 6:22.091, putting it ahead of everything except VW’s ID.R racer and Porsche’s 919 Evo Le Mans weapon.

The SU7’s Taycan-like coupe-sedan bodywork hides a triple-motor electric drivetrain that makes 1,526 hp (1,547 PS / 1,138 kW), sends it to 62 mph (100 kmh) in 1.98 sec and delivers a 223 mph (359 kmh) top speed.

Ferrari already knows how to make cars handle, so it seems possible that its focus of interest would be the electric platform and things like thermal management during sustained fast driving. And we also know that Xiaomi’s CEO shares an equal interest in Ferrari’s products. Lei Jun was spotted last year driving a red Purosangue, and we’re sure he’ll be keen to get his hands on Maranello’s EV when deliveries begin in fall 2026.

Company insiders have suggested the Italian brand’s first EV will be a limited production car to get people used to the idea of an engine-less car with a horse on the hood, and that it’s the second EV, which will take on an crossover-like form, that will be more significant. But Ferrari has delayed that car until 2028 due to weak demand in the luxury EV space, Reuters reported last month.

Weibo/Sago Soup/Piniluoshan

H/t to CarNewsChina

Surging car sales from China’s automakers might not be quite as clear-cut as they seem. Behind the headline-grabbing numbers lies a practice that’s prompting questions: some companies appear to be boosting reported sales by insuring vehicles before they’re actually sold.

A new report from Reuters sheds light on this strategy, claiming that several of China’s top car manufacturers have been counting cars as “sold” once they’re insured, even if those vehicles haven’t yet reached buyers. Thanks to this approach, sales figures appear stronger than they truly are, giving the impression that targets are being met.

Read: China’s Next Supercar Is Coming For Ferrari And They’re Not Laughing Anymore

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Neta and Zeekr had insured tens of thousands of vehicles before selling them to buyers, allowing the companies to book sales early under Chinese industry car registration practices. In the case of Neta, it reportedly recorded early sales of at least 64,719 cars from January 2023 to March 2024, more than half of the total 117,000 vehicles it sold over that period.

As it turns out, many other companies could be doing the same. Reuters recently examined 97 customer complaints related to the controversial sales practice, and in more than a dozen cases, buyers were told by dealerships that the method was used specifically to help manufacturers hit sales goals. In many cases, customers only discovered their new vehicles had been previously insured after completing the purchase.

Dealerships affiliated with major brands such as FAW Hongqi, SAIC Roewe, SAIC VW, Dongfeng Nissan, GAC Toyota, GAC Honda, and SAIC GM have admitted to official media that insuring unsold vehicles is a practice used to meet sales targets.

Interestingly, a Honda spokesperson told Reuters that GAC Honda dealers are prohibited from taking out compulsory insurance before selling new cars. Similarly, FAW Hongqi says it does not engage in such shady practices. GM China also said that it only counts deliveries, not insured vehicles, in its sales reports.

Two key metrics are used to track sales in China. The first are reported from automakers to the industry association, showing sales from automakers to dealers. The second is retail data based on mandatory traffic insurance registrations, which captures actual sales to consumers.

The practice is understood to have first emerged as early as 2016 but is believed to have grown in popularity from early 2023 when the Chinese car price war kicked off. Companies like Li Auto have reportedly leaned heavily into publishing weekly sales rankings on social media, using only insurance registration numbers to demonstrate their performance.

China’s Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) has pushed back against the use of insurance data for public sales rankings, calling the figures unreliable and blaming them for fueling what it described this month as increasingly cutthroat.

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