The first images of the new MG S6 EV have surfaced online, and somewhat amusingly, the source isn’t the automaker itself or but from Euro NCAP. The safety testing authority has unwittingly given us our first proper glimpse of the upcoming SUV.

Read: MG Just Declared War On The Ranger And Hilux With New Truck

MG has yet to release official photographs of the model, but its inclusion in Euro NCAP’s latest batch of crash-tested vehicles means we now have a reasonably clear look at its design, even if most of the images show it in a rather battered state.

It’s not easy to design an SUV that looks good, but MG has had a decent crack and it’s done quite well. The front end is very similar to the smaller S5 and includes the same small, split front grille positioned at the very base of the bumper.

It has also been showcased with LED daytime running lights and separate headlamps housed within triangular-shaped elements.

The rear-end is also quite sleek, although the shape of the taillights and the light bar does remind us of the Mercedes-Benz EQA, albeit with more complex lighting signatures. Other intriguing elements include the blacked-out bumper and the sharp diffuser.

What About The Interior?

We don’t yet have official images of the MG S6’s interior, but the Euro NCAP crash tests offer a few revealing glimpses. Between shots of airbags deploying into crash dummies, you can spot a squared-off steering wheel, a sizable central infotainment screen, and a head-up display perched above the dashboard.

Safety and Specifications

On the safety front, the MG S6 EV scored a full five stars from Euro NCAP, earning 92 percent for adult protection, 85 percent for child protection, 84 percent for vulnerable road users, and 78 percent for its suite of driver-assist technologies.

While the report doesn’t go into drivetrain specifics, it does confirm that both two-wheel and four-wheel-drive variants are planned.

It’s likely that the S6 will share the same single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup as the S5, producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. The all-wheel-drive version is expected to add a secondary motor up front, creating a dual-motor configuration with a balanced output and broader appeal.

A full reveal is expected soon, as MG officials have already confirmed that the launch is scheduled for the end of November.

The removal of the federal electric vehicle tax credit at the end of September is set to cost General Motors as much as $1.6 billion in the next quarter, a direct result of the adjustments it must make to its electric vehicle strategy.

This follows Ford’s recent announcement that it will write down up to $400 million in manufacturing assets and reduce $1.5 billion in EV-related spending, scaling back projects including a three-row electric SUV and a full-size electric pickup.

Industry Recalibration

In its third-quarter report, GM confirmed that its board of directors had approved $1.6 billion in charges tied to what it described as the “strategic realignment of our EV capacity and manufacturing footprint to consumer demand.”

Read: GM Pulls Off Its Strongest US Comeback In A Decade But One Brand Is Slipping

The company specified that $1.2 billion of that amount relates to adjustments in its EV capacity, while the remaining $400 million stems “primarily from contract cancellation fees and commercial settlements associated with EV-related investments, which will have a cash impact.”

GM also noted that “it is reasonably possible that we will recognize additional future material cash and non-cash charges that may adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.”

GM emphasized that the measures it’s taking will not affect its existing range of electric models sold under the Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac brands.

Electric vehicle sales in the United States climbed sharply through the third quarter, yet GM cautioned in its filing that it expects “the adoption rate of EVs to slow” due to “the termination of certain consumer tax incentives for EV purchases and the reduction in the stringency of emissions regulations.”

During the July-September period, GM’s sales of electric vehicles rose 107 percent and have increased 105 percent year-to-date. In Q3, it sold a total of 66,501 EVs, and Chevrolet cemented its position as the second-largest EV brand in the country. In addition, the Equinox EV was the best-selling non-Tesla-branded electric vehicle.

Like every other automaker trying to keep its EV lineup from gathering dust, Ford knows that enthusiasm for the F-150 Lightning could fade fast now that the federal tax credit has vanished. To keep shoppers from drifting off, it’s slicing up to $4,000 off the price.

Now, that doesn’t come close to the $7,500 buyers just lost, but it might be enough to keep a few more trucks rolling off the lot. For the moment, anyway.

The 2026 F-150 Lightning will start at $63,345 before destination charges for the base STX trim, which replaces the outgoing XLT. Though the sticker remains identical to last year’s, the new model carries a larger 123 kWh battery pack instead of the previous 98 kWh unit, boosting range by roughly 50 miles (80.4 km).

Read: Ford’s New F-150 Lightning Trim Solves Its Biggest Flaws For Free

Perhaps of even more interest to potential customers will be the Flash trim. Cars Direct reports it will start at $65,995 for 2026, down from last year’s $69,995. There will also be a generous $2,000 savings for the Lariat, with its price reduced from $76,995 to $74,995.

At the top of the lineup sits the F-150 Lightning Platinum, which holds steady at $84,995. Ford hasn’t trimmed that figure, but at least it hasn’t gone higher either.

If the F-150 Lightning is still out of your price range after these cuts, then leasing could be a good option. Ford is continuing to offer 2025 XLT models with a $9,000 lease cash incentive.

Shoppers in certain states are also eligible for a $500 Summer Sales Event bonus, and for those who turn down Ford’s complimentary home charger, a $2,000 Public Charging Credit is available.

During the most recent quarter, Ford sold 10,005 units of the F-150 Lightning, marking a 39.7 percent jump from the same period last year.

How the Trump administration’s decision to end the federal tax credit will affect Q4 results remains to be seen. The next few months will likely reveal whether price cuts alone are enough to keep Ford’s electric pickup moving off lots.

If their slick tech features have convinced you that Chinese cars are finally a match for Western rivals, Euro NCAP’s latest test results might make you think again. While some Chinese cars really are as good as the competition, one new small Asian EV has just flunked an important European crash test that its rivals all aced.

More: Your Next Car Might Not Be As Safe As It Could Have Been

The car in question is Dongfeng’s Nammi Box, a small hatchback that’s broadly equivalent to a Renault 5 or BYD Dolphin. But while those cars were awarded four and five stars respectively after being run through Euro NCAP’s crash test mill, the Box scored just three stars.

Safety Reality Check

Multiple spot-welds failed during the offset front impact test, increasing the risk of deformation around the cabin and reducing protection for occupants, the safety organization reported.

The test, which is performed at 31 mph (50 kmh) and with a 50 percent overlap against a deformable barrier on an oncoming 3,090 lbs (1,400 kg) sled, also traveling at 31 mph, is designed to replicate the kind of collision that is responsible for the most road deaths and serious injuries.

And a compromised body structure wasn’t the only black mark against the Box. Insufficient pressure in the steering wheel airbag meant the driver’s head still managed to make contact with the wheel.

Design Flaws Under Pressure

Just as worrying, the doors failed to automatically unlock, which could prevent first responders from helping injured passengers.

Euro NCAP additionally criticized China’s state-owned Dongfeng for not providing any kind of safety aid to prevent front seat passengers from bashing into each other in a side impact collision.

Summing up, the testers awarded the Box just 69 percent for adult occupant protection and 67 percent for vulnerable road user protection, numbers that place it well below most modern small EVs on sale in Europe.

“The Dongfeng BOX doesn’t match the safety performance of other small EVs tested by Euro NCAP,” said the organization in a statement. “It was a concern that the spot welds were compromised during our tests and could be further compromised in higher-speed accidents. Such a failure must be addressed to match competitor vehicles in what’s a fast-growing part of the EV market,” it added.

Euro NCAP

In Dongfeng’s defense, it wasn’t the only small hatchback to receive a feeble three-star rating. So did VW’s ancient T-Cross crossover, which is a bit of an outlier. Other VW Group products like the Audi Q3, Skoda Octavia, and VW Golf all achieved a maximum five-star rating.

As did China’s Chery Tiggo 7 and 8. The SUVs were marked down in a previous test for a problem with their rear curtain airbags, but Chery then redesigned the system.

It performed as planned during the re-test, earning Chery five stars, reminding us that there’s still a big safety difference between the best and worst-performing Chinese cars.

Euro NCAP/Dongfeng

The South Korean government is none too pleased with Hyundai’s massive US investments, particularly as tensions linger with the Trump administration over a new trade deal. Indeed, one lawmaker has even gone so far as to accuse Hyundai of trying to curry favor with President Donald Trump.

Just two weeks after Hyundai’s massive plant in Georgia was raided by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and hundreds of Korean workers were detained, the automaker announced plans to boost its American investments by 32 percent, bringing the total to $11.6 billion.

This move landed awkwardly back home. Many in South Korea had warned that the raid could discourage local companies from expanding into the United States, and Hyundai’s timing only added to the unease.

Read: Turns Out 300 Of The ‘Illegal Aliens’ Detained At Hyundai Plant Are Koreans

While recently speaking with members of the press, South Korea’s industry minister Kim Jung-kwan described the timing of the investments as “deeply regrettable.”

“We told Hyundai that [its] conduct was deeply regrettable, especially considering that our efforts have been made for the sake of Hyundai and Kia’s industry,” Kim said. “I believe that Hyundai now fully understands the Korean public sentiment.”

According to the South China Morning Post, Korean officials have clashed with US counterparts over roughly $350 billion in American investments as Seoul seeks lower tariffs on Korean cars.

Who Benefits Most?

According to independent lawmaker Kim Jong-min, Hyundai’s investments weakened Korea’s leverage during trade talks. “Isn’t the Korea-US tariff negotiation essentially a negotiation concerning Hyundai?” he asked.

“Since Hyundai is the main player in this issue, I believe that the way Hyundai responded was not helpful to the negotiations.”

Hyundai has been particularly active on the investment front this year. In March, it pledged $21 billion to strengthen its automotive, steel, and robotics businesses. By August, that figure had grown to $26 billion, with a promise to create 25,000 direct jobs in the United States by 2028.

Sources: South China Morning Post

Whenever an automaker unveils a concept that captures the spotlight, you can almost hear the styluses hitting tablets as rendering artists get to work, grafting the new look onto everything else in the range. And of course, the Mercedes Vision Iconic hasn’t dodged that creative frenzy.

More: Mercedes’ Vision Iconic Grand Coupe Looks Like It Time-Traveled From The 1930s

Digital artist Sugar Design has already dreamed up what a next-generation S-Class might look like if it borrowed the coupe concept’s styling playbook. The result feels sharp and believable, though anyone expecting it to reach production anytime soon might want to take a seat.

Still, considering that many suspect the Vision Iconic could evolve into a future S-Class Coupe, the styling exercise isn’t entirely without merit.

Vision-Inspired Sedan

Sugar Design’s take on the S-Class borrows the illuminated grille, aggressive headlights, and bumper intakes from the Vision Iconic concept, infusing them into a sedan silhouette. The profile features clean surfacing with pronounced front and rear fenders, framing the seven-spoke alloy wheels.

Illustrations Sugar Design

The rear treatment leans toward grand tourer territory, with flowing curves, an aerodynamic roofline, slim LED taillights, and a subtle diffuser. Altogether, it reads as a thoroughly modern luxury sedan that could pass for a Maybach with different badging and a two-tone finish.

More: Mercedes’ Smallest SUV Shows Off New Lighting Signature

The cabin remains speculative, but it’s easy to imagine a softened version of the concept’s Art Deco-inspired interior, blending rich materials with cutting-edge technology.

What’s Next For The S-Class?

The current W223 generation of the S-Class was introduced in 2020, and a mid-lifecycle update is scheduled for 2026. This means that the debut of an all-new model has been pushed back closer to the end of the decade.

Earlier spy shots suggest that the facelifted S-Class won’t undergo a radical redesign. Instead, Mercedes designers will focus on tweaking the lighting units and bumpers, while retaining most of the sheet metal on the profile.

Based on how the GLC EV gained its illuminated grille late in development, it’s likely the S-Class facelift will receive similar treatment. Expect interior updates too, possibly including a yoke-style steering wheel and expanded autonomous driving features.

So what does this mean for the Vision Iconic’s design language? It’s reasonable to assume an evolved version of its styling will influence future S-Class models and other Mercedes flagships arriving in the 2030s. The overwhelmingly positive reception to the concept will only strengthen that direction.

Mercedes Vision Iconic Concept

Mercedes has already confirmed that the next S-Class will offer both ICE and EV powertrain options, signalling the death of the unpopular EQS. Its competition may thin out as well, with the Audi A8 and Lexus LS expected to exit or morph into entirely new formats, possibly even something as unconventional as a three-row luxury van.

More: This BMW M7 Super Sedan Is Too Good To Be Real

This leaves the upcoming Neue Klasse facelift of the BMW 7-Series / i7 as the only European rival, although there are many flagship sedans from China that want a piece of the sales pie. In any case, the sinister looks of the Vision Iconic concept and the expected technological innovation that might come with it could help Mercedes to remain at the top of the segment.

That leaves BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse iteration of the 7-Series and i7 as the S-Class’s main European rival, though several ambitious Chinese luxury sedans are vying for attention. Still, the Vision Iconic’s darkly elegant styling and the technological advances likely to accompany it could help Mercedes maintain its grip at the top of the luxury sedan hierarchy.

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Tesla helped pioneer over-the-air software updates, introducing new features without owners ever having to visit a dealership or service center. It was a move that set the brand apart, positioning its cars as tech products that could evolve long after leaving the factory floor.

Of course, there’s always a “but” with progress, and Tesla’s latest update is no exception.

Read: Elon Musk Tells Companies That Pulled Ads From X To “Go (Explicit) Yourself”

And this time, Tesla’s latest software update has landed with a thud among owners, as it’s essentially an advertisement for the upcoming film Tron: Ares. Welcome to 2025, where your car can double as a mobile billboard.

The update transforms the on-board visualizations found on the central display of the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. Normally, one of Tesla’s vehicles is displayed here, but after installing the update, that image is replaced with an Tron bike, just like the ones featured in the film.

Owners can access the new animations by heading into the App Launcher, opening Toybox, and enabling it. Admittedly, the Tron bike does look quite cool, particularly since it leaves a trail of red light behind it.

However, it somewhat reeks of desperation for the company to add a feature like this, and has raised questions whether Disney is compensating Tesla for featuring its latest blockbuster so prominently inside customer vehicles.

The grid has expanded to your Tesla — Tron: Ares update rolling out now pic.twitter.com/oQvYSAFuLM

— Tesla (@Tesla) October 10, 2025

Tesla vs Disney

Tesla boss Elon Musk has had a strained relationship with Disney over the past few years. In late 2023, he decried Disney’s decision to stop advertising on X after he supported an antisemitic post. He also called for Disney chief executive Bob Iger to be fired, and soon after, had Tesla remove the Disney+ app from its infotainment system.

Evidently, Tesla’s relationship with Disney has improved over the past couple of years, or else this wouldn’t be happening.

Had someone asked Musk in late 2023 whether Tesla cars would one day promote a Disney movie, he likely would have laughed off the idea. Yet here we are, two years later, watching the worlds of Silicon Valley and Hollywood collide once again, this time on your dashboard.

Mitsubishi might be busy rebadging Renault models in Europe, but things look different back home. Ahead of the Japan Mobility Show, the brand has teased an electric crossover that mixes off-road grit with a cabin designed for lounging and sleeping.

The yet-unnamed concept wears a sharply cut rear end with a full-width LED strip, no rear glass in sight, and a curious structural brace tucked underneath. Chunky tires, muscular fenders, and dark plastic cladding highlight its off-road intentions.

More: Mitsubishi Will Launch A Second New SUV For The Great American Outdoors

An earlier photo focused on the cabin, which features a large double bed positioned beneath a roof lit by ambient lighting with a faint sci-fi edge. Mitsubishi describes it as “a spacious interior offering a luxurious in-car sleeping environment that turns any destination into a glamping retreat.”

The concept also introduces personalization features aimed at adapting to different lifestyles, suggesting a cabin layout more flexible than the average SUV.

Overall, the model appears larger than the D:X Concept shown at the 2023 event and could provide an early look at a future production SUV.

What Else Will Mitsubishi Show?

Mitsubishi’s display will also feature the new Delica Mini and eK Space kei cars, alongside the current Outlander PHEV SUV and Delica D:5 minivan. Joining them is the Triton Rally Car that took victory in the 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally.

More: Mitsubishi’s New Kei Van Channels Its Inner Pajero

In another part of the show, the automaker plans to highlight several heritage models, including a 1985 Pajero from Dakar, a 1996 Lancer Evo III from the WRC, and the 2014 MiEV Evolution III from Pikes Peak.

We expect Mitsubishi to share more details about the concept as its official debut approaches at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 on October 30.

School bus driver training is well recognized as a crucial part of safe student transportation, but it’s equally important to make sure attendants are fully equipped for their role, especially when working with students with special needs or disabilities. New training at the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference will dive into this important aspect of student transportation.

Launi Harden, a former transportation director at Washington County School District in Utah and now consultant at Launi’s Transportation Solutions, will lead this session alongside Josy Campbell, operations manager at Harrison Schools District Two in Colorado. During this three-hour training on Monday, Nov. 10 at the TSD Conference, Harden and Campbell will provide an overview of the importance of attendants in safe student transportation and guidelines to ensure they receive adequate training for their role.

The session will help guide attendees through crucial aspects that should be covered in attendant training, such as safety best practices, federal regulations and policies, emergency procedures, proper usage of safety restraints and securement of wheelchairs, behavioral reinforcement, sensitivity training, effective communication, an introduction to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), boarding and deboarding techniques, pre-trip checks, and more. Throughout the interactive session, attendees will have a chance to ask questions from the expert speakers and discuss practices with student transportation professionals from districts around the country.

This session will follow other integral educational sessions throughout the conference such as “Foundations of Special Needs Transportation,” “Understanding & Appreciating the ‘Federal 13’ Exceptional Abilities of Students,” “Top 10 Occupant Restraint Concerns When Transporting Preschoolers & Students with Disabilities,” “Teaching Bus Safety to Students with Disabilities: Strategies Across Ages and Abilities,” “Safe Transportation of Students with Sensory Challenges,” “Utilizing Educational Ecosystem Partnerships to Model Onboard Behavior for Students,” as well as hands-on training for wheelchair and passenger safety securement. Together, these sessions will provide attendees with a holistic and practical approach to improving best practices in the transportation of students with special needs and disabilities.

The TSD Conference will be held Nov. 6 through Nov. 11 at Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Convention Center. Visit tsdconference.com to register and view the conference agenda, which includes dozens of educational sessions, hands-on training, networking events, product demonstrations and keynotes all focused on transportation of students with special needs.

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Related: TSD Keynote to Outline Legal Considerations When Transporting Students with Disabilities
Related: TSD Conference to Feature American Sign Language Training for Student Transporters
Related: Former OSERS Leader, Advocate for People with Disabilities to Keynote TSD Conference

The post New TSD Conference School Bus Attendant Seminar to Provide Training Guidelines appeared first on School Transportation News.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: California’s demand for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is surging despite federal attempts to derail the Golden State’s pursuit of a 100% clean energy future. A record 29.1% of all new cars purchased in Q3 of 2025 were ZEVs. SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Californians purchased 124,755 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the third …

The post California Smashes ZEV Sales Record in Q3   appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

One by one, Japan’s major automakers are unveiling their plans for the upcoming Tokyo motor show, now renamed the Japan Mobility Show. This time, the spotlight turns to Subaru, where attention will center on two STI-branded concepts: one fully electric and the other featuring a five-door hatchback design.

More: The Next Chapter For Subaru’s Sports Wagon Could Hide A Powertrain Surprise

For this year event, the automaker has split its presentation into two distinct themes, Performance and Adventure, united under the banner “Driving the Subaru Difference”.

The STI Studies

Leading the lineup are the world premieres from STI, the Performance-E and Performance-B concepts. The Performance-E is a fully electric model described as “spearheading Subaru’s new generation”, hinting that it could evolve into a future production car.

According to Subaru, the Performance-E “combines thrilling aesthetic proportions with outstanding aerodynamics and practicality”. The teaser images show sharp body surfacing, bold LED headlights, and large bumper intakes, with a silhouette that leans toward a hatchback or fastback shape.

Furthermore, the electric concept promises a “driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior”, while incorporating “various innovative technologies” for “intuitive, exhilarating driving experiences”.

Hatchback With Heritage

The second debut, the Performance-B STI concept, sticks with internal combustion power. It’s described as broadening Subaru’s range of performance options, and while it was first teased back in June, we now get a better look.

More: Subaru Impreza S-Edition Looks Like An STI But Goes Like A Rental

The headlights and the vented hood look identical to the current WRX sedan, but the redesigned bodykit includes wide fender extensions and a different grille.

More notably, it adopts a five-door hatchback profile topped by a large rear wing. Under the hood sits a boxer engine paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

While it’s uncertain whether Subaru will put this hot hatch into production, such a model would recall the third-generation WRX STI from 2008 and could challenge the Toyota GR Corolla in spirit and layout.

On the adventure side of the display, Subaru will showcase prototypes of the fully electric Trailseeker (E-Outback) crossover, the new Forester Wilderness, and the latest Outback Wilderness.

More: Subaru Plans To Win Europe With Rebadged Toyotas, One Of Which Is An E-Outback

All three will make their Japanese debut fitted with optional outdoor accessories. The Trailseeker carries a roof box, the Forester mounts two large canoes, and the Outback features a roof rack with a bike carrier.

Retro Meets Wild

Rounding out the show stand will be the Family Huckster, a reimagined 1983 Subaru GL Wagon fitted with dramatic performance and aerodynamic upgrades.

Subaru will hold its press conference at the Japan Mobility Show on October 29, where company president Atsushi Osaki is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech.

A 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Foundation Series has just sold for $70,000 on Cars&Bids, showing just 5,200 miles (8,400 km) on the clock. If that sounds like a great price for one of the most hyped vehicles of the decade, it is – but not if you’re the one selling it.

The same Cybertruck sold on the same auction site last year for $146,500 when it had covered a mere 600 miles (970 km), meaning it’s lost more than half its value in less than 18 months.

It’s unclear whether that original owner paid the standard price or a $50,000 markup, as some commentators suggested at the time, but the MSRP stood at $101,995.

Related: Families Claim Tesla Door Handles Trapped Teens In Burning Cybertruck

The Foundation Series was Tesla’s launch-edition Cybertruck, the limited-run version that kicked off production late in 2023. It came loaded with luxury features, plus various unique badges and trim parts, such as sill inserts.

The first examples were offered only to early reservation holders and were supposed to be collector material. Well, that was the idea anyway. Fast forward to today and the tables have obviously turned. The new owner of this particular dual-motor, 600 hp (608 PS / 447 kW) truck just scored one of the biggest bargains in recent EV history.

The $70,000 sale price (listing here) undercuts Tesla’s own base MSRP of $79,990 for a new dual-motor AWD Cybertruck and shows just how far values have tumbled since the frenzy that greeted the electric truck’s debut. And this price fall is no freak event; used Cybertruck values have fallen across the board during 2025.

When the Hype Runs Out

Cars&Bids

There are a few reasons behind the collapse. Early buyers paid sky-high prices to be first, banking on exclusivity and hype, but that buzz has cooled fast as more Cybertrucks hit the road and social media fills with real-world impressions.

The initial scarcity that drove those six-figure auction results has faded as production ramped up and deliveries increased. Add to that a shifting used-EV market and growing competition from the likes of Ford, Rivian, and GM, and it’s easy to see why resale prices have come back down to Earth.

Even the Foundation Series edition isn’t enough to hold depreciation at bay, and neither are the mods the seller added during his ownership, including a pricey black wrap, black painted lower body trim and 24-inch T Sportline CTM Monoblock forged wheels for $10,000, per the invoice.

For all its futuristic design and headline-grabbing performance, the market for Elon Musk’s electric truck is behaving like most others: early excitement followed by a sharp correction. But for anyone still dreaming of owning one, now might finally be the time to get their wallet out. The Cybertruck still turns heads, but its once-shiny resale value has definitely lost its gleam – and that means some great deals for buyers looking to get their hands on one.

Cars&Bids

The hype that once surrounded the Tesla Cybertruck has well and truly died down. It wasn’t long ago that Elon Musk was boasting about more than a million reservations for the angular electric pickup, confidently claiming Tesla would be churning out and selling 250,000 units each year.

Through the first nine months of 2025, though, the numbers tell a very different story. Tesla has sold just 16,097 Cybertrucks so far, a steep 38 percent decline compared with the same January to September period in 2024, when 25,974 were delivered, according to data from Cox Automotive.

Sales Slide Continues

In the first quarter of this year, Tesla delivered 6,406 Cybertrucks, followed by 4,306 in the second quarter. Deliveries climbed slightly to 5,385 in the third quarter, likely spurred by the expiring federal EV tax credit.

While that Q3 bump might look positive at first glance, it’s actually a 62.6 percent decline from Q3 2024, when 14,416 trucks found buyers.

At this pace, the company is expected to finish the year with around 20,000 deliveries, well below the roughly 50,000 units sold in 2024.

Read: Tesla’s Latest Solution To Range Loss Is Full Of Hot Air And That’s Not A Joke

For most car manufacturers, this would be absolutely devastating news. However, Tesla boss Elon Musk also happens to run two other large companies, SpaceX and xAI, and both have started taking deliveries of hundreds of Cybertrucks.

A Convenient Customer Base

Apparently, Tesla now has more Cybertrucks in inventory than it knows what to do with. Reports indicate that hundreds were recently shipped to SpaceX’s Starbase facility, with expectations that hundreds, if not thousands, more could follow to replace the site’s gas-powered work trucks.

Over the weekend, multiple truckloads were also spotted arriving at xAI’s offices, shared widely on X by several users, including Cybertruck lead engineer Wes Morrill, who wrote:

“Love to see the ICE support fleets from Tesla and SpaceX get replaced with Cybertruck. When we were engineering it, this was always part of the dream. Never imagined how hard the fleet photos at starbase would go. Looking forward to more of this.”

Interest Running on Empty

Stopping short of making major price cuts, likely needing to be in the tens of thousands of dollars, it’s hard to envision how Tesla can reinvigorate interest in the Cybertruck. It is no longer the must-have EV in the United States.

Its radical styling, once its greatest talking point, now seems too polarizing for most pickup buyers. Practicality also remains a sticking point, as it lacks some of the everyday utility of traditional gas-powered trucks.

Add to that Musk’s divisive role in American politics, and the Cybertruck’s appeal appears to be narrowing faster than

Love to see the ICE support fleets from Tesla and SpaceX get replaced with Cybertruck. When we were engineering it, this was always part of the dream. Never imagined how hard the fleet photos at starbase would go. Looking forward to more of this https://t.co/M69ImCpamk pic.twitter.com/p1lf4FytY9

— Wes (@wmorrill3) October 7, 2025

Long before there was the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, the Grand Wagoneer reigned supreme. With this pedigree and Jeep’s upmarket push, Stellantis thought they had a winner on their hands when they brought the model back in 2021.

Things didn’t exactly pan out as expected, so the entire Wagoneer lineup is being revamped for 2026. As part of the makeover, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are merging into a single model, which features an updated design and a brand-new range-extender powertrain.

More Modern Design

The new look was previewed earlier this summer, and the 2026 Grand Wagoneer cribs heavily from the electric Wagoneer S. As part of the makeover, the model adopts an all-new front fascia with a minimalist seven-slot grille. It’s illuminated and visually flows into new headlights.

Further below, there’s a more pronounced central intake that is flanked by new T-shaped LED daytime running lights. Elsewhere, the Wagoneer badging on the hood has been replaced by a Jeep logo.

The rest of the design largely carries over, but there are new full-width LED taillights as well as rear Jeep badging. The model also eschews chrome, while sporting restyled wheels in sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches.

Minor Interior Updates

Jeep barely mentioned interior changes, but there’s a new heads-up display on higher-end variants. It features a “significantly larger field of view and a virtual image distance twice that of previous versions.”

The Grand Wagoneer also features a larger 12-inch Uconnect5 infotainment system. It replaces the previous 10.1-inch display, which used to come standard on the Wagoneer.

An All-New Range-Extender Powertrain

Under the hood, there’s a familiar twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six producing 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 468 lb-ft (635 Nm) of torque. Unfortunately, Jeep has apparently dropped the high-output variant that developed 540 hp (402 kW / 548 PS) and 521 lb-ft (706 Nm).

The big news is an all-new range-extender variant known as the Grand Wagoneer REEV. It borrows heavily from the Ram 1500 REV, which used to be known as the Ramcharger, and features a 92 kWh battery pack as well as a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that acts as a generator.

It’s slated to be the quickest and most powerful Grand Wagoneer ever created as the company is estimating a combined output of 647 hp (482 kW / 656 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque.

This should enable the SUV to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in five seconds flat and have a range in excess of 500 miles (805 km).

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will go into production later this year and be followed by the range-extender variant. The latter will have “late availability,” so expect to learn more closer to launch.

It’s not just Tesla under fire for how its electronic door handles respond after a crash, fire, or even a total power loss. In the early hours of Monday morning, a Xiaomi SU7 in China crashed and erupted in flames, and despite frantic attempts by bystanders to open the door and free the driver, the 31-year-old at the wheel did not survive.

Chinese media reported that the black SU7 crashed at around 3:15 a.m. The driver of the Xiaomi is said to have lost control, spinning into a wide median strip lined with shrubs and plants before coming to rest on the opposite side of the road in Chengdu. Moments later, the vehicle burst into flames.

Watch: Xiaomi Blames iPhone For EV Taking Off On Its Own

Video captured from the scene showed several men frantically attempting to smash the driver’s window while trying in vain to open the driver’s door. One of the men was repeatedly punching the window, while another can be seen trying to kick it out.

They were soon forced to retreat as the flames spread, waiting for firefighters to arrive. Although the crews managed to extinguish the blaze, they were unable to save the driver.

Early reports suggest the 31-year-old may have been driving under the influence of alcohol.

Questions Over Safety Systems

The Xiaomi SU7 features simpler pull-type exterior door handles compared to some other EVs. As with most modern vehicles, the doors are designed to automatically unlock when an accident is detected or airbags are deployed.

For reasons yet unclear, that system appears to have failed in this case. The car is equipped with a manual release inside the cabin.

Xiaomi Shares Take a Hit

News of the incident spread quickly, amplified by images and videos of the burning SU7 circulating on Chinese social media, sending Xiaomi’s stock tumbling by as much as 8.7 percent, its sharpest one-day drop since April. Shares eventually closed 5.24 percent lower, erasing billions from the company’s valuation.

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

In April, three individuals were killed after a Xiaomi SU7 crashed in China’s eastern Anhui province. It has been claimed that the two individuals in the front seats were unable to open the doors as they immediately locked after the crash. An individual was pulled from the rear after an eyewitness smashed out one of the windows, but they died from their injuries.

The incident adds to mounting scrutiny over electronic and semi-electronic door mechanisms in China. Regulators are considering restrictions on such designs amid broader safety concerns, while U.S. authorities continue to probe similar failures in Tesla models.

Xiaomi shares plunged nearly 9% after a fatal crash involving its SU7 electric car, Bloomberg reports

According to the outlet, a 31-year-old driver in China collided with another vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and the car caught fire. Witnesses tried to pull the man… pic.twitter.com/yPQ70FoKXN

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 13, 2025

China isn’t pleased about the 100 percent tariffs that Canada imposed on its imports, including electric vehicles, in October last year. Seeking to persuade Ottawa to reconsider, Beijing has offered to lift its own retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural goods.

Even so, Canada’s automotive parts industry head has cautioned against easing the restrictions, warning that doing so could open the door for low-cost Chinese EVs to flood the market.

Trade Tensions at Full Charge

When the tariffs were first introduced, Canada described them as measures to safeguard national security and defend domestic manufacturing. Officials also argued that China’s electric vehicle industry benefited from unfair state subsidies.

Beijing’s reaction was swift. The People’s Republic struck back with tariffs on Canadian agriculture, imposing a 100 percent rate on canola oil and meat, along with a 75.8 percent duty on canola seed.

Read: Canada Might Let Chinese EVs In And The Reason Has Nothing To Do With Cars

According to Chinese ambassador Wang Di, Beijing is ready to roll back the tariff measures if Canada does the same.

“If Canada removes the unilateral unjustified tariffs on Chinese products, China will also reciprocate accordingly,” he said, “and if the EV tariffs are removed, then China will also remove the tariffs on the relevant products of Canada.”

The Canadian government says it is conducting an informal review of its tariffs on Chinese EVs, CTV News reports. It adds that since the trade dispute started, exports from Saskatchewan dropped 76 percent in August from the year prior.

Both the premiers of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have called for tariffs to be lowered to protect the local canola industries.

A Divided Response

Still, Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, has pushed back against any move to abandon the tariffs on Chinese EVs.

“I am reminding (the premiers) publicly, that if Canada is in a trade war with a country, then the response has to be a Canadian response,” he told CTV.

“These Chinese EVs are not made for profit, they are subsidized. We’re in the middle of a game, and the only thing that changed… was the Chinese ambassador said, ‘If you do this, we’ll give you that.’ And last time I checked, the Chinese ambassador was sent from Beijing, not from Ottawa.”

Sources: CTV News

A newly created safety fund will award Ohio school districts with grants to update their fleets with safety features, like seatbelts.

The Ohio School Bus Working Group, called by Gov. Mike DeWine following the August 2024 ejection and death of 11-year-old Aidan Clark after his school bus was struck by an oncoming truck, issued final recommendations after five months of in-person meetings.

HB3 passed the state House unanimously in June to address some of the recommendations. In addition to creating the grant fund program, it also seeks to increase fines of illegally passing motorists and to designate the month of August as School Bus Safety Awareness Month.

While the bill awaits passage in the Senate, DeWine announced that the School Bus Safety Grant Program application has launched, and applications are being accepted Oct. 15 through Nov.14. The program will provide a total of $10 million in competitive school bus safety grants.

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Related: Ohio School Bus Safety Act Raises Awareness of Illegal Passing
Related: Ohio Bill Seeks School Bus Illegal Passing Fine Increase, Safety Fund
Related: Ohio Teen Escapes Abduction Attempt While Waiting for School Bus; Suspect in Custody
Related: Texas School District Updates Seatbelt Policy Following School Bus Rollover
Related: School Bus Seatbelt Law Appears Imminent in Illinois

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Eligible applicants include city, local, exempted village and joint vocational school districts as well as community schools, chartered nonpublic schools, STEM schools, educational service centers, and county boards of developmental disabilities. The grants can go toward “the repair, replacement, or addition of authorized school bus safety features to school buses in active service or for safety enhancements to the purchase of a new school bus” the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce lists on its website. “The program is designed for flexibility to allow for tailored purchases that meet specific safety needs, while also considering finances.”

Rudolph Breglia, an advocate for seatbelts in Ohio, said in his testimony at a House committee hearing on HB3 in April that priority of grant funding should be given to the installation of lap/shoulder seatbelts in school buses, “since these safety tools directly protect children from injury and death in the event of a school bus incident. Children always need direct protection provided by seatbelts since traffic accidents will always occur regardless of how hard we try to prevent accidents by adding preventative measures to school buses,” he continued, adding that applications should also be advised that evidence exists that installing lap/shoulder seatbelts has reached the status of a “Standard of Care” or “best practice.”

The post Ohio School Bus Grant Program Launches, $10M Available appeared first on School Transportation News.

For the first time, school bus drivers at Lee County School District underwent advanced scenario-based training, including simulations of real-life situations such as active shooter incidents and de-escalation techniques.

Launched ahead of the school year, the initiative was developed in collaboration with several district departments, including academics, human resources, exceptional student education (ESE), and health services, with the goal of creating more dynamic, hands-on training experiences. The move comes amid growing concerns about safety and the vulnerabilities inherent in student transportation.

The idea for a more immersive training experience originated as a desire to break away from the traditional format of lectures and PowerPoint presentations. When asked how the training was developed in collaboration with other departments, Jarriad McKinney, executive director of transportation and logistical services, told STN that it began with a conversation about annual compliance training with health services and academics.

“I told them I wanted the training to be more engaging for staff, not just the norm of sitting in an auditorium, listening to presentations,” McKinney said. “We then invited all parties to the table to collaborate. Everyone was given topics and created presentations based on their area of expertise.”

The program included real-world scenarios selected in part due to recent incidents in the district, including cases where individuals boarded buses and assaulted drivers. These events prompted a partnership with the Sheriff’s Office and ONE Training to develop hands-on sessions on de-escalation and emergency response. Members of law enforcement observed the sessions and offered on-the-spot feedback to drivers.

“The training was an eye-opener for the staff,” McKinney said. “No one wants anything bad to happen, but we live in a day and age where anything is possible. You’re better off being prepared and having an idea of how to respond.”

One standout training, “Happy Bus,” focused on the emotional climate drivers create and its impact on students. “Behaviors are just the tip of the iceberg,” McKinney said. “We have to learn to address the root cause and not feed into what just lies on the surface.”

A classroom-style structure replaced the usual auditorium setup, breaking staff into smaller groups and allowing for more active participation. Drivers followed a bell schedule, giving them time between sessions to walk in the halls, connect with peers, and reflect.

“The employees loved the training,” McKinney said. “Everyone I talked to, enjoyed the change and appreciated the opportunity to engage with district staff. It reinforced that support is out there for them.”

David Newlan, chief of safety, security and fleet operations and a former police chief, told local news reporters that the training reflects a broader strategic focus on bus safety within the district.

“Knowing one of the district’s vulnerabilities being the buses, we wanted to prepare our drivers as much as possible,” he said.

McKinney emphasized the importance of team-based planning in creating effective training. He encouraged other districts to adopt a collaborative approach., “Working together increases rapport and understanding,” he said. “It’s vital for staff to have a solid grasp of the material we provide annually. Changing things up and getting creative makes all the difference.”

He added that the small group setup helped foster more meaningful conversations. “It allows for healthier discussions and a better understanding of what is being taught,” he added.

When asked whether the training will be expanded or refreshed in the future, McKinney told STN the district plans to enhance the program further next year. “We’ll add more departments for context,” he said.

The district is also working closely with the State Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement to implement new legal protections for school buses and drivers, including measures to address unsafe driving near buses and unauthorized boardings.

Ultimately, the training is as much about emotional safety and student connection as it is about emergency protocols.

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Related: (STN Podcast E277) Make the System Better: Safety Leadership Training & D.C. Insider on Disability Supports
Related: Vermont School District Boosts Pay, Offers Training to Attract Bus Drivers
Related: Hands-on Training Opportunities for Student Transporters at TSD Conference
Related: Wisconsin State Police, School Bus Association Promote School Bus Safety

The post Florida District Introduces Innovative Safety Training for School Bus Drivers appeared first on School Transportation News.

Headlines include federal restrictions on undocumented workers obtaining CDLs and an investment into education technology.

Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella shares how the company’s technology tools support students with special needs and discusses the value in participating in the free annual Top Transportation Teams program.

Special education attorney and returning TSD Conference keynote speaker Betsey Helfrich joins us to discuss current legal issues such as bus video and student cellphones, as well as overall support for students with special needs.

Read more about special needs and register for the TSD Conference.

Conversation with Transfinder.

 

Message from School Bus Safety Co.

 

Message from Ride.

 

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 E278) Expert Advice: Special Needs Legal Spotlight, Technology & Top Teams appeared first on School Transportation News.

MISSOULA, Mont. –, a pioneer in student transportation software for K-12 school districts, announced it has received a strategic growth investment from Serent Capital, a growth-focused private equity firm that partners with founder-led, B2B SaaS and technology companies.

For nearly 50 years, Edulog has grown from introducing one of the first algorithmic bus routing systems in North America to serving thousands of school districts across the U.S. and Canada. Edulog’s software solutions are designed to enhance student safety, improve operational efficiency, and reduce transportation costs.

“Our mission is to help school districts make the most of their resources. With Serent’s backing, we can broaden our reach to even more districts and families across the country, and continue to lead the industry in innovation,” said Dr. Hien Nguyen, who founded Edulog in 1977.

In addition to expanding Edulog’s presence, the investment will support new developments in its cloud-native platform, Athena. “We’ve always been driven by innovation, and this partnership gives us greater capacity to strengthen the tools that districts rely on to manage student transportation,” said Sam Bull, CEO of Edulog. Athena’s roadmap includes enhancements in Edulog’s unrivaled optimization suite (which already includes depot, stop, special needs, run, route, and bell time optimization), as well as its user dashboards, parent engagement tools, and driver tools.

As part of the investment, vertical SaaS executive Perry Turbes will join Edulog’s Board of Directors as Executive Chair through Serent’s Operating Executive Director (OED) program. The OED program pairs experienced former CEOs with portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance and hands-on support. Turbes brings deep operational expertise and will work closely with the Edulog team to help scale the business and advance its mission.

“Edulog has already made a meaningful impact in K-12 transportation,” said Dexter Hopen, Partner at Serent Capital. “We are committed to providing resources that will support their continued growth and success.”

The addition of Edulog marks Serent Capital’s twelfth investment in the education market, reflecting a strong track record of founder-led partnerships. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Edulog: Edulog is a pioneer and market leader in K-12 student transportation technology. Since 1977, Edulog has helped thousands of school districts transport students safely, efficiently, and intelligently. The company’s Athena platform is a modern, cloud-based solution that includes routing optimization, GPS tracking, parent and driver portals, and advanced analytics. Edulog’s mission is to put money back in the classroom by optimizing transportation, reducing costs, and improving student experiences. Learn more at www.edulog.com.

About Serent Capital: Serent Capital is a growth-focused private equity firm investing in capital-efficient B2B SaaS and technology companies. Since its inception, Serent has taken a distinctly different approach, prioritizing founders and their companies and delivering true hands-on partnership through its in-house Growth Team of more than 25 professionals.

By partnering with Serent, founders gain access to strategic and operational resources aimed to accelerate growth, including revenue generation support, executive hiring, transformative M&A guidance, and a curated network of more than 400 founders and operating executives. With $5.9 billion in assets under management, Serent has partnered with more than 70 founder-led, industry-changing companies, helping them scale with speed, efficiency, and confidence. Discover more at www.serentcapital.com.

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