Despite delays and setbacks, Porsche’s next-generation 718 Cayman is creeping closer to reality – so close in these latest spy shots that you could almost reach out and touch it. Our photo team cosied up to the first ever electric Cayman outside the Nurburgring, revealing some key design details for the first time.

Previous prototypes always hid the shape of the rear-quarter window line with false bodywork and heavy vinyl, but now we can finally see how the real thing will look. The test car still wears fake chrome trim to disguise the outline, as if trying to fool us into thinking we’re looking at a 911. But it’s clear that the next 718 will have a much more pronounced kick-up in the window line behind the door than its bigger brother does.

Related: Porsche Is Sneaking Gas Power Back Into The Next 718

The kick isn’t as extreme as the one on the current Cayman, though. Looking back at the 2021 Mission R electric racecar concept that gave us our first taste of how a next generation Cayman could look, you can see the exact same line, along with headlights that appear very similar to the trick LED Matrix units fitted to this prototype.

Active Aero

The front and rear bumpers remain covered, but enough is visible to confirm some version of the vertical aero slats seen on the new 911 GTS and Turbo models. That detail, along with a set of optional carbon-ceramic brakes, shows Porsche isn’t letting the switch to electric dull its performance focus. Expect the active aero elements and clever airflow management to play a major role in both battery cooling and aerodynamic efficiency.

Underneath, the Cayman EV rides on a dedicated electric architecture with the batteries mounted vertically behind the driver. Power figures remain secret, but Porsche insiders have hinted at dual-motor all-wheel drive setups and sub-4-second 0-62 mph times for the higher trims. Base cars will get a single motor and rear-wheel drive.

Baldauf

An ICE Comeback

For anyone mourning the end of the flat-six era, there’s a glimmer of hope. Porsche recently confirmed that, due to strong customer demand, combustion-powered versions of this next-generation 718 are also in development. The petrol models will sit at the very top of the range, likely limited-production specials aimed at purists who still crave a manual gearbox and exhaust noise.

They’re some years away though, meaning all eyes will be on the electric Cayman and its convertible Boxster sibling when they debut next year. If Porsche knew five years ago what it knows now about the health of the electric market, it probably wouldn’t have gone all-in on electric power for the 718s, and it’s true some Porsche fans will be turned off by the idea of them being EVs. However, having sampled the Taycan, we’re in no doubt that it’ll still be great to drive. We’ll find out for sure in 2026.

Baldauf

When the GMC Hummer EV came out, it broke the internet. Fans were eager for its return, huge celebrities endorsed it, and the first units went for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Dealers asked for double MSRP, but times have since changed. Like a lot.

Now, even with discounts that reach $40,000 or even more in some cases, GM is finding it difficult to move its mighty electric giant. To put that in perspective, the markdown alone exceeds the price of a brand-new BMW 228 Gran Coupe, which starts at $39,600 in the US!

Market Reality

That’s not to say that suddenly GMC‘s truck is a stellar deal. Expressway GMC in Mount Vernon, Indiana, demonstrates both sides of this coin beautifully. One 2024 Hummer EV SUV 3X Omega Edition has a list price of $99,780, including a $42,550 rebate.

Read: Depreciation Crushed This Tesla So Hard After Just 18 Months, It’s Almost Laughable

According to GM Authority, Jerry’s Buick GMC in Weatherford, Texas, isn’t far behind with a discount of $40,648 off another Omega Edition. As a reminder, the Omega Edition is basically a fully-loaded Hummer EV with every bell and whistle, along with unique matte Neptune Blue paint.

Apparently, the rich features haven’t been enough to justify the price, and buyers have withered up.

Oversupply Blues

GMC provides an online tool to search for units nationwide, and there are 130 Omega Editions sitting around waiting for buyers. In addition, another 155 Hummer EVs are also gathering dust on dealer lots.

Oh, and those are just the 2024 model year units that have basically been around since late 2023. In addition, there are over 2,300 units from the 2025 model year and another 1,816 already on lots as 2026 units.

Also: This Hummer EV Lost $45K Without Ever Touching a Driveway

In other words, if you’re in the market for a GMC Hummer EV, you’re spoiled for choice with over 4,400 of them sitting around. To help dealers move these units, GM is using a program called Dealer Rent A Car (DRAC).

In essence, dealers temporarily use Hummer EV units as loaners, and after they accumulate a few thousand miles, the dealers sell them at steep discounts.

The moral of the story? For anyone who didn’t cave to early markups, patience has officially paid off… for some, to the tune of six figures.

BMW officially entered its Neue Klasse era after unveiling the 2026 iX3 at last month’s Munich Motor Show. Not only does it usher in a new period for the broader BMW model range, it also has the ingredients to be competitive on the world stage.

And based on early responses, consumers appear to be excited about the new-age model.

Read: BMW Is Cranking Out Cars “Like Pretzels” And Says Even China Can’t Keep Up

Less than two months after the Munich unveiling, BMW Group head Christian Ach shared that interest in the iX3 has surpassed even their most optimistic forecasts. “We have received over 3,000 orders for the iX3 in the first six weeks after its launch at the IAA in Munich,” he told Automobilwoche, likely referring to demand within Germany alone.

One might argue that 3,000 orders sound modest compared with figures from China, but the context tells a different story. Germany recorded 2.8 million new passenger car sales last year, while China’s total exceeded 31 million.

The response appears all the more impressive given that BMW hasn’t begun offering test drives. In Germany, the 2026 iX3 will start at €68,900 ($80,600), with a lower-priced variant expected next year, starting closer to the €60,000 ($70,200) mark is expected next year.

Just one version of the iX3 will be available at launch. Known as the iX3 50 xDrive, it employs two electric motors to deliver a combined 463 hp and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque and can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in a rapid 4.7 seconds.

Of equal, if not more, importance is the driving range: 400 miles (644 km) as per the EPA, thanks to the 108 kWh battery pack, which can charge from 10-80 percent in just 21 minutes.

While speaking with Automobilwoche, Ach added that the company’s planned production rate for the iX3 through 2026 “will not be able to meet the high demand”.

The next model in BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup will be the i3. Despite the familiar badge, this version will arrive as a fully electric 3-Series rather than the compact, unconventional hatchback or MPV the name once denoted. It’s expected to share much of its powertrain technology with the iX3.

Sources: Automobilwoche

Tech-brand-turned-car-maker Dreame has serious form for stealing iconic Western designs. First, it released renders of a luxury sedan that’s the twin of Bugatti’s Chiron. Then it followed up with an SUV that makes no attempt to hide its designers’ admiration for the Rolls‑Royce Cullinan.

So when a new SUV starts appearing on social media, looking every bit like Bentley’s luxury model but isn’t, you’ll forgive us for suspecting the same gang is responsible.

More: Dreame’s Bugatti Rip-Off Debuts In 2027 With EV And Range Extender Options

After all, their CEO did say they were developing a second luxury brand following the one modeled after Bugatti, this time aiming to take on Bentley and Rolls-Royce with comparable models. And we’re not the only ones who think so, as all major Chinese outlets and plenty of commentators also suspect Dreame is behind it.

The images circulating on Chinese social media show an SUV with a tall, upright roofline, a deep chrome surround that mimics the Bentayga’s signature grille but with subtle tweaks, and side windows that match the proportions of a Bentley almost exactly.

The front end is slightly squarer and the roofline more boxy, and sure, there are no Bentley badges, but this is IP theft, plain and simple.

Before the Cullinan renders appeared, we’d already reported that Dreame had been benchmarking both Bentley and Rolls-Royce models in preparation for the launch of its car division. If the mystery SUV is truly Dreame’s, the timing makes sense.

The company is trying to jump into the luxury-EV realm by 2027 and plans to open a new production facility in Berlin, allegedly right next door to Tesla’s Gigafactory.

Electric with Range-Extender Options

The fake Cullinan is confirmed to have a 100 kWh battery, four electric motors, and an optional range-extender petrol engine. Rear passengers are treated to a pair of aircraft-style reclining chairs with up to 1.2 meters (47 inches) of legroom, something made possible by the long 3.2-meter (126 inches) wheelbase.

Some commenters on the posts where this mysterious SUV started circulating have suggested the pictures could be AI-generated. Considering how far the technology has come, now capable of producing everything from hyper-realistic cars to videos of SpongeBob being pulled over by police, it’s not hard to see why.

Related: Dreame’s Cullinan SUV Clone Might Be Rolls-Royce’s Worst Nightmare

However, after taking a closer look, we see no evidence of that and we’re inclined to believe these images are entirely real, even if we’re still waiting for confirmation of which company is responsible.

Is this a copycat step too far, or did the designers of this Bentley wannabe manage to create a better-looking Bentayga? Drop a comment below and let us know.

In politics, few things vanish faster than inconvenient promises. Policies that once seemed carved in stone tend to crumble the moment the weather changes. The US may have stepped back from its federal EV tax credits, but in the heart of Europe’s car industry, the story is moving in the opposite direction.

Two years after Germany scrapped its incentives for electric vehicles, a move that triggered a sharp drop in demand as we widely reported, the country is preparing to bring them back. The new purchase program will take effect in January 2026.

Renewed Push For Affordability

The new scheme will be introduced at a pivotal time for the European car industry as it struggles with US-imposed import tariffs and new competition from China.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed earlier this week that €3 billion ($3.5 billion) will be allocated for zero-emission vehicle purchase incentives through 2029, targeting low- and middle-income households.

Read: Germany’s EV Sales Crash 28% In First Full Year Without Subsidies

It’s understood that the program will offer incentives worth up to €4,000 ($4,600) on the purchase of a new EV that’s priced under €45,000 ($52,600). That is a big change from the previous scheme that had a higher price limit of €65,000 ($76,000).

Importantly, plug-in hybrid vehicles will not be included in the program, although used EVs will, for the first time, be eligible, too according to German media, as reported by Autonews.

Who Qualifies

While some finer details about the program are still being ironed out, an income cap of around €45,000 ($52,600) is expected. While speaking about the new incentives, Social Democratic Party secretary-general Tim Kluessendorf said that “everyone must be able to afford the [electric] transition.”

“What is important to me in designing the subsidy program is that it must benefit the German and European automotive industry in particular,” he added. “The Ministry of the Environment will ensure that this is the case. The future is electric, and we want it to be written in Germany.”

The remark suggests the incentives could be limited to vehicles produced by European manufacturers, though no official confirmation has been made. We’ll have to wait and see if this case, but the local car industry could do with all the help it can get at the moment.

Germany’s previous EV subsidy scheme paid out roughly €10 billion ($11.7 billion) to buyers between 2016 and 2023 before being shut down due to budget constraints.

The remnant of Typhoon Halong slammed the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, an area in Western Alaska hundreds of miles from the U.S. road system. More than a thousand people are displaced.

(Image credit: Nat Herz)

It's the peak of the fall migration season. This is when bird deaths from window collisions tend to spike, even though simple solutions can prevent this.

(Image credit: Angel Ruszkiewicz)

Waymo’s self-driving vehicles have helped turn robotaxi services from tech demo to daily reality, but like any connected system, these days that same openness invites a bit of mischief, and the occasional abuse.

In San Francisco, a group of pranksters decided to see what would happen if they flooded the service with requests. The result, according to them, was the world’s first Waymo DDOS, short for distributed denial-of-service.

Read: Cops Pulled Over A Driverless Car For An Illegal U-Turn And Couldn’t Write A Ticket

The stunt came to light through an X post by self-confessed tech prankster Riley Walz, who only now shared details of what actually unfolded back in July. The idea was straightforward. Fifty participants gathered at San Francisco’s longest dead-end street and each ordered a Waymo ride at exactly the same time.

What Happens When You Summon 50 Robotaxis?

As you’d expect, a fleet of driverless cars dutifully arrived, clustering at the dead end and clogging traffic. Anyone nearby hoping for a legitimate pickup suddenly had no chance of finding an available Waymo.

According to Walz, no one from the group actually entered any of the vehicles. Each car lingered for roughly ten minutes before departing automatically, charging a $5 no-show fee.

“Waymo handled this well, I assume this isn’t much different than if a big concert had just ended,” said Walz. “Eventually, they disabled all rides within a 2-block vicinity until the morning.”

that was wild pic.twitter.com/dCF6ByDf50

— calvin.sh (@Calvin__Liang) October 13, 2025

How Waymo Handled the Flood

Speaking with Road & Track, a spokesperson from Waymo said the service is able to automatically detect and limit the number of rides to a specific area, meaning it was able to prevent additional vehicles from showing up at the dead-end street.

The company added that simultaneous requests from busy spots are not unusual and that the system is designed to adapt accordingly.

“Waymo provides hundreds of thousands of fully autonomous trips weekly across five and counting cities with over 2,000 vehicles,” the spokesperson said. “We are always refining our system to manage distribution at specific locations, ensuring we balance our service’s physical footprint with the need to deliver an excellent rider experience.”

Ambition has always been Mate Rimac’s calling card, and it seems his next move could redefine the balance of power in Europe’s hypercar world. The founder of Rimac and current head of the Bugatti Rimac group, Mate Rimac, has revealed that he wants to buy out Porsche’s stake in the joint venture.

If a deal like that were to go through, it would hand him full control over the company and the direction of both the Rimac and Bugatti brands, while potentially giving Porsche a welcome financial boost as it contends with declining sales.

Who Holds the Keys?

Rimac and Bugatti famously came together in 2021 through a complex tie-up where Porsche gave Mate Rimac control of Bugatti in return for a greater stake in the Rimac Group. As it stands, the Rimac Group owns 55 percent of Bugatti Rimac, with Porsche owning the remaining 45 percent.

Read: Rimac Might Buy Porsche Out And Take Over Bugatti

At the time of that original deal, Mate Rimac owned 37 percent of the Rimac Group, while Porsche held 24 percent, Hyundai 12 percent, and a mix of smaller investors made up the final 27 percent.

Mate Rimac has reportedly made a preliminary offer for Porsche’s 45 percent stake earlier this year, valuing the joint venture at over €1 billion or $1.1 billion. He now confirmed that he wants to take over the joint venture with the assistance of an unnamed international investor group and private equity funds.

The Next Move

“It’s no secret that we are in discussions,” he told Bloomberg. “I just want to be able to make long-term decisions, to make long-term investments, and to do things in a different way, without having to explain to 50 people. When you negotiate with a corporation, there are so many factors. It’s families, it’s multiple families. It’s an emotional topic.”

More: Porsche’s EV Plans Collapse, Flagship SUV To Launch With Gas Instead

Porsche had previously attempted to raise its share in the joint venture, but those plans ultimately fell through.

Now, with the German sports car maker facing a significant drop in sales this year, shelving projects such as the K1 SUV, and scaling back some of its electric vehicle ambitions, it may see this as the right moment to sell its stake in Bugatti Rimac.

It might look like something dreamt up by a designer with a fondness for sci-fi gadgets for teens, but Toyota’s FT-Me concept is more than a flight of fancy.

The pint-sized two-seater EV has taken a tangible step toward production, thanks to a £15 million ($20 million) grant from the UK government that could bring it to European and UK streets before long.

More: Toyota Teased A New Corolla Concept So Radical You’ll Struggle To Recognize It

The investment comes through the UK’s Drive35 program, managed by the non-profit Advanced Propulsion Centre. It will back a Toyota-led consortium including lightweight EV specialists ELM, solar-tech firm Savcor, and the University of Derby.

What’s the Plan?

At its core, the study aims to determine the feasibility of developing a battery electric vehicle designed for Europe’s L6e light quadricycle category, drawing direct inspiration from the FT-Me concept.

Research will take place at Toyota’s Burnaston facility in Derbyshire, while the University of Derby will handle performance testing. The Burnaston plant could even serve as the base for limited local production should the project move forward.

The research will cover the integrated solar roof that was developed by Savcor, enhanced digital connectivity, the extensive use of recycled and sustainable materials, plus the possibility of sharing components with ELM’s last-mile delivery vehicle that was introduced in 2024.

It is safe to assume that some of the concept’s features like the futuristic LEDs will be toned down, although its basic form could be carried over.

The FT-Me was introduced in concept form in March 2025, with clear intentions for production. The sub-2.5 m (98.4 inches) model could compete with quadricycles like the Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, Opel Rocks Electric, Renault Mobilize Duo, and Microlino, promising a 90% reduction in carbon footprint compared to urban EVs.

More: Dacia’s Tiny EV Declares War On Europe’s Overpriced Cars

Toyota estimates a range of 100 km (62 miles), that could be further extended by 20-30 km (12-19 miles) if enough sunlight hits the roof-mounted solar panels.

The L6e regulations require a maximum power output of 5 hp (4 kW) and a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph). On the bright side, light quadricycles can be driven by 14 year-olds in certain European markets.

Dariusz Mikolajczak, Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK, said:

“We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important study. The funding allows us to advance our understanding around the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle that addresses the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility. The study acknowledges TMUK’s overall project excellence and will further strengthen our members’ capabilities.”

Toyota hasn’t confirmed when the production-ready FT-Me will make its debut. The timeline depends on the results of the ongoing feasibility study, but if progress stays on course, the compact EV could begin appearing on UK roads within the next few years.

Toyota

Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.

AVON, Ohio – Every school day, more than 25 million students across the United States climb aboard a yellow school bus – the safest form of student transportation on the road. According to the American School Bus Council, riding a school bus is about 70 times safer than traveling by car, and no other mode – not planes, trains, or other transit systems – moves more passengers each day.

In support of 2025 National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 20-24), Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix) shares its ongoing work to help make an already safe form of student transportation even safer – through advanced vehicle technologies, driver and technician training, and close collaboration with manufacturers and school districts across North America.

National School Bus Safety Week is a public education program from the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) that promotes school bus safety. It occurs annually during the third full week of October.

“Our mission at Bendix is rooted in supporting the people and vehicles responsible for safely transporting students every day,” said Nicole Oreskovic, Bendix vice president of sales and marketing. “That means delivering the technologies that help protect passengers, empowering drivers with tools that support their work behind the wheel, and partnering with school districts and OEMs to keep safety evolving. It’s a responsibility we take seriously – and one that continues to drive innovation across our product portfolio.”

Air Disc Brake Advantage
Encouraging the use of proven vehicle safety technologies is a key part of efforts to enhance student transportation safety – and air disc brakes (ADBs) are increasingly a part of that equation. ADBs provide shorter stopping distances and smoother, more stable stops compared to drum brakes, while virtually eliminating brake fade – a critical advantage in stop-and-go routes and downhill applications.

“School transportation safety managers are recognizing the significant difference air disc brakes make,” said Keith McComsey, Bendix technical sales lead, Wheel-End. “Since we introduced the Bendix ADB22X air disc brake to the school bus market in 2008, adoption has continued to grow, with thousands of new school buses equipped each year.”

Beyond braking performance, ADBs at the wheel-ends help optimize the capabilities of higher-level safety systems. All major North American school bus manufacturers – including Blue Bird Corporation, Navistar’s IC Bus, and Thomas Built Buses – offer the Bendix ADB22X as a factory-installed option.

Driver Assistance Technologies Deliver Added Support
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are increasingly available on school buses, where they support drivers and enhance safety on the road.

One such technology is the Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program full-stability system. First introduced two decades ago, Bendix ESP uses sensors and advanced algorithms to help drivers potentially mitigate rollover and loss-of-control situations. It can function across a wide range of road and weather conditions – including dry, snowy, icy, and slippery surfaces – and can apply braking in ways beyond a driver’s capabilities. ESP also serves as the foundation for higher-level driver assistance systems.

Among those systems is Bendix Wingman Advanced – A Collision Mitigation Technology, which pairs radar with the ESP braking system to deliver active cruise control with braking. The system provides both alerts and active brake interventions that can help drivers potentially mitigate rear-end collisions. Another is Bendix Fusion, which “fuses” forward-facing radar, camera, and braking system data into a single platform. Fusion delivers advanced features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warnings – all designed to support drivers as they respond to changing traffic situations.

“Technologies like full stability and collision mitigation are effective tools that make a real difference on the road,” said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions. “Their importance is reflected in the ongoing advocacy of organizations such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and NAPT, both of which support the adoption of these technologies in school bus fleets.”

IC Bus became the first North American school bus manufacturer to offer collision mitigation as a standard feature in 2018, specifying Bendix Wingman Advanced on its CE Series and RE Series and offering Bendix Fusion as an option on the CE Series.

Bendix emphasizes that advanced technologies complement safe driving practices. No commercial vehicle safety technology, including Bendix safety technologies, replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driving training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times. Never wait for the system to intervene. Every driver should carefully review the operator’s manual and be trained by the fleet or vehicle owner on the proper operation and limitations of the ADAS system during operation.

Parking Smart and Safe
Another innovation enhancing school bus safety and driver convenience is the Bendix Intellipark Electronic Parking Brake. Intellipark helps mitigate rollaway crashes by automatically setting the parking brakes when system interlocks detect the driver may have forgotten to do so.

The system monitors critical inputs – such as foot brake status, accelerator pedal position, and wheel speed – to help determine when the vehicle should be parked. Intellipark replaces the traditional yellow push-pull dash valve with an easy-to-engage electronic switch that maintains the recognizable symbols while improving ergonomics and eliminating the “sting” associated with manual valves. Built-in LED indicators show the system’s status at a glance.

Thomas Built Buses was the first school bus manufacturer to offer Intellipark, beginning in 2021, as standard equipment on the Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric bus and as an option on the Saf-T-Liner C2 with diesel powertrains. Select IC Bus models also offer Intellipark, and additional manufacturers are working to make the technology available.

Training Keeps Safety Advancing
As school bus safety systems grow more sophisticated, keeping drivers and technicians informed and prepared is paramount. Bendix supports fleets and drivers through hands-on demonstrations, continuous education, and a variety of resources designed to sharpen skills and deepen understanding of how these technologies work in real-world conditions.

Resources include the Bendix YouTube channel and the brake-school.com training portal (offering no-charge access to a wide range of technical courses).

“We remain committed to working with OEMs, school districts, and transportation professionals to deliver the technologies, training, and tools needed to keep passengers safe,” Thomas said. “It’s a mission we’re proud to share – and one that students and families across the country rely on.”

An infographic illustrating key safety technologies for school buses accompanies this release.

About Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of Knorr-Bremse, develops and supplies leading-edge active safety technologies, energy management solutions, and air brake charging and control systems and components under the Bendix brand name for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. An industry pioneer, employing more than 3,600 people, Bendix is driven to deliver the best solutions for improved vehicle safety, performance, and overall operating cost. Contact us at 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit bendix.com. Stay connected and informed through Bendix expert podcasts, blog posts, videos, and other resources at knowledge-dock.com. Follow Bendix on X, formerly known as Twitter, at x.com/Bendix_CVS. Log on and learn from the Bendix experts at brake-school.com. And to learn more about career opportunities at Bendix, visit bendix.com/careers.

The post A Safer Road Ahead For School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — As districts nationwide prepare to observe National School Bus Safety Week (October 20–24, 2025), School Transportation Active-Threat Response Training (S.T.A.R.T.) is calling on school leaders to expand the definition of bus safety to include active threat preparedness.

The Ohio-based organization, which has trained thousands of drivers across multiple states including Ohio, Georgia, Tennessee, California, Illinois, and West Virginia, says too few of the nation’s 500,000 school bus drivers have been equipped to recognize warning signs or respond effectively during an active-threat situation.

“Traditional safety measures—like fire drills and evacuation plans—are important, but they don’t go far enough,” said Jim Levine, CEO of S.T.A.R.T. “Today’s threats are different, and drivers must be trained to detect early warning behaviors, stay calm under pressure, and make fast, informed decisions that protect the lives of the 25 million students they transport throughout our nation every day.”

S.T.A.R.T.’s evidence-based training program teaches drivers to identify concerning behavior, communicate effectively under stress, and execute safe, defensive maneuvers during crisis events. The hands-on curriculum was developed by active-duty and former law enforcement, crisis intervention specialists and mental health professionals and is already being adopted by districts of all sizes across the country.

This year’s campaign also comes at a crucial moment: the STOP School Violence Grant—funded by the U.S. Department of Justice—is now open for applications. The grant can help cover the cost of driver safety and active-threat training, allowing districts to strengthen their preparedness without straining local budgets.

“This is a rare and urgent opportunity,” Levine added. “Districts that act now can use STOP Grant funding to train their entire transportation workforce and make sure their drivers are prepared for real-world threats, not just theoretical ones.”

S.T.A.R.T. is encouraging districts to apply for STOP Grant funding before the October 27 submission deadline and to make active-threat response training a key component of their safety strategy. The STOP Grant was created to protect American children by funding evidence-based programs that prevent violence and strengthen school safety. S.T.A.R.T. (School Transportation Active-Threat Response Training) qualifies for the grant because it goes directly to the heart of that mission — providing bus drivers and aides with hands-on training to recognize and respond to potential threats.

For National School Bus Safety Week, S.T.A.R.T. will release daily safety tips, feature testimonials from trained drivers, and share district success stories on its website and social media channels.

“School bus safety must mean more than stop arms and flashing lights,” Levine said. “Preparedness is the new seatbelt — and it can save lives.”

About S.T.A.R.T.
Founded in 2015 and based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, S.T.A.R.T. (School Transportation Active-Threat Response Training) operates nationwide to prepare school transportation professionals to recognize, prevent, and respond to active threats on and around school buses. The multidisciplinary S.T.A.R.T. team includes active-duty and former law enforcement, SWAT, U.S. Secret Service personnel, crisis-intervention specialists, and mental-health professionals. Training is hands-on, scenario-based, and aligned with district policies and local laws to keep students and staff safe during transport. For more information, visit www.schoolbusstart.com.

The post S.T.A.R.T.™ Urges Nationwide Focus on Active Threat Preparedness Ahead of National School Bus Safety Week appeared first on School Transportation News.

Across the country, school districts are rethinking what it means to move students safely, efficiently and responsibly. For some, that includes exploring or expanding electric bus fleets. For others, it means keeping an eye on how technology and infrastructure evolve before making the switch.

When it comes to powertrain innovation, Thomas Built Buses meets both realities — designing solutions for those ready to make a switch today and learning alongside those who have already gone through the process.

From Insight to Innovation

When Thomas Built introduced the Saf-T-Liner^® eC2 Jouley^®, it marked a milestone — the company’s first Type C electric school bus became an early signal of its commitment to cleaner, smarter student transportation. But Jouley wasn’t just an innovation; it was a learning experience.

Years of real-world operation, supported by feedback from school districts, drivers, dealers and service teams, gave Thomas Built invaluable insight into what electrification looks like in practice — how buses perform in different environments, how charging infrastructure evolves and how drivers adapt to new technology.

That continuous feedback inspired the Saf-T-Liner^® eC2 Jouley^® Gen 2, released earlier this year — a reimagined version built on those lessons, delivering greater efficiency, serviceability and driving dynamics. And it was that same cycle of collaboration and learning that paved the way for Thomas Built’s next step forward: the Saf-T-Liner^® eHDX2 Wattson, the company’s first Type D electric school bus.

“Customer feedback has become one of our most valuable design tools,” says Kendra Eads, vice president of engineering at Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles, a division of Daimler Truck North America, which includes both Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC). “Every insight from the field helps us refine performance, comfort, driver experience, reliability and serviceability. Those real-world insights translate directly into real innovation.”

No One-Size-Fits-All

Every school district approaches electrification differently. Geography, fleet size, infrastructure and route patterns all play a role in determining what works — and what doesn’t. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Thomas Built has embraced flexibility, ensuring that both Jouley Gen 2 and the new eHDX2 Wattson are available to meet the unique needs of each customer.

With its sales and dealer teams serving as the “ears to the ground,” Thomas Built continually gathers input from the field — capturing what customers value most and where improvements can be made. That feedback moves directly into engineering and design, ensuring that every advancement — from ease of operation to serviceability — is informed by the people who rely on these buses every day.

Co-Creation in Motion

The development of Wattson became a true collaboration, fueled by the lessons learned from Thomas Built’s years of EV leadership with Jouley. Engineers worked hand in hand with districts and dealers to refine everything from torque response and drivability to serviceability and charging accessibility.

The result is a next-generation Type D electric bus that embodies Thomas Built’s learning-driven approach: pairing proven durability with cutting-edge EV technology. Features like the Accelera 14Xe e-Axle, 800-volt battery system and optional 20kW onboard charger reflect customer feedback around performance and infrastructure flexibility.

“Electrification isn’t static — it’s a journey,” adds Eads. “We’re still learning, and so are our customers. That’s what makes this work exciting. Each new model represents what we’ve learned together.”

A Balanced Path Forward

As national policies and state-level commitments shift, the future of electric school transportation remains fluid. Some districts are moving forward with confidence. Others are watching closely as funding and priorities evolve.

For Thomas Built Buses, that reality reinforces the importance of choice. The company continues to invest in advanced diesel, alternative fuels, and electric solutions alike — ensuring that every district, no matter where they are on their journey, can find the right fit for their needs.

With the introduction of Wattson, Thomas Built demonstrates that progress doesn’t mean abandoning practicality. It means offering solutions that balance innovation with reliability, vision with readiness and ambition with real-world application.

Because at the end of the day, the road ahead isn’t just about where the industry is headed — it’s about helping customers get there on their own timeline.

To learn more about the Saf-T-Liner^® eHDX2 Wattson and other Thomas Built Buses products, visit thomasbuiltbuses.com.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

The post Thomas Built Buses’ Customer-Driven Approach to Type D Electric Innovation appeared first on School Transportation News.

LIVONIA, Mich.— Boys and Girls Club of Martin County continues to prove the long-term value and reliability of propane bus transportation by operating the original Blue Bird Vision bus equipped with ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system. This first of its kind propane school bus has continually operated in the organization’s daily operation since 2014.

“Our decision to invest in propane technology stemmed from our commitment to environmental responsibility and economic efficiency,” said David Jones, facility manager of Florida’s Boys and Girls Club of Martin County. “We purchased our first propane bus from Florida Transportation Systems in 2014, and it has served as a critical component of our mission to provide after-school and summer programs for area youth.”

The 2012 model year bus, which first served as a demo bus for FTS, has accumulated 65,000 miles while maintaining performance. Due to the success of the first bus, the Boys and Girls Club purchased a second Blue Bird Vision Propane bus in 2015. Both propane buses operate daily, transporting up to 70 students per trip from local schools to club facilities throughout Martin County.

“Since the inception of ROUSH CleanTech 15 years ago, we’ve been working to create safe, reliable and environmentally friendly propane systems for school buses,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president of ROUSH CleanTech. “Seeing the enduring success of the Boys and Girls Club’s propane buses is a testament to the durability and value of propane technology in school transportation.”

The Boys and Girls Club maintains its propane buses through general maintenance protocols, with mechanical work performed at FTS. Propane fuel costs remain competitive, with on-site fueling provided through a contract with Palmdale Como.

Including this first propane bus off the production line, there are more than 23,000 propane school buses equipped with ROUSH CleanTech fuel systems operating across North America. These propane buses are saving school districts and operators more than $100 million annually in fuel costs while also significantly reducing harmful emissions for children, drivers and surrounding communities.

About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of advanced clean transportation solutions, is a division of the global engineering company Roush Enterprises. ROUSH CleanTech develops propane autogas technology for medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles and school buses. With more than 50,000 vehicles on the road, the Livonia, Michigan-based company delivers economical, emissions-reducing options for fleets across North America. Learn more at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.

The post First-Ever ROUSH CleanTech Propane Bus Efficiently Transporting Children Over a Decade Later appeared first on School Transportation News.

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