In one fell swoop, Polestar and Volvo have announced plans for two new models. Both will arrive before the end of the decade and be built at Volvo’s new manufacturing plant in Kosice, Slovakia.

Starting with Polestar, the brand has officially announced plans for an all-new model called the 7. It’s being billed as a premium compact crossover that will be launched in 2028.

More: Lucky Number 7? Polestar Pins Turnaround Hopes On Porsche Macan-Sized SUV

The company isn’t saying much about the model at this point, but confirmed it will use a “technology base from Volvo Cars, benefiting from group component sharing, cell-to-body technology with next-generation battery density and performance, as well as the next generation of in-house developed e-motors.”

Despite the heavy reliance on Volvo, Polestar said there will be a number of “adaptations” to deliver the performance and driving experience the brand is known for.

That’s not a lot to go on, but the company released a teaser image that shows the crossover under a sheet. While there isn’t much to see, the model will have an upright fascia with sizable lighting units. We can also see pronounced fenders and a prominent Polestar logo.

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said, “Working with Volvo Cars to develop and manufacture [the] Polestar 7 in Europe is a unique opportunity that will strengthen our position in our home market. Our strategy of utilizing Group architectures as the base for our future model lineup gives us access to the best, latest technologies, in a cost-efficient manner.”

He added the upcoming model will have sporty driving characteristics and a design that is instantly recognizable.

New Volvo Crossover Coming First

For their part, Volvo welcomed the news and confirmed the Polestar 7 will “follow a yet-to-be-announced, next-generation” model from the Swedish luxury brand. This means the mysterious Volvo should arrive before 2028, but the automaker didn’t give a timeline. However, Reuters is reporting “large-scale production” has been pushed back until early 2027.

While the company didn’t say much about their electric crossover, they confirmed the Polestar 7 will share a “common technology base with two forthcoming Volvo models, including the Volvo EX60.” It will be launched next year and ride on the new SPA3 platform, which will eventually underpin all future Volvos.

Volvo EX60

The EX60 is a mid-sized crossover and will be the first vehicle equipped with a multi-adaptive safety belt. It aims to provide better protection by “adapting to traffic variations and the person wearing it, thanks to real-time data from the car’s advanced sensors.” As part of this effort, it will factor in a person’s height, weight, body shape and seating position.

Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson said, “Our collaboration with Polestar on the development and manufacturing of the Polestar 7 underscores how Volvo Cars and Polestar continue to leverage synergies to efficiently deliver outstanding cars built for our distinct customer segments.” He added this “builds on the success of our joint efforts on the widely acclaimed Polestar 2 and Polestar 3.”

The Kosice plant is currently under construction and will be Volvo’s third manufacturing facility in Europe. It will cost around $1.4 (£1.0 / €1.2) billion and have an annual production capacity of up to 250,000 vehicles.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS was supposed to be a solid alternative to the Tesla Model S, having launched at a time when premium brands were doing everything they could to establish themselves in the EV market. However, its styling, defined by the ultra-aerodynamic “jelly bean” design, has long faced criticism, which has, in part, hindered the sales Mercedes had hoped for. Now, the automaker has admitted it missed the mark with the EQS.

Mercedes-Benz’s design chief, Gorden Wagener, recently admitted that the EQS might have been “probably 10 years too early” and acknowledged that the vehicle wasn’t marketed in the best way. While many view the EQS as an all-electric version of the S-Class, Mercedes insists that was never the intent. The EQS wasn’t meant to be a chauffeur-driven luxury sedan like its flagship counterpart, and its design reflects that difference.

Read: Next Mercedes S-Class To Offer EV And ICE, Making EQS Obsolete

“It’s a very, very progressive car and, of course, it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine,” Wagener explained to Autocar. “That was not the intention. Many people in this class expect a long hood [bonnet] and status from a chauffeur car, and the EQS is different there. It’s a completely different car. Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class Coupé or something like that.”

Efforts to Address the Design

In an attempt to make the EQS more traditional, Mercedes-Benz gave the car a subtle facelift last year, which included a redesigned grille. However, the egg-shaped design of the electric sedan remained unchanged.

As a result, Mercedes-Benz has decided there will be no second generation of the EQS. Instead, the company is planning to merge the S-Class and EQS into one model line that will offer both internal combustion engine and electric powertrains, similar to what BMW has done with the 7-Series and the i7.

This new combined model line may not arrive until 2030, meaning the EQS could remain in production for several more years. In the meantime, Mercedes-Benz will continue to update the EQS, with another comprehensive refresh expected as soon as next year. However, don’t expect major design changes, as the focus will likely be on refining the car’s features rather than overhauling its aesthetic.

While many still expect President Trump’s tariffs and the accompanying price increases to drag down new car sales across the U.S. this year, Ford’s latest data tells a different story. The company posted a strong first half, following the general market trend that saw sales increases across most major car makers.

Ford’s total U.S. deliveries climbed 6.6 percent year-over-year in the first half. However, this upward trend doesn’t extend to Ford’s electric vehicle lineup, which has seen a sharp drop in demand across several key models.

Electric Sales Lose Ground

Through the first six months of the year, Ford sold 21,785 units of the Mustang Mach-E in the States, a 2 percent decline from the 22,234 sold during the same period last year. More concerning is the model’s second-quarter performance. Between April and June, Ford delivered 10,178 Mach-Es, down 19.5 percent from the 12,645 sold in Q2 of the previous year.

Read: Ford Pulls Mustang Mach-E From Sale Over Dangerous Door Lock Flaw

The gas-powered Mustang hasn’t been immune to slowing demand either. Sales fell 14.2 percent in the first half of the year, totaling 23,551 units. However, in the second quarter, it regained some ground, with 14,174 units sold, an increase of 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year.

That uptick allowed the gas-powered Mustang to outsell its electric counterpart in Q2, even though it still trails in year-to-date totals.

Lightning and E-Transit See Steep Declines

Interest in the E-Transit has also dropped off a cliff. In the first half, sales are down 33.8 percent to 4,174, while in Q2, things were even worse. Ford sold just 418 E-Transits during Q2, down 87.7 percent from the year prior. Sales of the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning are also down, with 13,029 units sold this year, a drop of 16.7 percent. Sales declined by 26.1 percent in Q2 to 5,842 units sold, compared to 7,902 last year.

In total, Ford’s electric vehicle sales dropped 31.4 percent in the second quarter and 11.8 percent through the first half of the year. The good news for the company lies with hybrids, which are moving in the opposite direction. Hybrid sales rose 23.5 percent in Q2 to 66,448 units and are up 27.4 percent year-to-date, totaling 117,521.

Lincoln Sees Steady Growth

Lincoln also posted solid gains in the first half of the year, driven by strong demand for its SUV lineup. Total brand sales rose 12.8 percent year-over-year to 55,063 units, with a particularly strong showing in the second quarter, where sales climbed 31 percent to 31,332.

The Navigator stood out with an impressive 114.9 percent jump in Q2 sales, while the Aviator, Nautilus, and Corsair also posted double-digit increases. While Lincoln’s overall volume is modest compared to the Ford brand, its steady upward trend suggests growing interest in its premium offerings.

Strong Combustion and Hybrid Growth Balances Out EV Dip

Despite the sharp drop in EV sales, Ford and its Lincoln brand powered through, selling 1,113,386 vehicles in the US during the first half, a solid 6.6 percent increase over last year. The second quarter stood out with 612,095 new Ford and Lincolns finding buyers, marking a 14.2 percent jump from the previous year’s 536,050.

Ford USA Sales

Wagons may no longer be the default choice for families, but they’re far from forgotten. Skoda remains one of the few manufacturers still committed to the practical, low-slung appeal of the estate format, and it’s about to offer a glimpse of what’s next. At this September’s Munich Auto Show, the company will unveil an electric concept version of the next-gen Octavia Combi.

More: Your Insane Appetite For SUVs Is Killing Skoda’s Dreams Of Fun Sports Cars, But There’s Hope

The upcoming EV was first previewed in 2023 as a “spacious” electric estate, targeting families and business users. It’s expected to measure around 4.7 meters (185 inches) in length. At the time, Skoda also released renderings of a sculpture, hinting at the styling, featuring sharp lines, large wheels, and a sporty wagon silhouette.

Originally scheduled for release in 2026, the new Combi’s launch has been pushed closer to the end of the decade. According to a report from Autocar, the electric wagon will be based on Volkswagen Group’s SSP architecture, the same platform that will underpin the next-generation Volkswagen Golf.

Despite the focus on electrification, the new model won’t directly replace the current Octavia. Skoda plans to continue offering its internal combustion engine lineup, with gasoline, diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options for those not yet ready to switch to fully electric driving.

Strong Wagon Sales Keep ICE Alive

According to Auto News, the Octavia Combi remains Skoda’s best-selling model in Europe in 2025, even outperforming its hatchback counterpart. From January through May, the wagon version sold 81,353 units, despite a 21 percent drop compared to the same period last year.

The fourth generation of the Octavia was introduced in 2019 and received a mid-lifecycle update in 2024. Skoda will soon add a plug-in hybrid version to the facelifted lineup, giving more options to buyers. Given its continued popularity, it’s likely that the MQB-based Octavia will receive a second facelift before the end of the decade, keeping it in production well past 2030.

Skoda Sells More EVs In Europe Than Tesla

May proved to be a standout month for electric Skodas across Europe. The automaker delivered 14,290 electric vehicles, marking a 181 percent year-over-year increase. This was enough to surpass Tesla, placing Skoda second only to Volkswagen in EV sales for the month. Much of this growth is credited to the addition of the Elroq SUV, which joined the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe in the brand’s electric lineup.

More: Skoda’s €25K Crossover Could Knock BMW Out Of Europe’s Top Three

Looking forward, Skoda has several more EVs in the pipeline. In 2026, the company plans to introduce the Epiq, a compact electric SUV built on the same platform as the VW ID.2 and Cupra Raval. Targeting a starting price of €25,000, the Epiq will serve as an EV alternative to the Fabia, Scala, and Kamiq models, which will remain available with combustion engines for the foreseeable future.

Also expected in 2026 is the production version of the Vision 7S concept, a larger electric SUV positioned above the Elroq and Enyaq. Once launched, it will sit alongside the ICE-powered Kodiaq in Skoda’s SUV portfolio.

Honda saw its sales increase in the United States through the first six months of the year. Sales data shows that some of the brand’s long-standing models are continuing to sell well, while some newer additions to the Honda range are also proving popular, including the updated Odyssey, Passport, and the all-electric Prologue.

Starting with the Prologue, a total of 2,799 examples found new homes in June. This represented a massive 237.2 percent spike from the 830 sold in June 2024. Year-to-date sales have also jumped by a huge 963 percent from 1,535 examples to 16,318 through the first half of 2025.

Read: 2025 Honda Prologue Gains Strength And Endurance, Can Now Travel 308 Miles

However, while the Prologue is selling well compared to the same period last year, it’s not smashing monthly sales records. In fact, in November 2024 alone, Honda sold 6,823 Prologues in the United States as shoppers rushed to get their hands on the new model. Additionally, the Prologue has been Honda’s lowest-selling model through the first half of 2025. Evidently, a large proportion of Honda buyers remains uninterested in an electric SUV, but the trend is still positive.

Sales of the Honda Passport are proving particularly strong this year. 4,433 were sold this June, a 67.7 percent rise from the 2,644 sold in June 2024. Year-to-date sales are also up 66.1 percent to 27,068 from 16,293. Honda didn’t break down how many of the Passports sold were the older model, and how many were for the 2026 version, which started to arrive at dealerships in February.

Honda USA Sales

Honda’s Odyssey is also performing well. It was updated roughly twelve months ago, and through the first half, 50,033 were sold, a 27.4 percent rise from last year. Sales soared 38.1 percent in June to 9,542.

In total, Honda managed to sell 670,765 vehicles in the first half of 2025, a 7.1 percent rise. In June, it sold 103,574, a 1.2 percent rise. Over at Acura, its year-to-date sales increased by 6.8 percent to 68,386, while in June, 10,912 new Acura models were sold, equating to a 5.4 percent rise.

Rally successes in the 1950s, ’60s, and early ’70s helped put Alpine on the map, and now the brand has released the competition-ready A290 Rallye to remind us that going electric is no barrier to sending mud, snow, and gravel flying.

Related: The Man Behind Ferrari’s SF90 Is Now Building Alpine’s SF90 Rival

The Rallye isn’t some wild Group B-style monster, but an entry-level rally car that’s eligible for entry in local competitions. So it sticks fairly close to the road-going A290 hot hatch, which together with its Renault 5 brother pulled off a victory in the 2025 Car of The Year competition.

Powertrain Tweaks and Track-Focused Hardware

That means it has a single motor under the hood that sends the same 217 hp (220 PS / 160 kW) to the front wheels as the top-spec production A290 (the entry-level road car makes do with 178 hp / 180 PS / 132 kW). But the ponies reaching those wheels are now dished out by a ZF mechanical limited-slip differential, and the rest of the chassis features some key upgrades that ought to keep it on the wiggly and narrow.

ALP Racing Suspension shocks control wheel and body movements, the 18×8-inch Evo Corse wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A tires, and the front brakes are upgraded from 320 mm rotors and four-piston callipers to 350 mm discs and six pots. Alpine’s engineers have also tweaked the ABS setup and fitted a hydraulic handbrake to boost agility on hairpin bends.

Purpose-Built for the Stage

FIA compliance and common sense mean the Rallye has Sabelt bucket seats and a welded roll cage, but there’s one more tweak that’s got nothing to do with safety and everything to do with putting on a good show for watching rally fans.

The A290 already features a synthesised soundtrack, but for the Rallye Alpine, a new external sound generator was developed that emits noises which change depending on the EV’s speed and throttle position.

Price, Availability, and What Comes Next

The €59,990 (equal to about £51,900 / $70,800) price puts it at the accessible end of the customer rally car scale, although it’s still 40 percent more expensive than a stock A290 with the more powerful of the two available motors. But besides the upgrades, you’re also buying an A290 that is hand-built in the competition workshop at Alpine’s Jean Rédélé factory in Dieppe.

Alpine is unveiling its first electric racer aimed at private customers at the Rallye Rouergue Rodez Aveyron Occitanie this weekend, after which it’ll be trucked to the UK for an appearance at Goodwood, followed by a showing at the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine.

Furthermore, A290 Rallye buyers will get the chance to compete in a one-off event in France later this year, which Alpine promises will be backed by technical support and, just as importantly, a specific charging infrastructure.

Alpine

Lancia spent years as one of Europe’s weakest car brands, with a bare-bones lineup and almost no sales outside Italy. Its outdated third-generation Ypsilon clung to life for 14 years before finally being replaced last year. Now, under Stellantis, the brand is showing signs of revival. A higher-performance Ypsilon HF has just launched, but something more exciting is already on the horizon.

In a press release earlier this week tied to the launch of the Ypsilon Rally6 race car, Lancia quietly revealed plans to revive what is arguably its most iconic nameplate: HF Integrale. Likely because the project is still in its early stages, Lancia’s revelation was short on details, but it did confirm the name will be used on the new Gamma and Delta.

Read: One Lancia Ypsilon HF Is Fast The Other Just Pretends

“HF will become the defining feature of all the high-performance versions within the new Lancia lineup,” the automaker confirmed, “today on the Ypsilon model and soon to appear in 2026 on the upcoming Gamma and Delta with the ‘HF Integrale’ label.”

Integrale, But With A Twist

Importantly, the HF Integrale versions of the new Gamma and Delta won’t mirror the original Delta HF Integrale. In its first generation form (and not the one that followed), that car earned its reputation in the World Rally Championship, powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The upcoming Delta, by contrast, is expected to be an electric vehicle, which, yes, may disappoint some purists.

According to a report from Autocar, the new Delta will be a sibling to the Vauxhall Mokka and is expected to ride on Stellantis’ CMP platform. While this architecture supports both internal combustion and electric powertrains, only high-performance EVs have been released on it so far, such as the new Lancia Ypsilon HF and the Peugeot e-208 GTI

If the Delta HF Integrale shares the same setup, it would likely feature a single electric motor producing 280 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque.

As for the Gamma, Lancia hasn’t revealed much. An HF Integrale version hasn’t been shown yet, and even the standard model is still under wraps. What we do know is that Lancia teased it late last year and confirmed it will be available as both a hybrid and an EV. More specifics will likely follow as the 2026 launch approaches.

Earlier this year, Mercedes announced plans for two new vans called the VLE and VLS. At the time, the company said they would ride on their new van platform and sit at the “top-end of its model portfolio.”

Fast forward to today and Mercedes has released the first official pictures of the VLE. It’s expected to replace the V-Class and be a more luxurious version of the next-generation Vito.

More: Mercedes Teases Future Electric Vans With VAN.EA Prototypes

The company didn’t say much about the van, but the VLE features a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by large headlights. We can also see a wide lower intake as well as a short hood.

Elsewhere, there’s a rakish windscreen that flows into a gently sloping roof. Designers also gave the model slab-sided bodywork and flush-mounted door handles. They’re joined by a surprisingly compact greenhouse as the beltline is significantly higher than on the V-Class.

There isn’t much to see out back, but the van has a sizable spoiler and vertical taillights, which are temporary placeholders for the production units. The model also has a plain rear bumper and a huge liftgate.

While Mercedes isn’t saying much, the automaker confirmed two prototypes traveled 677 miles (1,090 km) from Stuttgart to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops. The company went on to note this was harder than it sounds as the route included “winding, steep mountain passes through the Alps, long highway stretches, busy rural roads, and tight city streets.” Speaking of the latter, the firm said rear axle steering came in handy as it allowed for greater maneuverability in urban environments.

Little is known about the VLE at this point, but the automaker previously said their upcoming vans will ride on the VAN.EA architecture and offer front- and all-wheel drive. They’ll also have 800V technology, a 22 kW AC charger, and the latest version of the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System.

We can also expect “well over” 311 miles (500 km) of range as well as a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. A Level 3 system is slated to arrive by the end of the decade and make long trips even more relaxing.

Despite not revealing much, Mercedes confirmed the VLE will be able to seat up to eight people. The company said this will make it ideal for families as well as use as a VIP shuttle. The VLS, on the other hand, will “define a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury.”

Marketing hyperbole aside, Mercedes confirmed plans to offer electric midsize vans in Canada, China, and the United States. These will be passenger-focused models known as “Grand Limousines,” instead of commercial vehicles like the Vito.

Mercedes is working on a facelifted C-Class and they’re also gearing up to introduce a fully electric variant. However, the two models will have little in common besides the name.

Speaking of which, the car will likely be known as the C-Class with EQ Technology. While that’s far from catchy, the model has a fully enclosed grille and a slender central intake. We can also see sweptback headlights, but they’re temporary units that will likely be replaced by starry production lights.

More: 2026 Mercedes-AMG C-Class EV Takes Aim At Tesla Model 3 Performance

Moving further back, there’s streamlined bodywork and flush-mounted door handles. The electric sedan also has an upward sweeping beltline that echoes the one found on the EQE and EQS. We can also see stylish two-tone wheels and thick side skirts, which help to hide the car’s battery pack.

While spy photographers have caught multiple prototypes over the past year, this one is notable for having a production rear end. It features an angular trunk with an integrated spoiler. We can also see circular starry taillights, similar to those found on the CLA. They’re joined by a rounded bumper that looks rather plain.

Baldauf

Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside this time, but previous pictures have shown the car will have a high-tech interior that follows in the footsteps of the CLA. This likely means we can expect a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display.

While that remains to be seen, the cabin sports a stylish steering wheel and slender air vents. We can also see an in-cabin camera as well as a minimalist design that largely eschews physical switchgear.

SH Proshots

Mercedes has been tight-lipped about the car, but it rides on the new MB.EA platform and will likely have a lot in common with the GLC EV. This means we can expect an 800-volt architecture as well as DC fast charging rates in excess of 320 kW.

Rear- and all-wheel drive powertrains are expected and we can also look forward to a standard heat pump. The car could also have advanced batteries with a special cell chemistry as well as a new braking system that combines the brake booster, master cylinder, and the electronic stability control system into one compact module.

Baldauf

Electric or not, Mercedes-AMG’s latest concept makes a strong first impression. The AMG Concept GT XX doesn’t just aim to keep up with combustion-powered predecessors; it wants to make sure you hear and feel every bit of its presence.

Strongly hinting at a production car that may launch in 2026, it boasts 1,341 horsepower (1,000 kW), four doors, and a top speed of 223 mph (359 km/h). That’s not all, though, because we know it’ll also come with fake sounds. Now, in a new interview, we’re learning more about that and new insights on how AMG will evoke emotion from its drivers.

More: AMG Is Ditching Its Hated Four-Cylinder C63 For Something Much Better

From the outset, Mercedes-AMG confirmed that the production car, likely the next AMG GT 4-Door, will have speakers to make engine noises. Sure, placing them at the front of the car in the headlights does seem a bit odd, but we digress. We’ve actually heard the fake engine noises already, too. They’re the main feature in a new Instagram post from Mercedes.

Engineering Emotion

That said, tech chief of Mercedes AMG, Markus Schäfer, is still dropping new information in an interview with Autocar. There, he says that evoking emotion is a paramount concern for AMG.

“How does the car feel in terms of noise, in terms of sound level, in terms of the vibration, in terms of the gearshift?,” he asked. “It has to touch the emotional side of you. And if it doesn’t, it doesn’t do the job. This is what AMG cars do, and that’s exactly what we transferred piece by piece into this AMG GT XX.”

Apparently, Mercedes is taking this lightly. “It has to be authentic when it comes to power and drivability and track performance,” Schäfer remarked, “but the AMG is also an emotional experience from an acoustic standpoint, from noise and vibration harshness, and that’s exactly what you should expect in this car as well.”

At this point, it’s fair to expect the first all-AMG EV to rumble, shake during simulated gear shifts, and deliver a soundtrack that mimics the drama of a combustion engine. That actually sounds pretty promising. Interestingly, it’s also not far off from what Hyundai has already achieved with the well-received Ioniq 5 N.

Ultimately, this shouldn’t be all that shocking. Whether electric vehicles end up taking over or not (ed’s note: they likely will, since automakers have already invested too much and will want to recoup it), they’re a part of the auto industry for the foreseeable future. It’s also pretty clear that they have enormous performance potential. Still, a brand like AMG would be putting itself at great risk by not at least planning for what EV models would look like. By extension, that same logic applies to how an AMG EV would sound and feel.

Thankfully, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N proves that an EV can indeed be genuinely fun. If a Korean automaker, mostly known for everyday people carriers, can manage it, surely AMG can too. We can’t wait to see and, more importantly, experience whatever it dreams up. 

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As Rivian prepares to kick off production of its more affordable R2 series next year, it is making some tough staffing decisions . More than 100 salaried employees at its Normal, Illinois, facility are being let go, with most of the cuts affecting the manufacturing team.

While the layoffs are part of the company’s broader effort to streamline operations, the news has opened the door for another electric vehicle startup to step in. Scout Motors, a new EV brand launched by Volkswagen in the US market, is taking advantage of the opportunity. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, it is actively courting the newly displaced talent.

As Autoblog noticed, shortly after the layoffs were announced, Scout Motors’ head of logistics, Jacopo Marzetti, took to LinkedIn to express support for the affected Rivian workers, encouraging them to consider applying for positions at Scout. While Rivian hasn’t disclosed the exact number of job cuts, TechCrunch reports that around 140 positions are being eliminated and can, therefore, apply for a job at Scout.

Read: These Are The New Scout Terra Truck And Traveler SUV

According to Rivian, the layoffs are being made “as part of an ongoing effort to improve operational efficiency for R2.” Crain’s Chicago Business adds that “affected employees are eligible for rehire and encouraged to apply to other open positions within Rivian.”

A look at Scout Motors’ career page reveals it has 133 current vacancies. Some of these positions are crucial in engineering, focusing on body systems, drive systems, and energy systems. It’s also seeking vehicle software and electrical engineering staff, as well as specialists in logistics.

Most of the positions are in Columbia, South Carolina, the location of Scout’s forthcoming factory. There are also several positions available in Fremont, California, as well as at the brand’s innovation center in Novi, Michigan.

Shared DNA, but Key Differences

Former Rivian employees will bring valuable expertise to the Scout brand. Just like Rivian did, Scout is launching with an electric pickup and an electric SUV. However, the VW-owned brand is also readying range-extended models, something that Rivian doesn’t do. Even so, like Rivian, Scout’s models promise to be rugged and perfect for those with an adventurous spirit.

A key differentiator will be price. The Scout models will be priced from as low as $50,000 after incentives. By comparison, the Rivian R1T and R1S start at $69,900 and $75,900, respectively.

A decade ago, Honda and Sony partnering with each other would have resulted in a Gran Turismo concept at best. However, today it has translated into the sleek-looking Afeela Joint EV project. But there’s one problem: before even selling a single car, Sony Honda Mobility has posted an operating loss of approximately $362 million (¥52 billion).

It’s not just a matter of pre-launch development expenses either. According to recently released financial disclosures, losses more than doubled compared to last year’s ¥20.5 billion deficit, highlighting just how expensive it is to play catch-up in the premium EV market. Set to debut later this year, the Afeela will command a starting price of $89,900, a clear sign of the market positioning the joint venture targets, but also underscoring the challenges of recouping such heavy upfront investments.

A Challenging Entry

Any new car launch is going to incur losses to begin with; that’s practically a given. And with Honda and Sony’s war chest seemingly well-stocked (combined, the two Japanese companies pocketed over ¥2.6 trillion in operating profit last fiscal year), it’s unlikely that the project will put either at financial risk.

Read: Watch Sony Exec Drive Afeela EV With A PlayStation Controller

But the market Afeela will be entering won’t be without its hurdles. Analysts suggest that luxury electric vehicles, while highly attractive to premium buyers, typically come with high development costs: think extensive R&D, complex software integrations, and the pricey task of prototype building. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Tatsuo Yoshida points out that although the high sticker price of the Afeela aims to offset these expenses, fully covering these substantial costs through sales alone might prove challenging.

Late To The Party

Adding to the complexity, the Afeela will launch into a market where Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and other established players already dominate (and that’s without mentioning the Chinese, of course…) , making Sony and Honda’s mission to carve out their own niche all the more difficult. But both companies remain confident, banking on a combination of Honda’s proven engineering expertise and Sony’s strength in software and entertainment tech to win over buyers.

Whether the Afeela becomes a hit or remains an ambitious footnote, the venture highlights one thing clearly: even for giants like Sony and Honda, the transition to electric luxury is neither cheap nor easy.

As demand patterns shift in the auto industry, the tension between future-focused electric vehicles and proven combustion models continues to shape manufacturing plans.

Toyota has always been a strong believer in that a multi-energy approach is best, which is why you’ll find EVs, hydrogen fuel-cell cars and combustion models in its showrooms. But the brand is experiencing such a massive demand for one particular ICE SUV it was forced to press pause on a planned new EV to make room.

Related: Akio Toyoda Says EVs Are Dirtier Than You Think

An electric SUV that was to be built at the automaker’s Princeton, Indiana, plant from 2027 now won’t start rolling off the line until 2028, according to a Bloomberg report. And that line has been switched to Toyota’s Georgetown site, where another EV will start production in the back end of 2026, around six months later than planned.

This is bad news for EV fans, but could be good news for anyone looking to buy a Grand Highlander in the next couple of years.

There are a couple of reasons for the delay and switcheroo, one of which is that EV sales haven’t taken off in the way Toyota – and every other automaker – thought they might. Although the brand’s own bZ4X had a great first quarter, and the facelifted model, now called simply bZ, is a much stronger proposition, the overall US EV market is growing at a slower rate than in previous years.

Hybrids and Gas Models Are Still Pulling Ahead

And going hand-in-hand with that is the much faster growth being experienced by the hybrid segment and the continued appeal of simple gas cars, trucks and SUVs. Toyota’s Grand Highlander – which is available in gas and hybrid forms – has proved such a hit with buyers that the automaker desperately needs to make more of them.

The Grand Highlander was Toyota’s second-best-selling non-truck model in June, deliveries jumping 92 percent when, at the same time, even the number one spot RAV4 was down 4.5 percent.

The rush to pick up one of the midsize SUVs left dealers with just a three-day supply at the end of that month, Bloomberg reports, and switching production of the delayed-to-’28 EV will ensure Toyota has plenty of spare Grand Highlander capacity at Georgetown going forward.

Toyota

Electric models play a growing role in Kia’s global strategy, and the company has built a reputation for crafting some of the most compelling EVs in the business. But in the States, that reputation isn’t quite translating to strong sales this year.

Read: Kia Sold Just 37 EV9s In May, But A Gas Sedan Is On Fire

While Kia’s overall numbers are up, its two flagship electric models are moving in the opposite direction. Both the EV6 and EV9 saw steep drops in sales. The absence of the smaller EV5 and EV3 from North American showrooms may be starting to feel like a missed opportunity.

Electric Sales Hit a Wall

The latest sales data reveal that Kia sold 4,938 examples of the EV9 in the United States in the first six months of the year. That’s a massive drop of nearly 49% from the 9,671 sold over the same period in 2024. Things were no better in June, with just 913 new EV9s finding homes across the country, down 52% compared to the 1,905 sold in June 2024.

The EV6’s performance is also on a downward spiral. Year-to-date, sales are down 46%, with 5,875 units sold compared to 10,941 in H1 2024. Things were particularly bad in June. While 2,171 Kia EV6s were sold in June 2024, only 680 were delivered the same month this year, a devastating decline of 69%.

While we suspect some Kia executives may be worried about these numbers, especially given the looming end of the federal tax credits at the end of September, they can at least celebrate a strong start to 2025 across the rest of its range.

Gasoline Models Pick Up the Slack

Despite the dip in EV sales, Kia’s broader lineup has helped the brand start 2025 on a high note. Total U.S. sales reached 416,511 units through June, up 8 percent from 386,460 in the first half of 2024. That momentum slowed slightly in June itself, with 63,849 vehicles sold compared to 65,929 a year ago.

The standout so far has been the K5 sedan. Kia has moved 34,565 K5s this year, up from 12,807 cars sold in the first half of 2024. That’s a nearly threefold increase, giving the once-overlooked midsize sedan some well-deserved attention.

The Carnival minivan also got a sizable boost. Sales are up 57 percent to 33,152 units, from 21,083 at this point last year. The Telluride, one of Kia’s most in-demand models, has climbed 15 percent to 61,502 units from 53,700. And the Sportage continues to hold its title as Kia’s top seller in the United States, with sales growing 9 percent year-over-year, reaching 87,172 units.

KIA US SALES

Porsche may be getting ready to reverse course on one of its biggest bets. A new report suggests the automaker is reconsidering its decision to retire the internal combustion version of the Macan, its best-selling crossover. Not long ago, the company was confidently signaling the end of the gas-powered Macan. Now, that stance appears to be shifting.

We’ve heard rumors that this could happen already this year. Lutz Meschke, Porsche’s Chief Financial Officer stated in January that, “We are exploring the possibility of equipping some of the originally planned electric models with hybrid drives or internal combustion engines in the future.” Now, his words have sparked further investigation and one publication says an announcement could come soon.

More: Porsche Testing 2026 Cayenne EV In Two Different Chilli Strengths

Here’s what Car Magazine says about the situation. “A combustion version – presumably sharing underpinnings with the new Audi Q5 – would most likely take three years to develop, meaning a long absence from the market of one of Porsche’s biggest sellers. An announcement is expected in March.” Sure, that’s months away, but these things take time.

If true, it would mean Porsche working hard between now and then to revamp its plans. Announcing a new Macan ICE in March of 2026 could also have the benefit of making its launch feel closer. No doubt, if Porsche does decide to go this route, and all indications are that it’s at least considering it, we could see test mules before the end of the year.

With the latest Audi Q5 already on the road, Porsche wouldn’t be starting from scratch. Sharing a platform could accelerate development and help control costs. The real challenge will be figuring out how to keep Macan customers engaged in the meantime.

Macan EV Holds Its Own, for Now

That’ll be the toughest hurdle but the Macan EV isn’t exactly a flop. Porsche sold 18,278 of them in the final quarter of 2024. While regulation in Europe spelled the demise of the Macan ICE, it’s encouraging for Porsche that the EV version made up 66 percent of the model’s sales for the year.

That’s an encouraging sign, though the company is clearly watching what happens next. Models like the Taycan have shown how EV sales can soften over time. The task now is to maintain momentum while preparing for a possible return to combustion.

Any investors praying Tesla’s awful sales performance in the first quarter of 2025 was merely a blip have just had their hopes dashed. The troubled automaker announced its Q2 numbers and they show an even bigger year-over-year decline than the ones covering January to March.

Also: A Model Y Drove 30 Minutes To Deliver Itself To Its New Owner

Global deliveries declined 14 percent in Q2, falling from 410,244 to 384,122, making the most recent quarter’s performance marginally worse than Q1’s. For that period Tesla recorded a 13 percent drop after sales sunk by 50,000 to 336,681 units.

Sales Still Centered on Model 3 and Model Y

Tesla didn’t offer a complete breakdown of its Q2 numbers by model or region, but it did reveal that the Model 3 and Model Y accounted for practically all of its sales. The automaker delivered 373,728 Model 3 and Y EVs, and only 10,394 of its other cars, which include the Model S, Model X and Cybertruck, combined. The electric automaker also said it produced over 410,000 vehicles of all types.

Although delivery figures aren’t exactly the same as sales numbers, they’re close enough to give us a solid idea of the problems faced by Tesla, and the buying public’s apathy for its cars. Those problems include widespread dislike of Tesla CEO Elon Musk due to his vocal right-wing opinions and association with DOGE and the Trump administration, which is one of the reasons sales have cratered in Europe in recent months.

TESLA Q2 SALES

Intensifying Competition in China and Beyond

And in China, a key market for Tesla, the American brand is battling against a slew of hi-tech rivals that seem intent on pushing prices downwards to the detriment of profitability. Some of those same Chinese rivals are also now causing Tesla problems in other markets. In April BYD sold more EVs than Tesla in Europe, where the Model Y and 3 are struggling to regain their sales form despite recent facelifts.

Although Tesla’s Q2 performance looks dire, the figures aren’t as bad as some analysts had feared. And Deepwater Asset Management’s Gene Munster predicted the quarter represented a bottoming out for Tesla, which could bounce back in future periods, CNBC reports. Tesla will announced its complete Q2 financial results on July 23.

For much of the past year, Tesla sales have been consistently dropping across major European markets. Unsurprisingly, this downward trend is continuing, although there has been some welcome reprieve for Tesla in a handful of markets thanks to the arrival of the heavily updated ‘Juniper’ Model Y.

The good news for Tesla starts in Norway. In June, Tesla sales jumped 54 percent in the country. The arrival of the new Model Y was a major boost, with registrations increasing 115.3 percent to 5,004 units. Similarly, Tesla sales rose by a considerable 60.7 percent in Spain to 2,632 units. This was also largely down to the new Model Y, with its sales rising 127.2 percent to 1,179 units. Sales in Portugal also rose 7.3 percent.

Read: Europe Keeps Buying More EVs Just Not From Tesla

Despite these strong-performing markets, there was a bloodbath in many other countries. In Sweden, things were particularly bad, with Tesla scoring a 64.4 percent decline last month compared to June 2024. As noted by Reuters, sales in Denmark have also collapsed by 61.6 percent. Despite the new Model Y now being available in Denmark, sales of Tesla’s best-selling model still dropped 31.2 percent to 1,155 units.

Other countries followed the same trend. In France, Tesla sales are down 10 percent, while in Italy, they fell by 66 percent.

Schmidt Automotive reports that Tesla has endured six year-on-year losses in quarterly new registration volumes across Western Europe, and is now staring down a seventh. Tesla’s share of the EV market shrank across the region to 7.2 percent in May, down from the 12.6 percent share it had in May 2024.

While Tesla CEO Elon Musk is no longer a special government employee under the Trump administration, it seems his involvement in politics is still having a major impact on European car shoppers. In addition, an ever-growing number of EVs from China are making their way to local shores, stealing market share from Tesla.

How does an almost unknown brand launch a supercar in 2025? Well, Oilstainlab thinks it has the answer with its HF-11, a mid-engined beast to be sold as an ICE and an EV, complete with a design that looks like a mix between a Porsche 911 and an Aston Martin Valkyrie. Several months after the car was first announced, some enticing powertrain specs have seen the light of day.

Oilstainlab names the likes of the Porsche Carrera GT, Sauber C9, and Gordon Murray T.50 as competitors for the HF-11. So, it’s no surprise that it’s working on some very exciting powertrains for it. Those who want an ICE will have a choice between a 4.6-liter flat-six or a larger 5.0-liter flat-six, both of which will be mid-mounted right behind the carbon fiber passenger cell.

Read: See Photos Of The $2.3M Oilstainlab Half-11 That Looks Like A Porsche Gone Wild

The “entry-level” 4.6-liter model will pump out 600 hp, a very solid figure considering the car only weighs 2,000 lbs or 910 kg. But, 600 hp is nothing compared to what the 5.0-liter model will have. According to the firm, it’ll have a whopping 1,200 hp, presumably achieved through a pair of turbochargers bolted to the flat-six.

Despite the flagship engine’s big displacement, considering it only has six cylinders, it’ll reportedly rev all the way to 12,000 rpm. When combined with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed sequential, this engine should make the HF-11 an absolute animal capable of proper hypercar speeds. Both ICE versions will be rear-wheel drive.

Oilstainlab is also developing an all-electric version. It will pack around 850 hp, and customers will be able to order both the ICE and electric powertrains, as they’re switchable via a subframe swap.

The small American company plans to build just 25 examples of the HF-11. The standard model will cost around $1.85 million, but those wanting both the ICE and electric powertrains will need to cough up $2.3 million.

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The Lyriq has been a bright spot for Cadillac, but it had a dismal second quarter as sales tumbled 31.2% to 5,017 units. This followed a disappointing first quarter and year-to-date sales are down 28.8% to 9,317.

That’s a disappointing showing, but nearly 25% of Cadillacs sold in the first half of the year were electric. That figure was the “highest among full-line luxury brands” and Cadillac was the “luxury EV market share leader” in the second quarter.

Review: Is Cadillac’s New Vistiq The Baby Escalade You’ve Been Waiting For?

While the Lyriq got the short end of the stick, the company pointed to “strong initial demand” for the Optiq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ. The Optiq racked up 3,224 sales, while the Vistiq found 1,744 takers. Cadillac also delivered 1,810 Escalade IQs, which start at $130,090 for 2025.

Despite modest sales, more EVs are coming including the Lyriq-V, Optiq-V, and Escalade IQL. The latter arrives this summer and begins at $132,795. That’s pretty expensive, but the luxury SUV has 460 miles (740 km) of range as well as a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 4.7 seconds.

Elsewhere in the lineup, the gas-powered Escalade was the biggest seller as consumers snapped up 11,692 units. That was an increase of 16.1% and the boost was likely aided by a rather significant facelift.

The XT4 was off 22.2%, while the XT5 and XT6 saw slight gains. Unfortunately, all three models are getting old at this point and the three-row crossover has a date with the undertaker – at least in North America.

Last but not least, Cadillac sedans saw mixed news. The CT5 was up 9% to 4,187 units, while the CT4 crashed 19.1% to 1,430 units.

Cadillac US Sales

Mitsubishi’s European return is starting to take shape in unexpected yet practical ways. After announcing its retreat from the region in 2020 due to mounting losses, the brand has quietly shifted gears. Now, five years later, Mitsubishi is expanding its presence across Europe by tapping into its alliance with Renault, opting for strategic efficiency over in-house development.

More: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Returns But It’ll Be As Japanese As A Croissant

That partnership began with the Mitsubishi Colt and ASX, which are essentially Renault Clio and Captur models with new badges. The next phase arrives in September with a fully electric successor to the Eclipse Cross, sharing its platform with the Renault Megane E-Tech crossover.

Following that, Mitsubishi plans to launch a more family-focused model called the Grandis, based on the Renault Symbioz, before the end of the year.

Building Identity in a Shared Platform World

There’s understandable skepticism around badge engineering, but Mitsubishi isn’t ignoring the criticism. Frank Krol, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, addressed this in a conversation with Auto News. He said the upcoming Eclipse Cross EV will be “much more Mitsubishi” than previous rebadged efforts.

He also emphasized the brand’s intention to bring more own-developed models to Europe. At the moment, the Outlander PHEV is the only vehicle that fits that description.

Still, Krol hinted at another stage of Mitsubishi’s collaboration with Renault for the near future. While he didn’t get into details, this could be a new model based on the next generation of the Renault Clio that is expected to debut before the end of 2025.

Mitsubishi’s target is to grow annual European sales to between 75,000 and 80,000 units, up from 60,879 in 2024. That figure already represented a 44 percent increase over 2023, largely driven by the strong performance of the Renault-derived Colt and ASX.

The Problem And A Possible Answer

Despite some encouraging progress, Mitsubishi’s Renault-based models haven’t been able to offset recent losses. Between January and May 2025, the brand saw a 29 percent drop in European sales. Much of that decline stems from the discontinuation of the Space Star (Mirage) and Eclipse Cross, both of which were pulled from the market after falling short of updated safety regulations.

More: Mitsubishi’s American EV Will Be A Nissan In Disguise

The departure of the Space Star is especially significant. In 2024, it made up 39 percent of Mitsubishi’s European sales, occupying the crucial entry-level spot in the lineup. Without a replacement in the city car segment, the brand faces a clear gap in its offering.

Kei Cars in Europe? Not So Simple

One potential fix could lie in a European take on Japan’s kei car segment, an idea floated by Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and former Renault CEO Luca de Meo. For Mitsubishi, this approach would tap into its deep kei car know-how without requiring heavy investment in Europe-only models.

As Krol put it, “That would be a good tool to ramp up this industry in terms of electrification.” Still, he was quick to add that bringing kei cars to Europe “sounds easier than it is,” hinting at the regulatory and market hurdles involved.

Mitsubishi is currently active in 20 European markets, with two more under review. That’s a notable drop from the 32 markets it covered in 2019, a decline largely tied to the withdrawal of the L200 pickup from the region. According to Krol, reintroducing the midsize truck in Europe would require an electrified powertrain, which isn’t a commercially viable option given the segment’s limited sales potential.

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi cancelled plans to develop two in-house electric vehicles, choosing instead to focus on hybrids and plug-in hybrids. During a May earnings call, global CEO Takao Kato acknowledged the need for EVs in Europe, but said the company would meet that demand by leveraging products from partner OEMs rather than going it alone.