The STN EXPO East conference will close for attendees with an exciting behind-the-scenes Thomas Built Buses factory tour at the Saf-T-Liner Plant in High Point, North Carolina.
The Thomas factory tour is scheduled for March 31 with attendance limited to the first 100 signups.
Attendees will be transported to and from the plant by bus in two groups of 50 from the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. They will then be escorted through the plant in groups of 10 by Thomas Built Buses regional sales managers, who will explain the inner workings of the plant and manufacturing processes. Tour attendees will see in real-time the production of Thomas Type C and Type D buses as well as automation on the assembly line, welding, painting and body mounting processes.
All tour attendees will enjoy lunch at the plant, industry updates and networking with Thomas Built Buses representatives as well as receive a special gift bag to take home with them.
Space is limited so reserve your spot today. Early Bird savings end Feb. 14. Save $100 on main conference registration before the deadline. Main conference registration will also provide access to dozens of educational sessions, the interactive Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit experiences, networking events including the Charlotte Motor Speedway Reception, and the STN EXPO Trade Show. Register at stnexpo.com/east.
The February edition of STN magazine is out, where we continue discussions on the oversight of autonomous vehicles and alternative student transportation. Plus, sign up for school bus inspection training and many more learning opportunities at STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, this March.
In the aftermath of a high-profile school bus rollover last August at Leander Independent School District in Central Texas, Director of Transportation Tracie Franco talks lessons learned in emergency response, lap-shoulder seatbelt enforcement, first responder collaboration and staff training.
Ron Kinney hopes California’s student injury data in school bus crashes serves as a blueprint for the rest of the U.S. to adopt lap/shoulder seatbelts.
When California became the first state in the nation to implement lap/shoulder seatbelts on school buses in 2004, many in the industry viewed the occupant restraints as unnecessary luxury items. But 20 years of data now tells a much more compelling story, resulting in injury declines and calmer school bus interiors for drivers.
Kinney, who served as state director of school transportation for the California Department of Education from 1983-1997, compiled 30 years of crash data from the California Highway Patrol’s annual “School Bus Crash and Pupil Passenger Injury Summary Report.” Kinney tracked the 10 years prior to and 20 years after the state law went into effect in 2002 that requires all newly purchased school buses after July 1, 2025 be equipped with lap/shoulder seatbelts.
The law led to the development of the current FMVSS 222 requirements for lap/shoulder seatbelts in all Type A school buses nationwide.
Kinney’s data calculates a 74.5 percent decrease in the absolute number of school pupil passenger injuries since 2004. In terms of passenger injuries “per million vehicle miles” traveled, the report tracked a 45.5 percent decrease over the past 20 years.
Meanwhile, the data finds that as the percentage of California school buses equipped with lap/shoulder belts increased incrementally since 2004, “it is reasonable to believe that school pupil passenger injuries will continue to decrease as more school buses equipped with lap/shoulder belts are added to the state fleet.”
Nine of the 10 years prior to the implementation of lap/shoulder seatbelts, student passenger injuries ranged between 425 and 760 per school year, with the height of injuries being 1,112 in the year 2000. There was no information on why the injuries spiked. But 2000 also saw the most school buses on the road (26,291) and the highest number of miles traveled (367,893,624) during that 10-year period before seatbelts.
Meanwhile, in the 20 years after the lap/shoulder seatbelt law went into effect, injuries declined. In 2005, 400 students were injured. During the 2013-2014 school year, 266 injuries were reported. Injuries dropped to 136 the following year. However, the 2015-2016 school year saw a spike to 313 injuries, with the most school buses on the road (28,982) and miles traveled (283,812,564) in the 20-year span. Those resulted in the most school bus crashes (1,886) as well. The 2023-2024 school year, the most recent data collected, saw 131 passenger injuries.
The report states that several factors need consideration when attempting to draw conclusions from the data. These include lap/shoulder belts having a positive impact in reducing pupil passenger injuries per million miles, California’s reduction in regular education home-to-school transportation, and expansion of special education home-to-school transportation.
Additionally, the report cites the increased number of California school buses equipped with lap/shoulder belts and the number of pupil passengers wearing lap/shoulder belts. Kinney writes that the reduction of driver distractions from pupil passengers who are now belted in and less able to misbehave has led to a reduction in driver turnover. The reduction in disciplinary problems and driver distractions also reduces the risk of crashes caused by driver errors.
“This also contributes to reduced driver turnover by creating a safer, less stressful and more rewarding work environment,” the report states. “By physically containing students, these belts address the primary stressors that lead drivers to leave the profession.”
The report also touches on the National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the 2014 Anaheim, California school bus crash, which resulted in a school bus leaving the roadway and striking a concrete light post after the driver fell unconscious. The bus continued up an embarkment and struck an uprooted tree.
NTSB crash simulations found that students sitting in row eight, where the tree intruded into the school bus cabin, would have experienced greater injuries had they not been wearing lap/shoulder seatbelts.
Kinney’s report also addresses the increased cost of a school bus with lap/shoulder seatbelts.
“Based on the large reduction in pupil passenger injuries revealed in this report since the implementation of lap/shoulder belts in all new California school buses, the cost-benefits of lap/shoulder belts clearly tip the scales in favor of installing lap/shoulder belts on all new school buses across the nation,” it states, adding that in the 20 years since lap/shoulder seatbelts were required California saw no student fatalities. “…the reduction in pupil passenger injuries more than justifies the few thousands of dollars initial cost.
“When spread over the average 20-year life cycle of a California school bus, the cost is around $500.00 per year. And, if you consider the number of trips per school year and the number of pupils transported each day, the cost is pennies per child per day. The litigation costs, not to mention the costs of settling a court case, can easily be measured in millions of dollars. The financial litigation risks, along with the pain and suffering of a pupil passenger and their family, is something to consider when drawing conclusions on the results and use of this report.”
The Transportation Director Summit hosts student transportation leaders from across the country for a two-day event at STN EXPO East, focused on collaborative problem-solving and targeted training.
The Transportation Director Summit begins Friday, March 27 at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord in North Carolina with a “Transportation Director Leadership Discussion” hosted by STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin. The event includes a networking mixer with appetizers and beverages provided. Discussion prompts will be based on the top challenges and changes facing the student transportation industry, as reported by participants via a survey.
On Saturday, the Transportation Director Summit participants head to Topgolf for an exclusive presentation from STN EXPO East keynote speaker Jim Knight. He will explain how to create “Leadership That Rocks” and build strong organizational culture. The day’s schedule will include multiple focused roundtable discussions as attendants are matched with different vendors to discuss the most pressing needs of their operations.
Participants will be provided with food, drinks and open golf bays as they network with other transportation directors and vendors.
Applicants must hold the position of transportation director or a qualified equivalent and be able to attend both days of the Summit. Email kristine@stnmedia.com for more information about qualifying for the Transportation Director Summit.
Register by Feb. 14 to save $100 off full conference registration. Browse conference agenda and explore other unique experiences at stnexpo.com/east.
Hyundai is bidding to build 12 submarines for Canada.
Canada may link the deal to local Korean car production.
Korea accounts for 12 percent of car sales in the country.
Just two weeks after announcing a major trade deal with China that sharply reduced tariffs on EV imports, Canada is exploring another pivotal agreement, this time with South Korea, that could open the door to more car production on Canadian soil.
Although the two countries have had a free trade agreement since 2015, removing tariffs on most goods, this new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) points to a growing interest in deeper cooperation.
Both countries are responding to the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy under the Trump administration by diversifying their economic alliances. Still, for all the optics, neither has the capacity to replace the United States as a primary economic pillar.
The current priority is to strengthen South Korea’s automotive presence in Canada. That could include domestic manufacturing of Korean-branded vehicles as well as increased production of electric vehicle components and battery technologies.
“This agreement will grow our auto sector, create good jobs and reinforce Canada’s position as a global leader in future-ready vehicle manufacturing,” said Industry Minister Mélanie Joly in a statement on Thursday.
Ties Between Auto and Defence
Canada appears to be courting major Korean automakers such as Hyundai, especially in light of South Korea’s bid to replace Canada’s current submarine fleet.
According to CTV News, both Hyundai and defence contractor Hanwha are involved in a proposal to build and maintain 12 submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. If selected, the deal could be worth up to $100 billion over the next 30 to 40 years.
Hanwha, a sprawling South Korean industrial group, has already laid groundwork by signing five separate MoUs with Canadian companies to incorporate their technologies and products into its submarine offerings. Among those agreements is a $275 million commitment toward a new structural steel beam mill in Ontario.
South Korea’s Growing Footprint in Canada’s Auto Market
In 2024, South Korean vehicles made up 12 percent of all cars sold in Canada, amounting to 228,257 units. In a statement, the Canadian government emphasized its aim to strengthen the domestic battery supply chain by encouraging investment and collaboration in battery manufacturing, materials processing, and the refinement, processing, and recycling of Canadian critical minerals.
Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, believes the timing aligns well for Canada to boost its domestic auto sector by leveraging upcoming defence investments.
“Today the business case is there to build a plant here in Canada, perhaps making electric vehicles… and to build where they sell,” he said. “Canada is interested in buying submarines and there are two healthy bidders. And both of those healthy bidders have automakers that sell a lot of cars here and sell batteries here.”
Slate’s EV truck will be built in a repurposed Indiana factory.
Old printing plant now features robots and anti-slip flooring.
Talks with suppliers next week may bring cost-cutting updates.
Breaking into the car market with an all-new vehicle is one of the hardest plays in the industry, even more so for a company with no legacy network whatsoever or any prior production history. But Slate Auto is pressing ahead with its plan to launch an affordable, all-electric pickup truck.
While key details about the production version, including pricing, are still being ironed out, the company has shared progress from the plant where it’ll be built.
Rather than building the truck overseas, perhaps somewhere where labor costs are lower, Slate Auto is manufacturing it right here in the US. It’s being brought to life at a plant in Warsaw, Indiana, which for decades served as a major printing facility, employing up to 500 people.
A Factory Transformed
As you can imagine, repurposing the site into an electric vehicle facility involves some extensive changes. Among them, 630,000 square feet of anti-slip flooring is being laid to accommodate the factory’s new layout and safety protocols.
Automation is already underway, with robotic laser welders and large-format 3D laser scanners arriving on site. According to Slate, production of its EV pickup is still scheduled to begin before the end of the year.
What Happens Without the Tax Credit?
The truck’s ultimate reception will no doubt hinge on its price. Originally, Slate Auto said it would start below $20,000 when factoring in the now-defunct $7,500 federal EV tax credit. But with that credit now scrapped under the Trump administration, the EV won’t be as cheap as originally promised.
A few months later, the company quietly updated its website to say the “Blank Slate is expected to be priced in the mid-twenties.” Although no further details were provided, the update was widely thought to reflect the anticipated changes to the federal EV tax credit at the time.
When asked about the change, Slate Auto CEO Chris Barman brushed off the concern, saying “it doesn’t matter,” and insisting the truck remains affordable. She didn’t elaborate further.
“We’re still working really closely with our suppliers to see what opportunities we have to continue to bring costs down, to see what we can do to pass along to the customer before we announce final pricing,” she said.
Slate’s CEO also mentioned that pricing will be a central part of the discussions at a meeting with the company’s suppliers scheduled for next week.
“A big part of that is going to be talking about, are there more opportunities for cost reduction? And the way we’re looking at that is we want to pass it on to the customer,” she said.
Tesla’s Robotaxis crash every 55,000 miles, far more than humans.
Human-driven crash estimates are around once every 200,000 miles.
Robotaxis operate only in Austin, despite Musk’s 2025 nationwide claim.
As many probably expected, Tesla’s Robotaxi service hasn’t grown the way Elon Musk predicted, and it’s not running as smoothly as the company might have hoped. New data shows that the autonomous cars Tesla is operating in Austin, Texas, are crashing far more often than human drivers.
According to figures submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tesla’s Robotaxis were involved in nine crashes between July and November of last year. During that period, the fleet logged about 500,000 miles, which works out to an incident roughly every 55,000 miles.
The Numbers Behind the Crashes
That rate might not seem disastrous at first glance. But NHTSA data shows that human drivers report one police-notified crash about every 500,000 miles. Factoring in unreported incidents, estimates suggest a more realistic figure of one crash every 200,000 miles.
Even by that more forgiving measure, humans are still significantly outperforming Tesla’s current autonomous system. Electrek reported this disparity, pointing out the shortfall in Tesla’s safety metrics.
What makes this more concerning is that each robotaxi has a safety monitor riding in the front passenger seat. Even with a human on board to intervene, the vehicles are still getting into more accidents per mile than human drivers typically do alone.
What Isn’t Tesla Saying?
Tesla doesn’t appear to be exactly transparent about these crashes, either. The reports submitted to the NHTSA are heavily redacted, leaving only limited details available.
In one case from September 2025, a robotaxi reportedly “hit an animal at 27 mph,” but there’s no information on how or why it happened. That same month, another vehicle was involved in a collision with a cyclist, though again, the specifics are missing.
Overall, Tesla reported nine crashes involving its Robotaxi fleet in Austin, between July and November 2025, according to incident data uncovered by Electrek in NHTSA’s Standing General Order crash reports:
November 2025: Right turn collision
October 2025: Incident at 18 mph
September 2025: Hit an animal at 27 mph
September 2025: Collision with cyclist
September 2025: Rear collision while backing (6 mph)
September 2025: Hit a fixed object in parking lot
July 2025: Collision with SUV in construction zone
July 2025: Hit fixed object, causing minor injury (8 mph)
July 2025: Right turn collision with SUV
Robotaxi’s Slow Expansion
In July of last year, Musk made the rather absurd claim that Tesla’s Robotaxi service would reach “half of the population of the US” by the end of 2025. It’s now 2026, and the service is still limited to just one city: Austin, Texas.
Tesla has expanded its service to the San Francisco Bay Area in California, but because it doesn’t have a permit to operate fully autonomous vehicles in the state, each Model Y is equipped with a human driver. It’s hardly a Robotaxi service then, but rather simply a ride-hailing taxi service.
That said, Tesla isn’t giving up on the idea. During its Q4 earnings call this week, the company confirmed plans to expand the program into seven new cities, including Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Las Vegas, all within the first half of the year.
IM Motors revealed the LS9 Hyper SUV with three electric motors.
It features a 1.5L turbo range extender and 65.9 kWh battery pack.
Rear-wheel steering gives it a 16.2-foot turning radius in tight spots.
IM Motors, the upscale joint venture from MG and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has pulled the covers off its latest flagship. Named the LS9 Hyper, this SUV builds on the standard LS9 that debuted last year, layering in high-spec upgrades aimed at Chinese buyers who want their tech-laden luxury served in insulated comfort.
Whereas IM Motors’ smaller offerings like the IM5 and IM6 go all-in on battery-electric power, the LS9 Hyper takes a different route. It’s a range extender rather than a full EV. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 153 horsepower, but its only job is to recharge the 65.9 kWh battery.
Power is delivered through a single 215 hp electric motor at the front axle, backed up by two 261 hp motors at the rear. This setup offers an estimated all-electric range of 191 miles (308 kilometers). The three electric motors also provide torque vectoring, though we don’t think many owners will be hustling this beast through the corners.
The LS9 Hyper also debuts a clever all-electric, all-wheel 24-degree smart steering system, believed to be a first for a vehicle in this class. It achieves a turning radius of just 4.95 meters (16.2 feet), roughly two meters tighter than a Smart ForTwo.
As you can no doubt tell from the photos, this thing is big. In fact, it is 5,279 mm (207.8 inches) long, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) wide, and stands 1,806 mm (71.1 inches) tall with a massive 3,160 mm (124.4-inch) wheelbase.
The exterior design isn’t particularly noteworthy, but it does look classy. At the front, a light bar and vertically oriented headlights. It also includes a roof-mounted LiDAR and is available with 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels. Adding to the fancy looks are silver accents running along the base of the side and rear windows.
Many of the fancy MG’s best features are found in the cabin, which hasn’t been revealed yet, though it’s expected to mirror the LS9 shown here. There’s a single 27.1-inch display, encompassing the cluster and infotainment screen, as well as a separate 15.6-inch monitor for the front passenger.
Audiophiles will have plenty to enjoy with the Bang & Olufsen sound system, while all occupants benefit from massaging seats and an underfloor heating system. Rear-seat passengers aren’t overlooked either, with access to a 27-inch 5K display that folds down from the headliner.
And in case that’s not quite enough, as with the regular LS9, IM will also offers the option of an integrated shower unit built into the tailgate.
Toyota bZ4X recall stems from incorrect taillights being sold.
Korea-spec lights lack the side marker lamp required in US.
Catalog wrongly listed Korea lights as suitable for US vehicles.
Even the most reliable brands can slip up now and then, and this time, it’s Toyota turn in the spotlight. While known for its solid track record in quality control, the automaker has nonetheless found itself navigating a rather awkward parts mishap involving the bZ4X.
Several units will now face a recall in the United States, all due to a mix-up with replacement taillights. So, what exactly went wrong?
Confused Parts Cross Borders
A recall notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that taillights originally intended for service replacements in South Korea were accidentally distributed in the U.S. Some of those may have ended up installed on American-market bZ4X models.
Due to differences in automotive lighting regulations between the two countries, the South Korean-spec taillights don’t meet American standards. The key issue lies in the side marker, as the Korean units include a side marker reflector, but U.S. regulations require a side marker lamp to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Toyota first caught wind of the problem in October, when a parts order came through from Canada requesting a Korea-spec left-hand taillight assembly for the bZ4X. That raised a red flag, prompting the company to dig deeper.
The investigation revealed a potential cause of the mix-up. Both U.S. and Korean versions of the replacement parts had been listed in the catalog, but the Korean version also displayed the term “USA” in its description, likely confusing some who purchased a replacement light.
Toyota believes that a total of 79 right-hand and left-hand replacement taillight assemblies designed for South Korea could have ended up in the United States, although it hasn’t specified how many have been fitted to customer cars.
What Happens Now?
Owners who’ve had a taillight replaced on their bZ4X will be notified via mail. Toyota dealers will inspect the installed parts to determine whether the correct U.S.-spec lights were used. If any Korean-spec units are found, Toyota will replace them at no cost.
Toyota is expected to launch a new Corolla with major upgrades.
Unofficial renderings preview a sedan with softened concept cues.
Compact model will offer hybrid and fully electric powertrain choices.
The Toyota Corolla, the best-selling nameplate in automotive history, is gearing up for a major evolution for its 13th generation. This next iteration of the compact is expected to merge a more futuristic design with a broad range of powertrain options, including hybrid and, for the first time, fully electric. If all goes according to plan, this will be the most ambitious overhaul in the model’s six-decade run.
Toyota offered a taste of that future with the radical concept unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. While visually striking, the concept’s design leaned heavily into the avant-garde, raising doubts about how much of it would survive into production.
Is This What It’ll Really Look Like?
In response, digital artist Theophilus Chin stepped in with speculative renderings that balance the bold with the believable. His vision softens the extremes, wrapping forward-thinking design in a more grounded four-door sedan shape.
The illustrations are actually based on the Lexus IS, implementing elements from the Toyota Crown Sedan before adding the signature styling features of the Corolla concept.
At the front, the design retains the hammerhead-style headlights introduced on the concept, now joined by additional daytime running lights integrated into the bumper. Below that sits a slim air intake, nestled under a full-width LED bar.
According to Toyota’s own designers, combustion-powered variants would require certain functional tweaks. This likely explains some of the more pragmatic adjustments in Chin’s version.
In line with that approach, several of the concept’s more dramatic features have been reined in. The low-slung hood and ultra-modern glasshouse have been scaled back to better suit a road-going car. Wheel sizes are more modest, and the flush door handles have given way to conventional ones. Even so, the side profile keeps its complexity, with angular character lines.
The biggest change is at the rear, where the concept’s futuristic tail has been swapped for a more conventional sedan layout, likely to align with mainstream Corolla tastes. Even so, the clean roofline, slim full-width LED taillights, subtle spoiler, and sharp surface work give it a more contemporary look than the current generation of the sedan
Did The Concept Take It Too Far?
Toyota Corolla Concept
The original concept was developed by Toyota’s European design center in France, signalling a radical shift for the popular nameplate. However, while the prospect of big changes sounds exciting, history suggests automakers tend to proceed cautiously with high-volume, globally popular models.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Toyota tempers the wildest aspects of the concept for the production version. Still, there’s always the chance they’ll take a bigger leap than expected.
What remains unknown is whether the new generation will follow the current model’s multi-body format. At present, the Corolla is sold globally as a sedan, hatchback, and estate, offering broad appeal across markets and use cases.
Toyota Corolla Concept
Besides the futuristic exterior, the concept came with a completely reimagined interior combining the latest technology with more premium materials and added space. Toyota’s messaging suggests they’re looking to elevate the segment, but production models are likely to tone things down for cost, practicality, and manufacturing scale.
Under The Skin
Toyota has not yet released technical specifications for the next-generation Corolla, but it did confirm the model will continue under its “multi-pathway” strategy, supporting multiple types of propulsion.
The lineup will offer both hybrid and fully electric powertrains to suit a wide range of global markets. Likely options for the hybrid system include new 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines currently in development, aimed at delivering more power with improved efficiency.
Designers have also stated that interior space will remain consistent across all variants, regardless of the drivetrain.
Given the driver-oriented nature of the current TNGA platform and Toyota’s steady evolution in chassis tuning, the next Corolla could offer a more rewarding experience behind the wheel. Comfort and usability remain priorities, but added sharpness wouldn’t come as a surprise.
The current 12th-generation Toyota Corolla debuted in 2018, with a mild mid-cycle update arriving in 2022. That timeline suggests the next generation could appear in 2026 or 2027, though Toyota has not yet confirmed a launch date.
Tesla is ending Model S and X production this year, Musk says.
Model S helped prove EVs could be fast, fun, and desirable.
Fremont, CA, plant will be retooled to build humanoid robots.
Tesla is quietly switching off two of the cars that helped kickstart the modern EV revolution. The Model S sedan and Model X SUV are heading for retirement as the company steers away from cars and toward humanoid robots instead.
CEO Elon Musk made the announcement on an earnings call on Wednesday, explaining that S and X production would end in California next quarter, and the Fremont plant would be repurposed to build Optimus robots.
“It’s time to bring the Model S and X programs to an honorable discharge because we’re really moving into a future that is based on autonomy,” Musk told investors.
“We’ll obviously continue to support S and X programs for as long as people have the vehicles, but we’re going to take the production space in our Fremont factory and convert that into an Optimus factory with the long term goal of having 1 million units a year.”
Game changer
It feels strange to say goodbye to the Model S, and Musk himself conceded the news was “slightly sad.” When it launched back in 2012, it rewrote the rulebook. Here was an electric car that was not a compromise box on wheels but a sleek, luxury sedan with Aston Martin vibes that could outrun a BMW M5 – and later, supercars – in a straight line. Alongside the Nissan Leaf, it helped drag EVs into the mainstream.
The Model X followed with its dramatic falcon wing doors and family friendly space, though it never quite matched the S for cultural impact. Still, both became rolling symbols of Tesla’s rise from scrappy startup to industry disruptor.
Replacements Overdue
The problem is time waits for no car, especially in the EV world. Sales numbers told the story. The Model 3 and Model Y became Tesla’s volume heroes, while S and X faded into niche status. While Tesla refreshed the S and X over the years, it never gave us all-new versions even as the threat from Western and Chinese rivals grew stronger.
Now, rather then reboot them, Tesla has decided to pivot to something different altogether, something with the potential to make even more money, and have an even bigger impact than the S did a decade ago.
We cover a harsh winter ice storm, takeaways from the 2026 NSTA Midwinter Meeting, updates to the U.S. EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and illegal passing by Waymo autonomous vehicles.
Industry consultant Tim Ammon gives tips for transportation budgeting and business efficiency while maximizing educational access for students. He will lead sessions at STN EXPO East this March in Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina.
Abandoned prototype in California shows Chinese brand’s US plans.
Near-production SF7 crossover was built to meet US regulations.
SF Motors rebranded as Seres after halting US production plans.
A dust-covered prototype spotted in a California parking lot has stirred plenty of curiosity across forums and social media. Weathered and left behind, it’s another eerie reminder of how unforgiving the EV game can be, especially for startups trying to find a foothold in a market that moves fast, burns money, and doesn’t wait for anyone to catch up.
The vehicle in question appears to be a near-production evolution of the SF7 concept, which SF Motors first revealed back in 2018. That company would later be rebranded as Seres, eventually spinning off the Aito nameplate in partnership with Chinese tech giant Huawei. And yes, keeping track can be a bit of a challenge.
That same year, it also opened a 130,000-square-foot R&D and low-volume manufacturing facility at the McCarthy Creekside Industrial Center in Milpitas, California.
By the following year, however, those plans had been shelved. Officially, it was due to shifting market dynamics and the usual complications of US-China trade. Unofficially, the writing was already on the wall.
The abandoned prototype, first noticed by forum users and Reddit sleuths, was spotted in the parking lot of the SF Motors facility in Milpitas, California. Compared to the original SF7 concept, this one looks much closer to production, with reworked bumpers, reshaped fenders, and more conventional lighting units.
Overall, it looks like a mix between a sedan and a fastback crossover, with discreet cladding around the wheel arches and a sleek roofline. It also features. US-market details like amber indicators suggest it was being prepped for local homologation.
Inside, there’s a large portrait-oriented infotainment display paired with a digital instrument cluster. The cabin is trimmed in white leather with wood accents, but it’s clearly suffered from exposure, thanks to windows left partially open to the elements.
Specs That Never Saw the Road
Originally, the SF7 was meant to ride on a dedicated EV platform, boasting quad electric motors with a combined output of up to 1,000 horsepower. A liquid-cooled battery was estimated to provide around 300 miles (483 kilometers) of range, putting the SF7 in direct competition with premium electric SUVs at the time.
Although the SF7 never made it to showrooms, the slightly smaller SF5 managed to find a second life. That concept evolved into the Seres 5, which we reviewed, and the Aito M5, developed through the Seres-Huawei partnership.
A Failed Dream
Seeing this derelict development vehicle in California is reminder of how close SF Motors came to offer vehicles in the US. But in the end, those plans never crossed the finish line.
The Mishawaka facility, originally chosen as the production site for the SF5 and SF7, once built the Mercedes R-Class. That likely explains the presence of the white R-Class, sitting on pallets next to the abandoned SF7.
The old Mercedes crossover carries SF Motors emblems and was repurposed as a development mule for a “high-performance electric powertrain.”
From One Collapse to Another
After SF Motors scrapped its US production plans, the Indiana facility was picked up by Electric Last Mile Solutions (ELMS), a startup that later filed for bankruptcy. Mullen Automotive stepped in and took ownership in 2022, but by late 2025, the company handed the plant over to the GEM Group to resolve outstanding legal liabilities.
Neue Klasse iX3 demand is so strong BMW is adding production shifts early.
Strong early sales bode well for the Neue Klasse 3-Series arriving later this year.
BMW also upgrades charging, colors, and range for iX3 and other electric SUVs.
The Neue Klasse revolution has barely begun and already BMW has a problem. The good kind. Buyers are snapping up the new electric iX3 so quickly that it’s almost sold out through to the end of 2026, forcing the company to speed up plans for extra factory shifts.
That’s a big vote of confidence for a car customers haven’t even driven yet. Since its debut last autumn, the iX3 has made up around a third of BMW’s electric orders in Europe. Deliveries only start in March, yet much of the planned output is effectively gone.
To keep wait times from stretching into next winter, BMW is bringing forward a second production shift at its brand new Debrecen plant in Hungary, Auto News reports. The site is BMW’s first factory built purely for EVs, and while it’ll eventually build around 150,000 cars a year, it’s currently still ramping up. Clearly, that ramp needs to get steeper.
This matters far beyond one SUV. The iX3 is the first model on BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse platform and wears a bravely modern Neue Klasse design, as will the upcoming Neue Klasse 3-Series replacement later this year.
If buyers are this enthusiastic about the SUV, BMW executives will be feeling pretty good about the electric sports sedan waiting in the wings.
More Tech, More Color for 2027MY
BMW isn’t wasting time in adding polishing the package to make the iX3 even more desirable, either. From spring, the compact SUV gains an optional 22 kW AC charging upgrade, cutting home and workplace charging times. It also adds Vehicle to Load capability, letting owners power external devices at up to 3.7 kW and making camping trips more sophisticated.
There are fresh paint choices, too, including Eucalyptus Green metallic and Frozen Space Silver, plus some interior trim tweaks and the introduction of new options like a stainless steel loading sill, bright white steering wheel and an M-striped key.
Smaller SUVs Get Some Love Too
And BMW’s older electric crossovers aren’t being ignored this year, even if the iX3 is hogging the spotlight. The iX1 and iX2 receive more efficient silicon-carbide semiconductor components, boosting range by about 25 miles (40 km) depending on version. That’s a handy bump for everyday usability, improving the previously poor range of the best-performing eDrive20 to as much as 319 miles (514 km).
Russian brand Russo-Balt unveils an electric van with Tesla flair.
The F200 uses a hand-welded stainless steel body and monocoque.
It looks similar to a Chinese van, but company claims it’s original.
Tesla hasn’t created a Cybervan yet, but someone else just beat them to it. A Russian startup has stepped in with something that looks uncannily like a bulked-up Cybertruck, except it’s an electric van, and yes, it’s heading for production.
Meet the Russo-Balt F200, a stainless steel slab of a van with unmistakable Cybertruck flair. It’s the first model from a newly revived brand that traces its name back to a storied Russian automaker and railway carriage builder that operated between 1869 and 1918. Production plans are already in motion, with initial deliveries scheduled for January 2027.
As we previously reported, the F200 has already been seen roaming public roads in Russia, confirming that it’s more than a rendering or vaporware project. Amusingly, the company even featured a link to our earlier coverage on its own website.
Although we pointed out a resemblance to China’s Weiqiao New Energy V90, Russo-Balt insists the F200 is its own creation and not a rebadge job.
The body panels are shaped from unpainted stainless steel, just like the Cybertruck, welded together by hand. Despite the raw-metal finish, buyers can personalize the look with optional polyurethane wraps, available in a full range of colors and graphics.
From its sharp creases to the flat windows and squared-off arches, the F200 borrows more than a few cues from the Cybertruck. Full-width LED lighting front and rear, plus a tailgate design that recalls the styling of Tesla’s electric truck bed cover, round out the visual nods.
While most vans of this size ride on a ladder-frame chassis, the F200 uses a monocoque chassis. This setup supports a payload of up to 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds), which appears to be in line with commercial expectations.
100-Year Warranty
According to the Russian startup, the vehicle falls under the international L3H3 classification and measures 5,950 mm (234.3 inches) in length, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) in width, and 2,550 mm (100.4 inches) in height, tall enough for most people to stand upright inside.
The standard build includes a 100-year body warranty for the stainless steel panels, which sounds a bit rich for a van that hasn’t hit the road yet in full production form.
Power comes from a single electric motor with 200 hp sent to the front wheels. A 115 kWh battery pack provides a claimed range of 400 kilometers (249 miles), with DC fast charging supported via a port on the front fender.
How Much Does it Cost?
Pricing is set at 6.5 million rubles, roughly $85,200 at current exchange rates. A refundable deposit of just 10,000 rubles (around $131) secures a place in the production queue, though the total planned volume hasn’t been disclosed.
Standard equipment includes ABS, ESP, climate control, rear air suspension, and a 360-degree camera setup with live streaming capability. Virtually every surface that could be warmed, including seats, steering wheel, mirrors, even the windshield wipers, is heated. This is a vehicle built for Russian winters, after all.
Infotainment is handled by a 14-inch touchscreen, which displays vehicle settings and offers integrated entertainment from Russian platforms such as Rutube, VKvideo, and Yandex.
More to Come from Russo-Balt
Interestingly, the team behind the F200 claims prior experience in manufacturing stainless steel water dispensers, and they plan to carry over the same material and fabrication expertise to the van. Production will be on a made-to-order basis.
A second model, the F400, is already in development. This one will feature a range-extending gas engine and all-wheel drive via dual electric motors, combining for a projected 400 horsepower. It will also add front air suspension, in addition to the rear air spring setup already included on the F200. Pricing details have yet to be announced.
The annual school bus inspection training that goes above and beyond state and federal Department of Transportation requirements brings back OEM training and looks to add post-crash inspection criteria in addition to hands-on detection of defects
Developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey for the South Carolina Department of Education, the in-depth training at STN EXPO East starts with classroom instruction on Friday, March 27. The eight-hour training will also include a written exam.
On Saturday, mechanic and technician participants will be transported to a local school district in Charlotte, North Carolina for the hands-on training. The day starts with an overview of high-voltage school bus electrification followed by instruction on finding real defects on real school buses. Class attendees will learn how to avoid costly repairs with early detection, which also leads to less vehicle downtime and a more efficient school bus maintenance schedule in the garage.
OEM training on propane-autogas systems inspections, wheelchair lift inspections, and more will follow the hands-on portion. Blue Bird, IC Bus, RIDE and Thomas Built Buses confirmed their participation.
New this year is a planned Sunday half-day seminar on school bus inspections following a crash to determine cause.
Meanwhile, the inspection training is designed based on best practices from the South Carolina Department of Education, which operates the only state-owned and operated fleet in the country. The department’s maintenance team, which serves as the hands-on inspection and classroom instructors at STN EXPO East, was recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 Garage Stars last August by School Transportation News. Participants of the training will be learning directly from some of these recognized student transportation professionals.
School bus inspection training class size is limited to 50 participants to ensure the instructors will be able to provide a thorough training experience for everyone registered. Separate registration and fee are required to attend.
Save $100 on conference registration by registering before Feb. 14. Find the full conference agenda, list of unique trainings and experiences, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.
Canada cut tariffs on Chinese EVs from 100 percent to 6.1.
Trump threatened 100 percent tariffs in response to deal.
China now wants to build EVs in Canada with local partners.
Canada’s recent trade deal with China was bound to cause controversy. The agreement slashes tariffs on Chinese EVs from 100 percent down to just 6.1 percent, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten 100 percent tariffs on Canada if the deal proceeds. Still, China insists the arrangement is meant to benefit both countries and isn’t a zero-sum game.
Under the new deal, up to 49,000 EVs from China can be imported to Canada at a reduced 6.1 percent tariff rate, though at least half of them must cost $35,000 or less by 2030.
Unifor labor union president Lana Payne argues the deal opens the door for China to quickly capture critical market share. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has voiced similar concerns, warning that Canada could be inundated with low-cost EVs, without any firm commitment from China to invest in the local economy.
Beijing Signals Willingness to Build in Canada
Despite those concerns, Chinese Ambassador to Canada Wang Di says China’s fast-growing automakers are being urged to invest directly in Canada and produce vehicles domestically.
“All these projects will be beneficial to the development of the Canadian EV industry, and will be helpful for job growth in Canada, and will help Canadian consumers to be able to buy higher quality and more affordable cars,” Wang told CTV News. “The character of China-Canada practical co-operation is complementarity and mutual benefit.”
“China encourages and supports Chinese companies to make investments and start-up companies here in Canada, on the basis of the market rules,” he continued. “At the same time, we hope that the Canadian side will provide a fair, non-discriminatory, and predictable business environment for the Chinese companies that come here.”
According to Wang, that is what Beijing ultimately wants to see, if companies choose to take up the opportunity.
“If Chinese companies will come to Canada to work with Canadian partners for investment, for opening factories or for joint ventures, all of these projects will be win-win,” he said.
Perhaps in a thinly veiled swipe at the Trump administration, Wang added that “unlike some other countries, China will not only take into consideration of its selfish interest, we don’t want ‘only we win and others lose.’”
The head of the Canada-China Energy and Environment Forum, Wenran Jiang, would like to see Canadian juggernaut Magna International partner with a Chinese car manufacturer to build EVs in Canada. Recently, it was confirmed that Magna would partner with GAC to build the Aion V, but it’ll be built at the parts giant’s factory in Graz, Austria.
“If they can do that, we can do it certainly here in Ontario,” Jiang said, adding that such cooperation could help bridge regional divides over China policy. “We could do probably better if we leverage our regional advantages and work together as a team.”
A patent shows the R1S with split tailgate and opening glass.
Rivian may add more physical switches and dials to the cabin.
Spy shots confirm the upcoming R2 has a roll-down rear window.
Rivian introduced a wide range of updates to the R1S and R1T for the 2025 model year, focusing on improvements beneath the surface while keeping the exterior mostly untouched. But according to a newly discovered patent, the R1S might be in line for another tweak in the form of a revised tailgate featuring a glass section that opens on its own.
According to documents uncovered by Car&Driver, Rivian has patented a new tailgate design that appears to give the R1S the ability to open either the entire hatch or just the glass panel. It’s a setup familiar to anyone who’s used the Toyota Land Cruiser or the closely related Lexus GX. BMW’s 3-Series Touring wagon also offers a similar function.
The Toyota 4Runner also has something similar, although its rear window can actually roll down just like a side window, rather than opening out as Rivian’s patent shows. It’s a useful feature, allowing you to retrieve or store items without having to open the entire tailgate.
Rivian’s patent drawings show that this independently opening glass would be integrated into the current R1S split tailgate. That means Rivian could add the new feature without altering the SUV’s distinctive two-part rear hatch, maintaining the utility and visual character of the original design.
There may be more than just hardware updates in store. The same filing, as noted by Car&Driver,, shows an interior equipped with actual physical buttons and knobs, something the current R1S doesn’t offer. It’s possible these would supplement the screen-heavy layout with tactile controls for climate or audio settings, easing day-to-day usability.
The patent also hints at gesture-based controls, potentially including the now-common feature that lets drivers wave a foot under the rear bumper to pop the tailgate.
There’s no word on when the R1S, and perhaps the R1T too, could be updated for a second time, but it probably wouldn’t be at least for a couple of more years, particularly since Rivian has to focus on building the R2 and R3 models.
Interestingly, recent spy shots of the R2 revealed it will get a roll-down rear window just like the 4Runner, so Rivian is clearly thinking about improving practicality with its future models.
Tesla Cybertruck starts at $110,000 in the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. sales fell 48.1 percent to 20,237 units during 2025.
Elon Musk once predicted 500,000 annual Cybertruck sales.
Prior to launching the Tesla Cybertruck, Elon Musk suggested they could sell as many as 500,000 of them per year. However, as sales of the electric pickup never really picked up in the United States, Tesla has started selling the Cybertruck in more markets, the latest being the Middle East.
Earlier this month, the first Cybertrucks were delivered to customers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Roughly 60 units were handed over during a launch event held for the occasion.
While much of the early hype surrounding the electric truck has died down in the US, it’s a hot ticket in the Middle East, with many having already been imported into the region by enthusiastic buyers before Tesla made it official. Of course, the UAE and the broader Middle East remain relatively small markets and won’t help Tesla get anywhere near its early estimates for the Cybertruck.
As one of the world’s top oil producers, the UAE enjoys some of the lowest fuel prices globally, which makes electric vehicles a harder sell. With cheap gas and a strong car culture rooted in performance and presence, the appeal of a futuristic EV like the Cybertruck has more to do with novelty than necessity.
How Much Is a Cybertruck in Dubai?
Tesla Europe & Middle East/Twitter
In the UAE, pricing starts at AED404,900 for the dual-motor variant, roughly $110,000. That’s significantly more than the $79,990 price tag in the U.S. The top-end tri-motor Cyberbeast comes in at AED454,900, or about $123,000, which represents a smaller markup over its American counterpart at $114,900.
American Sales Crater
Back in the U.S., sales of the Cybertruck tumbled in 2025. Tesla moved just 20,237 units, down 48.1 percent from the 38,965 sold in 2024, the vehicle’s first full year on the market. The final quarter was especially tough, with only 4,140 trucks delivered. That’s a 68.1 percent drop compared to the 12,991 units shifted in Q4 of the previous year.
Jaguar reportedly studying range-extender hybrids with new EVs.
Small petrol generator could boost EV range to over 600 miles.
Brand insists EV-only plan stands, with first model due in 2026.
Jaguar hit the reset button hard in preparation for an all-electric luxury future, but a fresh report claims JLR is backtracking before it’s even launched the first of its new-generation cars. Sources close to the company allege engineers are trying to figure out how to sneak a petrol engine back into the picture to offer a hybrid model alongside the EV. Jaguar officials, for their part, deny any change in direction.
The Brit luxury brand is exploring range-extender electric tech that use a small combustion engine purely as a generator, according to UK newspaper The Times. In a range-extender hybrid the car’s wheels are still driven by electric motors, but a small combustion units acts as a backup power source for long trips when charging stops feel like a chore.
The potential payoff is big. Insiders who spoke to The Times suggest total range could jump from around 435 miles (700 km) in pure EV form to as much as 684 miles (1,100 km). That would go a long way toward calming buyers who like the idea of electric but still get nervous about road trips that involve more than one coffee stop.
Engineering Headache
Adapting JLR’s new JEA EV platform wouldn’t be easy because of the battery placement, Auto News reports. But companies like Renault-Geely collab Horse Powertrain have already spotted a niche for providing combustion engines to convert EVs into hybrids, and Porsche is ICE-converting its electric 718 sports cars mid-development, so we don’t doubt it could be done if Jag throws enough time and money at the problem.
This possible pivot comes after Jaguar’s dramatic rebrand and EV-only relaunch plan raised more than a few eyebrows. The new marketing campaign ditched traditional logos, embraced abstract visuals and promised a boutique lineup of high end electric models starting with $130k four-door production version of the Type 00 concept due to be revealed this year. Two more EVs, including at least one SUV come later.
Luxury EV sales slump
At the same time, real world demand for expensive Western EVs has cooled, especially in the United States and China. Porsche, for example, has already admitted it is leaning back toward hybrids and combustion models after EV sales failed to meet expectations. Jaguar’s global sales ambitions suddenly look much harder in that context and some dealers say they’re skeptical about the whole EV strategy.
Range extenders are already gaining traction in China, where buyers appreciate the electric drive feel but still want the safety net of petrol backup. In Europe, though, they’re less common, and under current rules, they don’t count as zero emissions cars, so could only be legally sold until 2035.
“Not happening”
Jaguar officially says nothing has changed and that its future remains electric only, but we don’t believe for a minute that Jag isn’t both concerned by current EV trends, and at least investigating how to answer to them.
“Plans to reinvent Jaguar as an electric-only luxury automotive brand are unchanged,” a Jaguar spokesperson told The Times. “We are looking forward to unveiling the first new electric Jaguar later this year.”
Separately, a senior source toldAutocar that the report was “rubbish,” and that Jaguar’s EV-only relaunch would proceed exactly as planned.
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