There were many thoughtful celebrations during Love the Bus Month in February from school districts and transportation companies across North America that recognized their student transportation staff with events and gifts highlighted via social media posts.

Scroll through this year’s gallery for a glimpse of the festivities.

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Related: WATCH: West Virginia Highlights School Bus Inspection for Love the Bus Month
Related: Update: Love the Bus Month Underway, NAPT Seeks Recognition Year-Round
Related: Gallery: Love the Bus Month 2025 Celebrations

The post Gallery: Recap Love the Bus Month 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Stellantis’ grand Lancia revival, or as they called it, ‘Renaissance’, has not exactly burst out of the gates. The new Ypsilon subcompact hatchback has struggled to gain momentum, which is not quite a surprise. Still, phase two is already taking shape, and it brings with it a familiar name. The Lancia Gamma is coming back.

More: Lancia HF Integrale Returns With White Wheels And Something To Prove

This time, it arrives as an electrified crossover, and our spies have spotted a prototype for the first time during winter testing. The test car reveals enough to give us a better sense of what to expect ahead of its official debut later this year.

Unlike the original Gamma, which was offered from 1976 through 1984 as a fastback saloon and coupe, the new model takes a very different route. It is now a crossover, effectively the Italian sibling to France’s DS No8. From the spy shots, the Gamma appears more upright than the DS, leaning closer to coupe-SUV territory than to a traditional crossover.

Design Direction Takes Shape

Baldauf

At the front, expect familiar cues borrowed from the smaller Ypsilon. The split LED headlight layout looks set to return, joined by an illuminated T-shaped grille that, intentionally or not, brings to mind a Mandalorian helmet. Down below, the lower bumper intake has a clean, contemporary design and seems to incorporate active shutters flanking an ADAS sensor.

Down the sides, the surfacing closely mirrors the DS, right down to the door handles and mirror caps, though the Gamma appears to get slightly larger windows. The wheels look modest in size, which is usually a giveaway that this is not the upcoming HF performance version.

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

At the rear, heavy camouflage does its best to hide the details, but you can still make out the coupe-style rear glass flowing into what seems to be an integrated spoiler. An official teaser released in late 2024 indicates that the full-width LED taillights will adopt a T-shaped lighting signature, directing your eye toward the Gamma lettering across the sculpted tailgate. There are no visible tailpipes beneath the diffuser, reinforcing the likelihood that this particular prototype is fully electric.

Inside, expect a mix of premium and sustainable materials, along with Lancia’s signature “tavolino,” a mini round coffee-table integrated into the center console. The digital setup should include a 10.25-inch instrument cluster paired with a 16-inch infotainment display running the Lancia SALA system.

A Broader Powertrain Mix

Like the DS No8, the Lancia Gamma will sit on Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform and roll out of the Melfi plant in Italy. Both models were originally pitched as fully electric, but Stellantis has since recalibrated. Mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are now part of the plan.

More: Stellantis Bet Big On EVs, Now It’s Betting On The Engine Europe Wrote Off

Looking at what Stellantis already has on the shelf, we can speculate on the powertrain lineup. The entry-level Gamma is expected to be powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter mild-hybrid unit generating 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS). At the opposite end, the Gamma HF could pack dual electric motors delivering up to 370 hp (276 kW / 375 PS), complete with AWD.

In terms of range, the larger 97 kWh battery pack could allow the Gamma to cover up to 435 miles (700 km) between charging stops.

Lancia has confirmed the new Gamma will arrive in 2026, so expect a steady drip of details over the coming months. It will later be joined by a new Lancia Delta in 2028, rounding out a three-model lineup for the revived Italian brand.

Baldauf

Ford has given the Mustang Mach-E a light reshuffle for 2026, and one change jumps out immediately. The front trunk is no longer standard kit. If you want a frunk now, you will have to tick a box and pay for the privilege. And it’s a pretty expensive one at that.

First noticed by Ford Authority, the updated online configurator reveals that the frunk is now a $495 option across the entire model line-up. While there are plenty of EVs out there that don’t have a frunk at all, this is the first time we’ve heard of one being offered as an optional extra. It may also be the first instance of a once-standard frunk becoming a paid add-on.

Read: Mustang Mach-E Owners Will Need A Fix Before Nightfall Becomes A Problem

Ford says the decision was driven by customer behavior. Not many owners were using the frunk in the first place, or so the company claims. Removing it as standard helps cut costs, and the company insists those savings are being passed on.

To be fair, as we reported back in December, the Mach-E GT is almost $1,000 cheaper for 2026 than it was last year. The entry-level car, however, still starts at $37,795, which suggests the savings have not been distributed equally.

What Else Is Missing?

There are a few more trims to the lineup for 2026. For example, the front-seat map pockets have quietly disappeared, presumably in the name of saving a few pennies per car. The Mach-E Rally also parts ways with its standard rear spoiler and graphics, both now shuffled onto the options sheet. And if you were fond of the Bronze Appearance Package, it has been shown the door as well.

It is not all subtraction, though. Ford has made one practical addition at the back, fitting the rear doors with the same small grab handles used up front. You still have to press a button to pop the door open, because this is 2026, but at least there is now something physical to grab once it releases.

However, given how much bad press electronic door handles had over the past year, as well as regulatory changes in other markets, it’s possible Ford may eventually have to revert to more traditional door handles. We will see how long the current setup lasts.

When Audi decided to launch a new AUDI brand just for China, complete with no four-ring badge and a bold new design language, it looked like a confident reset. Fast forward a few months and there’s another reset, this time to the price, which has been slashed in the face of abysmal sales.

Deliveries of the E5 Sportback, AUDI’s first model under its SAIC joint venture, began in August 2025, with prices ranging from ¥235,900 to 319,900 yuan (equal to around $34,300-$46,600 at current rates). On paper, it ticked plenty of boxes and had the potential to snare Chinese buyers who are increasingly picking domestic brands over legacy Western luxury ones. But things haven’t gone according to plan.

Now Under $30,000

Total deliveries since launch have only reached 7,070 units, with just 420 cars sold in January. So AUDI has rolled out a limited-time discount, slicing ¥30,000 ($4,370) off the already low sticker, bringing the entry price down to ¥205,900, or just under $30,000, Car News China reports.

Related: Audi’s China-Only E5 EV Deserves An RS Treatment

Buyers get ¥10,000 ($1,460) in purchase tax compensation, ¥10,000 yuan in cash discount, and ¥10,000 in trade-in subsidy. Financing sweeteners include a five-year plan with zero interest, or a seven-year low-interest option if you only take the purchase tax handout.

Tough Competition

Price-wise, that puts the E5 Sportback right in the mix with the Zeekr 007 GT and slightly below the Xiaomi SU7, a car bought over 250,000 times last year. That’s strong competition in a market that does not lack for shiny new electric sedans and fastbacks.

Spec-wise, the E5 isn’t exactly junk. It has a long 2,950 mm (116.1 inches) wheelbase, up to 776 hp (787 PS / 579 kW) and 480 miles (773 km) of CLTC range, depending on the spec chosen. It also comes with LiDAR, three radars, 11 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars on every model, and the interior is dominated by a 59-inch, pillar-to-pillar screen.

Why Aren’t Buyers Responding?

But for some reason, the E5 Sportback just isn’t hooking Chinese drivers in. That’s despite Audi claiming last September that it had scored 10,000 pre-orders in only 30 minutes, and the model recently being named China Car of the Year. The price cut is only supposed to last until March 31, but we can imagine Audi extending it if sales don’t pick up.

Audi isn’t the only Western premium brand forced to cut prices to shore up sales in China. BMW and Mercedes have also been forced to reduce MSRPs by as much as 10 percent to compete in a market so aggressive that less than a third of dealers turned a profit last year, according to the same report.

AUDI

We consider what recent headlines mean to the school transportation industry: proposed updates to the Clean School Bus Program, Blue Bird fully acquiring Micro Bird, Trump tariffs being struck down and safety conversations at STN EXPO East this March.

Mike Ippolito, chief operating officer of School Radio, discusses the future of bus communications – including multi-carrier SIM cards and satellites – and what school districts looking to the future should know to maximize safety and efficiency. Real-world emergency scenarios and radio as a service are also examined.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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

The post (STN Podcast E295) Something That’s Going to Work: Federal Updates + Future of School Bus Communications appeared first on School Transportation News.

Porsche introduced the Cayenne Electric last November and the lineup will soon be expanded to include a crossover coupe. Spy photographers have snapped the model on multiple occasions, but now they’ve gotten a glimpse at the range-topping variant.

Tentatively dubbed the Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT Electric, the model follows in the footsteps of the regular Cayenne Turbo Electric. As a result, we can see a familiar front fascia with slender Matrix Design headlights as well as an active lower intake.

SHProshots

While the front end is familiar, the profile has a rakish windscreen that flows into a steeply sloping roof. They’re joined by a shrunken greenhouse, plastic body cladding, and five-spoke wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system with ventilated discs as well as sizable calipers.

More: 1,139 HP Cayenne Electric Is Porsche’s Most Powerful Road Car Ever

The rear end is epitomized by an angular rear window and an upright liftgate. While this carries over from the standard coupe, the performance variant is notable for sporting a fixed rear wing. Further below, we can see a familiar bumper that echoes the regular model.

Spy photographers did not get a look inside, but do not expect any surprises, as it is unlikely to stray far from the standard Cayenne Electric. That means a 14.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a curved OLED infotainment system, and an optional 14.9-inch front passenger display should all make an appearance.

They should be joined by an augmented reality head-up display, an ambient lighting system, and a heating system that warms the seats as well as the armrests and door panels.

Electric Hyper Performance

The Cayenne Turbo Electric has a 113 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that normally develops 844 hp (630 kW / 857 PS). However, that number soars to 1,139 hp (850 kW / 1,156 PS) and 1,106 lb-ft (1,498 Nm) of torque when Launch Control is activated. This enables the crossover to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 162 mph (261 km/h).

Assuming this is indeed a Coupe Turbo GT prototype, the model should be even quicker and more powerful. This suggests we can expect a steep price tag as the Cayenne Turbo Electric starts at $163,000, while the gas-powered Cayenne Turbo GT begins at $214,800.

SHProshots

The new Toyota bZ Woodland arrives at a complicated moment for electric SUVs. Conceptualized and likely sent into a production cycle with federal tax credits in mind, the electric crossover is here without those credits to rely on. On top of that, its near identical Subaru twin, the Trailseeker, costs thousands less. Now, Toyota is putting discounts of up to $6,500 on its brand-new electric model to sweeten the deal.

According to Cars.com, the deals aren’t exactly hidden or subtle, either. Buyers can score $5,000 in customer cash, lessees get $6,500 in lease cash, and those with pristine credit can opt for 0% APR for 72 months plus $3,500 cash back. Not bad for a model that effectively just arrived on dealer lots.

How Do The Incentives Work?

Here’s how it breaks down. The $5,000 customer cash incentive functions like a rebate and lowers the price or amount financed. The $6,500 lease cash deal reduces the capitalized cost of the lease, which means lower monthly payments. The $3,500 cash back deal with 0 percent APR is exactly what it sounds like. A discount on the price and no interest on payments for six years. All deals expire on March 2nd.

Review: 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Is Quicker Than A GR Corolla, But That’s Not Its Real Trick

With pricing starting at $46,750 (including $1,450 destination) and climbing to $48,850 for the Premium, Toyota clearly felt some pressure to keep this wagon-like EV competitive in a cooling segment. These deals should help, considering that the bZ Woodland seems incredibly similar to Subaru’s Trailseeker.

Pricing Pressure From Subaru

For its part, the Trailseeker starts at $39,995 before destination, and that’s without discounts. So even with $5,000 on the hood, the Toyota still plays in a higher price bracket. That means the Woodland’s biggest advantage may come down to brand loyalty, dealer networks, and whether buyers prefer Toyota’s design and packaging.

First Drive: The 2026 Toyota C-HR Refuses To Grow Up And Goes All-In On EV Thrills 

Again, Toyota probably cooked up this car when it thought the $7,500 federal EV subsidies would still exist at launch. With that in mind, this feels like an almost necessary move to keep the car moving off dealer lots.

Rivian is gearing up to introduce the R2 next month and the company is preparing for its arrival by announcing plans to open dozens of new service centers. This should help the company deal with the influx of new customers caused by the roughly $45,000 EV.

While the automaker didn’t give firm numbers, they said more than 50 new service centers are scheduled to open through next year. This will push the total number of facilities past the 150 mark.

More: Rivian Owner’s Quality And Service Nightmares Expose The Pain Of Being A ‘Beta Tester’

Rivian didn’t say where these centers will be located, but confirmed “multiple locations and larger sites” with higher capacities are planned for markets where their vehicles are popular. On the flip side, in remote areas, the company will focus on mobile service.

Speaking of mobile support, Rivian plans to increase its fleet of service vans by 50% this year. The company noted this is what customers prefer and they’ll be “enhancing onboard tools and technician training so we can perform more services remotely, including routine maintenance like tire rotations.”

More: That Rivian Bumper Tap Didn’t Look Like An $11,000 Oopsie, But Here We Are

The company has also hired and trained more than 1,000 service specialists in the past year and that practice will continue. This has reportedly resulted in a 35% reduction in wait times for service.

Software Updates

In other Rivian news, the company recently announced a handful of software updates including a new Apple Watch app. It enables users to lock and unlock doors, vent the windows, and adjust the climate control system – among other things.

The automaker also updated software in Gen 1 Quad-Motor as well as Gen 1 and 2 Dual-Motor R1s. Thanks to the change, Sport Mode now has a higher ride height option known as Standard. The company also extended Sport mode to Dual-Motor variants, which “unlocks optimized power delivery and quicker acceleration.”

Other highlights include Launch Mode as well as a “Lower” setting, which reduces the ride height by about an inch to ease entry and egress. There’s also a new cold weather indicator that shows “exactly how much energy is being used to keep your battery warm.” It will also show how much range is “temporarily unavailable until the [battery] pack reaches its optimal operating temperature.”

Mazda has moved on from the niche MX-30 crossover, reshuffling its fully electric lineup in China and select global markets, though not North America, with the 6e sedan and the CX-6e SUV. The two mechanically related EVs arrived in quick succession, yet a senior Mazda Europe executive says there is a noticeable development gap between them, largely due to the steep learning curve that came with partnering up with Changan.

Christian Schultze, Director of Technology Research at Mazda Europe, explained the process in an interview with AutoRAI. Both models are heavily based on the Deepal L07 sedan and S07 SUV from Changan’s dedicated EV brand, adapted for global markets under the Mazda joint venture.

Bridging Cultures Through Engineering

So what actually separates the Mazda 6e, launched in 2024, from the CX-6e that arrived a year later? According to Schultze, progress came in increments.

More: Mazda Secretly Built A V6 MX-5, Then Killed It Over One Ugly Problem

“I’d say we’ve taken another half-step forward. The 6e was the first joint development with our partner Changan Mazda Automobile for a car that would be sold in Europe. That was a huge learning experience for them, because they had never before developed a car specifically for the European market. It was also a learning experience for us, because we suddenly had to explain much more than we were used to heading into Hiroshima.”

Schultze explained that while the R&D center in Hiroshima works seamlessly with the European team, adding Changan Mazda Automobile changed the dynamic. The shared understanding required for such projects had to be built from the ground up, a process that took more time and effort than Mazda initially expected.

More: New Mazda MX-5 NE Isn’t Going Electric, But It’s Not Staying Pure Either

Despite looking almost identical to the Chinese-spec Mazda EZ-6 sedan and EZ-60 SUV, the European versions had to meet different regulations. That proved challenging for engineers unfamiliar with European requirements.

“When we develop a car together with Hiroshima, we essentially already get about 98 percent of what we’re looking for. Then it’s mainly just fine-tuning here and there. With Changan Mazda Automobile, we had to go much further back to basics,” he said.

“For example, they had never created a setup for European radar systems. We had to explain the requirements and why they were important. What we appreciated was how quickly they responded and how willing they were to understand. But we first have to convey that understanding.”

The SUV Is More Mature

Despite the early hurdles, the knowledge gained from the 6e program helped Mazda refine the CX-6e.

Schultze noted that the SUV’s electric motor is a “further development,” offering “greater efficiency and a higher continuous power output” than the sedan. That fits with Mazda’s philosophy of making each new model incrementally better.

More: Mazda’s Rotary Sports Coupe Plan Faces A Roadblock It Can’t Engineer Around

The Mazda 6e sedan currently sold in mainland Europe and the UK produces 255 hp (190 kW / 258 PS) in Standard Range form and 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) in Long Range trim. The CX-6e retains the higher output with the larger 80 kWh battery.

Lessons Beyond One Platform

Schultze confirmed that R&D lessons from the Changan joint venture will influence future EVs built on Mazda-developed architecture.

“We’re pursuing a strategy where we collaborate with partners, for example, in the field of electric vehicles, and develop our own electric models. Our roadmap shows that one of the next EVs will be based on a fully Mazda-owned platform. Moreover, our insights are growing every day, thanks in part to market feedback. For example, we learned a lot from the reactions to the Mazda 3, and those insights have been incorporated into our internal objectives. The same applies to the lessons we’re learning from the CX-6e.”

More: This SUV Just Did Something Only Two Other Mazdas In History Have Ever Done

He also highlighted how modern technology allows continuous improvement without waiting for a facelift or full generational change.

“The great advantage of today’s world is that many systems are digital or electronic. This means we can implement improvements even during ongoing production. In the past, in the purely mechanical world, if a switch felt too heavy, it would stay that way for four years until the next model change. Fortunately, those days are behind us.”

Land Rover is not only working on a smaller Defender, but it is also dusting off the Freelander badge for something altogether more targeted. This time, the name returns on an all-new, rugged SUV built specifically for China, and if these spy shot-based renderings are on the money, it will not be shy about looking the part.

The project is being handled by the Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture, better known as CJLR. Underneath, the new Freelander will sit on Chery’s existing T1X platform, which already underpins various Jaecoo, Omoda, and Chery SUVs. In plain terms, that means lower development costs and a much quicker route to market. Reinventing the wheel is expensive. Borrowing one from the parts bin is not.

Read: The Freelander’s Back As Its Own Brand And It’s Launching Soon

Interestingly, Land Rover won’t simply revive the Freelander name for a single model. Instead, it is spinning the name into its own sub-brand, with the potential to spawn several models over time. The first of these SUVs has been spied testing under heavy camouflage, leading to these detailed renderings from Nikita Chuyko for Kolesa.

Does It Pass The Land Rover Test?

Based on recent spy shots, the first Freelander looks reassuringly boxy, exactly what you would expect from something wearing a Land Rover badge. Up front, it appears to feature slim headlights with simple DRLs, flanked by blacked-out split grilles and capped off with a hood that carries a noticeable bulge.

Similarities could also be shared with the larger Defender, particularly with the smooth profile of the side doors and the blacked-out roof and pillars. Like the previous Freelander, this new model features angled C-pillars painted in the same shade as the lower body.

The rear styling may prove more divisive. The renderings show small taillights mounted just above the bumper, which gives the back end a slightly awkward stance. Here’s hoping the lights of the eventual production model are positioned a little higher on the fascia. If not, it risks drifting into the same visual territory that has drawn mixed reactions for the current Hyundai Santa Fe.

Technical details about the new Freelander have not been confirmed, but it’s expected to be offered in both battery-electric and EREV guises. Production will be handled by the CJLR plant in Changshu.

Spy Shots: Chery-JLR Freelander SUV for China

Freelander is a new brand under Chery-JLR. The Chinese name is 神行者 (Shén Xíngzhě). Freelander will manufacture various SUVs based on Chery platforms.

The spy shots show a boxy off-road-style SUV during winter tests in Northern… pic.twitter.com/IduwHRG5vw

— Tycho de Feijter (@TychodeFeijter) February 1, 2026

Europe’s new car market didn’t exactly start the 2026 race in a flurry of smokey wheelspins. Registrations across the EU, UK, and EFTA slipped 3.5 percent year-on-year to 961,382 units in January. But beneath that soggy headline number, one brand was busy throwing its own party.

And it wasn’t Tesla. Across the EU, UK, and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) regions combined, Tesla registrations dropped 17.0 percent to 8,075 cars in January. That left the American EV giant with a 0.8 percent market share, down from 1.0 percent a year earlier, according to data from industry body ACEA.

It was also Tesla’s 13th consecutive month of declining sales in Europe, a reminder that this is no short-lived dip.

Also: Tesla’s Sales Collapsed By Nearly 90% In The Land Of EVs

BYD, meanwhile, went into overdrive with its mix of EVs and hybrids. The Chinese brand shifted 18,242 cars across the same region, an impressive increase of 165.0 percent year-on-year (175 percent in the EU alone), and its share climbed to 1.9 percent, more than double Tesla’s slice of the pie.

Dacia’s Fall From Glory

Tesla was far from the only automaker to take a beating in January. Renault Group also had a bruising month, its sales falling 15.0 percent to 83,201 units. That is a slide not too far off Tesla’s in percentage terms, though the Renault brand itself was up 4.4 percent. It was Renault-owned Dacia’s disastrous 35 percent drop that ruined the overall picture.

BMW (down 8.7 percent) and the VW brand (down 11.2 percent) were also left licking their wounds, while sister companies Mini (up 11.2 percent) and Skoda (up 10.1 percent) gleefully rubbed salt in them.

One In Five Cars Now An EV

On the powertrain front, the shift to electrification keeps gathering pace. Sales of battery electric cars climbed 13.9 percent, meaning they now account for 19.3 percent of the EU market in January, up from 14.9 percent a year earlier. And plug-in hybrids climbed 32.2 percent while petrol registrations plunged 25.7 percent and diesel slid 22.0 percent.

Country by country, the picture was mixed. Germany and France both saw total registrations fall 6.6 percent, but their EV registrations jumped by 23.8 and 52.1 percent, respectively. And Norway, always an EV bellwether, endured a dramatic 76.3 percent drop in overall registrations, mostly due to the end of government incentives.

European Car Sales

ACEA: Figures for EU + UK + EFTA

Students boarding and exiting school buses in the loading zone are critical safety moments with the potential for tragedy. At STN EXPO East, longtime school transportation professional Derek Graham will break down safety strategies to mitigate student injuries and fatalities alongside two transportation directors.

Following Graham’s session presenting the illegal passing trends and federal safety recommendations on Sunday, March 30, he returns Monday to moderate the panel “Strategies to Remove Danger from the Loading/Unloading Zone.” Joining Graham are panelists Keba Baldwin from Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, the 2026 STN Transportation Director of the Year, and Kris Hafezizadeh, executive director of transportation and vehicle services at Austin Independent School District in Texas.

Graham will review data from the Kansas Department of Education’s annual survey of school bus loading zone fatalities, looking at incidents where either students were struck by oncoming vehicles or killed by being hit or dragged by the bus itself. With recent headlines of autonomous vehicles either illegally passing school buses or hitting student pedestrians, there are new modern technology concerns for students in the loading zone.

The panelists will discuss how these school bus loading zone incidents need to be viewed in the greater student safety discussion with visuals to illustrate the areas of high concern. They will also cover the integral aspects of tackling this issue, including education, engineering, and enforcement. This will broach topics such as driver training, motorist awareness, predictive lighting and signage technology and working with law enforcement incorporating automatic enforcement systems.

The panelists will discuss the need to present a unified message of safety training to students, drivers, parents and.

Register for the STN EXPO East conference today and receive access to five days of educational sessions, hands-on training, unique networking events, product demonstrations and updates on the latest industry happenings. Find the full agenda and register at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: NTSB to Provide School Bus Investigation Updates at STN EXPO East
Related: UPDATED: National School Bus Inspection Training Returns to STN EXPO East
Related: STN EXPO East to Share Importance of School Bus Video Review

The post STN EXPO East Addresses Safety Concerns in School Bus Loading Zone appeared first on School Transportation News.

The automotive industry never slows down, and EV brands feel that pressure more than most. Lucid is responding to the market and to its own position by cutting 12 percent of its workforce. The move comes as it attempts to tighten spending and move closer to profitability as it ramps up Gravity production.

The layoffs were confirmed to Bloomberg in an emailed statement, following the leak of an internal memo from interim CEO Marc Winterhoff that circulated within the company and was seen by Techcrunch.

In the memo, Lucid addresses the cuts head on. “Saying goodbye to colleagues is never easy,” Winterhoff wrote. “We are grateful for the contributions of those impacted by today’s actions, and we are providing severance, bonus, continued health benefits, and transition support to help them through this period.”

More: Lucid Built Its First $50K Midsize EV Prototypes, But Still Hasn’t Shown A Single One

Bloomberg reports that the majority of workers affected are salaried and corporate roles. Hourly workers tied directly to manufacturing, logistics, and quality operations at Lucid’s Arizona facility are not expected to be part of this reduction. That’s not all that shocking, given the brand’s need to ramp up production of the Gravity SUV and continue development of its Midsize platform.

“Importantly, today’s actions do not affect our strategy,” Winterhoff wrote. “Our core priorities remain unchanged, and we continue to focus on the start of production of our Midsize platform. With disciplined execution, we are also focused on further expansion into the robotaxi market, continued ADAS and software development, and growth in sales of Lucid Gravity and Air across existing and new geographies.”

A Murky Future

Right now, Lucid’s momentum is almost entirely pinned on the Gravity SUV. It undoubtedly broadens appeal beyond the ultra-luxury Air sedan expanding its reach to a more popular segment. That said, it’s not exactly what most buyers would consider mainstream or affordable.

That’s why the Midsize platform is so key to Lucid’s future. Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y turned a niche player into a volume powerhouse, and Lucid is hoping for a similar inflection point.

Rivian is following a similar playbook with the R2. By the end of the year, we should have a clearer picture of who is getting closer to that goal. In a cooling US EV market, profitability is no longer a nice to have. It is the whole game.

Sales of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class surged 23 percent last year to a record 49,700 vehicles. Not bad for a machine that still drives like it could climb a mountain on the school run. Now, those who can’t get enough of the G-Wagen will soon have another compelling, albeit smaller, option.

Read: Mercedes Wants This Baby G-Wagen To Win Buyers The Big One Never Could

The so-called ‘Little G’ is on the way, promising all the boxy attitude of the full-size model in a tighter, more affordable package. Positioned beneath the full-size model, the Little G marks Mercedes’ first serious attempt to stretch the G-Class name beyond a single model line.

A Compact G Takes Shape

Baldauf

Also known as the mini G and baby G, this new addition to the Mercedes-Benz line-up should have enthusiasts paying close attention. It’s expected to rival the smaller Defender currently in development at Jaguar Land Rover. For now, it’s confirmed to launch as an all-electric model, while a combustion-powered version remains possible in the future.

The latest round of spyshots of the Little G shows the model testing in the depths of the European winter. While this prototype is still under heavy camouflage and some body cladding, there’s no hiding the overall shape. It looks just like a G-Class should, just scaled to about 70 percent and softened slightly around the edges.

Baldauf

Found at the front are the circular headlights you’d expect, with outer rings that serve as the turn signals. It also has blocky front quarter panels and a remarkably flat hood. This particular prototype can also be seen on a set of mismatched wheels and with a pair of roof rails. Although future powertrain options have not been detailed, this prototype is clearly an EV, as evidenced by the lack of exhaust.

Like the larger G 580 with EQ Technology, the test cars appear to retain signature details such as a side-hinged rear door and an external spare wheel cover. On the electric version, that rear-mounted housing is expected to double as storage for charging cables, echoing the setup already offered on the full-size EV.

Bespoke Bones Beneath The Boxy Body

Underpinning the new model will be a bespoke chassis. According to the former chief technology officer of Mercedes, Markus Schäfer, the Little G will have a “miniature ladder-frame chassis,” adding that it will have similar qualities “when it comes to suspension and wheel size,” to the larger model.

EV Rollout Plan

Mercedes is set to launch the baby G as a fully electric SUV. Exact battery sizes and motor outputs are still under wraps, but expect it to borrow heavily from the tech already rolling out in Merc’s newer EVs, including the GLA and GLC electric models.

What it won’t get, according to Schäfer, is a range-extender setup. Smaller and mid-size Mercedes models are steering clear of that halfway-house solution, which means the Little G should stick with proper, full battery-electric hardware.

As for combustion power, nothing is confirmed. Mercedes hasn’t shut the door on it, but it hasn’t opened it either. If an ICE version does materialize, it’ll likely depend on the market. For now, the company is keeping its options open.

Baldauf

Like many other EV makers, Polestar has largely followed Tesla down the minimalist route, filling its cabins with screens, clean surfaces, and very few physical controls in models such as the Polestar 4 and 5. That approach is now set to change.

The company has confirmed it will begin reintroducing more physical switches inside its cars, a move that will likely be welcomed by drivers who prefer not to hunt through menus to adjust basic functions.

Review: We Drove The Polestar 4 And It Wants To Change Your Mind On EVs

Take the Polestar 4 as it stands today. Physical controls are limited to the steering wheel, the seat adjustments, the stalks, plus a Play and Pause button and a volume dial on the center console. Beyond that, nearly everything lives inside the touchscreen.

To its credit, Polestar never removed every physical button. Still, the cabins can feel pared back to the point of austerity. Speaking to InsideEVs while previewing upcoming models, Polestar head of design Philipp Römers confirmed that more buttons are on the way, though he stopped short of detailing which functions will regain dedicated controls.

More Color And Customization On The Way

Römers added that Polestar plans to add more interior color options, noting that its customers are on average roughly 10 years younger than those of Audi, Mercedes, and BMW. Improvements will also be made to the Android Automotive-based infotainment system, and it will soon offer more scope for personalization.

Unfortunately, we won’t see new Polestar interiors for quite some time. For example, the updated Polestar 4 ‘wagon,’ complete with a rear window, will likely retain the same cabin as the existing model. Similarly, the Polestar 5 grand tourer will get a familiar minimalist cabin.

The first real glimpse of a revised interior could come with the second-generation Polestar 2, recently teased ahead of its launch next year. After that, the new Polestar 7, due in 2027 and positioned above the current Polestar 3 SUV, should follow suit.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is issuing a request for information from school bus industry stakeholders as it seeks to add biodiesel, renewable diesel (RD) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as funding options to a revised Clean School Bus Program.

EPA also said it will not be awarding funds for the 2024 CSB Rebate Program. “EPA thanks applicants for their interest and encourages them to apply for the new grant program,” EPA said in a press release Thursday. “The agency will provide more details on the 2026 grants and eligibility requirements in the near future through a Notice of Funding Opportunity.”

In a follow-up email sent by School Transportation News asking for clarification on foregoing the 2024 rebate awards and if those same applications would be recycled, EPA referred to its original statement.

Meanwhile, Thursday’s RFI also mentions hydrogen as an eligible fuel listed by the Investing in Infrastructure and Jobs Act, which created the five-year, $5 billion fund. But there are currently no hydrogen school buses in production. The same goes for liquefied natural gas, which differs from propane. The IIJA also mentions CNG, which won a handful of awards, but manufacturers don’t currently produce that fuel option, either.

Diesel-powered school buses do exist in large numbers nationwide, estimated at about 80 percent of the national fleet of approximately 450,000 vehicles. Many operate with biodiesel blended with regular diesel. The RFI specifically states EPA seeks information on B20, or 20 percent biofuel blend with diesel.

Renewable diesel, or RD, is different from biodiesel as the former is produced by a hydrotreating process, making it a hydrocarbon fuel. Because it is otherwise nearly identical to petroleum diesel, RD is a drop-in fuel alternative that diesel engine manufacturers certify for use in their engines without voiding warranties. But RD is more expensive than petroleum diesel except in California, Oregon, New Mexico and Washington, where Low Carbon Fuel Standard credits are at play.

Electric school buses are not a focus of the RFI because EPA said it has sufficient information on its infrastructure, availability and performance.

EPA added electric school buses have accounted for 90 percent of Clean School Bus Program awards to date, and the next funding round should target other allowed alternative fuels “to allow for the maximum number of affordable bus choices to fit school districts’ specific needs.”

What’s in the RFI?

EPA is asking the current availability and anticipated purchasing within the next year to five years of biodiesel, RD, E85 flex fuel, CNG, LNG, propane or any other biofuel and if those school buses are fueled at the school district facility, an offsite private fueling station, or an offsite public station. EPA also wants to know about fuel supplier arrangements.
Specifically for biodiesel and RD, EPA is asking for details on how the blends or drop-in fuels are used.

It requests information on fueling system components, pricing, construction and installation requirements, performance, domestic content, and other practical considerations.

The RFI also states EPA wants information on how it can further safeguard taxpayer dollars. The agency completed an internal review to assess financial management practices and said it uncovered inconsistent documentation, incomplete adherence to reporting an award conditions, improper or premature drawdowns of funds, and insufficient internal controls by certain awardees, including for profit recipients.

EPA said it is “evaluating additional safeguards and conditions for for-profit entities,” which includes audits of financial statements and conflict of interest policies. It is also considering verification tools or documentation to ensure appropriate bus usage and routes before funds are disbursed; milestone-based payment structures, reimbursement-only models, or phased disbursement mechanisms tied to verified delivery to reduce risk and improve accountability; and enforcement mechanisms such as repayment obligations or clawback provisions in cases of nonperformance, noncompliance, or misuse of funds.

The Clean School Bus Program is set to expire at the end of the current fiscal year, which would require the remaining $2 billion that has yet to be awarded needing to rollout over the next six months.

Public comments are due within 45 days of EPA publishing the RFI in the Federal Register. A webinar is scheduled for March 3.

Related: EPA ‘Revamping’ Clean School Bus Program
Related: Engine, Truck Manufacturers Support EPA Easing Derate of SCR Diesel Emissions Controls
Related: Deploying Electric School Buses in Rural and Suburban Districts

The post Updated: EPA Seeks to Expand Fuel Scope of Clean School Bus Program appeared first on School Transportation News.

Polestar’s designers and engineers may be working overtime to prepare four new EV launches by 2028, but management is already looking beyond the rollout. High-performance variants are on the agenda, suggesting that expansion will not come at the expense of speed.

Michael Lohscheller, Polestar CEO, spoke about the future during a media gathering at the Gothenburg headquarters in Sweden. As reported by Auto Express, he said:

“In terms of how we will continue to deliver performance with our future models, I think we’re going to deliver a more consistent way in terms of performance cars, in terms of the specifications. We want to focus a bit more on performance, because that is where we can do even better going forward, on track, on acceleration, but also in terms of being superior to others.”

More: One-Off Polestar Arctic Circle Edition Models Are Rally-Inspired EVs Ready For Action

Just a few months ago, Polestar was forced to shut down its last UK-based R&D facility as it took a $900 million loan from parent company Geely to survive heavy losses. Despite the closure of the engineering center responsible for the development of the Polestar 5, Lohscheller believes that the brand still has the expertise to take on BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi RS.

Central to this strategy is the expansion of the “BST” (short for “Beast”) moniker, which will evolve from a limited-production experiment with the Polestar 2 BST Editions into a high-performance sub-brand. Note that Polestar itself used to be the performance sub-brand of Volvo.

More: New Polestar 5 Doesn’t Need A Rear Window To Put Porsche On Notice

While the CEO didn’t get into details, candidates for future BST variants are the next-gen Polestar 2 sedan, the recently updated Polestar 3 SUV, and the Polestar 4 coupe crossover, which will soon gain an estate bodystyle.

As for the Polestar 5 grand tourer, it already packs 872 hp (650 kW / 884 PS) in Performance guise, meaning that an even hotter version could challenge the likes of the Audi RS e-Tron GT, Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, and Xiaomi SU7 Ultra.

Back in 2024, the company revealed the track-focused Polestar Concept BST that was based on the 6 roadster. However, the rollout of this model has been pushed back, with focus being shifted to more profitable models in mainstream segments.

Polestar

Electric vehicles are turning into a proper migraine for the insurance industry. According to the latest report from collision management software provider Mitchell, repairable collision claims for EVs jumped 14% in the US and 24% in Canada during 2025.

What makes these numbers particularly jarring is the fact that EV sales growth slowed down in 2025 as government tax incentives expired and consumer interest shifted to hybrids. Cox Automotive estimates that new EV sales dropped approximately 2% in the US, with S&P Global Mobility reporting a 0.4% decline in new EV registrations.

More: Car Repair Costs Are Exploding And It’s Not Just About Tariffs

Even Tesla’s grip on the market loosened slightly, with its US market share slipping to 46.2% from 48.7% in 2024 as more competitors gained ground.

Rising Repair Complexity

Even so, the existing EV fleet is aging into more accidents, and the complexity of repairing them is becoming a logistical and financial hurdle for the repair industry.

Ryan Mandell, Mitchell’s vice president of strategy and market intelligence, explained: “Due to their dense electrical architectures, software-driven systems and interconnected, sensor-heavy designs, these vehicles require additional diagnostic and calibration operations when damaged that can add cost, complexity and cycle time to each repair.”

The “Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights” report also examined other electrified vehicles. Repairable claims for PHEVs increased 6% in the US and 26% in Canada in 2025. Mild-hybrid models (MHEV) recorded increases of 20% in the US and 29% in Canada. It is worth noting, however, that MHEV sales in the US surged 28% in 2025.

Also: Why Even The Smallest Accident Is Designed To Destroy Your Wallet

Across North America, British Columbia recorded the highest EV repair demand at 8.48%, followed by Quebec at 8.21% and California at 6.58%.

Which Models Top The Claims List?

Looking at individual models, Tesla continues to dominate claims volume. In the US, the Model Y accounts for 30.32% of repairable BEV claims, followed by the Model 3 at 27.01%, meaning the two together represent more than half of all such claims. The pattern is similar in Canada, although the positions are reversed, with the Model 3 at 26.03% slightly ahead of the Model Y at 25.91%.

The Economics Of Fixing An EV

There is at least one sliver of good news. On the repair side, the average cost to fix an EV fell 5% in the US, from US$ 6,707 to US$ 6,395, and declined 2% in Canada in 2025. ICE-powered vehicles and PHEVs remained largely flat in the US, while MHEVs saw their average claim cost rise 4%, from $4,865 to $5,054.

Nevertheless, the higher repair complexity of electrified vehicles is reflected in their “calibrations per estimate” rating, which tracks how often sensors and systems must be recalibrated after repairs. In 2025, the average number of revisions was 1.70 for EVs and 1.63 for hybrids, compared to 1.54 for ICE-powered vehicles.

Mitchell’s data also shows that 86% of EV parts dollars go toward OEM components, with only 13% of parts deemed repairable rather than replaceable. For ICE-powered vehicles, 62% of parts dollars go to OEMs, and 15% of components are considered repairable.

The Depreciation Trap

Mitchell also reported that total loss market values declined across most powertrain types in 2025, with EVs seeing the sharpest drops. In the US, EV values fell 6%, from US$ 30,126 in 2024 to US$ 28,185 in 2025. In Canada, they dropped 13%, from CA$ 41,775 to CA$ 36,504.

More: China’s EV Boom Is Cooling, And The Big Names Are Feeling It

By comparison, ICE vehicle values declined 2.55% in the US, from $14,241 to $13,887, and 6.12% in Canada, from $17,049 to $16,005. Hybrids presented a more mixed picture, with US values rising 4.18%, from $18,453 to $19,225, while Canadian values fell 4.40%, from $30,268 to $28,938.

Analysts attribute the steeper EV declines to accelerated depreciation, the arrival of more budget-friendly models, and shifts in consumer sentiment.

Ford is preparing to launch a $30,000 electric truck, and the steady drumbeat of promotion is starting to wear a little thin. Earlier this month, the Blue Oval released three glorified blog posts about the affordable mid-size pickup and a 14 minute video, which was approximately 10 minutes too long.

Before that, the company talked about failure and Henry Ford’s ill-fated stints at the Detroit Automobile Company and the Henry Ford Company. The automaker then said they’re pursuing similar bold efforts as it “works to design and assemble affordable electric vehicles.”

More: Ford’s ‘Model T Movement’ Is A New $30,000 Electric Pickup

The thing is that $30,000 electric vehicles already exist and can be bought today. While the upcoming model will be notable for being a mid-size truck that introduces some new techniques and technology, it might not be as revolutionary as Ford would have you believe.

The Blue Oval will likely continue trickling out trivial details for months to come, but shoppers could easily head to their nearest Chevy dealer and snag an Equinox EV. While the model starts at $34,995, the company is offering $6,500 in incentives, and this lowers the price of entry to $28,495 before factoring in the $1,800 destination fee.

The bowtie brand also recently brought back the Bolt, which starts at $27,600 and has a $1,395 destination fee. This means you can get an electric hatchback with 262 miles (422 km) of range for $28,995.

Chevrolet isn’t alone as the redesigned Nissan Leaf starts at $29,990 before a $1,495 destination charge. It will eventually be joined by an even more affordable variant that has a smaller battery pack and a less powerful electric motor.

All three of these vehicles are available now, although they lack a truck bed. Ford is banking on the latter being a big differentiator, although early teaser images suggest this won’t be your typical pickup as the company is focusing on range and efficiency.

Blue Bird Corporation announced its pending acquisition of the remaining 50-percent equity interest in Micro Bird, a joint venture with Canadian bus manufacturer Girardin Minibus. ​The $198.2 million deal, which values Micro Bird at $429.6 million, is expected to close by the end of the second quarter, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. ​

The OEM confirmed Micro Bird President Eric Boule and his current management team continue to oversee day-to-day operations.

The Micro Bird brand originated in the mid-1970s, when Blue Bird introduced its first Type A school bus built on a cutaway van chassis. Blue Bird entered a supply agreement with Girardin Minibus in 1992 to build the Micro Bird in Quebec. The most recent joint venture between Blue Bird and Girardin was signed in 2009, which created Micro Bird, Inc.

The transaction announced Tuesday is funded through a combination of 70-percent stock and 30-percent cash. It includes the $16.5 million purchase of Micro Bird’s new manufacturing facility in Plattsburgh, New York and the transfer of its OEM service parts inventory for $400,000, according to a company presentation on the deal strategy and structure. ​Blue Bird said it plans to issue 2.7 million shares to fund the stock portion and use $154.2 million in cash for the remainder. ​

Blue Bird said the acquisition is expected to enhance the company’s market share in the K-12 student transportation industry by expanding its product portfolio to include a comprehensive lineup of Type A, C and D buses powered by diesel, gas, propane, and electric powertrains. ​The deal will also double Micro Bird’s addressable market in the U.S., thanks to its compliance with Buy America requirements, and strengthen Blue Bird’s presence in Canada. ​

The transaction is projected to be immediately accretive to earnings, with an estimated 8.2 percent increase in earnings per share in fiscal year 2026. ​Blue Bird’s pro forma revenue is expected to grow from $1.5 billion to $1.9 billion, while adjusted EBITDA is forecasted to increase from $225 million to $250 million. The company said it anticipates long-term revenue growth to reach $2.5 billion by 2030, with an EBITDA margin exceeding 15 percent. ​

Micro Bird, known for its high-quality school, commercial and electric buses, is well-positioned for long-term growth. ​Blue Bird said the acquisition will enable it to leverage Micro Bird’s expertise in electric vehicle technology, streamline development and expand into adjacent markets such as commercial and specialty vehicles as well as drive engineering efficiencies, enhance market share, and deliver value to shareholders through profitable growth and stock buybacks. ​

This article is developing.

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Related: Engine, Truck Manufacturers Support EPA Easing Derate of SCR Diesel Emissions Controls

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