Western brands have been struggling in China, but GM is the rare exception as the company and its joint ventures delivered nearly 1.9 million vehicles last year. That was up 2.3 percent compared to 2024 and this was largely driven by sales of New Energy Vehicles such as the Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV, which found over 435,000 takers.

More: China’s New Cadillac XT5 Will Make You Jealous We Don’t Get It Here

GM is looking for continued success with the new Wuling Xingguang 560, which is a mid-size crossover that will be offered with gas, plug-in hybrid, and electric powertrains. The company said surprisingly little about the model, but it features a slender grille that is flanked by sweptback headlights with X-shaped daytime running lights.

They’re joined by a powertrain-specific front end, which is enclosed on electrified models and open on the ICE-powered variant.

Moving further back, we can see plastic body cladding and an available contrasting roof. Other highlights include stylish wheels, a liftgate-mounted spoiler, and X-like taillights. The model also has a rear pillar and window treatment that closely recalls the Subaru Forester.

How Big Is It?

In terms of size, the Xingguang 560 measures 186.8 inches (4,745 mm) long, 72.8 inches (1,850 mm) wide, and 69.1 inches (1,755 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 110.6 inches (2,810 mm). To put those numbers into perspective, the model is 3.6 inches (91 mm) longer than the Chevrolet Equinox and has an extra 3.1 inches (79 mm) between the wheels.

The interior has a minimalist design with a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system that reportedly measures 12.8 inches. They’re accompanied by a two-spoke steering wheel, distinctive air vents, and a center console that appears to have a dual wireless smartphone charger.

Wuling was coy on specifics, but said the crossover offers up to 68.7 cubic feet (1,945 liters) of cargo room when the second-row is folded flat. They added the model has more than 25 storage compartments, including one hidden beneath the rear seats.

Powertrain Options

On the performance front, the Xingguang 560 will be offered with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) of torque. It can be paired to either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission.

Customers can also opt for a plug-in hybrid, which offers a WLTC combined range of up to 684 miles (1,100 km). Wuling didn’t elaborate, but an earlier report from CarNewsChina said this variant has a 1.5-liter engine and an electric-only range of 78 miles (125 km).

Last but not least, there’s a fully electric variant that has a CLTC range of up to 311 miles (500 km). It’s said to have a 60 kWh battery pack as well as an electric motor developing 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS).

How Much Does It Cost?

To help promote the model’s launch, Wuling is offering introductory pricing that ranges from $8,581 (¥59,800) to $13,746 (¥95,800). After this offer expires, pricing will apparently climb to $9,155 – $14,751 (¥63,800 – ¥102,800).

Ford may be pulling back on its EV spending, but it isn’t walking away from electrification. Instead, the company may be taking a different approach, and that path could lead through China. Specifically, Ford is reportedly in early talks with BYD, the Chinese automaker that recently overtook Tesla as the world’s top EV producer, to source batteries for its next hybrid models.

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal citing sources familiar with the discussions, nothing is finalized, and a deal may not materialize. But if it does, one idea under consideration is for Ford to begin importing BYD batteries for use in its factories outside the United States.

Read: Hold Your Horses, Ford Might Be Working On A Hybrid Pony Car

In response to the report, Ford didn’t confirm or deny the potential partnership. “We talk to lots of companies about many things,” the company told the newspaper. That kind of non-denial tends to say a lot without saying much at all.

BYD, while primarily known for its battery manufacturing in China, has been expanding its footprint globally, building production capacity in Brazil, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Why BYD Might Be the Answer

The timing of these talks aligns with a major pivot inside Ford. The company recently took a $19.5 billion write-down after scaling back several electric vehicle initiatives, including high-profile battery joint ventures with South Korean firms SK On and LG Energy Solution. Alongside a renewed emphasis on internal combustion models, Ford plans to grow its hybrid lineup, an area where BYD already excels.

The Chinese company is one of the world’s largest producers of hybrid vehicles and battery packs for cars. Instead of launching new factories or reviving shelved partnerships, Ford might simply buy batteries directly, streamlining its supply chain as it targets a goal of having hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs make up half of its global sales by 2030.

Will Washington Push Back on a BYD Deal?

Any such deal is unlikely to go over well with the Trump administration. Shortly after reports surfaced that Ford was speaking with BYD, top Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro hit out at the plan.

“So Ford wants to simultaneously prop up a Chinese competitor’s supply chain and make it more vulnerable to that same supply chain extortion?,” he wrote on X. “What could go wrong here?”

Meanwhile, Donald Trump took a different tack. Speaking to reporters in Detroit, the president said he welcomed foreign firms, including those from China and Japan, setting up shop in the States, as long as they employed American workers.

“You know, those tariffs are keeping the foreign autoworkers. Now, if they want to come in and build the plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbors, that’s great. I love that,” said Trump. ” Let China come in. Let Japan come in. They are. And they’ll be building plants, but they’re using our labor.

The unveiling of the EV2 in Brussels marks another step in Kia’s relentless expansion into the electric market, and it could easily become one of the brand’s biggest hits. Aimed at the new Renault 4, the EV2 draws on proven tech and echoes the design language of Kia’s larger electric SUVs. There’s also the possibility of a full-bore GT version joining the range.

Read: Kia’s EV2 Is Like A Renault 4 Without The Nostalgia

Kia has so far confirmed the EV2 will be offered as standard with a compact 42.2 kWh battery pack and a 145 hp electric motor driving the front wheels. With a claimed range of 197 miles (317 km), it’ll be best suited to urban dwellers and those who can charge at home.

Soon after, a GT-Line version will arrive, featuring a larger 61 kWh battery and a potential range of up to 278 miles (448 km). Kia hasn’t yet confirmed how much power the upgraded model will offer.

Is a Hot GT Variant in the Works?

A fully-fledged GT version would sit above these models in Kia’s line-up, and could serve as a rival to the Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI, albeit in a slightly larger package than the German hatchback. When asked by Autocar about the possibility of such a version, Kia Europe’s planning chief Alex Papapetropolous didn’t rule it out.

“At launch, we’re going to have Air and Earth trims, with GT Line following in June,” he said. “Of course, we’re looking at life-cycle animations on EV2, and it’s a segment that customers are very keen and receptive to have those life-cycle updates in, so we’re looking at adding more trims in the future.”

No AWD, No Problem?

If an EV2 GT is released, it will be quite different than Kia’s other electric GT models. Kia hasn’t engineered the car to support all-wheel drive, meaning it’d have to stick to front-wheel drive. That’s not the end of the world, but it does mean it wouldn’t be able to match the EV3 GT and EV4 GT, both rated at 282 hp, and would likely land closer to the 200 hp mark.

Kia would also have to reduce torque steer as much as possible. The front-wheel drive EV5 we drove last year was riddled with torque steer with its 215 hp and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm), and an EV2 GT would have far less weight to move.

Canada and China announced a major tariff shift today in Beijing, and while it’s sure to have some North American farmers whooping with joy, it might also result in the region’s auto workers punching walls in frustration.

In late 2024, Canada had imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles, following similar action by the United States. That effectively shut out Chinese EVs from the Canadian market and was meant to protect local industry. China retaliated with crushing tariffs on Canadian canola seed of 84 percent, which effectively bottlenecked an export industry worth billions of dollars.

Also: EU Could Scrap Chinese EV Tariffs, But Buyers Won’t Like What Comes Next

The new agreement reached by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping rewrites that script. Canada will now allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles a year to be imported at a reduced tariff of around 6.1 percent, a massive drop from the previous 100 percent, and ease tariffs on steel and aluminium.

By the fifth year of the agreement, the EV import cap will rise to 70,000 units. “That’s a return to levels last seen in 2023, the last full year before the Canadian tariff actions,” Carney said.

Even so, the number remains relatively modest in the context of the overall market. Canadian consumers bought nearly 1.9 million vehicles last year, meaning Chinese EVs will still account for a small fraction, albeit a larger one when looking solely at electric vehicles. That said, we still don’t have the total EV sales figure for 2025.

Canola Tariffs Cut

China, for its part, will cut its canola seed duty to about 15 percent by March 1, significantly improving market access for Canadian farmers. The move is part of a broader effort to repair strained relations between the two nations and comes as the result of the first high-level visit by a Canadian prime minister to Beijing in nearly a decade.

But not everyone is thrilled. Some Canadian auto workers and industry observers worry that lower EV tariffs and an influx of affordable cars could increase competition in an already challenging market. And ahead of the final meeting Ontario Premier Doug Ford made clear he was against the lifting of tariffs.

Jobs Created, Not Lost

Carney, however, predicts the EV pact will result in “considerable” Chinese investment into Canada’s auto sector that will create jobs, Reuters reports, while helping it meet its climate goals.

“For Canada to build its own competitive EV sector, we will need to learn from innovative partners, access their supply chains, and increase local demand,” he said.

US President Donald Trump and his administration will certainly be dismayed at this latest news from Canada. But there will also be thousands of American soy bean farmers whose livelihoods have been trashed by tariffs that will be wishing Trump would make a similar deal.

STN EXPO East attendees will experience “A Day at the Track” as the Charlotte Motor Speedway is transformed into an immersive student transportation event.
The Ride and Drive and Product Demo is scheduled for Sunday, March 29 during the STN EXPO East conference and trade show held at the nearby Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord in North Carolina. The Ride and Drive and demo networking events are featured as part of the Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit.

Bus Technology Summit will begin with product labs presented by individual vendors that are creating cutting-edge technology options to address student transportation industry needs. The Green Bus Summit starts the same day and features panel discussions with industry manufacturers and clean energy organizations as they provide an overview of green fuel and energy options available. Both Summits continue Monday, March 30.

At the Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday evening, attendees will take part in a racing inspired event held in the NASCAR Cup Series Garage. The reception will feature dinner, drinks and entertainment. Attendees can then visit the sponsor stations to demo different products and ride different school bus models around the quarter-mile oval track. This iconic venue provides an unforgettable experience centered around connection, collaboration and innovation.

Ride and Drive and Technology Demo title sponsor Zonar will showcase its product line is joined by platinum sponsors Blue Bird, First Light Safety Products, IC Bus, Micro Bird, RIDE, Southeast Propane Alliance (SEPA), and Transfinder. A full list of sponsors is available online.

Register by Feb. 14 to save $100 on conference registration. Find the conference agenda, exhibitor lists, and hotel information at stnexpo.com/east.

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Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture
Related: STN EXPO East to Feature Timely Discussion on Managing Stress
Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture

The post Ride and Drive, Technology Demo Return to Charlotte Motor Speedway in March appeared first on School Transportation News.

BMW M will begin offering electric vehicles in 2027, and the upcoming i3 M sedan has already been teased. But it won’t arrive alone, as spy photographers have captured the brand’s first high-performance electric SUV, possibly called the iX3 M, undergoing cold-weather testing in northern Sweden.

More: BMW M’s iX3 Is Hiding Something Under Its Hood

Dressed in heavy camouflage, the prototype looks virtually identical to the standard model. However, we can see the crossover has been equipped with sizable wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system. The latter feature cross-drilled discs as well as blue calipers up front.

SHproshots

The production model will presumably have more changes including sportier bumpers and a lightly revised grille. We also wouldn’t be surprised to find a modified diffuser and plenty of M badging.

While there isn’t much to see outside, the interior pictures show the M variant will have a sport steering wheel that eschews vertical spokes. We can also see red and blue contrast stitching as well as dedicated M buttons that are covered by tape.

The rest of the cabin is largely hidden behind disguise, but there are heavily bolstered sport seats that have taped up M logos. Besides the special touches, we can expect a pillar-to-pillar Panoramic iDrive display as well as a 17.9-inch infotainment system.

SHproshots

BMW M has been coy on powertrain details, but they recently said their upcoming EVs will have four electric motors as well as a front axle that can be “completely decoupled” to deliver rear-wheel drive characteristics and efficiency. All of these models, including the i3 M sedan and the iX3 M SUV, will also have simulated gear shifts and a newly developed “soundscape.”

The motors will deliver precisely controlled power and torque to each individual wheel and they’ll be powered by a 100+ kWh battery pack, which has been “specifically adapted to meet the demands of high-performance vehicles.” The company also noted upcoming models will have a long range, highly efficient energy recuperation, 800-volt technology, and their new Heart of Joy driving dynamics system.

The big question is how much power to expect. Only BMW knows for sure, but speculation suggests they could be packing between 700 hp (522 kW / 710 PS) and 800 hp (597 kW / 811 PS).

SHproshots

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan burst onto the scene in 2018 and became a successful addition to the lineup. Now, almost ten years later, the company has begun work on a new flagship crossover.

Spied undergoing cold weather testing in Scandinavia, the redesigned model is heavily disguised but looks instantly recognizable. However, there’s a new front fascia with split lighting units and what appears to be a wider grille. We can also see a wide lower intake that echoes the one found on the Spectre.

More: Facelifted Rolls Royce Cullinan Arrives With Questionable Styling Changes

Moving further back, there’s a bulging hood and a pronounced shoulder line. They’re joined by an evolutionary greenhouse as well as new door handles that appear to be better integrated into the overall design.

The familiar styling continues out back, where there are new taillights with vertical elements. The model also has a new liftgate and a license plate recess that has been moved to the bumper. Speaking of which, there are new horizontal reflectors and no more exhaust cutouts.

Baldauf

There appears to be a good reason for this as spy photographers said the model is fully electric. Little is known about the crossover at this point, but the model could follow in the footsteps of the Spectre.

As you may recall, the electric coupe rides on the Architecture of Luxury and features a 102 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 577 hp (430kW / 584 PS) and  664 lb-ft (900Nm) of torque. This enables the Spectre to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds and have a WLTP range of 329 miles (530 km).

Customers can also upgrade to the Black Badge variant, which has an upgraded powertrain producing 650 hp (485 kW / 659 PS) and 793 lb-ft (1,075 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra oomph, 60 mph (96 km/h) comes in 4.1 seconds.

The crossover could use a larger battery than the coupe, but we likely won’t find out for awhile as a launch isn’t expected until 2028. That’s a ways off and it means Bentley will beat Rolls-Royce to the punch with an electric crossover of their own.

Baldauf

The wait is nearly over. After years of speculation and teasers, Mercedes-Benz’s smaller G-Class is finally edging closer to production, The compact G-Wagen sticks closely to the blocky proportions of its full-sized counterpart, aiming to carry over much of its tough, go-anywhere character.

Shrunk in scale but not in identity, it’s being positioned to take on Land Rover’s downsized Defender in the growing premium off-roader market.

Read: A Baby G-Wagon Is Coming, And Yes, It Still Looks Kind of Badass

Although this isn’t the first time the model has been spotted in testing, these new images give us the clearest view yet. Caught undergoing cold-weather trials in Europe, the compact Mercedes is visibly shorter and lower than the full-fat G-Class, but the family resemblance is obvious.

SHproshots

Peek through the camouflage and you’ll spot familiar round headlights, likely paired with a sizeable grille up front. The front fascia sits tall and upright, though the overall lines are slightly more sculpted than the full-size version. It keeps that classic G-Class stance but smooths out a few edge around the corners – literally.

According to Gordon Wagener, former Mercedes design chief, the baby G was intended to look “a touch more modern than the big one.” He made that point in an interview with Car Magazine last year, and it tracks. One of the more interesting new details is the small, triangular rear side windows.

Underpinning the compact G is a brand-new platform, entirely separate from the full-size G-Class’s traditional architecture. It abandons the ladder-frame chassis, a move that might raise questions about hardcore off-road capability and towing strength. However, the payoff should come in the form of a more refined on-road experience, with smoother ride quality and improved daily comfort.

Former tech boss Markus Schäfer referred to the platform as a “miniature ladder-frame chassis” while speaking to Autocar last year. While it isn’t a true body-on-frame setup, he explained that it shares key qualities, particularly in suspension geometry and wheel sizing. So while it won’t match the full G-Class for rock-crawling antics, it won’t be soft either.

What Will Power It?

Then there’s the all-important question of powertrains. The mini G-Class will debut as an EV, which may catch some by surprise, given the current state of the market, especially here in the US. However, remember, this is a global model and there’s plenty of interest in EVs in major markets like China and Europe.

Details on the battery pack and electric motors are still scarce, but it would make sense for Mercedes to draw from the technology used in the latest CLA and GLC EVs. That would help ensure the new model delivers a reasonable driving range along with sufficient performance.

Whether combustion-powered versions will arrive after the new baby G is released remains unclear. Demand for the full-size electric G580 with EQ Technology hasn’t been particularly strong, so it would make sense for Mercedes to at least consider offering a few combustion powertrains. In that scenario, hybrid models might also be on the table, though nothing has been confirmed.

SHproshots

As Honda doubles down on its electric dreams, tensions are rising inside its own retail network. Honda dealerships are pushing back against the company’s joint EV venture with Sony, arguing that it’s siphoning attention and resources away from the core Honda and Acura lines, especially at a time when EV demand has begun to cool. The company, however, appears unmoved.

Sony Honda Mobility unveiled its near production-ready Afeela 1 electric sedan at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, preparing it for a limited launch in California in late 2026. Alongside the sedan, the company also teased a second model, a crossover still in development.

Read: After A $90K Sedan, Sony Honda Thinks What America Needs Now Is Another Pricey Electric SUV

Honda will manage all direct sales, vehicle deliveries, and servicing for the Afeela lineup, and will also collaborate with independent repair providers to support ownership beyond the showroom.

Dealers Push Back on Direct Sales

This has rubbed many dealers the wrong way. In August last year, the California New Car Dealers Association filed a lawsuit against Honda and Sony, claiming the direct-sales strategy is illegal under the California Vehicle Code.

Sony Honda Mobility has countered, maintaining that it operates as a separate business entity, and therefore isn’t bound to use Honda’s existing dealership infrastructure.

“While we understand the intent may be to target a different, tech-savvy customer segment, we see no compelling reason to bypass the established dealer network that has supported the brand for decades,” Bill Feinstein, the chairman of the Honda Dealer Advisory Board, told Auto News.

Honda says it has been “clear and transparent” with dealers that they will not be involved in the sale or distribution of the Afeela models.

A Hard Sell?

Feinstein didn’t stop there. “It’s really hard to understand how a premium electric vehicle priced at $90,000-plus makes sense with EV demand softening, high interest rates and intense price competition,” he said.

He also voiced concerns about the broader impact on the business. “We’re deeply worried about the ongoing drain on financial and engineering resources. Every dollar spent in Afeela’s R&D, manufacturing and marketing is a dollar not spent on core Honda and Acura products, where we see greater potential for volume growth and profitability.”

Despite the resistance, Sony Honda Mobility isn’t phased. At last week’s CES in Las Vegas, the joint venture unveiled a prototype of its next model, an all-electric SUV that shares much of its design language with the sedan. The company says this new model could hit the US market as early as 2028

Some city cars just aren’t built for speed, and Fiat seems ready to lean into that idea even more. Its famously compact 500 and Panda models might soon become intentionally slower, not due to technical limitations, but as part of a wider strategy to comply with European safety regulations without driving up costs.

Fiat CEO Olivier Francois recently suggested that capping top speeds could be a practical alternative to loading small, affordable models with costly driver-assistance tech.

Review: New Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid Makes Budget Look Cool Again

“I would happily limit my city cars, my smaller cars, to what is today the maximum legal speed limit,” he told Autocar. “It’s already a limitation. There is something weird that I need to over-spec my cars to go above the legal speed limit.”

According to Francois, the average legal top speed across Europe is around 73 mph (118 km/h), adding that most of the safety equipment “has been developed for cars to go way above the speed limit.”

How Fast Should a City Car Go?

But Fiat’s best-sellers, including the 500, Panda, and the newly introduced Grande Panda, aren’t exactly Autobahn material. They spend most of their lives in slow-moving urban traffic, where speed is hardly the point.

Francois doesn’t think limiting their top speed to 73 mph (118 km/h) would make much of a difference, since none of the city cars in question is especially fast to begin with.

More specifically, the electric Grande Panda is already limited to 82 mph (132 km/h), a cap intended to help preserve battery range. The internal combustion and hybrid versions of the subcompact hatchback are less restricted, capable of reaching up to 99 mph (160 km/h).

The Fiat 500e, meanwhile, comes with a limiter set at either 84 mph (135 km/h) or 93 mph (150 km/h), depending on battery size. As for the new 500 Hybrid, it can theoretically hit 93 mph (150 km/h) as well, though based on its acceleration figures, that top speed might be more of a long-term goal than a regular achievement.

Slower Means Safer

Francois thinks that a new speed limiter could serve as a cheaper alternative to more sophisticated ADAS that would inevitably increase the price of the models with little or no benefit to the customer. He also welcomed the proposal for a new small car category in Europe that could be free of the strict safety rules applicable in higher segments.

More: EU Quietly Plans New Car Class That Could See Prices Drop To €15,000

“I have a hard time understanding why we need to install all this super-expensive hardware,” he said. “Sensors, cameras, road sign recognition… All this is a little bit inadequate, a bit crazy, and has contributed to raising the average price of a city car by 60% over the last five or six years. I don’t think that city cars in 2018 or 2019 were extremely dangerous.”

Francois’s suggestion is to take a step back, reducing complexity rather than increasing it. “Our proposal was literally to say ‘let’s go a little bit backward from overloading cars with expensive hardware’.”

He argues that applying the same safety rules across all vehicle categories misses the point, especially when it comes to small cars built for dense city environments. “We fundamentally think that with all these rules, the most unsustainable portion lies in the city cars and urban driving,” Francois said.

These vehicles, he notes, are often inexpensive, bought by younger drivers, and used primarily for short-distance commutes. Their speeds, and the risks involved, are much lower.

If Fiat decides to introduce new speed restrictions across its lineup, it wouldn’t be the first to take that route. Volvo, Renault, and Dacia have already capped some of their vehicles at 112 mph (180 km/h), aiming to lower the risk of severe accidents.

Back-from-break headlines cover winter weather conditions, rockstars and leadership at STN EXPO East, updates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and what impact recent developments in Venezuela could have on the school bus industry.

Keynote speaker and best-selling author Jim Knight, who rubbed shoulders with musicians and celebrities during his tenure with Hard Rock International, discusses building a student transportation brand and improving workplace culture. He will present a keynote and Transportation Director training at STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina this March.

Read all our latest news.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

 

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The era of all-electric performance cars from BMW M is nearly upon us. For years, the brand has been feverishly developing its next generation of cars and has confirmed that the first of these new models, the electric M3, will debut in 2027.

BMW isn’t officially calling the prototype shown here the Electric M3, or even the i3 M, though both names might seem like logical picks. If we had to guess, the latter feels like the more likely direction.

What Powers the Neue Klasse M?

At the center of all future electric models from BMW M, starting with the M3, will be an innovative powertrain based on the sixth-generation technologies found across the standard Neue Klasse family. At the front axle, there will be two motors, while at the rear, there will be a further two motors, each of which drives a single rear wheel.

Read: BMW’s Electric M3 Might Be Silent, But It’s Built To Make You Scream

BMW isn’t yet ready to reveal how much power its quad-motor system will produce, but don’t be surprised if future EV Neue Klasse models have four-digit horsepower ratings.

The motors are arranged in parallel, delivering power to one gearbox per wheel. Each of the two drive units also incorporates an inverter. The motors also allow for the precise control of power and torque at each wheel, creating what BMW says is a driving experience “that has never been achieved before.”

Supplying the motors will be a 100 kWh battery pack using BMW’s latest cylindrical cells. Driving ranges will obviously vary depending on the model, but the brand notes the pack has been designed to withstand the rigors of racetrack use. To offset some of the hefty weight of the electric powertrain, these electric M models will include lightweight natural fiber components.

Rear-Drive When You Want It

In news that will no doubt please hardcore driving enthusiasts, M says the front axle can be fully decoupled, turning its models into rear-wheel-drive beasts. Switching into RWD will also improve efficiency and boost driving range, so you can save the planet and spin up the wheels at the same time.

Channeling Hyundai’s Playbook

This isn’t where the driver-focused features will end. Much like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, electric M Neue Klasse models, like the M3 EV, will include simulated gear shifts and a special soundscape, aiming to add some emotion into the EVs, which are often void of excitement.

The ’Heart of Joy’ high-performance control unit will control all driving-related processes, like control of the wheels and the steering, operating alongside four high-performance computers. To put it simply, M’s Neue Klasse models will be tech fests aiming to put the driver at the center of the experience.

New vehicle prices traditionally peak in December, but last month they really boomed, the average transaction price (ATP) in America reaching an all-time high after breaking the $50,000 barrier for the first time in September of 2025. And it was trucks, appropriately enough, that did the heavy lifting.

Kelley Blue Book says the average transaction price for a new vehicle climbed to $50,326 in the final month of 2025, up 0.8 percent year on year and up 1.1 percent from November. Americans’ desire to put a pickup on their driveway helped fuel that growth, with drivers splurging a staggering $15 billion on full-size trucks in December alone.

Related: Woohoo! We Found A New Honda Prelude With A Discount

Jumbo pickups including the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado had an averaged price of $66,386 in December, according to Cox Automotive’s data, that average a modest 1.9 percent higher than the previous December. But over 233,000 of them were sold, turning the segment into a kind of economic leaf blower that pushed the entire industry’s average higher.

Choosing luxury

That truck performance confirms that average prices aren’t simply rising because everything naturally gets more expensive, even when inflation is low. They’re rising because buyers are choosing more expensive stuff. Nearly 20 percent of shoppers went for luxury rides in December, according to Cox and that doesn’t even include high-end trucks, which increasingly behave like luxury vehicles with bed liners.

Transaction Price Versus Incentives

December’s $50,326 ATP, by the way, reflects what buyers are actually paying at the dealership. It wasn’t the only number to hit a new high. The average new-vehicle manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), often referred to as the “asking price,” also set a record last month, reaching $52,627. That figure is 1.2 percent higher than it was in December 2024. Notably, the average MSRP has stayed above $50,000 for eight straight months.

The industry average incentive rose to 7.5 percent of transaction price, higher than November but lower than last year and far lower than pre-covid levels. That means the sticker shock is real regardless of the difference between ATP and MSRP.

“We typically see elevated prices in December, as the market delivers a strong mix of high-end and luxury vehicle sales,” said Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating. “It’s important to remember, the Kelley Blue Book ATP is a reflection of what was sold in a given month, not what is available. Last month, nearly 20% of shoppers bought luxury, a peak for 2025 – and that doesn’t include the volume of high-end pickups that were snapped up by affluent shoppers.”

Big EV Incentives

On the electric front it was a mixed bag, which is hardly surprising given how much uncertainty tariffs and the loss of tax credits has injected into a segment whose growth has slowed. Average EV transaction prices dipped slightly from November but stayed higher than a year ago at just over $58,000 on average.

But much more generous incentives – a record 18 percent, more than twice that for combustion cars – must have played a big role in pushing monthly electric sales above 84,000 units in December. That last figure is the best since credits were axed in September, but 2025’s total EV sales of around 1.28 million is down 2 percent on 2024, Cox analysts say.

Average Transaction Price by segment

Average Transaction Price by automaker

Average Transaction Price by brand

Update: We reached out to Honda for clarification on whether its new logo will appear solely on electrified vehicles (EVs and hybrids) or across all models, including gasoline-powered ones.

“Honda has announced that the new H-Mark will be applied to EV/HEV models launched after 2027,” a US spokesperson told us. “Honda has no details to share regarding gasoline models at this time.”

Honda is preparing for a small but symbolic shift in its visual identity as it steps deeper into electrification. The company has announced that a newly designed emblem will begin appearing on its electrified production vehicles and across other areas of its automotive business, including dealerships and motorsport divisions.

More: Prelude, Type R And CR-V Get Sporty HRC Makeovers, And Honda Didn’t Stop There

The classic H mark has been reimagined with a simplified, borderless design and will make its production debut on future electric vehicles and next-generation hybrids beginning in 2027.

Which Models Get It First?

The new logo made its first appearance on Honda’s 0 Series concepts, revealed in early 2024. The first production model expected to wear it is the 0 SUV, which will be built in Ohio. That vehicle was originally slated to launch in 2026, although the first confirmed use of the new badge is now set for 2027.

Following the 0 SUV, Honda will introduce the closely related 0 Saloon, which also features the illuminated emblem. A third vehicle, the compact 0 Alpha SUV, is being developed as a global model, with particular attention to the Japanese and Indian markets.

Alongside its all-electric lineup, Honda has confirmed the emblem will appear on a series of new hybrids as well. Between 2027 and 2031, the company plans to roll out 13 new vehicles featuring an updated version of its e:HEV hybrid system. The revised setup promises better efficiency, stronger performance, and tighter integration of components.

More: Next CR-V And Civic Hybrids Borrow A Trick From The Prelude To Feel Fun Again

This means the Prelude coupe and the upcoming Super-One hatchback could be among the final new models to carry the current emblem, unless Honda opts to retrofit them with the new badge as part of future model year updates.

While there is no mention of future ICE-powered products, Honda has confirmed that the new branding will be “rolled out gradually across automobile models and other business areas” such as dealerships, communications initiatives, and motorsport activities.

The H mark has served as Honda’s signature since 1963, with previous redesigns arriving in 1969, 1981, 1991, and 2001. The latest version, inspired by the image of two outstretched hands, is intended to symbolize a “second founding” for the brand as it moves through a period of transformation.

Uncertainty with transportation funding, policies and federal changes can make the future seem foreboding for the student transportation industry. Security consultant Bret Brooks plans to outline ways to manage stress without being overwhelmed by today’s challenges.

The opening general session “How to Care Less Without Being Careless: Modern Stress Management,” is scheduled for Friday, March 27 at STN EXPO East. Brooks will explain the “Law of Reversed Effort” that reveals the impact of lowering anxiety to increase openness, creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Through a combination of real-life examples and interactive exercises, attendees will learn how to evaluate their triggers and stressors, and manage stress by realigning priorities. Brooks plans to show attendees how to see through the noise and identify “What’s Important Now,” through contemporary methods such as the Care-O-Meter, the 30,000-foot perspective and the recommendations of Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”

This dynamic session will not only provide educational instruction but equip attendees with the steps to remove avoidable stress and focus their energies in a targeted and efficient way. Attendees will not only be able to reflect on their personal and professional challenges but discover the secrets to reducing stress and living a healthy, balanced life.

Brooks’ military and law enforcement background — he is a major in the U.S. Army and a retired member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol — provides a unique take on stress management as someone with decades of experience in high-stress situations. He is the chief operating officer for Gray Ram Tactical, LLC, a Missouri-based international training and consulting firm specializing in transportation safety and security issues, as well as an author of books and articles.

STN EXPO East will be held March 26- 31, 2026 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. The Early Bird Savings Deadline is Feb. 13, register today at stnexpo.com/east.

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Related: STN EXPO East Agenda Addresses Industry Challenges, Outlines Innovative Solutions
Related: STN EXPO East Keynote Speaker to Outline Strategies for Creating Impactful Culture
Related: STN EXPO East Opens Online Registration for March 2026

The post STN EXPO East to Feature Timely Discussion on Managing Stress appeared first on School Transportation News.

For China’s most wealthiest car buyers, the appeal of driving often takes a back seat to being driven. Luxury isn’t measured in horsepower alone, but in legroom, comfort, and the ability to stretch out while someone else handles traffic.

With that in mind, Nio is preparing a new electric SUV designed squarely for this audience, and for larger families as well. Shown here in newly released photos, the Nio ES9 is set to join the brand’s growing lineup, slotting in just above the ES8.

Big Numbers, Bigger Presence

This upcoming flagship will become the largest electric SUV available in China, overtaking the ES8 for that title, according to CarNewsChina. Figures from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology confirm it stretches 5,365 mm (211.2 inches) in length, spans 2,029 mm (79.8 inches) in width, and stands 1,870 mm (73.6 inches) tall.

Read: This Full-Size Electric SUV Packs 456 HP And Costs Less Than A Honda Civic

That makes it 85 mm (3.3 inches) longer, 29 mm (1.1 inches) wider, and 70 mm (2.7 inches) taller than the ES8. More importantly, the wheelbase stretches to 3,250 mm (127.9 inches), an increase of 120 mm (4.7 inches) over the ES8, which translates to noticeably more room for passengers.

To put that in perspective, its footprint lands somewhere between the standard Cadillac Escalade and the extended-wheelbase Escalade ESV.

Visually, the design of the ES9 is very similar to its smaller brother, although it does have a more upright and squared front fascia. There are split DRLs and headlights at the front, alongside a large grille and a ribbon of black along the bottom of the bumper. As with the ES8, there’s a LiDAR protruding from the roof.

Around back, the design leans toward simplicity, featuring a single LED light bar and little else of interest. Other photos of the SUV reveal that retractable side steps will be available, as will at least six different wheel designs/finishes. Shoppers will also be able to choose between black or silver accents running along the body.

Dual-Motor Drive

We don’t yet know what the cabin of the ES9 will look like, but we do have some important powertrain details. Powering the SUV will be a 241 hp (177 kW) electric motor at the front axle and a 456 hp (335 kW) motor at the rear axle, combining to deliver 697 hp (513 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. The battery pack will be sourced from CATL and is expected to have a capacity of 102 kWh.

There’s no word on what charging speeds this battery will support, but in the land of Nio, charging times aren’t particularly important, as Nio operates a huge battery-swapping network where a depleted battery can be replaced with a fully charged one in just 3 minutes.

A full reveal is expected in the coming months, with its domestic launch set to follow soon after. Availability in markets outside China has not yet been confirmed.

Plenty of automakers are rethinking their electric vehicle strategies. Some names make it easy to shrug and say, well, they probably bit off more than they could chew. Stellantis, for instance, has struggled to steer its EV plans with any consistency. But it’s not just the usual suspects pulling U-turns.

On the other side of that coin, you’ll find Porsche, which, like Stellantis and other mainstream brands, is now backtracking hard on its EV plans. The brand’s former CEO just openly admitted that making the Macan an EV-only model was a mistake. Porsche has plans to fix its foible, too.

A Misstep in the Macan Playbook

Former CEO Oliver Blume, who stepped down at the start of 2026, revealed that making the next-generation Macan electric-only was a mistake. Speaking with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Blume said, “We were wrong about the Macan,” reflecting on Porsche’s 2019 decision to retire the gas-powered Macan in favor of a fully electric model.

More: Porsche’s Next 718 To Borrow 911 Power But Purists May Not Approve

We were there when the EV launched in early 2024. While purists didn’t love it, plenty of folks figured that most Macan buyers cared more about the badge than the engine. But cooling demand for pricey luxury EVs and regulatory hurdles made the all-electric Macan a tougher sell than some expected. Blume acknowledged that hindsight is 20/20.

“Based on the data at the time, we would have made the same decision,” Blume said, “but the situation today is different. We are responding by adding combustion engines and hybrids.” Porsche now plans to reintroduce a gas-powered compact crossover but it won’t be called the Macan.

What Comes After the Macan EV?

The new model, arriving no later than 2028, will occupy the same segment below the Cayenne SUV and is expected to use Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion architecture, which underpins the Audi Q5. Blume described the upcoming crossover as “very, very typical Porsche” and deliberately distinct from the Macan EV.

More: Porsche Purists Might Want To Sit Down For The Next Macan With Front Bias

The Macan misstep isn’t the only one the brand is handling. Porsche also confirmed that future 718 sports cars, initially slated to go EV-only, will offer combustion and hybrid options.

It turns out that even one of the world’s most famous and focused brands can misread the market and industry to an almost embarrassing degree. In the end, we all just end up with more Porsches in more flavors and I can’t say I’m sad about that.

Tesla owners aren’t strangers to modifying their vehicles. Sometimes, that action comes out of a desire for additional safety. Other times, it’s because Tesla itself didn’t deliver on a previous promise. And occasionally, those two aspects of design come into fierce opposition. That’s what happened here.

A father of four needed space for his entire family, and when it became clear that Tesla wouldn’t offer a six-seat Cybertruck, he took matters into his own hands. He commissioned a custom version and later shared the results in a Tesla group on Facebook.

More: Cybertruck’s $16K Range Booster Is Dead And Tesla Isn’t Saying Why

The custom setup removes the center console of the truck and replaces it with a narrow upright seat wedged between the original pair. It comes complete with a seatbelt, but that might be where safety ends. We’ll come back to that, though. Let’s focus first on the design itself.

It’s a far cry from the angular unit Tesla once teased, but at least the upholstery matches. Some folks might not even realize that it’s an aftermarket addition because of that.

What Killed Tesla’s Center Seat Plans?

At the same time, it’s tough to call this a big win for now. While Tesla originally showed renders of a similar setup, it never came to pass. Many believe that’s because of safety regulations regarding the center seat.

Some observers have noted that the truck includes a driver’s side inboard airbag, which could strike anyone seated in the center. There’s also no airbag directly in front of that position. And beyond the lack of protection, there’s always a chance the seat may not be anchored to mounting points strong enough to hold up in a crash.

To be clear, this isn’t a knock on the owner’s intentions. Wanting to carry your entire family with you is obviously normal and easy to understand. But it does highlight a recurring Tesla theme. The brand and CEO often make bold promises, offer flashy renderings, and then production vehicles quietly walk things back a bit.

Tesla once showed a front bench. That version never reached production, and now an owner has stepped in to fill the gap with a custom modification. In doing so, he’s taking on a level of risk that some might find concerning in a six-figure vehicle. Maybe the solution here is to just get the Model X since it actually has room for the whole family.

Price cuts aren’t just a domestic strategy for Chinese automakers. Even Western legacy brands are jumping in. Last week, BMW announced sweeping reductions across 31 of its models in China, highlighting a more aggressive effort to keep pace with intensifying competition in the world’s largest auto market.

The biggest cut came to the BMW i7 M70L, the high-performance flagship of the all-electric 7-Series. This dual-motor sedan delivers 659 horsepower and 811 lb-ft (1,100 Nm) of torque. As of last week, it now carries a price tag that’s 301,000 yuan lower, a reduction of roughly $42,000.

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

While the i7 had the largest drop in raw numbers, the steepest percentage cut went to the iX1 eDrive25L. BMW trimmed the price of the long-wheelbase variant of the compact SUV by 24 percent, bringing the new starting figure to 228,000 yuan, or about $32,600.

Speaking to Bloomberg, BMW said the price changes are part of its “regular price management,” adding that “final transaction prices are independently negotiated and determined between authorized BMW dealers and customers.”

How Far Will Discounts Go?

Behind the curtain, though, the timing suggests more than just routine recalibration. November marked the second straight month of declining sales in China, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association. That slide has spurred several automakers to adjust pricing.

Meanwhile, regulators have introduced measures designed to prevent brands from undercutting costs, prohibiting sales below production cost and banning dealer incentives that push prices beneath that threshold, Bloomberg reports.

Also: China Is Banning Tesla-Style Door Handles

BMW’s recent cuts appear to bring official pricing closer to what customers were already paying after negotiations. According to Yale Zhang, managing director at Automotive Foresight, the updated stickers largely reflect existing transaction norms rather than undercutting them. “The new prices aren’t any lower than typical dealer selling prices,” Zhang noted.

When Deals Become a Warning Sign

Big savings could be just around the corner. With the Chinese New Year approaching in February, many manufacturers are expected to introduce further incentives in hopes of front-loading first-quarter sales.

At least 14 car brands have already rolled out some form of discount or incentive program since the beginning of 2026. Zhang believes this trend is less a temporary blip than a reflection of broader pressures within the market.

“Various kinds of promotional activities may ebb and flow in the market from time to time, but they are here to stay,” Zhang told the news outlet.

Chinese authorities, meanwhile, are taking a cautious stance. With more manufacturers opting to slash prices, regulators are increasingly concerned about the potential knock-on effects. They worry that an extended period of discounts could spark deflation, disrupt the automotive supply chain, and put downward pressure on wages.

The Hilux has spent decades surviving anything the world throws at it, from mud and floods to plummeting from a Top Gear crane – though not being dropped from a helicopter. Now Toyota is testing its most famous small pickup with a more complicated challenge: staying relevant in an electric future.

Related: New Toyota Hilux Brings Sumo-Inspired Looks And EV Option

Toyota unveiled the Euro-spec ninth-generation Hilux in mild-hybrid and fully electric Hilux BEV form at this week’s Brussels Motor Show, months after both trucks debuted in Asia. The first ever EV Hilux is big news, but soon it won’t be the only version of the unstoppable truck that doesn’t emit any tailpipe nasties.

As we reported last year, Toyota Toyota hasn’t just confirmed that it’s working on a hydrogen-powered Hilux that will arrive later, it’s already testing them out in the open. Yes, the same pickup that built its legend hauling bricks and sheep is about get a fuel-cell stack.

Multipath Meets Multipurpose

Toyota calls this its multipath strategy, though for many buyers little will change. Because they’ll still be able to get a truck with the same 201 hp (204 PS) 2.8 litre diesel mild hybrid (shown above) that made its debut in the previous generation Hilux’s twilight years. Some less-developed European countries will even get a non-hybrid diesel.

In the UK and Europe the 48-volt oil burner is expected to be the volume seller even after the EV’s arrival. It keeps up the old model’s 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) payload and 3,500 kg (7,720 lbs) tow ratings, while being smoother and slightly cleaner than before.

Electric But Still Unbreakable

But business-owning truck buyers with an eye on cutting running costs and tax bills will want to give the Hilux BEV a look. It uses a 59.2 kWh battery with motors on both axles for permanent all-wheel drive.

The front motor makes 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) and the rear 198 lb-ft (268 Nm), and Toyota quotes a WLTP range of 160 miles (258 km), which sounds unimpressive in a passenger-car context, but that climbs to 236 miles (380 km) in urban use.

Payload drops to 715 kg (1,580 lbs) and towing to 1,600 kg (3,530 lbs) in the EV, but the fundamentals remain. You’re getting the same body-on-frame construction, 212 mm (8.4 inches) of ground clearance and 700 mm (27.6 inches) of wading depth, whichever power source you choose. And the BEV gets a special off road drive mode tuned for electric torque and braking.

All In the Grilles

Both hybrid and BEV models adopt the same new Cyber Sumo design that was reportedly developed by Toyota’s Australian team. Characterized by stronger angles and flatter surfaces, it gives the Hilux and more modern, big-truck look, though it seems not everyone loves it. The EV is easily identified by its hole-free grille panel and (less obvious) re-shaped silver bumper insert.

Also: Toyota’s Most Expensive Supercar Has Something In Common With Lexus’ Cheapest Sedan

The modern makeover continues inside the crew cab-only interior where drivers and passengers are treated to a 12.3-inch digital gauge pack and same-sized tablet touchscreen, plus a steering wheel from the new Land Cruiser.

There are dual storage compartments on the passenger side, dashboard-mounted cupholders, and a full suite of electronic safety gadgets, but Toyota remembered to cram in plenty of physical switches for regularly-used functions.

UK sales start in June, Toyota says, and prices – guaranteed to be higher than for the outgoing truck – will be revealed within the next few months.

Toyota