Acura is pivoting away from an EV-only future due to weak customer demand.
Executives confirm hybrids are now a serious part of the brand’s evolving strategy.
Future hybrids could include updates to existing Acuras and all-new nameplates.
Although electric vehicle sales continue to grow, they haven’t surged quite like some industry experts and automakers had expected. As such, a growing number of brands are turning their attention to hybrids, viewing them as an important stopgap between traditional ICEs and EVs. Acura is the latest carmaker to follow this trend.
While parent company Honda has several hybrid models in its family, Acura has long remained committed to ICEs and EVs, largely disregarding hybrid powertrains. Now, American Honda chief executive Kazuhiro Takizawa has acknowledged that due to “customer demand, it’s not realistic” to only focus on EVs moving forward.
“We will max production of ICE and hybrid models to meet the needs of our customers in North America,” he told The Drive while speaking at Monterey Car Week. “This means extending key ICE models and adding hybrid products. Our strategy to invest in flexible production in our EV hub in Ohio is proving very smart. This will enable us to make ICE, hybrid, and EV models on the same production lines, and adjust production fluidly based on customer demands.”
Importantly, shoppers shouldn’t expect to see hybrids from Acura for quite some time. When asked why Acura doesn’t simply borrow the hybrid powertrain of the Civic for a car like the Integra, Takizawa-san noted it usually takes several years to overhaul a vehicle to this extent.
More Than An Engine Swap
“When you change the powertrain, with crash tests and all those things we have to start from scratch,” he said. “[Our engineers] say it’s quite difficult. But of course, it’s not impossible, and we have that technology, so it’s just a matter of lead time and development of the models. To have a new vehicle, we usually need four years or more. [With] this lead time, we need to wait. Once we made our decision, it still takes several years. So it’s just a matter of time.”
During a separate interview with Auto News, Acura senior managing director and chief officer of automotive operations at Honda Motor Co, Katsushi Inoue, said the hybrids have “always been an option, but now we are taking this option very seriously.”
He did not specify which Acura models could get hybrid power, but he indicated the automaker is looking at adding hybrids to existing models, as well as exploring potential all-new hybrid models.
The center includes a 1-mile (1.7 km) race track with a straight long enough to hit 136 mph.
BYD has also built the world’s largest sand dune climbing facility for car testing.
Ticket prices range from $83 to roughly $927 for the VIP package.
Porsche has its Experience Centers, and now Chinese juggernaut BYD has opened a massive, all-terrain driving experience center in Zhengzhou that’s basically a dream theme park for any automotive enthusiast. Many of the brand’s most impressive models are available to test at the site, including the all-electric Yangwang U9.
Perhaps the highlight of the facility is a 1-mile (1.7-km) race track with nine corners and a 1,804-foot (550 m) straight, long enough to let BYD’s flagship models hit up to 136 mph (220 km/h). Situated near the track is a 15,300 square-meter ‘dynamic paddock’ where cars can complete slalom and moose tests, and showcase their automated parking functions.
BYD has also built a large low-friction area with 30,000 smooth basalt bricks that gets covered in water, aiming to replicate driving on snow and ice. It’s even gone ahead and built a huge 70-meter-long pool. The latter isn’t for swimming in, but has been designed to showcase the YangWang U8’s ability to float and move slowly across water thanks to its advanced electric powertrain. Yes, despite the brand’s status and painstaking attention to detail, this isn’t something you’ll find at a Porsche Experience Center.
You also won’t find anything like BYD’s Sand Incline at a Porsche facility either. This massive sand dune has been certified by Guinness World Records as the highest and largest dune climbing facility for car testing, constructed from 6,200 tons of sand mimicking the sand found in the Alxa Desert. It also serves as a proving ground for the U8. The facility also includes a separate off-roading area as well as a large camping and relaxation area for visitors.
Four different tickets are available for those who’d like to experience all that BYD has to offer. The cheapest ticket, priced at 899 yuan or $83, includes a passenger ride in the YangWang U9 as well as experiences in one vehicle from BYD’s Dynasty or Ocean series. A pricier 999 yuan ($139) ticket is also offered, adding experiences with two Denza and Fang Cheng Bao models, including a track drive of the Z9 GT.
Two other ticket options are available. The first costs 1,999 yuan or $280 and includes experiences in both the YangWang U8 and U9, as well as the Dynasty/Ocean series models and cars from Denza and Fang Cheng Bao. A VIP ticket is also available, costing 6,666 yuan or $927. It includes access to all models and areas of the facility, as well as a one-night stay in a nearby five-star hotel.
A new study has found Subaru and Lexus are the most satisfying mainstream and luxury brands.
Chrysler and Ram were the worst mainstream brands, while BMW bombed in the luxury department.
Customers of both mainstream and luxury vehicles were less satisfied with their car’s technology.
According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index Automobile Study, Americans are becoming less satisfied with their vehicles. The overall satisfaction index dropped one point this year to 79.
Mainstream brands held steady at 79, while luxury brands slipped a point as they fell to 80. The biggest drop came from smaller brands, which are grouped into an “others” category, as they plunged 9% to 74.
Jumping into specifics, Subaru was deemed the most satisfying brand with a score of 85. It was followed by Mazda and Toyota in second with 82, while Buick, GMC, and Honda tied for third at 81.
Stellantis had a dismal showing as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram all fell. In fact, all four brands found themselves at the bottom of the list with Chrysler and Ram tied for dead last at 69.
2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index For Mainstream Brands
COMPANY
2024
2025
Diff.
Mass Market
79
79
0%
Subaru
83
85
2%
Mazda
81
82
1%
Toyota
83
82
-1%
Buick
80
81
1%
GMC
79
81
3%
Honda
82
81
-1%
Hyundai
78
80
3%
Chevrolet
79
79
0%
Ford
79
78
-1%
Nissan
77
78
1%
Volkswagen
78
78
0%
Kia
80
77
-4%
Jeep
75
74
-1%
Dodge
74
72
-3%
Chrysler
71
69
-3%
Ram
77
69
-10%
SWIPE
ACSI
Interestingly, satisfaction with most vehicle related components and experiences was largely unchanged. However, there were drops related to technology and safety. The latest study also introduced two new categories – expected future resale or trade-in value and driving distance on a full charge or full tank of gas – and consumers weren’t exactly thrilled with either, especially for EVs.
On the luxury side of the equation, Lexus was top dog with a score of 87. They were followed by Mercedes (82) as well as Cadillac and Tesla, which tied for third at 81. BMW finished last with a score of 75 and they dropped four points from 2024.
2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index For Luxury Brands
COMPANY
2024
2025
Diff.
Luxury
81
80
-1%
Lexus
82
87
6%
Mercedes-Benz
83
82
-1%
Cadillac
82
81
-1%
Tesla
83
81
-2%
Acura (Honda)
77
78
1%
Audi
80
77
-4%
BMW
79
75
-5%
SWIPE
ACSI
Luxury buyers were less satisfied with a number of things including driving performance, exteriors, interiors, and technology. There were also drops in safety and dependability.
Aside from the mainstream versus luxury divide, people were less satisfied with hybrids and EVs. Hybrids fell two points to 80, while electric vehicles dropped four points to fall to 73. This stands in contrast to gas-powered models, which held steady with a satisfaction index of 80.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index noted that with 22% of borrowers opting for 84-month loans, there will likely be an increased emphasis on reliability and dependability as consumers are holding onto their vehicles for longer. Ram spotted this shift awhile ago and they recently launched a new 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
It’s no secret that student transportation staff play critical roles in the daily lives of the students on their routes. At the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference this fall, a new keynote speaker will share with attendees how they can create a positive environment onboard the bus to benefit student behavior outcomes.
Lisa Navarra’s keynote, “The Power of Praise: Shaping Student Behavior and Building Success on the Bus” is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10 at the TSD Conference in Frisco, Texas. She will present research-based strategies for behavior specific praise as an interventional practice that assists students with their transportation routines, based on real-world interactions of school bus drivers with their students. She will discuss the types of praise that encourages student cooperation, how to phrase positive reinforcement phrases, and how all these practices help to shape the emotional and behavioral students and foster resilience.
Navarra has spent nearly three decades working with students with disabilities, not only in a classroom setting, but also transportation with her development of the Launch! School Bus Safety Program, intervention-based training that works with students to maintain behavioral expectations across educational settings and further safety. The New York-based behavior expert has been recognized with national awards for her work to ensure student safety and school-ready behavior and equip school district staff with tools to further student success and inclusion. Navarra was the recipient of the Teacher’s Federal Credit Union grant in 2024, after being voted the first place winner out of 1,500 nominees for the the institution’s national Teacher Appreciation Week contest.
Navarra was a special education teacher for 20 years and has a master’s degree in special education and certificate in school district administration. She is also an author of multiple behavioral and self-regulation books, including “Henry & Friends: A Bus Voice Adventure,” a children’s book that helps prepare students for their first school bus ride.
For more details on the 2025 TSD speakers, visit tsdconference.com. The TSD Conference will be held November 6-11 at the Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Convention Center. Register by October 3 to save $100 on main conference registration with the Early Bird Discount.
Volkswagen will unveil the next T-Roc at the upcoming Munich Motor Show.
Leaked prototype images of the new model first appeared online earlier this year.
The compact SUV will be offered with ICE, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.
While Western auto shows have largely died since the COVID-19 pandemic, September’s Munich Motor Show remains an important event on the automotive calendar and will host the unveiling of the new VW T-Roc. This second-generation model will be sold with ICE, hybrid, and battery electric powertrains and has just been teased for the first time.
The image released of the T-Roc shows a black prototype covered with bright yellow text. Although it only shows the new model from the side, it’s obvious that this is the same vehicle that leaked images revealed earlier this year.
Those photos showed the new T-Roc with a thoroughly revised front fascia, including a large black grille with honeycomb-shaped cutouts, sharp headlights, and an LED light bar. Plenty of changes have also been made to the rear of the model, including the fitment of new LED taillights.
While the T-Roc may not be sold in the United States, it is a hugely important car for VW in Europe. In fact, it consistently ranks among the top-selling models on the continent, often rivaling the likes of the Golf, Renault Clio, and Dacia Sandero in terms of volume. As such, this new model had better win over customers, or else VW’s European struggles could be compounded.
Expanding The Powertrain Mix
In addition to the combustion models, VW will offer the new T-Roc with a full-hybrid system that will be offered in the Golf and Tiguan too. The setup combines a petrol engine with an electric motor that can power the rear wheels on its own or work together with the engine, operating much like Toyota’s approach where the system can switch between petrol, electric, or a blend of both as needed.
VW chief executive Thomas Schäfer noted that this hybrid variant will be particularly important in South America.
“We needed to do it anyway, because South America has a need for an HEV drivetrain – and the T-Roc is built in South America for South America, and also in China,” he told Autocar. “Interestingly enough, HEV has also become a big theme in the US specifically. It’s a technology that everybody said was not necessary any more, but now with the BEV slowdown in the US, the balance is [moving towards] HEVs.”
Electric Future
The electric version of the T-Roc will be underpinned by VW’s new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), becoming only the second model to use this architecture. It will bring with it ultra-fast charging and Level 4 autonomous capabilities.
Mahindra has introduced four concepts in India, previewing production SUVs for 2027.
Vision.T SUV and Vision.SXT pickup evoke Jeep Wrangler vibes with rugged, boxy styling.
Concepts ride on brand’s NU_IQ platform supporting ICE, hybrid, and electric powertrains.
The launches of glitzy supercars and high-dollar restomods at Monterey Car Week may have dominated headlines, but a different kind of automotive show unfolded thousands of miles away. In India, Mahindra used a special event to showcase four new concept vehicles, each serving as a glimpse of production models slated for 2027.
At the center of the lineup are the Vision.T off-roader and Vision.SXT pickup, both looking like futuristic interpretations of a Jeep Wrangler. They’re joined by two more SUVs, the sporty Vision.X and the more rugged Vision.S, giving Mahindra a wide spectrum of designs aimed at future buyers.
The concepts were designed in Mahindra’s Global Design studios in Mumbai, India, and Banbury, UK, adopting the automaker’s Heartcore styling language. Underneath, they sit on the new NU_IQ platform, a flexible architecture designed for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains in both front- and all-wheel-drive layouts.
Built for Global Reach
The NU_IQ platform isn’t just versatile in terms of propulsion. It also supports both left- and right-hand drive setups, an essential feature for export ambitions. Mahindra says the platform will underpin SUVs ranging from 3,990 to 4,320 millimeters in length (157.1 to 170.1 inches), with a 2,610-millimeter (102.8-inch) wheelbase.
The company claims that the new underpinnings enable a commanding seating position, a spacious cabin with “class-leading” boot space, a flat floor (even on the ICE versions), a lightweight construction, and advanced safety.
The Indian Wranglers
The Mahindra Vision.T and .SXT concepts are an evolution of the Thar.e from 2023. However, they look a lot closer to production status, giving us a preview of the models that will eventually expand Mahindra’s model family next to the existing Thar and Thar Roxx.
The concepts have sharp grilles with LED headlights, boxy fenders, off-road bumpers, and an upright stance. Both are fitted with all-terrain tires and have a generous ground clearance. The main difference is that the Vision.T has a five-door SUV bodystyle while the Vision.SXT is a four-door derivative with an exposed cargo area. The small bed carries two full-size spare wheels secured behind a custom tailgate.
Inside, the two concepts share a five-seat layout highlighted by a tall portrait-oriented touchscreen running the center console, a digital instrument cluster, and a panel of overhead switches for added functionality.
Compact and Rugged Concepts
Moving on to the other SUV concepts, the Vision.S looks like a baby Land Rover Defender with fancy LEDs and off-road gear. It also has a rugged stance and could evolve into the smallest member of the Mahindra Scoprio family.
Boxy proportions, high ground clearance, and short overhangs give the SUV a rugged, go-anywhere stance despite its compact size. The look is reinforced by details such as roof-mounted LEDs, a roof rack, a small side ladder, and a rear-mounted spare wheel carrier. Inside, two digital displays are split by central air vents, complemented by more physical controls than typically seen in Indian concept vehicles.
The final reveal, the Vision.X, is the most athletic of the lineup. With slim LED lighting, sculpted surfaces, and contrasting glossy black accents over matte bodywork, it brings a sportier character. Inside, the curved digital cockpit and two-spoke steering wheel suggest where Mahindra’s design language could be heading for its XUV and XEV families.
Mahindra plans to bring production versions of these concepts to market starting in 2027. The rollout is expected to begin in India before spreading to export markets.
A Nashville family is raising serious concerns after a 5-year-old kindergartner with autism was mistakenly placed on a school bus and then left wandering alone for nearly an hour on Monday afternoon, reported WSMV 4.
Zontrail Brinson, a nonverbal student at Ida B. Wells Elementary School, was supposed to be picked up by a parent at school dismissal. However, school officials said there was a “tagging error,” and Brinson was placed on a school bus then dropped off several blocks away, alone and unsupervised.
“It’s scary. I wouldn’t want to be alone by myself, especially being nonverbal,” said Rosalind Derrick, Brinson’s grandmother.
She explained that the family only learned of the incident when Brinson’s mother arrived at the school to pick him up and was told he wasn’t there.
Derrick told local news reporters that Brinson was dropped off at the intersection of 7th Street and Howerton, near Meigs Middle School, and began walking down the sidewalk. She said the school bus driver briefly spoke to the child but received no response and allowed him to exit the bus.
“When you didn’t see an adult, you should have just called the school or taken him back to the school,” she advised.
Brinson was eventually located by a police officer at a nearby playground and safely reunited with his family. While thankful unharmed, Derrick said the ordeal is every parent and guardian’s nightmare.
“I’m a praying grandmother. I was just praying and trusting that he would be found and everything would be okay,” she said.
Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) acknowledged the incident and apologized.
“We deeply regret the distress this caused the family and are grateful the student was found safe,” said Sean Braisted, a district spokesperson. “As soon as the school was notified, staff and a school resource officer responded quickly and located the student at a park near his home. The school and transportation teams are reviewing the incident and reinforcing dismissal protocols to help ensure this does not happen again.”
Braisted clarified that as part of MNPS’s onboarding process, all kindergarten students zoned for school bus service receive a transportation tag. In this case, a teacher mistakenly attached a bus tag to Brinson’s backpack, which led to him being placed on a school bus despite the family’s plan for him to be picked up.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting submissions for Game Bird Observation through the end of August and Operation Deer Watch until Sept. 30.
White House budget director Russ Vought speaks with reporters inside the U.S. Capitol building on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON — The White House budget office has until Friday to republish a website detailing the pace at which it plans to spend money approved by Congress, following a federal court ruling.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in an opinion filed Saturday denied the Trump administration’s request to halt a lower court’s ruling that required it to once again post information about spending decisions called apportionments.
The 27-page opinion, written by Circuit Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson, said that to “grant the Executive a stay pending appeal in this separation-of-powers standoff would effectively cut the Congress’s purse strings.”
“No President would allow a usurper to command our armed forces. And no Congress should be made to wait while the Executive intrudes on its plenary power over appropriations and disclosure thereof,” Henderson wrote. “The public interest is best served by maintaining the separation-of-powers balance struck by the Constitution and especially so if the challenged statutes keep the citizenry abreast regarding duly appropriated expenditures.”
Henderson was nominated to the Circuit Court in 1990 by then-President George H.W. Bush, a few years after then-President Ronald Reagan nominated her as a federal district judge in 1986.
Cerin Lindgrensavage, counsel for Protect Democracy Project, one of the organizations that filed the lawsuit, released a statement cheering the Circuit Court’s decision.
“Restoration of this website could not have come at a more important time — over the last two weeks journalists have broken story after story of OMB holding back funds using apportionment footnotes — and once this website goes back online we should all have a chance to learn where else OMB has been holding up money that — under law — should be spent,” Lindgrensavage wrote.
The Office of Management and Budget did not immediately respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom on Monday. The Department of Justice replied “no comment” when asked if they planned to appeal the Circuit Court’s decision.
OMB pulled down website
Congress began requiring OMB to publicly post information about how quickly, or how slowly, the executive branch was spending taxpayer dollars during the Biden administration.
White House budget director Russell Vought opted to pull down that website in March, leading to two separate lawsuits — one from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, and one from Protect Democracy Project.
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Judge Emmet Sullivan ruled in late July that OMB must republish the website, writing that Congress “has sweeping authority” to require the president to detail how his administration doles out taxpayer dollars throughout the year.
“As explained in this Memorandum Opinion, there is nothing unconstitutional about Congress requiring the Executive Branch to inform the public of how it is apportioning the public’s money,” he wrote. “Defendants are therefore required to stop violating the law!”
The Trump administration appealed that ruling and asked for the district court’s decision to be put on hold while the case played out in the circuit court.
The weekend ruling from Henderson denied that request.
The redesigned Mercedes GLA has been spied undergoing testing in Europe.
Despite heavy camouflage, we can see a streamlined and more upscale design.
The crossover will ride on the MMA platform and offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric options.
Mercedes teased the redesigned GLA nearly two years ago and now spy photographers have snapped the first pictures of the entry-level crossover. Spotted in the distance, the model will usher in some big changes including a fully electric variant.
Dressed in heavy camouflage, the prototype appears to sport a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by angular headlights. We can also get a glimpse of slender air intakes and a more expressive front bumper.
Continuing further back, the model has pronounced fender flares and streamlined bodywork that’s edgy and taut. Designers also gave the crossover flush-mounted door handles, an angular beltline, and a more dramatic greenhouse.
The rear end has been completely revamped and looks far more interesting. It has a sculpted liftgate with an angular rear window and a wraparound spoiler. They’re accompanied by bold taillights that incorporate a star motif. The bumper looks a little plain by comparison, but it sports a new license plate recess as well as a lack of exhaust cut outs.
Baldauf
The interior appears to be camouflaged, but it will likely follow in the footsteps of the CLA. This means we can expect a minimalist design focused on screens. The latter should include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display. They’ll run the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System and have artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google.
Powertrains should also echo the CLA and this means we can expect an EV with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. It should also have an 85 kWh battery pack and a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW.
The MMA-based crossover should also have a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 1.3 kWh battery, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. A plug-in hybrid variant is also expected, meaning customers won’t have any shortage of options.
Renderings imagine a facelifted Mitsubishi Triton inspired by the new Destinator SUV.
The midsize pickup gets a new front fascia, updated lights, and a fresh tailgate design.
Mid-lifecycle update could debut with new electrified options for better efficiency.
The Mitsubishi Triton has only been in its sixth generation for two years, having debuted in 2023, yet change is already in the air. Mitsubishi’s recent introduction of a fresh design language on the Destinator SUV has sparked curiosity about how this style might suit a facelifted Triton. Digital artist Theophilus Chin decided to explore the idea through a set of unofficial renderings.
Subtle But Effective Styling Updates
The results show how a few well-judged tweaks can noticeably alter a vehicle’s personality. The redesigned Triton differs from the current model only in its lighting units, front bumper, and tailgate. Even so, these subtle revisions give the midsize truck a more modern, upmarket presence while keeping its tough, utilitarian appeal intact.
The most significant visual change comes at the front, where the controversial split LED headlights have been replaced with a cleaner, more cohesive design framed by aluminum accents in Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield motif. A semi-covered grille and skid plate complete the refreshed look. The sculpted fenders remain unchanged, as is typical for mid-cycle updates in pickups and light commercial vehicles.
At the back, the Triton received a modern makeover thanks to the fresh graphics on the taillights, now connected through an LED bar on the tailgate. The latter has also been altered with new dynamic lines, while the rear bumper didn’t need to change at all.
Mitsubishi appears ready to spread the Destinator’s styling cues beyond a single model. The three-row SUV, aimed at Southeast Asian markets, could be joined by a rugged off-roader that, if rumors turn out to be true, will revive the Pajero nameplate. Similar updates might also appear on the future replacement for the Pajero Sport, the Triton’s three-row SUV counterpart.
While Chin’s renderings remain speculative, they could be close to what Mitsubishi has planned for the Triton’s mid-cycle refresh, potentially arriving in 2027 or 2028. Any exterior redesign is likely to be paired with cabin technology upgrades and the addition of electrified options, ranging from mild-hybrid to plug-in hybrid, and possibly a fully electric variant.
This would help the Triton remain competitive against upcoming rivals such as the next-generation Toyota Hilux, expected in 2026.
Facing tough competition
The Triton will also underpin the next-generation Nissan Navara, giving the platform wider reach. Its competition in the midsize pickup segment is fierce, with rivals including the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Kia Tasman, and a growing number of entries from Chinese manufacturers.
The Chevy Camaro ZL1 has the highest auto theft rate in the US.
ZL1s are 39 times more likely to be stolen, according to new data.
Acura’s TLX is 21 times more likely to get pinched than average.
Remember a couple of years back when Hyundai and Kia owners were scared to take their cars out of the garage due to the skyrocketing theft rates? Those owners sleep easier these days thanks to beefed up onboard security, and the insurance industry has a new least-favorite car. It’s the Camaro ZL1, which is a staggering 39 times more likely than the average car in the US to be stolen, according to a new study.
The supercharged Chevy muscle car tops the list of cars with the highest theft rates by a wide margin. It’s so bad it makes even the second-place Acura TLX – 21 times more likely to get stolen – seem as safe as houses in comparison.
And the ZL1 wasn’t the only Camaro on the list from the Highway Loss Data Institute. The regular Camaro placed third with a 13x theft rate, the study’s authors noting that models built after the arrival of a push-button starter in 2016 are particularly prone to disappearing.
Why Muscle Cars Attract Thieves
“Muscle cars have often topped this list, as thieves are attracted to vehicles with high horsepower,” said Matt Moore, chief insurance operations officer at HLDI. “That also helps explain why the more expensive, more powerful ZL1 is stolen so much more often than the standard Camaro.”
But if the hp count provided the motive, thieves’ ability to clone Camaro keys provided the means. GMC’s Sierra 2500 crew cab is the worst offending truck on the list (10x the average rate) and piles further shame on GM’s anti-theft tech, and after another appearance by an Acura TLX (2WD, 8x), it’s back to The General again for the GMC Sierra 3500 (7.4x) and Chevy Silverado 3500 (6.4x).
GM’s Dominance In The Rankings
GM dominates the top 20, in fact, with nine vehicles on the board, including the Cadillac Escalade (20th place, 2.6x). Stellantis has five, but European premium brands do relatively well, BMW, Mercedes and Land Rover only meriting one black mark each for the X7, S-Class and Range Rover.
Individual Hyundai and Kia models don’t figure anywhere on the list of 20 now that the Korean automakers have added electronic immobilizers. The theft claims were 52 percent lower for cars with the upgrade, though around 40 percent of owners still haven’t had the fix and the brands’ vehicles are still five times more likely to get stolen than the average car.
No One Wants To Steal EVs
At the other end of the scale, Teslas dominated the list of 20 cars with the lowest claim frequencies, with the Model 3 coming out top due to a claim frequency 1/100th of the average. And they weren’t the only electrified vehicles in attendance. In total there were eight EVs on the table and four hybrids, proving that thieves prefer traditional ICE-powered cars.
Lexus is developing an LFA-inspired sports car and a three-row SUV with EV power.
Core models such as the ES sedan and possibly the next IS will retain hybrid options.
The RZ, UX, NX, RX, GX, TX, and LX SUVs will be updated over the next three years.
Lexus is taking a more adaptable path for the second half of the decade, building on its well-established hybrid lineup while steadily advancing into full electrification. The company has eased back from its earlier plan to go EV-only by 2035, yet several battery-powered models are still on the way, including a sports car, a sedan, and a three-row SUV.
This approach gives Lexus more flexibility to meet different customer needs and market conditions while still pursuing its long-term electrification goals. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming models, from performance-focused coupes to family-ready SUVs, and how each fits into the brand’s evolving strategy.
Sports Coupe Inspired by LFA Spirit
One of the upcoming models appears to draw heavily from the 2021 Lexus Electrified Sport Concept, envisioned as a way to carry the spirit of the V10-powered LFA supercar into the zero-emissions era. According to Auto News, the as-yet-unnamed coupe could arrive in late 2026, coinciding with the expected retirement of the V8-powered LC 500.
Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda is said to be directly involved in the electric sports coupe’s development, aiming to ensure it delivers genuine driving excitement even without a combustion engine. The concept featured solid-state batteries capable of 430 miles (700 km) of range and electric motors that could launch it from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in the low two-second range. Whether the production version will match these figures remains to be seen.
Earlier this year, Japanese media reported that Lexus might be working on a hybrid sports car that could be twinned with the next-gen Toyota GR Supra, although the absence of any official confirmation keeps the speculation alive.
While Lexus has significantly toned-down earlier plans for becoming an EV-only brand by 2035, this doesn’t affect the development of future EVs. The difference is that nameplates like the ES sedan will offer both hybrid and electric powertrain options, covering a wider spectrum of the market.
Speaking of which, the new generation of the Lexus ES that broke cover earlier this year in China and Europe is expected to reach US dealers in the second half of 2026.
The smaller IS sedan will drop the V8 powertrain (IS 500) next year, though hybrid versions are expected to remain available in North America for a while longer. Most of the IS lineup will end production in Japan in November 2025, and with the current model already 12 years old, rumors suggest a new-generation IS could debut in 2026 with both hybrid and electric powertrain options. By contrast, the RC and RC F coupes are likely to be discontinued without replacements.
There is still no word on what lies ahead for the Lexus LS flagship sedan, which debuted in 2017 and received a mid-cycle update in 2020.
Facelifted SUVs And A Fully Electric TX
On the SUV front, Lexus is working on major updates. First of all, the smaller UX will reportedly be “re-engineered” for 2026, dropping the fully electric option that has been confirmed to bow out of production in November 2025.
Moving up the ladder, the NX and RX are expected to received mid-lifecycle updates in 2028, together with the rugged GX and LX models. More importantly, Lexus is reportedly working on a fully electric three-row SUV that’s rumored to debut in 2027.
The production version of the 2021 Lexus Electrified SUV concept could serve as a zero-emission alternative to the similarly-sized TX that is also up for a facelift in 2027.
Last but not least, the Lexus RZ which is currently the sole electric offering in the automaker’s North American lineup has recently received a mid-lifecycle update in Europe. It is expected to hit US dealers before the end of the year, bringing simulated gear shifts and a steer-by-wire system, while a more potent F-Sport trim is set to follow in 2026.
This Tesla Model 3 sold for just $20,500, despite having a sticker price of $41,890.
Driving the EV is a 57.5 kWh battery pack and a 271 hp rear motor.
If you’re looking for a cheap EV, it could be a great time to get a used Model 3.
It’s no secret that the values of many EVs fall off a cliff the moment they leave the showroom. However, the original owner of this 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD is probably shaking their head and wondering where things went wrong after the car lost more than half of its value in just over 18 months and 35,500 miles (57,100 km).
As an entry-level Model 3 RWD, this Tesla is fitted with its relatively small 57.5 kWh battery pack. However, it still gives the EV a respectable driving range of 272 miles (438 km), while sending juice to an electric motor with 271 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm).
For most motorists out there, this is more than enough performance and more than enough range, particularly for a daily driver.
Not the Newest Version, But Still Well Equipped
As this is a 2023 Model 3 having being acquired new in late December of the same year, and not the updated Highland version, it misses out on he upgraded interior, as well as the more attractive new styling. But, that’s not to say it’s short on features, as it includes 18-inch wheels, the standard panoramic glass roof, heated front and rear seats, and the central 15-inch infotainment display.
Cars & Bids
Depreciation Hits Hard
The car was recently listed for sale through Cars & Bids with an original sticker price of $41,890. After attracting well over a dozen bids, it sold for a paltry $20,300. That’s some severe depreciation, particularly since the car is less than two years old.
Admittedly, it does have high mileage for its age, but 35,500 miles (57,100 km) is still relatively low for a used car, particularly one that’s worth just a touch over $20,000.
There’s no doubt that the arrival of the Model 3 refresh has impacted the resale value of original Model 3s. In addition, Elon Musk and the Tesla brand have become more divisive over the past year or so, due in large part to Musk’s deep involvement in politics.
GM and Hyundai are teaming up to jointly develop five new vehicles.
South and Central America will be getting two trucks, a car, and a crossover.
The only model for North America is an electric commercial van.
Following months of rumors, General Motors and Hyundai have officially announced plans for five co-developed vehicles. However, many of them are destined for Central and South America.
The companies were tight-lipped on specifics, but confirm plans for a compact car, a compact crossover, and a compact truck. There will also be a mid-size pickup, whose development will be led by GM. Hyundai will take the lead for the remaining vehicles and all of them will have the “flexibility to use either internal combustion or hybrid propulsion systems.”
The only model for North America is an electric commercial van. Rumors have suggested GM could get a version of the Hyundai ST1 or Kia PV5 to serve as a successor to the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.
If everything goes according to plan, the companies could sell more than 800,000 co-developed vehicles annually. The automakers added that while the vehicles will have a lot in common, each version will have “unique interiors and exteriors consistent with their respective brands.”
Design and development is already underway, and models built for Central and South America will be launched in 2028. The commercial van could arrive as early as 2028 and will be built in America.
Aside from new models, the companies are planning “joint sourcing initiatives in North and South America for materials, transport, and logistics.” They’re also eyeing other areas of collaboration including on raw materials, components, low-carbon emissions steel, and “complex systems.”
Hyundai CEO José Muñoz said the “strategic collaboration with GM will help us continue to deliver value and choice to our customers across multiple vehicle segments and markets. Our combined scale in North and South America helps us to more efficiently provide our customers more of what they want – beautifully designed, high-quality, safety focused vehicles with technology they appreciate.”
Those sentiments were echoed by GM senior vice president Shilpan Amin, who said “By partnering together, GM and Hyundai will bring more choice to our customers faster, and at lower cost. These first co-developed vehicles clearly demonstrate how GM and Hyundai will leverage our complementary strengths and combined scale.”
In a glorified blog post, Amin said the commercial van will be a “smaller sibling” to the Chevrolet BrightDrop EVs. He added the partnership makes a lot of sense as the companies can reduce costs, streamline manufacturing, and launch new vehicles faster by teaming up.
Amin went on to say the collaboration will enable GM to broaden their lineup. This is a not so subtle hint that going alone on an electric commercial van wouldn’t make much sense, especially after BrightDrop’s dismal failure.
Of course, GM is no stranger to van collaborations as the company used to offer the Chevrolet City Express. It was a rebadged Nissan NV200, which saw lackluster demand and was discontinued in 2018.
Providing the best care for the students, empowering the transportation staff, and building an operational culture of communication and clear policies will be discussed by industry veterans, transportation consultants, and school district and bus company staff members.
In the driver training category, session topics include how to model behavior interventions in transportation settings, training for empathy of children’s needs, providing training for the service of medically fragile riders, and other proactive training educational discussions.
For upholding legal requirements and federal standards, speakers will plan to address topics such as impact of the updated National School Bus Specifications and Procedures on operations, alternative transportation, Medicaid reimbursement funding, and developing policies for proper and safe usage of student restraint and seclusion practices.
To address collaborating with contractors or other resources to aid student transportation, examples of topics include how to avoid one-size-fits-all solutions, how to create successful partnerships between school districts and contractors, and the OT/PT Transporter Forum on multidisciplinary policy development.
In addition to the hands-on training classes that cover wheelchair securement, school bus evacuations and use of child safety restraint systems on school buses, instructors from the Texas School for the Deaf will provide training for student transporters on using American Sign Language to communicate.
For a full list of 2025 TSD conference topics, visit tsdconference.com.
Save $100 on regular conference registration with Early Bird registration by Oct. 3. The TSD Conference will be held November 6-11 in Frisco, Texas at the Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Convention Center. Find more information on daily agenda, unique experiences, hotel and registration at tsdconference.com
Diana Higgenbottom is pictured during the filming of “Love Differently,” a short documentary film depicting her journey of adoption and finding her identity. (Photo by Emma Siewert/Courtesy of Racine County Eye)
If a bill making its way through the sponsorship process becomes law, adult Wisconsin adoptees for the first time will have access to their original birth certificates.
Advocates say the measure is a long-overdue correction to a system that keeps vital identity and medical information hidden from the very people it concerns.
“We’re not asking for anything extraordinary,” said Diana Higgenbottom Anagnostopoulos. “We’re just asking for the right to know who we are.”
Renewed push, familiar champions
The proposed legislation — currently known as LRB-3879/1 — was introduced by State Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) and State Sen. André Jacque (R-New Franken). According to Steve Hall, spokesperson for Tittl, this is not the first time Tittl has championed this cause.
“This was the first bill that he introduced back in 2014,” Hall said in an interview. “And he’s introduced it every session since.”
Hall noted that Tittl is not adopted himself but believes strongly in adoptees’ rights. “He just thinks that people ought to have that right,” he said.
The bill would give adult adoptees access to their original, unredacted birth certificates—something currently restricted under Wisconsin law. While most modern adoptions are open, Hall said that a small but significant number—about five percent—remain closed, which can leave adoptees in the dark about crucial health and identity information.
“We spoke with someone who was close to 50 years old,” he added. “She had been worried about health conditions she thought ran in the family, only to learn after her adoptive parents passed away that she’d been adopted. When she finally got her real family history, it turned out she was concerned about the wrong things all along.”
Groundwork from the grassroots
Behind the renewed momentum is former Racine resident and adoptee Diana Higgenbottom Anagnostopoulos, who has worked with legislators and advocates across the country.
She traveled to Madison in late July to speak with lawmakers and staff, sharing clips from “Love Differently,” a documentary she produced that highlights the emotional and legal struggles adult adoptees face.
“When we were in Madison, we knocked on as many doors as we could,” she said. “It’s about educating lawmakers. Most people don’t even realize this is still an issue.”
According to Anagnostopoulos, several lawmakers have shown early support. Rep. Angelito Tenorio (D-West Allis) and Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) — who now represent Anagnostopoulos’s district after redistricting — were among the first to notify her when the bill began circulating. She now lives in Wauwatosa.
“Tenorio emailed me first thing the morning it started to circulate,” Anagnostopoulos said. “He made a promise to help restore our civil rights.”
She also credited the office of state Rep. Robert Wittke (R-Caledonia) with keeping her updated.
“They’ve been stellar. They actually sent me the draft of the new bill introduction,” Anagnostopoulos explained.
Civil rights and medical realities
Anagnostopoulos sees the legislation as a civil rights issue, not a challenge to birth parents’ privacy.
“We’re not asking for our full adoption file,” she explained. “We just want our original birth certificate. There’s nothing in it that should be controversial—it’s just a record of who we are.”
She also pointed out that adoptees face practical barriers because of redacted records.
“With REAL ID requirements, some of us can’t even prove who we truly are with the documents we have,” she said.
While some critics argue that birth parents may have chosen closed adoptions for privacy reasons, Anagnostopoulos and others believe that does not outweigh an adoptee’s right to know.
“I didn’t sign up for this. I was a baby — I didn’t consent to having my identity sealed,” she said. “We’re not trying to show up for Thanksgiving. We just want to know who we are.”
A long legislative road
Despite the growing support, Hall said it’s too soon to predict whether the bill will pass this session.
“There’s a lot of momentum, yes—but as we’ve seen with other bills, anything can happen,” he said, pointing to Tittl’s previous efforts that stalled despite early enthusiasm.
The co-sponsorship period for the bill closes July 31. After that, the Speaker of the Assembly Robin Vos has 10 working days to assign a bill number and refer it to a committee.
“We’ll know more in the next couple weeks,” Hall said. “But there’s no question: the groundswell of support is bigger than it’s ever been.”
A story told on screen
The issue gained visibility with the release of “Love Differently,” which features Anagnostopoulos’s own story and others across the country. The film was screened earlier this year in Sturtevant and won an award at the 2024 Door County Film Festival.
According to a story from CBS 58, the documentary showcases both the emotional and legal dimensions of adoptee experiences.
One scene features a New York state senator changing his position during live testimony. Anagnostopoulos shared that clip with lawmakers in Madison to show what can happen when people truly listen.
“This feels different,” she said of the current bill. “It feels like we’re closer than we’ve ever been.”
Broader momentum across the U.S.
According to a report from Adoptees United, Wisconsin’s efforts mirror a broader national movement. States like Oregon, New York, and Illinois have passed laws restoring unrestricted access to original birth certificates.
Wisconsin has introduced several similar bills in past sessions, including SB 483/AB 502 in 2021, but none have passed.
“Change is coming,” Anagnostopoulos said. “Whether it’s this year or not — I believe we’ll get there.”
Reports republished from Racine County Eye are not available for republishing elsewhere.
Mazda is expanding its electrified SUV lineup with an in-house hybrid CX-5 arriving in 2027.
The brand aims to sell 250,000 units of the similarly-sized CX-5 and CX-50 hybrids annually.
EVs and sports cars are also in the pipeline, including a spiritual successor of the iconic RX-7.
Mazda isn’t diving headlong into the electric transition, but it’s not standing still either. Instead, it is following a measured path, blending hybrid models with steady electrification efforts and continued updates across its core lineup. This includes a hybrid CX-5, updated sales targets, future EVs, and even new sports cars.
The company recently introduced a new generation of its top-selling model, the CX-5. While the redesign matters, the more significant news is the addition of a hybrid powertrain set to arrive in 2027. This move expands Mazda’s range of electrified SUVs in the US, aiming to attract more buyers during a time of shifting attitudes toward EVs and growing uncertainty around tariffs.
Through the first half of 2025, Mazda reported global sales of 636,968 units, a 2.6% year-over-year increase. The US remained its largest market with 210,297 units sold, up 3.9%, while sales surged 18.7% in Japan but declined in Europe and China by 12.2% and 18.7%, respectively.
According to Automotive News, the company has revised its US sales target of 450,000 units for 2025 in response to potential tariffs and is monitoring the market closely, though pricing for imported models has not yet been adjusted.
A Hybrid-Focused Core Lineup
Mazda’s current lineup in North America includes an electrified version of the locally-produced CX-50 compact SUV with a Toyota-sourced hybrid system, as well as plug-in hybrid options for the larger and more premium CX-70 and CX-90 twins. In 2027, these will be joined by a new variant of the third-gen CX-5 fitted with an in-house developed hybrid powertrain based on the new 2.5-liter SkyActiv-Z engine.
The automaker expects its two similarly-sized hybrid SUVs that compete in the hugely popular compact segment against the Toyota RAV4 will result in combined annual sales of 250,000 units in the US. However, before that happens, the new CX-5 will reach dealers with a gasoline engine in 2026.
Although the CX-30 is smaller by US standards, it holds the position as Mazda’s third-best-selling vehicle in the region, just behind the CX-5 and CX-50. Introduced in 2019, the CX-30 will continue with minor updates until a new generation launches in 2029.
Likewise, the CX-50 that arrived in late 2021 might get a comprehensive redesign in 2030. As for the CX-70 and CX-90, they will reportedly benefit from mild facelifts in 2026, with new generations arriving after 2030.
Finally, the Mazda3 that is available in hatchback and sedan forms and remains largely unchanged since 2018 is expected to carry on for at least four more years. According to the latest reports, a new generation of the model could arrive in 2032.
Mazda plans to launch the mechanically related Mazda6e sedan and CX-6e SUV in Europe and Australia, both originating from its Chinese joint ventures. However, US customers may have to wait a bit longer before they see a fully electric Mazda on showroom floors.
The first EV developed entirely in-house is slated for a 2027 debut and could reach US dealerships in 2028. Though details remain under wraps, the vehicle is expected to be a crossover and will likely pave the way for more electric models as Mazda moves toward its 2030 targets.
If the SUV-heavy lineup isn’t quite your thing, there’s still good news. Mazda has two sports cars in development, each aimed at reviving the brand’s enthusiast credentials before the decade wraps up.
The most exciting arrival is the production version of the 2023 Mazda Iconic SP Concept fitted with a rotary range-extender electric powertrain. Reports from Japan suggest we might first lay eyes on the new sports car as early as next year, although others expect it in the first half of 2028.
Either way, the low-slung two-door coupe is designed to be a spiritual successor to the RX-7, rather than a replacement for the MX-5.
On that note, the MX-5 is getting a new generation as well. Development is already underway, and the next iteration of the world’s most popular roadster could launch in 2029. Encouragingly, it’s expected to keep its four-cylinder gasoline engine and further refine its reputation for agile, accessible performance.
Madison resident and wildlife photographer Alan Ginsberg has been chronicling a sandhill crane family that's adopted a goose as one of its own to the delight of neighbors and a growing fan base.
Lexus will end production of the IS 300, IS 300h, IS 350, and IS 500 in November 2025.
The closely-related RC 300, RC 300h, RC 350, and RC F coupes will follow the same fate.
Another Lexus model that will bite the dust is the electric UX, likely followed by the hybrid.
Lexus is preparing to wind down production on several key models, signaling the end of an era for some of its longest-running nameplates. Most variants of the IS sedan, the RC coupe, and the fully electric UX SUV are on their way out, with production in Japan officially scheduled to stop in November 2025.
Those who visit the dedicated model pages on Lexus’ official website in Japan will see the following announcement:
“Thank you for considering our vehicles. Production of the IS 500 / IS 350 / IS 300h (AWD) / IS 300 / RC 350 / RC 300h, and RC 300 will end in November 2025. Sales will end once orders reach the production numbers for November. Depending on when you consider purchasing a vehicle, some packages may no longer be available. Please contact your Lexus dealer for details.”
A similar message (albeit with a more apologetic tone) appears on the page for the RC F Final Edition, which serves as a sendoff for the V8-powered coupe introduced in January 2025. This version was limited to just 200 units in Japan, and Lexus has confirmed that all of them have been spoken for:
“Thank you for your continued patronage of our products. We regret to inform you that the RC F ‘Final Edition’ has reached its limited number of 200 units and is now sold out. We would like to thank you for your continued patronage of the RC F. The RC ‘Final Edition’ will be on sale until production ends in November 2025.”
With this, only the rear-wheel-drive IS 300h will remain in production for the Japanese market, while all other IS and RC variants are being phased out.
An Aging Lineup But Changes are Coming
This development doesn’t come as a major surprise. Lexus recently introduced what are expected to be the final model year updates for both the IS sedan and the RC coupe. These vehicles date back to 2013, making them over a decade old. The IS received facelifts in 2017 and 2020, while the RC underwent a mid-cycle refresh in 2018.
As reported by Creative Trend, a new generation of the IS is rumored for 2026. Despite earlier plans for going EV-only, the new IS is expected to offer both electric and hybrid powertrain options, following the example of the larger Lexus ES sedan.
The situation is a little bit more complicated for the RC coupe, which might not get a direct successor. Instead, Lexus is reportedly working on a sporty coupe that could potentially replace both the RC and the LC. The latter is also in its twilight years, as hinted at by the recently-unveiled LC 500 Pinnacle Edition. The end date for the LC production is expected in 2026 although a specific date has yet to be set.
UX 300e Also Set to Exit
Last but not least, the automaker has also announced that production of its smallest electric SUV will end in November 2025. We’re talking about the UX 300e, that was unveiled in 2019, a year after the debut of the gasoline and hybrid versions of the UX in 2018.
Japanese newspaper Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun reports that the UX 300h hybrid is expected to follow, with production ending during the 2025 fiscal year, which concludes on March 30, 2026. While Lexus hasn’t announced a successor, the UX remains a globally marketed model in a highly competitive segment. Its close ties to the Toyota C-HR and Corolla Cross suggest a next-generation version is likely in development.
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