The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland arrives soon for $45,300.
It costs thousands more than the similar Subaru Trailseeker.
Crossover has 375 hp and an estimated range of 260 miles.
Toyota has quietly announced pricing for the 2026 bZ Woodland will start at $45,300 before a $1,450 destination fee. That makes the model $10,400 more expensive than the smaller bZ and a whopping $5,305 pricier than the similar Subaru Trailseeker.
That’s a sizable difference, but the company is only offering the crossover-ified wagon in one well-equipped trim. However, customers can order an optional Premium Package. This stands in contrast to Subaru, which will offer the Trailseeker in three separate trims named Premium, Limited, and Touring.
Toyota hasn’t published full specs yet, but the bZ Woodland will come equipped with LED lighting units and 18-inch alloy wheels. Buyers will also find a six-speaker audio system, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a wireless smartphone charger. Other highlights include ambient lighting and heated power fronts seats wrapped in SofTex upholstery.
They’re joined by the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist. These features are accompanied by Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. Other safety systems include a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a Panoramic View / Multi-Terrain Monitor, and Safe Exit Alert.
The bZ Woodland with the Premium Package costs $47,400 and adds a panoramic moonroof as well as a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system. Buyers will also find front radiant heaters as well as heated and ventilated front seats with a memory function on the driver’s side.
The Trailseeker Looks Like A Far Better Deal
While we’re waiting for Toyota to share more details, the Trailseeker looks like a far better deal as the base model has much of the same equipment as the bZ Woodland. Furthermore, the $43,995 Trailseeker Limited seems to be better equipped as it has a hands-free power liftgate and larger 20-inch wheels. It also sports heated rear seats and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
The $46,555 Trailseeker Touring compares favorably to the $47,400 bZ Woodland Premium as well as both have a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, and radiant leg warmers. Subaru also throws in a gloss black hood decal and a digital rearview mirror.
A Shared Powertrain With 375 HP
Both models ride on the e-TNGA platform and have a 74.7 kWh battery pack. The latter feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing a combined output of 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS).
Toyota originally quoted a range of up to 260 miles (418 km), but Subaru pegs it at around 280 miles (451 km). The latter company also noted the Trailseeker accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, has a NACS port, and can get an 80% charge in as little as 28 minutes.
Lotus could slash Eletre prices in Canada by nearly 50 percent.
Eletre currently costs more than a Lamborghini Urus SE in Canada.
EV tariff deal lets some Chinese imports face lower 6.1 percent tax.
The Lotus Eletre might soon become a far more accessible proposition in Canada, thanks to a new trade agreement with China that could take a wrecking ball to the electric SUV’s bloated sticker price. What is now priced well into super-luxury territory may soon fall within reach for a much broader group of buyers.
As in the United States, 100 percent tariffs have pushed the Eletre’s price in Canada into the stratosphere, starting at a jaw-tightening CA$313,500 (about US$226,000 at current exchange rates). That puts it in the same league as a mid-spec Bentley Bentayga and even pricier than the Lamborghini Urus E. In the U.S., things aren’t much better, with a starting price of US$229,000 before delivery.
Tariff Relief
With the new policy in effect, the first 49,000 Chinese EVs imported into Canada each year will now face a reduced 6.1 percent tariff. Lotus claims this will cause the Eletre’s price to “fall sharply by about 50 percent.”
However, it’s worth noting that under the terms of the agreement, half of those 49,000 vehicles are required to start below CA$35,000 (US$25,000), which the Eletre most definitely does not.
Lotus announced the change on Chinese social media, although it stopped short of confirming a new starting price for the Eletre. If it does indeed drop by 50 percent, it could start from around CA$156,000 ($112,500), significantly undercutting the Urus and positioning it closer to the Porsche Cayenne GTS, which starts at CA$134,800 ($97,200).
“Canada has always been an important market with great strategic significance in the global territory of Lotus sports cars,” Lotus Group chief executive Feng Qingfeng wrote in a social media posting. “Users here have a high appreciation for high performance and driving pleasure. We warmly welcome the new tariff optimization policy, which has created a more open and fair market environment for international car brands.”
Lotus currently operates six dealerships across Canada and will no doubt be eager to ramp up sales of the Eletre. The flagship model features a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 905 hp, allowing a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in a blistering 2.95 seconds and reach a 265 km/h (164 mph) top speed. It also has a quoted WLTP range of 280 miles.
Lotus isn’t stopping with just the all-electric Eletre. A hybrid version is also in the works, offering an alternative path for buyers who aren’t quite ready to go fully electric. Official documents out of China confirm that this variant, called the Eletre For-Me, retains the SUV’s shape and layout but adds a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the mix.
It’s Lotus’s first step back from its earlier pledge to go EV-only, and while the full specs haven’t been disclosed, early reports point to a combined output of 952 hp, slightly more than the current top-spec Eletre R.
We had a chance to review the all-electric Eletre last year and were pleasantly surprised. It’s quick, feels well-built, and has a beautiful interior that suits the category. Will those qualities be enough to convince Canadians to buy it if the price drops by half?
Mercedes G580 electric G-Class now has a $10,000 incentive bonus.
Previous lease-only bonus now expanded to all G580 transactions.
Quad-motor electric G starts at $164,550 including destination.
Mercedes-Benz’s decision to offer an all-electric version of the G-Class hasn’t come without controversy. After all, one of the most iconic and traditionally rugged off-roaders can now glide along in complete silence.
Still, fresh off a strong 2025 for the G-Wagen lineup in America, Mercedes is moving ahead with its electrification strategy, now aiming to boost interest in the G580 with EQ Technology.
The electric G-Class is currently offered with a $10,000 Incentive Bonus, now available whether you lease or buy the vehicle outright. Previously, this discount was capped at $5,000 and applied only to lease agreements, according to Cars Direct.
Whether that’s enough to sway potential buyers is another matter entirely.
The G580 starts at $164,550 including destination. However, as is often the case, finding one at base MSRP is nearly impossible. A quick search on Cars.com turned up 224 listings, with only a single example priced at MSRP. Most hovered between $180,000 and $190,000.
Even so, at base price, a $10,000 discount, while not insignificant, doesn’t sound like it will do much to tip the scales. It amounts to roughly 6 percent off, and for typical G-Class buyers, that might equate to a minor financial blip, not a reason to commit.
Sales Flop
Mercedes recently confirmed it delivered 49,700 G-Class vehicles globally last year, a 23 percent jump over the previous year and a new high-water mark for the model. What it didn’t share is how many of those were the electric G580 and how many still carried internal combustion.
However, reports from early last year described the G580 as a sales “flop,” noting that just 1,450 examples had been sold in Europe as of April 2025, and only 58 in China. It was also claimed that Mercedes had failed to sell a single example in the US, though that was never officially confirmed.
Incentives range from €1,500 to €6,000 per eligible household.
Buyers earning under €45,000 may benefit from the new program.
Chinese brands are included in the subsidy with no import ban.
Not long ago, Germany made a sharp U-turn on electric vehicle incentives, pulling the plug on subsidies just as local automakers were counting on them to shore up faltering demand. Unsurprisingly, sales tanked. Now, the government is reversing course once again, preparing to reinstate a new subsidy program aimed at reviving interest in EVs.
The upcoming scheme will offer buyers between €1,500 ($1,742) and €6,000 ($7,000) in incentives, depending on the vehicle, household income, and family size. The total budget stands at €3 billion ($3.48 billion), enough to support around 800,000 vehicles under the plan.
No Barriers for Foreign EVs
Unlike some neighboring countries, Germany’s EV subsidy will be open to all manufacturers, including Chinese brands. According to Bloomberg, the government has confirmed it will not impose origin-based restrictions, with Environment Minister Carsten Schneider saying there’s no evidence of a flood of Chinese imports and that local brands are strong enough to compete.
Germany’s subsidies will be offered through 2029, and applications can be submitted retroactively to January 1, 2026. An online portal is scheduled to be launched in May to handle applications.
The program was first announced last October and has been designed to mostly benefit low- and middle-income households. Final terms are expected to be revealed later in the year.
A Reboot for EV Incentives
Germany previously ditched its EV incentives in late 2023 due to budgetary issues. This immediately triggered a 27 percent decline in EV sales in 2024.
There’s now a new government in power who are clearly eager to see the sales of electric cars rebound, even though the European Union did recently give car manufacturers a major reprieve in reversing the proposed 2035 ban on new cars with internal combustion engines.
In late last year, it was reported that the new incentive scheme would only provide subsidies for new EVs costing less than €45,000 ($52,300), but it’s unclear whether this cap has been confirmed. Additionally, it had been reported that only individuals earning less than €45,000 ($52,300) would be eligible.
Germany’s earlier EV incentive program, which ran from 2016 to 2023, distributed roughly €10 billion ($11.6 billion) in subsidies to buyers.
What Else Comes With the Package?
Alongside the new funding package, the program comes with additional efforts to support EV uptake, including a tax break for electric vehicles extended through 2035. Estimated to cost around €600 million (about $700 million) in forgone revenue, the move reflects the coalition’s backing for a slower, more flexible transition, even as the future of combustion engine bans remains under debate.
President Donald Trump addresses the Detroit Economic Club at the MotorCity Casino on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Ben Solis/Michigan Advance)
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump outlined his health care proposals to Congress on Thursday, asking lawmakers to approve several broad policy changes “without delay” — but left out any mention of enhanced tax credits whose expiration has left some Americans with skyrocketing costs.
Health care costs, especially the rising price of health insurance, have become a frequent talking point for politicians from both political parties following last year’s government shutdown, when Democrats repeatedly called on Republicans to extend the now-expired enhanced tax credits for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans.
Trump reiterated in a five-minute video that he wants Congress to give Americans money directly so they can use it to offset the cost of health insurance or health care, a proposal that has so far been unable to get the traction needed to advance on Capitol Hill.
Trump didn’t detail any income caps on the direct payments, which would likely be sent to Health Savings Accounts as opposed to a simple check. He also didn’t say how much per month or annually he wants lawmakers to provide Americans, leaving it for members of Congress to hash out.
“The government is going to pay the money directly to you. It goes to you, and then you take the money and buy your own health care,” Trump said. “Nobody has ever heard of that before, and that’s the way it is. The big insurance companies lose and the people of our country win.”
The enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits, first implemented by Democrats during the coronavirus pandemic, expired at the end of 2025. The subsidies helped to keep premiums lower than they would have otherwise been for about 22 million Americans on those health insurance plans.
The House voted earlier this month to keep the enhanced tax credits going for another three years, but the bill has stalled in the Senate as a bipartisan group of lawmakers tries to reach consensus on two more years of the subsidies with significant changes.
Lower drug prices
Trump said in the video that Congress should approve legislation that requires prescription drug companies to ensure Americans pay the lowest price in the world for pharmaceuticals, a policy known as “most favored nation” that he has pursued during his second term.
“So instead of Americans paying the highest drug prices in the world, which we have for decades, we will now be paying the lowest cost paid by any other nation,” he said. “So any other nation that’s paying the lowest cost, that’s what we’re going to pay. And the American people will get the savings.”
Trump said the legislative request, which he dubbed “The Great Health Care Plan,” would require health insurance companies and health care providers to publicly share easy-to-understand information about what they charge and how much they make in profit.
“As the saying goes, sunlight is the best disinfectant. That is why my plan orders all insurance companies to publish rate and coverage comparisons in very plain English,” Trump said. “It requires insurers to publish detailed information about how much of your money they’re going to be paying out in claims versus how much they’re taking in in profits.”
Health insurance companies, he said, would be required to detail how many claims they deny and whether those refusals to pay for health care were overturned on appeal.
“And most importantly, it will require any hospital or insurer who accepts Medicare or Medicaid to prominently post all prices at their place of business so that you are never surprised and you can easily shop for a better deal or better care,” Trump said, though a 2019 rule created a similar requirement. “We will have maximum price transparency and costs will come down incredibly.”
Path through Congress
A one-page outline of the proposal posted to the White House website doesn’t detail whether Trump wants Congress to approve the policy requests through the complex budget reconciliation process that Republicans used to approve the “big, beautiful” law this summer or to negotiate a bipartisan bill with Democrats.
A White House official, speaking on background on a call with reporters to detail the plan and the next steps, said the administration believes the “proposals all have broad support from the American people.”
“We expect both Republicans and Democrats to be able to embrace them, so reconciliation would not be necessary,” the official said.
The framework is intended to provide “broad direction” to lawmakers, leaving negotiators the ability to take any bill they may write in different directions, the official said, adding the administration is “open to working” with Congress on the details.
“We want to make progress,” the official said. “We’re not laying out a specific path.”
The official said the president leaving out any mention of the expired enhanced tax credits for people who purchase their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace was not intended to cut off ongoing bipartisan talks in the Senate.
“This does not specifically address those bipartisan congressional negotiations that are going on,” the official said. “It does say that we have a preference that money goes to people, as opposed to insurance companies.”
Engaging drugmakers
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said on the same call with reporters that the framework focused on “four pillars” the administration believes must be codified into law — solidifying most favored nation drug pricing, lowering health insurance costs, transparency from health insurance companies and more pricing information from health care providers.
“Although we’re taking major action at CMS, including fines and the like, having Congress say, ‘This is how it’s going to be, this is a law of the land’ is important,” Oz said, adding that he really does believe there can be bipartisan support for at least some of the proposals.
Oz said the administration’s approach to bring down the cost of prescription drugs to the lowest level offered anywhere in the world is not intended to impede innovation and reiterated that lawmaking is crucial for longer-term stability.
“We believe by codifying it, we’ll make sure that the drug companies stay engaged for future administrations,” Oz said. “We also believe that by doing it correctly, we’ll not overreach and create challenges to life-saving drugs being continually evolved and developed in the United States.”
The Trump administration, he said, wants Congress to give the Food and Drug Administration more leeway to convert prescription medications to over-the-counter availability, possibly increasing competition and decreasing prices.
Oz said the price transparency portion of the request would help Americans to have more information about how long it takes to get routine appointments and whether health insurance companies are able to keep their rates down by frequently denying claims.
Tesla has introduced a new seven-seat version of the Model Y.
Seats cost $2,500 and are limited to the Model Y Premium AWD.
There are also other changes including a larger 16-inch display.
Tesla has introduced a new seven-seat version of the facelifted Model Y Premium. It’s available exclusively on the all-wheel drive Premium variant and costs an additional $2,500.
While the company hasn’t provided specifics on the fold-flat third row, it appears nearly identical to the setup found in the pre-facelift Model Y, meaning it can accommodate two small children at best. Unfortunately, they won’t find much back there besides two cup holders and some armrests integrated into the cargo area.
Pricing starts at $51,490 and the vehicle has an EPA-estimated range of 327 miles (526 km). The crossover can also accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).
In other news, Tesla revealed all Premium and Performance variants will now come equipped with a black headliner and a larger 16-inch infotainment system. That’s up slightly from the previous 15.4-inch display.
Tesla didn’t mention additional changes, but reports suggest the model also gains matte black badging and a new 20-inch wheel design. The latter are known as the Helix 2.0 and they cost $2,000. Unfortunately, the titanium colored wheels lower the range of the aforementioned all-wheel drive Model Y Premium to 303 miles (488 km).
Truck buying pushed U.S. average transaction prices to a new high.
December 2025 ATP hit $50,326, up 0.8% yearly and 1.1% monthly.
Over 233,000 full-size trucks sold at a $66K average, Cox says.
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.
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.
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.
BMW cut prices across 31 models to stay competitive in China.
Fourteen brands launched incentives before the New Year rush.
Officials fear price cuts could trigger harmful deflation risks.
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.
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.
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.
2027 Chevy Bolt supports Tesla Superchargers and fast charging.
Powered by an LFP battery and a 210 hp single electric motor.
Pricing starts at $29,990, but a cheaper version will soon follow.
Chevrolet introduced the 2027 Bolt last fall and now they’ve revealed the electric crossover has an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles (422 km). That’s more than GM’s original estimate of 255 miles (410 km) and it blows past the previous Bolt (259 miles) and Bolt EUV (247 miles).
Despite having more range than before, the Bolt falls short of the 2026 Nissan Leaf. We drove the Japanese EV earlier this year and it has an EPA rating of up to 303 miles (488 km). That’s 41 miles (66 km) more than the Bolt and this is a pretty noticeable advantage.
However, you shouldn’t write the Bolt off as it has some standout features, including the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system. The hatch also has a Vehicle-to-Home bi-directional charging capability, which means it can power your house in the event of an outage (when paired with a GM Energy Home System).
Buyers will also find an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch infotainment system with Google built-in.
Power comes from a 65 kWh LFP battery pack, which feeds an electric motor developing 210 hp (157 kW / 213 PS) and 169 lb-ft (229 Nm) of torque. When the battery is low, a 150 kW DC fast charger can take it from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes. Speaking of which, the Bolt is the first Chevrolet to have a native NACS port and this means easy access to Tesla Superchargers.
The 2027 Bolt starts at $29,990 – including destination – and is currently arriving at dealerships. It will be followed by an even more affordable variant that begins at $28,995.
Both prices undercut the Leaf, which starts at $31,485 out the door. That being said, Nissan has already confirmed plans for an entry-level variant with a smaller 52 kWh battery. It’s also worth noting the Bolt is a “limited run model,” while the Leaf will be sticking around.
"What major purchase does anyone in this room make without knowing the cost before you make the purchase? It is inconceivable to me that we do not know what something is going to cost of that magnitude before we actually consent to the cost,” Sen. Mary Felzkowski said. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner)
A bill to implement state-level enforcement of federal hospital price transparency requirements in Wisconsin, with the goal of bringing down the cost of health care, received pushback from hospital representatives and support from employers on Wednesday.
Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin) told the Senate Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs Committee that ensuring that the cost of services provided would help with health care affordability.
“When hospitals clearly share pricing information, patients can make informed decisions. Trust in the system grows and costs come down naturally,” Bradley said, adding that the bill would ensure Wisconsin “reaps the benefits” of changes made by the Trump administration.
During his first term, President Donald Trump’s administration implemented rules to require hospitals to post pricing information online. The effects of the changes on patients’ costs have been mixed. At the start of his second term, Trump signed an executive order intended to bolster the effort and in December, the administration proposed a new rule that aims to simplify how price data is organized and shared with people.
SB 383 would instruct the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to enforce federal price transparency requirements for hospitals.
Bradley and Rep. Robert Wittke (R-Caledonia), the bill coauthors, said it is needed to help ensure that federal policies are being followed.
“Sometimes we need to take action to make sure that it goes all the way through the state and all of our residents have access to the things that are expected through federal law,” Wittke said.
Bradley said the lawmakers aren’t trying to penalize hospitals, just ensure people have access to information.
If a hospital is found to be out of compliance under the bill, Wisconsin DHS would be able to take several actions including providing a written notice to the hospital, requesting a corrective action plan or imposing a financial penalty. DHS would also need to keep a public list of any hospitals that have violated the requirements.
Hospitals would also need to be certified as being in compliance with the requirements when seeking judgment from a court against a patient who owes a debt for services.
Lawmakers introduced a similar bill in 2023, but it failed to receive a floor vote in the Senate and advance in the Assembly.
The current version of the bill includes a provision that says that if federal laws change and are eliminated, then provisions in the bill that establish state level requirements for publishing prices will take effect.
Under those provisions, each hospital would need to make a list of “shoppable services” — ones that can be scheduled in advance such as a knee replacement — available with the standard charge for each item that would be publicly available. A hospital’s list would need to include at least 300 “shoppable services,” and if a hospital doesn’t provide that many, it must list all of its shoppable services.
The change is meant to avoid overlapping and varying requirements, though hospital representatives expressed concerns that would happen anyway.
The Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) opposes the bill. Christian Moran, the WHA vice president of Medicaid and payer reimbursement policy, said during the hearing that the organization’s opposition to the bill is not opposition to price transparency.
“Our opposition is to the added regulatory complexity that is created by layering on state level enforcement and state level regulations and unlimited fines on Wisconsin hospitals when robust federal regulation and enforcement already exists,” Moran said.
Moran said no Wisconsin hospitals have been fined for noncompliance since the first federal regulations went into effect.
“Personal experience, it’s somewhat inevitable: if you pass legislation on the state level that mirrors the federal level it will eventually not match up,” John Russell, president and CEO of Prairie Ridge Health, said.
Hospital representatives also expressed concerns that not enough attention was being given to the role of health insurance companies.
“The solution proposed to you in [SB] 383 is to double up on existing enforcement for hospitals while ignoring the state’s current responsibility to enforce and monitor insurance compliance,” Moran said.
Brian Stephens, CEO of the Door County Medical Center, said the state should be more focused on the “middlemen” including insurance providers, saying that bolstering the transparency of hospital costs has its limitations. He spoke to the work that his medical center has done over many years to improve transparency of prices.
“There’s a disconnect in this country between the concerted efforts of health care providers to provide reasonable and transparent prices and the costs that people are paying for health insurance. Unfortunately, hospital price transparency efforts have not put a dent in that dichotomy,” Stephens said. “Perhaps we need to be asking for more transparency from health insurance companies and other middlemen to understand the real drivers of health care costs in our country. Perhaps hospitals have just become a good punching bag for folks who need an effective sound bite. The reality is that, despite our wholehearted commitment to providing reasonable upfront prices, transparency has its limitations. What are the odds that a person waking up with pain will take the time to bring out his or her phone and search the most affordable hospital or clinic prior to seeking treatment.”
Sen. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) said the testimony focused on the insurance companies’ role sounded like “a lot of finger-pointing.”
Several other states have adopted laws or are in the process of advancing bills to bolster price transparency including Colorado, Washington State and Ohio.
Patrick Neville, a former Republican state representative in Colorado who helped pass a similar law in his state, testified on the Wisconsin bill, saying provisions in his home state have already helped. He told the story of one patient who was charged nearly $80,000 for a hysterectomy, but didn’t have to pay the cost.
“Because we had the consumer protections in this bill in Colorado, and they weren’t compliant with price transparency. They couldn’t actually collect that $80,000,” Neville said. “That was really important and powerful for the actual consumer in this case, and so it’s actually working in Colorado.”
Neville added that the Colorado legislation did not codify the federal rules, but he wishes it had.
“Any president could get rid of those rules at any point and I think the way this bill is crafted… It’s hugely important,” Neville said. “That’s a clever way to craft it.”
Several employers testified in favor of the legislation.
Erik Sonju, president of Fitchburg-based Power System Engineering, described the unpredictable jumps in health care costs that his company has grappled with since 2018 when he started in his position. He said that 2023 was the year the “straw broke” as they dealt with a 20% increase in insurance rates and he wasn’t able to get clear answers about the rising cost.
Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) told the committee that the cost of health care is too high.
“This is common sense. What major purchase does anyone in this room make without knowing the cost before you make the purchase? It is inconceivable to me that we do not know what something is going to cost of that magnitude before we actually consent to the cost,” Felzkowski said.
Felzkowski is the lead coauthor on two of the other bills the committee took up. SB 796 would require insurers to submit information about claims to the Wisconsin Health Information Organization (WHIO), a nonprofit organization that collects health care claims data, and SB 797 would provide a $600,000 grant for the WHIO to establish an online dashboard of health care claims information and to add new payer data.
The committee also took testimony on SB 703, coauthored by Wittke and Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield), which would establish that employers who sponsor group health insurance plans have a right to data relating to the employees and dependents covered under those plans, including claims data, utilization reports and other information necessary to understand and manage health care costs.
Wittke said the bill will maintain privacy protections by requiring employers to designate a HIPAA compliance privacy officer and ensure that the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance maintains oversight. The bill also includes a provision prohibiting data from being sold to any party without the permission of the plan sponsor and the person to whom the claims data relates.
Hyundai trims Inster pricing, but the value gap still lingers.
Kona Electric sees price changes across the Australian range.
Rival EVs still apply pressure despite recent pricing moves.
As electric vehicles flood into Australia’s increasingly crowded new car market, the pressure is mounting, particularly from aggressively priced models coming out of China. In response, Hyundai has rolled out some major price cuts to two of its more compelling EV offerings, the compact Inster and the updated Kona Electric.
Starting with the pint-sized Inster, which we drove just a few months ago, price cuts mean buyers can now save upwards of AU$7,288 (equal to US$4,900 at current exchange rates).
The base Inster Standard Range now starts at AU$35,990 (US$24,200), and that figure includes all on-road costs. Even with the adjustment, it’s still undercut by the base BYD Atto 1, which starts from just AU$26,500 (US$17,800) in standard trim, or around AU$30,650 (US$20,600) for the Premium version.
The Inster itself brings a lot to the table in terms of practicality. It makes excellent use of space and comes with a solid feature set for its size. But those strengths haven’t translated into strong sales, largely due to its steep pricing. Between June and December last year, just 467 units found homes in Australia, according to data from CarExpert.
Slashing Prices Across the EV Board
Even more significant price cuts have been made to the Hyundai Kona Electric and Hybrid. The entry-level Kona Electric Standard Range now lists at AU$45,990 (US$30,900), marking a price drop of more than AU$13,000 ($8,700). The Kona Hybrid also sees a notable cut, with prices falling to AU$39,990 (US$26,900).
The price cuts bring the Kona Electric cost to the Geely EX5, which starts at a touch over AU$44,000 (US$29,500). Elsewhere, Hyundai has slashed prices of the Kona Electric Extended Range by AU$13,357 (US$9,000) to $49,990 (US$33,600), including all on-road fees.
The price of the Kona Electric Premium has also been cut by AU$13,857 ($9,300), meaning it’s no longer available from AU$59,990 (US$40,300).
The sales figures reflect the challenges Hyundai has faced. Just 541 Kona Electrics were sold locally last year, making up only 2.4 percent of total Kona sales, hardly the breakout performance the brand had hoped for.
Built in China and priced from AU$59,990 (US$40,300), the Elexio now occupies the middle ground between the Kona Electric and the more premium Ioniq 5. Hyundai positions it as a rival to the Kia EV5, BYD Sealion 7, and Tesla Model Y, creating a more layered EV lineup with a clearer progression.
Hyundai Elexio takes on Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5, and BYD Sealion 7.
Single Elite variant includes 88 kWh battery and 546 km of range.
Elexio undercuts Ioniq 5 pricing in Australia by nearly AU$12,000.
Hyundai has just launched a new electric vehicle in Australia, and it’s quite unlike anything else from the brand. Rather than slotting into the familiar Ioniq family, this one takes a different route entirely. It’s called the Elexio, and it was developed through Hyundai’s joint venture with Chinese partner BAIC.
The result is a model that stands apart from the brand’s existing EVs in both design and intent. Could this be the one to stir things up in the local EV scene?
Where It Fits In
Reaching showrooms this quarter, the new Hyundai Elexio has been announced in a single configuration known as the Elite. Priced from AU$59,990 ($40,500), it is positioned between the Kona Electric and the Ioniq 5, taking aim at popular models like the BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5, and Tesla Model Y.
That price point puts it in an interesting position. The Kona Electric starts at AU$45,990 ($31,000), while stepping into an Ioniq 5 requires at least AU$71,990 ($48,600). By landing between them, the Elexio offers an alternative that balances size, range, and price.
Still, it’s not the cheapest option out there. The BYD Sealion 7 undercuts it at AU$54,990 ($37,100), and the Kia EV5 starts just below at AU$56,770 ($38,300).
There’s also the question of pricing disparity with the Chinese domestic market. Over there, the Elexio starts at just 119,800 yuan, or a little over AU$25,000 ($17,100 at current exchange rates). That’s less than half what Australians are being asked to pay. But given how aggressively priced Chinese EVs are within their own market, it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison.
The Specs
Underpinning the Elexio is Hyundai’s E-GMP architecture, but unlike other models including the Ioniq 5, it has a 400-volt electrical architecture, rather than an 800-volt one. This means the 88 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery needs 38 minutes to charge from 10-80 percent at a DC fast charger.
Hyundai hasn’t publicized the EV’s peak charging speeds, but says it can travel up to 546 km (339 miles) on a charge per the WLTP cycle, and average 18.2 kWh/100 km.
Power comes from a single front-mounted motor producing 160 kW (214 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque. It’s a front-wheel-drive setup, which helps keep the price down and efficiency up, though it may not appeal to those looking for the dynamics of a rear- or all-wheel-drive EV.
Tailored for Australia
While the Australian-spec Elexio is largely identical to the Chinese version, Hyundai has made one important adjustment. The suspension has been specifically tuned for Australian road conditions, a move that should help it feel more at home.
Standard features are generous. The cabin is anchored by Hyundai’s latest Connect-C infotainment system, presented across a sweeping 27-inch display that covers both infotainment and passenger functions. A head-up display is also included as standard equipment, helping the Elexio stand out in a crowded field of similarly priced electric SUVs.
Dacia cut €5,000 off the Spring in Germany through Feb 28.
The new €11,900 price makes it cheaper than in the UK.
Buyers must register the EV by June 30 to keep the deal.
Buying a new electric car just got even cheaper in Germany, as Europe’s most budget-friendly EV has pulled further ahead of the pack. The all-electric Dacia Spring now starts at just €11,900 (around $13,900), thanks to a massive €5,000 (around $5,900 at current exchange rates) discount. At that price, it’s significantly cheaper in Germany than it is in the UK.
It’s not a government subsidy or rebate through a dealer. The discount is applied straight to the vehicle’s base price, but it won’t last forever. To take advantage of the full €5,000 off, buyers must sign a purchase or lease agreement by February 28. On top of that, the car needs to be registered no later than June 30.
Beyond the headline price, the Spring comes with a seven-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty as standard. It’s also compact and lightweight, tipping the scales at 995 kg (2,193 pounds) and measuring 3.7 meters (12.1 feet) in length.
What Do You Get For The Money?
Of course, a car this cheap comes with compromises. The Spring is equipped with a 24.3 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery, which powers a single front-mounted electric motor producing just 70 horsepower. It’s also built in China, which helps account for the low cost.
Dacia says it can average a respectable 12.7 kWh/100 km over the combined cycle, offering up to 225 km (140 miles) of driving range. For those who only drive in the Spring in cities, the range can be extended to up to 341 km (212 miles).
Incredibly, this isn’t the wildest deal we’ve seen for the Dacia Spring. As part of a new government scheme in Italy designed to encourage locals to scrap their old ICE cars in favor of EVs, the Spring can be purchased for as little as €3,900 ($4,600).
However, to qualify for the maximum saving of €11,000 ($13,900), locals must scrap a Euro 5 or earlier vehicle, live in an urban area with more than 50,000 residents, and have a family income of less than €30,000 ($35,100).
Verge Motorcycles has introduced a motorcycle with a solid-state battery.
It has 20.2 and 33.3 kWh capacities, offering up to 370 miles of range.
Bike has 137 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, and pricing starts at $29,900.
Solid-state batteries promise to be the next big thing and they’re finally coming to road-going vehicles. One of the first companies to offer them is Verge Motorcycles, which said customers can expect a significantly faster recharging time as well as nearly twice the range of conventional batteries.
Set to become available in the coming months, the solid-state battery will be offered in the Verge TS Pro. The company didn’t go into many specifics, but the battery is sourced from Donut Lab and will be offered in 20.2 and 33.3 kWh configurations. The former provides 217 miles (349 km) of range, while the latter increases that figure to 370 miles (595 km).
When it comes time to recharge, a 200 kW NACS charger can deliver 186 miles (299 km) of range in as little as ten minutes. That’s pretty impressive and the company noted the “upgraded battery pack does not affect the motorcycle’s price.”
The good news doesn’t end there as Verge said the solid-state battery will “last for the entire lifetime of the motorcycle,” which is opposed to “thousands of charging cycles” for traditional batteries. The company also noted safety benefits as solid-state batteries “do not catch fire, making them much safer for users and charging locations.”
Solid-State Claim with Big Numbers
For their part, Donut Lab said they’ve created the “world’s first solid-state battery that is ready for use in OEM vehicle manufacturing.” The company went on to say the battery has an energy density of 400 Wh/kg and has been designed to last up to 100,000 cycles. That would seemingly equate to nearly 274 years of daily use.
The company also noted the battery has been “rigorously tested across extreme conditions.” At both -22° F (–30° C) and 212° F (100° C), it retained over 99% of its capacity.
Getting back to the motorcycle, the solid-state Verge TS Pro will start at $29,900 when it arrives in the first quarter. It will feature an electric motor developing 137 hp (102 kW / 139 PS) and 737 lb-ft (998 Nm) of torque. This will enable the bike to rocket from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds.
Alpine has launched the electric A390 in the UK from £61,390.
The more powerful, tri-motor GTS version comes in at £69,390.
Porsche’s base Macan Electric is £68,600 but doesn’t have AWD.
Alpine wants its new A390 crossover to steal sales from the Porsche Macan Electric, but it doesn’t yet have the brand strength to go toe-to-toe. So what’s it done? Come up with some prices that mean anyone thinking about a Macan can’t afford not to give the Frenchy a look.
The A390 starts at £61,390 in the UK which instantly puts it below even the cheapest Macan Electric. That matters because the entry level Porsche costs £68,600 and only drives its rear wheels with 355 hp (360 PS / 265 kW). Alpine’s cheapest version is all wheel drive, makes 394 hp (400 PS / 294 kW) and still undercuts it by more than seven grand.
Move up a rung and the gap gets even more awkward for Porsche. The A390 GTS packs 464 hp (470 PS) from its tri-motor setup and costs £69,390. That makes it cheaper than the £71,900 Macan 4, which has 400 PS (408 PS / 300 kW), and far cheaper than the £77,100 Macan 4S, though in Porsche’s defence, that one does crank out 509 hp (516 PS / 380 kW).
The German brand also has even more powerful GTS and Turbo trims that Alpine has no answer for – at least not yet.
Macan Charges Faster
Both Alpines use an 89 kWh battery and promise up to 345 miles (555 km) of WLTP range in GT form, or 312 miles (502 km) in the GTS. Charging peaks at 190 kW, which should get you from 15 to 80 percent in around 25 minutes. Those range figures are broadly similar to what you’d get out of the 90 kWh battery in the AWD Macan 4 and S, though they charge at up to 270 kW.
Bridging the gap between the two A390s is the Premiere Edition, which gets the same mechanical package as the base trim but adds a black finish to the 20-inch wheels, a black roof, French flag on the rear quarter, Alpine-branded brake calipers, Sabelt sports seats and a 22 kW AC charger. Most of that same equipment features on the top-spec GTS.
US Expansion On Hold
Circling back to that brand question, we all know Porsche sells identity as much as it sells cars, and the Macan trades heavily on that. The A390 is going to have a harder time, and if Alpine ever launches in the US, it really would be starting from scratch.
But that launch won’t be happening any time soon, the company having decided in 2025 to postpone it indefinitely due to President Trump’s tariffs.
If the A390 did make it to the US, it would have to cost significantly less than it does in Europe. American Porsche fans can get into a base Macan Electric for $78,000, while the Macan 4 is only a small jump away at $81,600 and the Macan 4S costs $88,000. Would you take an A390 over a Macan Electric? Drop a comment below and let us know.
VW has reinvented its Polo as the electric ID. Polo for 2026.
It targeted a base price of €25k but first cars will cost far more.
Early versions priced higher due to larger batteries, more power.
Volkswagen wants you to believe it’s democratizing electric power. The ID.Polo that hits showrooms in 2026 is supposed to be the proof, with a headline starting price of €25,000 ($29,400/£21,800). The catch is that when the order books open, that price will be more of a concept than a reality.
According to dealer sources who spoke to German media, customers will be able to configure the ID.Polo from April 2026. That much appears to be on schedule.
But initially, only the more powerful 208 hp (155 kW / 211 PS) version, fitted with a larger 52 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, will be available. That version is expected to land well above the headline price, with estimates circling closer to €30,000 ($35,300/£26,100) or more, depending on equipment and regional taxes.
The reason is battery supply. The affordable 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) base version and the 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS) mid-ranking variant uses a simpler and cheaper 37 kWh battery that offers less range, but makes the price work. But that battery won’t be ready at launch, Germany’s Handelsblatt reports.
Volkswagen has confirmed that the entry level version will follow later, blaming the delayed availability of the lower cost cells rather than any sudden change of heart about pricing.
Weeks or months?
Officially, Volkswagen says the delay will only be a few weeks. Dealers, though, are less optimistic. Some suggest it could be six months or even longer before the true budget version is actually available to order. “The longest we’ve heard is that it could take up to six or even nine months until the smaller battery is actually available,” one of them told the news outlet.
That gap matters because much of the ID.Polo’s marketing pitch has been built around that €25k figure – except for the upcoming GTI version, the first electric VW to carry those letters.
It is not an unusual strategy. Automakers often launch with higher margin versions first to cover costs, manage supply and just milk fans who are desperate to be the first on their street to own a certain new model and are happy to pay a premium for that privilege.
The difference, Handelsblatt suggests, is in expectations. Volkswagen has positioned the ID.Polo as a political and cultural milestone, the electric car for the masses that finally makes EV ownership feel normal and affordable.
When that affordable version isn’t immediately available, disappointment is inevitable, even if the strategy makes business sense.
Dodge has introduced the 2027MY Charger Daytona Scat Pack.
Charger sedan now costs only $500 more than the coupe version.
The EV gains a new NACS port for use at Tesla Superchargers.
2026 is still weeks away, but that hasn’t stopped Dodge from accepting orders for the 2027 model year Charger Daytona Scat Pack. It starts at $72,495, which is an astronomical increase.
Dodge’s website is a confusing mess, but the 2026 Charger Daytona Scat Pack Coupe started at $59,995, while the sedan cost an extra $2,000. That means the price of entry has shot up by $12,500, although the sedan is only an additional $500 this time around.
That’s ridiculous considering no one wants an electric Charger and the company is still struggling to get rid of 2025 models. In fact, dealers across the country are listing brand-new 2025 Charger Daytonas for less than $40,000.
While Dodge appears to be actively discouraging sales, the 2027 Charger Daytona comes with a native North American Charging System (NACS) port. This enables it to be used with Tesla Superchargers and the company is also throwing in a J1772 to NACS AC adapter.
Dodge said we can expect to learn more next year, but the company declined to mention any other changes. That’s not an encouraging sign, but the automaker noted the Charger Daytona is the “world’s most powerful muscle car.”
It features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. However, a PowerShot function can increase the output to 670 hp (500 kW / 679 PS) for ten seconds at a time. Buyers can also expect a range of up to 267 miles (430 km), which means charging stops should be pretty common.
President Donald Trump addresses the nation in an address from the Diplomatic Room of the White House on Dec. 17, 2025. (Photo by Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — As Americans continue to face rising prices ahead of year-end holidays, President Donald Trump blamed inflation and health care costs on his predecessor during a prime-time speech Wednesday in which he also claimed to have fixed the issues.
Trump “inherited a mess” and has turned the United States into the “envy of the entire globe” by imposing an immigration crackdown, tariffs and tax breaks, he said.
“Over the past 11 months, we have brought more positive change to Washington than any administration in American history. There’s never been anything like it, and I think most would agree I was elected in a landslide,” Trump said.
Standing before a backdrop of Christmas decorations, Trump also promised $1,776 checks would arrive for members of the United States military by Christmas.
And he continued to blame Democrats for health care costs that are projected to skyrocket next month when tax credits for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans expire.
Nearly a year into his second term, Trump remains fixated on blaming former President Joe Biden even as his own approval ratings sink, according to numerous recent polls.
A plaque below Biden’s photo in Trump’s newly installed “Presidential Walk of Fame” display reads “Sleepy Joe Biden,” according to reports from journalists present at the White House Wednesday.
“When I took office, inflation was the worst in 48 years, and some would say in the history of our country, which caused prices to be higher than ever before, making life unaffordable for millions and millions of Americans. This happened during a Democrat administration, and it’s when we first began hearing the word ‘affordability,’” Trump said.
Consumer price index data released Thursday for September through November show the overall cost of goods rose 2.7% over the past 12 months, after rising 3% for the 12 months recorded at the end of September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. When Trump took office in January 2025, it was 3% over the previous 12 months. The bureau did not analyze data for October 2025 because of the government shutdown.
In recent weeks, Trump has said “affordability” is a “hoax.”
Yet the bulk of Trump’s somewhat hastily scheduled address — the White House announced it Tuesday — focused on lowering costs for housing, electricity and health care.
Trump announced he will send a $1,776 “warrior dividend” to every U.S. servicemember. The amount is in honor of the year of the country’s founding, Trump said. Checks are “already on the way,” he said.
That could add up to as much as $2.6 billion, according to a White House estimate Wednesday night that 1.45 million service members would receive the payment.
Health care costs
He also touted trumprx.gov, where he said Americans can find “unprecedented price reductions” on prescription drugs starting in January.
“These big price cuts will greatly reduce the cost of health care,” Trump said.
He boosted a Republican plan on Capitol Hill to fund individual health savings accounts, or HSAs, in annual amounts of $1,000 to $1,500 depending on age and poverty level. An HSA is not health insurance.
“I want the money to go directly to the people so you can buy your own health care. You’ll get much better health care at a much lower price,” Trump said.
Four House Republicans defected Wednesday to sign a Democrat-led petition to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and force a floor vote in January on extending health insurance premium subsidies for people who buy insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
‘My favorite word’
Trump spent several minutes addressing the economy, stating that prices on groceries and fuel are coming down. Both claims are false, according to government data.
“I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down fast,” Trump said.
The latest consumer price index for September showed gasoline prices rose 4.1% over the past 12 months, and “was the largest factor in the all items monthly increase,” increasing 1.5% over the previous month.
Food prices rose faster than overall inflation in recent months, according to the government’s latest data. Food prices in August were 3.2% higher than a year ago, according to the data.
Still, Trump claimed an economic turnaround that he credited to his international trade policy.
“Much of this success has been accomplished by tariffs — my favorite word ‘tariffs’ — which for many decades have been used successfully by other countries against us, but not anymore,” he said.
The U.S. ended fiscal year 2025 with a deficit reaching nearly $1.8 trillion, or roughly 6% of the domestic economy’s gross domestic product.
Trump unilaterally imposed a global 10% tariff on all foreign goods in April, plus higher tariffs on many major trading partners, including the European Union, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether Trump’s emergency tariffs are legal.
The U.S. collected nearly $195 billion in customs duties in fiscal year 2025, up from $77 billion in fiscal 2024, according to the U.S. Treasury’s monthly statement.”
Americans have lost faith in Trump’s ability to handle the economy, according to an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll published Wednesday.
Trump received a 36% approval rating on his economic strategy, the lowest rating over the past six years that the survey has asked voters the question.
A Fox News poll released Nov. 19 found 76% of respondents saw the economy negatively. Of all voters polled, 41% approved and 58% disapproved of Trump’s performance. That’s down from the conservative news network’s poll of Biden’s approval ratings during the same point in his presidency, which the network says was 44%.
Mum on Venezuela
The president did not spend much time addressing his military campaign off the coast of Venezuela, despite declaring just 24 hours beforehand that the U.S. had formed a “blockade” in the Caribbean Sea.
Trump posted on his own social media platform Truth Social Tuesday night that Venezuela is “completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America.”
The campaign, which has become top of mind for many lawmakers on Capitol Hill, is about preventing drug smuggling to the U.S., Trump and Republican lawmakers have repeatedly said.
Democratic lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration to release unedited footage of a Sept. 2 strike that killed two shipwrecked individuals who were clinging to what was left of a boat after an initial strike.
December 18, 20259:30 amThis report was updated to reflect new Consumer Price Index data on inflation released Thursday.
BMW is raising prices on most 2026 models starting January 1.
MSRP hikes range from $400 to $1,500 depending on the vehicle.
The company first increased prices of its 2026MYs in early July.
After Porsche’s recent round of price hikes, it looks like BMW will soon follow suit. According to a report from CarsDirect citing a dealer bulletin sent this week, BMW will be doing the same in the new year.
While it didn’t explicitly point to tariffs as the cause, the timing does invite speculation for certain models, even if the biggest increase happens to hit a model built right in the United States, where tariffs aren’t the go-to excuse.
BMW’s internal notice reportedly states that most vehicles in its range will see a price increase of roughly 1 percent, though not every model is affected. The adjustment will result in MSRP hikes ranging from $400 to $1,500 and will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
The most significant increases apply to the M5 Sedan and Touring, both up $1,400, and the BMW X6 M Competition, which will now cost an extra $1,500. Interestingly, the i4, i5, iX, i7, 7-Series, Z4, and XM are excluded from the price hikes.
This isn’t the first time that BMW has increased prices over the past six months. Back in July, it announced that the MSRPs of most 2026 models would rise by as much as 1.9 percent, resulting in price hikes of $2,500 for vehicles like the BMW X5 M and X6 M.
Those two models are built in the States, alongside other SUVs at the automaker’s South Carolina facilities. So technically, they shouldn’t have been impacted by tariffs, or at least not significantly, unless imported components factored in. As usual, the truth sits in a grey area.
For buyers looking to sidestep the latest round of price changes, it may be worth checking local inventory for cars already on dealer lots. Vehicles delivered before the end of the year are likely to carry current pricing.
Tariffs may have influenced BMW’s pricing for 2026, but the broader pattern raises more pressing questions. This is the second increase in just six months, suggesting something beyond routine adjustments.
Annual price bumps aren’t unusual in the auto industry, particularly with new model years. But those are usually linked to updates or added content, not blanket, across-the-board hikes with no clear explanation, and certainly not with this frequency.
British prices for the 2026 Dacia Spring start as low as £12,240.
Dacia is offering a £3,750 grant to undercut its Chinese rivals.
Two versions of the Spring are on offer with 70 hp and 100 hp.
We’ve become quite accustomed to hearing about impossibly cheap EVs coming out of China, easily undercutting those from Europe, the US, Japan, and elsewhere.
The Dacia Spring fits that mould in one sense, as it’s built in China, but it arrives wearing a European badge and undercutting everything else on the market. It’s the cheapest EV currently on sale in the UK, thanks to the new £3,750 ‘Dacia Electric Car Grant’.
For the freshly updated 2026 model, the Dacia Spring starts at just £12,240 ($16,415 at current exchange rates) including all on-road charges.
That makes it cheaper than the long-reigning Dacia Sandero, which has typically held the title of Britain’s most affordable car, unless you count outliers like the Citroën Ami quadricycle. Even the Leapmotor T03, another low-cost Chinese EV, can’t quite match it on price, starting from £15,995 ($21,400).
In the UK, the high-riding hatchback with the crossover aesthetics is offered in two forms: the Expression Electric 70 and the Extreme Electric 100. The total, on-the-road price for the base model technically starts at £15,990 ($21,400), while the flagship model starts at £16,990 ($22,800).
However, both are available with Dacia’s £3,750 ($5,000) grant, bringing the prices down to £12,240 ($16,415) and £13,240 ($17,700), respectively.
What’s New For 2026?
Several important upgrades have been made to the Spring for 2026. For example, Dacia has revised the chassis, suspension, and brakes, aiming to make the EV “feel more secure, more composed, and more capable across a wider range of everyday situations.”
Additionally, both models now include a new 24.3 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery.
Both the Expression Electric 70 and Extreme Electric 100 feature single electric motors, but as their names suggest, the base model is capped at 70 hp while the range-topper delivers 100 hp.
This version also includes copper-accented styling, electric rear windows, a larger 10.1-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a vehicle-to-load function. Both models can travel up to 140 miles on a charge.
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