Cox Automotive's new report shows electric vehicles captured 6.1% of the US auto market, their best share since the third quarter of 2025, marking three consecutive quarters of growth after sales fell when federal tax credits expired last year. Toyota, Rivian and Subaru led gains, with Toyota bZ and Lexus RZ sales roughly doubling after refreshed models added Tesla-style charging ports, bigger batteries and faster charging. Tesla's sales fell 20% year-over-year but it still sold more than half of all EVs in the quarter.
techcrunch.com
· 2026-10-14
Google announced a redesigned Play Store interface for vehicles with Google built-in, which will adapt to different car screen sizes and orientations and add a streamlined navigation menu. The update, rolling out over coming weeks, lets drivers download featured apps with one tap and introduces new apps like Starz, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar for use while parked, plus YouTube video playback when parked for Premium subscribers.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-13
Google has replaced Google Assistant with Gemini in its Google Built-in infotainment platform, now live across sixteen car brands. New features include AI-enhanced Google Maps with real-time traffic and EV routing, voice control over messages and email, playlist creation, food ordering, and a camera-enabled Gemini Live mode for discussing surroundings. The rollout began earlier this summer with Android Auto before expanding to automakers including Honda, Chevrolet and Volvo.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-11
CarGurus data shows some used 2026 Toyota RAV4s listing for $3,000 to $6,000 more than new dealership prices, as Toyota's shift to an all-hybrid lineup has left supply unable to meet demand. Hybrid sales broadly are surging, with Toyota reporting a 29 percent jump and Kia's more than doubling in the third quarter of 2026, while Cox Automotive data shows nearly one in six new US cars sold is now a hybrid.
wired.com
· 2026-10-09
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is beginning a negotiated rulemaking process to revise the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards governing vehicle headlights, aiming to finalize new rules by 2026. NHTSA's Jonathan Morrison said the effort will bring together industry experts and stakeholders to modernize outdated standards and address glare concerns.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-10-08
Hyundai has begun sales of the Ioniq 3 in the UK, with prices beginning at approximately $25,000 after government incentives. The vehicle offers two trims, with the base model featuring a 42 kWh battery and a 213-mile range, while the top-tier N-Line Evo includes a 61 kWh battery and up to 308 miles of range. It is built on a 400V platform and supports fast charging, and introduces Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-05
Rivian reported producing nearly 20,000 vehicles and delivering over 19,200 in the third quarter, marking significant increases from the previous year. The company reaffirmed its goal to deliver between 65,000 and 70,000 vehicles by 2026, emphasizing the success of its more affordable R2 model amid a declining EV market. This growth comes despite broader industry setbacks following the removal of federal EV tax credits, which led to a nearly 24% drop in overall EV sales in September 2026.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-02
Ford's chief executive said Chinese automakers have effectively captured the European electric vehicle market and urged US policymakers to proceed carefully before allowing Chinese cars into the American market. He called for Washington to take time to weigh the decision rather than act quickly.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-10-02
An Entrepreneur contributor argues traditional promotional social media posts—stock photos with a call-to-action—no longer engage today's audiences. The piece cites Get My Auto data showing car buyers now spend nearly two hours less researching online before purchasing, and notes rising adoption of Instagram, TikTok and Reddit among U.S. adults since 2021. The author contends businesses succeeding online now operate more like media companies producing authentic, behind-the-scenes content rather than polished ads.
entrepreneur.com
· 2026-09-29
Toyota is said to be developing a battery-electric version of the Corolla, its best-selling nameplate globally, according to a recent report. This would mark the first time the long-running compact car lineup has offered a fully electric option alongside its existing gas and hybrid variants.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-09-23
Germany's automotive sector is confronting a sharp downturn, with European car sales dropping from nearly 18 million units in 2019 to about 13 million in 2025. Rising competition from Chinese manufacturers, new 25 percent US tariffs on imports, and an aging workforce have combined to push Volkswagen Group toward considering shutting four of its domestic factories, a move once thought unimaginable.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-09-22
Google has made the games category for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS generally available, ending its beta phase. Developers can now publish compatible titles directly through Google Play's open testing and production tracks, rather than relying on early-access programs.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-22
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