Green NCAP reveals sustainability scores VW Passat, MINI Cooper E, Jeep Avenger EV and BMW 5 Series across Europe On May 28, Green NCAP tested popular cars across a few countries in Europe. These are part of nearly 200 models rated with a simple sustainability score. The ratings are based on a full life cycle analysis (LCA), covering everything from raw materials and production to use and disposal. It also measures emissions and energy use, givin...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/29

land, though the figure included units carried over from late 2025. The company added that actual Q1 sales were around 1,304 units, broadly in line with the same period in 2025, and noted that registration figures alone may not accurately reflect sales performance. At the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show, its sales more than doubled YoY to 2,111 units, marking the highest level in seven years. Since launch, the CLA has received more than 2,0...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/29

April 2026 results for eight Japanese passenger car manufacturers: global production rises for second consecutive month, but sales fall for third consecutive month The combined global production volume of eight Japanese passenger car manufacturers in April rose 3.2% year-on-year (y/y) to 1,998,789 units, exceeding the previous year's figures for the second consecutive month. Overseas production was boosted by the launch of production of new model...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/29

Nissan to reuse calcium carbonate for construction material in collaboration with Takayama Kasei Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan) announced on May 27 that it has begun efforts to use calcium carbonate emitted from vehicle coating processes as a construction material. In collaboration with Takayama Kasei Co., Ltd. (Takayama Kasei, Yao City, Osaka), Nissan has already started to use calcium carbonate as a raw material for soundproofing sheets used i...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/29

GAC opens pre-orders for Aion UT in Brazil On May 26, GAC pre-launched the Aion UT in Brazil, opening an online pre-registration ahead of its official debut scheduled for June 2. Clients can register through platforms such as Mercado Livre and Webmotors, with the model’s price to be disclosed during the official launch event. The Aion UT will be offered in two versions, Premium and Elite, both equipped with features such as a 360° camera, park...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/29

Toyota Racing Development selects PTC as engine design software partner On May 28, Boston, Massachusetts-based  PTC announced that it was named the Official Engine Design Software Partner of TRD U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development). PTC and its Creo computer-aided design (CAD) and Windchill product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions will support TRD in strengthening engineering capabilities from early design through race-ready production of its ...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/29

Honda to invest in battery material company Nexeon On May 28, Nexeon announced that Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is investing in the company through its global open innovation program, Honda Xcelerator Ventures. The funding will support Nexeon’s continued growth and the advancement of its silicon anode materials, which enable higher energy density and improved battery performance for electric mobility and other applications. Nexeon is commercializing ...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/28

Tata Motors PV, India to launch 2 new nameplates and 8 facelifts in FY 2027, Sierra supply ramp-up underway In an investor update, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles announced that the demand and bookings for the Sierra remain very strong, but production has been constrained by a supplier ramp-up challenge on the casting side due to the Sierra's new engine. The company said its near-term target is to reach 10,000 Sierra units per month, with addition...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/28

Toyota launches all-new Hilux in Japan On May 28, Toyota Motor launched the all-new Hilux pickup truck in Japan.The Hilux has been sold in more than 190 countries and regions around the world since the launch of its first generation in 1968.In the Japanese market, it has been used as a versatile choice in a wide range of situations, from outdoor activities to work, thanks to its high quality, durability, and reliability (QDR). The new Hilux featu...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/28

Benteler deepens strategic partnership with SHAC Benteler Group (Benteler) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shanghai Huizhong Automotive Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (SHAC), part of the SAIC Motor network, to deepen their strategic collaboration. The agreement builds on more than 25 years of successful collaboration within the joint venture Shanghai Benteler Huizhong Automotive Co., Ltd. established in 2022. The portfolio includes chassis...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/28

UK vehicle production decreases 1.2% to 58,513 units in April 2026 On May 28, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for April 2026 decreased 1.2% over the previous year to 58,513 units. Passenger car production was down 0.7% to 56,135 units, commercial vehicle production was down 10.9% to 2,378 units year over year (y/y). Vehicle exports were up 0.8% (y/y) to 44,678 units and dome...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/28

the plant will also be officially hired into this new internal unit. Employees from other regions will continue under special arrangements, such as temporary assignments or voluntary transfers to the Turin plant. The unions see this as a major change, ending the joint venture setup and bringing the production fully under Stellantis. They consider it an important step for the future of the Turin site and for hybrid engine production, but stress th...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/28

Mazda improves fuel economy through molecular-level research to apply silicone resin coating on pistons and 10-year-resistant coating to glass surface Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) is developing materials at the molecular level to improve the fuel efficiency of next-generation vehicles. For internal combustion engines, the company has established technology for applying silicon resin coating to pistons to improve thermal efficiency and a high-d...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/28

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Missouri celebrates 35 years, now expanding for increased production On May 21, Toyota Missouri commemorated its 35th anniversary, having made cast aluminum cylinder heads for Toyota’s popular internal combustion and hybrid engine vehicles including the Tundra, Camry and Corolla. Toyota Missouri is currently building a new, USD 57.1 million cylinder head production line, announced in November 2025.  The new cylinder...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/28

Sollers Russia unveils pre-production SA9 Tourist Bus On May 25, Sollers Group unveiled a pre-production version of the Sollers SA9 at the TransportFest International Transport Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Sollers SA9, the flagship model in Sollers Group’s bus lineup, is designed for intercity transportation and city tours. The bus is powered by a 370 hp diesel engine that meets Euro 5 emission standards and is paired with a 6-speed ...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/27

GAZ begins production of Valdai 45 PRO at the Nizhny Novgorod plant, Russia On May 25, GAZ announced the start of production of the Valdai 45 PRO at the Nizhny Novgorod Trucks plant. The new model features major technical upgrades developed in response to the needs of Russian transport operators. The Valdai 45 PRO is powered by a 490 hp engine and features a redesigned exterior with a new grille and LED headlights. The cabin includes a modern ins...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/27

volumes of passenger cars (including sedans, SUVs, and MPVs, excluding minivans) and New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) are estimated at 1.52 million units (down 21.6% year-over-year (y/y)) and 950,000 units, respectively. According to the CPCA, the International Workers’ Day holiday, along with regional motor shows and automaker promotions, strengthened heat in China’s automotive market. Dealerships started delivering new vehicle models launched aro...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/27

DFMC M-Hero, Epicland, and eπ deepen strategic cooperation with Huawei On May 19, Dongfeng Motor announced that its M-Hero brand, Epicland brand, and eπ have respectively launched Strategic Cooperation 2.0 with Yinwang Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (Yinwang), a subsidiary of Huawei, marking a new stage in Dongfeng and Huawei's strategic partnership featuring joint definition, deep technological empowerment, and ecosystem collaboration. M-He...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/27

Honda reported to pause Ridgeline production at Alabama plant until 2028 refresh to meet emissions rules Honda will reportedly halt Ridgeline production at the Alabama Auto Assembly plant in Lincoln for approximately 18 months to meet tougher emissions rules, according to internal sources familiar with the company’s plans. Honda will stop building the midsize Ridgeline truck in Q4 2026, while production of a significantly freshened version is p...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/27

AvtoVAZ to unveil new SKM M9 CV lineup in Moscow, Russia On May 26, AvtoVAZ announced that the new SKM M9 model will be unveiled at the annual COMvex commercial vehicle exhibition in Moscow, Russia. The front-wheel-drive SKM M9 is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine producing 150 hp of power and is available with either a 9-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The model will be offered in four configurations, including 7-seat and 8-se...

News  Updated at: 2026/05/26