Automotive News

Donald Trump says he has approved new fuel economy standards for vehicles in the United States. The announcement, reported by automotive outlet Carscoops, signals a change in federal requirements for carmakers, though details of the standards have not been laid out. The move is drawing attention from the auto industry and environmental groups watching how US emissions and efficiency rules will shift.

RoboSense, the Chinese lidar maker, has sold its robotics unit to a startup led by one of its founders in a deal valued at $8.9 million. The divestment marks a slimming-down move for the company, which is best known for supplying lidar sensors to the automotive industry. Details about the buyer and strategic rationale remain limited.

The Detroit News has published a review by auto writer Henry Payne of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, in which he pushes the performance coupe to its limits. The piece joins ongoing coverage of Ford's track-focused Mustang variant as enthusiasts weigh its supercharged power against rivals.

Mercedes-Benz is set to make a major comeback at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, according to automotive news reports. The line-up is expected to include the new CLA, GLA, GLB, GLC, the VLE show car and an AMG GT, signalling an aggressive model offensive spanning electric and performance vehicles. Enthusiasts are discussing what the expanded range reveals about the brand's strategy.

The Automotive News Congress is in the headlines, according to coverage flagged by The Detroit News. The event typically gathers automakers, suppliers and policymakers to discuss the industry's direction, but no further details about speakers, outcomes or announcements are available. There is no word yet on specific topics or reactions from attendees.

BMW has introduced an electrified version of its 3 Series, built on the new Neue Klasse platform, adding an all-electric i3 saloon alongside a new M350 xDrive variant. The move marks a major step in BMW's shift to electric mobility for its core model line, with car news outlets covering the debut and its implications for buyers.

BMW is investing £1.7 billion in the next-generation 3 Series, underlining the model's central role in the German carmaker's shift toward hybrid technology. The announcement, flagged in automotive news circles, positions the 3 Series as a bridge between BMW's combustion heritage and its electrified future. Details on timing and production sites remain limited in the coverage circulating so far.

The 2026 Automotive News Congress is underway, with panel discussions focusing on vehicle affordability and China's role in the global auto industry. Industry figures gathered at the event to debate pricing pressures on consumers and how automakers are responding to Chinese competition, two of the most pressing issues facing the sector this year.

BMW has revealed the new electric i3, and its specifications are drawing attention for being genuinely impressive. However, automotive commentary suggests the EV will not overshadow the gasoline-powered 3 Series, which remains the benchmark of the lineup. Observers are weighing whether the electric model can carve out its own identity alongside the established combustion sedan.

CarIX.AI has raised a seed funding round to develop its artificial intelligence platform for car buying in the Gulf region. The startup is positioning itself in the growing market for AI-driven automotive retail tools in the Middle East, though details of the investors and funding amount were not disclosed.

Volvo has imposed a hiring freeze, a cost-control step that lands as the auto industry grapples with slowing demand and economic uncertainty. The news broke alongside coverage of the Automotive News Congress, where General Motors President Mark Reuss is a featured speaker, drawing attention to how major automakers are managing spending and strategy.

Volvo has imposed a worldwide freeze on hiring for white-collar positions, according to Automotive News. The pause applies to office-based roles across the Swedish carmaker's global operations and comes as automakers contend with softer demand, high interest rates and costly investment in electrification. Details on how long the freeze will last or which divisions are affected have not been provided.

Jalopnik is asking readers to weigh in on the most beautiful car film, inviting debate over movies celebrated for their cinematography and automotive imagery. Titles likely to come up include classics famous for their driving sequences and visual style. There is no news event behind the item; it is an open-ended conversation starter for car and film enthusiasts.