Author: News Desk

Rivian, the electric vehicle maker, has rolled out new software updates on Tuesday, introducing hands-free driving with its Enhanced Highway Assist and adventurous ‘Rally’ drive mode. With its 2025.06 software update, hands-free highway driving has been enabled for the second-generation R1S and R1T. Enhanced Highway Assist can manage steering, acceleration, and braking on supported highways. Drivers can go hands-free for prolonged durations on 135,000 miles of compatible highways. The update also brings a new ‘Rally’ driving mode for performance dual-motor vehicles. When off-road mode is enabled, Rally Mode can be selected to optimize steering precision and throttle response, making it…

Faraday Future, a California-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has revealed its intentions to move into the EV market in New York State with the introduction of its FF 91 2.0 and the possibility of future FX models. The company is set to provide premium leasing services through a deliberate partnership, emphasizing flexible lease terms and customized solutions for its upcoming users in the New York market. The development follows the company’s plans to establish an office in the New York Metro area to elevate its investor relations operations. As a major global economic hub with its expanding EV sector, the…

Nigeria-based NEV Motor Group, known for delivering top-tier electric vehicles, has unveiled the NEVT6 bus, marking Nigeria’s debut in locally manufactured electric vehicles, in a significant stride toward sustainable energy. Alongside these buses, the company also launched charging stations and premium taxi services aimed at promoting Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. Federal dignitaries, industry leaders, and global stakeholders attended the launch event in Abuja. The NEVT6 bus was lauded for showcasing Nigeria’s potential as a hub for clean energy innovations and advanced manufacturing. NEV founder and CEO Mosope Olaosebikan declared that the launch represented a pivotal moment for African self-reliance and the…

Ford has issued a recall for Kuga plug-in hybrid vehicles due to a potential battery short circuit risk. The company has urged owners to refrain from charging the battery until a solution is implemented and has suggested using the vehicle in ‘Auto EV’ mode, which relies on petrol power. The problem impacts all current-generation Ford Kuga plug-in hybrids equipped with the 2.5-liter petrol engine. Although the same system is utilized in the Ford Transit PHEV van, Ford has clarified that the charging issue is exclusive to the Kuga model. Ford has stated that the company engineers are actively developing a…

Toyota RAV4 and Harrier production has been temporarily halted following an unusual explosion at the parts manufacturing Chuo Spring facility in Japan. The incident claimed the life of a worker and disrupted the local supply chain. A dust collector explosion at the Fujioka plant, operated by Chuo Spring Corporation in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, caused the death of one worker and left two others injured. The factory supplies auto parts for Toyota. The RAV4 production has been halted for the second time in two years. As Automotive News reports, Toyota suspended operations at its three production lines in Japan until March…

Tesla to build a new megapack manufacturing facility in Texas after obtaining a tax abatement from Waller County to build the plant near Houston, further advancing its energy storage business as revealed by local government documents. The facility in the Empire West industrial park near Katy, Texas, will be Tesla’s third site worldwide, projected to create 1,500 jobs by its third year of commencement. As per the proposed agreement, Tesla will receive tax abatements from Waller County for property improvements. The deal includes $44 million in facility enhancements and $150 million in manufacturing equipment. The next phase involves a new…

Advance Auto Parts, a leading U.S. auto parts retailer, revealed a mass restructuring plan, closing around 700 stores across the country. The shutdown will affect 500 corporate-owned stores, 200 independently operated outlets, and four distribution centers. The company disclosed its plan in November, attributing to a slowdown in demand for vehicle parts, and reaffirmed its ‘restructuring plan’ during a recent earnings call. With declining sales and financial losses, the company has opted to revise its strategy. The shift is intended to boost profitability and streamline operations. Advance Auto Parts runs 4,700 stores nationwide, with over 200 of them in New York…

Xiaomi Corporation, the renowned smartphone manufacturer, launched its SU7 Ultra EV, a high-performance variant of its SU7 sedan, marking its debut in the fully electric vehicle segment. With a starting price of ¥529,900 ($72,990), the SU7 Ultra is positioned by Xiaomi as a ‘high-performance luxury vehicle.’ The SU7 Ultra measures 201 inches in length, 78 inches in width, and 58 inches in height, with a wheelbase spanning 118 inches. Powered by three self-developed electric motors, the sedan delivers an impressive 1,527 hp, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 1.98 seconds. According to Xiaomi, the car…

The White House declared on Wednesday a one-month North American tariff exemption for automakers General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis. Automakers requested Trump to waive 25% tariffs on vehicles from Mexico and Canada that adhere to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s rules of origin (USMCA). After a call with President Trump, the three automakers received a reprieve from tariffs. At Wednesday’s press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that the president has granted a one-month exemption from tariffs for autos coming through USMCA, following a request from Stellantis, Ford, and GM. Reciprocal tariffs will still take effect on April…

Norway will ban petrol cars in net zero zones, promoting the adoption of electric vans and trucks. The initiative is part of the country’s plans to reduce emissions and foster sustainable transportation. Jon-Ivar Nygard, the Transport Minister of Norway, revealed that the government plans to enact laws enabling cities to create zones exclusively for electric and hydrogen vehicles. Norway tops global electric car markets, with 96% of new registrations last month. However, electric vehicles still account for less than one-third of all cars on the road. Nygard stated that the electrification of goods and commercial transport lags behind that of…