Topic
automotive
LLMs Struggle on Privacy-Constrained Industrial Tabular Data, Study Finds
A new study from arXiv compares large language models (LLMs) with classical machine learning on an industrial car retrofit prediction task, finding that while LLMs have niche uses, tree ensembles remain superior. The research highlights that on privacy-constrained tables, LLMs are more effective as complementary components than replacements.
Manufacturing Mercedes-Benz to Raise Prices 1-2% in India on Exchange Rate and War Cost Pressures
Mercedes-Benz will increase car prices in India by 1-2% to cope with exchange rate volatility and war-related cost pressures, marking the third hike in 2026 totaling up to 4%. The automaker also launched a new plug-in hybrid S-Class variant, its first PHEV for India, priced between Rs 2.2-2.4 crore, with deliveries starting in Q4.
Manufacturing India Auto Sales Hit Record High in May 2026 with Double-Digit Growth Across Segments
India's automobile industry recorded its highest-ever sales for May 2026, with passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers all posting double-digit growth, according to SIAM data. Maruti Suzuki led the passenger vehicle segment with a 50% market share. Rajesh Menon, SIAM Director General, attributed the surge to a lower base, reduced GST rates, and easier financing.
Technology Chinese Drivers Are Using Tiny Plastic Heads to Fool Tesla’s Autopilot Safeguards
Chinese Tesla owners are using miniature plastic heads of celebrities like Dwayne Johnson, priced $10-$40, to trick the car's in-cabin camera into thinking an attentive driver is present. The gadgets, sold on Taobao, Xianyu, and Douyin, allow drivers to bypass Tesla's distracted-driver monitoring while using autopilot features. This trend emerged after a Tesla software update in October activated camera-based monitoring in China.
Trade UK Government Set to Weaken Electric Car Sales Target to 50-70% by 2030
The UK government is set to water down its 2030 target for electric vehicle sales, currently 80% of new cars, with a consultation on a new target between 50% and 70%. The Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) mandate, which includes phased annual targets and fines of £15,000 per non-compliant car, has cost the industry over £10bn in two years according to the SMMT. Industry and unions warn of job losses, while sustainability groups argue weakening could harm charging infrastructure investment.
Rivian's CEO on Tesla's Cybertruck, Ferrari's Luce, and What Happens If the R2 Fails
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, in a WIRED interview, discusses the critical importance of the R2 SUV for the company's survival, comments on Tesla's Cybertruck niche market, and reveals partnerships with Volkswagen ($5.8B) and Uber (up to 50,000 robotaxis). Rivian has sold 175,000 vehicles since 2021 versus Tesla's 8 million, and lost $3.6 billion in 2025.
Technology Apple CarPlay Video Streaming Raises Distracted Driving Concerns After WWDC 2026 Update
Apple announced at WWDC 2026 that CarPlay will support video apps like Netflix and YouTube when the vehicle is parked. However, concerns about distracted driving arise, with NHTSA reporting 3,200 deaths and 315,000 injuries from distracted driving in 2024. The feature's limitations may still enable viewing while idling or at traffic lights.
Manufacturing Jason Momoa Electrifies Vintage Harley-Davidsons and Land Rovers With Conversion Kits From Electrogenic
UK-based Electrogenic has converted five of Jason Momoa's classic vehicles—including two Land Rovers and three vintage Harley-Davidsons—to electric power for HBO's On the Roam. The company now offers plug-and-play conversion kits for owners of similar vintage vehicles, with prices starting at $19,500 for Harley-Davidson kits and $32,000 for Land Rover Defender kits.
Manufacturing Škoda Peaq Large SUV to Become Automaker’s Most Expensive EV Yet
Škoda has revealed sketches and prototypes of the Peaq, a large electric SUV expected to be its most expensive model. Built on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform, the three-row vehicle targets the premium segment with an 89-kWh battery and minimalist design.
Manufacturing Tata Motors Poised to Benefit from India's Rs 9,585 Crore Scrappage Scheme for Ageing Commercial Vehicles
Tata Motors, with 11 registered vehicle scrapping facilities across 10 states and capacity to dismantle more than 1.9 lakh vehicles annually, is well-positioned to benefit from India's Rs 9,585 crore scheme to replace ageing commercial vehicles in Delhi-NCR. The company holds over 50% market share in medium and heavy trucks in key northern states and operates its scrapping network under the Re.Wi.Re initiative.
Domestic tractor sales cross one lakh units for third straight month in May; exports top 10,000 units
India's tractor industry posted domestic sales of 1,08,229 units in May 2026, marking the third consecutive month above one lakh units, according to the Tractor and Mechanization Association (TMA). Exports recovered to 10,165 units, the highest in over a year. Analysts attribute the growth to favorable rural sentiment and GST reduction, though monsoon performance remains a key variable.
Commodities India Clears E100 Fuel Framework, Accelerating Ethanol Vehicle Rollout and Impor
India has approved the regulatory framework for 100% ethanol (E100) as a vehicular fuel, enabling the commercial deployment of ethanol-powered cars and two-wheelers. The move, announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, aims to reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil (over 85% imports) and create new demand for agricultural feedstocks, while giving automakers regulatory certainty to invest in flex-fuel platforms.
Technology Volvo Sets Q1 2027 for Fully Driverless Truck Operations
Volvo Autonomous Solutions will remove safety drivers from autonomous trucks on U.S. highways in Q1 2027, targeting over 300 trucks by end of 2027 and $3 billion in revenue within five years. The company is expanding commercial operations in Texas and Oklahoma, with new routes eliminating drayage and directly serving customer facilities.
Manufacturing BYD Unveils Five-Minute EV Flash Charge in Europe
BYD has launched its groundbreaking five-minute EV Flash Charge technology in the UK and Europe, starting with the Denza Z9 GT model. The company plans to install 6,000 charging stalls outside China by 2027, with significant investments in infrastructure.
Technology Volvo Trucks to Launch Unattended Over-the-Air Updates
Volvo Trucks is set to launch unattended over-the-air software updates, allowing fleets to update vehicles without downtime. This innovation aims to increase productivity by reducing unplanned stops and simplifying update processes.
Manufacturing GM's EVs to Power Homes and Grids with New Tech
General Motors is enabling its electric vehicles to power homes and the electrical grid through bidirectional charging. This initiative, supported by GM Energy, aims to enhance the value of EVs and promote sustainability.
Manufacturing GM Expands EV Charging Compatibility with Energy Pass
General Motors is launching Energy Pass, a universal interface for public EV charging, initially supporting Tesla, Electrify America, and IONNA. This move aims to expand charging access for GM EV owners. Additionally, a firmware update will enable vehicle-to-grid functionality, allowing EVs to supply power back to the grid.
Manufacturing Rivian R2: A New Chapter in Electric SUVs
Rivian's new R2 SUV, priced at $57,990, aims to capture a broader market with its compact size and robust features. The R2, smaller than the R1S, offers a dual-motor setup with 656 horsepower and a range of 330 miles.
Rivian R2: A New Era in Mass-Market Electric SUVs
Rivian introduces the R2, a mass-market electric SUV starting at $45,000, aiming to boost sales and compete with major EV players. The R2 offers multiple trims and advanced features, though initial models lack the latest hardware.
Manufacturing India's Flex-Fuel Revolution: Maruti Suzuki Leads with Wagon R
India is advancing its flex-fuel vehicle initiative with Maruti Suzuki's launch of the Wagon R flex-fuel model. This move supports national goals of reducing crude oil imports and carbon emissions, while boosting rural economies.
Manufacturing India's First Flex-Fuel Vehicle: A New Era in Automotive Manufacturing
India has launched its first flex-fuel passenger vehicle by Maruti Suzuki, marking a significant step in the country's energy transition. The initiative is expected to reduce emissions and crude oil imports, while boosting rural energy security and employment.
Manufacturing Tesla Cuts Model Y Price in India to Boost Demand
Tesla has reduced the price of its Model Y in India by up to Rs 9 lakh, aiming to boost demand in a market where high prices have limited its appeal. The move positions the Model Y closer to mass-market premium vehicles, potentially widening Tesla's customer base.