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Articles by Bryan Johnston
Google’s Android Automotive Open Sourced for Software-Defined Vehichles
Google is moving to solidify its position as the primary architect of the automotive digital future. For over a decade, the tech giant has been a mainstay in the cabin, providing the Android Automotive OS (AAOS) to power the infotainment screens that drivers interact with daily. However, as the industry pivots toward the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV), Google is extending its reach far beyond the dashboard.
National AV Safety Forum: American-Made Preferred for Golden Age of Autonomous Vehicles
The inaugural National AV Safety Forum, hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on March 11, 2026, represented a pivotal shift in the federal government’s role in the autonomous vehicle (AV) sector. Led by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison, the forum was designed to establish a more predictable and streamlined regulatory framework for self-driving technology.
Uber-Nuro Robotaxi Struggling to Keep Pace and be Safe
As Uber races to deploy a fleet of 20,000 robotaxis on American streets, new data from California regulators reveals that its autonomous vehicle partner, Nuro, is struggling to keep pace with competitors on a critical safety benchmark — and may in fact be moving in the wrong direction. Nuro recorded far more human interventions per mile than Waymo or Zoox in 2025, even as Uber pushes to deploy 20,000 driverless vehicles.
AI to Praise & Blame for Dealership Responses: Infiniti Cadillac, Honda, Acura, Subaru, Toyota Top Performers
A new industry study found that dealerships are answering customer inquiries more quickly and through more channels than ever before. But the same technology driving improvement is also creating invisible failures. For car shoppers who fill out an inquiry form on a dealership website, the experience has improved markedly. More of them hear back quickly, through email, text, and phone. Fewer are ignored entirely. The industry, it would seem, has finally figured out how to return a message.
Autonomous & Self-Driving Vehicle News: Tesla, CharterUP, Holon, Waymo, Waymo, & Neolix
NHTSA Standing General Order data indicates Tesla reported five new collisions involving its Austin-based Robotaxi fleet across December 2025 and January 2026. The fleet, primarily comprised of Model Y units operating with autonomous driving systems verified engaged, has now reached 14 total incidents since the June 2025 launch.
EV Battery & Charging News: Tesla, Lectron, J.D. Power, Polestar, Lucid Motors, Rivian, Slate Auto & Donut Lab
Rivian R1 Software Update 2026.03 Expands Performance And Utility Rivian has deployed over-the-air software update 2026.03, introducing a dedicated Apple Watch app and broadening access to high-performance drive modes across the R1 fleet. The new Apple Watch companion app enables Gen 1 and Gen 2 owners to control vehicle functions such as locking, venting windows, and monitoring charge status directly from their wrist.
EV, Battery & Charging News: Green Rain Energy, ChargePoint, GeoTab, NextStar & Nio
In EV Battery and charging news are Green Rain Energy, ChargePoint, GeoTab, NextStar and Nio. Green Rain Energy Holdings has established Green Rain EV+ Networks to develop EV charging infrastructure across New York, New Jersey, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. The division targets commercial corridors and strategic zones aligned with state clean energy mandates.
Lexus, Buick, Toyota, Subaru, Buick BMW, Chevy, Cadillac Top Best in Vehicle Dependability
The J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) indicates that long-term vehicle quality has reached its lowest point since the study’s significant redesign in 2022. The industry average has escalated to 204 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), representing a 2-point increase over the 2025 results. This degradation in dependability is largely attributed to the increasing complexity of vehicle software and the integration of sophisticated infotainment systems.
Californians Are TOOOOOO Much At Gas Pumps $59 Billion
At a California Energy Commission business meeting on Wednesday, consumer and environmental advocates sharply criticized the oil industry’s resistance to market reforms, pointing to new state findings that Californians have paid an estimated $59 billion more for gasoline over the past decade than consumers elsewhere in the country.
Hyundai Elantra/Sonata-D.C. CA Tops for Vehicle Thefts
Vehicle thefts across the United States dropped sharply in the first half of 2025, falling 23 percent compared with the same period a year earlier, according to newly released figures from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a nonprofit group that tracks and combats insurance fraud. From January through June, 334,114 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide, with monthly totals remaining consistently below 2024 levels.
Qualcomm & AWS Help Sony Honda Make AFEELA Nearer, AI Advanced & Cloud Connected
Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture between two of Japan’s most storied companies, is moving closer to turning its ambitious electric vehicle project, known as AFEELA, into a production-ready car. the company announced fresh progress made possible through a partnership with Qualcomm Technologies and Amazon Web Services (AWS) — a collaboration that executives said is reshaping not only how quickly a car can be developed, but also what consumers might expect from the vehicles of the near future.
Polestar 5: Electric GT Performance
The Polestar 5, unveiled at the 2025 IAA Munich auto show, is the production evolution of the eye-catching Precept concept. It takes on a low-slung, fastback silhouette, reminiscent of the now-discontinued Polestar 1 and positioned to rival the Porsche Panamera in size and grand-touring ethos. Constructed on Polestar’s proprietary Polestar Performance Architecture (PPA)—a bonded aluminum platform—the chassis delivers supercar-level torsional stiffness while keeping weight in check.
Hyundai THREE Concept Compact Urban Steel EV for Europe
MUNICH — Hyundai Motor Company made a bold statement at IAA Mobility 2025 this week, unveiling Concept THREE, its first compact electric vehicle under the IONIQ sub-brand.
Honda Bring Electric Future to RE+ 2025 in Vegas
LAS VEGAS — American Honda Motor Co. announced plans to unveil its vision for its electric vehicle (EV) and home energy future at RE+ 2025, the continent’s largest clean energy trade event, taking place September 8–11 in Las Vegas. The company will spotlight technologies that aim to transform cars into mobile energy hubs, supporting both household power management and broader grid resilience at a time of growing pressure on America’s energy infrastructure.
@LAAutoShow AutomobilityLA 2025 Flirts with Fleets, EVs Charging (Voltera) & Innovation
AutoMobility LA, the trade and media gathering that kicks off the Los Angeles Auto Show, is putting the spotlight on the commercial side of mobility this fall. Organizers announced Thursday that the 2025 edition will expand its Fleet Innovation Showcase with a keynote address from Voltera, a company specializing in electric and autonomous vehicle charging infrastructure. The program will take place Nov.
Honda Goes to Vegas with Electric V2H & V2G @RE+2025
LAS VEGAS — American Honda Motor Co. announced plans to unveil its vision for its electric vehicle (EV) and home energy future at RE+ 2025, the continent’s largest clean energy trade event, taking place September 8–11 in Las Vegas. The company will spotlight technologies that aim to transform cars into mobile energy hubs, supporting both household power management and broader grid resilience at a time of growing pressure on America’s energy infrastructure.
Rivian EV Charging 100% Renewal Adventure with Rivian Adventure Network?
Charging infrastructure remains one of the most common concerns for potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers, and Rivian is working to change that. The American EV manufacturer, known for its adventure-ready trucks and SUVs, is rapidly expanding the Rivian Adventure Network (RAN)—a growing system of fast, reliable chargers powered by 100% renewable energy and increasingly accessible to all EV drivers, not just Rivian owners.
New Porsche Macan More Tech Experiences, Gaming & Luxury
The all-electric Macan, Porsche’s mid-size SUV and one of its best-selling nameplates, is receiving a suite of upgrades designed not to chase lap times, but to transform the everyday: parking in tight urban garages, navigating the complexities of public charging, towing with confidence, and enjoying the ride with more entertainment options than ever.
GM Offers NACS & Broader Range of Adapters & V2H
General Motors is taking a significant step to ease the transition for its electric vehicle (EV) owners as the industry moves toward the North American Charging Standard (NACS). The automaker has announced a comprehensive lineup of new adapters designed to ensure that GM EVs can access an extensive range of charging infrastructure, from Tesla Supercharger stations to standard Level 2 home chargers, as well as GM’s proprietary PowerShift home charging system.
Cadillac Elevated Velocity: Where Electric Power Meets Desert-Bred Audacity
When Cadillac rolled out its Elevated Velocity concept, it didn’t just unveil another crossover—it dropped a statement. A 2+2 all-electric beast, the Elevated Velocity channeled the raw spirit of the V-Series while projecting Cadillac’s vision for future performance and design. Bold, aggressive, and unapologetically luxurious, this high-riding machine seemed equally at home threading canyon roads as it did tearing across sun-scorched desert flats.
How to Avoid Labor Day Travel Nightmares & Breakdowns: Be Safer & Cautious
As Labor Day weekend brings the buzz of road trips, crowded airports, and a familiar mix of anticipation and anxiety for millions of travelers nationwide. AAA forecasts that summer holiday travel in 2025 will reach the highest levels in more than two decades, with tens of millions of Americans planning journeys of 50 miles or more—about two-thirds traveling by car.
VicOne & Block Harbor Global Vehicle Cybersecurity Competition (VCC) Starts Tomorrow
DETROIT — In an era when automobiles are as much computers on wheels as they are machines of steel and rubber, two leading names in the field of automotive defense — VicOne and Block Harbor — have launched an ambitious new competition designed to prepare the next wave of experts tasked with safeguarding connected and software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The Global Vehicle Cybersecurity Competition (VCC), announced Wednesday, will unfold over two weekends, Aug. 22–25 and Aug. 29–Sept.
BlackBerry Intros QNX OS for Safety - QOS 8.0
In a move aimed at reshaping the foundation of safety-critical software, QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited, on Wednesday introduced a new version of its operating system for mission-critical applications. The QNX OS for Safety 8.0—known as QOS 8.0—promises to simplify the development of secure, reliable and standards-compliant embedded systems at a time when industries are rapidly shifting toward software-defined, connected technologies.
2026 Mazda 3 Compact with Tech Leading Class & Manual Options
Mazda continues to update Mazda3, a car that has always punched above its weight in style, handling, and cabin quality. For 2026, the 3 returns largely familiar, but with incremental improvements in tech, safety, and equipment that keep it competitive—and in some ways, class-leading. Available again as a sedan or a hatchback, the 2026 Mazda3 offers a mix of powertrains, driveline configurations, and trim levels that range from sensible commuter to mini luxury car.
Acura RSX Prototype All-New Global Platform Made in US Debut
At Monterey Car Week, Acura premiered the Acura RSX Prototype—a boldly sculpted, premium performance SUV that isn’t just Acura’s next EV, but a statement about where the brand is headed. Finished in a retina-searing Propulsion Yellow Pearl, the RSX looks like it’s been plucked from the concept stage and dropped directly onto the lawn at Pebble Beach.
EV Charging Ratings Down with Less Failures & Tesla Winning But OEMs Improving
Despite persistent uncertainty surrounding National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding, the public charging market is showing surprising fortitude. According to the newly released J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study, the industry marked its lowest incidence of charging failures in its four-year history.
When is a lease not a lease?
When is a lease not a lease? When its term is uncertain. English law requires leases to have a term certain i.e. that the maximum duration of the letting is ascertainable at the outset. While this may seem a rather technical requirement, the commercial consequences of not satisfying it can be significant, as demonstrated by the recent Court of Appeal decision in .
2026 Grand Highlander Updated Powertrains Trims & Tech
Toyota introduced the 2026 Grand Highlander SUV. Now entering its third model year, it is a thoughtful evolution of a proven formula: spacious interior, versatile performance, and a growing suite of digital and safety features. With a choice of three powertrains, five trims, and both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, Toyota has designed the 2026 Grand Highlander to appeal to a broad spectrum of families who value comfort, adaptability, and quiet confidence on the road.
Mullen/Bollinger BINI) News-$15K Discounts - Clearance Sale?
Bollinger Innovations (formerly Mullen Automotive) is dialing up the value for commercial EV buyers with a hefty $7,500 price drop on its Mullen ONE and Mullen THREE electric workhorses plus an additional $7,500 federal tax credit—available through September 30 for a total savings of $15,000. The Mullen ONE, a Class 1 electric cargo van, now starts at just $27,000 MSRP. Its larger sibling, the Mullen THREE Class 3 cab chassis, lands at $61,000.
It’s Hurricane Season & Flooded Car Scam Season: Check for Rust, Mud & Damp Smells
Hurricanes and flooding aftermath means flood-damaged cars flooding market. According to estimates from CARFAX, an additional 45,000 vehicles have already sustained flood damage from severe storms and flash flooding between April and July, compounding the nearly half a million such vehicles already circulating in the U.S. at the start of 2025.
Chevy Silverado Work Truck Beats World Record 1059.2 Miles on Single Charge
In a quiet stretch of southeastern Michigan, a white 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck glided to a stop with its odometer reading 1,059.2 miles — all on a single charge. With that, General Motors made history, obliterating the previous electric vehicle range record of 749 miles, set earlier this year by Lucid Motors.
SoundHound’s Conversational AI Talking in Cars Across North America
SoundHound AI, Inc., a California-based innovator in voice artificial intelligence, has quietly accelerated the future of in-car communication. The company announced that its generative AI-powered voice assistant, SoundHound Chat AI Automotive, is now live in vehicles from three major automotive brands spanning North America — a milestone that signals the growing role of conversational AI in the driver’s seat.
Wind Free Toyota bZ Support Special Olympics
In a move that blends mobility innovation with social impact, Special Olympics, Inc. has launched a nationwide sweepstakes offering one lucky supporter the chance to win a 2026 Toyota bZ — an all-electric vehicle valued at over $50,000 — while supporting the organization’s mission to empower athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Amazon Autos Sells New, Used & Certified Pre-Owned Car, SUVs & More in Los Angeles and SoCal
Amazon Autos is launching and includes used and certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles with a big splash in Car Captial of the West Coast, Los Angeles, California. The expansion, which debuted this week in the Los Angeles area, allows participating dealers to list their used inventory alongside new vehicles already available on the site.
Mullen/Bollinger (BINI) News Supplier Lawsuits & Reverse Stock Split
Bollinger Innovations, formerly Mullen Automotive a once-promising electric truck manufacturer based in suburban Detroit, is under mounting financial and legal strain just as it attempts to reboot its business with a corporate name change, reverse stock split, and leadership overhaul.
Ford Model T Moment to Be Radical Cheap EV Breakthrough on August 11
Ford Motor Company is preparing to announce a sweeping new vision for electric vehicles at a high-profile event in Kentucky on August 11, which chief executive Jim Farley described as the company’s newest “Model T moment.” The event will introduce Ford’s long-awaited low-cost electric-vehicle platform developed in a secretive “skunkworks” initiative.
2026 Subaru Impreza Hatchbacks Sport & RS : All-Wheel Drive Standard
Subaru of America, Inc.y revealed the pricing for the 2026 Subaru Impreza hatchback. This sixth-generation model showcases striking design enhancements, advanced safety features, and comes standard with the Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system. The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS is distinguished by its revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine, delivering 180 horsepower, and features exclusive 18-inch wheels along with unique interior and exterior accents.
Mullen / Bollinger News MULN Now BINI & Warrants Warrant Elimination
Mullen Automotive which became Bollinger Innovations has strengthened it finances. Mullen Automotive Inc. announced it officially changed its name to Bollinger Innovations, Inc. on July 28, 2025. Alongside the rebranding, the company’s stock will begin trading on Nasdaq under the new ticker symbol BINI, with no changes to its legal structure or operations. CEO David Michery emphasized that the transition reflects a unified identity focused on serving the commercial electric vehicle market.
2026 Nissan Rogue New Tech & Rock Creek or Dark Armor Grades on Sale
The 2026 Nissan Rogue have evolved with new tech and features. This year’s iteration of the compact crossover SUV arrives with added confidence, blending sleek style, family-minded versatility, and technological polish. The 2026 Rogue lineup introduces two notable trims meant to broaden its appeal. One is a refined urban cruiser with darkened flair — the new Dark Armor edition.
Contest to Re-Invent the Wheel for NASA MicroChariot Groundbreaking on Moon
This fall, in collaboration with HeroX, a platform known for launching open innovation challenges to the public, NASA is set to debut the “Rock and Roll with NASA Challenge,” a global call to rethink one of the most enduring pieces of transportation technology: the wheel. But not just any wheel.
@LAAutoShow AutmobilityLA AI, Autonomous, Luxury EVs & Autonomous 11/20
In a city known for both its deep automotive heritage and technological ambition, the Los Angeles Auto Show will once again become the focal point for the global mobility industry this November. Organizers of the long-running event announced Thursday that registration is now open for AutoMobility LA 2025, the annual media and industry preview day that sets the stage for the 118th edition of the iconic auto show.
@LAAutoShow Returns November 21 with Cheaper Prices & Fun 4 All
For more than a century, the Los Angeles Auto Show has drawn car lovers, families, tech fans, and gearheads to the heart of Downtown L.A. to see what’s next on wheels. This fall, the tradition rolls on—with a few major upgrades. Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, running from November 21 to 30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Tesla Diner in Hollywood Supersize Your Cybertruck Fries and Charging
Tesla has officially unveiled its long-awaited Tesla Diner & Drive-In Theater—a futuristic, all-in-one EV supercharging, dining, and entertainment venue in the heart of Hollywood. With 80 V4 Supercharger stalls, a rooftop lounge, in-car food ordering, and two massive 45-foot LED movie screens, the new Tesla diner is both a cultural attraction and a tech-forward oasis for electric vehicle drivers.
Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Tesla, GMC, Ram & Dodge Top Best Auto Websites
A new report from J.D. Power has found that nearly one-third of car manufacturer websites—both for mainstream and luxury brands—fail to meet basic digital standards for speed, design, and usability, with significant implications for consumer satisfaction.
2026 Hyundai Palisade: Bigger, Bolder, + Hybrid-Ready Starting Under $39K
Hyundai unveiled the all-new 2026 Palisade, a fully updated three-row flagship SUV that arrives with significant enhancements in size, performance, technology, and comfort — all while offering a strikingly aggressive starting MSRP of $38,935.
GM & Redwood Materials to Grid-Scale New/Used Vehicle Batteries
General Motors and Redwood Materials, a leading battery recycling and energy storage company founded by Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, announced a new collaboration on Tuesday aimed at turning both new and used electric vehicle batteries into grid-scale energy storage systems.
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