Urvaksh Karkaria
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Articles by Urvaksh Karkaria
Mercedes’ first AMG electric crossover targets Porsche Cayenne with 1,153 hp
The Mercedes-AMG performance brand is charging into the high-end electric crossover segment with a swoopy, GLE-sized crossover packing more than 1,100 hp. Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more.
U.S. light-truck sales, Q3 & YTD 2026
Continue reading with Digital All Access Get complete access to exclusive reports, the Research & Data Center, the Future Product brand timelines, the Top 150 Dealership Groups ranking, subscriber-only newsletters and more. Digital All Access – Annual $699/year Less than $59/month Already a subscriber?Log in
U.S. car sales, Q3 & YTD 2026
Continue reading with Digital All Access Get complete access to exclusive reports, the Research & Data Center, the Future Product brand timelines, the Top 150 Dealership Groups ranking, subscriber-only newsletters and more. Digital All Access – Annual $699/year Less than $59/month Already a subscriber?Log in
Dealers should treat AI visibility as the next search battleground
TO THE EDITOR: Regarding “Dealers, automakers need to make brands visible as consumers use AI to shop for vehicles,” autonews.com, Sept. 30: For years, dealerships have invested heavily in getting found online. SEO, paid search, inventory syndication, reviews and third-party marketplaces all served the same purpose: Put your store in front of shoppers. Artificial intelligence is changing that equation.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa: Chinese partners, new models will fill European plants and avoid closures
October 14, 2026 07:38 AM EDT PARIS — Stellantis will fill its underused European factories with vehicles from Chinese partners and its own new models rather than close plants, CEO Antonio Filosa said, even as Volkswagen Group moves to shut four of its own factories and cut jobs. Continue reading with a Standard subscription Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more. Standard – Monthly $25/month Already a subscriber?
Volvo EX60 production snags will starve U.S. dealers of EV deep into 2027
Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more.
Acura confirms 2 new crossovers: Its 1st 8-seater and an adventure-ready Passport-based model
Acura will expand its dwindling lineup with two new models, including its first eight-seat crossover, as Honda’s luxury brand pushes into high-demand segments it has long sat out. Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more.
Daily 5 report for Oct. 7: Jaguar is betting its reinvention’s success on rich American buyers
Welcome to the Daily 5 report for Wednesday, Oct. 7. Jaguar is betting its future on a radical shift upmarket, relaunching as a low-volume luxury EV brand led by the Type 01 after two decades of chasing volume against BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. In an interview with Automotive News Europe’s Nick Gibbs, Managing Director Rawdon Glover explains why the United States is critical to that strategy. Sign up for the Daily 5 report here.
Nissan on pace for worst global sales in 23 years as China collapse bites
Nissan Motor Co. is careening toward its weakest global sales year in nearly a quarter century. Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more.
Honda delays next-gen CR-V by 3 months, cancels Civic production in Indiana in 2028
Honda has delayed production of the next-generation CR-V by three months and canceled plans to build the next Civic sedan in Indiana, a supply-chain source told Automotive News. Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more.
Infiniti’s best quarter since pandemic lifts a flat Nissan
October 01, 2026 02:52 PM EDT Nissan kept its streak of U.S. retail gains alive for a 19th straight month in the third quarter, remaining the fastest-growing mainstream brand even as it cut the rental business that once propped up its volume. Continue reading with a Standard subscription Get the latest news and analysis, subscriber-only newsletters, first access to special offers and more. Standard – Monthly $25/month Already a subscriber?
Volvo verhängt weltweiten Einstellungsstopp
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Daily 5 report for Sept. 28: With Trump’s fuel economy rollback, automakers win relief while environmentalists cry foul
Welcome to the Daily 5 report for Monday, Sept. 28. The Trump administration finalized a major rollback of federal fuel economy standards, delivering billions in savings to automakers while prompting criticism from environmentalists who warn consumers will pay more at the pump. Sign up for the Daily 5 report here.
Volvo freezes white-collar hiring globally as U.S., China demand slumps
Volvo Cars has imposed a global hiring freeze for white-collar jobs and begun taking a more “restrictive approach” to outside spending, according to an internal memo reviewed by Automotive News. Subscribe and get access to articles, videos, and more.
5 stories shaping Canadian auto this week: Tariffs affect imports; Chinese parts flow in; more
Tariffs are redrawing the map for vehicles sold in Canada, pushing automakers to rethink where they build and source their products. You must be a subscriber to access this premium content. To read this article and get unlimited access to our website, subscribe now.
ANC Podcast: Sept. 25, 2026 | The week’s top stories and Nissan’s Steve Rhind on Rogue, hybrids, more
Tariffs reshaping sales; PowerCo plant delayed; China content flows freely. Plus, Nissan Canada President Steve Rhind discusses the 2027 Rogue, e-Power hybrid powertrains, Leaf S, affordability and more. How do I subscribe? Can’t wait to hear the next episode of The Automotive News Canada Podcast? Subscribe through a podcast app to receive episodes as soon as they’re released. If you don’t have a podcast app already, here are some options.
Daily 5 report for Sept. 24: Meet the 2026 Automotive Hall of Fame inductees
Welcome to the Daily 5 report for Thursday, Sept. 24. Eight trailblazers were inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame on Sept. 23, with Automotive News serving as the ceremony’s exclusive media partner. Sign up for the Daily 5 report here. Akio Toyoda: Toyota’s former president and CEO was honored for advocating industrywide collaboration.
Honda’s next U.S. plant in Ohio expected to build next-gen Acura MDX, two flagship crossovers
Honda Motor Co. is expected to build the next-generation Acura MDX along with two new flagship crossovers at a new U.S. assembly plant, a person briefed on the plans told Automotive News. You must be a subscriber to access this premium content. To read this article and get unlimited access to our website, subscribe now.
Honda reportedly eyes Ohio for up to $2.5 billion assembly plant
September 24, 2026 09:45 AM EDT Honda Motor is in the final stages of talks to build an up to $2.5 billion hybrid vehicle assembly plant in the United States, with Ohio as the front-runner to land the deal, sources told Japanese business publication Nikkei Asia on Sept. 24.
CEO Compensation Study – 2026
Nvidia’s Jensen Huang topped the Automotive News/Equilar CEO Compensation Survey for a fourth consecutive year, earning triple the industry's No. 2 leader.
Honda reportedly eyes Ohio for up to $2.5B assembly plant
Honda Motor is in the final stages of talks to build an up to $2.5 billion hybrid vehicle assembly plant in the United States, with Ohio as the front-runner to land the deal, sources told Japanese business publication Nikkei Asia on Sept. 24. You must be a subscriber to access this premium content. To read this article and get unlimited access to our website, subscribe now.
Land Rover Defender pickup with Stellantis risks brand dilution
TO THE EDITOR: Regarding “Column: How Land Rover’s Defender pickup project with Stellantis could backfire,” autonews.com, Sept. 15: The history of cross-badged vehicles is a long one, and rarely a successful one. The fascinating thing is the “parent-to-child” sales ratio is historically terrible. So why do we do it? I worked on the original Mercury Villager/Nissan Quest in the early ’90s and we were a 5 to 3 ratio, which was better than most.
Certified Used-Vehicle Sales, Aug. & YTD 2026
Unit sales of certified preowned cars and light trucks in the U.S. listed by brand and automaker for the current and previous year periods
Honda considers oversized Pilot flagship to take on Ford Explorer, Toyota Grand Highlander in 2032
Honda is considering a three-row flagship crossover positioned above the Pilot and entering production in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2032, according to a person briefed on the plan. You must be a subscriber to access this premium content. To read this article and get unlimited access to our website, subscribe now.
2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid promises EV-like driving without having to plug in
You must be a subscriber to access this premium content. To read this article and get unlimited access to our website, subscribe now.
Bonus Episode: Stellantis weighs bringing Ram production back to Michigan
Finance & Insurance Remote finance delivers results for Group 1 Automotive, Lithia Motors, other dealers Group 1 Automotive uses virtual F&I at 66 dealerships, and Lithia Motors has it in about a dozen stores. JM&A Group and Assurant say the concept is growing rapidly. By: John Huetter, Paige Hodder
ANC Podcast: Sept. 18, 2026 | The week’s top stories and Clarify’s Darren Slind on latest vehicle buyer study
Stellantis plans Brampton sale; Tariffs could sink Detroit; Uncertain factory investment future. Plus, Clarify President Darren Sling discusses the findings in the Vehicle Buyer Opinion Study. How do I subscribe? Can’t wait to hear the next episode of The Automotive News Canada Podcast? Subscribe through a podcast app to receive episodes as soon as they’re released. If you don’t have a podcast app already, here are some options.
Acura pauses MDX Type S production over emissions uncertainty
Geely In new ‘reverse JV’ trend, Geely pitches legacy carmakers a shortcut to ‘China Speed,’ starting with Renault, Ford Geely's engineering division offers global automakers turnkey vehicle development, platform licensing and manufacturing expertise. By: Automotive News Report
Artura geht, Hybrid-SUV kommt: McLaren startet Modell-Offensive
Der britische Sportwagenhersteller McLaren erweitert sein Portfolio um SUV- und Luxusmodelle â und trennt sich vom Einstiegsmodell. Teile der Neuausrichtung gehen noch auf den heutigen Porsche-Chef Michael Leiters zurück.
Honda looks to add 25 dealerships in Sun Belt growth chase
American Honda plans to add as many as 25 open points to its U.S. retail network, targeting fast-growing, underserved markets concentrated in the booming Sun Belt. Save $100 on Standard Access — This Week Only Unlock this article, plus Automotive News coverage, subscriber-only newsletters and more. Save $100 on an annual Standard subscription for a limited time.
McLaren’s 2030 roadmap includes first SUV, hybrid coupes, sedan-like GT
Retail Rival dealers are studying Carvana’s new-car playbook as it takes shape Carvana's seven Stellantis stores are drawing close attention from dealers and analysts as the digital retailer's new-vehicle strategy, with fewer staff, AI-driven automation and home delivery, comes into focus. By: Mark Hollmer, Paige Hodder
McLaren to drop Artura hybrid that had troubled launch
Retail Rival dealers are studying Carvana’s new-car playbook as it takes shape Carvana's seven Stellantis stores are drawing close attention from dealers and analysts as the digital retailer's new-vehicle strategy, with fewer staff, AI-driven automation and home delivery, comes into focus. By: Mark Hollmer, Paige Hodder
ANC Podcast: Sept. 11, 2026 | The week’s top stories and David Kennedy on Stellantis contract talks
B.C store to pay $5.5M after crash; EVs seek momentum; Hybrid sales surge. Plus, Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy gives an update on contract talks between Stellantis and Unifor. How do I subscribe? Can’t wait to hear the next episode of The Automotive News Canada Podcast? Subscribe through a podcast app to receive episodes as soon as they’re released. If you don’t have a podcast app already, here are some options.
Daily 5 report for Sept. 10: During China visit, Farley pledges deeper Jiangling ties as Ford’s exports from there hit record
Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley traveled to Nanchang, China, this month and told local government officials the automaker will deepen its partnership with Jiangling Motors Group to explore global business opportunities, according to a Jiangling social media post. The visit came a day after Ford’s joint venture finished building 1,000 electric Transit City vans for shipment to Europe, part of a plan to export the model to 52 countries worldwide. Sign up for the Daily 5 report here.
Offensive von McLaren: 1000 neue Jobs und neuer Luxus-Auftritt
Der britische Sportwagen-Hersteller erfindet sich neu: Am Hauptsitz in Woking investiert McLaren 450 Millionen Pfund in sein Technology Centre, zudem soll sich der Stil der Showrooms grundlegend ändern – um neue Kundengruppen anzusprechen.
Volvo cancels EX40 EV in U.S., updates aging XC40 hybrid with ‘new expression’ in 2027
Toyota Why Japanese automakers are betting on U.S. expansion beyond tariffs Japanese automakers are considering U.S. manufacturing expansion fueled by ambition and capacity constraints, not just tariff concerns. Toyota, Honda lead the push despite a stagnant market. By: Larry P. Vellequette, Urvaksh Karkaria
McLaren reveals ‘luxury boutique’ showroom redesign, new corporate identity, 810-hp hybrid coupe
AI Automakers’ AI assistants aim to make vehicles smarter while unlocking new revenue streams Automakers including GM and Ford are rolling out AI assistants across millions of vehicles, targeting higher software revenue as systems become more intuitive and personalized. By: John Irwin, Michael Martinez
Daily 5 report for Sept. 8: How Ford, GM and JLR are betting on AI to outrun China’s pace
Automakers are under pressure to match “China speed,” the breakneck pace at which Chinese manufacturers are rolling out new vehicles packed with advanced technology. Western and legacy automakers are turning to artificial intelligence to close that gap without sacrificing quality, using AI to process massive volumes of data far faster than traditional methods allow.
Former Piston Group CEO headed back to Honda to head up U.S. auto sales, marketing
The hospital system confirmed it is conducting due diligence on the 1.4 million-square-foot property and engaging outside firms for a feasibility study and cost analysis of the property as well as other potential sites.
Daily 5 report for Sept. 4: VW CEO Oliver Blume dodges the fate that doomed his predecessors
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume secured unanimous supervisory board approval for his Future Plan 2030 overhaul, which targets a 9 percent operating margin by 2030 on roughly 9 million vehicles sold and about €135 billion ($157 billion) in capital and R&D spending from 2027 through 2031. The deal came together after marathon overnight talks softened language on four at-risk German plants and dropped a controversial plan to spin off the VW brand.
5 stories shaping Canadian auto this week: Contract talks; Chinese EVs, more
Contract negotiations between Unifor and the Detroit Three came into sharper focus this week, with one deal sealed and another potentially bruising negotiation just beginning. General Motors made fresh Canadian manufacturing commitments as its workers approved a new deal with Unifor. Attention then shifted to Stellantis, where the uncertain future of its idled Brampton plant looms over bargaining.
ANC Podcast Replay | The week’s top stories and VW’s Edgar Estrada on on sales, product, EVs, more
Unifor ratifies GM deal; Stellantis in Unifor crosshairs; more Chinese EVs en route. Plus, Volkswagen Canada CEO Edgar Estrada on booming sales, new product, sedans, affordability, and more. How do I subscribe? Can’t wait to hear the next episode of The Automotive News Canada Podcast? Subscribe through a podcast app to receive episodes as soon as they’re released. If you don’t have a podcast app already, here are some options.
Daily 5 report for Sept. 3: Elon Musk bets on Cybercab. Analysts say Tesla still has to prove it’s safe
Tesla is set to roll out its driverless Cybercab today in Austin, Texas, wagering that a camera-only system can outrun robotaxi rivals that lean on lidar and radar. The two-seater has no steering wheel or pedals, and CEO Elon Musk says it’s central to reinventing Tesla as an artificial intelligence and robotics company, not just an automaker.
How Volvo plans to resuscitate slumping dealer satisfaction
Mitsubishi Reborn Mitsubishi Pajero goes premium in pursuit of Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, with 2 baby sibling off-roaders on the way Mitsubishi is betting the reborn Pajero, now a more luxurious three-row off-roader, can challenge the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol while rekindling flagging sales in key markets. By: Hans Greimel, Naoto Okamura
Daily 5 report for Sept. 1: A guessed car payment today could be a dealer’s FTC headache tomorrow
Dealers already know the Federal Trade Commission is watching pricing closely after the agency warned 97 dealership groups in March over “illegal” advertising practices and made clear it wants advertised prices to reflect what consumers actually pay. Now, in a guest commentary, eLEND Solutions CEO Pete MacInnis said that scrutiny points to a second, unaddressed risk hiding in the sales process.
Tesla’s European registrations mixed in August, with strong France, Denmark supporting growth
AI Automakers’ AI assistants aim to make vehicles smarter while unlocking new revenue streams Automakers including GM and Ford are rolling out AI assistants across millions of vehicles, targeting higher software revenue as systems become more intuitive and personalized. By: John Irwin, Michael Martinez
Bonus Episode: Mini borrows from sneaker culture; dealership techs hit the rally stage
Manufacturing Stellantis drivers avoiding Gordie Howe International Bridge, unions say According to UAW Local 212, FCA Transport is “currently under a contract with the Ambassador Bridge.” It's said to be a discounted rate that potentially saves the company millions of dollars. By: Greg Layson
Daily 5 report for Aug. 27: Mini borrows from sneaker culture to hype its special editions
Mini USA is taking cues from sneaker culture to generate buzz for a lineup with only a handful of models. The automaker’s new Icon Drops campaign, built with agency Goodby Silverstein & Partners, treats special editions like hyped sneaker releases — think Nike’s Jordan brand — to create exclusivity and urgency. The strategy arrives as Mini works to reverse a U.S. sales slide, with deliveries down 6 percent in the first half of 2026. Sign up for the Daily 5 report here.
Daily 5 report for Aug. 26: Metro Detroit dealership group tests parts deliveries by drone to cut delays
Welcome to the Daily 5 report for Wednesday, Aug. 26. Jack Demmer Automotive Group is now flying auto parts by drone between its Ford dealership, warehouse and service center in Wayne, Mich., a program the group says is the first of its kind in the country, Crain’s Detroit Business reports. The pilot pairs the dealer group with two Michigan drone startups, Airspace Link and Blueflite, and taps a Michigan-backed fund built to grow uncrewed aviation infrastructure.
Nissan and its dealers share the same goals
TO THE EDITOR: As chairman of the Nissan Dealer Advisory Board and a Nissan retailer, I want to assure your readers that Nissan and its dealers share a genuine partnership. Your Aug. 19 editorial rightly highlights dealer profitability as Nissan works to grow retail market share (“In our opinion: Nissan must bring dealers along as it buys share,” autonews.com). That is a goal Nissan and its dealers are pursuing together.
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