Automotive World Magazine – January 2026

In this issue:

Data

• The world’s new vehicle market: outlook for 2026
• Paccar production forecast to 2029
• Global light vehicle sales forecast – December 2025 edition

Strategy

• BMW switches out Zipse as CEO ahead of Neue Klasse launch
• Can BMW’s stability last in a rapidly changing world?
• BMW sets new climate milestone for 2035
• Ford retreats from BEVs, refocuses on hybrids and energy
• Ford and Renault tie-up: Western OEMs in “fight for our lives”
• Great Wall sets out ambitious European targets
• Mitsubishi tries to become global, again
• Mitsubishi weighs US production via Honda, Nissan plants
• Renault-Geely JV symbolises renewed interest in partnerships
• Toyota to ship US-made cars to Japan from 2026
• VW shutters Dresden, first closure in Germany for 88 years
• Volkswagen targets comprehensive AI with €1bn investment

Markets

• Brazil’s vehicle exports drop as Argentine market contracts
• Changan to bring Avatr and Nevo marques to Europe by 2027
• Macron pushes EU-made EV preference during China visit
• FT: Ford CEO warns of Europe becoming manufacturing “museum”
• Tesla’s budget Models 3 and Y go live in Europe
• EVs buoy new car registrations in the EU through November
• The Commission blinks first: EU’s 2035 ICE ban is reversed
• Changing picture for segment and powertrain mix in Europe
• Mexico hits Chinese-made cars with 50% tariffs
• UK LCV sales backslide 22%, but e-van sales up 45%
• Can Tesla find its innovative spark again?
• Trump administration proposes fuel economy rollback
• Affordable cars lose share in the US’ k-shaped economy

Autonomous mobility

• Hyundai unveils MobED autonomous robot platform
• NHTSA expands Waymo probe over school district concerns
• From marketing to data access, what’s included in AV regs?

Electric mobility

• SK On and Ford dissolve battery JV before construction wraps
• EV revolution becomes evolution: prepping for mass adoption
• Renault joins LMR push as new cathode tech accelerates
• Is VW preparing to jump on the EREV bandwagon?
• Xiaomi patent confirms OEM working on hybrid tech
• Foxconn moves into EV battery production
• EV roadmap: EU turns over a new Leaf just as Nissan does

Software-defined vehicle

• Where next for automotive AI?
• SDVs call for a completely new engineering discipline
• 2026: automotive to transform from products to platforms
• UX evolution: Mercedes moves closer to a home on wheels
• AI advances shift edge/cloud balance
• Data can deliver more from in-vehicle infotainment systems
• GenAI: debug co-pilot to keep software-defined cockpits safe
• What technology will shape 2026 corporate strategies?
• Henkel protects the next generation of vehicle electronics

Hydrogen mobility

• Daimler Truck on hydrogen: battery first, not battery only
• Where does hydrogen fit in Scania’s future roadmap?

Manufacturing

• Stellantis production heads east, French share to decline

Supply chain

• More automotive value chain strain expected in 2026
• USMCA review threatens unwanted change for supply chains