automotive technology

Car manufacturers are increasingly looking to secure defense contracts as vehicle sales slow, but analysts caution that military production cannot fully compensate for weakness in the automotive market. The discussion highlights the tension between diversifying into weapons and defense technology and the reality that military work is unlikely to replace lost consumer demand.

Chinese autonomous driving software firm Momenta has announced a partnership with Dongfeng Stellantis Automotive Technology to deploy its driving-assistance technology in upcoming Peugeot and Jeep models. The deal marks another step in Momenta's expansion among joint-venture automakers in China, as global brands move to add locally developed smart-driving features to stay competitive with domestic manufacturers.

Mazda's CX-6e, an electric SUV, comes with an external speaker system that lets the driver broadcast their voice, including profanities, to people outside the car in traffic. The unusual feature is drawing attention and amusement from automotive media, with commentators debating whether yelling at other road users is a sensible use of in-car technology.

Nissan is presenting the third generation of its e-POWER powertrain, its series-hybrid system in which a petrol engine acts solely as a generator for an electric drivetrain. The announcement, detailed on Nissan's global innovation page, is drawing attention among technology and automotive enthusiasts interested in whether the new version improves efficiency, refinement and the driving experience.

Israeli chipmaker Arbe Robotics has completed a share sale, with the proceeds earmarked for expanding into defense and counter-drone markets. The move signals a strategic pivot beyond automotive radar as demand grows for drone-detection technology among military and security customers, and investors are watching how the new funding will be deployed.

A new market analysis of automotive radar-on-chip technology has been published, covering global market size, growth forecasts, trends and industry insights. Radar-on-chip is a key enabling technology for advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving, consolidating radar functions onto single chips to cut cost and size. The report is drawing attention from automotive suppliers, chipmakers and investors tracking the sector's growth.

A retro-styled electric vehicle that mimics the look of a 1960s classic car is drawing attention for pairing vintage design with modern Level 2 self-driving technology. Automotive enthusiasts are reacting to the unusual combination of nostalgic bodywork and contemporary driver-assistance features, sparking debate about whether the retro aesthetic works with high-tech electric underpinnings.

Modine Manufacturing has completed the spin-off of its Performance Technologies business and its combination with Gentherm, creating a combined entity. The deal separates Modine's automotive-related operations, allowing the company to focus on its climate and data-center cooling businesses. Investors are watching how the transaction reshapes both companies' portfolios and growth prospects.

Automotive sales publication F&I and Showroom is covering how dealership sales staff should handle customer objections to modern vehicle technology. The discussion focuses on techniques for addressing buyer hesitancy over advanced features in cars, such as driver assistance systems and infotainment, during the sales and finance process at dealerships.

The Smart #2 is back, reimagined as a high-tech electric two-seater. The return of the compact city car marks a new chapter for the brand as it pushes further into electric mobility, drawing attention from automotive watchers curious about how the classic two-seat format translates into a modern, technology-focused electric vehicle.

Groups promoting Single Pair Ethernet technology have merged to form a new association, according to industry press. Single Pair Ethernet allows data and power delivery over a single twisted pair of wires, making it important for automotive, industrial automation and building applications. The consolidation is expected to unify standardization efforts and give the technology a stronger industry voice.

Hyundai Mobis is working to support the localization of automotive semiconductors and the industry's transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The South Korean auto parts maker is positioning itself to reduce reliance on imported chips while adapting its components business to vehicles increasingly controlled by software. The move aligns with broader efforts in Korea's auto supply chain to secure chip supplies and keep pace with the SDV transition reshaping the sector.

Renault is preparing an updated Scenic E-Tech Electric for 2027, with reports pointing to greater driving range, faster charging and new in-car technology. The refresh would keep the electric family crossover competitive against rivals like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y as battery and software tech move quickly. Details on pricing and exact specifications have not yet been confirmed by the manufacturer.

Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company, is criticizing the automotive industry's habit of adding technology for technology's sake rather than for genuine customer benefit. His remarks are being picked up by US outlets including The Detroit News and the Belleville News-Democrat. The comments touch on an ongoing debate about in-car screens, software subscriptions and feature bloat in modern vehicles.

Postwar German carmakers built vehicles with rear-hinged 'suicide doors' that close like refrigerator doors, a design shaped by the hardships and materials shortages that followed World War Two. The story traces how Germany's devastated industry and scarce resources led engineers to embrace this unusual door layout, which has since become a rare curiosity in automotive history rather than a standard feature.

Microchip Technology has announced new chips expanding its 10BASE-T1S ethernet portfolio. 10BASE-T1S is a single-pair ethernet standard aimed at short-distance connections in automotive, industrial and embedded systems, allowing sensors and controllers to be networked over simple twisted wiring. The addition broadens Microchip's connectivity offering as demand grows for simpler, lower-cost wired networking in vehicles and factory equipment. Details on pricing and availability were not included in the initial coverage.

A US senator says Mercedes-Benz may be finding ways around restrictions on automotive technology ties with China, even though the German automaker has partial Chinese ownership. The claim raises questions over whether foreign carmakers are complying with rules meant to limit sensitive vehicle technology from flowing to China. No formal findings have been announced, and Mercedes-Benz has not been confirmed to have violated any law.

Automotive Testing Technology International has published a piece looking at how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of vehicle testing and verification. The discussion centres on how AI tools may streamline validation processes as cars become more software-defined and complex. Industry observers are following how quickly these methods move from concept to standard practice.

BMW is investing £1.7 billion in the next-generation 3 Series, underlining the model's central role in the German carmaker's shift toward hybrid technology. The announcement, flagged in automotive news circles, positions the 3 Series as a bridge between BMW's combustion heritage and its electrified future. Details on timing and production sites remain limited in the coverage circulating so far.

Road & Track has published a feature exploring eight automotive technologies that failed to catch on despite industry investment. The piece revisits engineering dead-ends from motoring history that were once promoted as the future of the car. Syndicated by Yahoo Autos, it invites readers to debate which innovations were doomed from the start.

BMW has presented the new 3 Series, drawing attention across automotive news. Details on design, engines, and technology are limited so far, with official information coming from BMW Group itself. Car watchers are watching for specifics on what changes the latest generation of the popular sedan brings compared with the previous model.

BMW's 2027 3 Series and electric i3 sedans have been previewed, showing a fresh exterior look and new technology features. Consumer Reports' early look highlights updated styling and bold in-car tech as the German automaker continues its shift toward electrification while keeping its core sedan line. Details on performance, range, and pricing are not yet available ahead of the official reveal.