Automotive Industry and Business News

Maryland Imposes $150 Annual Fee on EV Chargers, Sparking Controversy

5Dec

By AGN EditorNo Comments

Maryland Imposes $150 Annual Fee on EV Chargers, Sparking Controversy

Maryland has introduced a new law requiring public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to pay an annual fee of $150 per port starting January 2026. The state aims to regulate charger installations and ensure compliance with standards set by the Weights and Measures program, but this move could hinder EV adoption.Key TakeawaysMaryland introduces a $150 annual fee per public EV charging port starting January 2026.The state's Weights and Measures program will inspect chargers to ensure compliance with rates, contact information, and other requirements.Non-compliant chargers may be disabled until they meet the new regulations.Maryland’s Department of Agriculture oversees the Weights and Measures program, which mandates annual registration for all public EV charging stations. This includes ...

GM’s Lotus Ownership Ends in Failure and Relinquishment

5Dec

By AGN EditorNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

GM’s Lotus Ownership Ends in Failure and Relinquishment

General Motors has officially relinquished its ownership stake in sports car maker Lotus, ending a partnership that began over two decades ago but ultimately proved unsuccessful. The move marks the end of an era for both companies.Key TakeawaysGM sells off its remaining 25% stake in Lotus Engineering to Malaysian company Proton Holdings.The deal includes a technology transfer agreement allowing GM and Proton to collaborate on future projects.This marks the end of GM's involvement with Lotus, which began when it acquired shares from Italian automaker Fiat in 1996.General Motors initially bought into Lotus Engineering as part of its strategy to expand globally. However, despite early optimism and shared projects such as the Omega sports car concept, relations soured over time due to differin...

4Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Barra Praises Musk for EV Leadership

General Motors CEO Mary Barra recently clarified her role in the electric vehicle revolution, stating that <a href="https://autoglobalnews.com/burry-predicts-bleak-future-for-tesla-warns-of-shareholder-dilution/" style="color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;" title="Burry Predicts Bleak Future for Tesla, Warns of Shareholder ">Tesla and Elon Musk deserve significant credit. During a New York Times Dealbook Summit interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin on December 3, 2025, she said President Biden mistakenly credited GM for leading EV efforts.Key TakeawaysMary Barra told President Biden to credit Tesla and Elon Musk more for the electric vehicle transition.The interview highlights how leadership in innovation can come from unexpected places within the automotive industry.Tesla's ear...

Acceler8 Prepares for Expansion in 2026 with New Funding and Programs

4Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

Acceler8 Prepares for Expansion in 2026 with New Funding and Programs

Los Angeles, CA – Acceler8 Automotive Education Program is set to expand its reach and impact in the coming year thanks to significant funding from California Community Reinvestment Grants. The program will offer new training opportunities at a permanent location under the iconic Sixth Street Bridge.Key TakeawaysNew 16-week Basic Mechanic Classes for young adults aged 18-24 based on ASE curriculum standardsThe introduction of California Pre-Apprenticeship Program to prepare candidates for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs)Permanent location in the Arts District secured, with Rodrigo Rivera appointed as full-time Head of Education and Chief InstructorAcceler8's success story is a testament to its commitment to providing at-risk youth with practical skills training that can lead them ...

BMW Recalls Certain Models for Rear Seatbelt Defects

4Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

BMW Recalls Certain Models for Rear Seatbelt Defects

BMW is issuing another safety recall, this time affecting the rear seatbelts of its popular compact models. The German automaker's latest action comes just weeks after a previous front-seatbelt issue was addressed.Key TakeawaysBWM is recalling 1 Series, 2 Series, X1 and X2 vehicles built between July 30 and October 13, 2025 due to a rear seatbelt defect.The affected cars may have damaged sensor pins in the outer rear seatbelts that could compromise safety during an impact.Owners need to take their car to BMW dealerships for inspection and possible replacement of the faulty belts.BWM is recalling vehicles built between July 30 and October 13, 2025 due to a rear seatbelt defect. The issue involves damaged sensor pins in outer rear seatbelts that could lead to incorrect data transmission duri...

The Hypercar Market Is Getting Crowded, but Still Valuable

4Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

Industry & Business, News, Supercars

The Hypercar Market Is Getting Crowded, but Still Valuable

The hypercar market might not be as crowded as your local mall on a Saturday afternoon, but it's definitely getting busier. With more companies jumping into the ultra-exclusive and expensive segment of high-performance vehicles, these cars are becoming harder to ignore.Key TakeawaysThe hypercar market is growing despite limited production numbers.Total value of hypercars has reached nearly $14 billion, rivaling small country GDPs.New models like Ferrari's Daytona SP3 and F80 are pushing the boundaries in technology and performance.Hypercars aren't for everyone. They're expensive, rare, and built by a handful of manufacturers who cater to those with deep pockets and an appetite for speed. But that doesn’t mean they’re not making waves in the automotive world.The Ferrari Hypercar market has ...

Lexus RX 350h Exquisite Enters India at Rs.89.99 Lakh

4Dec

By M.ChenNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

Lexus RX 350h Exquisite Enters India at Rs.89.99 Lakh

Lexus has introduced the RX 350h Exquisite variant in India, priced from Rs.89.99 lakh ex-showroom. The new entry-level model aims to make luxury more accessible with its hybrid setup and premium features.Key TakeawaysThe RX 350h Exquisite variant starts at Rs.89.99 lakh, offering an entry point into the Lexus SUV lineup.A Mark Levinson audio upgrade is available for Rs.2 lakh on top of the base price.Between January and November 2025, the RX recorded a 12% growth in sales with nearly 40% coming from SUVs.The new Exquisite variant uses Lexus' hybrid technology featuring a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 190bhp and 242Nm torque, along with an eight-speed e-CVT transmission. It's designed to compete in the growing luxury SUV segment.Inside, the ...

Chargefox Adds EVX Kerbside Chargers to Network

4Dec

By M.ChenNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Chargefox Adds EVX Kerbside Chargers to Network

EV charging network Chargefox has expanded its reach by integrating the kerbside chargers from Sydney-based company EVX into its platform. The addition of these pole-mounted units boosts access for drivers without off-street parking.Key TakeawaysChargefox has added 240 plugs across 120 locations to its network through a partnership with EVX.The chargers are now available in key areas of New South Wales and Melbourne, enhancing convenience for EV drivers.This move aims to reduce the hassle faced by users switching between different charging apps and networks.With 240 new plugs across various locations including Wollongong, Sydney, Ballina, Byron Bay, and parts of Melbourne, Chargefox's expansion represents a significant step towards making EV charging more accessible. The partnership with E...

China’s Auto Sales Surpass 38% in October, Dominating Global Market

3Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

China’s Auto Sales Surpass 38% in October, Dominating Global Market

As the global automotive industry continues to evolve, China has solidified its position as a powerhouse. In October 2025, the country claimed an impressive 38% of the world’s auto sales market, marking another milestone for Chinese automakers.Key TakeawaysChina's global market share reached 38% in October 2025 with over 1 million units sold month-on-month.The country’s EV sales surged to record levels, making up almost half of all new vehicle purchases.Three Chinese automakers made it into the top ten globally, reflecting a shift towards Asian leadership.In October alone, China's auto market saw 3.3 million units sold, accounting for nearly one-third of global sales. The year-on-year increase in EVs was particularly notable at 20%, with BYD leading the pack as the sixth-largest automaker ...

Ford Hints at Affordable RWD EV Sedan in the Works

3Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Ford Hints at Affordable RWD EV Sedan in the Works

Ford CEO Jim Farley has hinted at a new rear-wheel drive (RWD) electric sedan that could potentially fill a gap in the market left by discontinued models like the Fusion. In a recent video, Farley suggested an affordable EV platform that would support a family of vehicles, including this high-performance RWD sedan.Key TakeawaysFord CEO Jim Farley hints at a new RWD electric sedan that could be part of the company's Universal EV Platform.The sedan is expected to have a sleek silhouette and innovative rear closure system for better utility.This development acknowledges a significant market demand for sedans, despite previous setbacks with European-based models.Farley’s comments come at a time when Ford has been restructuring its lineup to focus on profitable segments such as the Bronco and M...