MIKESCARINFO DAILY CAR NEWS

New cars, new tech, and what it means for buyers — straight from the desk.

New Car Launches & Reveals

Stellantis Drops $60 Billion Plan, 60 New Models by 2030

Stellantis unveiled its new strategic plan at an Auburn Hills, Michigan investor day this week — committing 60 billion euros and 60 new models by 2030 across Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge, and its European brands. Big product news from these brands is coming over the next several years.

Ferrari Luce — First Electric Ferrari — Debuts This Month

Ferrari's first EV, the Luce, premieres in May 2026 with a quad-motor setup pushing over 1,000 hp and 0-60 in under 2.5 seconds. Tentative price is around $643,000 USD, with U.S. arrival expected late 2026.

2026 Toyota RAV4 First Drives Are Out

The redesigned RAV4 is now hybrid or plug-in hybrid only — no more pure gas version. Reviewers praise the ride comfort, updated cabin tech, and improved safety, though some trims push pricing higher than expected.

2026 Mazda CX-5 — New Generation On Sale

The all-new CX-5 keeps Mazda's premium feel and adds an available 15.6-inch Google-based infotainment screen. Reviewers describe it as evolution, not revolution — a safe play on Mazda's bestseller.

Lexus ES Electric Lands in U.S. From $48,795

The fully electric ES is now on sale in the U.S., undercutting most premium EV sedans and giving Lexus a credible challenger to the BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE.

New Car Technology

CATL Unveils 1,500 km EV Battery and 6-Minute Charging

CATL revealed six new battery innovations including a 1,500 km range pack and a third-gen Shenxing battery that charges 10-90% in 6 minutes 27 seconds. Even in -30°C cold, 20-98% takes only 9 minutes.

Solid-State EVs Moving From Lab to Production

A-sample all-solid-state cells have passed needle-penetration and thermal-shock tests with no fire. GWh-level mass production is targeted for late 2026 — the first solid-state EVs are getting close to real driveways.

Volvo Pushes One of the Biggest OTA Updates Ever

Volvo is rolling out an Android Automotive infotainment overhaul to roughly 2.5 million vehicles across 85 countries — redesigned touchscreen layout, new shortcuts, and a focus on reducing driver distraction.

Rivian and Ford Target Hands-Free, Eyes-Off Driving

Rivian is publicly targeting "eyes-off" highway driving in 2026 using new AI. Ford at CES 2026 outlined hands-free for 2027 and full Level 3 eyes-off by 2028 on affordable EVs.

Google Expands Android Automotive Beyond Infotainment

Google's new Android Automotive OS for Software-Defined Vehicles extends "beyond the screen" — opening the door to in-car voice assistants that can control more vehicle functions and proactive maintenance reminders.

Industry Developments

Tariffs Drive New Car Prices Up $1,315 in Q1

Average new-vehicle prices are up roughly $1,315 year-over-year, with sub-$40,000 vehicles potentially hit by up to $6,000 in tariff-related increases. BMW has already started raising prices.

April Sales Dip to 15.9M SAAR

April U.S. new-vehicle sales finished down 6.0% year-over-year at a 15.9 million seasonally adjusted annual rate. Gas above $4/gallon is pushing buyers toward sedans and hybrids.

May Recall Roundup — Tesla, Ford, Hyundai All Hit

NHTSA flagged loose wheel studs on 2024-26 Cybertrucks, a loose front seat bolt on 2024-26 Bronco and Ranger, and misassembled airbag sensors on 2025-26 Hyundai Elantra and Tucson. Check your VIN.

Average New Car Now $49,461 — Sub-$25K Market Has Collapsed

In April 2026, the average new car sold for $49,461. Sales of vehicles priced at $25,000 or less have fallen 78% in five years — only four models remain at that price point, versus 36 six years ago.

Tariffs are real and rising. If you're shopping in the $25K-$40K range, lock in pricing soon — increases are accelerating into summer.
Battery tech is moving fast. If you're cross-shopping EVs, the 2027 and 2028 model years will look meaningfully different from what's on lots today — faster charging, longer range, and solid-state cells beginning to surface.
Check your VIN. May has been a heavy recall month — Cybertruck, Bronco, Ranger, Elantra, and Tucson are all on the list. Visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mike's Car Info

Search This Blog