Rivian is expanding plans for its compact R2 line, CEO RJ Scaringe told Reuters in early May 2026, saying the company is developing undisclosed variants beyond the midsize R2 SUV as volume production of the model has just begun. Initial R2 production is under way at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois plant with customer deliveries expected around June; the rollout starts with a roughly $58,000 launch trim and lower-cost versions are due through 2026 and 2027. Rivian has previously signalled a targeted $45,000 R2 with more than 275 miles of range by late 2027. Scaringe said a planned Georgia factory will allow the line to be configured for multiple body types — industry commentary and reporting have pointed to possibilities including a pickup (R2T) and a performance R2X — though the company has not formally announced programs. Management expects the R2 to materially boost volumes, underpinning a forecasted roughly 53% rise in deliveries this year and some 22,000–23,000 R2 units. The model is also central to a $1.25 billion robotaxi agreement to supply up to 10,000 autonomous R2s to Uber from 2028.

Volkswagen is accelerating its transition of the GTI badge to electric power with the new ID. Polo GTI and a hotter “Clubsport” variant, according to reports published May 10, 2026. Autocar and other outlets say the production ID. Polo GTI will be front-wheel drive, built on the MEB+ platform with a 52-kWh battery (VW estimates ~260+ miles WLTP) and torque-vectoring front differential hardware inspired by Golf GTI systems. Power figures for the standard GTI prototype are reported around 223–226 hp, while a Clubsport version is said to boost output to about 286 hp and may gain a mechanical limited-slip differential, simulated gear shifts, lower ride height, more aggressive chassis tuning and styling changes. Volkswagen plans a high-profile debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours (May 14–17, 2026) and aims for a Europe launch in late 2026 with wider deliveries into 2027. Observers note the model is unlikely to reach the U.S., keeping the rollout focused on European markets and enthusiast buyers.

Tesla has issued a recall of 173 Cybertruck vehicles from the 2024–2026 model years after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) filing identified a defect that could allow wheel studs to separate from the hub. The recall applies to trucks equipped with 18‑inch steel wheels; NHTSA said cracks can form in the brake rotor stud holes under severe road perturbations or cornering, potentially leading to wheel-stud separation and loss of vehicle control. Tesla will replace front and rear brake rotors, hubs and lug nuts free of charge. The company reported three warranty claims potentially linked to the issue but said it is not aware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities. The recall filing notes the problem arose after planned durability improvements were not incorporated in production because of a change‑management error. The small size of the recall sheds light on weak demand for the stripped rear‑wheel‑drive Cybertruck variant: only 173 affected vehicles were produced before that configuration was discontinued. Tesla also disclosed separate recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of other models for a rearview camera software issue at the same time.

WASHINGTON, May 7-8 (Reuters and industry reporting) - The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the 2026 Tesla Model Y is the first vehicle to pass its newly added advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) tests in the agency’s New Car Assessment Program. Model Y units built on or after Nov. 12, 2025 successfully met eight evaluations: four legacy driver-assistance criteria and four new pass/fail measures covering pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning and blind-spot intervention. NHTSA approved the updated NCAP ADAS criteria in November 2024 to take effect for the 2026 model year; some implementation timing was later adjusted, and Tesla voluntarily submitted the Model Y ahead of many rivals. Separately, NHTSA is pursuing investigations into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. An engineering analysis opened in March 2026 covers roughly 3.2 million Tesla vehicles and examines crashes in which FSD allegedly failed to detect common visibility-impairing roadway conditions, a step that can precede a recall.

Lexus has revealed the 2027 TZ, its first three-row battery-electric SUV, positioning the model as a luxury alternative to Toyota’s Highlander EV and the Subaru Getaway. Built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, the TZ is a 200.8-inch, six-seat crossover offered with two battery options (about 77 kWh and 95.8–96 kWh) and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive Direct4 system. Lexus estimates up to roughly 300 miles of range with the larger pack. The TZ features torque-vectoring with wide front/rear torque distribution, optional rear-axle steering (up to four degrees), five levels of regenerative braking, and an NACS charging inlet with peak charging around 150 kW (10–80% in about 35 minutes estimated). The interior emphasizes quietness and luxury with second-row captain’s chairs and power ottomans, a Mark Levinson 21‑speaker system, sustainable materials including forged bamboo and plant-based UltraSuede, and an active sound system that can simulate the LFA V10. Lexus plans to begin sales late in 2026; pricing and detailed power figures will be announced closer to launch.

Ford’s secretive Long Beach skunkworks team has revealed technical and manufacturing details for a planned $30,000 electric pickup aimed at mass-market buyers, with production targeted to begin in 2027. Prototypes are now in testing and employ a zonal electrical architecture that cuts roughly 20% of parts and an estimated 4,000 feet of wiring versus conventional designs. The vehicle’s structure is modularized into three segments for a novel “assembly tree” process; the front is a large aluminum unicasting designed to simplify repairs; the battery pack doubles as the floor; and an integrated E-Box and 48-volt accessory system enable bidirectional charging and compact thermal management. Ford is investing about $2 billion to retool its Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky for high-volume production. Company leaders, including CEO Jim Farley, have likened the program to an “Apollo” effort inside the company. Key buyer-facing metrics — range, battery capacity and charging speeds — have not been disclosed, and Ford has not clarified whether the $30,000 figure assumes federal EV tax credits.