Brussels – September 09, 2026 -- Euro NCAP has awarded GAC's all-electric hatchback, the AION UT, a five-star safety rating under its newly overhauled 2026 testing protocols, making it one of the first mass-produced Chinese brand models to clear the tougher standards.

Irvine – September 08, 2026 -- The new 2027 Kia Telluride has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest honor, the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) designation. The award makes Telluride the fifth Kia model to receive the 2026 TSP+ rating in the U.S., joining the K4, EV9, Sorento and Sportage.

Plano, Texas – September 07, 2026 -- Lexus has unveiled the redesigned 2027 NX compact crossover, confirming the lineup will be 100% electrified with buyers choosing between a hybrid-electric (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The model is expected to reach global markets by late 2026.

Four trims arrive in each powertrain option

The NX range will offer four versions across both HEV and PHEV setups: Premium, Premium+, F SPORT and Luxury.

New York – September 07, 2026 -- ENGWE has launched the E26 3.0, a dual-motor all-terrain e-bike priced at $1,799, discounted from $2,399, with the offer running through September 27 and including a complimentary accessory gift valued at $99.

Bremen – September 07, 2026 -- Europcar has relocated its Bremen van-and-truck station from the Strom industrial area to the more accessible Neustadt district, adding passenger cars to the lineup at the same address.

Starting immediately, private and business customers can rent vans, trucks and now cars at the new site at Neuenlander Strasse 83. The location replaces the previous station at Ludwig-Erhard-Strasse 45.

Munich – September 07, 2026 -- Owners of older cars running on the R134a refrigerant could soon face pricier and harder-to-schedule air conditioning maintenance, according to Germany's ADAC motoring club. Tighter EU rules are further restricting the use of R134a, while no widely available, legally approved alternative exists yet for the existing vehicle fleet.

Austin, Texas – September 07, 2026 -- Bonnell has launched the 805 RX, an electric dirt bike starting at $8,250, marking the first model in the company's new e-Moto range and available immediately through U.S. dealers and online.

Olathe – September 04, 2026 -- Garmin has launched SmartDrive, an autopilot system for sailboats and catamarans up to 45 feet and 33,000 pounds of maximum displacement, priced at $3,499.99 as a standalone actuator.

SmartDrive uses a brushless linear actuator with a built-in ECU

The system is the first sailboat autopilot to pair a brushless linear actuator with an integrated ECU and rudder feedback sensor, according to Garmin. As part of the Reactor 40 Corepack, it delivers up to 1,050 pounds of maximum thrust to help maintain steady rudder control.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – September 04, 2026 -- The Chicago Automobile Trade Association is relaunching its fall test drive event under a new name, Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel, running Oct. 1-4, 2026, at the ComEd Building in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

BEIJING – September 03, 2026 -- Chinese electric and hybrid vehicles are pulling ahead of established rivals across Europe, Southeast Asia and South America, with buyers increasingly choosing brands like BYD over legacy automakers.