Mercedes-Benz settles a National Labor Relations Board case over alleged anti-union conduct during 2024 Alabama organizing drive. Fourth-quarter dealership buy-sell activity rises, with Stellantis stores changing hands at the highest rate. Plus, Automotive News reporter Laurence Iliff discusses how lidar technology has evolved from expensive, specialized sensors to mass-market automotive components.

After 17 years and 1.5 million units sold, Kia is ending production of the Soul, its all-time bestselling vehicle in the U.S. Reporter Richard Truett joins Jake Neher to discuss why the quirky, affordable hatchback earned such devoted fans across all demographics, what went wrong with competitors such as the Scion xB and Honda Element, and whether we’re losing the era of affordable, personality-driven cars as automakers move upmarket.

The Iran conflict threatens global automakers with rising oil prices the real risk. Ford pivots its Kentucky battery plant to energy storage. Hyundai invests $6 billion in robotics and hydrogen. Plus, wealthy shoppers keep auto sales afloat while lower-income buyers struggle with seven-year loans.

Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating says dealers continue to face a cloudy outlook, but there’s reason to be optimistic heading into Spring 2026. Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell has left Stellantis for personal reasons. Plus, new research shows automakers face big risks related to the Iran conflict, especially Asian manufacturers.

Pinewood.AI CEO Bill Berman explains why private equity firm Apax Partners backed out of acquiring his company, and it has everything to do with AI disruption fears in the software market. More buyers are stretching auto loans to seven years or longer just to afford record vehicle prices. Plus, the Iran conflict forces automakers to delay Middle East shipments.

Automotive News’ Larry P. Vellequette explains why he thinks Toyota may be considering a sixth U.S. assembly plant to build a compact pickup and meet surging demand. Two more Volkswagen dealers are suing to block Scout Motors from direct sales, seeking class-action status. Plus, Hyundai invests $6 billion in robotics and AI in South Korea.

The conflict with Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening oil supplies and raising recession fears. AlixPartners’ Dan Hearsch and Hart Energy’s Darren Barbee break down what the auto industry needs to know right now — from oil and gas price impacts to supply chain risks. Plus, Asian automakers post higher February sales despite a weak market.

Honda will export U.S.-built models to Japan for the first time in nearly four decades, reviving a reverse-import strategy amid streamlined rules and trade-balance pressures. European auto suppliers face a “polycrisis” with 350,000 jobs at risk. Plus, analyst Lei Xing argues the threat to legacy automakers from Chinese electric vehicle makers is overblown.