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Pony.ai has integrated its robotaxi ride-hailing service into WeChat, allowing users in selected areas of Guangzhou to book fully driverless rides directly through the app’s Mobility Services portal. The integration builds on a broader partnership between Pony.ai and Tencent Cloud, first announced in April 2025. The collaboration spans areas such as cloud computing, mapping services, smart cabin technologies, AI development and virtual simulation. Through the WeChat Mobility Services interface, users can simply enter their pickup and drop-off locations. If the route falls within Pony.ai’s operational zone, the system offers the option to book an autonomous ride. Previously, the robotaxi service was accessible through a dedicated WeChat Mini Program, but the new integration streamlines access within the broader ecosystem. Further expansion is planned, with the service expected to integrate with Tencent Maps in the future. Pony.ai has been a major player in China’s autonomous mobili...

Rivian has announced full trim levels and pricing for its upcoming Rivian R2, with deliveries of the Performance variant scheduled to begin in spring 2026 at a starting price of $57,990. The lineup will gradually expand with two additional trims. The Premium version will arrive in late 2026 starting at $53,990, followed by the Standard rear-wheel-drive variant in the first half of 2027 priced from $48,490. Rivian has also hinted at a fourth entry-level model expected around $45,000, which could join the range by late 2027. At the top of the lineup, the Performance trim delivers 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque through a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. This setup allows the SUV to accelerate from 0–60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, while offering an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles. The dual-motor Premium variant produces 450 horsepower with a similar 330-mile range estimate, while the rear-wheel-drive Standard version generates 350 horsepower and a Rivian-estimated 345 mil...

Lucid Group has unveiled its new Midsize electric vehicle platform during an investor event in New York, outlining plans for new SUVs, next-generation drivetrain technology and expanded autonomous mobility partnerships. The platform will underpin at least three consumer EV models priced below $50,000, marking a shift toward more accessible electric vehicles for the brand. Lucid says the architecture is designed to reduce battery size, lower part counts and cut manufacturing costs, while maintaining the strong efficiency and range figures associated with its current lineup. The first two models based on the platform are the Lucid Cosmos and Lucid Earth, both aimed at high-volume premium SUV segments. A third consumer vehicle will be announced at a later date. At the core of the platform sits Atlas, Lucid’s new electric drive unit designed with identical front and rear housings to simplify production and reduce costs. Lucid also revealed Lunar, a two-seat robotaxi concept built on t...

BMW Group has marked a major production milestone at its BMW Group Plant Rosslyn facility, rolling out the 100,000th unit of the fourth-generation BMW X3. The landmark vehicle is a Fire Red plug-in hybrid variant destined for export to Australia. The Rosslyn plant holds a unique role within BMW’s global manufacturing network. It is currently the only facility worldwide producing the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid for international markets, making it a key hub for the brand’s electrified SUV lineup. Located just north of Pretoria, the plant has produced more than 1.8 million vehicles since operations began. In addition to the current model, Rosslyn previously built the third-generation BMW X3, further cementing its importance in the SUV’s production history. ALSO READ: BMW Leads US Auto Exports Again with $9 Billion Shipment in 2025 The milestone reflects the combined efforts of production associates, engineers, technicians and support teams working across multiple manufacturing stages...

Solaris Bus & Coach is presenting its compact Solaris Urbino 10.5 electric at Mobility Move in Berlin. The midibus is designed for urban routes where full-size 12-metre buses may be impractical, offering a balance between compact dimensions and high passenger capacity. Measuring 10.5 metres in length, the Urbino 10.5 electric can carry up to 85 passengers, including 33 seated, placing it among the higher-capacity offerings in the midibus segment. The bus also features a turning radius of under 17 metres, making it well suited for dense city centres, historic districts and feeder routes. The vehicle is built around Solaris’ modular drive concept, which removes the traditional engine tower to free up additional passenger space inside the cabin. Power comes from a 240 kW electric motor, supported by battery packs with up to 400 kWh capacity. According to Solaris, this allows the bus to operate for a full day without intermediate charging under typical conditions. The Urbino 10.5 e...

Zoox has partnered with Uber Technologies to bring autonomous robotaxis to the Uber platform, marking the first time Zoox will integrate its self-driving vehicles with a third-party ride-hailing service. The rollout is scheduled to begin in Las Vegas in summer 2026, with an expansion planned for Los Angeles by mid-2027. Riders using the Uber app in these cities may be matched with a Zoox robotaxi on eligible trips. Despite the partnership, Zoox will continue to operate its own dedicated ride-hailing app alongside the Uber-based service in both markets. A key differentiator for Zoox lies in the design of its vehicles. Unlike many autonomous ride-hailing services that rely on modified production cars, the Zoox Robotaxi is a purpose-built autonomous vehicle developed specifically for shared mobility. ALSO READ: Uber & WeRide Launch Robotaxi Service in Downtown Abu Dhabi The robotaxi features a symmetrical, bidirectional design without a traditional driver’s seat or steering ...