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BMW Deploys Humanoid Robot at Spartanburg Plant

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BMW Group is pushing deeper into automation, this time with a humanoid robot. The company has introduced Figure AI’s latest Figure 03 robot at its Spartanburg facility in the US, assigning it to handle logistics sequencing tasks on the production floor. This move builds on an earlier pilot program using the previous-generation Figure 02, which supported the production of over 30,000 BMW X3 units in the body shop. Now, with Figure 03, the tech has taken a clear step forward. The upgraded robot brings new capabilities, including wireless charging, tactile sensors in its hands, integrated palm cameras, and even speech-to-speech communication. In simple terms, it’s smarter, more aware, and easier to integrate into real-world factory environments. At Spartanburg, the robot’s job is straightforward but critical. It picks parts from large, unsorted containers and organizes them into sequencing trolleys. These are then delivered just-in-sequence to assembly line workers, ...
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Rolls-Royce Names Nick Keen as North America President

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has appointed Nick Keen as President of its North American operations, effective July 1, 2026. The move places Keen in charge of the brand’s largest and most influential global market. Keen has been with Rolls-Royce since 2015, steadily rising through the ranks at the company’s Goodwood headquarters. Most recently, he served as General Manager, Client and Brand, where he played a key role in shaping the marque’s modern identity. Before joining Rolls-Royce, he worked with BMW Group Australia in marketing and brand communications. During his time at Goodwood, Keen led the global client experience strategy and was instrumental in expanding the Rolls-Royce Private Office network worldwide. These exclusive spaces have become central to the brand’s bespoke offerings, allowing customers to commission highly personalized vehicles. North America remains a crucial region for Rolls-Royce, not just in terms of sales but also innovation. It is home to th...
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Slate Opens Preorders for $24,950 Electric Pickup

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A new player is shaking up the EV space in the US. Slate has officially opened preorders for its all-electric pickup truck, with prices starting at just $24,950—making it one of the most affordable trucks in the market today. First deliveries are scheduled for Q4 2026. Despite the aggressive pricing, the numbers look promising. The base pickup offers an estimated range of 205 miles, a notable improvement over earlier projections. It can tow up to 2,000 lb and handle a payload of 1,550 lb, making it a practical option for everyday use. What sets Slate apart, though, is flexibility. Buyers can convert the pickup into two SUV-style body configurations—Squareback and Fastback—even after purchase. These variants start at $29,950, giving customers room to adapt the vehicle to their needs over time. Inside, the philosophy is refreshingly simple. Slate has ditched large touchscreens in favour of physical controls, focusing on usability rather than gimmicks. The truck is al...
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Green SM Enters Kazakhstan with All-Electric Ride-Hailing Fleet

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Vietnam-based mobility startup Green SM has expanded into Central Asia, launching its all-electric ride-hailing service in Kazakhstan. The rollout begins in Almaty, where the company has deployed an initial fleet of VinFast VF 6 Eco electric SUVs. Founded in 2023, Green SM is moving fast. With Kazakhstan now on the map, it marks the brand’s sixth international market after Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India. The strategy is clear—scale quickly while maintaining consistency. To ensure that, Green SM is replicating its driver training programmes from existing markets. These cover operations, safety protocols, and customer service, aiming to deliver a uniform experience regardless of geography. It’s a structured approach that reflects the company’s ambitions of becoming a global EV mobility player. The launch also brings collaboration into focus. Through its Green Alliance Frontier initiative, five partnerships have been established across sectors li...
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Porsche Locks Hybrid Future for 911 in Strategy 2035

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Porsche has made one thing crystal clear—there will be no fully electric 911. Instead, the iconic sports car will evolve with a performance-focused hybrid setup as part of the brand’s newly outlined Strategy 2035. Announced at the company’s annual general meeting on 23 June, the roadmap revolves around three key pillars: brand, product, and operations. While finer details are set to be revealed later this year, the direction is already firm. By ruling out an all-electric 911, Porsche has effectively drawn a line in the sand for its electrification journey—one that won’t be easy to undo. Financially, the German marque projects revenues between €35–36 billion for 2026, with an operating return on sales pegged at 5.5–7.5%. These figures factor in significant one-time costs and rising tariff pressures. A modest dividend proposal also reflects a cautious outlook compared to last year. On the product front, Porsche is streamlining its EV strategy. Select Taycan variants...
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Nissan Builds One-Millionth Frontier in Mississippi

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Nissan has hit a major milestone in the US, rolling out the one-millionth Frontier pickup from its Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant in Mississippi. It’s a big moment for the midsize truck, which has now crossed over two million units produced across American facilities since local manufacturing began in 1998. While production first started in Smyrna, Tennessee, Canton has been the backbone of Frontier manufacturing since 2012. Under the hood, the truck continues to use a 3.8-litre V6 engine, built at Nissan’s Decherd Powertrain Plant in Tennessee—keeping the entire operation tightly localised. The timing couldn’t be better. The Frontier is currently enjoying a strong sales run, recording its best May performance since 2010. Nissan sold 6,773 units during the month, marking a solid 24 percent year-on-year growth. Localization has also seen a sharp boost. Nissan’s US content for the Frontier has climbed from 44 percent to 65 percent in just one fiscal year, reflecting ...
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Toyota Begins RAV4 Hybrid Production in Kentucky

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Toyota has kicked off production of the all-new RAV4 Hybrid at its Georgetown plant in Kentucky, further strengthening its electrified vehicle push in the United States. The move adds another key hybrid model to the facility’s growing portfolio. The expansion is part of a broader $2 billion investment in Toyota Kentucky over the past two years. Alongside the production milestone, the company has also begun construction of a new paint facility aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency and sustainability. The Georgetown plant is set to play an even bigger role going forward. Toyota has confirmed that it will begin production of a new battery-electric Highlander at the site from September 2026, marking a significant step toward full electrification. The upcoming paint shop is designed to enhance flexibility on the production line while reducing environmental impact. Toyota claims it will cut carbon emissions by 30 percent and save around 1.5 million gallons of wate...
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