As the United States moves to strengthen its wartime response posture, pressure for change is growing in the auto industry. The Pentagon has contacted executives at major automakers such as GM CEO Mary Barra and Ford CEO Jim Farley, a report said. It said the Pentagon sounded out the possibility of slowing some electric vehicle production and expanding production of weapons and military supplies.

ㆍ"Make weapons, not electric cars"... U.S. asks Ford and GM to produce military supplies

Ford CEO Jim Farley said Chinese electric vehicles could have a destructive impact on the U.S. auto industry and manufacturing more broadly, and should be blocked from entering the U.S. market. At the same time, the company carried out a reorganisation as it revised strategy amid large losses in its EV business, alongside the resignation of Doug Field, its chief EV, digital and design officer who led innovation over the past 5 years.

ㆍFord CEO issues hard-line remarks on Chinese EVs... "Must block them from entering the U.S." ㆍFord reorganises to break through crisis... focusing on next-generation platform development

Volkswagen is speeding up development of next-generation battery technology. It unveiled a prototype with a structure that removes the anode and set a goal of energy density about double that of existing batteries.

ㆍVolkswagen develops anode-free battery prototype... aiming for double energy density

Tesla's autonomous driving strategy is drawing mixed reactions amid technical progress and user complaints. It completed the design of its AI5 chip as it moves to prepare next-generation autonomous driving. It also strengthened subscription convenience by revamping its FSD app.

But as it continues to ask users to wait without a clear solution even while acknowledging limitations of existing HW3, owners' complaints are growing, highlighting the burden of the technology transition process.

ㆍTesla completes design of AI5 autonomous driving chip... mass production in 2027 ㆍTesla revamps FSD app... one-touch subscription and usage statistics ㆍAcknowledges HW3 limits but says "wait"... Tesla owners fume over FSD response

Tesla is requiring buyers of limited-edition Model S and Model X Signature Editions to sign a separate contract banning resale of the vehicle for 1 year. If they violate it, Tesla can seek damages of $50,000 (about 74 million won) or the full resale amount, whichever is greater.

ㆍTesla puts "shackles contract" on limited edition... 1-year resale ban plus $50,000 fine

Global automakers are stepping up AI-based vehicle strategies. Nissan presented a long-term vision to expand application of "AI Drive" to as much as 90 percent of its lineup, and Stellantis is working with Microsoft to apply AI to vehicle services and security. As cooperation between automakers and big tech expands, the race to make vehicles smarter is accelerating further.

ㆍNissan pushes to expand "AI Drive" models to 90 percent... unveils long-term vision ㆍStellantis and Microsoft sign 5-year partnership... applying AI to vehicle services and security

The U.S. EV market is showing divergent trends despite a slowdown. Hyundai Motor's sales rose 40 percent in a month, while the broader market is seeing supply shortages and weakening demand at the same time.

ㆍIn a slumping U.S. EV market, only Hyundai Motor is smiling... up 40 percent in a month ㆍ"They said nothing sells?" Six surprise winners in the U.S. EV market amid downturn ㆍAs oil prices surge, EVs take off globally... in the U.S., supply constraints mean "can't sell because there aren't any"

As EV demand revives on a sharp rise in oil prices, Mercedes-Benz is adding to new-model competition by unveiling its C-Class electric vehicle in South Korea for the first time.

The new "C400 4MATIC" is an electric sedan based on an 800-volt architecture, focused on long-distance driving and fast charging. A key point is that, unlike the existing EQ brand, it is a dedicated battery-electric vehicle bearing the C-Class name.

ㆍBenz C-Class electric car to be unveiled in South Korea for the first time... the entire dashboard becomes a screen when the door opens ㆍCame to catch Tesla... Benz electric C-Class reveals top-tier specs

South Korea's mobility sector is boosting autonomous driving and platform competitiveness at the same time. Autonomous A2Z, KG Mobility and KGMC are moving to jointly develop a Level 4 autonomous driving vehicle, and TMAP Mobility strengthened map-based search by revamping its home screen.

ㆍA2Z, KGM and KGMC push joint development of Level 4 autonomous vehicle ㆍTMAP overhauls home screen... strengthens map-based place search

The e-bike market is evolving quickly by putting performance and practicality first.

E-bike startup Also unveiled the "TM-B", an innovative e-bike that disconnects the physical link between pedals and wheels and uses generator-based drive and software to control riding feel. As cargo and lifestyle models spread, products that boost everyday usability for commuting and shopping are being released in succession, further broadening the range of e-bike use.

ㆍAdded a generator instead of a chain... Also unveils "TM-B" e-bike that rides on software ㆍ"At this price, you have to buy it" ultra value cargo e-bike appears ㆍThe size of a beer keg but 1,000 horsepower... an electric motor emerges with Tesla Plaid-level output