VW Confirms Plan to Convert Two Factories to Make EVs

Volkswagen AG confirms it will retool its assembly plants in Emden and Hanover, Germany, to make electric vehicles four years from now.

Next-Gen Kia Soul Gets Uprated Battery

The all-electric version of Kia Motors Corp.’s redesigned Soul compact crossover vehicle will feature a more powerful battery and longer driving range.

Toyota Readies Biofuel Hybrid

Toyota Motor Corp. plans to launch a flex-fuel version of its Prius hybrid car in Brazil within three years.

FEV, Metamoto Team on Autonomous Vehicle Simulation

Engineering services giant FEV Group is collaborating with Metamoto Inc. on the Silicon Valley-based startup’s simulation technology to develop and test autonomous vehicles.

Ford, Walmart to Test Self-Driving Delivery Vehicles

Ford Motor Co. and Walmart Inc. are using the Miami area to test the use of self-driving vehicles to delivery groceries and other consumer items.

Ford Plans to Deliver the Goods on Autonomy

Ford has no allusions about being first to market—or second or third for that matter—with a commercial autonomous vehicle service.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Invests in Battery Tech Startup

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance has made an unspecified investment in Enevate Corp., an Irvine, Calif.-based startup specializing in next-generation lithium-ion batteries for electrified vehicles.

Stuttgart Submits to Diesel Plan Order

Stuttgart, Germany, has agreed to enforce a partial ban on older diesels next year after losing an appeal to reject the court order that requires it.

JCI Inks Deal to Sell Battery Business

Johnson Controls International plc has agreed to sell its Power Solutions battery business to Toronto-based investment firm Brookfield Business Partners LP and its institutional partners for $13.2 billion.

Spain Will Propose a Ban on Petroleum-Burning Cars by 2040

Spain is readying a proposal that would ban the sale and registration of all gasoline and diesel cars and light commercial vehicles in 2040.