Larry Vellequette

Toyota planned a clean swap from gas to electric Highlander, but production delays may leave dealers without inventory for at least a few months. The EV is now scheduled to arrive early next year as a 2028 model.

The number of hybrids being marketed in dealerships nationwide grew over the last month, even as the total new vehicles in inventory fell, Catalyst IQ said.

Stellantis upfits 55 percent of North American vehicles at eight factory centers near assembly plants, generating profit while keeping dealership service bays free. Toyota should follow.

The refreshed NX will be available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, with the PHEV delivering improved range and performance, Lexus said. The 2027 NX is set to go on sale late this year.

Japanese automakers are considering U.S. manufacturing expansion fueled by ambition and capacity constraints, not just tariff concerns. Toyota, Honda lead the push despite a stagnant market.

Toyota's 2027 Crown sedan gains updated styling and a fifth-generation hybrid system, but its EPA fuel economy rating unexpectedly dropped one mpg from the current model.

Toyota will slow its product interventions in some model lines to save money, while it continues to roll out new EVs this year and leans into its dominant position in hybrids.

Subaru will have four EVs to offer consumers by early next year and has continued to invest in its gasoline and hybrid models, along with approving the redesign of the Ascent three-row crossover, ensuring that vehicle lives on.

Mazda is reshaping its product lineup and manufacturing footprint in response to 25 percent tariffs on Mexico-built vehicles and changing U.S. emissions rules. The Japanese automaker has already moved sedan production back to Japan and delayed its EV launch.

Auto industry confidence strengthens across sectors, but tariffs, affordability and China top the list of concerns

Toyota will invest $3.6 billion to expand its Texas truck plant, adding a second assembly line at the complex to move production of 150,000 Tacoma pickups from Mexico to the U.S., beginning in 2030.

Toyota Motor North America sales climbed 1.1 percent in the second quarter despite a RAV4 shortage from the redesigned model's production ramp-up.

New-vehicle prices at U.S. dealerships climbed to $51,974 by late June. Compact sedans saw the steepest gains while convertibles dropped most. Despite higher prices, vehicles are selling faster than before.

Cox Automotive forecasts a 16.1 million SAAR for June with GM, Ford and Tesla losing share to Toyota, Hyundai and Stellantis amid rising hybrid demand and product mix shifts.

Dealerships nationwide struggle with restricted supplies of Toyota's redesigned 2026 RAV4 as production ramps up at plants in Japan, Canada and, as of this month, Kentucky. The turn rate reached 97.6 percent in May.

Toyota promotes Stephen Brennan, architect of its Kentucky flexible assembly line, to global production leadership in Japan. Kevin Voelkel takes over U.S. manufacturing operations as multiple plant presidents shift roles following Georgetown leader Kerry Creech's July retirement after 36-year career.

Subaru may export the three-row crossover to Japan later this year, joining Toyota in sending larger vehicles to the nation.

New-vehicle inventories ticked up only slightly last month to start June at 2.89 million, data firm Catalyst IQ reported, continuing a long-term trend to keep industry stocks near or below 3 million.

President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff policies hammered global automakers in 2025, forcing manufacturers to relocate production, raise prices and squeeze suppliers.

Tom Donnelly, CEO of Mazda North American Operations, says building brand clarity with dealers is critical to reaching 500,000 annual U.S. sales.