Megan Lampinen

Edinburgh, Penarth

Editor-at-Large at Automotive World

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automotiveworld.com

Articles

Fiat’s Grande Panda: finally a global model?

1 week ago | automotiveworld.com | Megan Lampinen

Fiat has been operating a multi-regional rather than a global model for many years. The messaging surrounding the Grande Panda suggests that Fiat management wants this be a global vehicle; but is this a realistic ambition? The model went into production at Kragujevac in Serbia in 2024 following a two-year refit of the factory. It will in future be produced in two more locations.
Ford memo warns dealers of price hike in tariff wake

1 week ago | automotiveworld.com | Megan Lampinen

Ford has warned that vehicle price increase could be inevitable if the current tariff regime remains in place. In a memo to dealers, first reported by Automotive News and seen by Reuters, Ford executive Andrew Frick writes that in the absence of any policy change, “we anticipate the need to make vehicle pricing adjustments in the future, which is expected to happen with May production.”
Mercedes battery tech partner Sila advances production plans

1 week ago | automotiveworld.com | Megan Lampinen

Battery materials company Sila has started the commissioning phase for its first automotive-scale production plant, bringing its innovative technology one step closer to mass production. Sila’s silicon anode chemistry increases battery energy density and promises considerable performance improvements for electric vehicles (EVs).
Hyundai forms in-house battery innovation unit

1 week ago | automotiveworld.com | Megan Lampinen

The Hyundai Group is reportedly chasing the Chinese players and their megawatt charging technology. By Megan Lampinen The Hyundai Group has established an in-house battery development team as it scrambles to catch up to the Chinese. According to Korean publication the Chosun Ilbo, the move was motivated by BYD’s launch of the world’s first 10C megawatt electric vehicle (EV) charging technology in March 2025.
Daimler and Torc take next steps towards driverless trucks

1 week ago | automotiveworld.com | Megan Lampinen

Autonomous trucks move closer to reality as Daimler starts deliveries of the latest on-highway trucks to Torc Robotics’ autonomous testing fleet. The trucks, based on the Fifth Generation Freightliner Cascadia introduced in 2024, represent an autonomous-read vehicle platform for Torc’s innovative driverless system.
Kodiak Robotics to go public through SPAC

1 week ago | automotiveworld.com | Megan Lampinen

Autonomous trucking start-up Kodiak plans to go public through a special purpose acquisition company. By Megan Lampinen Kodiak Robotics has announced plans to go public through a merger with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Ares Acquisition Corporation II. The move, which paves the way for Kodiak to raise more capital, comes in the midst of a turbulent stock market following President Trump’s volatile tariff policy.
Big name backing for EV start-up Slate Auto

1 week ago | automotiveworld.com | Megan Lampinen

Slate Auto has secured millions in funding to support its upcoming electric pick-up, with backers including Jeff Bezos. By Megan Lampinen A new electric vehicle (EV) start-up has been quietly raising funds from some big name backers ahead of its first model launch. Tech Crunch reports that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is providing much of the US$111m that Michigan-based Slate Auto has raised so far.
Toyota buys land for China Lexus plant

1 week ago | automotiveworld.com | Megan Lampinen

Toyota has paid CN¥1.353bn (US$185m) for a 1.13 million sq-metres plot of land in Shanghai to house its upcoming Lexus electric vehicle (EV) plant. Unlike almost all factories run by foreign brands, this one would not be in partnership with a Chinese company but rather fully owned by Toyota. The only other such automotive facility in China is Tesla’s Gigafactory, also located in Shanghai.
Hungary: leading Europe’s EV battery investment rush

1 week ago | automotiveworld.com | Megan Lampinen

https://www.automotiveworld.com/articles/hungary-leading-europes-ev-battery-investment-rush/ "*" indicates required fields Sign up for our weekly newslettersSelect the newsletters you’d like to receive: Manufacturing & materials Δ
Renault confirms first SDVs on Ampere architecture

1 week ago | automotiveworld.com | Megan Lampinen

Software-defined vehicles demand a flexible, scalable architecture, writes Megan Lampinen Renault has confirmed that Trafic, Estafette and Goelette electric light commercial vehicles will debut a new software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture developed by Ampere. The automaker describes the new design strategy as “revolutionary” in its transition towards a software-defined future.