Andrew J. Hawkins

The suit alleges that the company’s vehicle design trapped five people inside a burning Model S following a 2024 crash in Wisconsin, killing all of them. Tesla is already facing a federal investigation into complaints that its door handles, which sit flush against the vehicle and are electronically controlled, can trap people inside their vehicle during a crash. The company has said it would redesign the handles.

The concept version of the three-row Ioniq 9, which is coming to the annual SEMA show next week, has a lifted suspension, auxiliary lighting, and unique wheels paired with aggressive all-terrain tires. It was co-designed by Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe, who left Donut Media last year to form their own YouTube channel, BigTime. Burton said he was “stoked” to work with Hyundai on the revamped Ioniq 9. “EVs have come a long way, so getting a chance to put our own spin on an off-road-themed Ioniq 9 is pretty cool,” he added.

Waymo said it would make a donation to a local animal rights group after one of its robotaxis killed a beloved bodega cat named KitKat, KRON4 reports. According to Waymo, the cat darted under the vehicle while it was pulling away from picking up a passenger. But according to a 311 complain, the robotaxi did not slow down, swerve, or attempt to avoid the cat. This isn’t the first furry friend to perish under a Waymo — a small dog was killed in 2023. (Waymo said the collision was unavoidable.)

Kind of a “no duh” conclusion, but Petter Törnberg, Assistant Professor in Computational Social Science at University of Amsterdam, has the data to back it up. His new study (which has yet to be peer reviewed) is about shifts in social media usage in the last four years, with the biggest shifts being on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

This one seems pretty minor, all things considered. It’s for a possible issue with the installation of an off-road light bar accessory that could detach while driving. But it’s notable given that the truck has already racked up a whopping 10 recalls in just two years on the road. Most have been related to poor build quality, which could also be a factor in the truck’s dismal sales record.

Toyota unveiled a concept version of its frumpy, best-selling sedan at the Tokyo auto show this week. The concept was, dare I say, sharp as hell? Practically makes you want to slowly lower your sunglasses and let out an appreciative whistle.

The automaker is citing an expected slowdown in electric vehicle sales, brought on by the expiration of the $7,500 EV tax credit. GM is also temporarily 850 workers from its Ultium Cells battery cell plant in Ohio, and 750 employees at the Ultium Cells’ Tennessee plant.