Rolls-Royce says it successfully tested the first high-speed marine engine powered entirely by methanol. Developed through a partnership with Woodward L'Orange and WTZ Roßlau, the engine underwent a complete redesign of the combustion process, injection system and engine controls to accommodate the unique properties of methanol. The engine is particularly suited for ferries, yachts and supply vessels, and the partners aim to develop a full concept for a CO2-neutral engine that uses green methanol by the end of the year.

Amazon has agreed to purchase thousands of pedal-assist cargo vehicles from Also, a Rivian spinoff, under a multiyear collaboration to customize the vehicles for delivery in the US and Europe. The TM-Q pedal-assist electric quads are expected to launch early next year and can carry over 400 pounds of packages while being small enough for bike lanes.

Waymo plans to offer 1 million trips per week by the end of next year as it expands, co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana says. Mawakana emphasizes the importance of transparency and safety in autonomous vehicle technology, noting that "it is imperative that we scale."

Horizon Robotics and ZF launched the coPILOT driver assistance system in China, aiming to provide advanced urban Navigation on Autopilot capabilities. The system, which has already secured orders from China-based automakers, integrates Horizon Robotics' Journey 6P chip into ZF's ProAI computing platform to enable high-performance smart driving across highways, urban streets and parking scenarios.

All-wheel drive tops the list of features that consumers want in their next vehicle, per a survey from AutoPacific, with 63% citing AWD or four-wheel drive as a must-have and 62% citing blind-spot cameras and a power driver's seat. When looking at generational differences, 70% of baby boomers consider AWD a must-have, but the figure drops to 60% for Generation Z. Meanwhile, eco-friendly interiors are more important to Gen Z (49%) than to boomers (26%).

The Hurricane 4 engine is Stellantis' latest leap in turbocharged four-cylinder technology, offering 324 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. of torque from a 2.0-liter platform. Initially available on the 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee (WL), it was engineered from scratch and surpasses its predecessor in output and efficiency, offering a 10% reduction in fuel consumption and 20% more power. The Hurricane 4 will power a range of vehicles from compact crossovers to large SUVs and is compatible with gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications.