Monday’s biggest automotive headlines include Florida’s decision to redirect electric vehicle charging funds toward an eVTOL flying taxi network, a massive Stellantis recall affecting Ram 1500 pickups, fresh reports about a potential BMW M3 Touring for the U.S., and several other recalls, software updates, and motorsports results.
Florida Redirects EV Charging Funds to eVTOL Flying Taxi Network
Florida has decided that the $200 million previously earmarked for expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure will instead support an “aerial highway network” for eVTOL flying taxis, according to documents reviewed by the Miami Herald.
According to the document, “The Florida Department of Transportation will not waste taxpayer dollars and spend it on everyday passenger vehicles,” instead proposing “an innovative and strategic approach” that supports “a new emerging mode of transportation.”
The state says it has the second-highest number of electric vehicles in the United States but still falls below the nationwide average for chargers per vehicle.
Stellantis Recalls More Than 1.27 Million Ram 1500 Pickups in the U.S.
Stellantis is recalling approximately 1.27 million Ram 1500 pickup trucks in the United States, along with 156,000 additional vehicles in Canada, because second-row seat belt anchors may not have been properly attached to the body structure.
The recall affects every model year from 2019 onward.
Report Strengthens Business Case for BMW M3 Touring in the U.S.
A new report suggests the prospects for a BMW M3 Touring, particularly a U.S. launch, are becoming increasingly strong.
The report cites the success of the BMW M5 Touring in the United States, arguing that it has created a stronger business case for offering the smaller high-performance wagon outside Europe.
Next-Generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio Reportedly Delayed
The next-generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV has reportedly been delayed until 2028.
According to the report, the delay follows a strategic shift from an all-electric powertrain plan to offering multiple propulsion options.
Ford and Toyota Announce Pickup Recalls
Ford is recalling fewer than 48,000 vehicles, including 2021-2023 F-150 models and 2023-2026 F-250 Super Duty trucks, because infotainment software may prevent the backup camera image from displaying when required.
Toyota has also issued a pickup recall covering just over 4,100 vehicles, including 2016-2023 Tacoma and 2014-2021 Tundra models. The issue involves airbags that could deploy in a less-than-optimal manner during a crash.
GM Rolls Out Cadillac Infotainment Update
General Motors has begun rolling out a comprehensive infotainment software update for the Cadillac Optiq, Lyriq, Vistiq, and CT5.
The update is intended to improve system responsiveness while making the interface easier to navigate.
Nissan CEO Calls Rogue e-Power the Brand’s Most Important Launch
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa described the upcoming Rogue e-Power as the company’s most important vehicle launch of the year.
Espinosa said the model will give Nissan “access to a market that [it] didn’t have access to before,” referring to the competitive hybrid compact SUV segment.
Weekend Motorsports Results
- WRC Rally Finland: Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen claimed victory for Toyota Gazoo Racing.
- Supercars Championship at Perth: Matthew Payne of Penrite Racing and Broc Feeney of Red Bull Ampol Racing each earned race wins.
- Formula Drift Pro Class Top 16 at Indianapolis: Competition was canceled because of weather.
- IMSA SportsCar 6 Hours of Road America: Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor won for Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing.
The day’s automotive developments span transportation policy, major vehicle recalls, future product plans, software updates, and weekend racing results, highlighting a broad range of activity across the global auto industry.
