Ford will integrate Apple Maps into its new Universal Electric Vehicle platform in 2027, bringing EV routing, battery preconditioning and BlueCruise navigation features.

Ford has announced that Apple Maps will be integrated directly into its Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform starting in 2027. The new navigation system will be built into the infotainment software of future Ford EVs and will also work with the next generation of BlueCruise hands-free driving technology.

The move makes Ford one of the first automakers to embed Apple Maps directly into a vehicle platform rather than offering it only through smartphone integration.

Ford will integrate Apple Maps directly into the infotainment system of its next-generation EV platform.

The system will provide natural-language navigation, real-time traffic updates, incident reporting and intelligent route planning. Drivers will also have access to detailed place information and optimized navigation for electric vehicles.

For EV owners, the integration adds intelligent charging-route planning and battery preconditioning, allowing the vehicle to prepare the battery before arriving at a fast-charging station.

BlueCruise will use Apple Maps data

Ford will also use Apple Maps’ highly accurate road-level data to improve the next generation of BlueCruise, the company’s hands-free highway driving system.

Apple Maps data will help improve BlueCruise highway navigation and automated driving functions.

The new system is expected to deliver more advanced navigation support for highway on-ramps, off-ramps and complex road transitions.

The integration is being developed using Apple’s MapKit for Automotive SDK, which allows automakers to embed Apple Maps, location services and geographic data directly into vehicle software.

Ford says the new platform is being developed alongside Latitude AI, its autonomous driving software subsidiary. The company is also building a machine-learning system called the Ford Large Driving Model, trained on millions of miles of real-world driving data.

A key part of Ford’s future EV strategy

The Apple Maps integration will be part of Ford’s broader software-focused EV strategy. The company is designing both the hardware and software of the new platform to make advanced driving technology easier to scale across future electric vehicles.

The Apple Maps integration will become part of Ford’s broader software-focused EV strategy.

Ford says Apple Maps will provide a more seamless navigation experience that works alongside the Ford app, connected vehicle software and next-generation BlueCruise features.

The Ford Apple Maps EV platform project shows how automakers are increasingly integrating navigation, charging management and driver-assistance systems into a single connected software ecosystem for future electric vehicles.

Uber plans to invest more than $10 billion in robotaxis while maintaining its partnership with Waymo, even as weaker profit guidance pushed shares lower.

Uber is making a major bet on autonomous driving. The company plans to invest more than $10 billion in robotaxis over the coming years, even as investors reacted negatively to weaker profit guidance for the third quarter.

The announcement sent Uber shares down nearly 5%, despite strong booking growth and continued expansion across its ride-hailing and delivery businesses.

Uber plans to invest more than $10 billion in robotaxis as part of its long-term autonomous driving strategy.

The investment will focus primarily on equity stakes in autonomous-driving partners, fleet operations and vehicle commitments. Uber believes robotaxis will become a critical part of its future transportation network.

Waymo remains a key partner

Reports suggested that Waymo was considering changes to its partnership with Uber. However, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said he expects the two companies to continue working together in Austin and Atlanta.

Uber says Waymo remains an important partner as the company expands its autonomous vehicle network.

Uber is also expanding relationships with other autonomous vehicle developers. The company wants to build a broad network of robotaxi partners rather than relying on a single technology provider.

Analysts have increasingly focused on Uber’s capital allocation strategy after its large acquisition deal and growing investment commitments in autonomous transportation.

Strong demand supports Uber’s long-term strategy

Despite the stock decline, Uber reported second-quarter gross bookings of $58.02 billion, exceeding analyst expectations. Revenue rose 12% year over year, while first-time user growth reached its strongest level in several years.

Uber continues to grow bookings and expand its user base while investing heavily in autonomous transportation.

The company benefited from strong demand across multiple regions and services, including increased travel activity related to major global events.

Uber’s forecast for the third quarter came in slightly below Wall Street expectations. Even so, the company remains focused on expanding its autonomous vehicle strategy.

The Uber robotaxi investment signals that the company views self-driving technology as a long-term growth opportunity. Management believes large-scale investment today will help position Uber for the next phase of urban transportation and autonomous mobility.

The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA combines gasoline and electric versions into a single lineup, replacing the EQA and introducing new EV technology and hybrid powertrains.

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA, introducing a major change to its compact SUV strategy by combining gasoline and electric versions into a single model lineup. The new generation replaces both the previous GLA and the electric EQA, allowing buyers to choose between combustion and electric powertrains without changing the vehicle’s size, design or practicality.

The new GLA is based on the Modular Mercedes Architecture (MMA) platform, which will also underpin future compact Mercedes-Benz models.

The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA combines gasoline and electric models in a single compact SUV lineup.

The EQA name disappears from the lineup

One of the biggest changes is the end of the EQA nameplate. Mercedes-Benz is gradually retiring its EQ electric sub-brand, and the new GLA becomes the company’s unified compact SUV offering for both gasoline and electric customers.

Compared with the previous generation, the new GLA has a longer wheelbase, a lower overall height and increased passenger and cargo space. Electric versions also gain a front cargo compartment, adding extra storage capacity.

Three electric models launch first

The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA will initially be available with three electric powertrains. The entry-level GLA 200 electric produces 221 horsepower and uses a 58-kWh battery.

The GLA 250+ electric increases output to 268 horsepower and uses a larger 85-kWh battery with a claimed WLTP range of up to 408 miles. The range-topping GLA 350 4MATIC electric adds all-wheel drive and 349 horsepower.

The larger battery benefits from 800-volt electrical architecture and DC fast charging of up to 320 kW, allowing significant range recovery in a short charging session.

The new GLA electric lineup introduces 800-volt charging technology and longer driving range.

Hybrid gasoline models arrive later

Gasoline versions will follow with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an integrated electric motor.

Mercedes-Benz says the hybrid system will allow short periods of electric driving in urban conditions while improving efficiency through energy recuperation and coasting functions.

The new GLA also receives revised suspension tuning, recalibrated steering and a quieter cabin designed to improve both comfort and handling.

The new GLA introduces updated hybrid technology, revised suspension and the latest MBUX digital cockpit.

Inside, the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA adopts Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX Superscreen and MB.OS operating system, adding advanced AI-powered voice functions and upgraded driver-assistance technology. The result is a compact luxury SUV that brings gasoline and electric models together under a single, more flexible platform.