February 10 / 2026
February 10 / 2026
January 2026 Automotive News
Here’s a lively roundup of January 2026 automotive news — the big stories, global shifts, and industry tremors that set the tone for the year ahead. From sales data to strategic shifts and regulatory shake-ups, buckle up 🛞 — January was a fast lane filled with headlines. (carpro.com)
🚘 Sales Figures: A Choppy Start to 2026
The automotive retail landscape began the year with mixed signals:
-
In the United States, overall vehicle sales started slower than the year before, with results dampened by harsh winter weather and economic headwinds. (Cox Automotive Inc.)
-
However, Toyota Motor Corporation grabbed headlines by topping U.S. sales in January, powered by strong demand in cars and hybrids — standout gains came from models like the Corolla, Camry, and Highlander family. (carpro.com)
-
Mexico’s light vehicle market kicked off strong with an 8.7 % year-over-year rise in January sales, signaling upbeat momentum in Latin America. (mexicobusiness.news)
Meanwhile, electric vehicles continued to show a complex story globally: overall EV market growth persists, but the geography of sales is shifting — China’s share dipped slightly while Europe’s surged. (Seeking Alpha)
🔋 Industry Strategy & Financial Shockwaves
🧨 Stellantis’ Massive EV Write-Down
-
Stellantis stunned markets with a $26 billion write-down, blaming overly optimistic EV forecasts and execution challenges. This decision underscores a broader recalibration by legacy automakers balancing EV investment with real-world demand. (Business Insider)
⚠ Battery Production Delays
-
The automaker also encountered battery production bottlenecks that may delay new fully electric Peugeot models by up to eight months — a stark reminder of supply chain fragility in EV production. (Reuters)
🌍 Global Industry Movements
🇩🇪 German Auto Sector Under Strain
Germany’s iconic auto industry is sounding the alarm: investments and jobs are shifting abroad, with many suppliers scaling back domestic operations. This marks one of the most challenging periods in recent memory for Europe’s automotive heartland. (Reuters)
🇬🇧 Chery Expands in the UK
Chinese automaker Chery is doubling down on its UK presence by launching a fourth brand, Lepas, focused on battery and hybrid SUVs aimed at younger families — a sign of Chinese brands gaining ground in traditional Western markets. (The Guardian)
🔮 Looking Ahead: Trends Shaping 2026
Even as January headlines rolled in, industry forecasters pointed to themes likely to define the year:
-
Market normalization after the pandemic’s disruptions, with pricing, inventory, and days-to-turning stabilizing in major markets. (edmunds.com)
-
Policy and trade dynamics, from U.S. tariffs to evolving international strategies influencing where and how vehicles are built and sold. (oica.net)
Whether you’re tracking EV adoption curves, sales rhythms, or geopolitical impacts on the auto supply chain, January’s news sets a dynamic and unpredictable stage for 2026.
