Jeep and Ram Lead Stellantis to Big Gains in North America

Stellantis posted a 10% jump in global sales during the second quarter of 2026, driven largely by a massive 38% surge in North American shipments. The automaker credited refreshed Jeep and Ram models, along with an updated Chrysler Pacifica, for the strong performance. Stellantis also acknowledged that it had built up inventory ahead of planned factory shutdowns later this summer.

The news comes as part of a broader roundup of automotive industry developments.

Infiniti, meanwhile, is celebrating a modest win with its new QX65 crossover, which sold more than 1,000 units in its first full month, beating internal forecasts by 25%. Ford and Canada’s Unifor union reached a tentative three-year contract deal, with Unifor citing Ford’s commitment to Canadian operations as the reason for starting negotiations there.

In tech news, Waze rolled out an update that prioritizes drivers’ favorite routes, adds a motorcycle mode, and deepens integration with Google Gemini voice commands.

Jeep also introduced a new Laredo trim for the 2027 Wrangler, featuring 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires, a 1-inch lift, brown Nappa leather, and Mayan gold accents, available in two- and four-door versions. Across the Pacific, Hyundai factory workers in South Korea launched a three-day strike, demanding a profit-based bonus and protections against automation and AI-driven job losses.

Weekend racing saw wins from Grant Enfinger, Marc Marquez, Ryan Blaney, and BMW’s WEC squad, among others.