After the beta version was launched a few weeks ago, Android Auto 15.0 is now rolling out to a larger number of users. However, there are no major changes compared to the previous version.
Despite the fact that some big new features are in preparation, new versions of the Android Auto app usually bring very few innovations.
The new update began rolling out in beta in mid-August and has now started to reach all users more generally.
Based on the large jump in version number, one might assume this is a big change, but that simply isn’t the case.
As usual, this update brings some “under the hood” changes to fix problems specific to certain devices and vehicles, and it also does not include a detailed changelog.
This does not mean you should skip the update – there are always some less common bugs in Android Auto, and updates like this often solve issues most people don’t even know exist.
You can visit the Play Store to check if there is an update available for your Android Auto, while we wait for bigger features such as light theme and Gemini support, which Google recently announced are “coming soon.”
Ford Motor has unveiled "Ready Set Ford," its first global campaign in more than 15 years.
This marks a new phase in the automaker’s efforts to modernize its brand and deepen its connection with customers.
The initiative comes at a time when the auto industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with shifts in consumer preferences, heightened competition, and technological developments.
Ford stated that the campaign will serve as a catalyst to showcase its most recognizable products and services, reports B92.
As part of the change, Ford will align its entire organization around four key promises: capability, passion, community, and trust, as these principles reflect both its history and its vision for the future.
Capability will remain central to Ford’s vehicles and technology. Passion will be highlighted through its presence in motorsport and models such as the Mustang and Bronco. Community will focus on philanthropic initiatives and dealer-led programs. Trust will continue to be rooted in integrity and transparency.
The campaign also signals a marketing shift from individual model names to customer lifestyles. Ford said this approach will guide everything—from product development to retail experience—ensuring that vehicles and services are more directly aligned with consumer needs.
In addition, the automaker plans to highlight its most iconic products and experiences, moving beyond reliance on high-volume sales offerings. This includes showcasing its motorsport programs and Ford Pro, the commercial division.
Ahead of its Munich debut, the BMW iX3 is showing its face to the public for the first time.
A New Era
The BMW iX3 marks a new era for the Bavarian car manufacturer, which is preparing to launch its long-awaited Neue Klasse platform, the foundation of all future electric vehicles of the brand. Perhaps most importantly, the iX3 introduces an entirely new design language for BMW.
The first official view of the production front-end design has been revealed. At the heart of this transformation is the kidney grille, now noticeably smaller, representing a return to BMW’s roots. The oversized grilles of recent years have disappeared, replaced by a minimalist, vertical design reminiscent of the 1962 Neue Klasse.
The new iX3 will have a range of about 640 kilometers with options for rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, as well as a more powerful M Sport model. The interior offers a completely redesigned cabin, including the first production Panoramic iDrive system, with a futuristic two-level layout.
For all details, we will have to wait for the official premiere at the Munich Motor Show later this week.
Sales growth and a new factory are the Korean brands’ strongest assets.
Hyundai and Kia are getting closer to dethroning Toyota as the best-selling car brand in Saudi Arabia.
Although the strong performance of these two Korean manufacturers in the local market may seem surprising, they are investing heavily in the Kingdom, including the recently launched construction of a new plant.
During the first half of 2025, Hyundai and Kia accounted for 23 percent of the total 412,920 vehicles sold in Saudi Arabia. This placed them right behind Toyota, which still holds the leading position with 28 percent of sales.
The Hyundai Accent sedan is particularly popular in the country, with 19,080 units sold, while Kia’s main hit is the Pegas sedan, which sold 15,530 units during the January–June period.
Chinese automakers are also gaining increasing market share. Together, they achieved 12 percent of total sales during the same period, reports Just Auto.
Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly important Middle Eastern market for automakers.
The Kingdom holds a majority stake in Lucid through its sovereign wealth fund (PIF) and has helped the American EV manufacturer open a local factory that will one day have the capacity to produce up to 150,000 EVs annually.
In a similar way, Saudi Arabia has also succeeded in attracting Hyundai Motor Group.
Thanks to a new joint venture between Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East and PIF, which owns 70 percent, a large production facility will open in the fourth quarter of 2026.
This factory will have an annual capacity of 50,000 units and will produce both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine cars.
Hyundai has not yet specified which models will be manufactured at the new plant, nor whether it will also produce cars from the Kia and Genesis brands.
In the first six months of 2025, sales of this super estate reached the highest level since the model was introduced.
Although the new generation of the Audi A6 Avant has already hit the market, the legendary RS6 in its current form is attracting a record number of buyers.
In the first six months of 2025, sales of this super estate reached the highest level in the model’s history, with as much as 41% more orders compared to last year.
The reasons for this boom are clear – Mercedes-AMG has yet to present its new E63 Estate, BMW has somewhat disappointed buyers with its hybrid M5 Touring, while Audi still offers a pure V8 in the RS6.
However, the next generation (C9) will come with a hybrid powertrain, so many want to grab the last chance for a “purebred” petrol engine without a complex PHEV system.
The current RS6 Avant is part of a tradition that dates back to the first generation, and Audi confirms it will remain committed to fast estates in the future, despite SUV dominance.
The next RS6 will be a hybrid but will retain its V8 engine – making it heavier, but also more powerful.
This surge in popularity clearly shows that performance enthusiasts still value practicality, power, and the sound of a true engine, even in the era of electrification.
Toyota continues to dominate the SUV market, and the Toyota RAV4 is once again the world’s best-selling model.
Behind it, the most popular Toyota SUVs are the Highlander and Grand Highlander. However, there is a noticeable trend that buyers increasingly prefer the larger Grand Highlander, so in light of this, Toyota announced it will consolidate the production of electric vehicles at its plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.
This decision includes adding a new assembly line, which will free up capacity for the Grand Highlander and make it easier to meet the high demand.
Previous plans foresaw that the new electric SUV would be produced at the plant in Princeton, Indiana, but according to Automotive News, production of this EV model will be moved to Kentucky by 2028.
This change in production location is significant because, in addition to the mentioned EV, a smaller three-row electric SUV is also expected to be produced in Kentucky, which should arrive as early as the first quarter of 2026.
Here lies the opportunity for the Highlander to step out of the shadow of its bigger brother and build its own identity in the electric vehicle market. Realizing that its naming strategy for electric vehicles was confusing, Toyota has already renamed the bZ4X to the simpler bZ for 2026, reports Autoblog.
Because of this, it is expected that the upcoming three-row EV, which was originally supposed to be called bZ5X, will also be renamed.
According to rumors, the name Highlander is reserved precisely for this smaller, lighter electric model with three rows of seats. Although Toyota has not officially confirmed the details about the naming and marketing of these EV models, they emphasized that they "plan to produce two brand new three-row battery electric SUVs in the US," adding that "both vehicles will now be assembled in Toyota Kentucky."
It is expected that production of the model named Highlander will start earlier, so it could arrive in showrooms at the beginning of 2026, meaning its unveiling is very likely before the end of this year.
The new Highlander BEV will be one of seven new electric vehicles that Toyota plans to launch in the US by mid-2027, following already announced models like the bZ, bZ Woodland, and the 2026 CH-R.
Even though it has three rows of seats, the Renault Triber is actually shorter than the Clio model.
While Renault in Europe is increasingly expanding its range of hybrids and electric vehicles, its strategy in India still relies on internal combustion engines.
One of the key models in that market is the Renault Triber, a compact minivan with crossover elements, which has now received a mid-cycle refresh and belongs to the budget-friendly cars for every buyer.
The redesign brings a sleeker exterior look and several thoughtful upgrades inside to keep the model competitive in the growing budget vehicle segment.
The facelift comes six years after the launch of the original model.
The recognizable front end with a grille inspired by the Megane has now been replaced by a sharper and more confident front design.
Although the headlights kept their outer shape, their inner “graphics” have been updated, and they now visually fit better with the slimmer grille featuring the new Renault logo.
The front bumper has been redesigned with more robust styling elements, including silver details around the central air intake, while the hood now has more pronounced lines.
On the side, changes are subtle. The silhouette remains almost the same except for the new design of the 15-inch wheels, an optional black roof, and decals that imitate protective cladding (similar to the Dacia brand).
At the rear, changes are also discreet – the taillights now have a darker look and new LED graphics, along with a black strip on the tailgate and a slightly modified bumper.
More equipment, same practicality
Inside, the refreshed Triber adopts the dashboard from the mechanically related Kiger SUV.
This means it now features a slightly higher positioned 8-inch multimedia screen paired with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.
Additional upgrades include lighter beige upholstery, a redesigned climate control unit, and useful new features like wireless phone charging.
The practical layout with three rows of seats remains unchanged, still offering space for seven passengers.
However, since the car is extremely compact, the third row of seats is best suited for children or very short trips.
Those who value trunk space more can fold down the rear row to get a volume of 625 liters.
A small minivan smaller than the Clio
Even though it has three rows of seats, the Triber is only 3,985 mm long, making it even shorter than the Clio model.
It shares its platform with the Kwid, Kiger, and Nissan Magnite models.
Unfortunately, the redesign does not bring any technical changes – under the sheet metal, everything remains the same.
Engine and transmissions
The Triber still uses a naturally aspirated 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine producing 72 hp and 96 Nm of torque.
Renault does not offer the turbo option that is available in the Kiger model.
Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic (AMT), both with front-wheel drive.
The refreshed Triber is already available to order in India, with the base Authentic trim priced from 629,995 rupees (around 6,200 euros).
The most expensive Emotion trim costs 916,995 rupees (around 9,000 euros).
As seen in the promotional video, the base version comes with steel wheels and no touchscreen, focusing only on the essential needs of those looking for maximum savings.
Although not all cars have them, knowing these modes can make driving easier, increase safety, and protect your vehicle.
Automatic transmissions are becoming increasingly common, and positions like P (park), R (reverse), N (neutral), and D (drive) are familiar to everyone.
However, many still don’t know what the "L" symbol on the gear lever is for – even though it can be extremely useful in specific conditions.
What does "L" mean?
The "L" symbol stands for Low. When the gearbox is switched to this mode, it prevents automatic shifting into higher gears, keeping the vehicle in first or sometimes second gear.
This way, the engine operates at higher RPMs and delivers more torque, providing better power and control over the vehicle in challenging conditions, writes Index.
This mode is especially useful in the following situations:
Towing heavy loads – trailers, boats, or campers Driving up steep inclines – the engine provides more power without shifting up Driving down steep declines – allows engine braking, reducing strain on brakes Driving on snow, mud, or sand – low speed and better control in tough conditions Maneuvering in tight spaces – more precise control at low speeds
Important: constantly driving in "L" mode is not recommended as it increases fuel consumption and accelerates gearbox wear.
What does the "B" symbol on an automatic gearbox mean?
The "B" symbol (Brake) is most often found on hybrid vehicles and activates regenerative braking.
In this mode, the electric motor converts kinetic energy into electricity during deceleration, recharging the battery and slowing the vehicle down.
It is most useful on long downhill stretches, helping with controlled braking without overusing the brake pads, thereby extending their lifespan.
Material downloaded from the Internet is considered publicly available unless otherwise noted. In the event that there is a copyright problem or error on a particular material, the copyright infringement was done unintentionally.
Upon presentation of proof of copyright, the disputed material will be immediately removed from the site.
Disclaimer I
All information on this website is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. The website sombor.info does not make any guarantees about the completeness, reliability or accuracy of the published information. Any action you take in relation to the information you find on this website is at your own risk and the site owner will not be liable for any resulting loss and/or damage.
