SCOOP: Massive win for NY dealers, Toyota and BMW gamble on hydrogen, Ford's Aug. sales surge

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1. New York sides with dealers over warranty reimbursements

New York just shook up the auto repair game.

Driving the news: Bill A4066B, signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul earlier this week, changes how manufacturers reimburse dealers in the state for warranty and recall work.

Now, automakers must cover all warranty repair costs, including diagnostics.

This is a huge win for New York dealers, and other states may soon follow suit … Read more

2. Toyota, BMW gamble on lukewarm hydrogen market

Toyota and BMW are doubling down on hydrogen, aiming to launch next-gen fuel cell vehicles and build a global refueling network.

The automakers plan to develop a new FCEV system for their models and make hydrogen more accessible by lowering production costs.

Big picture: Despite this push, they face big challenges—like limited refueling infrastructure and the complexity of producing pure hydrogen … Read more

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3. Ford sees sales gain in Aug. led by trucks, SUVs

Ford’s sales spiked 13.4% in August, hitting 182,985 units, with strong demand for trucks and SUVs leading the charge.

By the numbers: EV sales jumped 29%, and hybrids soared 50%, but traditional gas-powered models still dominated, making up the bulk of sales. The F-Series topped 70,000 units, and the Ranger and Maverick also saw significant gains.

While Ford's lineup is performing well across categories, overall market conditions remain unpredictable … Read more

• Toyota cuts 2026 global EV output plans by a third.

• Insurance companies sue Honda, N.Y. dealership to recoup payout from Pilot fire.

• Germany’s car brands now weigh heavily on its struggling economy.

• Rivian CEO explains why he made 'a very intentional effort' not to copy Tesla's strategy.

• Tesla Full Self-Driving coming to Cybertruck and maybe Europe and China.

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG