Volkswagen Restructuring: VW’s supervisory board has unanimously approved Future Plan 2030, cutting its model portfolio by about 50% and reducing offering complexity by 75%, while eliminating 50,000 jobs by 2030 (on top of 50,000 already planned) as it battles US tariff pressure, slowing China demand, and fierce EV competition; investors reacted positively as the deal also leaves the fate of four German plants still unclear. Labor & Governance: Reuters reports the turnaround was hammered out in tense talks involving CEO Oliver Blume, the supervisory board chair, and Lower Saxony leadership to avoid a damaging labor showdown. Volkswagen Legal Risk: A US class action has been filed against Volkswagen over alleged defective batteries in 2023-2025 ID.4s that may catch fire. Toyota Supply Glitch: Toyota dealers are facing an unusual shortage of the 2026 RAV4 as hybrid-only demand outpaces production during the transition. Consumer Pulse: US consumer sentiment fell in August, but Cox Automotive says vehicle sales still beat forecasts. Hyundai SDV Push: Hyundai is building a “data flywheel” to improve software-defined vehicle features via fleet data and over-the-air updates. Hyundai Mobility Deal: Hyundai Motor Group signed an Oman pact covering hydrogen transport, EV charging, and sustainable urban projects. BMW Product Move: BMW’s 2027 iX3 50 xDrive goes on sale Sept. 25 in the US with up to 434 miles EPA range and 800-volt fast-charging. Dealership Friction: A Texas Nissan incident went viral after a customer alleged she was treated as a “tire kicker” and denied a test look despite having cash for a down payment.