- American, German Car Brands Fail Inspection at Much Higher Rates Than Japanese Vehicles
May 13, 2026
EV reliability problem lies with Tesla manufacturing flaws, skewing EV inspection failures up
TORONTO, Ontario, May 13, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Used-car shoppers in Canada commonly judge reliability by a specific signal — brand prestige, price tag, fuel type, or mileage, but new data shows that consumer assumptions about car brands known for their premium quality don’t hold up over time.
The Clutch Certified Reliability Report, by Clutch, Canada’s leading online pre-owned car retailer, found that despite their reputation, German brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi fail inspection 39 per cent more often than Japanese brands once the vehicles reach the 100,000 km mark. While the average American car fails inspection 60 per cent more often than Japanese cars. While many people buying a used car consider mileage a key decision point, Clutch’s report highlights that brand matters more than mileage alone.
Japanese brands sweep the top five makes on the Clutch Certified Reliability Index:
Lexus (Japan) Subaru (Japan) Acura (Japan) Toyota (Japan) Honda (Japan)
The country of origin is the best indicator of quality. Despite their premium price tags, Lexus and Acura rank first and third on the list, respectively, two Japanese luxury brands known for premium quality and reliability.
Why does German luxury underperform? German luxury (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi) models record higher pre-sale repair costs, higher warranty claim rates, and higher vehicle-issue return rates. A leading contributor to this is the price of upkeep; luxury ownership remains difficult to maintain, from premium parts to specialized labour, and when forgotten, vehicles depreciate faster.
Today, Clutch has released this report using data collected through their Clutch Certified process — the standard every vehicle on clutch.ca has to meet before being sold.
210-point inspection: Each car is checked against 210 items across nine systems: engine and cooling, transmission and drivetrain, brakes, suspension and steering, electrical and lighting, HVAC, body and frame, interior and safety, and tires and wheels. Reconditioning: Vehicles that clear inspection enter reconditioning, which covers mechanical work, cosmetic fixes, glass, and standard prep. 10-day return policy: Clutch offers comprehensive tracking of vehicle returns that are classified as vehicle issues. Warranty: The report's reliability index uses the 90-day post-sale claim window — paid warranty claims filed within 90 days of sale across Clutch's full retail population — as a data signal for measuring real-world post-sale failure rates by brand.
Story Continues
"With our Clutch Certified criteria, it becomes clear that the common marker of quality for consumers, brands, and price tag doesn’t hold up once a vehicle is driven and used," says Dan Park, CEO of Clutch. "A premium price doesn’t guarantee a premium ownership experience. Engineering origin continues to be a key indicator of long-term quality, with Japanese-engineered nameplates delivering long-lasting vehicles across luxury and affordable price points."
Do EVs fail inspection more often than hybrids and gas vehicles? Only when Tesla is part of the equation.
Hybrids perform on par with gas vehicles for the first 0 to six years, but once they’ve been driven for 7 to 10 years, hybrids surpass both gas vehicles, with lower inspection failures, only 47.3 per cent.
EVs consistently run four to five points behind gas and hybrid vehicles in the first 0 to six years, leading with the highest inspection failure rates at 15.3 percent and 25.3 per cent. But when explored further, it’s not an EV technology issue; it's a Tesla manufacturing issue.
Tesla makes up 78 per cent of the EVs Clutch acquires. EV quality, or reputation for faultiness, is informed by Tesla’s manufacturing issues. When compared to non-Tesla EVs, Teslas have the highest issue rate for brakes and suspension, electrical, body, interior, and HVAC. Where Teslas hold up is core EV architecture: powertrain, safety and driver assist technology. Tesla’s poor physical performance drags down public perception of EVs as a whole, but non-Tesla EVs remain on par with both gas and hybrid quality.
What causes most vehicles in Canada to fail inspection?
Rust is the leading cause of used-car failure in Canada, with nearly one in two (48.5 per cent) vehicles that fail inspection having rust. That is followed by engine failure (40.8 per cent), drivetrain issues (29.7 per cent), and fluid leaks (16.5 per cent).
Road salt, freeze-thaw cycles, and long Canadian winters make corrosion and rust the most common vehicle issues, from perforated frames, rotted subframes, bubbled rocker panels, corroded wheel wells, and structural rust that can't be safely welded. Rust is also more than just cosmetic; any rust on frame rails poses a safety hazard.
Ram, Dodge, Chevrolet, Subaru, and Tesla show the highest rate of rust at 64 per cent, 62 per cent, 56 per cent, 56 per cent, and 57 per cent, respectively, but their brands don’t tell the whole story. The terrain where the vehicles are commonly used is a factor, as they are subjected to the Canadian environment. The exception to this is Tesla, with documented brand and product-related rust issues across early Model 3s and twice as many body issues as other EVs.
For consumers looking to buy, does mileage or make predict reliability?
When it comes to vehicle longevity, Japanese brands stay roadworthy at much higher mileage than their American, German, and Korean competitors. At 100,000 kilometres (km), the average American car fails inspection 60 per cent more often than Japanese cars, followed by German cars and Korean cars failing more often than Japanese cars by 39 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively.
Exploring by brand further, a Honda consistently runs half the failure rate of a Chevrolet:
At 40-60K km: Honda only fails inspection 10.6 per cent of the time, whereas Chevrolet’s failure rate is 18.1 per cent At 100-120K km: Honda only fails 30.1 per cent of the time, with Chevrolet at 67.7 per cent At 120-150K km: Honda’s failure rate is 43.8 per cent, whereas Chevrolet is failing 79.1 per cent of the time
What does this mean for car buyers?
The Clutch Certified Reliability Report offers a few key takeaways to keep in mind:
Brand origin matters more than brand prestige Mileage alone is a poor indicator of used car reliability Rust is the single biggest practical risk for used-car buyers in Canada EVs perform comparably to gas and hybrid vehicles on most reliability measures, outside of Teslas
Methodology for Clutch Certified Data
The index blends four dimensions into a single score on a 10-point scale for each make. Warranty activity carries the largest weight (35%) because it measures what actually breaks after the car reaches a customer. Pre-sale signals (inspection, reconditioning) and post-sale signals (warranty, returns) are balanced 50/50.
All measurements are normalized within age buckets (0-3, 4-6, and 7-10 years), so older vehicles aren't penalized for their age, then volume-weighted across a make's population. A make must have meaningful volume in at least two age buckets to be rated. Twenty-five makes meet that threshold.
Full methodology, data sources, and calculations are published in a companion document available to media and research partners on request.
About Clutch
Founded in 2016, Clutch is Canada’s leading online retailer for pre-owned vehicles. Clutch aims to provide an incredible car-buying experience for its customers by bringing a best-in-class e-commerce experience to the Canadian pre-owned car industry. By visiting clutch.ca, customers can browse a large selection of high-quality vehicles at competitive prices and access an end-to-end online purchase experience, which includes financing, warranty, and seamless home delivery. Clutch ensures complete peace of mind with each car being backed with a standard 10-day money-back guarantee and 210-point inspection. Clutch is headquartered in Toronto and services Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, with sell-side services also available in British Columbia.
To learn more about Clutch visit clutch.ca.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260513504309/en/
Contacts
For media inquiries, please contact:
Meagan Simpson
Account Director
msimpson@categorycomms.com
View Comments
- Is It Time To Reassess Mercedes-Benz Group (XTRA:MBG) After Recent Share Price Weakness?
May 12, 2026
Make better investment decisions with Simply Wall St's easy, visual tools that give you a competitive edge.
If you are wondering whether Mercedes-Benz Group is priced attractively right now, the starting point is to look closely at what the current share price might already be assuming. The stock last closed at €50.26, with a 4.9% gain over the past week, a decline of 6.7% over the past month, a decline of 18.8% year to date, a 1.7% return over the past year, a decline of 7.3% over three years, and an 18.2% return over five years. Recent trading has been shaped by ongoing market attention on large global auto manufacturers, as investors reassess how traditional brands are positioned in areas such as electrification and software. Broader sector headlines, including debates about capital allocation and returns on heavy manufacturing assets, help explain why sentiment around established auto stocks has been shifting. On Simply Wall St's framework, Mercedes-Benz Group currently records a valuation score of 6 out of 6. The next sections will walk through how different valuation approaches arrive at that outcome and explain why there might be an even better way to think about value by the end of this article.
Mercedes-Benz Group delivered 1.7% returns over the last year. See how this stacks up to the rest of the Auto industry.
Approach 1: Mercedes-Benz Group Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Analysis
A Discounted Cash Flow, or DCF, model estimates what a stock could be worth today by projecting the cash the company may generate in the future and then discounting those figures back to the present.
For Mercedes-Benz Group, the model used is a 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity approach. The latest twelve month free cash flow stands at about €7.67b. Analysts provide explicit forecasts out to 2028, with Simply Wall St extrapolating beyond that. For example, projected free cash flow for 2028 is €6.25b. The ten year path of estimated cash flows runs from about €4.37b in 2026 to around €6.23b in 2035, with each year discounted back to today.
Bringing all those discounted flows together gives an estimated intrinsic value of €66.99 per share. Against the recent share price of €50.26, this implies the stock trades at about a 25.0% discount. On these assumptions, the DCF output indicates that Mercedes-Benz Group stock appears undervalued.
Result: UNDERVALUED
Our Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests Mercedes-Benz Group is undervalued by 25.0%. Track this in your watchlist or portfolio, or discover 228 more high quality undervalued stocks.
Story Continues
MBG Discounted Cash Flow as at May 2026
Head to the Valuation section of our Company Report for more details on how we arrive at this Fair Value for Mercedes-Benz Group.
Approach 2: Mercedes-Benz Group Price vs Earnings
For a profitable company like Mercedes-Benz Group, the P/E ratio is a useful way to see how much you are paying for each euro of current earnings. Investors usually accept a higher or lower P/E depending on what they expect for future growth and how risky those earnings appear to be, so there is no single “right” P/E level.
Mercedes-Benz Group is currently trading on a P/E of 9.68x. That is below the Auto industry average P/E of 18.13x and well below the peer group average of 37.25x. Simply Wall St also calculates a proprietary “Fair Ratio” for the stock of 12.36x. This is the P/E that might be expected given factors such as its earnings growth profile, industry, profit margins, market cap and risk characteristics.
This Fair Ratio is more tailored than a straight comparison with peers or the broad industry because it adjusts for company specific features rather than assuming all Auto stocks should trade on the same multiple. Comparing Mercedes-Benz Group’s current P/E of 9.68x with the Fair Ratio of 12.36x suggests the shares are trading below that calibrated level.
Result: UNDERVALUEDXTRA:MBG P/E Ratio as at May 2026
P/E ratios tell one story, but what if the real opportunity lies elsewhere? Start investing in legacies, not executives. Discover our 102 top founder-led companies.
Upgrade Your Decision Making: Choose your Mercedes-Benz Group Narrative
Earlier it was mentioned that there is an even better way to understand valuation. Narratives bring your view of Mercedes-Benz Group together with the numbers by letting you tell a clear story about future revenue, earnings and margins, link that story to a forecast and a Fair Value, and then compare that Fair Value with the current share price to decide whether the stock looks attractive or stretched. All of this takes place within Simply Wall St's Community page where Narratives are updated as new news or earnings arrive. One investor might build a bullish Mercedes-Benz Group Narrative with a Fair Value around €99.12 based on confidence in electrification and brand strength. Another might build a more cautious Narrative with a Fair Value closer to €42.00 that focuses on chip supply, competition and policy risk. Both perspectives sit side by side so you can quickly see which story you think fits the current price best.
For Mercedes-Benz Group, however, we'll make it really easy for you with previews of two leading Mercedes-Benz Group Narratives:
🐂 Mercedes-Benz Group Bull Case
Fair Value: €99.12
Implied discount vs current price: about 49.3%
Revenue growth assumption: 9%
Views Mercedes-Benz Group as a healthy business with a strong brand and solid presence across much of Europe. Attributes recent earnings pressure to the shift toward electric vehicles, tougher competition, and recent economic conditions, while highlighting prior investment in EV technology. Sees tariffs on Chinese imports and the current dividend as important supports, and considers the shares undervalued even with a slight earnings decline in the story.
🐻 Mercedes-Benz Group Bear Case
Fair Value: €46.46
Implied premium vs current price: about 7.6%
Revenue growth assumption: 0.19%
Focuses on risks from tighter emissions rules, higher R&D spending, and new mobility trends that could pressure margins and keep revenue growth muted. Highlights intense EV competition, especially from Chinese manufacturers, along with potential chip and battery supply disruptions that could affect volumes and pricing. Builds a cautious Fair Value anchored to the most bearish analyst targets, with limited upside implied from today, and encourages you to stress test those assumptions against your own view of Mercedes-Benz Group.
Once you have a sense of which story feels closer to your own expectations for the business, you can use the full Narratives to adjust the key inputs and see how your Fair Value for Mercedes-Benz Group compares with the current share price.
See what the community is saying about Mercedes-Benz Group
Do you think there's more to the story for Mercedes-Benz Group? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying!XTRA:MBG 1-Year Stock Price Chart
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include MBG.DE.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
View Comments
- Shadow bank founder accused of ‘plundering’ money to buy supercars
May 11, 2026
Paresh Raja is accused of buying ‘a vast number of cars’ with funds taken from MFS. He denies wrongdoing
An alleged fraudster has been accused of buying a fleet of supercars with money misappropriated from a British “shadow bank” he founded that collapsed.
Paresh Raja stands accused of buying “a vast number of cars”, including three Aston Martins, two Mercedes, six Ferraris and three Rolls-Royces, using funds taken from Market Financial Solutions (MFS) before it collapsed this year.
In a court claim filed by the administrators of MFS, Mr Raja has been accused of misappropriating at least £1.3bn to fund his “lavish lifestyle”.
MFS was a shadow bank, which meant it did not accept deposits and instead funded its loans by borrowing from banks and other lenders.
Administrators for the collapsed Mayfair-based shadow bank alleged that Mr Raja received hundreds of millions of pounds of MFS funds into personal bank accounts and allowed “false reports” to be sent to lenders.
MFS funds were also used to purchase UK residential properties with a value of more than £950m that were owned by nominees acting “on behalf” of Mr Raja, they claimed. Lawyers for Mr Raja have claimed that these companies were “part of a larger group that is beneficially held for MFS and its associated lenders”.
Mr Raja also allegedly instructed employees to destroy documents in the weeks leading up to its collapse, according to legal documents seen by the Financial Times.
Administrators claim there was a “systematic plundering of a multimillion-pound property finance business by the very man entrusted to lead it”.
The lawsuit added that Mr Raja and his wife received more than £408m from “funds managed by MFS” to “personal bank accounts” in the UK, Monaco, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
Based on an internal spreadsheet, administrators claimed that it had provided “an accurate record of actual lending”. At least £1.27bn of the roughly £2.6bn borrowed from MFS’s lenders was misappropriated.
A spokesman for Mr Raja said: “Mr Raja strongly denies the allegations. He has consistently maintained that there was no fraud or dishonesty.
“Assets which the administrators characterise as missing were held through nominee structures for the benefit of MFS and its creditors, a position set out in detail to the administrators in March 2026.
“Mr Raja’s ability to assist has been wholly frustrated by the administrators’ refusal to provide access to company and personal data, despite repeated requests. He will present his full account through the court process.”
A series of high-profile banks, including Santander, Wells Fargo, Jefferies and Barclays, have been affected by the collapse of MFS, after lending hundreds of millions of pounds to the private credit provider.
Story Continues
MFS described itself as a specialist provider of buy-to-let mortgage lending and bridging finance.
It was part of a fast-growing crop of so-called bridging lenders in the UK. These firms provide short-term, property-backed loans to borrowers who may not qualify for traditional bank financing and often charge higher interest rates.
View Comments
- United States Autonomous Vehicles Market Forecast and Company Analysis Report 2026-2034 Featuring BMW, Alphabet, Ford, Amazon, Apple, Mercedes-Benz, Aptiv, Baidu, DidiChuxing, General Motor
May 11, 2026
Company Logo
The United States Autonomous Vehicles Market, projected to surge from USD 28.63 billion in 2025 to USD 103.19 billion by 2034, is set for growth driven by technological advancements in AI, connectivity, and sensors. This market explores the potential for enhanced road safety and transport efficiency through applications like ride-sharing and logistics. Industry collaboration fuels innovation, illustrated by key projects from Minus Zero and partnerships like General Motors and NVIDIA. Challenges include regulatory hurdles and development costs, while states like California and New York spearhead adoption. Top players include Alphabet Inc., Amazon, and Ford.
U.S. Autonomous Vehicles MarketU.S. Autonomous Vehicles Market·GlobeNewswire Inc.
Dublin, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United States Autonomous Vehicles Market Report by Level of Driving, Hardware, Software, Vehicle Type, Application, Propulsion, States and Companies Analysis 2026-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The United States Autonomous Vehicles Market is expected to grow from US$ 28.63 billion in 2025 to US$ 103.19 billion in 2034, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.31% in the period from 2026 to 2034.
The growing investments in the development of autonomous vehicles, technological development in the field of vehicle connectivity and sensors, and also owing to the development in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI), will drive the United States Autonomous Vehicles Market.
Globally, there is a rising interest in autonomous vehicles as a result of their potential to enhance road safety, alleviate traffic congestion, and optimize transportation efficiency and cost-effectiveness of transportation. Many car manufacturers and technology organizations are devoting significant resources to R&D to leverage advanced autonomous vehicle technologies.
Various applications such as ride-sharing, logistics transport solutions for public transport, and delivery solutions are being utilized for autonomous vehicles as pilot projects by many organizations today with a view to optimizing mobility solutions for customers and users worldwide and catering to increasing urban mobility demands and needs for a connected and electric vehicle future tomorrow.
Drivers of Growth in Autonomous Vehicle Markets in the United States Market
Strong Investment and Industry Collaboration
The key factor fueling the United States autonomous vehicles industry is technological innovation. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies has enabled vehicles to analyze massive amounts of data in real time and make sophisticated decisions. The enhanced performance of sensors like lidar, radar, and high-resolution cameras has greatly aided the detection and mapping of objects and awareness systems. The reduced price and enhanced accuracy of sensors facilitate the scalable deployment of solutions.
Story Continues
Apart from this, advancements in cloud computing and edge computing further facilitate the sharing of data and the updating and learning of systems. The United States has the advantage of a thriving technology ecosystem with prominent automobile manufacturers and technology and startups working in collaboration to boost innovation.
Growing Demand for Safety, Efficiency, and Mobility Services
Heavy investment by automotive companies, technology companies, and venture capital companies propels the US autonomous vehicle market. Major automotive companies collaborate with AI, software, and semiconductor companies to leverage automotive knowledge and innovative digital technology. Major technology companies invest in autonomous mobility solutions, simulation software, and mapping solutions. Government investment and pilot projects aid research, testing, and development. Investment in abundant capital allows exhaustive console testing and regulatory interactions.
Department of Transportation's (DOT) regulation in April 2025 standardized interstate reporting processes, allowing autonomous vehicle companies to move across state borders without getting multiple approvals. Aggressive cost compression reduced the cost of solid-state LiDAR to below USD 500 per unit by 2025, further expanding the cost range for mid-market cars and amplifying the attractiveness of the United States autonomous car market. Strategic partnerships mitigated R&D woes for automakers, allowing them to pour a staggering amount to each partner for the purpose of commercialization, as seen in the compute partnership by General Motors and NVIDIA in March 2025 and the platform agreement between Hyundai Motor Group and Waymo in January 2025.
Demand for better road safety and transport efficiencies
The demand for better road safety and transport efficiencies is driving adoption in the United States. Autonomous cars will help improve accidents that result from human error, which dominate the number of accidents on the roads. Autonomous control systems improve reaction time, variability, and situation awareness.
Moreover, traffic in urban areas and shifts in the demand for different forms of mobility are increasing the demand for autonomous ride-sharing services and also logistics services. Autonomous delivery and logistics services will also increase efficiencies and lower costs of operation. Roadway deaths remain a prominent source of fatalities in the United States, and the Department will continue to diligently strive within our Department and in partnership with our stakeholders toward the goal of reducing roadway deaths to Zero by finding new ways through the Safe System Approach to mitigate all aspects of serious roadway crashes.
This progress update will describe the Department's progress in 2024 in our continued effort to lessen the number of roadway deaths and the progress we have made in encouraging the involvement of the private sector, our sister government agencies, and non-governmental organizations in collaborating toward roadway safety. While the ultimate goal of the Department remains Zero deaths, in our Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022 through 2026, we have established the goal of reducing motor vehicle-related roadway deaths by 66 percent by 2040.
Challenges in the United States Autonomous Vehicle Market
Regulatory Uncertainty and Legal Complexity
The main barrier that can be promoted as a factor affecting the autonomous vehicles market in the United States includes regulatory and legal challenges. Regulations regarding autonomous vehicles differ from state to state, and hence, there exists a fragmentary approach to the legal system. There are liability, insurance issues, safety standards, and questions about data ownership that are still evolving.
Extensive testing and validation will have to be carried out to establish the trust of the public and the regulatory departments before approval for fully autonomous systems is accorded. Any delay in regulation or indecisive policies will prolong the commercialization process and add weight to the expense related to development. Favorable, clear, and harmonized federal and state frameworks will be crucial toward ensuring wide-scale adoption and long-term market growth for the industry.
High Development Costs and Public Acceptance Issues
The high development costs are one of the major challenges faced by the Autonomous Vehicles market in the US. The development of credible Autonomous Systems is quite expensive in terms of hardware, software, testing, and validation. The long development time and uncertainty about when it will be completed make it risky in terms of money.
Beyond this, the problem of public adoption is also significant, as there are many concerns about public acceptance in terms of safety issues, system reliability, and issues related to cyber-attacks. Overcoming both cost-related issues as well as public adoption issues is very important in gaining widespread adoption of Autonomous Vehicles in the US.
Key Attributes:
Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $28.63 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $103.19 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 15.3% Regions Covered United States
Company Analysis: Overview, Key Persons, Recent Developments, SWOT Analysis, Revenue Analysis
Alphabet Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. Apple Inc. Aptiv Baidu, Inc. BayerischeMotorenWerke AG (BMW) Mercedes-Benz Group AG DidiChuxing Technology Co. Ford Motor Company General Motor
Market Segmentation
Level of Driving
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5
Hardware
Passive Components Embedded Modem Ultrasonic Sensors Odometry Sensors Other Electronics & Architecture Actuators HMI Hardware Mapping Hardware Embedded Controls Hardware V2X Hardware Cameras Radar Lidar
Software
HMI Software Data Security Software Mapping Software Embedded Controls Software V2X Software
Vehicle Type
Passenger Vehicle Commercial Vehicle
Application
Civil Defense Transportation & Logistics Construction
Propulsion
Battery Electric Vehicle Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles Hybrid Electric Vehicle Internal Combustion Engine Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Top States
California Texas New York Florida Illinois Pennsylvania Ohio Georgia New Jersey Washington North Carolina Massachusetts Virginia Michigan Maryland Colorado Tennessee Indiana Arizona Minnesota Wisconsin Missouri Connecticut South Carolina Oregon Louisiana Alabama Kentucky Rest of United States
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/li1qlm
About ResearchAndMarkets.com
ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Attachment
U.S. Autonomous Vehicles Market
CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
View Comments
- Vans - Global Market Report 2026-2031 Featuring Strategic Profiles of Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Toyota and More
May 11, 2026
Company Logo
The global van market offers growth opportunities driven by the surge in e-commerce and last-mile delivery, emphasizing adaptable, connected, and eco-friendly vans
Van MarketVan Market·GlobeNewswire Inc.
Dublin, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Van Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031F" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The Global Van Market is projected to grow from USD 170.32 Billion in 2025 to USD 218.13 Billion by 2031 at a 4.21% CAGR. This industry largely centers around the manufacturing, distribution, and application of light commercial vehicles designed with closed cargo compartments for hauling freight and, occasionally, passengers. The swift rise of online shopping and the resulting need for effective last-mile and city delivery methods, along with greater funding for modernizing logistics, are major catalysts for this growth.
Additionally, the escalating demand for adaptable vehicle connectivity and cutting-edge safety features further propels the industry forward. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) highlights this upward trajectory, showing that new van registrations within the European Union rose by 8.3% in 2024 to reach 1,586,688 units. Despite these positive trends, a major hurdle to sustained market growth is the heavy upfront capital and investment required to purchase vehicles.
These high acquisition expenses present a particular challenge for smaller fleet management businesses attempting to enter or expand within the market.
Market Driver
A major catalyst for the worldwide van market is the surge in e-commerce and last-mile delivery operations, with companies increasingly depending on streamlined city logistics to process internet purchases. The massive spike in digital retail requires broader fleets of adaptable vans that can maneuver through varied settings, ranging from busy metropolitan hubs to quiet suburban streets. Such commercial vehicles are essential for delivering merchandise to customers' homes promptly and affordably.
Highlighting the sheer volume of digital commerce fueling the need for delivery fleets, a 2024 International Trade Administration (ITA) report noted that global B2B e-commerce gross merchandise value hit USD 28.08 trillion that year. Consequently, this movement is driving advancements in vehicle architecture and integrated technology to improve package management and route efficiency.
The market is also heavily influenced by the rising shift toward electric and eco-friendly vans, motivated by stricter environmental laws, corporate green initiatives, and savings on fuel and upkeep. Automakers are broadening their electric portfolios to satisfy this changing need, resulting in enhanced vehicle performance and availability. Demonstrating this transition toward more sustainable fleets, Mercedes-Benz reported in April 2026 that its eVan sales surged by 29% during the first quarter of 2026 relative to the same period the prior year. More broadly, the light commercial vehicle sector shows enduring strength, as evidenced by Ford's January 2026 announcement that the Transit remained the top-selling van in America, achieving a record 161,797 units sold in 2025 for a 5.9% growth.
Story Continues
Market Challenge
High upfront investments and steep capital requirements stand as major obstacles to the growth of the worldwide van industry. These costly purchasing prices create formidable barriers for companies, especially emerging startups and smaller fleet managers that typically function with limited financial flexibility. The necessity of spending large sums initially to acquire modern vehicles - such as those equipped with state-of-the-art safety mechanisms or alternative fuel powertrains - severely limits their ability to upgrade or grow their existing operations.
Consequently, this economic strain frequently leads to postponed vehicle upgrades, forcing companies to extend the service life of aging, less effective vans, which slows down the industry-wide transition to modern, efficient technologies. Illustrating the impact of these financial hurdles, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that new light commercial vehicle registrations in the United Kingdom dropped by 10.3% in 2025 to 315,422 units. This reduction underscored a tough economic climate that effectively stifled investments in commercial fleets.
Market Trends
A key development transforming the worldwide van industry is the growing incorporation of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), which have transitioned from premium add-ons to essential operational and safety components. This evolution is largely motivated by stricter safety mandates and a heightened commitment to minimizing collisions and protecting driver health. Commercial vehicles featuring ADAS deliver clear advantages by utilizing tools like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping support, and automatic emergency braking to boost efficiency and lower driving risks. Highlighting the sector's dedication to integrated safety, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter includes Attention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Brake Assist as standard features.
At the same time, the broader implementation of connected fleet management technologies is drastically changing the maintenance, operation, and optimization of commercial vans. By utilizing real-time data analytics and telematics, these systems provide fleet operators with unprecedented insights into logistical patterns, driver habits, and vehicle health. These advancements enable preventative maintenance, better route planning, and maximized asset use, which collectively drive down costs and elevate service quality. The rapid uptake of this technology is highlighted by Ford Pro's March 2025 report, which noted a 40% surge in connected commercial vehicles over a two-year span, reaching a global total of 5.2 million units.
Key Players Profiled in the Van Industry:
Ford Motor Company Mercedes-Benz Group AG Volkswagen Group Renault Group TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Hyundai Motor Company MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED Stellantis NV
Report Scope
In this report, the Global Van Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:
Van Market, By Tonnage Capacity:
Up to 2 Tons 2 Tons - 3 Tons 3 Tons - 5.5 Tons
Van Market, By Propulsion Type:
ICE Electric
Van Market, By End Use:
Commercial Personal
Van Market, By Region:
North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa
Key Attributes
Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 182 Forecast Period 2025-2031 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $170.32 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2031 $218.13 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.2% Regions Covered Global
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2dx3va
About ResearchAndMarkets.com
ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Attachment
Van Market
CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
View Comments
- Trump's 25% EU car tariff could add $10,000 to your next Mercedes, BMW or VW — and push all car prices higher
May 7, 2026
All roads lead to tariffs when it comes to President Donald Trump. The White House is set to impose a 25% tariff on the European Union's auto sector, which will impact all cars and trucks manufactured in Europe for sale in US car lots.
Trump's pivot comes in response to his perceived non-compliance with the agreed-upon trade deal by the European Union (1), in addition to his taking great umbrage at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's comments that the US was being humiliated by Iran (2). He took to Truth Social on May 1 to voice his displeasure.
"I am pleased to announce that, based on the fact the European Union is not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal, next week I will be increasing Tariffs charged to the European Union for Cars and Trucks coming into the United States," Trump wrote (3).
Not intimidated, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shot back at Trump, stating they should stick to the terms of the agreement reached in Brussels last July (4). That same deal set the rate at 15%.
"A deal is a deal, and we have a deal. And the essence of this deal is prosperity, common rules and reliability," von der Leyen said in Armenia this week.
Must Read
Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Robert Kiyosaki says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year and begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’ Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s how to fix it ASAP
What the 25% tariff actually does
The global markets are familiar with tariffs since they're Trump's most-used tactic. However, the 25% levy applies to the vehicles brought into the United States from EU countries. That means if a car is imported at the wholesale value of $40,000, the tariff could add $10,000 before it even reaches a dealership lot.
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) (5), the main lobbying and standards group of the car industry in the EU, the US remains the second-largest market for new EU vehicle exports after the UK. American markets accounted for 18.4% of the EU export market in 2025, down from 21.9% in 2024 (6).
While some brands assemble cars in North America — including BMW in South Carolina, Mercedes-Benz in Alabama, Volkswagen in Tennessee and Volvo in South Carolina — a significant share of inventory would still be affected (7).
The immediate impact will likely show up on car lots, but the longer-term effects could include limited inventory, delayed shipments, or shifts in where automakers choose to assemble future vehicles.
Story Continues
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump's threats as a time waster. "Especially in the geopolitical period we are experiencing, allies like the United States of America and the European Union have much better things to do than to stir up threats of destabilization," Macron told reporters (8) on Tuesday. "For our businesses, our households, our populations, we should rather send a message of stability and confidence."
Read More: This $1B private real estate fund is now accessible to non-millionaires. Start investing with just $10
What you can do now
Even if you're an American and you have no plans to buy a European car, it can still hit your wallet — hard. Higher prices on imported cars can push more buyers towards domestic brands, increasing demand and potentially driving up prices across the entire market, used cars included (9).
If you're in the market for a vehicle, you may see fewer deals, higher monthly payments and limited inventory, especially for more popular models. Brands affected include Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Bentley, McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Lotus, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Volvo and Polestar.
As prices rise, so do loan amounts, which can mean paying more interest over time. That's a direct hit to household budgets already stretched by inflation. Americans are also $1.68 trillion in debt due to auto loans, according to CNBC (10).
In the meantime, if you're considering a car purchase, it may be worth acting sooner rather than later to pick up that BMW or Jaguar before price increases take hold. Comparing domestic and non-EU alternatives, buying used or locking in financing early could help soften the blow.
You May Also Like
Millionaires under 43 are reshaping investing — just 25% of their portfolios are in stocks. Here’s where their money is going Taxes are going to change for retirees under Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ — here are 4 reasons you can’t afford to waste time Robert Kiyosaki issues grim warning for baby boomers: many could be ‘wiped out’ and homeless ‘all over’ the country Vanguard’s outlook on U.S. stocks is raising alarm bells for retirees. Here’s why and how to protect yourself
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see ourethics and guidelines.
Reuters (1); AP News (2),(8); X (3); Politico (4); European Automobile Manufacturers Association (5),(6); Manufacturing Today (7); Kelley Blue Book (9); CNBC (10)
This article originally appeared on Moneywise.com under the title: Trump's 25% EU car tariff could add $10,000 to your next Mercedes, BMW or VW — and push all car prices higher
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
View Comments
- Accenture Partners with the WTA to Help Build the Future of Women’s Tennis
May 7, 2026
Mauro Macchi, Accenture EMEA CEO, alongside Marina Storti, CEO WTA Ventures at the 2026 Italian Open, following partnership agreementAccenture and the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) have announced a new, multi-year partnership, focused on enhancing the player experience and helping shape the future of women’s tennis.
Reinventing the ‘WTA Player Zone’ experience for athletes through technology, data, and AI
ROME, May 07, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) have announced a new, multi-year partnership, focused on enhancing the player experience and helping shape the future of women’s tennis. The collaboration will fuse Accenture’s leadership in technology and AI enablement with the WTA’s commitment to excellence as a modern, athlete-first governing body.
As the Official Business and Technology Consulting Partner of the WTA, Accenture will work at the heart of the organization to modernize its digital ecosystem, introducing new levels of intelligence, connectivity, and data-driven insight to the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz.
As part of the WTA’s ongoing efforts to enhance its support for its world-class players, an initial focus of the partnership will be to transform the WTA Player Zone - the central digital platform for every athlete on the tour - turning it into a seamless, data-driven and intuitive hub. By applying advanced technologies, including AI, the collaboration aims to streamline athletes’ interactions with WTA’s digital platforms, improving access to critical information, and enabling players to focus more fully on performance while the platform works seamlessly behind the scenes.
This work reflects a shared ambition to modernize the infrastructure behind women’s tennis while strengthening how the sport operates and grows at a global scale. By starting with the athlete experience, the partnership creates a foundation for continued innovation and growth across the WTA tour which will ultimately broaden in scope to engage new audiences and deepen live event experiences.
Mauro Macchi, CEO of Accenture in EMEA said: "Women’s tennis is already one of the most popular and commercially successful sports globally and we believe its future will be shaped by what we build. This ethos is at the heart of our partnership with the WTA where we look forward to combining technology, data and AI to reinvent the athlete experience and help drive the continued growth of the game around the world."
The WTA operates one of the most global tours in sport, with more than 50 tournaments across 26 countries and territories, and a growing international fan base. A core part of the WTA’s mission is continuing to strengthen its support for players: providing the best stage on which to perform, supporting health and wellbeing, offering comprehensive maternity benefits, and breaking boundaries for athlete compensation. Through this partnership, Accenture will support the WTA in scaling its operations, strengthening its digital foundations, and unlocking new opportunities for players, fans and partners alike.
Story Continues
"We are proud to partner with Accenture as we continue to grow the WTA as the stage where women’s tennis shines," said Marina Storti, CEO of WTA Ventures, the commercial arm of the WTA. "This collaboration is about more than just technology; it’s about advancing how we support our athletes by delivering a connected and efficient digital experience - while continuing our journey to grow women’s tennis globally."
In addition to technology transformation, the partnership will include joint storytelling and content development to highlight the impact of the work and the broader momentum behind women’s sport. This announcement builds on Accenture’s growing portfolio of business-led partnerships across global sport - reinventing the future of sport through technology, data and AI to help organizations innovate, enhance experiences and unlock new sources of value.
The partnership with Accenture continues the WTA’s strong growth momentum, building on the recent launch of a long-term partnership with Mercedes-Benz, growing engagement from fans worldwide, the introduction of a bold new brand identity, and the award of the biggest-ever prize money payout in the history of both professional tennis tours and women’s sport (awarded to Elena Rybakina, singles champion at the 2025 WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF).
About Accenture
Accenture is a leading solutions and services company that helps the world’s leading enterprises reinvent by building their digital core and unleashing the power of AI to create value at speed across the enterprise, bringing together the talent of our approximately 786,000 people, our proprietary assets and platforms, and deep ecosystem relationships. Our strategy is to be the reinvention partner of choice for our clients and to be the most client-focused, AI-enabled, great place to work in the world. Through our Reinvention Services we bring together our capabilities across strategy, consulting, technology, operations, Song and Industry X with our deep industry expertise to create and deliver solutions and services for our clients. Our purpose is to deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity, and we measure our success by the 360° value we create for all our stakeholders. Visit us at accenture.com.
About the WTA
The WTA is the original game-changer for women’s sport. Founded in 1973 by the visionary Billie Jean King, the WTA was created to build equal opportunities for women in tennis, and we’ve been breaking boundaries ever since. Today we’re the powerhouse of women’s professional sports, uniting athletes in fearless competition and bringing people together through the love of tennis. The WTA Tour shares the thrill of every serve, rally and match point with an audience of more than one billion around the world. Players compete for PIF WTA ranking points in tournament arenas on six continents before the season hits its peak at the WTA Finals, where the best singles and doubles superstars battle to be crowned as year-end champions. Our ambitions go well beyond the court. We are champions for our incredible athletes and drivers of change through advocacy and action for women’s health and empowerment across the globe.
WTA Ventures, the commercial arm of the WTA, has a mission to fuel the growth of professional women’s tennis. Established in partnership with CVC Capital Partners in 2023, it aims to further elevate the profile of women’s tennis, improve the product for fans and accelerate commercial growth for the benefit of players, tournaments and everyone involved in the sport.
Copyright © 2026 Accenture. All rights reserved. Accenture and its logo are registered trademarks of Accenture.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260506788348/en/
Contacts
Andy Rowlands
Accenture
+44 7952 594784
andy.rowlands@accenture.com
Chinedu Udezue
Accenture
+44 208 396 3674
chinedu.udezue@accenture.com
Abi Hallworth
WTA
press@wtatennis.com
View Comments
- Mercedes-Benz Group's (ETR:MBG) Soft Earnings Are Actually Better Than They Appear
May 6, 2026
The market for Mercedes-Benz Group AG's (ETR:MBG) shares didn't move much after it posted weak earnings recently. We think that the softer headline numbers might be getting counterbalanced by some positive underlying factors.
We've found 21 US stocks that are forecast to pay a dividend yield of over 6% next year. See the full list for free.XTRA:MBG Earnings and Revenue History May 6th 2026
The Impact Of Unusual Items On Profit
Importantly, our data indicates that Mercedes-Benz Group's profit was reduced by €2.2b, due to unusual items, over the last year. While deductions due to unusual items are disappointing in the first instance, there is a silver lining. When we analysed the vast majority of listed companies worldwide, we found that significant unusual items are often not repeated. And that's hardly a surprise given these line items are considered unusual. Assuming those unusual expenses don't come up again, we'd therefore expect Mercedes-Benz Group to produce a higher profit next year, all else being equal.
That might leave you wondering what analysts are forecasting in terms of future profitability. Luckily, you can click here to see an interactive graph depicting future profitability, based on their estimates.
Our Take On Mercedes-Benz Group's Profit Performance
Because unusual items detracted from Mercedes-Benz Group's earnings over the last year, you could argue that we can expect an improved result in the current quarter. Because of this, we think Mercedes-Benz Group's earnings potential is at least as good as it seems, and maybe even better! On the other hand, its EPS actually shrunk in the last twelve months. The goal of this article has been to assess how well we can rely on the statutory earnings to reflect the company's potential, but there is plenty more to consider. If you'd like to know more about Mercedes-Benz Group as a business, it's important to be aware of any risks it's facing. For instance, we've identified 4 warning signs for Mercedes-Benz Group (1 is a bit unpleasant) you should be familiar with.
This note has only looked at a single factor that sheds light on the nature of Mercedes-Benz Group's profit. But there is always more to discover if you are capable of focussing your mind on minutiae. Some people consider a high return on equity to be a good sign of a quality business. While it might take a little research on your behalf, you may find this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks with significant insider holdings to be useful.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content?Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
View Comments
- What Mercedes-Benz Group (XTRA:MBG)'s Weaker Q1 Results and China EV JV Shift Mean For Shareholders
May 5, 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, Mercedes-Benz Group AG reported sales of €25,497 million and net income of €1,418 million, both lower than a year earlier, while its IONCHI charging joint venture in China expanded to include SERES’ AITO brand as an equal partner. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz is contending with fresh legal challenges to a UK financial redress scheme and renewed US tariff headlines, even as its Formula 1 success keeps the brand in the global spotlight. Against this backdrop, we’ll examine how weaker quarterly earnings and the expanding IONCHI charging alliance in China may influence Mercedes-Benz’s investment narrative.
The future of work is here. Discover the 34 top robotics and automation stocks leading the charge in AI-driven automation and industrial transformation.
Mercedes-Benz Group Investment Narrative Recap
To own Mercedes-Benz shares today, you need to believe the group can defend profitability in a tougher auto cycle while funding its EV and software pivot. The latest quarter’s softer sales and earnings highlight margin pressure, while tariffs and regulatory disputes remain the most immediate risks. The expanding China charging alliance is interesting, but does not materially change the near term focus on costs, pricing power and cash generation.
The IONCHI joint venture update is the most relevant recent announcement here. Bringing AITO in as an equal partner broadens Mercedes-Benz’s access to premium EV customers in China at a time when that market is already a key risk for volumes and pricing. While it will take time to see any financial impact, this kind of infrastructure sharing could become an important counterweight to competitive and regulatory pressures in the company’s largest premium market.
Yet behind the strong brand and F1 headlines, tariff uncertainty and legal challenges could still reshape the risk profile investors should be aware of...
Read the full narrative on Mercedes-Benz Group (it's free!)
Mercedes-Benz Group's narrative projects €146.0 billion revenue and €8.5 billion earnings by 2028. This requires 1.6% yearly revenue growth and about a €1.7 billion earnings increase from €6.8 billion today.
Uncover how Mercedes-Benz Group's forecasts yield a €62.80 fair value, a 31% upside to its current price.
Exploring Other PerspectivesXTRA:MBG 1-Year Stock Price Chart
Some of the most cautious analysts were already assuming only flat revenue near €133,000 million and earnings of about €5,200 million by 2029, so this mix of weaker Q1 profits and the IONCHI expansion may either reinforce those worries about margins or challenge them if the China EV ecosystem opportunity proves larger than expected.
Story Continues
Explore 6 other fair value estimates on Mercedes-Benz Group - why the stock might be worth just €56.00!
Form Your Own Verdict
Don't just follow the ticker - dig into the data and build a conviction that's truly your own.
A great starting point for your Mercedes-Benz Group research is our analysis highlighting 4 key rewards and 4 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision. Our free Mercedes-Benz Group research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate Mercedes-Benz Group's overall financial health at a glance.
Interested In Other Possibilities?
These stocks are moving-our analysis flagged them today. Act fast before the price catches up:
Explore 26 top quantum computing companies leading the revolution in next-gen technology and shaping the future with breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, superconducting qubits, and cutting-edge research. Capitalize on the AI infrastructure supercycle with our selection of the 38 best 'picks and shovels' of the AI gold rush converting record-breaking demand into massive cash flow. The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 18 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include MBG.DE.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
View Comments
- Trump’s Move on EU Autos Shows Tariff Risks Persist. Here’s What Could Be Next.
May 4, 2026
The Trump administration cited the EU’s failure to ratify its trade agreement as a reason for raising the tariffs on autos.
Continue Reading
