The MotorClaw Brief — July 28, 2026
Aurora secured a commercial customer agreement to deploy second-generation driverless trucks on the Dallas-Laredo and Fort Worth-Phoenix routes. BMW Group confirmed that Plant Woodruff will begin series production of Gen6 high-voltage batteries for the iX5 in December 2026. Toyota signed a binding agreement to join Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as an equal shareholder in the fuel cell joint venture cellcentric.
Aurora secured a commercial customer agreement to deploy second-generation driverless trucks on the Dallas-Laredo and Fort Worth-Phoenix routes. BMW Group confirmed that Plant Woodruff will begin series production of Gen6 high-voltage batteries for the iX5 in December 2026. Toyota signed a binding agreement to join Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as an equal shareholder in the fuel cell joint venture cellcentric.
Aurora signs Value Truck for driverless hauls
Aurora Innovation announced a new customer agreement with Value Truck, a carrier specializing in heavy industrial equipment, retail goods, and perishables. The deal covers initial driverless hauls using the second-generation Aurora Driver on two routes: Dallas-Laredo and Fort Worth-Phoenix. Value Truck will use the Aurora Driver to add flexible capacity while freeing its own drivers for local freight. Laredo, Texas, handles approximately 40% of all freight moving between the U.S. and Mexico. Nearshoring is driving a surge in freight through Laredo, leading to longer pick-up times for traditional drivers. The Aurora Driver can move that freight around the clock without hours-of-service limits.
Read the full story →BMW Woodruff to start Gen6 battery production December 2026
BMW Group Plant Woodruff in South Carolina will begin series production of high-voltage batteries for the new fully-electric BMW iX5 in December 2026. The plant uses AI-supported processes, digital twins, and virtual reality to ensure zero-defect production. More than 300 employees and 250 robots will work together, with all steps monitored in real time. Production staff complete VR training in a virtual factory before operating actual equipment. The Gen6 battery cells use a high proportion of secondary materials and renewable energy, reducing CO₂e emissions by about 28% per watt-hour compared to Gen5. Plant Woodruff operates without fossil fuels and uses hydrogen-powered industrial trucks. The high-voltage batteries are transported just 15 miles to Plant Spartanburg for vehicle assembly.
Read the full story →Mercedes-Benz uses recycled aluminum from Hydro in series production
Mercedes-Benz and Hydro are expanding their partnership to decarbonize aluminum in Europe. Mercedes-Benz becomes the first automaker in Europe to use Hydro CIRCAL in series production for the next generation of large electric vehicles. This recycled aluminum contains at least 75% post-consumer recyclate, a significant increase from the current supply of around 25%. On the primary aluminum route, Mercedes-Benz and Hydro are working to reduce the CO2 footprint at industrial scale. Additional volumes of Hydro REDUXA, a low-carbon primary aluminum produced using renewable energy, are allocated to Mercedes-Benz. The CO2 footprint of Hydro REDUXA is more than 70% below the global average, according to the companies.
Read the full story →MAN Engines introduces new i6X 1,000-hp marine engine
MAN Engines has introduced the MAN i6X, a new inline-six cylinder marine engine delivering 1,000 hp (735 kW) from 12.4 liters of displacement. The engine is designed for yachts and sportfishing boats, offering a novel single-turbocharging concept that reduces complexity and weight while maintaining high power density. It is the next development stage of the proven D26 platform, first introduced in 2015 for workboats and later as the MAN i6 for yachts. The engine meets IMO Tier II, EPA Tier III, and EU Sportboat Directive standards for global markets. MAN said the single-turbo approach improves responsiveness for quicker acceleration and maneuvering.
Read the full story →BMW launches long-wheelbase X5 and iX5 for China
BMW has introduced the new BMW X5 and the first-ever BMW iX5 as exclusive long-wheelbase model variants for the Chinese market. The wheelbase is extended by 130 millimeters to a total of 3,165 mm, providing increased rear legroom. Both models combine design of the BMW X5 with technologies of the Neue Klasse, including adaptive two-axle air suspension as standard. The interior features a monochromatic color concept and a three-dimensional backlit accent strip with integrated ambient lighting. BMW partnered with Chinese company Momenta to develop a navigation-guided “Address-to-Address” driver assistance system. Market launch for both the combustion-engine BMW X5 and the all-electric BMW iX5 is scheduled for 2027.
Read the full story →Mack Trucks expands DEF inducement software to post-2010 models
Mack Trucks announced the expanded rollout of updated diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) inducement software across its entire vehicle portfolio going back to post-2010 models. The software aligns with new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance that raises final inducement speeds from 5 to 25 miles per hour and extends the repair window from 4 to 160 hours. The company began incorporating the update in May 2026 on Mack Pioneer and all-new Mack Anthem models with MP13 engines. Mack said the updated software is designed to provide customers with a practical and streamlined path to compliance while supporting reliable vehicle operation. The rollout covers vehicles from 2010 onward.
Read the full story →Audi holds H1 2026 operating profit at €1.1 billion
The Audi Group delivered 727,000 Audi brand vehicles in the first half of 2026, down just over 7% year-on-year. Revenue fell to €29.2 billion from €32.6 billion. Operating profit rose slightly to €1.1 billion from €1.09 billion, lifting the operating margin to 3.8% from 3.3%. Strict cost discipline and lower CO₂ compliance provisions offset negative product mix and lower sales. Net cash flow nearly doubled to €1.9 billion, supported by working capital improvements. Audi cited ongoing competitive challenges in China and US tariffs as factors driving the delivery decline. The company revised its 2026 revenue forecast to €58-63 billion and operating margin target to 5-7%.
Read the full story →BorgWarner wins transfer case supply deal for Chinese SUV
BorgWarner secured a new award to supply its torque-on-demand transfer case with mechanical lock (Mlock TOD) for a newly developed, full-size SUV from a Chinese OEM. Start of production is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. The Mlock TOD offers intelligent torque distribution and greater convenience compared to traditional part-time four-wheel drive systems that require manual mode selection. BorgWarner’s Mlock TOD is based on a proven and reliable product design. The award extends BorgWarner's two-decade relationship with the Chinese customer. The company said the solution helps improve overall vehicle performance while providing customers with flexible and efficient four-wheel drive solutions.
Read the full story →Scania supplies Core 800 batteries to MacLean Engineering
Scania Industrial Batteries and MacLean Engineering announced a strategic collaboration to electrify underground mining vehicles. Scania will supply its Core 800 battery packs to MacLean, which will use them in its battery-electric mining equipment. Scania was selected as MacLean's primary battery supplier after an extensive global evaluation process covering technical assessments, compliance, safety, and long-term support. The Core 800 offers 97 kWh of installed energy and a nominal voltage of 691 V, featuring advanced thermal management and a proprietary battery management system. Over 2,000 Scania battery systems are already operating in mines worldwide, according to the companies.
Read the full story →Toyota joins cellcentric as equal shareholder with Volvo, Daimler
Toyota Motor Corporation signed a binding agreement to join cellcentric as an equal shareholder alongside Volvo Group and Daimler Truck, transforming the joint venture from a two-company partnership into a three-way collaboration. The partners plan to cooperate on equal terms to strengthen cellcentric's technological lead, industrial scale, and competitiveness in heavy-duty fuel cell technology. They will also work across the hydrogen value chain to support hydrogen supply and infrastructure development. Completion of the transaction is expected around year end 2026 or start of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. cellcentric holds roughly 700 individual patents and employs more than 560 people across sites in Germany and Canada.
Read the full story →All of the developments reported above were announced on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Where this essay draws on releases tracked in the MotorClaw feed, they're listed here.
- Aurora Innovation, Inc. — Value Truck to Deploy Aurora's Second-Generation Driverless Trucks
- BMW — BMW Group Plant Woodruff starts series production of Gen6 high-voltage batteries for iX5 in December
- Mercedes-Benz — Mercedes-Benz and Hydro deepen partnership for low-CO2 aluminum
- MAN Truck & Bus — MAN Engines unveils new i6X inline-six yacht engine with 1,000 hp
- BMW — BMW Introduces Long Wheelbase X5 and iX5 Exclusively for China
- Mack Trucks, Inc. — Mack Trucks Expands DEF Inducement Software Updates to Post-2010 Model Year Vehicles
- Audi — Audi Group reports stable operating profit of €1.1B in H1 2026 despite tariffs and China competition
- BorgWarner Inc. — BorgWarner Secures Transfer Case Supply Deal for Chinese OEM's New Full-Size SUV
- Scania AB — Scania Industrial Batteries announces strategic battery partnership with MacLean Engineering
- Volvo Group (AB Volvo) — Toyota joins Volvo Group and Daimler Truck as equal partner in fuel cell joint venture cellcentric