Volkswagen Turnaround: Reuters reports VW’s supervisory board approved a transformation plan that targets a 9% operating margin by 2030 and could cut about 50,000 jobs, as the automaker battles shifting demand and tech pressure. North America Product Push: Reuters also says VW is exploring new North American SUVs and pickups, including body-on-frame B-segment options, plus more hybrid focus as EV demand softens. China-Connected Vehicle Pressure: The Alliance for Automotive Innovation urged Congress to permanently ban Chinese connected vehicles, hardware and software, warning subsidized tech is spreading globally. BMW Recall: BMW issued a worldwide recall of 189,000 3/5/7 Series cars over a starter relay water-sealing issue that can lead to silent starter fires; repairs require full starter motor replacement. EV Battery Reality Check: A large used-EV study finds Mercedes EQA, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and BMW i4 retain battery health best, with top packs still above ~93% median capacity at 150,000 km. Toyota Legal Risk: A Georgia appeals court upheld parts of a carbon-monoxide death lawsuit against Toyota over a 2015 Lexus keyless ignition warning system. Toyota EV Timing: Toyota denied delaying its Highlander EV launch beyond 2027, despite reports of further slippage. Motorsport Tech: Aston Martin says more F1 upgrades are coming after recent gains, while Mercedes’ Russell and Antonelli discuss tow plans for Monza qualifying.