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FRANKFURT, Germany — Automaker Volkswagen says it will invest $50 billion (44 billion euros) in developing autonomous and electric cars and expand the appeal of battery-powered cars by selling its upcoming ID compact for about what a diesel-powered Golf costs.

Ford Motor Co. is teaming with Walmart Inc., the world’s largest retailer, to lay the groundwork for a driverless grocery delivery service.

Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co. are nearing a framework agreement to join forces on electric and self-driving vehicles, capital-intensive areas that are reshaping the auto industry and straining carmakers’ finances across the globe.

Albemarle Corp., the world’s largest lithium producer, is planning to expand production in Australia, chasing the market for a form of the metal increasingly being used by the makers of electric car batteries.

Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler and auto supplier Bosch plan to launch a self-driving car pilot for the public in San Jose, Calif., in the second half of 2019.

Tesla Inc. appointed a director who’s been on its board for years to replace Elon Musk as chairman, stirring suspicion as to whether the mercurial CEO will be restrained after costly run-ins with securities regulators.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Rapid advances in technology and an infusion of venture capital are fueling innovation that is transforming the freight transportation industry.

AUSTIN, Texas — I.D. Systems has introduced a new line of trailer-tracking and cargo-monitoring products designed to give fleets more insights about their shipments and also demonstrated a voice-activated reporting interface to help them better utilize that data.