Developments this week touch the collision repair workforce, the vehicles moving through shops, and a pair of seat-related recalls.
Honda ends its only U.S. EV
Honda will conclude sales of the Prologue after the 2026 model year, ending production of the automaker's only battery-electric vehicle in the U.S. market, a Honda spokesperson confirmed to Kelley Blue Book. Sales will continue through early 2027 as remaining inventory clears, and the discontinuation closes Honda's EV partnership with General Motors. Launched in 2024, Honda sold nearly 40,000 Prologues in 2025.
The Prologue was built on GM's Ultium architecture, sharing underpinnings with the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV, and was assembled in Mexico. Honda has said Prologue customers will continue to receive support through its dealer network, including service, parts, and warranty coverage. Shops will keep seeing these vehicles with no second generation slated to follow.
Ford and Google back a skilled trades alliance
BlackRock, Carhartt, Ford, and Google have launched the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades, a coalition to expand access to skilled trades training, according to a July 21 announcement.
The founding members cite an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades positions that could go unfilled by 2030, including technicians, and have committed to workforce initiatives across 30 states. Ford has committed $300 million to skilled trades workforce development in 2026, and Google committed $50 million toward training programs.
The alliance focuses on building the trades pipeline, scaling apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and partnering with labor, education, and nonprofit organizations. Ford CEO Jim Farley framed the shortage as tied to what the company calls the Essential Economy, citing the technicians in its plants and dealerships. The technician shortage is a persistent constraint for collision shops, and the initiative signals where major employers are directing pipeline investment.
Seat and restraint recalls: Ford and Hyundai
Two automakers issued seat-related recalls this week, both involving occupant restraint in a crash:
- Ford is recalling 387,911 vehicles because the easy-entry switch for the second-row outer seats may bind or stick, allowing the seat to unlatch, fold, or slide unexpectedly, under NHTSA campaign 26V451 (Ford recall 26S52). The recall covers certain 2020-2026 Explorer and 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The remedy is a dealer bezel replacement.
- Hyundai is recalling 47,749 vehicles because the rear center seat belt buckle may fail to properly restrain an occupant in a crash, under recall 26V452 (Hyundai recall 306). The recall covers certain 2025 Kona Electric and 2026 Kona vehicles, and Hyundai advises against using the rear center seat until repaired.
