Ex-Opel boss to launch Polestar in France after settling DS dispute

January 23, 2025

Swedish-Chinese electric performance carmaker Polestar announced its long-anticipated market entry into France. It’s a key milestone in the company’s global expansion, as a legal dispute with Citroën over logo rights long banned the brand’s sales and operations. Polestar plans to begin operations in the French market in the summer of 2025, marking Polestar’s 27th market […]

Citroën’s Takata crisis deepens: massive recall in Europe

January 22, 2025

Citroën is expanding its recall of vehicles equipped with defective Takata airbags to cover 869,000 units across Europe. The massive recall affects popular models like the Citroën C3 and DS3, manufactured between 2009 and 2017, and will be rolled out in phases. The first phase, targeting 98,000 vehicles, kicks off at the end of this […]

EU files WTO complaint against China over connectivity patents

January 21, 2025

The European Union has lodged a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization against China over what it calls “unfair and illegal” practices involving intellectual property rights. The complaint escalates ongoing trade tensions between the two economic giants following disputes over electric vehicle import tariffs and Chinese investigations into European industries. At the heart of […]

Chery’s Zongheng: the SUV that floats like a boat

January 21, 2025

Jetour, a sub-brand of Chery Automobile, has steep ambitions in its home country to mimic what Land Rover does in the UK and Jeep in the USA. A fresh teaser video of its upcoming luxury off-road vehicle series, Zongheng, shows a camouflaged vehicle sailing through the water like an amphibious car. This sets new benchmarks […]

D’Ieteren’s hyperchargers redefine speed and charging comfort

January 20, 2025

D’Ieteren Energy, the new energy arm of Belgian auto importer D’Ieteren, is steping into hypercharging with the unveiling of its innovative FusionCharger. This cutting-edge DC charging station, developed by Huawei, leverages liquid-cooled technology to deliver ultrafast charging capabilities and keep peak power available regardless the number of charging cars.  The FusionCharger was under demonstration at […]

BYD Han L rivals Tesla Model S Plaid with benchmark electric motor (update)

January 20, 2025

BYD’s new flagship sedan Han L has been officially unveiled in its homecountry China, alongside its sister model, the Tang L. Equipped with a new e-motor both models share their technology and aim at top performances with 1,086 hp on tap and a 0-100 km/h sprint to rival the plaid versions of the Model S […]

Polestar revises strategy and brings production of 7 to Europe

January 17, 2025

During a business update on Polestar’s financial performance, CEO Michael Lohscheller shed some light on the upcoming challenges and solutions for the underperforming car maker. As a replacement for the 2, the new compact SUV 7 will be built in Europe. To sustain its U.S. business, the company will also navigate around the Biden ban […]

Polestar 3 freezes out Tesla in Norway’s brutal winter range test

January 17, 2025

The Polestar 3 surfaced victoriously in Norway’s latest El Prix winter range test. The Chinese-Swedish flagship SUV scored the second-best result in the test history. Despite Tesla’s reputation for range consistency, the Model 3 fell short of expectations. The world’s leading country for EV adoption isn’t the most benign region. Norway’s freezing winter temperatures and […]

No more ‘spy cars’: US bans Chinese and Russian tech in vehicles

January 16, 2025

Outgoing US President Joe Biden presented a farewell gift this week. He announced sweeping new restrictions, banning Chinese and Russian technology in connected vehicles over national security concerns. The new regulations will prohibit the sale, import, and use of hardware, software, and complete vehicles incorporating such technologies in the US. The White House stated that […]

EV sales stall and China competition heats up for Volkswagen

January 15, 2025

The Volkswagen Group saw a challenging 2024, reporting a 2.3% decline in global deliveries across all its brands, totaling 9.03 million vehicles. While the company narrowly achieved its target of 9 million units, the drop reflects difficulties in key markets, particularly China, and slower-than-expected growth in electric vehicles. Volkswagen’s sales in China, its largest market, […]

‘Hey Mercedes!’ means ‘Hey Google!’ in the upcoming CLA

January 14, 2025

While most carmakers choose ChatGPT as the digital assistant for the infotainment experience, Mercedes will embark on Google’s new Automotive AI Agent from the upcoming CLA. This should provide enhanced dialogues based on the tech company’s extended location data from its navigation maps and Waze. Google has officially unveiled its new Automotive AI Agent, a […]

Slump in China sales leaves even German carmakers like Porsche reeling

January 14, 2025

Sports carmaker Porsche is the next German car brand to report a sharp decline in Chinese deliveries. It highlights the mounting challenges German luxury automakers face in the world’s largest car market. In 2024, Porsche delivered 56,887 vehicles in China, a staggering 28 percent drop from the 79,283 units sold in 2023. This marks the […]

Dramatic drop for Mercedes EV sales last year, spurring cost reductions

January 13, 2025

German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz saw a slight dip in global sales and a big one in electric vehicle demand in 2024. The decline is primarily attributed to weaker demand in key regions like China, the automaker’s largest single market, and a sharp slump in European battery-electric vehicle sales. As for 2025, the car manufacturer hardly […]

Shareholders throw Northvolt a lifeline

January 10, 2025

Beleaguered Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt has received a critical endorsement from its shareholders to continue operations in its home country. A vote in favor underscores shareholder confidence from important partners like Volkswagen as the battery supplier tries to restructure and seeks additional funding to keep its business afloat. Northvolt, once a beacon of Europe’s aspirations […]

Mixed 2024 results hold Polestar in a challenging grapple

January 10, 2025

Chinese-Swedish EV maker Polestar reported an uptick in fourth-quarter sales and order intake for 2024, signaling a potential turnaround amid a turbulent year. However, despite tripling its lineup, the company sold fewer vehicles over the full year than in 2023.  For the final quarter of 2024 – in many countries, a strong sales rally before […]

Honda unveils 0 Saloon and 0 SUV at CES, brings ASIMO back

January 08, 2025

Honda took center stage at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) with the debut of its groundbreaking 0 Series electric vehicles, the 0 SUV and 0 Saloon, set to hit production in 2026. Alongside these futuristic prototypes, Honda announced its first proprietary vehicle operating system, ASIMO OS, named after its legendary humanoid robot. The announcements […]

Automakers tap Polestar, Volvo, and Tesla to avoid EU CO2 fines

January 08, 2025

As the 2025 EU emissions targets draw closer, automakers hastily form alliances and pool carbon credits to evade potentially billions in fines. Electric vehicle pioneers like Tesla and Polestar are taking advantage of their zero-emission lineups by selling surplus credits to manufacturers. Hesitating carmakers are allowed to join until the beginning of February. Under the […]

Leaked uncamouflaged picture shows Leapmotor’s new global sedan

January 07, 2025

Leapmotor, the Chinese electric vehicle start-up partially backed by Stellantis, is gearing up to launch its newest family member in the B-series. After unveiling the B10 SUV at the Paris Motor Show, the brand is preparing the B01 sedan for launch in mid-2025. The brand has also unveiled a longer-range version of the C16, an […]

New York implements USA’s first urban congestion toll

January 06, 2025

In a groundbreaking yet polarizing move, New York City introduced a $9 congestion toll for vehicles entering southern Manhattan during peak hours last Sunday. It’s the first US city to implement such a policy, modeled after examples of cities worldwide. Having been postponed for half a year, the toll is sending ripples all over the […]

UK EV sales hit record high but fall short of government target

January 06, 2025

The UK automotive industry achieved a record-breaking year for fully electric vehicle sales in 2024. However, electric cars accounted for just 19.6% of total new car sales despite the milestone, falling short of the government-mandated target of 22%, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). While the sales figure of 328,000 units […]

Brussels Motor Show: European first for Leapmotor C10 with range extender 

December 27, 2024

Leapmotor plans to make waves at the 101st Brussels Motor Show in January 2025 by unveiling its latest innovation: the C10 REEV (Range Extender Electric Vehicle). This marks the first introduction of Leapmotor’s REEV technology in Europe as the company seeks to expand its presence in the growing EV and hybrid markets. Leapmotor enlarges its […]

Construction workers at BYD’s Brazilian EV plant treated like slaves?

December 27, 2024

Construction at BYD’s highly anticipated EV manufacturing plant in Salvador, Brazil, was abruptly stopped this week following alarming allegations from Brazilian authorities. According to the Public Ministry of Labor (MPT), 163 Chinese workers were found laboring in “slavery-like conditions” at the site. The workers are not direct employees of the Chinese carmaker but belong to […]

Einride starts first commercial daily autonomous freight operation

December 23, 2024

Swedish freight technology company Einride, specializing in sustainable and autonomous vehicle solutions, has achieved a European milestone by launching the continent’s first daily commercial autonomous freight operation. Partnering with online pharmacy Apotea, Einride’s autonomous trucks now transport goods between the retailer’s warehouses in Morgongåva, Sweden, and so officially move to the road network. The operation […]

Nio’s Firefly EV: ‘Smarter than Mini and more Mini than Smart’

December 23, 2024

Chinese EV maker Nio has unveiled the Firefly at Nio Day 2024. It is the first model under its new budget-oriented brand, aiming to capture young buyers with its compact size, innovative features, and affordability. Priced from 148,800 yuan (approximately €19,750), the Firefly is set to compete with established players like BMW’s Mini, the BYD […]

Tesla to launch refreshed Model Y production in January?

December 20, 2024

According to a Chinese media outlet, Tesla will begin mass production of its refreshed Model Y at its Giga Shanghai factory next month. The updated Model Y, codenamed ‘Juniper,’ is the world’s best-selling car. It will feature a range of design and performance enhancements aimed at keeping the popular SUV ahead of the competition. The […]

EU launches strategic dialogue to support automotive industry

December 20, 2024

The European Commission announced on Thursday that the European Union will launch a strategic dialogue on the future of its automotive industry in January. The initiative aims to develop rapid support measures for the auto sector as it grapples with the accelerated shift toward electric cars and the regulatory standards on average fleet emissions. The […]

Biden to approve California’s 2035 ICE ban before Trump’s arrival (update)

December 19, 2024

As President Biden’s last days in office approach, his administration has granted California and eleven other states permission to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This marks one of the most ambitious climate policies in the US, but President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to lift the ban. This has now been made […]

Alfa unveils Junior Q4 as world premiere at Brussels Motor Show

December 19, 2024

Alfa Romeo is bringing a world premiere to the Brussels Motor Show next January. The Italian brand will unveil the four-wheel driven version of its small SUV Junior, based on the hybrid driveline. It seems Stellantis is keen on making a grand entrance in the capital of Europe. With the demise of motor shows worldwide, […]

MG’s solid state battery for 2025 is less revolutionary than expected

December 17, 2024

MG Motor, a Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor subsidiary, has announced plans to launch an electric vehicle in 2025 powered by a semi-solid state battery. This move comes after earlier statements suggested MG would be the first to deploy a fully solid-state battery. The hybrid solution implies the car brand is backtracking on its earlier full […]

ANWB: ‘Electric car now costlier than ICE model in the Netherlands’

December 17, 2024

Electric vehicles are widely regarded as a cost-effective alternative to gasoline-powered cars, but that trend has officially reversed in the Netherlands. According to the latest Elektrisch Rijden Monitor by the Dutch motorists’ association ANWB, it’s now more expensive to drive an EV than a combustion-engined car. The report highlights growing concerns over rising operating costs, […]

Running out of cash Nikola balances on the verge of bankrupcy

December 16, 2024

Embattled hydrogen truck maker Nikola is grappling with severe financial strain as it scrambles to secure funds and stave off bankruptcy. The company has confirmed another round of layoffs this month while warning in filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it does not have enough cash to sustain operations through the […]

Flanders delays introduction of road tax for new electric cars

December 13, 2024

The introduction of an annual road tax for new electric cars in Flanders, initially set to take effect on January 1st, 2025, has been postponed. This was confirmed by the cabinet of Flemish Finance Minister Ben Weyts (N-VA) to Het Laatste Nieuws. The delay is attributed to the ongoing development of a taxation formula and […]

Facelifted BYD Dolphin with new powertrain to be built in EU

December 12, 2024

The facelifted version of the popular BYD Dolphin hatchback has leaked. According to registration details from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the design introduces minor tweaks, but there will be a new powertrain option. Three motor configurations, including a new 130 kW (174 hp) variant, are slated for commercialization. These changes will […]

Toyota opens orders for 13,000 euro electric SUV in China

December 10, 2024

Toyota’s GAC joint venture has officially opened orders in China for its highly anticipated “new force pure electric SUV,” the bZ3X. While Toyota is slowing down on its global EV plans, the bZ3X plays a pivotal role in the company’s success in the Chinese marketplace—and it might end up in Europe. Toyota has unveiled the […]

BYD’s next-gen Blade battery to reduce cost by 15% in 2025

December 10, 2024

BYD aims to stay ahead in the fierce EV battery price war with a new generation of its Blade battery that promises higher energy density, faster charging, and reduced costs. As the world’s second-largest EV battery manufacturer, BYD is gearing up to launch its second-generation Blade battery in the first half of 2025. The new […]

Executive shake-up continues at Lucid as European boss leaves

December 09, 2024

Lucid Motors has announced another vital leadership change with the departure of Alexander Lutz, its Managing Director for Europe. His departure adds to a growing list of executive exits from Lucid, marking the ninth senior departure in just 14 months. Lutz took on the role only in December last year after leading Polestar’s operations in Italy. He […]

Paraclete Energy claims it can revolutionize EV batteries

December 06, 2024

Paraclete Energy, a U.S.-based innovator in battery materials, has unveiled a breakthrough in silicon-based anode technology. This technology offers unprecedented cost and performance advantages for electric vehicle batteries. The company’s proprietary silicon anode material reduces costs by almost 35% compared to traditional graphite anodes used in lithium iron phosphate batteries. Paraclete’s solution is called SILO […]

Recaro rescued by Italian supplier, production moves to Italy

December 06, 2024

Recaro Automotive GmbH, the renowned German manufacturer of car seats, has been acquired by Italy’s Proma Group, signaling a major shake-up for the company. As part of the acquisition, production will cease in Germany and move to the Turin region, permanently closing the current site and leaving more than 170 employees without jobs. Proma Group […]

Silence in and around the church: Popemobile goes electric

December 05, 2024

Pope Francis has introduced a fully electric ‘Popemobile’, a pristine white, battery-powered, and unique G-Class created in close partnership with Mercedes-Benz. This exceptional vehicle is the first emission-free Popemobile and must reflect the Vatican’s dedication to sustainability and efforts in climate change. The new Popemobile, based on the electric Mercedes-Benz G580 with EG Technology, is […]

Aptera reignites crowdfunding to bring its solar EV in production

December 04, 2024

California-based start-up Aptera Motors is once again turning to crowdfunding in its mission to bring its solar-powered, three-wheeled electric vehicle to the assembly halls. This renewed effort aims to secure the additional $60 million necessary to transition its prototype to a production-ready car. The new crowdfunding campaign follows Aptera’s previous one, which concluded in May […]

Hyundai and Kia embracing EVs drives record sales in US

December 04, 2024

Hyundai and Kia achieved record US sales in November, fueled by surging demand for electrified vehicles and strong performance in the crossover segment. Hyundai’s sales rose 8% year-over-year to 76,008 units, while Kia’s deliveries soared 20% to 70,107, marking a standout month for both automakers. The momentum is expected to continue as Hyundai launches its […]

Nissan eyes affordable bi-directional charging in EU by 2026

December 02, 2024

Nissan has announced plans to launch affordable vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology on select electric vehicles in Europe starting in 2026. Developed in collaboration with Belgian technology firm Enovates, the carmaker promises a price not higher than current charging systems. The rollout will commence in the United Kingdom, followed by other European markets at a later stage. […]

Stockholm’s ban on fossil-fuel cars halted

December 02, 2024

Stockholm’s ambition to establish the world’s first urban zero-emission vehicle zone in its upscale shopping district has hit a roadblock. Originally slated to take effect by the end of the year, the initiative is now on hold as Sweden’s County Administrative Board examines appeals filed by five companies opposing the measure. In a surprise move, […]

Honda to throw lifebuoy as Nissan struggles for survival?

November 29, 2024

Nissan is navigating turbulent waters as it faces a strong revenue drop and has switched to ‘emergency mode,’ according to its boss, Makoto Uchida. The Japanese car maker seeks a critical anchor investor to ensure its survival and readies for 2025, a “make-or-break” year. Honda is rumored to step in as a savior and supply […]

Californian governor wants to exclude Musk’s Tesla from EV incentives

November 27, 2024

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a proposal to revive the state’s electric vehicle rebate program in response to former President Donald Trump’s pledge to eliminate the federal EV tax credit. However, the proposed plan includes a controversial exclusion of Tesla models, the state’s leading EV manufacturer. Elon Musk labeled the move as “insane.” As […]

Trump revives tariff threats, targeting Mexico and Canada

November 27, 2024

As Donald Trump prepares for his second term as US president, his campaign rhetoric quickly transforms into aggressive trade policies. The president-elect has reignited fears of wide-ranging trade wars, confirming his plans to impose substantial tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. Cars and automotive parts assembled in this region could face excess duties of […]

GM to enter F1 pinnacle of motorsport with Cadillac in 2026 (update)

November 26, 2024

General Motors has announced its entry into Formula 1, with the Cadillac brand set to join the grid as the 11th team starting in 2026. The decision, approved in principle, marks a watershed moment for the American automaker as it ventures into the pinnacle of motorsport. Former F1 driver and US’s last F1 champion Mario […]

Renault Trucks secures approval for France’s first electric retrofit truck

November 25, 2024

Renault Trucks has achieved its first-ever approval in France for an electric retrofit truck. This pioneering vehicle, a 12-ton Renault Truck D, previously powered by a diesel engine, has been converted into a battery-electric truck. The retrofit truck will be leased for several years to Extime, the operator of duty-free stores at Paris Airport. Retrofitting […]

Honda readies pilot production line for solid-state batteries

November 22, 2024

Honda is joining the pioneering car group that takes solid-state battery technology from the lab to a demonstration production line. Verification production will begin in January next year at a Sakura facility just north of Tokyo. Honda’s pilot line will test and refine production procedures for this next-generation battery type, often hailed as a potential […]

Toyota’s bZ7 Concept 2025 in China: a fit for Europe?

November 21, 2024

During the Guangzhou Auto Show, Toyota revealed its latest electric car, the bZ7 concept. Slated for production in 2025, this sleek electric sedan underscores Toyota’s growing commitment to the Chinese market and its strategy to challenge domestic players. While Toyota’s global fully electric offerings remain limited to the bZ4X SUV, the brand has rapidly expanded […]

Hyundai Ioniq 9 takes the brand to new luxury levels

November 21, 2024

Hyundai has officially revealed its latest electric vehicle, the Ioniq 9, ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The three-row SUV is the equivalent of the Kia EV9 and is slated to hit the market in 2025. As the brand’s flagship model, the SUV must draw in more premium-oriented buyers and rival the Volvo EX90. […]

Jaguar unveils new brand logo ahead of its risky rebirth

November 20, 2024

Second time lucky? Jaguar is setting the stage for a dramatic reinvention aimed at the higher end of the luxury market. Ahead of the reveal of its first battery-powered model of its reinvented era, planned for the beginning of December, the brand has presented the new visual identity that goes along with its rebirth. The […]

Tesla surges as Trump plots regulatory overhaul of self-driving cars

November 20, 2024

Tesla shares soared by over 7% following reports that U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump’s administration plans to prioritize federal regulations for self-driving vehicles. Bloomberg reported that Trump’s transition team has identified autonomous vehicle policy as a critical focus for the Department of Transportation. In a single trading session, Tesla’s market value was boosted by $70 billion […]

Toyota’s plan to scale-up EV production must avoid VW scenario

November 18, 2024

Toyota plans to expand its electric vehicle production capabilities with ‘Area 35’. This global initiative aims to increase manufacturing capacity and embrace the production of 3.5 million EVs annually by the decade’s end. With an emphasis on optimizing existing resources and reducing production complexities, the Japanese giant hopes to compete with Tesla and the Chinese […]

Mercedes unveils cutting-edge powertrain tech for upcoming CLA

November 18, 2024

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the highly anticipated electric CLA’s powertrain technology, showcasing a blend of innovative EV advancements and design flexibility. Positioned as a trailblazer for Mercedes’ future entry-level vehicles, the CLA will debut on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, promising unparalleled efficiency. Though Mercedes-Benz keeps the A-Class lineage longer than initially anticipated, the […]

Pressure mounts on Lynk & Co as Volvo sells full stake to Zeekr 

November 15, 2024

Volvo Cars has announced the sale of its entire stake in Lynk & Co to Geely-owned Zeekr in a deal worth approximately €710 million. This move is part of a larger strategy by parent company Geely to streamline its electric vehicle operations and shift away from an acquisition strategy to boosting synergies across its brands. […]

New plug-in hybrid Audi A3 also available in crossover trim

November 14, 2024

Audi is enhancing its A3 offering with the introduction of the earlier announced new plug-in hybrid models, the 40 TFSI e and 45 TFSI e. These models boast more power and double the battery capacity over their predecessors. A3 enthusiasts can also look forward to the 40 TFSI e in the rugged Allstreet trim, designed […]

Volkswagen and Rivian officially launch joint venture in €5.8 billion EV push

November 13, 2024

Volkswagen and Rivian have officially launched their joint venture, “Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC,” which aims to accelerate the development of battery-powered vehicles and boost software architectures. The collaboration, valued at €5.8 billion, marks a significant increase from the €5 billion investment initially announced in June. The venture begins operations today. Speaking at the […]

Hertz loss widens beyond expectations due to EV price cuts

November 13, 2024

Hertz reported a staggering €1.2 billion net loss in the third quarter, driven mainly by the write-down on its fleet of electric vehicles (€0.9 billion). The results, which fell significantly short of analyst expectations, highlighted the mounting challenges of the ambitious shift towards electrification for rental and leasing companies. Hertz’s losses stem primarily from a […]

Chinese EV-brands Voyah, Dongfeng, and Mhero drive into Belgium

November 12, 2024

Belgium welcomes the arrival of three new Chinese electric car brands in the same automotive group. After their debut in the Netherlands, Voyah, Dongfeng, and Mhero are officially available today through the Ghistelinck group network. The first brand store has opened in Eke, Ghent. When the Dongfeng Group entered the Dutch market with three brands […]

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