November 11, 2024
Tensions are rising over next year’s new EU CO2 emission targets for the auto industry. Backed by Germany, France is pushing the European Commission to postpone the targets by one year. However, the Brussels administration maintains a firm stance. Without delay, car makers will need a significant uptick in electric car sales next year. However, […]
November 08, 2024
Naming policies are sometimes a quirky business in the auto industry. Audi hasn’t been shy of confusing with the namesakes of their models and has now turned that reputation one notch up by launching a new Chinese brand called – well – AUDI. Yes, you spell it in capitals; no, there are no rings anymore. […]
November 07, 2024
Unplugged Performance, a leading Tesla tuner, has introduced the UP.FIT Tesla Model S Plaid Pursuit at SEMA 2024, claiming the title of the world’s fastest police patrol car. This vehicle is more than a concept. It is ready for ordering and will join the police forces in Los Angeles. Villains and thieves have one more […]
November 07, 2024
Alpine has officially launched the A290, an electric hot hatch that ventures into more practical territory. In many respects, this car can be regarded as the modern successor to the famous Renault R5 Turbo. It is also in an emission-free guise, which is a first for the brand. Alpine unveiled its fully electric hot hatch […]
November 06, 2024
Another indicator of the automotive industry’s struggle was that German automotive supplier Schaeffler announced plans to cut 4,700 jobs across Europe. The layoffs, primarily targeting ten sites in Germany and five additional European locations, will unfold between 2025 and 2027, with two site closures also confirmed. Schaeffler joins the ranks of automotive companies turning to […]
November 05, 2024
Suzuki has officially unveiled its first battery electric vehicle, the e Vitara, in Milan, Italy. Building on the concept model ‘eVX’, the model will also appear as a rebadged Toyota in global markets. The newcomer is expected to hit European markets by the summer of 2025. As the Vitara has been a long-time bestseller for […]
November 04, 2024
As part of a significant update for the 2025 model year, Chevrolet has added the Sidewinder mode to its Silverado EV. This feature enables the truck to move diagonally by turning all four wheels in the same direction, enhancing maneuverability in tight spots or challenging off-road terrain. It’s a further example of how car makers […]
November 04, 2024
Toyota has confirmed launching a new electric SUV based on Suzuki’s upcoming EV model. This SUV, set to be built in India starting next spring, is a variant of the Suzuki eVX, which was unveiled initially at the Auto Expo in Delhi last year. The collaboration makes it easier for both car makers to enter […]
November 01, 2024
Norway is revising its climate targets for vans, with a proposed delay of the deadline for all new van sales to be zero-emission from 2025 to 2027. The shift seems necessary as adoption moves much slower than the high sales penetration of battery-electric cars. Even in zero-emission Walhalla, vans stick to burning fossil fuels. The […]
October 31, 2024
For the first time, Chinese automaker BYD has surpassed Tesla in quarterly revenue. The leap is driven by strong domestic sales, helped by government incentives, and BYD’s relentless focus on expanding its international footprint. In China, where over half of vehicle sales now consist of electric or hybrid models, BYD continues to dominate. BYD reported […]
October 28, 2024
As tensions escalate over European Union tariffs on electric vehicles, Bloomberg reports that China is pressing its automakers from the backroom to halt their expansion plans into Europe. Beijing allegedly advises Chinese car manufacturers to stop pursuing new production sites in the EU and avoid signing further agreements while negotiations with Brussels are ongoing. In […]
October 28, 2024
Hyundai Rotem, the South Korean defense contractor and a branch of the Hyundai Group, is pioneering the development of hydrogen fuel cell-powered battle tanks. This ambitious project, part of a collaboration with the National Defense Research Institute and other defense technology organizations, aims to create a tank that achieves stealth battlefield supremacy and aligns with […]
October 25, 2024
Hyundai is pushing the envelope of high-performance EVs with its newly unveiled RN24 concept, a radical reimagining of the electric rally car. Showcased at this year’s N Day, the RN24 borrows the potent dual-motor powertrain from the Ioniq 5 N, now fitted within a rally-inspired chassis that emphasizes agility, power, and then some. This is […]
October 25, 2024
Tesla surprised investors and analysts by posting bigger-than-expected profits for the third quarter of 2024. Though the EV maker boosted deliveries in the past three months, the money comes from unexpected income like CO2 credits, cost cutting, and “services and others.” Interestingly, Elon Musk never favored the latter as an important revenue stream. Tesla exceeded […]
October 21, 2024
Hyundai Mobis, a leading parts supplier for Hyundai, is taking in-car screen technology to the next level with its latest innovation: a full-width holographic windshield display. Developed in partnership with German optical giant Zeiss, this new technology could revolutionize how drivers and passengers interact with their vehicles by transforming the entire windshield into a transparent […]
October 18, 2024
Elon Musk has promoted Omead Afshar, previously seen as his “chief of staff” at Tesla, to a high-ranking executive role, marking a significant leadership change at the automaker. Afshar, who faced controversy in 2022, now assumes the position of Vice President of Operations in North America and Europe, overseeing Tesla’s sales and manufacturing in these […]
October 18, 2024
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse’s latest stance against the sales ban on combustion-engined cars by 2035 might reignite the discussion surrounding a political revision on the EU level. According to the top executive, keeping the combustion engine running is the best remedy for remaining competitive in the face of mounting Chinese competition. President of the European […]
October 17, 2024
Hyundai Mobis, a significant supplier for Hyundai Motor Group, has announced an investment of approximately €235 million to establish new production facilities in Slovakia. The move aims to expand the South Korean partners’ presence in the European electric vehicle (EV) market, the second-largest globally. The new plant will focus on producing key EV components, including […]
October 17, 2024
Geely’s premium electric vehicle brand Zeekr is preparing to officially unveil its new mid-sized MPV, the Zeekr MIX, on October 23. With display models arriving in showrooms around the same time, the MIX is expected to generate significant attention due to its advanced design and family-oriented features. The Zeekr MIX, which is also headed to […]
October 14, 2024
Gigacasting has been touted as the go-to manufacturing innovation for cost-efficient EV production. After Tesla introduced the technique, many carmakers followed its lead or planned to do so. But after doing the math, Stellantis has decided to sidestep the adoption of gig casting in favor of more flexible, quickly implementable solutions. A missed opportunity? Arnaud […]
October 14, 2024
Citroën has introduced a refreshed version of the Ami microcar at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, marking the vehicle’s fourth anniversary with notable design updates and a new buggy concept. The updated Ami, known for its quirky style and high accessibility to youngsters, now boasts a “more sympathetic and mature” front design, restyled to pay […]
October 11, 2024
Renault will publicly unveil the Mobilize Duo or the next-generation Twizy at the Paris Motor Show. Like its spiritual forefather, it’s also available in a cargo version dubbed Bento. As cities worldwide strive for cleaner air and reduced traffic congestion, these two compact yet versatile electric vehicles want to earmark the future of city transportation […]
October 10, 2024
General Motors’ Ultium battery brand name will be discontinued as the company shifts toward incorporating different battery types and chemistries in its electric vehicle (EV) lineup. The move comes as GM aims to cut EV production costs and address the challenges of scaling battery production. Kurt Kelty, GM’s VP of batteries (and a former Tesla […]
October 10, 2024
Honda is gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated 0 Series EV lineup, marking a highly anticipated leap forward in the company’s electrification journey. Before the official launch of the first model in 2025, Honda provided a sneak peek of its latest technology at its global R&D center in Tochigi, Japan. The 0 Series must […]
October 08, 2024
Nissan joined the ‘club’ one month after BMW, Honda, and Ford started operating their shared US EV-charging network ChargeScape. The three founding automakers have been researching the possibility of a standard charging service network for some time and have turned their findings into a business. Nissan will be a 25% equity partner in the charging […]
October 07, 2024
In partnership with the waste management group Suez, Renault has announced ambitious plans to make its subsidiary ‘The Future is Neutral’, dedicated to the circular economy, a leading player in Europe. Suez becomes a shareholder in Renault’s branch, which will receive an injection of €140 million to boost its operations and objectives in circularity. During […]
October 07, 2024
McLaren has officially revealed its latest hypercar, the W1. This marks the British automaker’s third model to feature the iconic ‘1’ in its name, following the legendary F1 from 1993 and the P1 from 2013. True to its heritage, the W1 continues McLaren’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of automotive performance by incorporating cutting-edge technologies […]
October 04, 2024
Tesla has reported strong production and delivery figures for the third quarter of 2024. After producing nearly 410,000 vehicles in the second quarter, the electric car giant boosted output to 469,796 units in Q3 and delivered 462,890 cars to customers. These numbers represent a 14.3% increase in production and a 4.3% rise in deliveries compared […]
October 03, 2024
Norway continues to break records in the shift toward electric mobility. In September, 96.4% of all new car registrations in the country were fully electric vehicles. This new record comes just a month after the previous peak in August 2024, where 94.3% of new cars were electric. The surge in electric vehicle adoption reinforces Norway’s […]
October 03, 2024
The additional round of the Zero-Emission Trucks (AanZET) subsidy program for 2024 in the Netherlands was almost entirely allocated in just one day. Of the €22.2 million budget, €21.4 million was applied for, as companies feel the pressure with several Dutch cities introducing zero-emission zones in 2025. According to the Ministry, a new round of […]
September 30, 2024
The German-based Centre for Automotive Research (CAM) has released an analysis of EV registrations in Europe’s key markets for the first half of the year. CAM sees a significant opposing trend where the UK is nearing taking the lead from Germany as Europe’s biggest EV market. CAM spots an overall resilience for electric cars, especially […]
September 30, 2024
For the second time, Volkswagen, Germany’s largest automaker, has cut its 2024 revenue and profitability forecasts, signaling a deepening crisis within the German automotive industry. Citing a challenging market environment, the company announced on Friday that it now expects lower sales and earnings than previously projected. Volkswagen initially forecasted a revenue increase of up to […]
September 27, 2024
Belgium’s automotive market outperforms most European markets in reducing CO₂ emissions from new cars. According to Febiac and the European Environment Agency data, Newspaper De Tijd reports that the average emissions from new cars in Belgium decreased by over 40% between 2019 and 2023. This is significantly better than the EU average reduction of 27%, […]
September 27, 2024
Polestar’s collaboration with Swedish bicycle brand Allebike has resulted in a second joint e-mountain bike: the limited-edition Allebike Elize Polestar Engineered. This new bike, priced at €8,900, is designed for challenging off-road adventures, combining the design and performance elements that Polestar is known for. It’s designed to complement the carmaker’s SUV range. The new e-mountain […]
September 26, 2024
BYD marked a significant milestone on September 25th, as the Chinese automaker celebrated the production of its nine millionth new energy vehicle (NEV). The landmark car, a Yangwang U9 electric supercar, crowned the event. The achievement symbolizes BYD’s rapid growth and expansion in the electric vehicle market. Two months ago, BYD reached its eighth millionth […]
September 24, 2024
Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt, Europe’s unicorn start-up in the electric vehicle (EV) battery market, announced it will cut 1,600 jobs. The number accounts for roughly 20% of its global workforce. The decision comes as the company faces significant financial challenges and a slowdown in the EV market. The cuts will disproportionately affect Sweden, with around […]
September 24, 2024
August was a turbulent month for the European automotive market, with notable winners and losers among car manufacturers. Overall, vehicle sales dropped by 17%, as reported by Dataforce, but a few brands managed to defy the trend with impressive gains. Volvo’s soon-to-be-built-in Ghent EX30 continues its winning streak, while Chinese newcomer Omoda outperforms established names […]
September 23, 2024
Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has revised its annual profit target downward for the second time this year, citing a challenging economic climate, particularly in China. This revised forecast follows a similar downgrade earlier this year due to weak second-quarter results. As the headwinds for German car makers grow stronger by the day, Berlin has set up a […]
September 19, 2024
Norway has reached the predicted watershed moment, with more electric cars than gasoline vehicles being driven daily. The breakthrough came earlier than expected but follows a month of a record market share of EV registrations. However, diesel vehicles still account for the largest share at approximately 35%. The tip-over was around the corner, as we […]
September 16, 2024
As the Golden State pushes towards its ambitious carbon neutrality goal, California’s low-income residents can apply for a subsidy incentive to transition to a zero-emission vehicle. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has introduced the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), a supportive aid worth $242 million (€217,5 million) to leverage EV adoption. The program mimics […]
September 16, 2024
Volkswagen has launched its newest Transporter model ahead of the IAA Transportation event, showcasing a van that shares much of its DNA with the Ford Transit. Despite this collaboration, Volkswagen has emphasized that the new Transporter maintains its distinct character, reflecting the brand’s rich legacy while advancing into the electrified vehicle market. The new Transporter, […]
September 13, 2024
Chinese carmakers making inroads with car factories in West Europe are met with warnings from their home administration. Beijing fears technical know-how drainage and a “wrong” reward over import tariffs, so domestic car brands are asked for caution. Despite these flagging signals, BYD will continue constructing its EV plant in Turkey. Beijing has warned its […]
September 13, 2024
You can’t have enough leverage in today’s daunting automotive landscape. General Motors, already in a close tie-up with Japanese brand Honda, is adding Hyundai to its list of partners. Both carmakers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a range of potential joint ventures. These include vehicle development, production, and the exploration of […]
September 11, 2024
Tensions with unions are rising in Wolfsburg. Volkswagen has announced the termination of a 30-year-old job security agreement, signaling a significant shift in its labor policies and setting the stage for potential layoffs starting next July. The main culprits are declining car sales, a disappointing return on investment over low EV adoption, and increased competition. […]
September 11, 2024
In the wake of establishing a new European Commission, Italy and Spain are urging officials to revise the policies concerning the scheduled ban on combustion engine sales and the import tariffs for Chinese carmakers. Italy wants to accelerate the planned revision to the 2035 ban, which it calls ‘absurd’, while Spain calls for a less […]
September 10, 2024
Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt, the flagship start-up in Europe’s quest to catch up with Asian and American battery giants, is drastically revising its operational activities. The company has announced plans to scale back its workforce over a slowdown in electric vehicle sales and intensified competition from China. Northvolt is joining the string of manufacturers tuning […]
September 10, 2024
Volkswagen faces unprecedented challenges as it struggles to navigate an increasingly harsh economic landscape. It is facing plant closures in its home country and has replaced the Financial Director, as slow EV sales and rising competition are slowly strangling Europe’s number one car brand. CEO Oliver Blume says the challenging situation is “one we’ve never […]
September 06, 2024
MG is beating rivals to the punch in the race for solid-state batteries in electric cars. The company has announced that it will start equipping its electric vehicles with solid-state batteries within twelve months. Speaking at the Chengdu Motor Show in China, Yu Jingmin, executive vice president of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), MG’s parent […]
September 06, 2024
Renault has unveiled a new concept car that reimagines a classic from its past: the Renault R17 Electric Restomod. Based on the sporty Renault 17 coupé from the 1970s, this modernized electric version was developed in collaboration with French designer Ora Ito. The R17 Electric Restomod is to remain a one-off and will make its […]
September 03, 2024
While the rest of Europe reports discouraging figures, Norway continues to set new benchmarks in electric vehicle adoption. In August, more than 94 percent of all new passenger cars registered were electric, a new record for the world’s forerunner in the EV transition. “This looks very promising to reach 100% as of January,” reacted secretary […]
September 02, 2024
Tesla plans to start mass production of a seven-seat version of the Model Y at its Giga Shanghai plant in October, with the updated electric SUV set for launch in the Chinese markets. However, according to the National Business Daily, the new Model Y variant has already completed homologation for the European Union market. Officially, […]
August 30, 2024
It’s been a long runner-up toward the official release of Smart’s largest and most advanced model. After the showstopper concept at the Beijing Autoshow and the leaked images from the Chinese regulator, Smart has now cleared the official pictures and specifications on the #5. The all-electric SUV hits the heart of the electric car market, […]
August 30, 2024
From 2021 to 2024, Europe’s EV charging network experienced an impressive average annual growth rate of 55.4%. This highlights our continent’s strong momentum in expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure. However, despite this rapid growth, Europe still faces a significant challenge in meeting the European Union’s ambitious targets. Belgium, with a spot in the top five […]
August 29, 2024
Hyundai is shifting gears, doubling the number of hybrid models in its lineup as demand for all-electric vehicles slows. The South Korean automaker announced the new plan, dubbed “Hyundai Way,” during its annual Investor Day. The plan reflects broader industry trends as major brands reevaluate their electric vehicle strategies. The decision signals a significant pivot […]
August 29, 2024
While Chinese brands with a solid international sales strategy face significant hurdles over import tariffs, their financial health remains in top shape. After the Geely Group announced record profits earlier this month, BYD also recorded baffling profit growth. Despite slashing prices on its electric vehicles in China, BYD’s net income nearly doubled in the second […]
August 26, 2024
In an attempt to restore faith in its autonomous driving robotaxis, GM-owned Cruise is joining forces with Uber. The ride-hailing platform will integrate the services from Cruise into its platform next year, marking a pat on the back for the autonomous vehicle sector. The partnership, announced on August 22, will initially roll out in one […]
August 26, 2024
Neta has officially launched the S Kombi, an all-electric estate made in China. It is offered in both range extender and full-electric versions. In the wake of the launch, the company announced that the 800-volt version would be built around the platform by battery manufacturer CATL. Despite its practical estate style, Neta has no plans […]
August 23, 2024
It seems that Opel’s UK department, Vauxhall, doesn’t agree with John Cleese’s opinion that wordplay is the lowest form of humor. Because by presenting the Mokka Cofe-e, the brand has taken the name of its car model very literally. Carmakers like to fool around once in a while. When some clever marketeer found out that […]
August 23, 2024
China’s automotive sector overcapacity is the root of its current trade tensions with the West. Though Beijing denies beefing up its production stock, a new German study has sized the capacity, highlighting the souped-up growth. And contrary to what one might think, the leading brand in production isn’t BYD. China’s automotive industry has rapidly expanded […]
August 22, 2024
Zeekr, Geely’s luxury electric car spin-off, has announced it will introduce a hybrid flagship to its line-up starting next year. Zeekr CEO Andy An confirmed the shift to combustion engine technology. It’s a watershed decision as the brand’s focus has been exclusively on battery electric vehicles until now. The trend of hybridized drivelines gaining more […]
