From star to scandal: Tesla sales freefall all over Europe

April 02, 2025

Tesla is facing a deepening crisis across Europe. Its sales keep plummeting, and the brand is experiencing increased politicized action. Once the undisputed leader of the electric revolution, Tesla is now struggling to hold its ground in key European markets. Sales have fallen to their lowest in four years in countries like France, Sweden, and […]

Northvolt slashes workforce in half under bankruptcy procedure 

April 01, 2025

Under its bankruptcy filing, Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt announced that it will lay off over half its 5,000 employees. The company, founded in 2016, has succumbed to mounting debt and what insiders now admit were strategic miscalculations. Once hailed as Europe’s answer to Asian dominance in EV battery production, Northvolt officially filed for bankruptcy on […]

Wayne Griffiths steps down as CEO of Seat and Cupra

April 01, 2025

Top management shake-ups keep rolling across the automotive industry. The news of Volvo CEO Jim Rowan leaving the company has hardly cooled, as Volkswagen Group announces the departure of Seat and Cupra boss Wayne Griffiths. However, Griffiths’ departure is different.  Griffiths’ sudden exit is at his request, as he seeks “new challenges,” though no specific […]

BYD teases new e7 electric sedan as affordable alternative to Seal

March 31, 2025

BYD is riding a wave of new model releases. This time, the Chinese car and battery maker teases with pictures of the e7, a mid-size all-electric sedan that blends cost-efficiency with practicality. While official specs remain restricted, there’s a strong indication of the vehicle’s place in BYD’s growing lineup. The Chinese automaker revealed the e7 […]

Peugeot to revive GTi badge with electric e-208 hot hatch

March 28, 2025

Peugeot is returning its famed GTi badge, but not as you know it. This time, it’s attached to an all-electric version of the 208 supermini, marking the brand’s first foray into sporty EVs. The carmaker’s newly appointed CEO, Alain Favey, confirmed the move and said the revival is part of an effort to reconnect with […]

Trump’s tariffs are particularly destructive for German carmakers

March 28, 2025

President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff increase on all imported automobiles—set to take effect next week—has ignited sharp reactions across the global automotive industry, triggering concerns among European, Japanese, Korean, and even American manufacturers. Tesla seems to have gained the most from these measures, but Western and Asian countries are warning of […]

Trade war intensifies as Trump slaps 25% tariffs on car imports

March 27, 2025

The global auto industry braces for disruption after President Donald Trump officially confirmed his plan to impose 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and car parts. Critics say this could destabilize supply chains, raise consumer prices, and strain international trade alliances. Even a close ally of Trump, Elon Musk, warned on his social media channel X […]

BYD expands Ocean series in China with budget-friendly Sealion 05 EV

March 26, 2025

BYD has officially unveiled the Sealion 05 EV, a compact all-electric SUV aimed squarely at the mass market, strengthening its growing Ocean lineup and reinforcing its aggressive pricing strategy in the global EV race. Whether the model comes to Belgium remains a question mark. Officially launched in China yesterday, the Sealion 05 EV starts at […]

Stellantis faces mounting complaints over faulty onboard chargers

March 25, 2025

Stellantis is under increasing pressure as thousands of customers report persistent issues with the onboard chargers in its electric vehicles across Europe. Since 2019, owners of Peugeot, Opel, DS, and Citroën models have been dealing with a recurring defect that renders their vehicles unable to charge via standard AC stations, forcing them to rely exclusively […]

BYD blasts past Tesla with record sales surge

March 25, 2025

BYD has surpassed Tesla in annual revenue for the first time, cementing its status as the new driving force in the global EV industry. The Chinese automaker reported a record revenue for 2024, up nearly 30 percent from the last year. Windfall was particularly advantageous in its home market. Where Tesla posted revenue of €90.5 […]

Ailing European car factories pivoting to defense for revival

March 24, 2025

Once a symbol of Europe’s proud automotive tradition, several closed or downsized car factories across Western Europe are now being repurposed for defense manufacturing. Not only Audi Brussels but also VDL Nedcar and Volkswagen Osnabrück are trading in automotive parts for military components. This reminds us of how the automotive assembly sector was transformed for […]

Tesla recalls entire Cybertruck fleet over panels flying off 

March 21, 2025

Tesla has met its recall, which an over-the-air update can’t fix. The company must reserve all 46,096 Cybertrucks built to date after reports that stainless-steel body panels could detach while driving due to faulty adhesive. This raised safety concerns and further complicated the electric pickup’s rocky launch. The American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration disclosed […]

IKEA Belgium adds seven electric trucks for home deliveries

March 20, 2025

IKEA Belgium is ramping up its sustainability efforts by introducing seven new electric trucks for home deliveries. The move aims to modernize its logistics operations. Built by Volvo Trucks in Ghent, these vehicles will handle large orders, such as kitchens and wardrobes, reinforcing the retailer’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation. The purchase of the electric trucks […]

The burden of being a Tesla owner: lower resale value, higher insurance rates

March 19, 2025

Tesla’s turbulent start to 2025, fueled by CEO Elon Musk’s political narrative, is lashing back at its owners. These face not only repercussions from activists throwing eggs and dog excrement at their cars but also higher running costs. For a brand that once set the pace for the global electric vehicle market, Tesla’s past few […]

Chinese scientists discover they can ‘cure’ degraded EV batteries

March 19, 2025

Scientists in China claim to have found a way to breathe new life into worn-out lithium-ion batteries. Researchers at Fudan University have developed a revolutionary lithium injection method that could restore degraded batteries to near-factory conditions. They say this breakthrough could dramatically extend battery lifespan and stabilize EV resale values. The findings, published in the […]

Stellantis teams up with Ikea-style Luvly to fight Chinese low-cost

March 18, 2025

Stellantis is partnering with Swedish startup Luvly to explore its innovative flat-pack vehicle production method. This method could dramatically reduce manufacturing and transportation costs and prove a worthwhile Western alternative to Chinese low-cost production.  With the Citroën Ami and its siblings at Opel (Rock-e) and Fiat (Topolino), Stellantis has already explored the market for microcars. […]

Audi scraps 7,500 jobs in Germany in cost-cutting strategy

March 18, 2025

The crisis at Audi deepens. Just weeks after the full closure of its Brussels plant, the luxury carmaker announced that it will slash 7,500 jobs in Germany by 2029 as part of a broad cost-cutting strategy. The Volkswagen-owned luxury automaker announced the move after lengthy negotiations with the company’s works council. The job cuts, which […]

BMW Neue Klasse iX3: start of a flood of 40 new models

March 17, 2025

BMW is preparing for an aggressive product rollout. As part of its annual earnings call, the carmaker unveiled plans for more than 40 new and updated models by 2027, starting with the highly anticipated Neue Klasse iX3. The German automaker is betting on this next-generation EV technology to reverse a 4% drop in global sales […]

Sluggish China sales and trade tariffs increase headwind for BMW

March 17, 2025

Releasing its 2024 financial results, BMW’s net profit plummeted by over a third last year. The German automaker warns of continued headwinds from trade tariffs and sluggish demand in China.  The Bavarian company reported a 36.9% drop in net profit to €7.68 billion ($8.32 billion), in line with market expectations and German competitors. However, geopolitical […]

Lee Zeldin rolls back EPA standards strangling US green transition

March 14, 2025

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a dramatic rollback of vehicle emissions regulations. The changes, led by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin under the Trump administration, will relax emissions targets for cars, trucks, and power plants. Critics say it marks a fundamental shift away from the agency’s historic mission of environmental protection. Trump’s oil […]

Squeezed profit forces Porsche to cut almost 4,000 jobs

March 13, 2025

Porsche is embarking on a significant restructuring effort, cutting 3,900 jobs as it faces declining sales in China, rising trade tensions, and a potential tariff battle with the United States. The German sports carmaker is adjusting its financial outlook and product strategy to maintain profitability. The company announced the job reductions to boost efficiency and […]

Northvolt’s collapse highlights Europe’s battery struggle

March 13, 2025

Europe’s pride in battery manufacturing, Northvolt, has filed for bankruptcy in Sweden, marking a major setback for the EU’s efforts to compete with Chinese dominance in the electric vehicle battery market. Despite years of substantial investment from automakers, financial institutions, and government subsidies, the company failed to secure the $1 billion needed to sustain operations […]

Volkswagen: CEO’s pay rises while profits fall

March 12, 2025

Volkswagen’s profit dwindled by one-third last year due to slow demand and a cooldown in the Chinese market. But the salary of its CEO, Oliver Blume, rose. Will the near future relieve the ongoing problems at the German car giant? Volkswagen’s net profit plummeted 30.6% in 2024 to €12.39 billion. Europe’s largest automaker grapples with […]

Tesla in freefall: stock tanks as sales crash worldwide

March 12, 2025

Tesla shares tumbled more than 15% on Monday, suffering their worst single-day drop since 2020. The electric vehicle maker is grappling with plunging sales, and its valuation has been halved since December to roughly $700 billion (€640 billion). The trend marks a dramatic reversal from the optimism that followed Donald Trump’s election victory. To help […]

Car-sharing provider Miles exits Belgium: ‘Too much vandalism’

March 12, 2025

Another car-sharing company is pulling out of Belgium. German provider Miles Mobility will leave the country entirely just two years after entering the market, citing rampant vandalism, misuse, and theft – issues particularly severe in Brussels. Margins aren’t strong enough to compensate for the rotten apples. The company announced on Tuesday that it will gradually […]

Volkswagen to build ID.Every1 in Portugal over cost issues

March 11, 2025

Volkswagen has announced that its upcoming entry-level electric vehicle, the ID.Every1, will be produced in Portugal, as part of affordability push. Expected to hit the market in 2027 with a price tag of around €20,000, the compact city car will be built at the company’s Palmela factory, located 40 kilometers south of Lisbon. The announcement […]

Volvo EX90 to get 800 V upgrade, matching ES90’s advanced tech

March 10, 2025

Volvo’s flagship electric SUV, the EX90, is set for a significant technological upgrade. The carmaker is preparing to transition to an 800-volt electrical architecture, which will significantly improve the vehicle’s charging speed, bringing it in line with Volvo’s latest electric model, the ES90. The EX90, which only recently began reaching customers in key markets after […]

Cadillac secures FIA approval to join Formula 1 grid for 2026

March 10, 2025

Formula One will officially welcome the 11th team on the grid in 2026, as Cadillac, backed by General Motors, has now been formally granted entry into the sport. The long-anticipated final approval follows an extensive review process by Formula One Management (FOM) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). It marks a historic moment for […]

Maserati pulls the plug on electric MC20 due to zero interest

March 07, 2025

Maserati has officially canceled the MC20 Folgore, its long-planned all-electric supercar, due to a lack of demand. A company spokesperson confirmed the decision, which comes as the Italian luxury automaker faces a financial downturn and reevaluates its electrification strategy. Initially slated to be one of six electric Maseratis set to hit showrooms in the short […]

Xpeng to debut its updated G9

March 07, 2025

Chinese carmaker Xpeng has started rolling out its highly anticipated 2025 model lineup, and the latest addition is a refreshed version of its flagship SUV, the G9. This SUV, also available in Europe, is exciting as stakeholder Volkswagen intends to build derivatives of the model. The new G9’s LiDAR-based driving assistance aid swap is among […]

Luxury meets lightning: Volvo unveils the ES90 electric sedan

March 06, 2025

After the first teaser info, and a leak of a picture from Volvo’s Belgian division yesterday, the Swedish car maker finally took the wraps off its new sedan ES90. It’s the first all-electric offering from Volvo in this segment. And the Swedes tried their best to give the Audi A6 e-Tron, BMW i5 and Mercedes […]

Polestar secures €420 million and investigates relocating production

March 04, 2025

Swedish-Chinese electric carmaker Polestar has secured a new loan of up to $450 million (€420 million) as it grapples with ongoing financial pressures and strives to turn a profit by 2026. Local Chinese media also reported that the company aims to downscale its Chinese operations and relocate production to South Korea, Europe or the US. […]

Volvo Belgium accidently leaks new ES90, its ‘master charger’

March 04, 2025

As Volvo gears up for the full release of its new flagship sedan, ES90, tomorrow, the Belgian division accidentally uploaded an image of the latest model on its web page. The electric sedan, which is bound to break the brand’s barriers in charging and autonomy, unveils itself as a mix between the Polestar 2 and […]

J.D. Power: US EV owners rank BMW iX and Hyundai Ioniq 6 as top

March 03, 2025

The latest J.D. Power 2025 US Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study reveals a marked increase in EV owner satisfaction, with BMW emerging as the undisputed leader in the premium segment. The BMW iX secured the highest satisfaction score among electric vehicle (EV) owners, followed closely by the BMW i4, underscoring the brand’s dominance from […]

Car thefts in Belgium are rising: 27,000 in five years

February 28, 2025

The carjacking years seem far behind us as a phenomenon from the beginning of the century, but recent figures from the federal police show that consumers should take guard. There’s an increase in car thefts in Belgium, targeting certain models. With car thefts on the rise, Belgian motorists should start considering theft risk as a […]

Tesla faces 45.2% decline in EU due to competition and Musk’s escapades

February 26, 2025

Tesla’s dominance in the European electric vehicle market took a significant hit in January 2025, as the company saw a staggering 45.2% drop in sales compared to the same period in 2024. New data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) reveal that Tesla sold just under 10,000 units in the region last month, down […]

Study: phasing-out of gasoline and diesel crucial to EU’s car industry’s future

February 25, 2025

Is Europe’s ban on combustion engines a curse or a blessing for its industry? Dwindling profits, plant closures, and firm reliance on global outsourcing seem to point to the first, but a study from the University of Sussex claims the opposite. “Changing gears (or acting as Trump does in the US, ed.) would be a […]

Will Lamborghini use sodium-ion batteries for its first EV?

February 25, 2025

While one would expect a luxury carmaker like Lamborghini to bet on solid-state technology for its debut in the electric supercar market, the Italian carmaker ordered a study at Princeton University to investigate sodium-ion chemistries. The results are promising.  As sodium-ion chemistries don’t rely on lithium, they are a cost-effective alternative to current lithium-ion battery […]

Electric shock: Italy slams automakers over ‘EV-performance deception’

February 24, 2025

Through its competition watchdog, Italy has launched an investigation into four major automakers—Stellantis, Tesla, Volkswagen, and BYD—regarding potential unfair commercial practices related to electric vehicle performance claims. The probe focuses on concerns regarding the accuracy and transparency of information provided to consumers about EV driving range, battery degradation, and warranty limitations. According to the Italian […]

Trump shuts down federal EV charging stations because they’re ‘woke’

February 24, 2025

In an almost absurd policy shift, the Trump administration has shut down all electric vehicle charging stations at federal government buildings. The decision, first reported by The Verge, marks another significant rollback of electric mobility infrastructure as the Republican Party rallies against electric cars on all sides. Tesla’s Supercharger remains unaffected, while Trump declares all […]

Continental to slash 3,000 jobs more amid industry downturn

February 19, 2025

German automotive supplier Continental announced plans to cut 3,000 jobs more worldwide by the end of 2026. The move, which follows a previous round of 7,150 job cuts announced last year, comes as the industry grapples with weakening demand and structural shifts toward electrification. According to the company’s statement, nearly half of the affected positions […]

Mitsubishi revives Grandis nameplate as hybrid SUV

February 19, 2025

Mitsubishi is set to return the Grandis nameplate, though not as the spacious MPV it once was. Instead, the new Grandis will be a rebadged version of the Renault Symbioz, aligning with the company’s strategy of leveraging Renault platforms under their alliance agreement. The Grandis will slot above the ASX in Mitsubishi’s lineup and be […]

Peugeot expands electric SUV lineup with all-wheel drive option

February 18, 2025

Peugeot is taking the next step in its electrification strategy by introducing more powerful, all-wheel drive versions of its electric SUVs, the e-3008 and e-5008. A new five-seat variant of the e-5008 is set to debut, catering to customers who prioritize cargo space over passenger capacity. Until now, Peugeot’s fully electric e-3008 and e-5008 have […]

Huawei and SAIC partner to launch new EV brand Shangjie

February 18, 2025

Chinese tech giant Huawei and automotive leader SAIC Motor are set to debut their first co-developed electric vehicle under the newly established brand Shangjie. According to reports from local media, the inaugural Shangjie model will be derived from SAIC’s sub-brand Roewe, specifically the ES39 project. Like Sony in Japan (with Afeela), Huawei in China is […]

BYD targets 2027 for first solid-state battery rollout

February 17, 2025

BYD is joining the group of Chinese car makers unveiling their road map towards the commercialization of solid-state batteries. The company will start the demonstration phase of the technology around 2027, in line with the objectives of Toyota and MG, for instance. As for large-scale commercialization, we won’t see BYD models with revolutionary packs until […]

Dongfeng-Changan merger would create world’s fifth largest carmaker

February 14, 2025

Chinese state-owned auto giants Dongfeng Motor and Changan Automobile have announced restructuring plans, fueling speculation that the two automakers may merge to form one of the world’s largest automotive groups. If realized, the newborn group would surpass BYD as China’s biggest carmaker and rank as the world’s fifth-largest auto manufacturer. While the automotive world had […]

Wallonia revises tax reform (again) to support families and electric vehicles

February 14, 2025

The Walloon government has ratified an adaptation to its road tax reform that will take effect in July this year. The adaptation will ease the burden on households and promote green mobility. Installed under the previous government, the new taxation scheme primarily targets larger and heavier cars. This move impairs families and individual buyers who […]

Lucid and BMW challenge idea of need for ever bigger EV-batteries

February 13, 2025

As automakers continue to push the boundaries of the electric vehicle range, two industry namesakes – Lucid Motors and BMW – are advocating for a different approach. Both companies argue that more miniature battery packs, increased efficiency, and improved charging infrastructure are the future of sustainable EV adoption. Can less really be more? Lucid Motors, […]

Tesla kickstarts Shanghai Megafactory for energy storage

February 12, 2025

Tesla has officially commenced production at its newly constructed Megafactory in Shanghai, a new milestone in its rapidly expanding energy storage division. This facility is Tesla’s second dedicated energy storage production plant and has already rolled out its first Megapack unit, with initial orders ready for shipment. While Tesla’s core automotive business has recently encountered […]

Audi revives Q4 40 e-tron with new entry-level powertrain

February 12, 2025

To boost the sales volume of its most accessible electric model, Audi is reintroducing the 40 designations to its Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-Tron lineup. However, it receives a revamped powertrain to improve efficiency while lowering the price threshold. In late 2023, Audi made a series of technical upgrades to the Q4 e-tron range, […]

Public EV charging surges past government targets in Flanders

February 11, 2025

According to a report in the newspaper De Tijd, the number of public EV charging points in Flanders nearly doubled in 2024, significantly surpassing government targets. This further cements Belgium’s position as a frontrunner in the adoption of electric mobility, as new registrations of EVs last year surged to the highest rate of any European […]

Caselani transforms Citroën Ami into retro Type H

February 10, 2025

This wasn’t supposed to happen. Italian tuner Caselani showcased a prototype of an Ami disguised as an old Type H van at the 2CV 24H race at Spa-Francorchamps. The concept was meant to remain a concept. But reactions were so overwhelming that the company decided to offer it as part of its portfolio. From movies […]

Porsche scales back EV plans as profits slide

February 10, 2025

Porsche is shifting gears on its electrification strategy, scaling back its ambitious EV plans to bolster combustion and hybrid powertrains. However, this strategic pivot comes with substantial costs and mounting challenges, as the automaker faces declining earnings, market uncertainty, and potential trade tariffs that could further disrupt its global operations. More details have surfaced about […]

From fairway to highway: how golf ball design improves tire efficiency

February 07, 2025

Continental has unveiled its latest innovation in tire technology, the EcoContact 7 and 7 S, designed to maximize electric car efficiency and improve range. The company has drawn inspiration from an unusual source: golf ball aerodynamics. This is how it works. Tire manufacturers are continuously seeking innovative ways to improve the rolling resistance of their […]

Plug-in hybrid sales to show little change in 2025

February 07, 2025

Plug-in hybrids saw a modest decline in Europe last year (-4%), and despite renewed government strategies and binding CO2 targets, their popularity isn’t expected to rise much. Stricter emission rulings will prevent carmakers from launching new models. So, as the Belgian government provides some slack for these plugged fossil drivelines, nothing fundamental is about to […]

T&E: EU’s rescue plan to create demand for 2.2 million EVs by 2030?

February 06, 2025

The European Commission is revising its plan to remedy the ongoing EV crisis. Green lobby group Transport & Environment has reflected upon the impact of the upcoming proposal, clarifying that a well-chosen scheme for electrifying company cars could create market demand of 2.2 million EVs by the decade’s end. The study reveals that this would […]

Norway nears 100% EV adoption with new sales record

February 04, 2025

Norway has set another benchmark in electric vehicle adoption, with 8,954 of the 9,343 new passenger cars registered in January being fully electric. This translates to a market share of 95.8%, a new record. Norway remains on track to meeting its goal of EV-only sales by the end of the year, though officials still express […]

Does Musk effect materializes as Tesla sales nosedive in key markets?

February 04, 2025

Tesla is facing a significant downturn in sales across major markets, marking a challenging start to 2025 for the EV giant. In Belgium, registrations plummeted 44.8%, but also in the Netherlands, France, and Germany sales slid to their lowest level in over a year. The backdrop is noticeably bigger than its rivals. It seems that […]

Kia confirms EV2 launch for beginning next year, EV4 spied

February 03, 2025

The ramp-up towards compact affordable EVs is taking shape as Kia confirms it will officially launch the EV2 in January 2026. The announcement, made during the company’s full-year 2024 earnings call, marks a significant milestone for Kia’s “EVs for all” strategy, which aims to rapidly increase its electric car share. The importance of these small […]

Chinese GWM’s Confidence Auto sets sights on superluxury market

January 31, 2025

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is making another play for the premium segment by launching a new luxury vehicle brand, Confidence Auto. Positioned above its existing brands – Haval, WEY, Tank, and Ora – Confidence Auto is set to compete directly with BYD’s high-end Yangwang brand and Hongqi from FAW. GWM applied for the Confidence Auto […]

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