March 06, 2025
At a big event on Wednesday, Volkswagen showed its concept of the €20,000 BEV it wants to launch by 2027, the VW ID. Every1. The name gives away the whole idea: with this small BEV, ‘Volks-Wagen’ wants to become the manufacturer of ‘the car for all people’ again. With the series model, which will follow […]
March 04, 2025
According to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Brussels could weaken the CO2 target for car manufacturers in 2025. It is also holding out the prospect of a new battery subsidy. She explained that she wanted manufacturers to achieve the CO2 target over the next three years instead of this year, as initially planned, […]
March 04, 2025
In February 2025, 40,161 cars were registered in Belgium and Luxembourg, a decrease of 8.1%. Importer federation Febiac and the federal service Mobility & Transport point out that for the first time since 2014, the market of individual buyers is again slightly more significant than the professional market. BEVs increased their share to one-third of […]
March 03, 2025
The former CEO of Stellantis, Carlos Tavares, suddenly left the company at the end of last year. Today, his severance pay has been published, amounting to €12 million, divided into a €2 million departing fee and a €10 million bonus. Last year, Tavares was paid €23.1 million in total, 37% less than the €36.5 million […]
February 28, 2025
On Tuesday, February 25th, the last Audi Q8 e-tron rolled off the line at Audi Brussels. Today, the factory closes its doors. Although the factory’s closure was announced a while ago, it symbolizes the upheaval in the car industry just a few days before the EU Commission’s action plan. Rumors had already emerged at the […]
February 27, 2025
BMW Group Plant Munich is gearing up to launch the ‘Neue Klasse’ in the summer of 2026. Three new production halls are being built for the body shop, assembly, and associated production logistics during the ongoing operations. “For the production start of the Neue Klasse, we will have a state-of-the-art plant in Munich characterized by […]
February 26, 2025
The BMW Group has halted its plan to manufacture electric Mini cars at the Oxford plant in England. Two all-electric models were due to roll off the production line at Oxford next year, but this has now been postponed. The BMW Group announced in 2023 that it would build two new all-electric Mini models in […]
February 25, 2025
Mercedes-Benz has started testing a solid-state battery from partner Factorial Energy in a modified EQS this month. In the coming weeks, the Stuttgart-based company wants to collect data on the battery’s efficiency, durability, and performance. Road tests with the new solid-state battery in a ‘1,000 km’ EQS test car started in February 2025. According to […]
February 25, 2025
In January 2025, new EU car registrations declined by -2.6%. Notably, the bloc’s major markets saw declines, with France (-6.2%), Italy (-5.8%), and Germany (-2.8%). Spain conversely recorded a 5.3% increase. The data comes from ACEA, the Association of European Car Manufacturers. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) made up 15% of the market share, up from […]
February 24, 2025
Following the failed merger talks between Nissan and Honda, a Japanese initiative hopes that Tesla will invest in Nissan. However, it’s not very clear what the long-term benefits for Tesla could be, and Elon Musk seems reluctant. According to a report in the Financial Times, a Japanese advisory group led by former Tesla board member […]
February 24, 2025
The BMW Group is presenting its next step in electric drive technology. At its Tech Days event in Landshut, the company provided some initial insights into developing and producing high-voltage batteries and electric drive systems using the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. This technology will benefit every fully electric Neue Klasse vehicle. The first […]
February 21, 2025
Renault’s low-cost daughter, Dacia, has started developing a new European electric city car (A-segment). The model will be offered at around €18,000, probably also thanks to its close relationship with the Renault Twingo E-Tech. “Dacia wants to complete the development of the small electric car within 16 months,” Renault Group boss Luca de Meo told […]
February 21, 2025
Yesterday, Mercedes-Benz revealed plans to cut costs by several billion euros or 10% by 2027. Car production will be reduced from 2.5 million units to ±2.2 million in 2027. At the same time, the company wants to become “leaner, faster, and stronger”. Group earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reached €13.6 billion (2023: €19.7 billion), […]
February 20, 2025
Publishing its 2024 financial results, Renault Group showed solid growth and record operating profit in challenging market conditions. The Group revenue was €56.2 billion (+7.4%), and the operating profit was € 4.26 billion (7.6%). The net cash financial position almost doubled from €3.7 billion at the end of 2023 to €7.1 billion on December 31st, […]
February 20, 2025
Volvo Cars will officially launch the ES90, the sedan counterpart to the EX90 SUV, on March 5th. The new sedan is software-defined and based on the so-called Superset tech stack, a single set of hardware and software modules underpinning all future electric Volvo cars. The ES90 is designed to evolve and improve continuously through core […]
February 19, 2025
The Renault Group and Geely Holding are joining forces to produce and sell zero- and low-emission vehicles in Brazil. Geely intends to acquire a stake in Renault do Brasil and, in return, will benefit from Renault’s local production, sales, and service resources. Both parties have agreed in a framework agreement that Geely Holding will become […]
February 18, 2025
Yesterday, Citroën asked 236,900 owners of a C3 or DS3 in the north of France to stop using their car until the airbags are replaced. The Takata-made airbags can cause serious injuries by exploding uncontrolled and dangerously. Other manufacturers, such as VW, Nissan, BMW, Toyota, and several others, have already recalled millions of vehicles equipped […]
February 18, 2025
Last week, the Mercedes EQB for the 2021 to 2024 model years was recalled in the US after several vehicle fires. Now, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority’s recall database shows that the sister model EQA is also affected. Mercedes, authorities, and suppliers’ investigations revealed that the cause was probably a problem with the high-voltage […]
February 17, 2025
Toyota has unveiled its third-generation fuel cell system, which is intended for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trains, ships, and stationary applications. The market launch is planned for 2026. According to Toyota, the new generation is characterized by improved durability, efficiency, and cost reductions through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes. However, the Japanese company […]
February 17, 2025
The BMW Vision Driving Experience (VDX) serves as a rolling test rig for the drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology developed especially for the Neue Klasse, the next generation of BMW vehicles. BMW refers to it as the ‘Heart of Joy.’ The prototype car put the Heart of Joy’s capabilities to the ultimate endurance test […]
February 14, 2025
After the BMW Group had already switched Mini sales to the agency model in 2024, the plan was to introduce it for the core BMW brand at the beginning of 2026. However, this timetable has been pushed back, but BMW, unlike VW, is sticking to the move. The agency model is a hot and even […]
February 14, 2025
Porsche plans to cut 1,900 jobs in Germany as part of cost-cutting measures to reverse sliding profitability amid weak electric vehicle demand and “challenging geopolitical and economic conditions.” The job losses will affect workers at Porsche’s main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and its R&D site in Weissach. A year ago, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume lauded his […]
February 13, 2025
Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. are set to scrap their plan to merge into what would have become the world’s third-biggest auto group by volume as negotiations collapsed less than two months after its announcement. Meanwhile, Chinese Foxconn is lurking around the corner, not to take over Nissan but to cooperate with them. […]
February 12, 2025
Ush and Poppy Mobility, two daughter companies of D’Ieteren Automotive, introduce a new mobility solution in collaboration with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges: remote-controlled rental cars that navigate through the harbor premises. Boluda, a maritime service provider in the Antwerp port, uses the two cars currently available. Specialist Vay provides advanced technology. Boluda employees often work […]
February 12, 2025
According to Deloitte’s Global Automotive Consumer Study 2025, four key trends will impact the Belgian automotive market most in the coming year. The most important is the hesitation to switch to electric cars. The study surveyed more than 31,000 consumers in 30 countries, including 999 Belgians, from October through December 2024 to explore opinions regarding […]
February 11, 2025
Volvo Cars has added a ‘Cross Country’ version to its EX30 electric model portfolio. The new version uses the same all-wheel drive as the top model but comes with unique accessories and more ground clearance. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is based on the top-of-the-range Ultra equipment line and features the familiar all-wheel drive with […]
February 10, 2025
Leasing company Arval Belgium has published new data from its Arval Mobility Observatory indicating that the smaller EV is now seriously breaking through in the company car market. The number of PHEVs has fallen back to 10% of new registrations in this market. Nine of ten company cars ordered in 2024 through Arval have a […]
February 07, 2025
Ford, the North American car manufacturer, made good profits in 2024 but once again recorded a hefty loss in its Model e division. At $5.1 billion, it was even higher than in 2023. Ford now wants to get the division back on track with a change of personnel at the very top and proposes extended-range […]
February 06, 2025
Volvo Cars had a second consecutive record-breaking year in 2024 and reports the highest full-year retail sales, revenues and core operating profit in its 98-year history. However, the company anticipates a turbulent 2025 due to challenging market conditions. Full-year revenues exceeded SEK 400 billion (€35.2 billion) for the first time in the company’s history due […]
February 05, 2025
In a significant move for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Avere, Europe’s leading e-mobility association, has officially rebranded itself as E-Mobility Europe. The new identity was unveiled on Monday during a launch event at Autoworld in Brussels. Chris Heron, Secretary General of E-Mobility Europe, emphasized the importance of 2025 for Europe’s EV transition. “This year […]
February 05, 2025
At the end of December, we informed you of a merger between Honda and Nissan, with Mitsubishi possibly joining in. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi hesitates, and now there seems to be a problem between the two main protagonists. Sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday that Honda Motor Co. has sounded out Nissan Motor Co. about becoming […]
February 05, 2025
On Tuesday, Ferrari raised its targets for 2025 after a bumper 2024 and announced six new models this year, including its first BEV. The iconic sports car manufacturer said it is revising its 2025 targets upward, with revenues above €7 billion, up at least 5% compared to 2024. 2024 was a fantastic year for Ferrari, […]
February 04, 2025
According to the manufacturer’s name-giving logic introduced in 2023, Audi models with even numbers are electric, while those with combustion engines have odd numbers in their names. However, this nomenclature is history again. In March, there will be another new A6 with a combustion engine. In 2023, the now deposed CEO Markus Duesmann announced a […]
February 04, 2025
The number of car registrations in Belgium and Luxembourg was down 13% in January compared to last year. According to data from the Federal Service Mobility and Transport and Importer Federation Febiac, this decrease is due to a 23.8% regress in company car registrations. Individual buyers bought 11.7% more cars. This means the Belgian car […]
February 03, 2025
Bloomberg reported on Sunday that car manufacturing group Stellantis is planning another management shake-up after CEO Carlos Tavares’s sudden ousting at the end of last year. According to people who are familiar with the matter, CSO Yves Bonnefont and Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson are losing their positions. Stellantis confirmed that a few hours ago. In […]
January 31, 2025
The European Commission is concerned about the future of the European Industry and has created a ‘Competivity Compass’ to address all related challenges. Meanwhile, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has made the problems of the EU car industry a ‘Chefsache,’ a ‘chief concern’ that she will handle personally. She has already sat around the […]
January 30, 2025
Renault Filante Record 2025 is an electric demo car developed to maximize energy efficiency and set a new record for power consumption and range with an 87 kWh battery, i.e., the same capacity as the Scenic E-Tech electric. We’re talking about a single-seater with a streamlined body design for aerodynamic efficiency. The Renault Filante Record […]
January 29, 2025
BMW, the Munich-based carmaker, has revealed the facelifted version of its iX flagship, focusing primarily on technical upgrades and making only minor adjustments to the design. The iX was revealed in 2020 as one of the first electric BMWs of the (then) new generation. The new SUV model wasn’t just fully electric; it featured a […]
January 29, 2025
Persistent rumors exist that Mitsubishi Motors, partly owned by Nissan, will not join the new holding Nissan-Honda. Mitsubishi seems to be planning to relaunch an EV in North America. Meanwhile, the Honda-Nissan deal faces serious problems in China. Although Nissan is still Mitsubishi Motors’ biggest shareholder, it seems the company is not ready to join […]
January 28, 2025
Cadillac is launching the Lyriq-V, a sporty version of its Lyriq electric model. The 459 kW all-wheel drive variant will launch primarily in Anglo-Saxon markets such as the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is not known yet which other markets could follow. The Lyriq-V is the first all-electric vehicle in Cadillac’s Performance Series, […]
January 28, 2025
Rumors have it that Volkswagen could enter into a joint venture with a Chinese car manufacturer in Europe to produce the latter’s cars in its underutilized plants. Two top managers have spoken out in favor of such a move. Audi boss Gernot Döllner is apparently open to offering surplus capacity in VW plants to Chinese […]
January 24, 2025
BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse will not extend his contract beyond the summer of next year when it expires. The German Manager Magazin reported that he will stop mid-next year, citing a source familiar with the matter. “There will be no further contract extension,” the source is quoted. Zipse, who will be 62 by then […]
January 24, 2025
At the Brussels Motor Show, we spoke with a couple of top managers at Stellantis. The group caused a small earthquake at the end of last year when CEO Tavares was suddenly ousted. It was the last devastating event in a very incidental 2024, resulting in fewer sales, loss of market share, and dwindling profits. […]
January 23, 2025
Citroën allegedly wants to give the classic 2CV model a second life. Initial design work for a new electric edition of the 2CV is probably already underway, but the project is still at an early stage. Read: It has not yet been fully decided. Citroën also seems to be reacting to its competitor Renault, who […]
January 22, 2025
Renault could introduce two electric cars in India in the next two years. After evaluating an EV akin to Dacia’s Spring for several years, the company is considering larger models. According to a report from the Indian website Autocar Professional, Renault will resume launching new cars in India in 2026 after a five-year hiatus. In […]
January 22, 2025
In 2024, new car registrations rose slightly, increasing by 0.8% to around 10.6 million units. Spain continued to show resilience with a solid 7.1% growth rate. In contrast, declines were observed in France (-3.2%), Germany (-1%), and Italy, with a slight drop of 0.5%. In December 2024, new EU car registrations rose by 5.1%. Spain […]
January 21, 2025
Upon returning to office Monday, President Donald Trump wasted no time moving against one of his most frequent targets on the campaign trail: electric vehicles and the Biden administration policies that contributed to their rise. On the first day, he had already signed many executive orders to reverse course from his predecessor. The future will […]
January 20, 2025
Both Renault and its low-cost daughter, Dacia, have increased their sales in 2024. The Renault Group sold 2,264 million cars worldwide (+1.3%), and two-thirds of these 1,59 million) were sold in Europe. Dacia sold 676,340 cars, 2.7% more than last year. Meanwhile, the brand has announced its first EV for 2027. Those growth percentages may […]
January 20, 2025
More than 300,000 people visited the Brussels Motor Show between 10 and 19 January this year. The organizers consider this a great success and are already speculating on a new edition in 2026. With these visitor numbers, the BMS is the largest indoor event in Belgium. Frank Van Gool, the CEO of the organizer federation […]
January 17, 2025
On Thursday, the car manufacturing group Stellantis announced that it delivered 12% fewer vehicles in 2024. This was mainly caused by a 25% decline in shipments in North America. In the last quarter of 2024, Stellantis shipped 9% fewer vehicles to its dealers, distributors, or directly to clients. In the third quarter, the figure was […]
January 17, 2025
In a letter to EU leaders, the newly appointed European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) President, Ola Källenius (also CEO of Mercedes-Benz), outlines the automotive sector priorities to ensure future competitiveness and drive decarbonization. The Mercedes boss came to the Brussels Motor Show to clarify his views on the matter and explain the challenges the European […]
January 15, 2025
Febelauto will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025. It is a Belgian organization committed to the sustainable recycling of cars and high-voltage batteries from electrified vehicles. Since its start in 1999, Febelauto has organized the recycling of some 2.6 million vehicles in Belgium, recuperating 2.5 million tons of (raw) materials. In 2023, 6,662 end-of-live HEV […]
January 15, 2025
Toyota, the world’s number one car manufacturer, has been revealed as the most prominent auto industry funder of climate deniers in the US Congress, according to a report released last week by Public Citizen. Meanwhile, it is spending a lot of money and influence lobbying against EV regulations. Public Citizen’s report, “Driving Denial: How Toyota’s […]
January 14, 2025
Despite all negative coverage in recent times, worldwide sales of electric vehicles grew by 25% in 2024. According to data from the British company Rho Motion, an electric vehicle research consultancy, 17.1 million battery-electric vehicles were sold last year. There’s a noticeable difference between regions. The progress in China was evident (11 million electric vehicles, […]
January 14, 2025
The BMW Group maintained its position in 2024 with 426,594 all-electric vehicles delivered and BEV sales growth of 13.5%. The BMW brand also achieved serious BEV growth with 368,523 electric cars (+11.6%). Meanwhile, the Group is launching a closed-loop battery recycling ecosystem with SK tes, a leading innovative technology lifecycle solutions provider. Even though the […]
January 13, 2025
The Brussels Motor Show (BMS) saw a blitz start regarding visitors this weekend. Almost 80,000 visitors assembled in the Brussels Expo exhibition halls at the Heysel on Saturday and Sunday. It is already clear that the disappearance of the Geneva Motor Show has a positive effect on the Brussels Motor Show. Last Friday was press […]
January 10, 2025
With the Geneva Motor Show disappearing, the jury of the European Car of the Year (COTY) has once again decided to announce the winner at the Brussels Motor Show, as it did in 2023. This year, there were not seven but eight finalist cars to choose from by the 60 jury members, all European car […]
January 10, 2025
At the Brussels Motor Show, Japanese independent car manufacturer Mazda reintroduces its 6 Sedan on the European market with electric drive only. The car has a sedan look but offers a large tailgate. It is rear-wheel-driven and will initially be provided in a standard and a longer-range version. The car has been co-developed with Chinese […]
January 09, 2025
We recently gave you an overview of the December registrations in the Belux and the success of the EVs; today, we received the entire market overview for 2024. The most popular new car in 2024 was the BMW X1, and the best seller on the second-hand market is still the Volkswagen Golf. Here’s a quick […]
January 08, 2025
Total Volvo sales across all drive types rose by 8% in 2024, from 708,716 to 763,389 vehicles, an all-time record. This is primarily due to the positive development (+33%) in electrified vehicles – with BEVs growing more strongly than plug-in hybrids. By contrast, sales of mild hybrids/combustion engines fell by 7% to 410,602 vehicles. If […]
