BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse X concept leaked

March 18, 2024

In a few days, BMW will show the concept of its first SUV variant of the ‘Neue Klasse’, called Vision Neue Klasse X. Rumors have it that this iX3 successor will be the first car of BMW’s new EV class range to appear on the market by the end of next year, before the sedan […]

Porsche 911 Hybrid: with a little help from Rimac

March 18, 2024

According to Frank Moser, product manager at Porsche for both the 718 and 911 models, the Stuttgart-based sports carmaker will add electrified versions to the 911 when the current generation is facelifted in 2025. This is a pivotal moment, as the most iconic Porsche has stuck to the thrill of true combustion engines so far. […]

Tesla to increase price of Model Y in Europe next month

March 18, 2024

When it rains in the US, it dripfeeds to Europe. The previously announced price hike for the world’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, reaches the continent’s shore. As of April, the price will rise by around €2,000. Tesla’s pricing increase for the Model Y electric SUV in several European countries was announced via a […]

Dumarey to face MAN in struggle for Van Hool take-over?

March 18, 2024

The clock is ticking for Belgian bus maker Van Hool, which will go bankrupt if no private investor is found before the end of March. Belgian entrepreneur Guido Dumarey confirmed in an interview with Radio 1 that he’s convinced he can ‘rebuild’ Van Hool to a profitable, streamlined production company with 1,800 of the current […]

Nissan and Honda confirm cooperation, including on electric cars

March 18, 2024

Japanese car manufacturers Nissan and Honda have officially confirmed plans for a strategic partnership in electric cars and other areas. The manufacturers’ intention to work together was already leaked last week. Honda announces that both companies have signed a letter of intent “to strengthen environmental and electrification technologies as well as software development.” The competitors […]

Key to VW’s affordable ID.1 is ‘where to build it’

March 15, 2024

At the annual media call 2024, Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer unveiled more details on the upcoming €20,000 ID.1. The most affordable EV in the lineup will arrive in 2027. However, the biggest challenge will be deciding on the location of production. All mainstream automakers focus on affordable EVs, which is critical to realizing the […]

Lightning strikes at VW with blistering GTX versions of ID.3 and ID.7

March 14, 2024

Lightning never strikes twice in the same spot, except in Wolfsburg. Simultaneously, Volkswagen has announced sharp and sporty GTX versions of the ID.3, the ID.7 Tourer, and the ID.Buzz. Basically, this is the zero-emission revival of the well-known GTI badge. Volkswagen has yet to release the final specs and data on the ID.buzz, but expectations […]

Nissan and Honda join forces to battle Chinese competition

March 14, 2024

Nissan and Honda are preparing to reduce their production capacities in China significantly. The two  Japanese car manufacturers are finding it difficult to keep up with Chinese competitors in the race for electric cars. A solution could be to join forces and slash EV prices consequently. As Nikkei Asia reported, both manufacturers plan to reduce […]

Among candidate investors ‘lining up’, Dumarey awaits bankruptcy Van Hool

March 14, 2024

According to Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon and Minister for Work Jo Brouns, several possible candidates are ‘lining up’ and showing interest in investing in a restart of bus manufacturer Van Hool in Koningshooikt (Lier). But that doesn’t mean avoiding bankruptcy, as some – like Belgian entrepreneur Guido Dumarey, a specialist in blowing new life into […]

VW Group to cut costs and launch 30 models in 2024

March 14, 2024

Volkswagen Group is launching a major product push this year to help offset a gloomy economic outlook and growing competition. At the same time, a major efficiency improvement has to cut costs impressively. On Wednesday, finance chief Arno Antlitz presented the automaker’s 2023 results, saying the “general economic situation remains challenging”. VW Group expects a […]

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi brings first EV SU7 to market

March 13, 2024

China’s fifth-largest smartphone maker, Xiaomi, unveiled its first electric car in late December. The company confirms that it will bring its first EV SU7 to market on March 28th, when prices should be known. The Xiaoni SU7 is the brand’s first foray into the automotive industry. It’s a mid-size electric sedan powered by two electric […]

Sixth bike fair Bike Brussels is coming up

March 13, 2024

From Friday 22 to Sunday 24 March, Tour & Taxis will host the sixth edition of the bike fair Bike Brussels. In the event location’s ‘Gare Maritime, ‘ more than 150 exhibitors will guide cycling enthusiasts through the latest innovations in the sector, recent accessories that can come in handy for a trip on two […]

Hyundai’s electric 7-seater SUV Ioniq 9 nears production

March 13, 2024

The future electric SUV from Hyundai has been spotted testing in various states of cover. Previously announced as Ioniq 7, it could be renamed Ioniq 9 after the success of its brother from Kia, the EV9. What is certain is that both SUVs will share the same 800-volt E-GMP platform. This should give the seven-seater […]

Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: your move, Tesla

March 12, 2024

Porsche has unveiled the nec plus ultra of its facelifted Taycan range: the Turbo GT. It is the fastest four-door EV on the Nürburgring and Laguna Seca and the most powerful series production model from Porsche ever. It is enough to comfortably beat the Tesla Model S Plaid, but it also comes at a price. […]

This is how your next electric Volvo will charge 30% faster

March 12, 2024

Volvo has announced a significant charging improvement for cars built on its next-gen EV platform. Their batteries will charge up to 30% faster than the current line-up, and it has nothing to do with revolutionary chemistries or a different manufacturing approach. The secret weapon is an algorithm. Volvo Cars is investing in Breathe Battery Technologies, […]

Stellantis CEO: ‘We must make our own, lighter batteries’

March 12, 2024

In an interview with the American car magazine Car and Driver, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares says his group has to produce its own batteries. Meanwhile, he also stresses that EVs have to become lighter and batteries more efficient to maintain the expected range of an EV. The most expensive part of an EV is the […]

Van Hool: wrong horse or simply Murphy’s Law?

March 12, 2024

Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool decided to cut almost half of its jobs at its headquarters in Koningshooikt after a series of cascading troubles eviscerated its competitiveness. Some point to Van Hool’s hydrogen strategy, others to the lack of support from public transport company De Lijn, but neither explanation offers a complete picture. It has […]

Tesla’s Grünheide factory back after sabotage by activist group (update)

March 12, 2024

After the sabotage attack, which led to a power outage and discontinuation of assembly, Tesla’s Grünheide factory is back online. Engineers from energy supplier Edis worked in three-shift mode to restore the connection and succeeded on Monday evening. “The measures to restart the plant are now running at full speed under all safety precautions,” wrote […]

Audi reshuffles top management and accelerates F1 engagement

March 12, 2024

Audi has confirmed the expected reorganization of the Board of Management: CEO Gernot Döllner is also taking over Technical Development at the German carmaker with immediate effect. Audi’s Formula 1 Team accelerates its racing commitment and takes over the F1 Sauber team. Audi’s previous Board Member for Technical Development, Oliver Hoffmann, will now be responsible […]

Fiat cuts production over weakening demand for 500e

March 11, 2024

Until the end of April, Fiat will switch to one shift at its Mirafiori plant due to falling demand for the all-electric 500e and the Maserati models produced on-site. The factory near Turin adapted its output in February, but the supposed plan to resume two-shift operations at the beginning of this month has been further […]

Nissan wants to deploy autonomous Level 4 driving by 2027

March 11, 2024

Within three years from now, Japanese customers will enjoy the benefits of autonomously driving Nissan taxis in Japan. The automaker has been investigating self-driving cars in traffic since 2017 and has released a road map to make it happen. Nissan is taking a cautious approach to Robotaxi rides and wants to gather experience and customer […]

Stellantis wants to take over Punch Powertrain

March 11, 2024

Car manufacturing group Stellantis wants to take over the Belgian, Sint-Truiden-based transmission specialist Punch Powertrain. Although both companies are already working together via joint ventures, the Belgian company wants to defend itself against this hostile takeover in court. Punch Powertrain plays an important role in Stellantis’s electrification process because it develops and produces the transmissions […]

Worst scenario for Van Hool: 1,116 jobs will disappear (update)

March 11, 2024

In stormy weather since the Covid-19 pandemic and the following crisis, Belgian bus and coach builder Van Hool production workers face the ultimate doom scenario. On Monday’s ultimate works council, the unions got the grim message that 1,116 of currently 2,494 jobs at the company’s main factory in Koningshooikt (Lier) will disappear by 2028, 834 […]

Smallest Audi EV will be built in Ingolstadt, VW ID.3 not in Wolfsburg

March 11, 2024

Audi will produce its new entry-level electric model, announced around a year ago, at its headquarters in Ingolstadt. Gernot Döllner, Audi’s CEO, said as much at a staff meeting at the main plant. The new EV sits below the Q4 e-tron. Its much bigger brother, the Q6 e-tron, is already rolling off the production line […]

Rivian presents new mid-size platform for R2 and R3 models

March 08, 2024

US electric car manufacturer Rivian has unveiled a new mid-size platform for the new R2, its first next-generation model after the R1S and R1T. On the platform, an even smaller model will be available, the R3. Both models are thus based on a new platform and come with a choice of one, two, or three […]

BMW and Mercedes to join forces for HPC network in China

March 08, 2024

German premium car manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have formed a joint venture to construct EV fast chargers in China. The joint venture, Beijing Ion Qi New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., is based in Beijing’s Chaoyang district. The joint venture, in which Mercedes-Benz Group China and BMW Brilliance Automotive each hold a 50% stake, aims to […]

Blow for hydrogen growth: cost of electrolyzers soars

March 08, 2024

Hydrogen, regarded as one of the critical energies for decarbonizing heavy road transport and the steel industry, faces a new hurdle. The cost of its quintessential production tool, the electrolyzer, is rising steeply instead of reaching affordability. That’s not according to plan. A recent report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), the 2024 Electrolyser Price […]

‘Resuscitated’ Volta Trucks set to resume production at Magna Steyr

March 07, 2024

E-truck start-up Volta Trucks has signed a preliminary agreement with Austrian production specialist Steyr Automotive to continue producing its trucks. The Swedish start-up filed for bankruptcy in October last year but was bought out by Luxor Capital Group, one of its creditors, in December. It seems that the Volta Trucks story will continue after all. […]

Stellantis to invest €5,6 billion in EVs and bio-hybrids in Brazil

March 07, 2024

Stellantis, including brands such as Citroën, DS, Peugeot, Jeep, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo, will invest 5,6 billion euros in South America between 2025 and 2030, the largest investment ever in the South American automotive sector. The group aims to develop its EV offerings on the continent and promote its ‘bio-hybrid’ technologies, which combine electrification and […]

VW sued over Porsche EV igniting Felicity Ace car carrier

March 07, 2024

The fire on the cargo ship Felicity Ace, which caused the loss of several thousand vehicles, is finding its way to court. A probe points to a Porsche EV aboard with a defective battery having ignited the fire. That kept the ship burning for two weeks before it sank. The Volkswagen Group is facing lawsuits […]

D’Ieteren sells 40% more cars and makes almost €1 billion operating profit

March 06, 2024

Brussels-based holding company D’Ieteren, best known for car glass repairer Carglass and as an importer of VW vehicles, posted sharply higher profits in 2023. Last year, that adjusted consolidated profit before tax came to 970.8 million euros or a 28.1% increase compared to 2022. Things look rosy for D’Ieteren for this year, too: It expects […]

‘Larger offer and stable prices boost second-hand car market by 13,5%’

March 06, 2024

According to Mobility Federation Traxio, the new and second-hand car market continues to perform well in February 2024. Last month, 60,355 second-hand cars were registered, that is 7,160 units or 13,5% more than last year. The success is due to the more significant offer and stable prices. Private individuals ‘ registrations of second-hand electric vehicles […]

EU prepares ‘possible retroactive tariffs’ on Chinese EV imports

March 06, 2024

According to a document published on Tuesday and cited by the Reuters news agency, the EU Commission says it has sufficient evidence ‘tending’ to show Chinese EVs were being subsidized, and it will start ‘customs registrations’ on Thursday to prepare for possible retroactive tariffs. That means that import tariffs could be imposed retrospectively if the […]

Toyota North America finds EPA electrification targets unrealistic

March 05, 2024

According to Toyota’s projections for the U.S. market, American consumers are expected to purchase significantly fewer EVs by 2030 than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) anticipates. Consequently, the automaker plans to procure emissions credits to meet U.S. regulations instead of allocating additional resources toward electric vehicle development, citing doubts about their marketability. The EPA announced […]

Volvo Cars’ EV share highest-ever in February

March 05, 2024

In February, Volvo Cars achieved its highest-ever share of electrified models in fully electric and plug-in hybrids and fully electric combined. This was mainly driven by the ramp-up of the company’s new fully electric small SUV, the EX30. Fully electric cars constituted 22% of all cars sold globally last month, while the combined sales of […]

Hyundai Ioniq 5 facelifted: bigger battery, better interior

March 05, 2024

Three years after its launch, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 EV gets an extensive update, which adds a bigger battery, improved aerodynamics, ergonomic changes to the interior, better safety tech, and a new N Line model, adding some sportiness to the ‘regular’ model range. Strictly speaking, this is the Ioniq 5’s mid-life facelift, but not much has […]

Leapmotor launches cheap electric family SUV C10 in China

March 05, 2024

Leapmotor, the Chinese start-up with backing from Stellantis, has launched its first ‘global’ model: the C10, an electric or range-extended family SUV with a very aggressive price point. The model is now available in China for around €16,500, with an international launch following later this year. Leapmotor first presented the C10 at the IAA in […]

50,000 people queuing for electric Renault 5

March 05, 2024

The French car manufacturer Renault is hoping it has a winner on its hands with the upcoming Renault 5 BEV. The company says it already has 50,000 orders on the waiting list just a few days after its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. “We have a waiting list of 50,000 people,” Renault brand […]

BMW builds battery assembly plant in Thailand

March 05, 2024

BMW has started building its own production facility for fifth-generation high-voltage batteries in Thailand. The high-voltage battery assembly facility on the site in Rayong will prepare the plant there for the production of purely electric cars. According to the Munich-based company, local BEV production is set to begin in the second half of 2025. The […]

Is the future of Fisker threatened?

March 04, 2024

The electric car manufacturer Fisker warns in its latest annual report that it may be unable to continue operations. The current resources are not sufficient to cover the next twelve months. Such warnings occur from time to time and do not necessarily result in the insolvency of a company. In this way, Fisker’s management draws […]

Dacia CEO confirms Sandero to get fully electric successor

March 04, 2024

After this exact point was speculated last summer, Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot confirmed to Automotive News Europe at the Geneva Motor Show that the Sandero, the current best-seller of the brand, will get an electric successor by 2027 or 2028. Dacia currently only has the heavily updated Spring in terms of electric offerings, but […]

Belux car market up 9.6% in February

March 04, 2024

In February, 43,723 cars were registered in Belgium and Luxembourg, 9.6% more than in February 2023. The rise can be attributed to more individual buyers, which is noticeable, given that there was no traditional motor show this year. The registrations for individual buyers increased by 12.9%, representing 41.7% of total registrations, while they were 37.6% […]

Nissan ends production of Leaf in UK

March 04, 2024

Nissan bids farewell to an era as it halted production of the iconic all-electric Leaf MkII at its Sunderland plant in the UK last week. In a following move, the automaker readies its next-generation electric vehicles at the factory. Since its inception in 2010, the Leaf has been a trailblazer in the electric vehicle market, […]

Polestar secures nearly 880 million euro lifeline in funding

March 01, 2024

The saga around Polestar’s financing opens up a new chapter, as the EV startup managed to draw in some serious funding from international banks. With parent Geely’s commitment, the company is secured to achieve its short-term targets. In the wake of Volvo Cars’ decision to sever ties with Polestar, the EV brand has swiftly pivoted, […]

Beherman Motors to import Chinese Farizon e-vans in Benelux

March 01, 2024

Beherman Motors has signed an agreement with the Chinese brand Farizon to import and distribute in the Benelux region. The well-known family importer, tied to Mitsubishi, Mazda, Saab, and BMW in the past, taps further into the opportunity of the nascent eLCV market and aims at a share of 5%. Farizon, a subsidiary of the […]

Leipzig starts production full electric MINI Countryman

March 01, 2024

While in the Netherlands, at VDL Nedcar in Born, for the 2,000 employees, the curtain fell in February for the production of the MINI, BMW shows it is capable of keeping production within its own factories. The first fully electric MINI Countryman models are rolling off the line in Leipzig. Leipzig is the birthplace of […]

Volkswagen inks its deal with Xpeng for two ‘smart e-cars’ for China

March 01, 2024

German carmaker Volkswagen has inked a Master Agreement with Chinese partner Xpeng on strategic technical collaboration to develop two ‘smart e-car’ models in the Chinese market’s mid-size (B) segment. These two first models should hit the market in 2026. For the time being, the collaboration is only for the Chinese market. Still, earlier in July […]

Aston Martin delays production of first EV

February 29, 2024

Aston Martin is postponing the market launch of its first electric car by one year, citing low customer demand. Instead of 2025, as previously planned, the first BEV from Aston Martin will not be launched until 2026. Aston Martin signed a supply agreement for electric drives with Lucid Motors last year in order to facilitate […]

2025 Tesla Roadster featuring sub-1 sec zero to 60 mph time?

February 29, 2024

Elon Musk has stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the new Tesla Roadster is coming in 2025 with a sub-1 second 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time thanks to rocket propulsion technology developed by SpaceX. Is the American electric supercar finally coming after seven years of waiting? With Cybertruck finally launched and Model Y […]

Chinese price war: BYD lowers Han sedan price by 14% (update)

February 29, 2024

China’s top EV maker, BYD, keeps on pushing further in the price war it started two weeks ago, now targeting the mid-to-high-end EV market, according to Chinese media, by lowering the prices of its Han sedan and Tang SUV hybrids by 11 to 14%. The fully electric Han gets an update as ‘Glory Edition’ costing […]

Volvo Cars introduces ‘Accident Ahead Alert’

February 29, 2024

Volvo Cars’ connected safety technology can now alert drivers of accidents ahead. You’re driving down a winding country road. It’s impossible to see beyond the bends in front of you. Suddenly, your Volvo car alerts you: there’s been an accident ahead, just around the bend. “With our new ‘Accident Ahead Alert’, we introduce another pioneering […]

Italy looking to lure other carmakers besides Stellantis (update)

February 29, 2024

The Italian government has approached the booming Chinese car manufacturer BYD to build a car plant in the country and confirmed having contact with Tesla and other carmakers. The Meloni government wants to halt the monopoly of Stellantis in that field and has contacted several other manufacturers to come and produce in Italy. “Several carmakers […]

Renault CEO calls for ‘Airbus’ of EV manufacturers in Europe

February 28, 2024

European automakers could collaborate to share development and production costs, suggests Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo. At the considerably smaller Geneva International Motor Show, the Renault Group was one of the highlights, besides the Chinese manufacturers BYD and SAIC), presenting its all-important new electric R5. Europe’s automakers, facing a stiff challenge from Chinese automakers […]

Bombshell at Apple: killing off the autonomous EV project

February 28, 2024

For the approximately 2,000 employees working for nearly a decade on the ‘Apple Car,’ the news came as a bombshell on Tuesday: the billion-dollar project will be shuttered, and people will be relocated to other projects like AI, if possible. The message was delivered to the team internally by Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, […]

Cadillac Lyriq EV starts selling in Europe (update)

February 27, 2024

After Swiss and Swedish customers had already the opportunity to order a Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV online in October, GM’s luxury brand will launch the car in France on the 23rd of March. Deliveries will begin in the first half of 2024. Germany and the UK are following a little bit later. After years of losses, […]

Ineos Fusilier: smaller and electric or range extended off-roader

February 27, 2024

Ineos Automotive, the car manufacturing subsidiary of the petrochemical giant, has unveiled its third model after the Grenadier 4×4 and Quartermaster pick-up: the Fusilier. It is co-developed and will be produced by Magna Steyr, with a fully electric or a range-extended electric drivetrain, with a projected launch date 2026. Ineos does not seem set on […]

New MG3 defies hybrid Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio

February 27, 2024

MG has set its sights on Toyota and Renault with a new generation of the MG3. The car replaces its gasoline-only range with a hybrid driveline that is more powerful and has a more extended electric range than its contenders. Simultaneously, ambitions are expanding, as MG will introduce the previously UK-only city car in other […]

Stellantis will supply up to 500,000 cars to Ayvens by 2026

February 27, 2024

Ayvens, the result of the merger between ALD Automotive and Leaseplan, has concluded a framework agreement with Stellantis to purchase up to half a million vehicles by 2026. The deal with Ayvens includes several Stellantis brands and cars with different drives, including electric. First significant delivery volumes are expected to begin in the first half […]

Fiat previews electric Panda as one of five new concepts

February 26, 2024

Fiat has previewed the new electric Panda as one of five radically styled concepts that look ahead to a range of new affordable cars due on sale worldwide by the end of the decade. Fiat’s new concepts have been revealed on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, from which the Italian brand will be […]

Renault reveals production-ready R5 E-Tech in Geneva

February 26, 2024

Pictures of the production-ready Renault R5 had already leaked on Instagram, but Renault subsequently launched the model officially on the press day of the Geneva Motor Show. The final design stays remarkably close to the concept version, which debuted three years ago. The 5 replaces the Zoe and will accompany the 4 later this year. […]