April 28, 2025
Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD extended its lead in the global EV race with a record-setting first-quarter profit. The carmaker solidified its dominance at home while advancing its global ambitions. But over in Europe, the brand shifted strategy as it struggled with its dealership footprint. The Shenzhen-based car maker’s net profit rose to 9.2 billion […]
April 25, 2025
The two most important members of the Alliance, Renault and Nissan, posted very different results for Q1 2025. Renault holds strong in a challenging environment, while Nissan is struggling to survive and is still looking for a partner. Renault Group recorded 564,980 sales in 2025 Q1, up 2.9% versus 2024 Q1. In Europe, Group sales […]
April 25, 2025
Volkswagen is stepping deeper into the autonomous driving race, announcing plans to bring a fleet of self-driving ID to market. Buzz electric vans through a new partnership with Uber. The German automaker aims to supply thousands of autonomous vehicles for Uber’s ride-hailing platform across the U.S. over the next decade, beginning with Los Angeles in […]
April 24, 2025
How can Belgium become climate-neutral by 2050 without driving industry out? Research institute VITO/EnergyVille formulated an answer: “The most expensive option is to do nothing.” Vito/EnergyVille launched a study and joined forces with several major players in the Belgian energy market: grid operators Elia and Fluxys, major consumers such as BASF and ArcelorMittal, and producer Luminus. With […]
April 24, 2025
According to data from the European car manufacturers’ association ACEA, new EU car registrations declined by 1.9% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with March 2025 figures showing a slight 0.2% year-on-year (YOY) decline as the global economic context remains particularly challenging and unpredictable for auto makers. In Q1 2025, the […]
April 24, 2025
The Chery Group, one of China’s most important car exporters, didn’t fail to wow at the Shanghai Auto Show. As it stunned the local market with a flood of models, it also announced that it would bring two additional brands to Europe, aside from Jaecoo and Omoda. Lepas will compete with Dacia, while Jetour aims […]
April 24, 2025
Bad news for Chinese start-ups. As China’s electric vehicle market races toward saturation, industry insiders are sounding the alarm for the country’s well-known EV brands. Nio, Xpeng, and Li Auto, once hailed as the darlings of China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) boom, are now facing warnings from analysts and executives that their independent survival chances […]
April 23, 2025
On Wednesday, the Toyota bZ7 all-electric sedan debuted at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show as the first joint venture (GAC-Toyota) car equipped with Huawei’s HarmonyOS cockpit system, and developed specifically for the Chinese market. The official launch is expected to occur later this year. A Toyota bZ7 concept car previously appeared at the 2024 Guangzhou […]
April 23, 2025
Confirming expectations, Tesla’s finances have fared poorly at the start of 2025. The pioneering EV maker saw net income fall by 71% to just $409 million during the first quarter. If it weren’t for regulatory credits, the company would report losses, which means that its car-making business is currently in the red. Musk wants to […]
April 23, 2025
Volkswagen Group’s premium Audi brand is fighting back with a range of new, more extended versions of its models designed for the Chinese market, where wealthier consumers with chauffeurs often sit in the back of their cars. It also showcased the first vehicle of a new model line with a different logo from its famous […]
April 23, 2025
With no less than three concept cars from its three China joint ventures, VW provided a taste of the model offensive that will start in 2025 on the eve of Auto Shanghai. A total of 30 new vehicles are to be launched on the market by 2027. The three announced VW studies are the ID. […]
April 22, 2025
As automakers around the globe recalibrate their electric vehicle strategies amid cooling demand, Horse Powertrain is positioning itself as a timely solution. The Renault Group and Geely joint venture, with additional backing from Saudi oil giant Aramco, has unveiled a novel hybrid powertrain explicitly designed for retrofitting into battery-electric vehicles. The Future Hybrid Concept aims […]
April 22, 2025
Renault is opening reservations for the Renault 5 Turbo 3E ‘mini-supercar’ on 22 April 2025, from 9 a.m. (CET). A modern, electric reboot of the legendary Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 of the 1980s, the new vehicle will be available for €155,000, including VAT as an introductory price, excluding options, accessories, and personalisation choices. […]
April 22, 2025
At first glance, the Renault Embleme looks like just another sleek European shooting brake, long, low, and a little futuristic. But hidden beneath that sculpted bodywork is an experiment that could rewrite the rules of car manufacturing. The Embleme dazzled crowds at last year’s Paris Motor Show. But it is much more than a concept […]
April 22, 2025
Reactions to the automotive import tariffs in the US differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Audi is considering producing in the US, GM has no plans to move from Mexico to the US, and Mazda is decreasing its US production. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume said the […]
April 22, 2025
The world leader in EV batteries, Chinese CATL, which provides more than a third of the global needs, announced three innovations for the following months, with one that could change the industry drastically: it will be the first to start mass production of sodium-ion (Na+) batteries by the end of this year. Sodium is abundant […]
April 22, 2025
Subaru of America unveiled its second electric SUV, the Trailseeker EV, at the New York International Auto Show. The model is scheduled for sale in the US starting in 2026. Meanwhile, the brand’s first EV, the Solterra, received a facelift. It’s not clear yet if and when the Trailseeker will come to Europe. Trailseeker EV: […]
April 18, 2025
Lotus Technology Inc. has announced that Geely, the majority owner of its vehicle manufacturing business Lotus UK, exercised its put option earlier this week to sell its 51% stake in the latter company back to the former company. In other words, Geely steps out, and Lotus Tech has to buy back 51% of Lotus UK’s […]
April 17, 2025
According to data from the sector federation, Febiac, and the government services, 120,940 new cars were registered during the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 10.5% compared to 2024. We already showed these results earlier; now is the time to get into the details about who buys what. In 2023 and 2024, Belgium had […]
April 16, 2025
China has ordered its airlines to stop taking further deliveries from Boeing, the US manufacturer that, along with Airbus, ranks as one of the world’s largest aircraft producers. This reports news agency Bloomberg. This is a retaliatory measure in the trade war launched by US President Donald Trump. Beijing has also asked Chinese airlines to […]
April 16, 2025
2024 was disappointing for the Stellantis Group, President John Elkann told the annual shareholders meeting in Amsterdam on Tuesday, adding that a new CEO to replace Carlos Tavares, who quit in December, will be named by the middle of this year. The remuneration of the former CEO for 2024 also caused some turmoil. “I would […]
April 16, 2025
Rho Motion, a leading EV research house, revealed that 1.7 million electric vehicles were sold globally in March 2025, with 4.1 million sold in Q1 2025. The EV market grew by 29% in March 2025 compared to March 2024 and increased by 40% compared to February 2025. For Q1 overall, the growth rate was also […]
April 15, 2025
Energy company Engie has started constructing a solar park on its site in Rodenhuize, the peninsula in the port of Ghent that already houses three wind turbines and an ultra-fast charging station for EVs. Starting this summer, the installation will produce about 5.7 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually, enough for the average consumption of […]
April 15, 2025
MAN launched battery production at its Nuremberg (Germany) site on Friday, April 11th. The company also announced an extra investment in battery and diesel engine production to secure the factory’s long-term future and prepare for the launch of the series production of its trucks in June. After investing around €100 million in the Nuremberg production […]
April 15, 2025
About 320,000 Belgians who bought a car with ‘fraud software’ from the VW Group can finally claim indemnification. Nine years after the court case started, an agreement exists between the Belgian consumer organization TestAankoop/TestAchats and Volkswagen. In those nine years, Volkswagen finally admitted that it had sold some 11 million diesel cars with engine type […]
April 15, 2025
The Belgian federal government gave hybrid cars more breathing space in its Easter agreement. The authorities now think that a battery electric car is not yet the right solution for everyone and are providing more room to hybrids. Organisations that promote EVs or environmental associations see the new rules as a serious step back. The […]
April 14, 2025
Swedish truck manufacturer Scania has acquired Northvolt’s Systems Industrial Division, the bankrupt battery manufacturer’s heavy industry and off-road battery systems division. The 260 employees based in Sweden will transfer to Scania’s Power Solutions division, which develops powertrains for industrial, marine, and power generation purposes. Northvolt, the Swedish battery manufacturer once hailed as Europe’s answer to […]
April 14, 2025
At the Brussels Motor Show in January, Mazda showed the all-new Mazda 6e, the European version of the EZ-6, the already existing Chinese model developed in cooperation with Chinese car manufacturer Changan and based on the Changan Deepal SL03. The Japanese carmaker will perform the same exercise for its first entirely electric full-size SUV. With […]
April 14, 2025
In a dealer memo published by several German media, Mercedes-Benz has announced the early retirement of its small van class. The Citan, T-Class, and their electric counterparts will cease production in Q2 2026, ending Mercedes’ involvement in the genre and severing the last ties with Renault. The Mercedes Citan was first introduced in 2012 as […]
April 14, 2025
Californian EV maker Lucid Motors announced last Friday it has “reached an agreement to acquire select facilities and assets in Arizona previously belonging to Nikola Corporation, subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.” But that doesn’t mean it takes over the business: “The transaction does not include the acquisition […]
April 13, 2025
A European research project has unveiled a new battery design that could help electric vehicles become more sustainable, easier to recycle, and cheaper to repair. The battery, developed under the EU-funded Marbel project and backed by Stellantis, has been created with circular economy principles in mind. As such, it also aims at finding a second […]
April 11, 2025
The Volkswagen Group increased its global BEV deliveries by 59% to 216,800 vehicles (commercial vehicles and buses/trucks included) in the first quarter compared to Q1 2024. Polestar’s Q1 sales were up 76% compared to last year. For the Volkswagen Group, things went very well in Europe and the US, but not in China. We can […]
April 11, 2025
Will the EU’s punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs soon end? The European Union and China have opened formal talks on setting minimum prices for Chinese electric vehicles sold in Europe as a potential replacement. Both sides confirmed the development in negotiations, signaling a possible escape route from the escalating trade dispute that has shaken the […]
April 11, 2025
The BMW Group delivered 109,516 all-electric cars in the first quarter, an increase of 32.4% and an 18.7% share of total deliveries. Electric car sales increased in Europe in particular. And more than one in three vehicles delivered by the Mini brand was purely electric. Across all drive types, the BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce brands […]
April 10, 2025
Trade union FIM CISL said Tuesday that Stellantis Group’s production in Italy has worsened and is now at its lowest level since 1956. It said Stellantis production worsened significantly in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, which had already been “a black year.” Minus 36% Some 109,900 units […]
April 10, 2025
A new study from the NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) shows significant irregularities in the reported consumption of palm residues used in renewable diesel (HVO) being sold by oil majors. A new T&E study shows that a key ingredient in the ‘renewable diesel’ sold in Europe is likely fraudulent. Nearly twice as much palm oil […]
April 09, 2025
The Jacky Perrenot Group, one of the most prominent French transporters with over 10,000 employees, received France’s first electric MAN eTGX. The group has ordered 40 electric trucks from MAN and has the option to expand the fleet to 100 tractor and chassis units. MAN unveiled its long-range electric truck, eTGX, at the end of […]
April 09, 2025
Chinese automakers posted a significant sales gain in Europe this February, shrugging off mounting trade pressure from the European Union. Leaning into plug-in hybrids has helped them offset the punitive EU tariffs. BYD, in particular, is leading the charge — topping domestic sales, previewing record-breaking profits, and deepening its presence in key European markets. The […]
April 09, 2025
Porsche significantly increased the proportion of electrified vehicles sold in the first quarter of 2025: 71,470 vehicles (-8%) were handed over to customers worldwide between January and March, 38.5 percent of which were electrified, and more than 25 percent fully electric. Porsche states these electrified vehicles are divided into 25.9% battery-electric cars and 12.6% plug-in […]
April 08, 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has confirmed that hybrid vehicles will remain on sale in the UK until 2035 to mitigate the Trump tariffs and shield British automakers from their ripple effects. This is an extension of the previous 2030 ban, which Starmer reinforced as he took office. The ban on new gasoline and diesel […]
April 08, 2025
Urban focus, one seat, and no emissions from a battery driveline are the main features of the Mibot from KG Motors. This Japanese start-up wants to reinvent electric mobility by lifting the kei car into a new era. The dimensions are so small that the vehicle fits into a panel van. Japan must cope with […]
April 07, 2025
French train builder Alstom is planning a significant expansion in France. The company plans to invest 150 million euros and recruit at least 1,000 people this year. The investments and hiring are coming to meet the increased demand for high-speed trains. The plan is to start a new production line at Alstom’s Valenciennes plant. At […]
April 07, 2025
Kia Corporation and LG Electronics announced a partnership to collaborate on implementing mobility space solutions based on the PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) technology. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Kia pavilion at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show. They unveiled concept models for mobile work and recreational spaces incorporating advanced home appliances […]
April 07, 2025
Ryder, a Florida-based transportation and truck rental company with around 260,000 vehicles in its fleet, has asked California’s Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) for another extension regarding the subsidies for its fleet of Tesla Semis. The reason? Tesla is still unable to deliver the trucks and is charging much more than promised. […]
April 07, 2025
Tesla’s executive ranks continue to thin as David Lau, Vice President of Software Engineering and a key figure behind the company’s vehicle software platform, cloud services, and manufacturing systems, is stepping down. He served nearly 13 years with the automaker. Lau’s departure, first reported by Bloomberg, adds to a growing list of long-tenured leaders leaving […]
April 07, 2025
Sector federation Febiac, the organizer of the Brussels Motor Show (BMS), has officially announced that the 2026 edition (the 102nd) will be held next January from the 9th to the 18th at the Brussels Expo premises. “We are happy to announce today that Febiac will organize the 102nd Motor Show,” says Freddy De Mulder, Febiac’s […]
April 04, 2025
Engineering consultancy Ricardo has taken a big step in rethinking electric propulsion with the unveiling of Alumotor, a high-efficiency, rare earth-free electric motor. Their solution could help reshape how automakers approach sustainability and cost in EV design. Presented at the UKRI Materials and Manufacturing Showcase 2025 in London, Alumotor is the product of a consortium […]
April 04, 2025
Skoda has officially launched its fastest production car ever — and it’s not a sedan or a hot hatch. It’s the Elroq RS, a beefed up version of its compact electric crossover that combines everyday practicality with a big shot of performance. Unveiled at Milan Design Week, the Elroq RS builds on the recently introduced […]
April 03, 2025
At the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, Hyundai unveiled a significantly redesigned Ioniq 6. The new look is even sleeker, resulting in a more aggressive version of its all-electric sedan. The refresh comes just two years after the model’s original debut and marks a bold design rethink to boost sales, which have been lagging behind its […]
April 03, 2025
Mobilize Duo, the electric four-wheel from Renault’s Mobilize subsidiary, will be available in the Belgian and Luxembourg markets from April 7th onward through Renault’s dealer network. Three versions target young drivers without a driver’s license, as well as adults and professional drivers with a license. Mobilize Duo aims to be practical and agile in an […]
April 03, 2025
As a symbol for Europe’s rapidly evolving EV infrastructure, four of the continent’s leading charging operators—Fastned, Electra, Atlante, and IONITY—have joined forces to create Spark Alliance. This strategic partnership must leverage the seamlessness, reliability, and user-friendliness of charging experiences across 25 European countries. However, it also tightens the space for smaller or new competitors. Spark […]
April 02, 2025
The European Commission has fined 15 major automakers 485 million euros for participating in a cartel involving the recycling of end-of-life vehicles. The fines apply to BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Volvo, and the European automobile trade association ACEA, among others. All companies admitted involvement in the cartel and agreed to the settlement. Mercedes-Benz escaped a fine […]
April 02, 2025
The French Conseil d’analyse économique (CAE) and the Franco-German Council of Economic Experts (GCEE) have published a joint statement calling on the EU to focus on decarbonizing road freight transport by abandoning support for hydrogen trucks. They urge to prioritize battery-electric trucks, which are considered the most viable solution. Nine experts from the CAE and […]
April 02, 2025
Nissan and Renault realigned their partnership in an ‘Amendment to the New Alliance Agreement’. Nissan will be released from its obligation to invest in Renault’s electric car division, Ampere, and Renault will take complete control of the Indian manufacturing joint venture. Both moves are part of a new agreement signed by both carmakers. It essentially […]
April 02, 2025
An international group is acquiring Belgian auto glass group Soliver, also known as AGP. It is not known which international player is involved or how high the bid is. The new owner wants to continue operations in Belgium under a new name and would take over most of the approximately 1,000 employees. Soliver makes auto […]
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 […]
April 02, 2025
According to data from the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport and the sector federation Febiac, car registrations in March 2025 fell by 10.2%. The market for individual buyers has almost returned to the same level as the professional market. In March, 40,185 new cars were registered, and this regress is due to the decrease […]
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 […]
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 […]
March 31, 2025
Daimler Truck, manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, has signed a letter of intent with German start-up ARX Robotics to integrate AI-based autonomous driving systems in its military trucks. These vehicles can be controlled remotely, drive autonomously in open terrain, and communicate with other software-defined vehicles like drones. With Europe cranking up its defense spending to protect […]
