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 […]
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 […]
March 31, 2025
Hakan Samuelsson, who led Volvo to multiple records for vehicle sales and profits during his ten years as CEO, will take over as chief executive again on April 1st. Samuelsson will succeed Jim Rowan, who will step down on March 31st and leave the Volvo board on the same date. Samuelsson (74) served as Volvo […]
March 31, 2025
BMW has opened an additional body shop for its factory in Regensburg. In the new production hall in Neutraubling, the manufacturer currently produces about 120 car bodies per day. This is because the plant’s output is constantly increasing, with more than a third of electrified cars already rolling off the production line in 2024. The […]
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 […]
March 28, 2025
A new plant for a new class of BMW cars is coming to life in Debrecen, Hungary. The assembly line is ramping up to start full production of the Neue Klasse by the end of this year. New vehicle architecture means new possibilities for assembly: greater efficiency thanks to modularisation, fewer different connecting elements, a […]
March 27, 2025
Japanese car manufacturer Nissan has confirmed that it will release a fully electric version of its Micra this year, the car’s first all-electric generation. The EV will be built by Nissan’s long-time partner Renault in France and will share the same platform as the electric R5. Two other Nissan EVs have also been announced. Meanwhile, […]
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 […]
March 27, 2025
Mobilize, Renault Group’s sustainable mobility arm has opened 25 fast-charging locations in France and plans to open as many as 100 by the end of 2025. The group also hopes to manage 650 EV charging hubs across Western Europe by the end of 2028. Belgium and Spain are a priority here. The Mobilize Fast Charge […]
March 26, 2025
Since the spin-off in 2023, Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo has managed the electric car division, Ampere, in a dual role. That will change now: Josep Maria Recasens will become the new CEO of Ampere on April 1st, 2025. There are also other new appointments in top management. Josep Maria Recasens is the current […]
March 26, 2025
Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to invest $21 billion (±€ 19.5 billion) in the United States between 2025 and 2028. This investment aims to increase the company’s US production capacity to 1.2 million vehicles. Additionally, component manufacturing, including the production of battery packs, will be strengthened. Hyundai’s Executive President, Chung Eui-sun, announced the news […]
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 […]
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 […]
March 25, 2025
China’s fourth-largest carmaker, state-owned Changan, has set foot ashore in Mainz, Germany, last Friday as the first step in its ‘European invasion’ in ten markets to start on the Old Continent in the following years. Its EU parts headquarters will be in the Netherlands. The group showed its electric SUV, Deepal S07, as its first […]
March 25, 2025
According to the European Car Manufacturers Association (ACEA) date, new EU car registrations declined by 3% in February compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, the bloc’s significant markets saw declines, with Italy (-6%), Germany (-4.6%), and France (-3.3%). Spain conversely recorded an 8.4% increase. In February 2025, the year-on-year (YOY) decline was 3.4%, […]
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 […]
March 21, 2025
China has apparently delayed the approval for the construction of BYD’s Mexican plant. Chinese authorities fear that Mexico could gain unrestricted access to BYD’s advanced technology and know-how and potentially share it with the US. The Financial Times reports, citing two people familiar with the matter, that there are other reasons why Beijing could oppose […]
March 21, 2025
Contract builder Magna Steyr, which today still builds cars like the Mercedes G-Class, Toyota GR Supra, and BMW Z4 that share the same platform at its plant in Graz, Austria, is, according to a new report, closing a deal with Chinese Xpeng and GAC to build EVs for the European market. It would work on […]
March 21, 2025
“Our sales in Europe will make a big jump starting in March and April,” says Stella Li, Vice-President of the Chinese car manufacturer BYD. The carmaker still wants to expand its offer of PHEVs and BEVs, including a very affordable entry-level model. Meanwhile, Europe is investigating the financial aid the company got to build its […]
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 […]
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 […]
March 20, 2025
Surprisingly, SAIC Motor’s daughter MG will launch a completely new version of its MG4 EV. This car sells well overseas but has very low sales in China. The new version is larger than the previous one and has a brand-new design. This might signal that the company decided to start all over again with its […]
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 […]
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 […]
