November 13, 2023
Stellantis’s daughter Lancia confirms its return to Belgium and Luxembourg on the occasion of the presentation of Lancia Pu+Ra HPE at the Residence of the Italian Ambassador in Brussels. Other European countries to return to are the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal. The iconic Italian brand has a history of 117 years but disappeared […]
November 13, 2023
BMW started the series production of the new Mini Countryman and its all-electric offshoot in Leipzig. It is the first time a Mini model is being made in Germany. The new Mini Countryman is scheduled to hit dealerships on 17 February 2024. It is also the first time the BMW Group produces Mini and BMW […]
November 10, 2023
Peugeot is the first brand from the Stellantis Group to release details and specs of its revised all-electric minivan E-Rifter. The same changes, which are a tad underwhelming, will soon be followed by the Fiat e-Doblo, Citroën ë-Berlingo, and Opel Combo Electric. It’s part of Stellantis One Pro strategy, regrouping all its LCVs under one […]
November 10, 2023
The Rimac Nevera never stops breaking barriers and world records. After beating 24 records, the electric supercar has become the fastest car to drive…in reverse. On a test track in Germany, it went at 275,74 km/hour backward, thus breaking the official Guinness World Record. Rimac isn’t like any other carmaker. Not only did it manage […]
November 10, 2023
Polestar, Volvo and Geely’s luxury electric vehicle subsidiary, has released its latest financial results and unveiled new strategic initiatives during the much-anticipated Polestar Day event in Santa Monica, California. Guess who’s building Polestar’s latest model, the 4? Polestar Day is a platform for the company to present its technology strategy and innovations to media, investors, […]
November 10, 2023
The members of the European Parliament have voted on the proposed Euro 7 emission standards as foreseen. The original proposal had been watered down by fierce lobbying from all sides, and the final result was a compromise that left almost everybody unhappy. The EU Parliament will now enter trilogue negotiations with the EU Council and […]
November 09, 2023
Audi’s Györ plant in Hungary has kickstarted electric motor manufacturing for the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). These cutting-edge electric motors will debut in the Audi Q6 e-tron and, later on, in forthcoming new models like the A6 e-tron and A4, which will be battery-only, including future Porsche cars. Audi is in full pace to commence […]
November 09, 2023
The third chapter in Renault Group’s strategic plan Revolution: the ‘electric arm’ Ampere was launched on November 1st. Meanwhile, Renault and the Alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi struggle to get the ‘new’ Alliance going. Renault Group created Ampere, “a new model of an automotive company”, aiming to become the European leader in the high-growth market […]
November 08, 2023
Ford Otosan has inaugurated the renewed Yeniköy ‘plant of the future’ in Turkey after a €2 billion investment to improve efficiency and clean energy usage. The new Ford Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom have started production, with the e-Transit Custom and E-Tourneo Custom set for launch in 2024. The €2 billion investment has gone further […]
November 08, 2023
The NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) is furious. The European car manufacturers (ACEA) are fiercely contesting the future Euro 7 standard because it would cost too much. Still, they’ve hiked the prices of their cars substantially, especially of the smaller ones, says a new T&E analysis. “Europe’s five biggest carmakers have raised the prices of […]
November 07, 2023
French carmaker DS Automobiles has announced it would integrate the generative artificial intelligence model ChatGPT into its cars. The AI will enhance the brand’s DS Iris voice assistant, allowing a more conversational experience for the user. Currently, the integration of ChatGPT to DS Automobiles infotainment systems is still in its six-month pilot phase. During this […]
November 07, 2023
Swedish-Chinese EV manufacturer Polestar has signed an agreement with South Korean battery manufacturer SK On to supply battery packs for the upcoming Polestar 5 flagship model. The four-door GT is set to launch in 2025 with SK On’s ‘ultra-long’ nickel-based battery cells. The Polestar 5 is the upcoming Porsche Taycan rival from Geely and Volvo’s […]
November 07, 2023
According to sources quoted by the Reuters press agency, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has told employees at the Grünheide gigafactory near Berlin (Germany) that he plans to install a second production line, aside from that of the Model Y, to build the long-expected ‘affordable’ Tesla under €25 000. Tesla declined to comment, and the ‘source […]
November 07, 2023
According to the data of the car and two-wheeler federation, Febiac, the new car market in Belgium and Luxembourg rose again by 26,6% in October compared to the year before. The cumulative result is 413 308 new cars for the first ten months (+32,5%); the expectation is to land at around 475 000 new registrations […]
November 06, 2023
Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), both wholly owned subsidiaries of Tata Motors Limited (TML), have signed an agreement to share JLR’s new platform for EVs, called EMA. It will first be used in the Avinya, which, as it turns out, will not remain a single EV but become a ‘Premium […]
November 06, 2023
October registrations show a Russian car market trying to capture its old form after the collapse of last year. In October, sales soared compared to the month before, almost reaching levels from before the start of the Ukrainian invasion. Lada, the most prominent brand, is losing ground to the Chinese newcomers. According to the Russian […]
November 06, 2023
It’s a sign of the times. Besides the iron-strong profits of the third quarter, Ferrari’s results unveiled that 51% of sales have a plug-in hybrid driveline. It’s the first time in the brand’s history that electrification has outperformed gasoline-only versions. Ferrari further acknowledged that development work on its all-electric model is progressing ahead of schedule. […]
November 06, 2023
In the third quarter of 2023, BMW Group delivered 621 699 vehicles, 5,8% more than the year before. Turnover increased by 3,4% to €38,5 billion, but the net benefit decreased by 7,7%. The latter was a reason for some to talk about disappointing results, while shares nevertheless went up 3,5% last Friday. Blowing hot and […]
November 03, 2023
Hedin Automotive, the Swedish multi-brand retailer and recent importer of the Chinese brand Hongqi in Belgium offers 50 hours of chauffeur service to clients buying a Hongqi E-HS9. The owner of a new Hongqi receives a voucher after purchasing a E-HS9 with a personal code to be used in an application of Get Driven, a […]
November 03, 2023
The Belgian car and two-wheeler federation Febiac will organize a new event in February 2024 to spotlight the Belgian car sector. This ‘Automotive eMotion Summit’ wants to “shape car policies and fleet innovations”, says the press release. A few months ago, Febiac decided not to organize a Brussels Motor Show in January 2024. “When we […]
November 03, 2023
Volkswagen is pulling the brakes on its expansion strategy for Gigafactories in Europe. The German carmaker was to decide upon a forthcoming cell factory in the East European region. Still, group CEO Oliver Blume stopped the process, citing the slow EV market as one of the main reasons. Currently, Volkswagen is constructing battery factories at […]
November 03, 2023
Volvo Cars is launching a new business unit for energy-related products and services. Under the umbrella of ‘Volvo Cars Energy Solutions’, the carmaker bundles technology and services for a comprehensive e-car ecosystem. At the start, there is a V2G pilot project in Gothenburg. ‘Volvo Cars Energy Solutions’ bundles technology and services for a comprehensive electric […]
November 03, 2023
Dutch contract builder VDL informed its employees on Thursday that 2 000 more will lose their jobs at Nedcar in Born (the Netherlands), leaving 450 of 2 500 today as ‘intellectual capital’ to preserve the car factory for future clients. Although Nedcar announced earlier that it signed a declaration of intent to build cars again […]
November 03, 2023
Toyota Motor Corp. raised its full-year outlook Wednesday due to the windfall from a weaker yen, as it reported record earnings for the first half of the fiscal year (2023-2024) on solid post-pandemic vehicle sales in all major markets. At the same time, Toyota is switching the focus of its hydrogen fuel-cell technology development from passenger cars […]
November 02, 2023
Back in 1983, there was no shortage of visionary ideas at Honda as the company marketed a tiny but unique two-wheeler called the Motocompo, which grew into a cult object. It was a foldable scooter that the owner could fit in the trunk of his car and use for urban runabouts long before the ‘last […]
November 02, 2023
Hardly any other VW model is as synonymous with the company car as the Passat estate, often called Variant. Recently, the new ICE Passat was announced, and Volkswagen confirmed it would only bring it as an estate version because of its popularity in the professional car world. But just now, Volkswagen also showed the first […]
November 02, 2023
For 2023, the Japanese renamed their Tokyo Motor Show to the Japan Mobility Show. Strangely enough, we’ve never seen so many sports car concepts in a row for a long time. We had to go back almost twenty-five years to see such an abundance. It was in 1989, when the Tokyo Motor Show moved to […]
November 01, 2023
Despite all efforts to combat global warming, the 425 most polluting coal, gas, and oil projects in the world have not been completed in recent years. On the contrary. International media research has shown that the world still has 425 ‘carbon bombs’ – 195 oil and gas projects and 230 coal mines. Now, what exactly […]
November 01, 2023
MAN Truck & Bus has made its long-distance eTGX and distribution eTGS electric trucks available for sale, with the first units scheduled for delivery in 2024. Both models feature a modular battery pack, megawatt charging, and an 800 km range. Back in 2021, MAN started the development of its electric future with the eMobility Center […]
November 01, 2023
For a specific time already, Volkswagen’s software division Cariad has been behind schedule. The new solution for the problem is striking: instead of catching up with more staff, there is a threat of large-scale job cuts and further delays, says a media report. According to reports by the German publication Manager Magazin, new Cariad boss […]
October 31, 2023
In a new auction of the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM), the support mechanism to ensure electricity supply in Belgium from 2025, several new battery projects have received support. The temporary lifetime extension of the old Vilvoorde gas-fired power plant is also receiving support. All the 22 projects that participated will receive subsidies, reports system operator […]
October 31, 2023
For almost seven weeks already, strikes have been paralyzing America’s ‘big three’ automakers. Now, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union has announced that an agreement in principle with the ‘big three’ has been reached. Overall, the agreement still has to be ratified by the workers, but that can last a few weeks. According to the […]
October 30, 2023
Scientists from Chalmers University in Gothenburg have developed a breakthrough method for recycling used battery packs, not by complex and dangerous chemical additives but by activating a substance found in rhubarb, white beans, or paprika. The researchers have ties with Volvo and Northvolt. “Until now, no one has succeeded in finding the right formula for […]
October 30, 2023
British oil giant BP’s EV-charging division Pulse has ordered $100 million worth of Superchagers from Tesla to intall across the US under its own brand-name, including at TravelCenters of America, Amoco and Thorton stations, and EV fleet customers. It’s the first time Tesla fast-charging hardware is sold and deployed by third parties. The first installations […]
October 30, 2023
Hyundai Motor Group has decided to put all its design activities under one Global Design Division. The Belgian designer Luc Donckerwolke, already President at Hyundai Motor group and Chief Creative Officer, has been asked to lead the Global Design Division as Chief Design Officer (CDO). The new division has to streamline all design activities, not […]
October 30, 2023
Australian hydrogen vehicle start-up H2X has partnered with Austrian motorcycle and sports car manufacturer KTM to develop lightweight body and chassis elements for H2X’s hydrogen fuel cell van. The ‘Origami’ modular chassis allows the H2X ‘Darling’ to have multiple body options. We first heard from H2X in October 2022, when it tried to homologate its […]
October 30, 2023
Airline Air France-KLM posted its best quarter ever this summer. From the period from July to September, the French-Dutch airline group retains an operating profit of 1,3 billion euros, which is an improvement on the record set six years ago. Profits rose by almost a third in the third quarter compared to last year and […]
October 27, 2023
At the Japan Mobility Show, alongside the premiere of the updated 2024 MX-5, Mazda unveiled the Iconic SP. This concept car marries a dual rotary powertrain with an EV platform, a powertrain approach Mazda recently debuted in the Mazda MX-30 R-EV, an EV with a range extender. “The Mazda Iconic SP is a compact sports […]
October 27, 2023
Stellantis has bought a stake of 20% in the Chinese start-up for electric vehicles Leapmotor. Beyond reinforcing its grip on the Chinese market, the car giant has also stepped into a joint venture for export to nearby Asian countries and Europe. The deal is worth 1,5 billion euros. The news was rumored already since summer. […]
October 27, 2023
British – but Indian Tata-owned – carmaker JLR Group (former Jaguar Land Rover) announced on Thursday it is going to prep its Defender plant in Nitra, Slovakia, like the factories of Halewood and Solihull to produce electric vehicles. JLR wants to launch nine new EVs by 2030 as part of the company’s Reimagine Strategy. In […]
October 27, 2023
BMW is now producing the first battery cell samples, which it will use in the New Class models from 2025. Production occurs at the manufacturer’s new Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) in Parsdorf, Germany. Operations at BMW’s competence center for battery cell manufacturing east of Munich have been underway since May. The facility spans an […]
October 26, 2023
To boost profitability outside Europe, Renault announced the launch of eight new models by 2027. Spearheading the new strategy is the already unveiled Kardian, a compact urban crossover based on the platform of the Clio and the Sandero from its budget brand Dacia. After rewriting its alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi, which divided the global […]
October 26, 2023
Responding to strong demand for the car, Volvo Cars has decided to start building the new fully electric Volvo EX30 in its Ghent plant in Belgium in 2025, expanding production capacity for its small SUV. The EX30 was revealed to almost universal acclaim earlier this year and has already won several major awards. Production of […]
October 26, 2023
The ‘love affair’ between Japanese carmaker Honda and American General Motors for developing together a line of ‘affordable’ electric cars under $30 000 ends abruptly. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said the automaker scraps the plans after a year-long evaluation proving a ‘changing business environment’ makes them unviable. “After extensive studies and analysis, we have come […]
October 25, 2023
According to reports in the media, the next generation of the Audi A4 will also be launched purely electrically from the end of 2025. The A4 e-tron should be available as a saloon and estate – with a similar orientation to the current combustion engine model, which will remain in the range for the time […]
October 25, 2023
On Tuesday, the European Commission presented new measures to boost the European wind power industry to achieve the European Union’s targets for renewable energy generation by 2030. The European Union aims to reach its climate goal of generating 42,5% of the EU’s total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. Wind energy, which accounted for […]
October 25, 2023
After Nissan, the other Japanese Alliance partner, Mitsubishi Motors, also announced its participation in Renault’s electric car division Ampere. The Japanese will invest a maximum of €200 million. Mitsubishi Motors calls it “an ambitious step forward” in its EV strategy. Nissan previously announced that it would invest up to 600 million euros in Ampere. As […]
October 25, 2023
At the Japan Mobility Show 2023, the successor of the Tokyo Motor Show after four years of absence, Lexus introduced concept models under the theme ‘Pushing the Boundaries of the Electrified Experience’, envisioning new possibilities for mobility through electric cars. The Lexus booth hosted the global debut of the next-generation Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) concept […]
October 25, 2023
At the Japan Mobility Show, Honda and Isuzu are showcasing their jointly developed longe range hydrogen truck, called ‘Giga Fuel Cell’, for the first time. It’s a low deck 8×4 rigid truck, 12 meters long and with 25 tons capacity for intercity transports with a range of up to 800 kilometers, on one tank filled […]
October 24, 2023
Volvo Cars opened its largest software test center in Gothenburg, Sweden. The site is also set to expand further, more than doubling its capacity over time. The center measures 22 000 m2. Volvo says it is “the new flagship in our network of development centers and tech hubs worldwide”. Volvo Cars also operates software test […]
October 23, 2023
For the first time in 130 years, the powerful German trade union IG Metall will have a woman at the top starting this Monday. Christiane Benner (55) sees her fight for workers’ rights as a political mission. During the weekend, the newly appointed head of Germany’s most significant union called on the federal government to […]
October 23, 2023
Electra has concluded a contract with services company Spie to expand its fast-charging network in Belgium. The collaboration will install fast chargers at 21 locations across Belgium, and preparatory works have started since September. Electra is turning to the energy transition know-how of Spie to grow its activities in the fast-charger market. It aims to […]
October 23, 2023
Volkswagen, the second most important car company in Norway, will stop selling new cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE) at the end of the year. “As a farewell to cars burning fossil fuel, the last Golf will be ordered at the end of the year,” declared Ulf Tore Hekneby, CEO of the group Møller, […]
October 20, 2023
Renault Group realized a turnover for Q3 2023 of €10,5 billion, an increase of 7,6%. Noticeably, the sales increase in cars of 6% in total is mainly due to electrified vehicles, which climbed 22%. The figures for the year’s first three quarters are even more eloquent, with a turnover of €37,4 billion (+21,1%) and almost […]
October 20, 2023
Stellantis has revealed the outline of the commercial vehicle part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategy. The conglomerate wants to deliver next-gen zero-emission light commercial vehicles (LCVs), offer its customers a 360-degree service, and generate €5 billion from connected services. Stellantis is currently on top of the light commercial vehicle market in Europe and South […]
October 20, 2023
Grey clouds are overshadowing Tesla’s long-lasting winning streak. During the presentation of Q3 earnings, the company announced crumbling margins, a delay for its Mexican factory, and worries about the profitability of its highly anticipated Cybertruck. Tesla’s chase for more volume, fueled by price drops, is eating away at the company’s margins. When the company realized […]
October 20, 2023
New figures from the European Car Manufacturers Association ACEA indicate that the European car market has seen a 14th consecutive month of growth and that electrification continues. In September 2023, new car registrations increased by 9,2%, reaching 861 062 units. Two of the EU’s most significant markets saw substantial gains: Italy (+22,7%) and France (+10,7%). […]
October 20, 2023
EV truck start-up Volta has filed for bankruptcy in its home country, Sweden. The company’s subsidiaries in other countries, like the UK, will follow suit. The fall-out is linked to Volta’s battery manufacturer, which filed for Chapter 11 in the US. In an official statement, the company said: “The recent news that our battery supplier […]
October 19, 2023
Tesla has finally fixed the date of November 30, 2023, for the first customer deliveries of its long-awaited Cybertruck electric pickup truck, which was initially scheduled for a 2021 launch. CEO Elon Musk has, however, tempered expectations regarding mass production ramp-up and profitability. Just under a year ago, Tesla CEO Elon Musk promised analysts that […]
October 19, 2023
Porthos, the Rotterdam carbon-dioxide-capturing project given the green light in August, has entered a new phase. The final investment decision has been made, and in 2024, the construction of the first large CO2 transport and storage system in the Netherlands will start. The project will cost 1,3 billion euros and is expected to be ready […]
