Renault CEO blows hot and cold about energy transition

July 26, 2024

As ACEA President Luca de Meo emitted the thought a few days ago, banning ICE cars as of 2035, a requirement imposed by the EU, is getting complicated. Now he says there has been a ‘misunderstanding’  and that he stays “hyper-confident that electric drive will be the dominant technology in Europe and is the best […]

Revamped Kia EV6 GT gets tech from Hyundai Ioniq 5N

July 25, 2024

The Kia EV6 was updated in May and is available at the end of July. However, the Korean brand reserved the most powerful and sporty GT version for later this year. Unsurprisingly, the future revamped EV6 GT will get a new front fascia, rear bumper, and, more importantly, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s virtual transmission. […]

Belgian car fleet gets longer, heavier and too wide for parking

July 25, 2024

The average car on the Belgian market is getting longer, wider, and heavier, reducing available space on roads and in cities. This trend has been going on for some time now. In 2023, the Belgian automobile fleet represented about 6 million vehicles, occupying a space corresponding to 9,787 football fields. Ten years ago, it would […]

GM postpones two electric pickups again and halts Cruise Origin

July 25, 2024

General Motors has once again postponed the start of production of the electric pickups Chevrolet Silverado EV and the GMC Sierra EV. They won’t roll off the production line until mid-2026, about one and a half years later than initially planned. The Cruise Origin robotaxi has been scrapped altogether. General Motors had already rescheduled production […]

New Renault Twingo EV to be built in Slovenia

July 25, 2024

Renault Group and the government of Slovenia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to produce the next all-electric Twingo in the automaker’s factory in Novo Mesto starting in 2026. Renault CEO Luca de Meo has said the new Twingo is expected to sell for less than €20,000. It will replace the current model, which […]

Belux car registrations for H1 2024 show EV growth continues

July 24, 2024

In the first half of the year (H1), the market for new cars in Belgium and Luxembourg shrank by 0.4%, with 263,408 registered new cars compared to 264,475 in 2023. 24.5% of them, or 64,429 units, were BEVs. While EVs are losing momentum in the EU, primarily due to the German market’s aversion to battery […]

Sollei Concept proves Cadillac wants to go high-luxury again

July 24, 2024

Cadillac has revealed the Sollei Concept, an exquisite two-door convertible that is, in fact, a Celestiq, Cadillac’s new high-luxury limousine, minus a roof and two doors. Once heralded as one of the premier luxury marques worldwide, Cadillac’s status faltered as its cars increasingly shared parts with other, more common General Motors vehicles. That is set […]

Porsche adjusts EV targets and considers investing in Varta

July 23, 2024

Porsche is responding to the slower electric ramp-up. Following the recent changes in the production of the electric Taycan, the production of the combustion-powered Cayenne is also being extended. Porsche has cautiously adjusted its target that more than 80% of cars delivered in 2030 will be fully electric. “Our product strategy is designed so that […]

Ford of Europe goes ‘multi-energy’ again

July 23, 2024

Ford of Europe initially wanted to sell only EVs in Europe by 2030. The US carmaker now says it will continue to offer combustion engine vehicles and hybrids, citing the slowing EV uptake in Europe as the main reason for this. Marin Gjaja, COO of Ford’s Model E electrification division, spoke to the British magazine […]

Smartphone maker Xiaomi builts world’s fastest 4-door car

July 22, 2024

What Apple failed to accomplish is building its own electric car, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi excels in doing so by building the world’s fastest four-door car ever, the SU7 Ultra. Imagine going from 0 to 200 km/h in 5.96 seconds. This is a Porsche Taycan-sized ultra-version of the SU7 that is on sale in China […]

Is it ‘over and out’ for Audi Brussels? (Update)

July 22, 2024

Almost two weeks ago, the management of the Audi Brussels plant called for an extraordinary works council and announced ‘the restructuring intention’ for the plant. The current production of the Q8 e-tron will be stopped before the end of 2026, and almost half of the workforce (1,410) will already lose their jobs this year, probably […]

Smart seeks partner for ForTwo successor (Update)

July 22, 2024

Smart isn’t abandoning its city car roots. After concentrating on larger electric SUVs with the recent #1, #3, and #5, the Chinese-German company is considering a successor for the ForTwo and maybe even the roadster. In an interview, Smart Europe CEO says the brand is “working on it.” That being said, Smart isn’t willing to […]

Lynk & Co’s Z20 destined for Europe spotted testing in China

July 22, 2024

Chinese media report that Lynk & Co’s fully electric Z20 crossover is being road-tested without camouflage in China before it arrives in Europe in late 2024. It shares the same SEA2 platform as the Zeekr X, the Volvo EX30, and Smart #1 & 3, but with larger overhangs that would be somewhat longer than the […]

Renault appoints new CTO and scores good sales results

July 19, 2024

Renault named former Ferrari executive Philippe Krief CTO, replacing Gilles Le Borgne. Meanwhile, the group sold 1.9% more vehicles worldwide in the first half of 2024 (H1) and 6.7% more in Europe. Krief, currently already CEO of Renault’s Alpine sports and racing brand, will take on the role on Sept. 1 and report to CEO […]

Porsche unveils top-range Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid with 800 hp

July 19, 2024

Porsche has launched the most powerful Panamera of all time with the new Turbo S E-Hybrid. Its combination of a turbocharged V8 engine and an electric motor gives it nearly 800 hp, enough to set a new Nürburgring lap record for its class. But all of this power comes at a price. Promise made, promise […]

EU car registrations slightly up, EV share down

July 19, 2024

According to the European Car Manufacturers Association (ACEA) data, EU car registrations increased by 4.3% in June and 4.7% for the first half of this year. The share of battery-electric vehicles decreased from 15.1% last year to 14.4% last month. The June 2024 increase in car registrations was driven by gains in three out of […]

Jeep Dune: Klissarov’s wink at Citroën’s My Ami Buggy

July 19, 2024

It looks like a boxy mini-Jeep, fully electric and ready to take on the sandy beach. It could wear a Jeep batch, but it isn’t a Jeep. However, if interest is high, it might as well become one. It is a design concept by French designer Emmanual Klissarov based on Citroën’s Ami 8 EL6 light […]

Nissan Ariya Nismo coming to Europe later this year (update)

July 17, 2024

Nissan is bringing its Ariya Nismo, which debuted at Tokyo Auto Salon in January, to Europe. The Ariya Nismo builds on the e-4orce version and turns up its dual electric motors, while the Japanese manufacturer has used its experience in Formula E to elevate the driving experience. The European market launch is expected by the end […]

Dutch fatbikes have problems getting insured

July 17, 2024

Fatbikes are a fast-growing phenomenon in the Netherlands, with increasing risks of accidents and theft. That’s why a growing number of insurance companies are imposing very stringent conditions for coverage or simply refusing to insure them. The main users of fatbikes in the Netherlands are young people who refuse to wear a helmet and are […]

Porsche launches two new Macan EV variants with up to 641 km range

July 17, 2024

After initially launching the new electric Macan as the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, Porsche doubled its options by introducing the Macan and Macan 4S to the range. The former only has rear-wheel drive, making it the most efficient and cheapest. Whereas before only the 408 hp Macan 4 and 612 hp Macan Turbo were […]

Five Jaguars to disappear from catalogue this year

July 15, 2024

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has decided to remove five’ zero-profit’ Jaguars from its lineup this year. The F-Pace SUV will be the only Jaguar to remain in production from the brand’s current lineup as the brand transitions to luxury EVs. CEO Adrian Mardell told investors that JLR will boost its margin after cutting five models […]

VW’s ID. Golf won’t come before 2029

July 15, 2024

The launch of VW’s electric Golf successor, the ID. Golf will be postponed by 15 months to 2029. Large parts of the SSP vehicle architecture will be rolled out later than planned. According to the German publication Manager Magazin, this applies, in particular, to VW’s vehicle models and Audi in some cases. Therefore, the volume […]

Zeekr’s new ‘bruiser’ SUV 7X specs leaked before launch

July 15, 2024

Just a few days after Chinese-Swedish brand Zeekr unveiled the first pictures of its first luxury large five-seater SUV designed for the mainstream market, the 7X, its specs leaked through the Chinese regulator office that has to approve all new cars. It’s a ‘bruiser’ of an SUV with profound dimensions (4,825/1,930/1,666 mm) and a wheelbase […]

Grande Panda highlights Fiat’s 125th anniversary

July 12, 2024

One of the big stars of Fiat’s 125th birthday event was the new Grande Panda. It’s a small hatchback with rugged crossover styling that will be the first of a new generation of models for the Stellantis brand. Fiat CEO Olivier François said it will debut as a sub-€25,000 EV. The Grande Panda was recently […]

For sale: a Tesla Model 3 disguised as a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing

July 12, 2024

It looks like an iconic Mercedes 300SL Gullwing from the fifties. Still, under its neath fiber coachwork, it’s a fully electric, genuine Tesla Model 3, including a touchscreen and Tesla’s Autopilot cameras and sensors for semi-autonomous driving. And there will be no second one anybody else can buy; it is a one-off. It’s the latest […]

MG reveals Cyber GTS at Goodwood

July 12, 2024

The new MG Cyber GTS charged up the show at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday. MG unveiled its new two-door electric sports car, a hardtop variant of its Cyberster EV. In China, the new EV is already being compared to Porsche’s iconic 911. After the Goodwood Festival of Speed officially kicked off […]

Polestar 6 Concept BST debuts at Goodwood

July 11, 2024

Chinese car manufacturing group Geely’s Polestar daughter will again be very present at the coming Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s not only showing its expanded model line-up with the new Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 joining the Polestar 2. The star of the show is the Polestar 6 Concept BST, making its global debut at […]

BMW delivers one-third more EVs in first half of 2024

July 11, 2024

With 179,557 fully electric vehicles delivered, the BMW brand achieved a +34.1% increase in BEV sales in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. Overall, the BMW brand grew by +2.3% compared to the previous year’s period, with 1,096,486 units sold in the year’s first half. The brand thereby gained market share […]

Ford revives iconic Capri as coupé-style EV crossover

July 11, 2024

Ford has revived the Capri name for a sportier coupé-style version of its new Explorer full-electric SUV based on the Volkswagen-sourced MEB platform. The new Capri, unveiled on July 10th, will be built in Ford’s factory in Cologne, Germany. Prices in Belgium start at €47,750 for the basic 125 kW RWD version with a 52 […]

T&E: ‘Green steel can help to cut climate impact of car production’

July 10, 2024

According to the NGO Transport & Environment (T&E), if lawmakers set content requirements, the auto industry can become a leading market for low-carbon steel production in Europe. Steel made with green hydrogen and electric arc furnaces, or produced from scrap, can reduce the CO2 emissions of producing cars in Europe by 6.9 Mt in 2030, […]

Mercedes pools battery research in its new eCampus

July 09, 2024

Mercedes-Benz has opened the eCampus at its headquarters in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, Germany. The manufacturer will pool battery research to develop innovative high-performance cells and new manufacturing processes. By doing so, Mercedes wants to reduce battery costs by more than 30%. Ola Källenius, the Mercedes CEO himself, kicked things off at the opening of the eCampus, evoking […]

BYD beefs up popular Dolphin in China without raising prices

July 09, 2024

Less than six months after the latest update with the Glory Edition, Chinese EV maker BYD beefs up its popular Dolphin hatchback in its homeland with a bigger 48 kWh or 60.48 kWh battery for more range without raising prices. Meanwhile, the 700,000th Dolphin has rolled off production lines. Like the Glory Edition, the Dolphin […]

Fisker to sell all remaining stock at very low prices

July 08, 2024

The insolvent electric car manufacturer Fisker wants to sell off the stock of its Ocean e-SUV for just 2,500 to 16,500 dollars per vehicle. Meanwhile, existing Ocean owners are seeking legal advice to keep their cars running. Fisker hopes to sell off its entire inventory of remaining Oceans in a deal that would bring the […]

BYD reaches record sales and keeps expanding (update)

July 08, 2024

Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD once again achieved record sales of vehicles with alternative drive systems in June. However, while fewer all-electric vehicles were sold than in May, BYD’s plug-in hybrids achieved a new record. Meanwhile, the world’s biggest producer of electrified vehicles keeps expanding its production network. It opened plants in Thailand and Uzbekistan, […]

Ferrari will replace hybrid batteries at 8 & 16 years… for a price

July 05, 2024

Ferrari has introduced a new warranty scheme for owners of its plug-in hybrid models to preserve battery performance. Customers can opt-in for a yearly fee, which not only extends the warranty of the entire vehicle but also gives them a ‘free’ battery replacement at 8 and 16 years, with future upgrades also on the cards. […]

Pewag comes up with pioneering smart bike lock Serea

July 05, 2024

It is very annoying to find that your expensive e-bike has suddenly disappeared. Therefore, a good bike lock that is difficult to break open is essential to protect your bike from theft. Austrian chain manufacturer Pewag is now competing with market leaders like Abus and Kryptonite, launching Serea, a pioneering battery-free smart lock with intelligent […]

Electric Mini John Cooper Works to make its debut at Goodwood

July 04, 2024

After the JCW sports package, a full-fat Mini Cooper Electric John Cooper Works is coming soon. A prototype of the sporty electric hatchback will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will storm up the hill wearing a light layer of camouflage. Whereas the John Cooper Works trim only gave […]

Opel Frontera Electric now available to order for €28,990

July 04, 2024

Opel’s latest compact electric SUV is now available for ordering. One electric version and two mild hybrid gasoline engines are available, with enticing price tags, and a second ‘Long Range’ Electric is on the horizon. There’s space on board for seven people, but not if you go for the Frontera Electric. If you’re in the […]

Ineos delays electric Fusilier launch

July 04, 2024

Ineos Automotive, part of the chemical industry giant Ineos Group, is delaying its Fusilier battery-electric SUV. It cites waning consumer demand for EVs and uncertainty around tariffs as the leading causes. Production of the Fusilier, a smaller vehicle than the Grenadier 4×4, which the company started selling last year, had been expected to begin in […]

DeLorean DMC-12 goes back to the future with EV conversion

July 03, 2024

Electrogenic, a British-based firm specializing in EV conversions for classic vehicles, has launched a ‘plug-and-play’ EV conversion kit for the DeLorean DMC-12, made famous for its appearances in the ‘Back to the Future’ movie trilogy. The futuristic-looking car’s disappointing PRV V6 gets replaced by an electric motor that offers nearly double the performance. While the […]

Honda imagines family-size electric suitcase ‘MotoCompacto’

July 03, 2024

In 2023, Honda amazed the world with a modern electric version of its iconic foldable MotoCompo motorscooter from the eighties (1981 – 1983), the MotoCompacto. That ‘electric suitcase on wheels’ might get a ‘family version’ or an electric child cart version for two kids and one parent standing on it like an e-scooter. At least […]

Shell puts building of biofuel plant in Rotterdam on hold

July 03, 2024

Oil giant Shell has temporarily halted the construction of a biofuel factory in Pernis, near Rotterdam (Netherlands) – one of Europe’s largest biofuel plants. The pause should give the company space to assess the best commercial path forward for the project. It is the latest low-carbon energy project to be shelved by an energy giant […]

Watt’s electric van with central steering position unveiled

July 01, 2024

Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has unveiled the production version of its eCV1 electric van. It features cell-to-frame technology, a central seating position for the driver, and a flexible skateboard platform to offer professionals a complete range of body styles. But two critical questions remain the price… and the range. WEVC, founded in 2019, first […]

Skoda shares first details of compact electric Elroq SUV

July 01, 2024

The Skoda Enyaq is about to get a little brother, the Elroq. The Czech manufacturer has revealed the technical details of the compact SUV, although the design remains camouflaged. The Elroq shares many components with the Enyaq and features a more than 560 km range according to the WLTP cycle. Like the Enyaq, the new […]

Mercedes re-invests more in ICE

July 01, 2024

Mercedes-Benz will once again invest more in combustion technology, Group CEO Ola Källenius told a German newspaper. The drivetrain of the hybridized combustion engines is to be “properly” reworked so that “it will last well into the 2030s.” Mercedes-Benz is far behind schedule in terms of EV sales. As the general economic and regulatory conditions […]

Polestar 3 range expands with RWD entry-level version

June 28, 2024

As Polestar delivers its first three models to customers, it also introduces a more affordable version of its electric SUV. This new variant, the Long Range Single Motor, aims to intensify the model’s chances against the Tesla Model X or Porsche Macan EV. It’s been a long time coming, but Polestar has finally commenced deliveries […]

Volkswagen: ‘Entry-level ID. Buzz coming’

June 27, 2024

Volkswagen is set to introduce a new variant of the electric ID. Buzz, featuring a smaller battery. The move must make the model’s price point more accessible to a larger customer pool. Projected to be a genuine hit number, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is scaling up its production volume. In an interview with Automobilwoche, Lars Krause, a board member […]

Revived Brussels Motor Show returns to original timing in January

June 27, 2024

The Brussels Motor Show will return to its traditional location and date. Car enthusiasts will be welcome again in January 2025 at the Brussels Heysel, Motor Show organizer Febiac announced on Wednesday evening. In May this year, Febiac announced that – after a year of absence – the board had decided to reorganize a motor […]

Stellantis’ UK boss warns for factory closures amid ‘electric challenge’

June 27, 2024

Auto giant Stellantis warns of a potential production withdrawal in the UK due to concerns over the government’s electrification policies. Maria Grazia Davino, the automaker’s UK Managing Director, pointed to the existential threat posed by the zero-emission vehicle mandate and the proposed bans on new combustion-engined car sales. Speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers […]

Seventh gen BMW M5 gets electric boost up to 727 hp

June 26, 2024

After 40 years, the seventh generation of the BMW M5 gets a combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and a specific version of the M HYBRID system, boosting power to 535 kW or 727 hp and a peak system torque of 1,000 Nm. The world premiere will take place at […]

Chinese Voyah to open first showroom in Belgium late 2024

June 26, 2024

Chinese electric vehicle brand Voyah, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor for luxury EVs, has announced plans to open its first showroom in Belgium by the end of the year. The new Chinese brand is imported into the Benelux region by the Gomes Group, a successful Mercedes dealer group from the Netherlands. Voyah’s entry into Europe […]

Mercedes-Benz upgrades EQT and eCitan Tourer with seven seats

June 24, 2024

Mercedes has completed its EQT and (e)Citan model range with a long-wheelbase version of the electric versions of its compact van, while the Citan gets a new ‘Mixto’ variant. All Citan and EQT models also bring more safety systems as standard, following the EU regulations. Thanks to an additional 38 centimeters in the wheelbase, the […]

Fisker owners set up their own support to keep cars running

June 24, 2024

Fisker’s bankruptcy leaves thousands of Ocean SUV owners in limbo. With the company’s future in doubt, customer concern about the long-term support and maintenance for their cars is growing. In the US, they decided to unite. The European branch is still up and running, so servicing is not an immediate worry. Some Ocean owners have […]

Bugatti goes hybrid with new 1,800-hp Tourbillon hypercar

June 21, 2024

The successor to the Bugatti Chiron loses its quad-turbocharged W16 engine but gains an electrified and naturally aspirated V16 instead. The Tourbillon is not only even faster than the Chiron but also achieves a fully electric range of 60 kilometers and features gemstones in the instrument cluster made by Swiss watchmakers. As Bugatti entered a […]

Citroën ë-C3 Aircross starts at 26,690 euros

June 21, 2024

Citroën has presented its new ë-C3 Aircross in more detail after the Stellantis brand showed the first images of the model in April. Now, there is also information about the drive system, the seat configuration, and prices in some markets. The battery-electric drive is only available for the five-seater version, as Citroën has now specified. […]

Compact BMW i1 and i2 EVs are coming

June 21, 2024

The BMW i1 and BMW i2 have long been in the rumor mill. BMW Group’s company’s board has finally approved the launch of the compact EVs. A new report from the specialized English magazine Autocar says the BMW i1 and i2 have received the green signal. These entry-level EVs have been developed at the BMW […]

JLR’s Freelander is coming back, but now totally electric

June 20, 2024

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is reviving its Freelander brand for future electric cars. The Freelander models will be based on a platform from its Chinese partner Chery Automotive, built in China and sold only there for the time being. However, export to the rest of the world is envisaged. Not so long ago, JLR revealed […]

BMW’s X3 best-seller renewed

June 19, 2024

“Modernity, presence, and sporting flair reach new levels: the best-seller embarks on a new era,” says BMW at the launch of the renewed best-seller X3. The new range won’t have a full-electric version, as this iX3 successor will be the first product of the “Neue Klasse”, launched next year. But there’s an improved PHEV version. […]

New Kia EV4 spied on video confirms concept looks

June 19, 2024

Kia is preparing to launch its new, cost-effective EV4, slated for next year. The car has already been unveiled as a concept, and final testing versions popping up in South Korean videos hint at how the production version sticks closely to the ‘wild’ form factor of the show car. As anticipation builds for the official […]

Ferrari’s first EV will cost €500,000

June 19, 2024

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Ferrari’s first electric car will cost at least €500,000. The luxury automaker is preparing to open a plant to make the model, which could boost group production by up to a third in the long run. The exclusive Italian brand has said it will launch an […]