After record sales in Spain, Darren Tu set to expand Omoda & Jaecoo in Belux

June 02, 2025

Omoda and Jaecoo have appointed Darren Tu as Managing Director for its Belux operations, after his successful tenure at the Spanish division, where the brands succeeded in outpacing legacy brands in the sales charts. The move appears to signal growth potential, as witnessed by holding company Chery. But how much momentum do these brands have […]

Toyota introduces hybrid Aygo X

June 02, 2025

Toyota’s Aygo X urban crossover gets electrified, it’s the first full hybrid in its segment. The newcomer has the lowest CO2 emissions of any non-plug-in car on the market, claims Toyota: 86 g CO2/km. At the same time, a GR Sport version will be introduced in the Aygo X lineup. “The Aygo X has attracted […]

BMW i4 range upgraded for summer 2025

June 02, 2025

BMW has announced a series of model upgrades for summer 2025. In terms of electric cars, this includes the i4, where not only the two rear-wheel drive models become more efficient, but a more powerful top-of-the-range model will also be added to the range. The two variants, i4 eDrive35 and i4 eDrive40, will be equipped […]

BMW Group has produced its 3-millionth electrified vehicle

May 29, 2025

The three-millionth electrified vehicle rolled off the assembly line today at the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich, a BMW 330e Touring (PHEV)  in Portimao Blue, destined for the UK market. In 2024, one in four vehicles sold by the company were already either fully electric or plug-in hybrids. At BMW Group plants, vehicles with […]

China braces for new price war as BYD offloads stock

May 27, 2025

China’s biggest carmaker, BYD, has rolled out sweeping price cuts across its Dynasty and Ocean series electric vehicles in a move that underscores growing pressure in the world’s largest auto market. The discounts — as high as 34% — come amid ballooning dealer inventories and a cooling appetite among Chinese consumers, and have sent shockwaves […]

500 tweaks: Nio bets on big upgrade for ET5 and EL6

May 27, 2025

Chinese electric carmaker Nio has unveiled updated versions of its core models: the ET5 saloon, ET5 Touring estate, and EL6 SUV. The trio accounts for a large chunk of the firm’s global sales and has received over 500 upgrades ranging from styling tweaks to major technological enhancements, improving driver assistance. The updates are most noticeable […]

From collapse to comeback: HiPhi resurrected by Lebanese investor

May 27, 2025

After halting production for a year and teetering on the brink of collapse, Chinese premium EV brand HiPhi is preparing a return. This time under new ownership. Lebanese EV startup EV Electra acquired a majority stake in the embattled automaker. The stage is set for a potential reboot of one of China’s most ambitious electric […]

BYD Sealion 06 is another electric or hybrid SUV

May 26, 2025

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed the key specs for the BYD Sealion 06, a new mid-sized electric or hybrid SUV first unveiled in April at Auto Shanghai 2025. The Sealion 06 promises lots of space and a comfortable electric driving range for a relatively low price. BYD unveiled its expanded […]

All-electric 6e sparks interest, but Mazda’s total sales to remain flat

May 26, 2025

With sales leveling off last year, Mazda Belgium remains on a steady course. The all-new, all-electric 6e is gaining traction and could reposition the brand in the fleet sector. But despite strong interest, the new model won’t drive up total sales, as key models are aging. Mazda Motor Corp. reported global sales of 1.3 million […]

BMW shows Speedtop Concept at Como lake

May 26, 2025

At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025, the renowned celebration of historic vehicles on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, where the BMW Group has long been a leading actor, the Munich company presented an exclusive new concept car that will subsequently be made available for purchase in a small series. “The BMW Concept […]

Smart #5 Brabus first drive: a clinching argument for going electric?

May 26, 2025

Many people are still wondering why, for Christ’s sake, one should go electric instead of staying with the combustion engine (ICE) that has been finetuned to nearly perfection in the last 130 years. The reason is quite apparent: electric cars are superior in nearly every aspect. The Smart #5 Brabus we had the opportunity to […]

Xiaomi YU7 SUV unveiled in China

May 23, 2025

On Xiaomi’s 15th anniversary, CEO Lei Jun introduced the company’s first electric SUV, the YU7, marking another step in its automotive transition following the SU7 sedan. Lei confirmed that Xiaomi has delivered over 258,000 units of the SU7. The YU7 is a fairly large electric SUV built on the company’s Modena platform. It measures 4999 […]

Fiat Tris revives Ape as electric workhorse, but Europe must wait

May 23, 2025

Fiat has unveiled the Tris, its first three-wheeled electric commercial vehicle. It is aimed at affordable, low-emission transport in dense urban areas. Designed for Africa and the Middle East, the compact EV blends Italian design with pragmatic utility. It is a modern take on the nostalgic Ape. After the Topolino, a rebadged Citroën Ami, Fiat […]

Honda to cut back on EV investments

May 22, 2025

Honda has announced that it will reduce its investments in electric cars due to declining demand and focus on the growing demand for hybrid vehicles with new models. Motorcycles will also play a larger role in the company’s plans. The Japanese manufacturer has stated that it will reduce its investments in electrification and software from […]

Making waves: BYD enters into budget-friendly EV market with Dolphin Surf

May 22, 2025

Chinese carmaker BYD is making another push into the European electric vehicle market, this time at the more affordable end of the spectrum. Its new compact model, the Dolphin Surf, launched this week in several continental markets, including Belgium, arrives with a promise that could rattle established players: fully electric motoring for just under €22,000. […]

Opel Mokka GSE Rally kicks off revamped GSE sports label

May 22, 2025

Opel’s GSE label, introduced in 2022 as an electrified sports sub-brand, is taking the step towards fully electric sports cars. Under the OMG! GSE campaign, Opel has given a first hint at what we might expect with the Mokka GSE Rally, the successor to the Corsa-e Rally from 2021. Opel has been a pioneer in […]

Eighth generation Lexus ES is coming (Update)

May 22, 2025

An all-new Lexus ES made its world-first appearance a few weeks ago at the Shanghai Auto Show, signalling the introduction of an eighth generation of the global luxury sedan later this year. Lexus has now also provided some details about the battery. While the ES has been a key model for Lexus in North America […]

All-electric KGM Musso goes head-on with Maxus T90 (update)

May 21, 2025

The Chinese Maxus T90, the first all-electric pickup in Belgium, is getting stiff and rugged competition from South Korea. Neither Kia nor Hyundai is stepping up on an emission-free alternative for the utilitarian market, but KGM—formerly known as Ssangyong—adds a Musso with a traction battery to its range. It will be available in Belgium as […]

Toyota’s new RAV-4 has world premiere in Japan

May 21, 2025

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) unveiled its new RAV4 on May 21. The model will be launched in Japan before the end of the fiscal year 2025. It’s the sixth generation of a car that debuted in 1993 and has sold 15 million units worldwide, 2.5 million of which were sold in Europe. “Under the concept […]

Renault presents AWD ‘off-road’ concept of its new R4 Electric

May 19, 2025

French car manufacturer Renault will reveal an off-road show car based on the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric on the sidelines of the French Open tennis contest. Compared to the production model, the small off-roader features a second engine on the rear axle and more ground clearance. The electric R4 is not yet on the road; […]

Toyota adds estate version ‘Touring’ to bZ4X offer

May 16, 2025

Toyota is set to launch an estate car version of its all-electric SUV model, the bZ4X, next year. It will be called the BZ4X Touring and will be 14 cm longer than the standard car. Its European launch is planned for the first half of 2026. The bZ4X Touring features 33% more trunk space than […]

Two new smart energy tariffs play into EV owner’s hands

May 15, 2025

Smart energy tariffs are becoming increasingly popular for their flexibility and potential to save costs. Smappee, an award-winning tech company from Kortrijk, is also capitalizing on that market trend by launching a virtual battery. In this service, solar panel owners can stockpile their unused power as a credit that allows them to charge their EV […]

Stellantis’ new DS N°4 available as EV, PHEV and HEV

May 15, 2025

The Stellantis brand DS Automobile has introduced the DS N°4, a revision of its compact hatchback. The new lineup, a second in the N° nomenclature, features a fully electric E-Tense with a range of 450 kilometers, as well as PHEV and hybrid versions. DS Automobiles says it has focused on technological development with this revision, […]

Hackers gain remote control of 2020 Nissan Leaf, including steering

May 14, 2025

Security researchers have uncovered severe vulnerabilities in the 2020 Nissan Leaf, showing how the car can be remotely tracked, surveilled, and physically controlled in a disturbing escalation, including its steering system. The demonstration by the Hungarian firm PCAutomotive at the Black Hat Asia 2025 conference revealed that the attack required no sophisticated hardware. Instead, the […]

Audi comes with new entry-level model of e-tron GT

May 14, 2025

Roughly a year after the major facelift of its electric Gran Turismo, Audi is expanding the e-tron GT line-up with a new powertrain variant. Following the S and RS models, it has introduced a new ‘base model’ with 430 kW of power and a starting price of €108,900 in Germany and €110,500 in Belgium. Since […]

Skoda sharpens up its range with new Enyaq RS duo

May 14, 2025

Skoda is doubling down on the performance EV segment with the refreshed Enyaq RS and Enyaq Coupé RS, which now complete the Czech automaker’s facelifted Enyaq lineup. Featuring sharper styling, enhanced performance, and upgraded tech, the RS variants target buyers looking for electric SUVs with a sportier edge without compromising the brand’s notorious everyday usability. […]

BYD e7: this is the world’s most affordable full-size EV

May 13, 2025

BYD’s latest all-electric saloon, the e7, has quietly begun arriving at dealerships across China after it was previously leaked. The e7 is expected to be priced very low, potentially starting at 70,000 yuan or under €10,000, making it one of the world’s most affordable full-sized EV sedans. The model offers a stripped-down but capable alternative […]

Stellantis opens ‘Online Compensation Platform’ regarding its PureTech engines

May 12, 2025

Car manufacturing group Stellantis has launched an online compensation platform for European clients with unforeseen reparation costs related to their 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech engines. Several generations of these engines (also known as EB) confronted their owners with excessive oil consumption or a premature degradation of the timing belt. This additional compensation scheme is meant […]

Kia announces PV5 pricing and PBV network in BeLux

May 12, 2025

Kia’s first electric van, and its first commercial vehicle in any shape or form, will arrive on European roads by the end of 2025. The manufacturer has announced pricing for the PV5 in its regular panel van shape, which undercuts its main rival, the VW ID. Buzz Cargo, by more than €10,000. The Kia PV5 […]

MGS5 EV launched in Europe: affordable electric successor to the ZS EV

May 12, 2025

MG has opened the order books for its newest electric SUV in Europe: the MGS5 EV. This succeeds the ZS EV, which kicked off the nameplate’s renaissance in Europe. The MGS5 EV is still an electric SUV, but boasts improvements in pretty much all areas without touching the affordable price tag. MG, the former British […]

MG realizes strong growth on Belgian and European market

May 12, 2025

In the first quarter of 2025, the Chinese manufacturer MG realized substantial growth in Europe and the Belgian car market. In Europe, it sold 78,505 cars during Q1, a 33.5% increase in sales compared to 2024. In Belgium, MG registered 35% more registrations in the same period. With the noticeable progress of another Chinese brand, […]

Cadillac’s €300,000 Celestiq: the most exclusive car no one asked for

May 09, 2025

Cadillac’s hand-built electric flagship, the Celestiq, was meant to mark the return of American automotive grandeur. Instead, it risks becoming an expensive ghost — rarer than a Bugatti, but not by the board’s initial plan. Nearly three years since its glitzy announcement, fewer than 25 buyers have committed to the €300,000 EV, and even that […]

Sharp redesign for Toyota Corolla Cross and first-ever GR Sport

May 09, 2025

Toyota has refreshed the styling of its five-year-old Corolla Cross, enhanced cabin comfort, and introduced a GR Sport variant for the first time in the European lineup. The updated model will arrive in summer 2025, with the GR Sport following in the fall. Positioned between the C-HR and RAV4, the Corolla Cross was initially seen […]

Polestar to offer battery health certificate to second-hand buyers

May 08, 2025

Polestar is introducing official battery health certificates for used versions of its Polestar 2 electric car. The new offer must calm nerves across Europe’s struggling second-hand EV market. The Electric car maker says the new certificate will help ease fears over battery life and falling used EV prices. The certificate will become mandatory in the […]

Foxconn scores first global EV manufacturing deal with Mitsubishi

May 08, 2025

Foxconn, best known as Apple’s iPhone assembler, is entering the global electric vehicle market with its first contract to supply an established automaker, Mitsubishi, with a full electric model. Mitsubishi announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Foxtron, the EV arm of Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Corporation (or Foxconn), to develop […]

Audi launches PHEV flavors of initially full-electric A6 e-tron

May 08, 2025

It was initially intended to be an all-electric version only, but now the new Audi A6 e-tron has an e-hybrid quattro PHEV flavor, too. That one has a 2.0 TFSI engine and a beefed-up battery of 25.9 kWh (net 20.7 kWh), a gain of roughly 45 percent compared to its predecessor, to offer an electric […]

Volvo to launch new ‘extended range’ PHEV, the XC70, in China

May 08, 2025

The new Volvo XC70 mid-size SUV is Volvo Cars’ first extended-range plug-in hybrid. According to the Chinese CLTC standard, it provides a pure electric range of up to 200 kilometers, making it Volvo Cars’ longest-range plug-in hybrid. The new XC70 is designed to meet the demand for longer-range PHEVs in China, where it will be […]

Traxio: ‘+18.8% used speed pedelecs registered in April’

May 07, 2025

In April, the number of registrations of new speed pedelecs increased slightly by +0.3% to 1,150 units, and more growth is emerging thanks to additional registrations by federal civil servants and education staff. “The wider access to bicycle leasing for government staff will have an even more positive impact on the figures in the coming […]

All-new Jeep Compass debuts in Europe first

May 06, 2025

Today, the all-new Jeep Compass debuted in Italy and will be manufactured at the Melfi plant, a key hub for Stellantis’ electrification strategy. The new Compass evolves with an expanded engine range, which includes three powertrain options: e-Hybrid, e-Hybrid plug-in, and full electric with up to 650 km range. The latter also offers four-wheel drive. […]

Hyundai-Kia’s plan of attack amid global headwinds: a lot more affordable EVs

May 06, 2025

South Korean management reads Julius Caesar. As attack is the best defense, the Hyundai group plans to launch a major product push to combat the economic cooldown and Trump tariffs. Most particularly in the lower regions of the electric category. What’s coming, as the fifth largest carmaker retools its strategy to stay competitive in a […]

Traxio: ‘Private individual demand pushes up used car market by 1.8%’

May 06, 2025

The used car market continues to grow, with 63,710 registrations in April (+1.8%, and +18.7% compared with April 2023). This steady growth underlines the market’s resilience, which is supported by continued demand from private individuals. The used car market represents 90.4% registrations by private individuals, who often do not have the means to purchase an expensive […]

Flexible battery layout to power future electric Mazda MX-5?

May 06, 2025

According to a newly published patent, Mazda seems to be laying the groundwork for an electric future for its beloved MX-5 roadster. The details uncover an unconventional battery layout designed to preserve the iconic roadster’s nimble character. The patent, filed at the US Patent and Trademark Office in late 2024, surfaced only recently under the […]

800 km range, 800 V charging: the all-new electric Mercedes CLA (update)

May 05, 2025

Mercedes has officially opened the online configurator for its groundbreaking all-new CLA. As for now, only the 250+ and 350 4Matic can be ordered in Belgium, with a starting price of 56.870 euros. Entry-level versions –  set to lower the price considerably thanks to the integration of a cheaper LFP battery -, will be added by […]

Lynk & Co 900 launches in China as brand’s flagship plug-in hybrid SUV

May 05, 2025

Lynk & Co, the Geely-Volvo-founded brand now operating under Zeekr, has officially launched its most ambitious product: the Lynk & Co 900. It’s a full-size plug-in hybrid SUV positioned to take on China’s fiercely competitive upper market. The 900, which was already unveiled at the beginning of the year, marks a bold step for the […]

EnergyVision offers its Belgian clients free smart wallbox at home

April 30, 2025

Belgian startup energy provider EnergyVision launches a new campaign to attract new clients by offering a free wallbox installation at home, worth 2,000 to 2,500 euros, for a minimal subscription price of €10 monthly. In addition, the energy company also launches a ‘happy hour’ at its public charging points on sunny days with overproduction, with […]

Volvo Cars to cut investments and revise forecasts and strategy (update)

April 30, 2025

Volvo Cars reports a group operating income (EBIT) of SEK 1.9 billion (€173 million) for the first quarter of 2025, following a drop in wholesales (-6%) and adverse currency effects. The result also reflects the current turbulence in the world and a challenging external environment for the automotive industry. To protect profitability, drive structural efficiencies […]

Omoda unveils Europe-bound 3, rival to the Kia EV3

April 29, 2025

Chery’s Omoda grabs spotlights while the Shanghai Auto Show runs full steam. The brand took veils of one further model that is bound to be exported to Europe and Belgium. The Omoda 3 is a sharply styled compact crossover that targets younger buyers and competitors like the Kia EV3 and MG4.  The Omoda 3 wasn’t […]

Is the Range Rover EV finally coming?

April 29, 2025

The new 2025 Range Rover Electric has completed its second round of winter tests, ahead of its planned release later this year. Technical details have now been confirmed, and the 800-volt SUV runs on a 117-kWh battery with cell-to-pack architecture. The launch of the long-awaited newcomer is planned later this year. The first technical data […]

Omoda 9 SHS is a 450-hp hybrid SUV for a (relatively) low price

April 29, 2025

Omoda, a Chinese group Chery’s sub-brand, is expanding its range with the new flagship Omoda 9 SHS. The mid-sized SUV features a range-extended electric drivetrain with nearly 450 hp, a total driving range of over 1,100 km, and a luxurious interior, all for less than an entry-level BMW X3. Omoda was established as a brand […]

Slate: “$20,000” electric truck from US-based start-up

April 28, 2025

Slate is a new, US-based start-up promising an electric vehicle that’s affordable for the masses: a sub-$20,000 price tag (after incentives), a modular body that can transform between a 2-seat pickup and a 5-seat SUV, and a barebones interior with near-unlimited personalization options. Is this what the market has been waiting for? More and more […]

NIO presents Onvo L90 flagship ‘for middle-income families’

April 25, 2025

In Shanghai, Chinese EV carmaker NIO has presented the flagship of its affordable sub-brand Onvo, the L90 large SUV. It’s pretty big, compared to its smaller sibling, the L60, with a length of 5,145 mm, a width of 1,998 mm, a height of 1,786 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,110 mm. Space and low price […]

Denza shows electric Porsche 911 rival at Auto Shanghai 2025

April 24, 2025

Denza, BYD’s more premium-oriented brand, has unveiled a prototype of its latest model at Auto Shanghai: the Denza Z. It’s a two-door sports coupé with four seats and an all-electric drivetrain. It could compete with the Porsche 911, Maserati GranTurismo Folgore, and others for a much lower price than the BYD YangWang U9. Denza was […]

EU car registrations -1.9% in Q1, BEV share 15.2%

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 […]

Chery expands European footprint with two new brands: Lepar and Jetour

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 […]

Mercedes Vision V previews luxury V-Class successors

April 23, 2025

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its Vision V concept car, an electric van that showcases the future of the V-Class, which will be electrified and split into several models. The Vision V showcases the high-end option of the range, with a luxury interior filled to the brim with tech and comfort features. To recall, Mercedes-Benz is preparing […]

VW Group presents first AUDI and new ADAS system in Shanghai

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 […]

Shanghai: MG goes Cyber again with X SUV featuring ‘pop-up eyes’

April 23, 2025

At the Shanghai Auto Show, currently the world’s biggest car exhibition, with over 1,000 exhibitors spread over 12 giant halls, more than a hundred world premieres are presented these days. One of the many remarkable is SAIC’s MG brand with a second car in the Cyber series after the Cyberster roadster: a boxy all-electric SUV […]

Volkswagen starts new model offensive in China

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. […]

Dutch Flynt bets on 500 km range to shake up EU’s commercial van market

April 23, 2025

Is Europe’s light commercial vehicle market poised for disruption? Flynt, a Dutch-based startup with Chinese manufacturing muscle, unveils its first fully electric van. With its blend of European market insight and Chinese EV technology, the newcomer is betting big on clean urban logistics while meeting the hard-nosed demands of fleet operators. The company’s first model, […]

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