October 14, 2026
At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Xpeng unveils its new flagship, the G9L. The large electric SUV is available to order now, with a starting price of €74.990 in the Belgian market. The G9L has to support Xpeng’s claims to the premium segment. It launches as Xpeng grows in Europe while facing tough competition in […]
October 14, 2026
The world is installing renewable energy at record speed, but its electricity networks and storage capacity are struggling to keep up. In its new World Energy Transitions Outlook 2026, published on 13 October, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) explains that renewable electricity is expanding faster than the infrastructure and energy systems needed to use […]
October 14, 2026
In the third quarter of this year, the BMW Group delivered 551,072 cars, down 6.3% from Q3 last year. In contrast, the group sold 110,257 all-electric cars worldwide, up 7.2% year on year. Sales grew significantly in Europe and Germany. However, in the first nine months, the electric-vehicle balance sheet still showed a deficit. In […]
October 14, 2026
During riots, shared mobility companies end up footing the bill for damage to their shared bikes, e-scooters, and cars, even though you’d expect insurance companies to cover it. For some shared mobility companies, damage sustained, such as during the recent riots in Brussels, can amount to 40,000 to 60,000 euros. Ultimately, users end up footing […]
October 14, 2026
Tesla’s second most popular model after the Model Y SUV, the Model 3 sedan, is getting an update. No major changes like the ‘Highland’ update three years ago, but small improvements with no price increase. The updates could read like a case of ‘staying ahead’, since Tesla seems to be on a roll. It delivered […]
October 14, 2026
Electric cars are becoming an unexpected buffer against the global oil crisis. In the Benelux alone, EVs now displace an estimated $1 billion in oil annually, according to the energy think tank Ember. Across the EU, electric mobility avoided $3.1 billion in oil consumption in just six months. And with battery-electric cars accounting for more […]
October 14, 2026
Automotive Cells Company (ACC) has celebrated its five-millionth French-made battery cell, just as shareholder Stellantis prepares to temporarily halt production at two factories because of insufficient battery supplies. So, behind the motor show glamour, mass production still has some caveats. How can a battery supplier meet its contractual commitments and still leave its biggest customer […]
October 13, 2026
Stellantis’ biggest Italian brand, Fiat, brought a modern Italian piazza to the Paris Motor Show. Open, colorful, and welcoming, the stand shows the brand’s latest models and concepts in a meeting place inspired by everyday Italian life. Since 2021, Fiat has been Stellantis’ leading brand by volume, and in 2026 it has already sold more […]
October 13, 2026
Alpine, the sporty branch of the Renault Group, has unveiled the A310 Vision at the Paris Motor Show 2026. The electric sports car concept harks back to the original A310, which was launched exactly 55 years ago in 4-cylinder trim, and 50 years ago in the iconic V6 form. While Alpine is still working on […]
October 13, 2026
The European Commission has selected 46 new strategic projects to strengthen the extraction, processing, and recycling of critical raw materials in the European Union, to reduce dependence on countries such as China. Two Belgian projects – one by Umicore in Hoboken and one by Comet Traitements in La Louvière – were also selected, as were […]
October 13, 2026
Starting in July 2027, residents of the Brussels Region will be subject to a new vehicle tax. The government led by Minister-President Boris Dilliès (MR) has reached an agreement on this matter. Small city cars, zero-emission vehicles, and classic cars will be exempt from the Brussels vehicle tax. In contrast, the purchase of large and […]
October 13, 2026
More than eight in ten Dutch respondents support keeping the Benelux toll-free, according to a new survey by Dutch motoring organization ANWB. With Flanders preparing to introduce a digital road vignette in May 2027, 34% say they would look for alternative routes, while 22% expect to visit Belgium by car less often. Yet the Netherlands […]
October 13, 2026
BYD is bringing its ultra-fast Flash Charging technology to its European model range with the new Atto 8, a seven-seat electric SUV unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Known in China as the Tang L, it takes over the flagship position currently occupied by the Tang, sold in Belgium from €72,000. Offering up to 653 […]
October 13, 2026
Peugeot presented two electric concept vehicles at the Paris Motor Show: The E-T16 Concept draws inspiration from the 205 T16 rally car and is said to reference the new E-208 in its interior. The RCZ Vision represents an electric reinterpretation of the RCZ Coupe, featuring a solid-state battery. Like many other European brands in the […]
October 13, 2026
As announced by the brand on many occasions, Smart kept its promise and revealed the production version of the #2 at the Paris Motor Show. Compared to its predecessor, the range has doubled, but the price has remained the same. Is the new two-seater a remedy for inflation? Adamant fans will not be disappointed. The […]
October 13, 2026
At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Citroën is reviving an icon by unveiling the 2CV Concept, “a modern, ingenious and refreshing response to the mobility challenges of tomorrow”, as Citroën puts it. Inspired by the spirit of the original, this concept embodies the core values that have always defined the 2CV: affordability, lightness, practicality, versatility, […]
October 13, 2026
Renault has fully unveiled its electric E-Space Concept at the Paris Motor Show, revealing a futuristic six-seat interior that looks more like a living room than a conventional car. While the French manufacturer still has no plans to produce the MPV itself, it confirms that one of its most striking innovations, the 1.13-meter-wide OpenR Panorama […]
October 12, 2026
Tesla has abandoned one of its most controversial marketing claims in Europe. Its ‘Full Self-Driving (Supervised)’ software is now called ‘Tesla Assisted Driving’, following a compromise with the German government. But the change is more than cosmetic: it could help unlock the European market for Tesla’s advanced driving software, despite disagreements over speeding, safety and […]
October 12, 2026
The Antwerp-based. shipping group CMB.TECH has launched the world’s first dry bulk carrier powered by ammonia. The vessel Mineral Europa has set sail on its maiden voyage to Australia. It is a Newcastlemax, an ore and coal carrier with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 210,000 metric tons. “The Mineral Europa heralds the fifth revolution in […]
October 12, 2026
Tens of thousands of people returned to the streets of Brussels on Sunday in one of Belgium’s largest climate demonstrations since the historic school strikes of 2019. Police counted 45,000 participants, while organizers estimated 60,000, roughly twice last year’s turnout. Yet the renewed mobilization comes as climate ambitions increasingly compete with economic pressures, wars, and […]
October 12, 2026
VW has unveiled its new electric ID. Tiguan to replace the ID.4 in early 2027. The more recognizable nameplate has to appeal to a broader range of customers in one of the most crucial vehicle segments. The new model also has to erase bad memories of some of the less-appreciated choices VW made for the […]
October 12, 2026
Europe has reached a preliminary agreement with China to restrict rapidly growing imports of Chinese hybrid cars, potentially cutting future shipments by more than half. But while Brussels celebrates a trade breakthrough, Beijing insists exports can continue growing. Meanwhile, a new Allianz Trade study suggests Europe’s automotive crisis is partly self-inflicted. Will protectionism give European […]
October 12, 2026
Today is the press day at the Paris Motor Show; the show will be open to the public from tomorrow until the 18th. On the eve of the Paris Motor Show, Stellantis welcomed guests and media to “The Night Before”, an exclusive event at the iconic Hangar Y, in Paris. The event unveiled Stellantis’ vision […]
October 12, 2026
Russia’s electric-car and plug-in-hybrid market is booming, partly fuelled by petrol shortages following Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. President Vladimir Putin now wants the country to develop cutting-edge battery technologies, as state-owned Rosatom opens its second gigafactory. But Russia’s EV ambitions face an uncomfortable reality: much of its electric-car industry still depends on Chinese […]
October 09, 2026
Renault’s strategy to make its electric models more affordable is taking shape. Following similar improvements to the Renault 5 in August, the French carmaker is introducing a new entry-level Renault 4 with a smaller LFP battery, a less powerful electric motor and a Belgian starting price of €27,600. That is €2,300 below the Renault 4’s […]
October 09, 2026
While 2,102 incidents of aggression against NMBS//SNCB staff were recorded in 2024, the figure rose by nearly a quarter the following year to 2,602 incidents. However, the impact on the Belgian railway company’s staff rose even more rapidly: aggression against staff resulted in 95,336 hours of sick leave last year, more than double the previous […]
October 09, 2026
A dispute over a €365,000 invoice prompted the Dutch vehicle regulator RDW to scale back parts of its safety review of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised system, according to internal correspondence obtained by Reuters. The revelations raise fresh questions about the transparency and independence of Europe’s approval process, as Tesla pushes regulators to clear its […]
October 09, 2026
Belgium’s electric company cars are approaching another fiscal turning point. From January 2027, newly ordered EVs will lose part of their generous tax deductibility for the first time. Leasing company Ayvens estimates that postponing an order for 50 BMW iX1s until next year could cost the company almost €35,000 over five years. But does that […]
October 09, 2026
The reborn Freelander brand, jointly developed by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and China’s Chery, has officially confirmed Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands among its European target markets. But the international Freelander 8 will be considerably different from the powerful Chinese version: its battery is almost halved, while output drops from 818 to 617 hp. As […]
October 08, 2026
After the Chinese government rejects voluntary export limits on hybrid cars to the EU, the European Commission is reportedly considering a quota combined with tariffs to achieve this. Rather than imposing blanket tariffs, Bloomberg sources indicate tariffs could be imposed on cars when their volume exceeds a certain level, creating a trade imbalance. After previously […]
October 08, 2026
Despite the growing popularity of electric cars, greenhouse gas emissions in Flanders have stopped falling for the third consecutive year. The uncomfortable finding comes just days before thousands of climate protesters are expected to return to the streets of Brussels on Sunday, October 11th, demanding stronger action against global warming. According to the Flemish Energy […]
October 08, 2026
Toyota has launched the second-generation Sora, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell bus for public transport. Built in collaboration with Isuzu, it promises more range thanks to improved efficiency. But will it be able to convince European customers? While zero-emission buses in Europe are mostly battery-electric, hydrogen-powered fuel cell solutions can be seen as a viable alternative […]
October 08, 2026
In the coming weeks, the French train manufacturer Alstom will build the last M7 double-decker railcars for the NMBS/SNCB railway company in Bruges. The last of the 751 ordered cars is expected to be ready by the end of the year, but after that, it is a complete unknown – or at best, full of question […]
October 08, 2026
Tesla wants its Full Self-Driving technology to conquer Europe, but CEO Elon Musk has highlighted one awkward edge case facing its camera-based approach: detecting small, low-contrast objects in the dark. His example? “Grey kittens on grey tarmac.” Tesla recently extended the operating hours of its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, from 10 p.m. to 11 […]
October 08, 2026
Under the name ‘Sportwagenschmiede ’35’, to be interpreted as ‘sports car craftsmanship in 2035’, Porsche just unveiled a sweeping strategy to cut costs sharply and focus on its most profitable vehicles in the coming years. Porsche has to be smaller and leaner again, ‘value over volume’, producing fewer but more profitable cars. “With our strategy, […]
October 08, 2026
European electric car drivers are venturing further afield than ever, with Austria and Italy recording spectacular growth in holiday charging sessions. But while range anxiety is fading, unpredictable charging bills remain a headache. One Dutch driver even received a bill exceeding €400 for a single charging session in Paris. New figures from the Dutch motoring […]
October 08, 2026
BMW continues to expand its ‘Neue Klasse’ family with the new iX4, a sporty electric SUV coupé positioned between the iX3 and the larger iX5. The model will launch in three all-wheel-drive variants, including the 450 kW iX4 M60 xDrive top version, which will also arrive in the iX3. Prices for the iX4 start at […]
October 08, 2026
With an average of more than 60,000 passengers boarding on weekdays, Brussels’ 3 main stations remain the busiest train stations in Belgium. This was revealed by figures from the public railway company NMBS/SNCB, which used a new and more accurate counting method. The contrast with the quietest station could not be greater: in Hourpes in […]
October 07, 2026
Renault Group has appointed Carine Damois as its new Chief Financial Officer, bringing in an experienced finance executive from Michelin as CEO François Provost continues to shape his leadership team. She will take up the position on November 14. Damois has been Deputy CFO of Michelin since 2021 and has more than 20 years of […]
October 07, 2026
Brussels Airlines expects major disruptions on Friday due to the union protests against federal government measures. About 4 in 10 scheduled flights to and from Brussels Airport have been canceled due to disruptions expected at the ground-handling provider Alyzia. Service provided by the Flemish public transportation company De Lijn will also be severely disrupted that […]
October 07, 2026
Belgium wants to introduce Swedish-style ‘alcohol gates’ at public locations as part of a broader crackdown on drink-driving. The system, already used in Sweden, requires drivers to pass a breath test before a barrier opens, preventing those over the limit from entering the public road network. The federal government plans to test the technology at […]
October 07, 2026
Registrations of new speed pedelecs during the summer months were, on average, just under 20% higher than last year. As a result, the total figure for the first nine months – 12,293 units – is a remarkable 13.4% higher than in 2025, and 14% higher than in 2024. “If this rapid growth continues over the […]
October 07, 2026
Jaguar has officially unveiled its long-awaited Type 01 purely electric car in New York on Tuesday, October 6. The manufacturer is attempting to repeat the past, not with copycat styling from its bin of classics, but with a car so bold it turns heads like the sleek E-Type sports car once did. The Type 01 […]
October 07, 2026
Renault spent the past decade gradually turning its pioneering Espace people carrier into an SUV. Now it seems to be reconsidering that decision. The new electric E-Space Concept goes back to the one-box proportions, spacious cabin and family-focused philosophy of the 1984 original. The concept will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show […]
October 07, 2026
Range wasn’t the problem. Neither was finding chargers. But after 4,157 kilometers from Belgium to Albania and back, with electricity costing anything from nothing to almost €0.90/kWh, one question remained: what did the trip actually cost? And how does that compare with gasoline or diesel? In Parts 1 and 2 of our EV road trip, […]
October 06, 2026
At a Port Summit in Meise, the ports of Flanders, the Netherlands, and North Rhine-Westphalia signed an agreement to collaborate more closely and effectively in the future, particularly in circular value chains and automated freight transport. Together, the ports and the surrounding industrial area form the European Union’s largest economic and logistical hub, generating about […]
October 06, 2026
Geopolitical uncertainty, high interest rates, and equally high gasoline prices are making consumers hesitate when buying a car. Private customers, in particular, are looking for good deals more than ever; they gather thorough information and want maximum certainty. Yet they keep buying cars, mostly used ones, including electric vehicles. Private individuals consistently focus on a car’s […]
October 06, 2026
Renault is doubling down on its French industrial base. In an interview with France Inter, CEO François Provost said the group intends to invest more than €10 billion in France over the next five years, mainly in electric mobility and more affordable cars. Renault had already put a more precise figure on that commitment in […]
October 06, 2026
BMW will significantly increase its use of generic components and reduce reliance on bespoke parts as it seeks to lower costs and improve profitability, reflecting a strategy that has helped Chinese automakers gain a competitive edge. The strategy will be a ‘key lever’ in improving BMW’s earnings, the company told investors at its capital markets […]
October 06, 2026
After mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, Skoda now adds two ‘full hybrid’ variants to its Octavia offering. It’s a first for Skoda and still a rarity within the Volkswagen Group, although that is likely to change. Since its launch in 1996, exactly 30 years ago, the Skoda Octavia has been offered with an extensive […]
October 06, 2026
Britain is weighing tariffs of up to 45 percent on Chinese electric cars, mirroring the EU duties. The trigger isn’t a sudden shift to protectionism. Brussels is threatening London with the loss of access to the EU market if nothing changes. Chinese brands are soaring in the UK, benefiting from tariff-free access. With the Jaecoo […]
October 06, 2026
Arval has recruited one of the top executives of its biggest European rival, Ayvens, to lead the company through its next phase. Annie Pin, currently Chief Commercial Officer at Ayvens, will become CEO of Arval on 1 April 2027, shortly after the BNP Paribas leasing subsidiary completed its major acquisition of Athlon. Pin will join […]
October 06, 2026
After 4,157 kilometers through nine countries, we rarely struggled to find electricity and rarely had to queue. But Europe’s collection of charging cards, apps, tariffs, and payment systems can still turn a simple charging stop into an unnecessary puzzle. A waiter in a bar in Gjirokastër probably provided the best summary of European EV charging […]
October 05, 2026
MAN and the Munich public transport company, Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG), have started real-world testing with an autonomous electric bus. While there are smaller commercial projects, such as an autonomous shuttle from De Lijn, this is one of the first full-size electric buses operating autonomously on a regular city route. The autonomous bus service is part […]
October 05, 2026
Volvo Cars reported global sales of 141,609 cars in the third quarter of 2026, down 10.7% from the same period last year. Sales during the quarter were impacted by a further deterioration in market conditions in China, where industry volumes remained under significant pressure, as well as a slower-than-expected recovery in the U.S. As a […]
October 05, 2026
The European climate agency Copernicus concludes that last summer was the hottest Western European summer on record. The average temperature was 21.7 degrees, 2.5 degrees warmer than the 1991-2020 summer average, according to the latest Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) European Summer Review 2026, published on 2 October. Copernicus highlights the far-reaching consequences of these climate […]
October 05, 2026
The BMW Group provided a first glimpse of its plans at its Capital Market Day 2026. The aim is to strengthen the company’s resilience and enhance the competitiveness of its structures. In this way, the BMW Group is preparing to face increasingly challenging market conditions in the years ahead. To achieve this, the company is […]
October 05, 2026
A taxi with an internal combustion engine may remain in service in Brussels for up to 9 years, instead of 7. With this extension, the Brussels government aims to give the taxi sector more time to make the transition to zero-emission vehicles. However, the requirement that, starting January 1, 2027, only zero-emission new taxis may […]
October 05, 2026
Can you take an electric car from Belgium to Albania without spending half your holiday looking for chargers? We put it to the test with a Kia EV6 on a three-week, 4,157-kilometer road trip through nine countries. Surprisingly, range was the least of our worries. One persistent argument against electric cars in Belgium – and […]
October 02, 2026
Federal Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) has proposed a series of operational and structural measures to reduce noise pollution around Brussels Airport. The minister was backed into a corner: he had to submit a proposal to the court by October 1, or risk a penalty of 10,000 euros for each new noise violation. Crucke […]
