March 21, 2024
Belgian e-bike manufacturer Cowboy is launching Cross, the brand’s first all-road bike. With the launch of the third, more robust long-distance model, the Brussels-based company specializing in electric city bikes also wants to target the more adventurous cyclist and consequently reach a wider audience. At 3,999 euros, the price is hefty, so it remains to […]
March 20, 2024
The period 2014-2023 was the warmest decade on record, exceeding the 1850-1900 average by 1.20°C. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Earth’s issuing a distress call. Fossil fuel pollution is sending climate chaos off the charts.” The planet is on the brink of the abyss, the United Nations warns. Last year, in particular, was the hottest […]
March 20, 2024
Renault Group CEO (and current ACEA President) Luca de Meo has addressed a ‘Letter to Europe‘ to “all key decision-makers and stakeholders across Europe”. It’s an “Advocacy for a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive automotive industry.” With just a few months to go before the European elections, this twenty-page document calls for European mobilization “to succeed […]
March 20, 2024
Tesla is hiring a ‘Senior Manager Zero Service’, Elektrec.co spotted a few days ago online. The candidate will join Tesla’s Service Operations organization “and lead the team responsible for identifying and eliminating the reasons our cars require service”. Is that possible? Do electric cars need no servicing at all? You will often hear that EVs […]
March 20, 2024
BMW will also produce its ‘Neue Klasse’ (New Class) electric cars at its Regensburg plant. The car manufacturer confirmed this but has not yet provided further details about possible models. As BMW states in a current press release, the initial preparatory work for producing the new platform at the Regensburg plant has already been completed. […]
March 20, 2024
The clock is ticking even faster for Belgian bus maker Van Hool, which can go bankrupt as soon as the following Monday if the descendants of the eight sons and two daughters of founder Bernard Van Hool don’t manage to burry the hatch among themselves in a heritage question that jeopardizes a take-over by a […]
March 19, 2024
Bolt, an Estonian mobility company that offers ride-hailing, micro-mobility rental, and car-sharing services, among other things, expands its service range in Brussels with the launch of a category dedicated to Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM), underscoring its commitment to more inclusive urban mobility. The new category includes 30 vehicles specially equipped to meet accessibility needs, […]
March 19, 2024
Mercedes-AMG is preparing its first fully electric car, and to illustrate its progress, the company has released some photos of a vehicle prototype on the icy expanses of a Swedish lake. The scene looks playful, but according to the official reading, the prototype of Mercedes-AMG’s battery-powered sports car is undergoing rigorous tests under severe winter […]
March 19, 2024
The Holy Grail of the EV market is currently the sub-25,000 dollar or euro model, a goal that every prominent manufacturer envisions. Ford’s CEO Jim Farley has announced that the company is working on a new, low-cost EV platform to bring a sub-$25,000 electric SUV and pickup truck to market, but the question remains: when? […]
March 19, 2024
Brussels Airport accounts for 5.41 billion in added value and more than 64,000 jobs. According to a study on the economic impact commissioned by Zaventem Airport, the Universities UAntwerpen and UCLouvain presented these results on Monday. Meanwhile, management and unions at Brussels Airlines also reached an agreement on Monday regarding better pay for cabin crew. […]
March 19, 2024
Renault Trucks closed 2023 with 69,859 trucks delivered, the best result in recent years and an 18% year-on-year growth. The French manufacturer also delivered 1,636 electric trucks, an increase of 153% compared to 2022, giving it a market share of 22.4% in Europe. There are positive figures all around at Renault Trucks, as the 2023 […]
March 19, 2024
Belgian telecom and cable TV provider Telenet is diversifying: the company plans to provide smart home charging stations for electric cars. From April 1st, the telecom company will install charging stations under the brand name Blossom. Blossom will become a separate company within the group and will initially focus on installing and activating smart charging […]
March 19, 2024
Audi has taken the wraps from the much-anticipated Q6 e-tron, poised to challenge the best-sellers with the cutting-edge architecture it shares with the Porsche Macan EV. The zero-emission model must mirror the success of its combustion-engined sibling, the globally acclaimed Q5. After a prototype reveal last year, Audi has released the full specs and final […]
March 18, 2024
The European Parliament voted last week for the revision of the European Weights and Dimensions Directive, which would allow 44-ton combinations to cross the borders of member states more easily. This would increase efficiency and lower emissions per cargo unit, but it might also give diesel trucks a more significant advantage. The door has also […]
March 18, 2024
According to a recent survey by HR service provider Acerta Consult, more companies – one out of three business leaders – would like to reduce working from home. On the other hand, employees have a different opinion: four out of ten want to go to the office less often. The survey is based on data […]
March 18, 2024
In a few days, BMW will show the concept of its first SUV variant of the ‘Neue Klasse’, called Vision Neue Klasse X. Rumors have it that this iX3 successor will be the first car of BMW’s new EV class range to appear on the market by the end of next year, before the sedan […]
March 18, 2024
According to Frank Moser, product manager at Porsche for both the 718 and 911 models, the Stuttgart-based sports carmaker will add electrified versions to the 911 when the current generation is facelifted in 2025. This is a pivotal moment, as the most iconic Porsche has stuck to the thrill of true combustion engines so far. […]
March 18, 2024
Eight in ten Walloons think cohabiting among road users is problematic, and four in ten say it has deteriorated recently. This is according to a survey conducted by the Walloon Road Safety Agency (AWSR) on aggressiveness and irritating behavior in traffic. One consequence is that traffic aggression is also on the rise, and consequently, the […]
March 18, 2024
When it rains in the US, it dripfeeds to Europe. The previously announced price hike for the world’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, reaches the continent’s shore. As of April, the price will rise by around €2,000. Tesla’s pricing increase for the Model Y electric SUV in several European countries was announced via a […]
March 18, 2024
The clock is ticking for Belgian bus maker Van Hool, which will go bankrupt if no private investor is found before the end of March. Belgian entrepreneur Guido Dumarey confirmed in an interview with Radio 1 that he’s convinced he can ‘rebuild’ Van Hool to a profitable, streamlined production company with 1,800 of the current […]
March 18, 2024
Japanese car manufacturers Nissan and Honda have officially confirmed plans for a strategic partnership in electric cars and other areas. The manufacturers’ intention to work together was already leaked last week. Honda announces that both companies have signed a letter of intent “to strengthen environmental and electrification technologies as well as software development.” The competitors […]
March 15, 2024
It looks like the automotive industry is sounding the ‘all hands on deck alarm’ to win private buyers over to switching to an EV with a price tag of €25,000 or lower. Škoda joins the race with the all-electric Epiq, the second of six new electric vehicles scheduled for launch in the coming years. For […]
March 15, 2024
French rail group Alstom will operate its own train service in the UK from May 2025 between Wales and London. An application has been submitted to the UK rail regulator Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to operate five daily trains in each direction. “We have been part of the UK rail fabric for two […]
March 15, 2024
At the annual media call 2024, Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer unveiled more details on the upcoming €20,000 ID.1. The most affordable EV in the lineup will arrive in 2027. However, the biggest challenge will be deciding on the location of production. All mainstream automakers focus on affordable EVs, which is critical to realizing the […]
March 15, 2024
Chinese premium EV maker NIO has chosen ‘Onvo’ as the English name for the line of affordable ‘family electric cars’ it will sell in Europe. In China, it’s called Ledao (乐道), which means as much as ‘happy road’, according to founder and CEO William Li. Under the ‘Alps’ codename, it has been developing a mass-market […]
March 15, 2024
Automakers are racing to transform their supply chain and hereditary production plants from the ICE age into lean factories for EV production. They will need to hold their breath for some time before expecting a profitable production arm. Elevated repair costs are looming as a new challenge. Slumping sales of battery-powered cars, caused by waning […]
March 14, 2024
Belgian organic farmer Hugues Falys is taking TotalEnergies to court over the French oil company’s role in climate change. This is the first climate case against a multinational in Belgium. Several human rights and environmental organizations support the case, including Greenpeace and the International Federation for Human Rights. “The climate crisis has a huge impact […]
March 14, 2024
Lightning never strikes twice in the same spot, except in Wolfsburg. Simultaneously, Volkswagen has announced sharp and sporty GTX versions of the ID.3, the ID.7 Tourer, and the ID.Buzz. Basically, this is the zero-emission revival of the well-known GTI badge. Volkswagen has yet to release the final specs and data on the ID.buzz, but expectations […]
March 14, 2024
Nissan and Honda are preparing to reduce their production capacities in China significantly. The two Japanese car manufacturers are finding it difficult to keep up with Chinese competitors in the race for electric cars. A solution could be to join forces and slash EV prices consequently. As Nikkei Asia reported, both manufacturers plan to reduce […]
March 14, 2024
Walloon Environment Minister, Céline Tellier (Ecolo), has declared that the plan for Wallonia to become a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was “disproportionate, difficult to apply and not very effective.” The Walloon LEZ is now axed, but major cities will be able to introduce restrictions to enhance air quality, not only on vehicles. Introduced in 2019, […]
March 14, 2024
Car-sharing company GreenMobility is leaving Belgium and returning to its Danish home market. After previously exiting the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, and Sweden, the Belgian branch will also be sold or closed down. “A pity,” according to Steve Van Avermaet, responsible for GreenMobility’s Belgian activities. “We were the company’s first foreign market and the last one […]
March 14, 2024
According to Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon and Minister for Work Jo Brouns, several possible candidates are ‘lining up’ and showing interest in investing in a restart of bus manufacturer Van Hool in Koningshooikt (Lier). But that doesn’t mean avoiding bankruptcy, as some – like Belgian entrepreneur Guido Dumarey, a specialist in blowing new life into […]
March 14, 2024
Volkswagen Group is launching a major product push this year to help offset a gloomy economic outlook and growing competition. At the same time, a major efficiency improvement has to cut costs impressively. On Wednesday, finance chief Arno Antlitz presented the automaker’s 2023 results, saying the “general economic situation remains challenging”. VW Group expects a […]
March 13, 2024
Up to 35,000 public charging points for EVs will be added in the Dutch provinces of Flevoland, North Holland, and Utrecht by 2027. The first charging points could already be on the streets from the middle of this year, according to project agency MRA-Elektrisch, which tendered for 74 municipalities for this purpose. The Netherlands passed […]
March 13, 2024
A group of four fat bike manufacturers wants to prevent illegally boosted bicycles. Together, Brekr, Phatfour, Doppio, and Knaap will present a package of measures on next Tuesday – the Safe Fatbikes partnership. One of those measures is that all four will boycott a dealer selling illegally tuned bicycles. Fat bikes, electric bicycles with fat […]
March 13, 2024
China’s fifth-largest smartphone maker, Xiaomi, unveiled its first electric car in late December. The company confirms that it will bring its first EV SU7 to market on March 28th, when prices should be known. The Xiaoni SU7 is the brand’s first foray into the automotive industry. It’s a mid-size electric sedan powered by two electric […]
March 13, 2024
From Friday 22 to Sunday 24 March, Tour & Taxis will host the sixth edition of the bike fair Bike Brussels. In the event location’s ‘Gare Maritime, ‘ more than 150 exhibitors will guide cycling enthusiasts through the latest innovations in the sector, recent accessories that can come in handy for a trip on two […]
March 13, 2024
According to Vias’ latest traffic safety barometer, based on figures from the federal police, there were 7% fewer road deaths last year than in 2022. Last year, 483 people died in traffic, compared to 520 in 2022. The Vias Institute is a Belgian knowledge center that aims to improve road safety, mobility, and social safety. […]
March 13, 2024
The future electric SUV from Hyundai has been spotted testing in various states of cover. Previously announced as Ioniq 7, it could be renamed Ioniq 9 after the success of its brother from Kia, the EV9. What is certain is that both SUVs will share the same 800-volt E-GMP platform. This should give the seven-seater […]
March 13, 2024
On Tuesday, Belgium’s most significant car importer, D’Ieteren Automotive, kicked off its own B2B ‘motor show’ in the industrial settings of Silo Brussels, a former brewery and malthouse located along the canal at Neder-Over-Heembeek. Called ‘Mobility Solutions’ by D’Ieteren, it demonstrates it’s no longer about selling cars only but rather focusing on a far broader […]
March 13, 2024
In an interview with the Financial Times on Tuesday, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius made a remarkable statement, rubbing up his French competitors by urging the European Commission to lower tariffs on Chinese EV imports instead of raising them. This would force European carmakers to make better cars, he added. “I’m a contrarian,” he said in […]
March 12, 2024
Porsche has unveiled the nec plus ultra of its facelifted Taycan range: the Turbo GT. It is the fastest four-door EV on the Nürburgring and Laguna Seca and the most powerful series production model from Porsche ever. It is enough to comfortably beat the Tesla Model S Plaid, but it also comes at a price. […]
March 12, 2024
Volvo has announced a significant charging improvement for cars built on its next-gen EV platform. Their batteries will charge up to 30% faster than the current line-up, and it has nothing to do with revolutionary chemistries or a different manufacturing approach. The secret weapon is an algorithm. Volvo Cars is investing in Breathe Battery Technologies, […]
March 12, 2024
In an interview with the American car magazine Car and Driver, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares says his group has to produce its own batteries. Meanwhile, he also stresses that EVs have to become lighter and batteries more efficient to maintain the expected range of an EV. The most expensive part of an EV is the […]
March 12, 2024
Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool decided to cut almost half of its jobs at its headquarters in Koningshooikt after a series of cascading troubles eviscerated its competitiveness. Some point to Van Hool’s hydrogen strategy, others to the lack of support from public transport company De Lijn, but neither explanation offers a complete picture. It has […]
March 12, 2024
After the sabotage attack, which led to a power outage and discontinuation of assembly, Tesla’s Grünheide factory is back online. Engineers from energy supplier Edis worked in three-shift mode to restore the connection and succeeded on Monday evening. “The measures to restart the plant are now running at full speed under all safety precautions,” wrote […]
March 12, 2024
Belgian public railway company NMBS/SNCB and infrastructure manager Infrabel spent 612 million euros on consultancy between 2020 and 2022. Based on internal documents from both companies, research media Apache and Médor have exposed this. Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo) had previously said the cost for that period was 44,6 million euros, but the actual amount […]
March 12, 2024
Amsterdam is considering introducing an innovative adaptive speed governance solution for e-bikes. The system is intended to remotely slow down the speed of electric bicycles as they approach the city center. Amsterdam’s Alderwoman, Melanie Van der Horst (D66), recently inaugurated a system demonstration. The initiative specifically tackles the challenges of congested bike lanes, aiming to […]
March 12, 2024
Audi has confirmed the expected reorganization of the Board of Management: CEO Gernot Döllner is also taking over Technical Development at the German carmaker with immediate effect. Audi’s Formula 1 Team accelerates its racing commitment and takes over the F1 Sauber team. Audi’s previous Board Member for Technical Development, Oliver Hoffmann, will now be responsible […]
March 11, 2024
Until the end of April, Fiat will switch to one shift at its Mirafiori plant due to falling demand for the all-electric 500e and the Maserati models produced on-site. The factory near Turin adapted its output in February, but the supposed plan to resume two-shift operations at the beginning of this month has been further […]
March 11, 2024
Cycling has become much safer over the last few years. The risk of dying on a bicycle has fallen by 40 percent in the last seven years. In 2015, 24.9 fatalities occurred per billion kilometers cycled; in 2022, this dropped to 14.9. These figures were published on Friday on the study day celebrating the tenth […]
March 11, 2024
Together with the official opening of its new test center in Donauwörth, Germany, Airbus Helicopters presented last week the prototype of its fully electric CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL, a four-seater with eight propellors that takes off and lands vertically. Once airborne, the two-ton so-called ‘multicopter’ tilts its rotors to fly like an airplane for some 80 […]
March 11, 2024
Within three years from now, Japanese customers will enjoy the benefits of autonomously driving Nissan taxis in Japan. The automaker has been investigating self-driving cars in traffic since 2017 and has released a road map to make it happen. Nissan is taking a cautious approach to Robotaxi rides and wants to gather experience and customer […]
March 11, 2024
Car manufacturing group Stellantis wants to take over the Belgian, Sint-Truiden-based transmission specialist Punch Powertrain. Although both companies are already working together via joint ventures, the Belgian company wants to defend itself against this hostile takeover in court. Punch Powertrain plays an important role in Stellantis’s electrification process because it develops and produces the transmissions […]
March 11, 2024
In stormy weather since the Covid-19 pandemic and the following crisis, Belgian bus and coach builder Van Hool production workers face the ultimate doom scenario. On Monday’s ultimate works council, the unions got the grim message that 1,116 of currently 2,494 jobs at the company’s main factory in Koningshooikt (Lier) will disappear by 2028, 834 […]
March 11, 2024
In 2024, there will be 41 major road construction works on the Flemish highways for an investment of 902 million euros, not including Oosterweel. “The interventions are very diverse,” says Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters (Open Vld). “They range from renewing the road surface to the installation of noise barriers, the […]
March 11, 2024
Audi will produce its new entry-level electric model, announced around a year ago, at its headquarters in Ingolstadt. Gernot Döllner, Audi’s CEO, said as much at a staff meeting at the main plant. The new EV sits below the Q4 e-tron. Its much bigger brother, the Q6 e-tron, is already rolling off the production line […]
March 08, 2024
After five years of loss-making, Brussels Airlines posted record results last year, with an operating profit of 53 million euros. The airline carried 8,3 million passengers for the entire year, 21% more than in 2022. But even though turnover climbed back to pre-corona levels, Brussels Airlines has been plagued by social unrest for some time, […]
March 08, 2024
European vehicle safety non-profit Euro NCAP has unveiled plans for a new safety score 2026 that will include an assessment of the ease of use of essential controls. Cars that force drivers to use touch controls for features like wipers and indicators will be punished and risk the all-important five-star safety rating. The auto industry […]
March 08, 2024
People often say that women are lousy drivers, but statistics show just the opposite: almost eight in ten road deaths are men. Women are less likely to be involved in serious accidents than men and are generally also less likely to be severely injured in accidents (40% compared to 60% of men). However, it is […]
