June 13, 2023
Ford has completed the $2 billion transformation of its Cologne (Germany) production facility, which will focus on EV production. The Ford Cologne Electric Vehicle Center will start production with the new Explorer, with another electric crossover soon to follow. Ford’s Cologne plant in Germany, which has been operating since 1930, building the Model A, has […]
June 13, 2023
According to sources talking to the specialized German newspaper Handelsblatt, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume is preparing the biggest reorganization in the group’s history. A severe cost-cutting exercise is needed to remain competitive with the new Chinese players in the market and Tesla, for example. Lately, Volkswagen has been surpassed by BYD as the most […]
June 12, 2023
The Brussels public transport company MIVB/STIB aims to reduce its emissions by 40% by 2030. To provide an increasingly environmentally friendly service to passengers, it is focusing on converting to an electric fleet. But also by striving to follow a set of principles grouped under the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Today, all MIVB/STIB […]
June 12, 2023
From 2025, General Motors will rely on Tesla’s charging port in the USA and Canada – exclusively. GM wants to provide adapters so that all cars equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) can also charge at CCS stations. This makes GM the second major US carmaker to commit to Tesla’s charging standard: Ford […]
June 12, 2023
During the night from Saturday to Sunday, the new Hector Hennaud Avenue bridge on the Brussels Ring Road in Zaventem was successfully put in place. The colossus, which at 106 by 27 meters approaches the area of half a football pitch, weighs just under 2 000 tons. The smoothly run operation allowed the Ring Road […]
June 12, 2023
The world’s number one car manufacturer, Toyota, is investing almost $50 million in a new battery laboratory in the US. This will be built at the research and development headquarters in York Township and will go into operation in 2025. The investment illustrates Toyota’s “change of direction toward electrification”, says Shinichi Yasui, Vice President at […]
June 12, 2023
Some 200 people from ‘Non au plan Good Move’ protested the Brussels Good Move mobility plan in Anderlecht on Sunday. The local committees against the mobility plan from several Brussels municipalities are demanding a new regional mobility plan for Brussels. The committees recently succeeded in collecting the required 1 000 signatures with which to interpellate […]
June 12, 2023
The Zeekr X is the first model from Geely’s young premium brand to journey to the European market soon. In China, the series production has started. The car will be ready for delivery at the end of this week. Later this year, Zeekr’s smallest will be launched in Europe, starting in Sweden and the Netherlands. […]
June 09, 2023
The Nedcar works council has postponed its application for a temporary injunction to force VDL management to grant insight into the documents about BMW’s unilateral breaking of the contract to build the successor of the MINI Countryman in Born. VDL will allow access to the papers ‘under strict conditions’. But these conditions are not to […]
June 09, 2023
The German sports car manufacturer Porsche has always worked on innovative concept cars. The brand continues this tradition with its latest concept study, Mission X. Mission X is a reinterpretation of a hypercar, with Le Mans-style doors that open upwards to the front and a high-performance, efficient electric powertrain. It is a dramatic-looking two-seater that […]
June 09, 2023
Two electric ‘hydrant fuel dispensers’, which pump fuel from the underground piping system into the aircraft, will come into operation at Brussels Airport from next year. The new custom-made devices are part of the greening of the airport sector, says the operator. Ordered by Skytanking The vehicles were ordered by the company Skytanking, which provides […]
June 09, 2023
Spanish scooter and micro-mobility EVs manufacturer Silence has officially rolled the first production models out of the assembly line in Barcelona. Built by Acciona in a state-of-the-art, 60 000 m2 factory, the first batch of Silence S04s are heading to customers. Silence is a newcomer to the game of micro-mobility EVs, or so-called ‘nano cars’. […]
June 09, 2023
Works on the last unfinished premetro tunnel of the Antwerp premetro network and the four unfinished premetro stations, Drink, Morkhoven, Willibrordus, and Stuivenberg, could start in early 2025. The whole project should then be ready in the first quarter of 2027. Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters (Open Vld) has said so. The cost would hover […]
June 09, 2023
According to Viapass’ latest annual report, the number of trucks on Belgian toll roads has decreased by 800 000 in one year, from 41,10 million vehicles to 40,28. Viapass is the governmental organization that monitors the kilometer tax for trucks in Belgium. The decrease has economic reasons: the high energy prices reduced people’s purchasing power, […]
June 09, 2023
Swedish automotive safety supplier Autoliv announced that it would cut its global workforce by up to 6 000 employees (11%). One thousand of these are expected to be in Europe. The worldwide leader in airbags and seatbelts says these cuts aim at reducing costs in the face of inflation. Autoliv is a significant actor in […]
June 09, 2023
The Belgian Federation of Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Febiac has a new president. Freddy De Mulder (67), after a long career in the automotive business, takes over from Philippe Dehennin as of 21 June. After a Ph.D. in Economy, Freddy De Mulder began his career at Ford, but very soon, he switched to General Motors/Opel, […]
June 08, 2023
Twelve nurses of the ‘Wit-Gele Kruis’ in Hasselt (Limburg) use leased electric bicycles to visit and take care of their patients in the city center. This way, they can avoid the hustle and bustle of the city and their eternal search for a parking space. The home nursing service has decided to invest 20 000 […]
June 08, 2023
The second-hand motorbike market in Belgium is in dire straits, according to sector organization Traxio. Until May, almost 30% fewer motorbikes, that’s 9 446 units, were sold compared to last year. The reason for this drop, according to Traxio, is the second-hand inspection of motorbikes that has been mandatory since 1 January 2023. One of […]
June 08, 2023
Eneco, a Dutch energy supplier with its Belgian headquarter in Mechelen, will invest 90 million euros into a 50-megawatt battery power park in the Walloon town of Ville-sur-Haine. The battery park, which will be connected to the high-voltage grid as a backup, should be operational by the end of next year. The park, in the […]
June 08, 2023
The Antwerp car servicing group Beerens breathes new life into the former Opel plant at the Noorderlaan with a new site for its Belcar daughter to prepare some 100 000 new and second-hand leased cars a year for the market. Announced in February 2021, the site is reopening on Thursday after renovation, which included 20 […]
June 08, 2023
Amsterdam has decided to ban all polluting traffic from a large part of the city center. From 2025, only emission-free vehicles – cabs, vans, trucks, scooters, motorbikes, and boats, running on electricity or hydrogen – will be allowed. The Netherlands’s capital and most populous city will introduce this measure to improve the air quality and […]
June 08, 2023
Volvo just launched its first entry-level electric car, and the Swedish (but now Chinese-owned) car maker surprises with a price setting a benchmark for customers and competitors. In Belgium, prices for this fully electric EV start from € 38 990. In other markets, the starting price can be as low as € 36 590. In […]
June 07, 2023
Flemish public transport company De Lijn paid 5 900 euros in fines last year for violations in the Low-Emission Zones (LEZ) of Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels. This is according to the figures Green MP Stijn Bex requested. Fines for unauthorized diesel buses are on a downward trend. In 2019, for example, the company still paid […]
June 07, 2023
The new Renault Espace tries to combine the heritage of its name with today’s codes for a family car. Dead is the hyper-modular minivan: the Espace is now reborn as a long-wheelbase SUV with seven seats standard. That’s not the only transformation, as the Espace is now only offered as a full-hybrid. The name ‘Espace’ […]
June 07, 2023
Specter, a Belgian start-up with a production unit in Wondelgem (East Flanders), designs and builds unique, high-end, lightweight, and connected speed pedelecs. On Tuesday, the company introduced a ‘long-range’ version of its Specter 1 speed pedelec, launched end of 2022. The vehicle has an increased driving range of up to 170 kilometers. It is equipped […]
June 07, 2023
According to several French-language newspapers, the Brussels Region will automate its metro network. These ‘driverless’ trains have been discussed for about a decade, but now the goals are becoming more concrete: the first route to run without a human driver will be line 5 Ceria-Erasmus in the summer of 2026. Eventually, all metros should run […]
June 07, 2023
Smart Automobile, Geely’s joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, launched last week its second model, the Smart #3, in China at prices ranging from 209 900 to 289 900 yuan. In euros, that would be between 27 560 and 38.060. That highest price tag is for the Brabus Performance version, of which only 1 999 will be […]
June 07, 2023
Paris taxi company Hype and Stellantis are partnering to put the first hydrogen taxis with specific access for people with reduced mobility (PRM) on the road. Fifty Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen and Citroën ë-Jumpy Hydrogen will transport users around Paris. By 2024, the partners could have deployed up to 1 000 zero-emission taxis. 50 Peugeots and […]
June 07, 2023
Belgium-based gas transmission system operator Fluxys is working on the installation of 44 kilometers of new pipelines between Desteldonk and Opwijk. The new pipelines will transport gas and, in the future, green hydrogen. The first part of the so-called ‘hydrogen highway of the future’ has to be ready by the end of this year. The […]
June 06, 2023
Last Friday, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) began accepting seat reservations for its groundbreaking commercial electric flights in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark… in 2028. After that, there are no seats available anymore. “This extraordinary event presents an opportunity for travelers to become part of aviation history. Each of the three inaugural flights, scheduled to take place in […]
June 06, 2023
The transition to a carbon-neutral economy could create tens of thousands of jobs in Belgium, especially in the construction sector, despite its staff shortage. That is one of the conclusions of the recent report ‘Implications of the Climate Transition on Employment, Skills, and Training in Belgium’, published by the Federal Public Service for Health, Food […]
June 06, 2023
The Fleming increasingly prefers to cycle and walk. This emerges from a study into the travel behavior of the Flemish population by the Department of Mobility. Although the car remains the most popular means of transport, the share of the car drops below 60% for the first time. It is the sixth time since 1994 […]
June 06, 2023
Dutch industrial group VDL is going to produce bicycle frames for the Dutch manufacturer of electric bicycles Qwic and the Limburg bicycle manufacturer Belgian Cycling Factory (BCF), among others. The latter is known for its Ridley and Eddy Merckx products. VDL will also produce carbon front forks for a new BCF cyclo-cross bike model. The […]
June 06, 2023
In May 2023, there were 57 807 second-hand cars registered in Belgium, meaning the market is dominated by 88% by private buyers and is keeping a steadily growing pace of 4,4%, says the automotive services federation Traxio. According to spokesperson Filip Rylant, this is due to more recent second-hand cars reaching the market as deliveries […]
June 06, 2023
Last Friday, Dutch state secretary Heynen (Ministry of Infrastructure & Waterstate) decided that the Eurostar train between Amsterdam and London will not be proposed for eleven months, starting June 2024. The reason? Amsterdam Central Station has to be overhauled, and apparently, there’s no room during the works period to house the Dutch Marechaussee (police force), […]
June 06, 2023
On Monday, the car manufacturing group Stellantis and metals recycler Galloo announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for negotiations to form a joint venture focused on End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) recycling. The Stellantis-Galloo joint venture will work with selected Authorized Treatment Facilities to collect ELVs from the last owner, enabling the recovery of […]
June 05, 2023
Revealing the three-row version of its ID. Buzz is more than adding extra inches of wheelbase and one more bench in the back. The new LWB version also adds an enhanced infotainment system, a new head-up display, a clever configuration, and more range. First, that length. Overall, the wheelbase stretches to 3 239 mm (up […]
June 05, 2023
A European survey shows that 7% of Belgians, or around 420 000 drivers, have already had an accident attributable to alcohol behind the wheel. Last year, nearly 47 000 drivers, an average of 128 per day, were also fined for ‘alcohol behind the wheel’ in Belgium. The new BOB campaign ‘BOB protects lives’, therefore, calls […]
June 05, 2023
Automotive supplier Bosch is taking over the production of the S3 fuel cell stack for the Swedish fuel cell specialist PowerCell. Under the new agreement, Bosch will integrate the S3 into its own production facilities in Germany and deliver finished 100 kW stacks to PowerCell’s plant in Gothenburg. According to PowerCell, the outsourcing of production […]
June 05, 2023
To boost its European expansion plans, Lexus is treading where BMW and Mercedes cancel out: the class of small city cross-overs. With a length of 4.1 metres, the new Japan-built LBX is beyond competition from the German premium brands, as Audi has announced the withdrawal of the Q2, its closest rival. In fact, this is […]
June 05, 2023
Seven European transport ministers want to make 2024 the year of cycling. They launched this call on World Cycling Day. The United Nations has declared the 3rd of June World Cycling Day in 2018 to draw attention to the benefits of bicycles. The seven mobility ministers are asking Europe to develop a genuine cycling policy. […]
June 05, 2023
While there still was 4% less traffic on Flemish highways in 2022 compared to the pre-pandemic era, the congestion rate is back at the former level. However, the congestion’s exact time and place play a more significant role than before. According to the yearly report for 2022 of the Flemish Traffic Center (Vlaams Verkeerscentrum), traffic […]
June 02, 2023
The Brussels government is to give a 1,5 million euros grant to Brussels police zones to make road safety an absolute priority within policing. The additional grant should lead to more enforcement, among other things. The police zone Brussels-Capital-Elsene/Ixelles can count on just under 430 000 euro in subsidies. For the other five zones, it […]
June 02, 2023
Electricity supplier Engie offers a new type of contract, aimed at drivers of electric vehicles. To promote off-peak charging and maintaining grid capacity, customers can receive a bonus. A dedicated app manages the process. According to Engie, it is a first that customers can benefit from a financial incentive if they adapt their charging behaviour […]
June 02, 2023
In May, 41 358 new cars were registered in Belgium and Luxemburg, a serious increase of 42,5% compared to the same month last year. Most of these registrations have been done by companies and independents, representing already two-thirds of the total Belux market last month. Looking at the first five months of the year, 212 […]
June 02, 2023
Those who present their vehicles late because of long waiting times at technical inspection centers in Flanders will soon no longer be fined. This was announced by Flemish Minister for Mobility Lydia Peeters (Open VLD). This is a temporary measure. When the problems in the car inspection sector are over, there will be no more […]
June 02, 2023
Sales of electric cars reached 80.7% last May, recuperating from a minor setback in April. It seems Norwegian buyers aren’t turning their backs to battery-powered cars after less generous incentives were introduced at the beginning of the year. The fiscal change of heart is most noticeable among premium cars, which have become less popular. The […]
June 02, 2023
As of the 1st of November, 1 800 jobs will disappear at the Dutch car manufacturing plant Nedcar in Born. One of the two work shifts will completely disappear, almost halving the number of employees. Mother company VDL sent the message to the works council on Thursday, discussing “an unavoidable dismantling of fellow workers”. VDL […]
June 01, 2023
As from the summer, the Toyota Yaris can be ordered with a second hybrid driveline gaining power and a refined drive. In addition, the upgrade includes new digital features, such as an instrument display and an app-based key. But as for the design, everything remains like before. So, Toyota’s minor overhaul of its city car […]
June 01, 2023
A new report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) assesses how effectively the world’s 20 largest automakers are transitioning to electric vehicles. At the top of the ranking is Tesla, followed by Chinese manufacturer BYD, which is catching up fast. The manufacturer assessment on the electric drive system turnaround is the first of […]
June 01, 2023
Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall Motor is looking into acquiring a European EV plant in order to support its international expansion. Building a new plant in Germany, Hungary or the Czech Republic would be an option, but the company is also looking to buy an existing plant. Great Wall Motor, known in Europe for the […]
June 01, 2023
The financing of the new metro line 3 in Brussels continues to raise questions. It is also an item that keeps popping up in the Belgian press as it was recently revealed that the cost is much higher than first estimated. Among other things, the Brussels government has now asked the federal government whether it […]
June 01, 2023
On the border of the Flemish Brabant town of Tervuren and Wezembeek-Oppem, one of the most important Hoppin Points along the Brussels Ring Road was officially opened on Wednesday. The Hoppin Point branches off from the terminus of Streetcar 44 and is close to Tervuren Park and the Africa Museum. At the new Hoppin Point […]
June 01, 2023
Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a joint venture by Stellantis, Total, and Mercedes-Benz, inaugurated its first factory in France. However, the “Grand Opening” is not synonymous with commissioning, which will occur later this year. ACC says the facility in Billy-Berclau/Douvrin in the Hauts-de-France region has a production area of more than 60 000 square meters. The […]
May 31, 2023
The Italian car manufacturer Fiat, part of the Stellantis Group, has unveiled the name and first image of its new ‘sustainable urban mobility solution’: the quadricycle is called Topolino. “The all-electric Fiat Topolino quadricycle is ready to contribute to expanding urban electric mobility and bring all the optimism of its namesake to an accessible, all-electric […]
May 31, 2023
Around noon on Whit Monday, a record amount of electricity was generated by wind and sun, enough to cover just about all of Belgium’s electricity consumption for a while. This is according to preliminary figures from high-voltage manager Elia. This is the first time that solar and wind have been enough to cover just about […]
May 31, 2023
Israeli start-up specializing in wireless charging, Electreon, has set up a new world record. It drove a plug-in hybrid Toyota RAV4 on electricity for 1.943 km over four days without stopping for a charge, thanks to its proprietary in-road charging strips. Between 21 and 25 May, Israeli start-up Electreon conducted a world-first proof-of-concept test for […]
May 31, 2023
The impact of the corona crisis at the Brussels public transport company MIVB/STIB and the Flemish public transport company De Lijn seem to have turned the sharpest corner now. This is evident from recent figures. Nevertheless, De Lijn, in particular, has had a difficult year due to driver shortages and twice as many canceled trips. […]
May 31, 2023
The Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) is the first in Belgium to use a fully-electric ‘mobile urgency group’ (MUG) in the shape of a Mercedes EQV, which has been fully equipped to be as efficient as possible to work with and to save lives. The UZA was the first hospital to use a MUG service, where […]
May 31, 2023
Japanese truck builders Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso have announced a merger and intend to become a publicly listed company. Both brands revealed that the union is on equal footing. Though the new truck maker from Japan will operate globally, its prime focus will be on the Southeast Asian market. As Hino Motors is fully […]
