JLR’s Range Rover axes Evoque and Velar to move further upmarket

November 05, 2026

When their current generation ends, the Range Rover Evoque and Velar will not be replaced. Instead, the much higher-positioned Range Rover GT will serve as the brand’s entry-level model. Range Rover’s managing director Martin Limbert confirmed to the British magazine Autocar that there will be no direct replacement for the two models. The production of […]

BMW’s disappointing Q3 results are instigating measures, also in China

November 05, 2026

German carmaker BMW Group reported a nearly 15% drop in third-quarter net profit on Wednesday, after weak sales in China and a profit warning issued the day before. The consequences will also be felt in China: according to Chinese media, 1,800 jobs will disappear at the BMW Brilliance joint venture. The Munich-based company said net […]

Father of Tesla’s Autopilot criticizes the camera-only self-driving system

November 05, 2026

GM Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson, who ran Tesla’s Autopilot program in 2015 and 2016, says dropping radar in favor of a camera-only self-driving system is “a weird religious stance that ignores physics”. It’s the bluntest rebuke of Tesla’s vision-only bet yet from someone who helped build the original Autopilot. And it lands while Tesla […]

VW’s smallest EV gets a familiar name: ID. Up

November 04, 2026

After earlier speculation about the name of the production version of the ID. Every1, German sources now seem to confirm the € 20.000 electric Volkswagen will be called ID. Up. The smallest VW EV is expected to come on the market in 2027. While initial speculation suggested it would be called ID.1, the German brand’s […]

India’s Tata takes the wheel at Iveco, ending an Italian era

November 04, 2026

After more than a year of negotiations, Iveco is now officially owned by Tata. Following its purchase of Jaguar Land Rover, the Indian industrial group has acquired another piece of European industrial heritage. The deal must help Iveco to accelerate its strides in zero-emission transport.  A takeover target. That is how Iveco had been viewed […]

Renault’s defence ambitions grow with Belgian war robot

November 04, 2026

Renault is expanding its involvement in military technology once again. Less than five months after CEO François Provost insisted that the French carmaker would not become a defense company, Renault has unveiled its third military drone partnership, this time with Belgium’s John Cockerill. The result is Forefront Concept, an electrically powered ground robot designed for […]

Belgium’s car market stalls while France and Germany accelerate

November 03, 2026

Belgium’s new-car market shrank by almost 6% in October, reflecting a wider slowdown also visible in the Netherlands. France and Germany, meanwhile, are recovering, helped by growing electric-car demand. Behind Belgium’s disappointing figures lies another transformation: traditional brands are losing ground, Chinese competitors are advancing, and motorcycles are booming while commercial vehicles struggle. Belgium registered […]

Stellantis reshuffles design chiefs: eight brands, one vision?

November 03, 2026

Stellantis is reshuffling its European design leadership, appointing Belgian Pierre Leclercq to head Opel and Vauxhall while former Renault designer Sandeep Bhambra takes charge of both Citroën and DS Automobiles. The changes are part of a wider strategy under Gilles Vidal, who oversees the design of eight European brands. But can Stellantis preserve their individual […]

BYD Yangwang’s U9 Xtreme crashes in 500 km/h record attempt

November 02, 2026

BYD has released footage of its 3,000 hp electric Yangwang U9 Xtreme crashing during testing on a closed track in China. The car was destroyed, but the test pilot was uninjured. The release of the crash footage coincides with the confirmation that BYD’s electric supercar will attempt to break a top speed of 500 km/h. […]

EV charging price rules: why is Belgium still the ‘Wild West’?

November 02, 2026

Charging an electric car in Belgium can cost more than twice as much at one public charger as at another. Belgian mobility organization VAB calls it the ‘Wild West’ and wants maximum tariffs. Belgian Consumer Protection Minister Rob Beenders has responded by calling for stricter European rules to make charging prices simpler and more transparent, […]

Oil giants strike gold in Iran crisis as EU struggles to protect consumers

November 02, 2026

As the Iran war drives up fuel and energy prices, oil majors are reporting extraordinary profits. BP’s earnings have nearly quadrupled, Shell is making billions from refining, and even US President Trump’s oil investments are gaining value. Meanwhile, European governments are struggling to agree on how to ease the burden on consumers. British oil giant […]

Kia joins list of hydrogen believers with first car in 2029

October 30, 2026

Kia will build its first hydrogen-powered vehicle from 2029, a fuel-cell version of the Carnival minivan. It is the first time the car maker has committed to building a hydrogen driveline, putting it in the same camp as sister brand Hyundai, where Toyota and BMW remain. Kia’s hydrogen surfaced unusually. Where automotive news these days […]

One million employees: is BYD becoming too big for its own good?

October 30, 2026

While Volkswagen, Ford, and other Western automakers are cutting jobs, China’s BYD is moving in the opposite direction. With more than one million employees, it now ranks among the world’s largest corporate employers. But as sales growth slows and international expansion becomes more expensive, can BYD afford to keep growing its enormous workforce? BYD chairman […]

Flanders launches price comparison tool for new vehicle tax

October 30, 2026

The Flemish vehicle tax is being reformed; passenger cars, dual-use vehicles, or minibusses that are (re)registered on or after January 1, 2027, will automatically be included in the new system, which primarily takes into account the vehicle’s weight and CO2 emissions. Owners of vehicles that were previously registered can voluntarily switch by visiting the website […]

VW Group posts its steepest quarterly loss since Dieselgate

October 30, 2026

Volkswagen ​posted its steepest quarterly loss in more than a decade in the third quarter, hit by a writedown ‌on its stake in Porsche and weakness in China, adding urgency to the automaker’s sweeping restructuring plan. The world’s second-largest carmaker reported an operating loss of €5.9 billion for July to September 2026, prompting management to […]

XPENG L05: China gets a €19,500 family SUV, but what will Europe pay?

October 30, 2026

Chinese EV manufacturer XPENG has launched its new L05 family SUV at a remarkably low starting price of $21,720 in China. The nearly 4.9-meter-long electric crossover promises generous space, advanced AI technology, and up to 635 km of range. It is also coming to Belgium in 2027, with European specifications and prices to be revealed […]

Your Kia could power your home. So why must Belgium wait until 2028?

October 30, 2026

Belgian Kia drivers hoping to use their electric cars as giant home batteries face a frustrating wait. Although the vehicles already have the necessary hardware, Kia Belgium has confirmed to Newmobility.news that Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality is not expected before the fourth quarter of 2028. Across the border, Kia is already testing bidirectional […]

Flanders relaxes car inspections, but safety review may wait until 2029

October 29, 2026

Flemish motorists are already benefiting from fewer mandatory vehicle inspections, but the government may wait until late 2029 or even longer to formally assess the consequences for road safety. Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder’s office has confirmed to Newmobility.news that the first comprehensive evaluation will follow the completion of the entire reform, including measures still […]

From copying to setting the pace: China’s automotive revolution

October 29, 2026

For decades, Chinese carmakers learned how to build cars from European, Japanese, and American manufacturers. Today, that relationship is increasingly reversing, with European manufacturers turning to China for batteries, electronics, and software. At its annual congress in Suzhou, the China Society of Automotive Engineers (China-SAE) unveiled ten technological developments expected to reach important milestones in […]

Great Wall’s second shot at Europe: 10 models and Bulgarian factory

October 29, 2026

After a first failed attempt to conquer the European market, Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM) is taking a second chance. It will start vehicle production in Bulgaria in the first quarter of 2027, plans to launch 10 new models over 2 years, and expand into multiple European markets, including Belgium. GWM has been active […]

Renault’s electric success hides a growing challenge at Dacia

October 29, 2026

Renault Group’s electric car sales surged by almost 85% in the third quarter of 2026, helping the French manufacturer maintain revenue despite selling 6% fewer vehicles. But behind these figures lies a growing contrast: Renault’s electric models are gaining momentum, while Dacia is losing ground despite the Sandero remaining one of Europe’s best-selling cars. Renault […]

Audi CEO disgraces himself, his company, and his country (update)

October 29, 2026

In its frenetic search for a US location for its first assembly plant, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has finally decided and, at the same time, found himself in a political hornet’s nest by appearing at a Trump rally to cheer for the US President. Isabel Cademartori, a transport policy expert for Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD), […]

Stellantis rebounds, but Europe remains its Achilles’ heel

October 28, 2026

Stellantis is slowly finding its feet again under CEO Antonio Filosa, with global losses shrinking dramatically and sales picking up. But Europe remains the weak spot in its recovery. Despite selling more cars and recording a spectacular increase in electric vehicle sales, the group is losing money in its home market. The challenge is no […]

Chinese brains in European VWs? Savings come with security challenge

October 28, 2026

Volkswagen is reportedly considering equipping up to 75% of its future European mainstream models with an electronic architecture developed in China in partnership with Xpeng. The move could save billions of euros but threaten its expensive partnership with American EV maker Rivian. It also raises questions about European homologation, cybersecurity, and European carmakers’ growing dependence […]

Lepas Aura: design concept underscores Chery’s global ambitions

October 27, 2026

Lepas, a brand from the Chinese Chery group, has unveiled the Aura. The shooting brake is the brand’s “first global concept car” and will inspire the design of future models. Chery still might not sound as familiar to European customers as brands like BYD or MG. But with sales of its Jaecoo and Omoda brands […]

Luxeed without Huawei: Chery’s surprising new bet on Europe

October 27, 2026

What happens when a Chinese luxury car brand leaves behind the technology partner that helped define its identity? Chery is preparing to bring its premium Luxeed marque to international markets, including Europe, with six electrified models. But there is a remarkable twist: unlike their Chinese counterparts, the export versions will feature none of Huawei’s sophisticated […]

NIO’s European battery swap dilemma: 61 stations, too few cars

October 27, 2026

Chinese EV maker NIO has opened its 22nd battery-swapping station in Germany, bringing its European network to 61. But behind the promise of a fully charged battery in just three minutes lies an uncomfortable reality: too few compatible cars, limited use of expensive infrastructure, and little sign of further expansion. Belgium illustrates the dilemma particularly […]

Used Chinese EVs find back door into Europe, avoiding extra tariffs

October 27, 2026

Just over a year ago, we reported that China EV Marketplace (CEVM) had stopped selling used electric vehicles in Europe because of quality concerns. Now the importer is embracing that market, claiming it sold 7,900 pre-owned cars to European customers in nine months. With discounts reaching 40%, used Chinese EVs offer a potentially attractive alternative […]

Belgian Dumarey buys Renault’s F1 engine legacy, aims for 2029 comeback

October 23, 2026

Belgian industrialist Guido Dumarey has agreed to acquire Renault’s historic Formula 1 engine operation in Viry-Châtillon, near Paris. He dreams of returning to F1 as an independent engine supplier by 2029. But after two of his French factories faced closure this year, can he succeed where Renault itself gave up? Renault Group and Dumarey Group […]

FEB: ‘Belgium’s mobility budget reform heading for another delay’

October 23, 2026

The Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB), the country’s leading employers’ organization, warns that the January 1, 2027, deadline for the mandatory mobility budget is no longer feasible. Companies still lack the finalized legal framework needed to prepare for and implement the reform. Federal Minister of Labor David Clarinval (MR) is reportedly now open to […]

Hydrogen cars aren’t dead yet, but can they survive?

October 23, 2026

BMW, Toyota, and Hyundai insist hydrogen cars still have a future, even as battery-electric vehicles become cheaper, faster-charging, and capable of traveling further. At a driving event in Halle, Belgium, journalists could put that claim to the test. Meanwhile, the Belgian hydrogen sector warned of falling behind its neighboring countries. Driving BMW’s hydrogen-powered iX5 through […]

BMW prepares iX7 seven-seater

October 23, 2026

BMW is preparing to introduce its first three-row (six- or seven-seater) electric SUV. With its official debut coming up, the iX7 was spotted testing, offering a sneak peek at the full-size luxury SUV. The test mule ran alongside the current X7 M60, the 523-horsepower V8 flagship that tops BMW’s SUV range. The iX7 is the […]

EU car registrations up 9.3% in September, EV market share rise continues

October 22, 2026

The new EU passenger car market shows notable resilience. According to the European Association of Car Manufacturers (ACEA), car registrations rose 9.3% in September and 5.7% year-to-date, despite a challenging macroeconomic environment marked by persistently rising energy prices and geopolitical headwinds. Demand for a range of electrified vehicles remained strong, particularly in major European markets, […]

Toyota’s electric Corolla to be built in China, what about Europe? (update)

October 21, 2026

As Toyota celebrates 60 years of its Corolla, the world’s best-selling car nameplate with more than 57 million units sold, the Japanese manufacturer is reportedly preparing to build its next generation in China from 2028, including a fully electric version. But while Toyota is accelerating its transition to electric mobility, an important question remains unanswered: […]

UN report: Clean energy surges, yet world heads for 2.8°C warming

October 21, 2026

Clean energy is expanding far faster than expected, yet the world remains on course for 2.8°C of global warming by the end of the century under current policies. The latest UN Emissions Gap Report highlights a troubling paradox: while solar and wind power are booming, fossil-fuel emissions remain stubbornly high. The United States’ withdrawal from […]

VW battery fire risk: 1,608 electric cars recalled in Belgium

October 21, 2026

Volkswagen is recalling 1,608 electric vehicles in Belgium because of potentially defective battery cells that could overheat when charged beyond 80%. Belgian importer D’Ieteren has confirmed that 1,444 Volkswagen ID models and 164 Cupra Borns are affected. Owners are now being contacted for inspections and possible corrective measures. The Belgian figures are the first confirmed […]

BYD’s €8,400 Seagull exposes Europe’s ‘affordable EV price gap’

October 21, 2026

BYD has officially launched its second-generation Seagull in China, combining five-minute charging with a price under €10,000. Even more remarkably, the entry-level version starts at around €8,400, despite being much larger and better equipped than its predecessor. Could the next European Dolphin Surf challenge the continent’s cheapest electric cars below €20,000? BYD launched the new […]

With the Mission S, Porsche hints at its sports cars of the future

October 20, 2026

As part of its ‘Sportwagenschmiede ’35’ strategic realignment, Porsche is presenting a forward-looking vision model, the Mission S, as a first glimpse of the brand’s evolved design identity. It represents a mid-engined super sports car platform positioned above the 911. Unfortunately for Porsche, the New York launch coincided with Tesla’s long-awaited roadster reveal. The ‘flying’ […]

Changan brings affordable NEVO Q05 to Europe

October 19, 2026

Chinese automotive giant Changan is expanding its European offensive with the NEVO Q05, an affordable electric family SUV offering up to 450 km of range. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, it will reach European showrooms in early 2027. Meanwhile, Changan is adding plug-in hybrids to its Deepal range and exploring production in Europe. But […]

Belgian cycling airbag on Time Magazine’s ‘best inventions’ list

October 19, 2026

American Time Magazine has included the bicycle airbag from Turnhout-based company Aerobag on its list of the best inventions of 2026. The system protects cyclists in a fall by inflating an airbag around the neck and upper body in just 100 milliseconds. The Aerobag has been in development for six years. The system is integrated into […]

BYD’s €30,000 luxury Da Han EV a warning to EU’s premium carmakers

October 19, 2026

While European carmakers struggle to make electric vehicles affordable, China’s BYD is pushing in the opposite direction: offering luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology at prices that seem almost impossible by European standards. Its new Da Han electric flagship promises up to 1,008 km of range, nearly 500 hp, and nine-minute charging for the equivalent of […]

Tesla’s long-awaited Roadster can fly. But can Musk deliver?

October 16, 2026

Nine years after its original unveiling, Tesla has finally shown a radically redesigned Roadster that can drive upside down, accelerate like a rocket, and even perform aerial flips. The Texas demonstration was undeniably spectacular. But behind Elon Musk’s latest technological extravaganza lie some uncomfortable questions about broken promises, road legality, and whether customers will ever […]

‘Flanders drops used-car checks despite 93,000 safety failures’ (update)

October 16, 2026

Flanders is pressing ahead with plans to abolish mandatory technical inspections when used cars are sold, despite figures showing that almost one in five vehicles inspected last year had serious defects. A petition backed by 15,752 signatures has failed to secure an immediate reversal, while new documents raise questions about whether the reform’s environmental impact […]

Is Chinese Avatr following Hongqi into Europe’s luxury trap?

October 15, 2026

At the Paris Motor Show, Avatr confirmed rumors that it will enter Europe next year, starting in select markets. Within three years, the brand promises six models in the higher end of the market. But it risks becoming a leap of faith, reminiscent of Hongqi’s failed plans. Launching first in Norway and Spain, Avatr will […]

Q3 sales update for the Belux car market: BEVs account for two-fifths

October 15, 2026

According to data from the sector federations Febiac and Traxio, the Belux car market continues to shift toward electrification. The professional market has driven this shift so far, but the same trend is now emerging in the individual buyer market. In the first nine months of 2026, BEVs accounted for 39.1% of all newly registered […]

Xpeng unveils GL6 in Paris to cement European premium ambitions

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 […]

Europe’s EVs shield it from oil shock, saving Benelux $1 billion a year

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 […]

Brussels and Wallonia reform road taxes ahead of Belgian vignette

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 […]

BYD expands five-minute charging to new European flagship Atto 8

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 […]

Double the battery, same two passengers: Smart unveils the #2 

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 […]

Citroën’s iconic 2CV is back: Time 2 meet again? (update)

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, […]

Tesla sacrifices ‘Full Self-Driving’ name in battle for EU approval

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 […]

New VW ID. Tiguan replaces and corrects ID.4 hiccups

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 […]

Europe puts Chinese hybrids on a leash, but can’t tame competition

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 […]

EU registrations up 4.5% in August, BEVs same market share as petrol

September 25, 2026

According to the data of the European Car Manufacturers Association (ACEA), EU car registrations increased by 4.5% in August and by 5.3% for the first 8 months (year-to-date), against a backdrop of rising energy prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainty. Demand for a range of electrified vehicles remained strong (68.3% of the total market for new […]

Nissan’s Twingo brother is called Pixo and starts in 2027

September 24, 2026

Nissan presents its electric microcar as the Pixo. It is closely related to the Renault Twingo Electric and the new Dacia Spring. All three electric vehicles will roll off the production line at the Renault plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. Nissan is scheduled to start deliveries of the Pixo in early 2027. Pricing remains a […]

First-ever Saudi carmaker Ceer Motors unveils two spectacular EVs

September 23, 2026

If you thought the Tesla Cybertruck looked extreme, think again. Meet the Exobot Sedan and SUV, the first models built by the Saudi-Arabian company Ceer Motors. Ceer Motors is a relatively new carmaker, founded in 2022. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) backs it and aims to diversify the country’s economy and reduce its dependence […]

Chinese brand Geely expands to 16 Belgian dealers in six months

September 23, 2026

Geely Auto Benelux is adding two new Belgian dealerships to its network. The expansion coincides with the arrival of the E2, a sub-€20,000 electric hatchback poised to give Western brands a run for their money in Europe. Nivelles and Genk In the six months after the Chinese brand – part of the holding with the […]

Leapmotor gets rid of the 12-volt battery in EVs

September 23, 2026

Chinese automaker Leapmotor is removing the 12-volt battery from its future electric cars, relying solely on the high-voltage battery. The new approach is part of a broader redesign of the company’s technical architecture, which will increase cars’ interior space. While electric cars have a high-voltage battery to feed their electric motor(s), they also have a […]

One in five bike paths along Flemish regional roads is still a ‘death strip’

September 22, 2026

Just over a quarter of the bike paths on Flemish regional roads, or 2,623 km (26%) of a total network estimated at over 10,000 km, do not meet safety standards and are not sufficiently elevated or separated from the roadway. The province of Limburg has the highest proportion of dangerous road stretches (30%), Antwerp the […]

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