November 05, 2026
Ferrari’s controversial first fully electric car continues to defy its critics. After reports that its initial 2026 production was already sold out and a unique example fetched an astonishing $40 million at auction, Ferrari has officially confirmed that its entire worldwide Luce allocation for 2027 is sold out. But how many cars does that represent, […]
November 05, 2026
A leaked internal document suggests Kia is preparing another electric SUV, provisionally called the EV7, to fill the gap between the EV5, EV6, and flagship EV9. The Korean manufacturer’s rapidly expanding electric lineup is already paying off in Europe, with battery-electric registrations soaring by 58% this year. But is there enough room for yet another […]
November 04, 2026
Chinese premium EV maker Zeekr is preparing another update of its 001 electric shooting brake, potentially introducing battery technology capable of charging almost completely in under nine minutes. But while Chinese customers benefit from increasingly rapid technological advances, European buyers are still offered a considerably slower-charging version. The new Zeekr 001 has appeared in the […]
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 […]
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 […]
November 03, 2026
Dacia unveiled its new Striker in July, promising a spacious family crossover for less than €25,000. Now that Belgian order books have opened, the Romanian Renault Group brand has gone one better: prices start at just €22,490, some €2,500 below the initial indication. The aggressive pricing puts the 4.62-meter Striker firmly in the territory of […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
October 29, 2026
Toyota is preparing an entirely new generation of hybrid powertrains promising more than 15% better fuel economy. It is an impressive engineering ambition from the company that pioneered mass-market hybrids. But as the automotive industry moves toward fully electric vehicles, is Toyota perfecting a technology whose days are numbered? And how much will private buyers […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
October 27, 2026
The world’s largest battery-electric ferry has begun carrying passengers between Argentina and Uruguay. With a massive 41 MWh battery, equivalent to more than 500 electric cars, the 130-meter catamaran marks a milestone in maritime electrification. But its relatively short 55-km route raises a bigger question: can batteries ever power ships across much longer distances, or […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
October 26, 2026
Renault CEO François Provost wants Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Ford to give cars built on Renault platforms a more distinctive identity. His comments go beyond a criticism of the Nissan Micra’s resemblance to the Renault 5. They highlight how the traditional Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is gradually evolving into a broader network of industrial partnerships, with Renault increasingly […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: […]
October 21, 2026
Tesla has achieved its best-ever sales month in Europe, with the Model Y and Model 3 claiming the top two positions among all cars sold in September. The Model Y also leads Europe’s nine-month sales ranking. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla and SpaceX are exploring a merger that could create a $3.5 trillion […]
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 […]
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 […]
October 20, 2026
Renault Group CEO François Provost has openly challenged Britain’s plans to phase out new gasoline and diesel cars by 2030, calling the idea of banning non-electric vehicles ‘stupid’. His comments are striking from the head of a manufacturer investing billions in electric mobility, but they reflect Renault’s increasingly pragmatic approach to electrification. Speaking to The […]
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 […]
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 […]
October 19, 2026
Belgian trade union leader Frank Moreels will become president of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) on January 1, 2027. He will lead one of the world’s most influential international labor organizations, representing 16.6 million workers across shipping, ports, road transport, aviation, railways and logistics. The appointment was formally confirmed by ITF’s Executive Board during […]
October 16, 2026
France and Germany have struck a provisional deal to soften Europe’s 2035 emissions rules in exchange for stronger protection of European car production. Although it still requires approval from other EU countries and the European Parliament, the compromise between the bloc’s two largest economies significantly increases its chances of becoming law. But Toyota, whose European […]
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 […]
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 […]
October 15, 2026
Belgian motorcyclist Jelle Verstaen has set a new Guinness World Record by covering 436.5 kilometers on a production Zero DS without recharging, smashing the previous record by more than 40%. But the spectacular distance came with a little help from geography: a carefully planned route from the French Alps towards the Mediterranean, ridden at an […]
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Transport & Environment says Europe is on track to produce enough battery cells to meet its own demand by 2030. On paper, that sounds like a major step toward independence from Asia. But recent failures, delays, and new Chinese investments in Europe show that the reality is more complicated. According to the environmental lobby group […]
October 02, 2026
Five months after Hyundai unveiled the China-developed IONIQ V, the electric fastback has now reached Chinese showrooms. Its most striking feature is no longer its futuristic styling or 800-volt architecture, but its price: even the version offering up to 650 kilometers of range costs less than €17,000 in China. Beijing Hyundai officially launched the IONIQ […]
October 01, 2026
Yet another Chinese EV brand is knocking on Europe’s door, but this very young AIVA comes with unusually heavyweight parents. The brand, backed by Seres and battery giant CATL, has chosen Paris for the global debut of its first production model, the ME7. European sales, however, have not yet been confirmed. AIVA was created in […]
October 01, 2026
BYD is radically overhauling its cheapest electric car. The second-generation Seagull, sold in Europe as the Dolphin Surf, grows by more than 40 centimeters, gains considerably more power, and moves upmarket with features including a massage seat, a sizeable frunk, and optional LiDAR. In European terms, the little Chinese city EV is emerging as a […]
October 01, 2026
Electric cars may retain considerably more of their value than conventional leasing calculations suggest. A new analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E) claims that the residual-value gap between battery-electric and combustion cars could be around 80% smaller once taxation, subsidies, inflation and falling new-EV prices are taken into account. Based on 2025 used-car transaction data […]
