Stellantis ends Jeep and Chrysler PHEV production in North America

January 14, 2026

Stellantis has officially discontinued all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) sold under its Jeep and Chrysler brands in North America. The CEO of Stellantis’ biggest competitor, GM, is somewhat surprised by this decision. Although GM has also slowed EV production, Mary Barra remains convinced that EVs will be the endgame. It will only take longer. […]

VW Group delivered almost 1 million BEVs in 2025

January 14, 2026

The Volkswagen Group delivered 983,100 electric vehicles worldwide across all brands in 2025, nearly a third more than in 2024. In Europe, deliveries increased by 66%. With a 32% increase compared to the 744,800 battery-electric vehicles delivered in 2024, the VW Group has returned to its growth trajectory. In 2024, global electric vehicle sales had declined […]

Katrin Adt, Dacia CEO: ‘We don’t want more volume at a high cost’

January 13, 2026

At the Brussels Motor Show, gaining in international importance, we were able to meet an increasing number of company representatives. One of them was Katrin Adt, the recently appointed new CEO of Dacia. Her message was clear: “We want our offer to be simple and affordable. Expanding into the fleet/leasing market is certainly not one […]

Mercedes-Benz CLA is the European Car of the Year 2026

January 11, 2026

At the press day of the Brussels Motor Show last Friday, the organizers of the annual European Car of the Year election announced that the new Mercedes-Benz CLA can now call itself COTY 2026. In this 63rd edition of the election, the 59 members of the Jury, all car journalists from more than 20 European […]

Alpine extends its distribution network in Belgium

January 08, 2026

Reinforced by its recent sales successes, Alpine is substantially enlarging its dealer network in Belgium. “This strategic enlargement follows the dynamic growth curve of Alpine and shows that Alpine wants to be even closer to its customers to deploy its electric portfolio progressively,” says the importer, Renault Belgium. Alpine already has ‘Alpine Stores’ in Antwerp, […]

Former Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath returns to Volvo Cars

January 08, 2026

Volvo Cars announces the appointment of Thomas Ingenlath as Chief Design Officer, effective 1 February 2026. Meanwhile, Volvo also reported its December sales and 2025 results. “The appointment of Thomas Ingenlath marks the return of one of the most influential designers in the company’s recent history and reinforces Volvo Cars’ leadership in design,” Volvo proudly […]

Bosch fights resale of stolen e-bikes also via new app

January 07, 2026

Bosch eBike Systems is making its e-bikes less attractive to thieves. At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the company is presenting an additional protection mechanism that allows e-bikes to be marked as stolen via an app, making them visible as such across Bosch eBike Systems’ entire digital ecosystem. Bosch has added an extra layer of […]

BMW builds one-fourth of all cars assembled in Germany

January 07, 2026

Last year, the BMW Group once again produced more than one million vehicles at its German plants. This means that one in four cars built in Germany comes from a BMW Group plant. According to the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), a total of 4.15 million vehicles were manufactured in Germany during the […]

Fastned expands to over 400 locations across Europe

January 07, 2026

The Dutch charging provider Fastned expanded its European fast-charging network to over 400 locations by the end of 2025. A total of 406 Fastned locations are now present in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, and Italy. In its announcement of this milestone, Fastned reflected on its journey to date: […]

BMW and Mercedes compete on AI assistance at CES

January 07, 2026

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the German premium car manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz are taking their intense rivalry to the technology show, showcasing digital AI innovations in their latest-generation vehicles. On the one hand, there’s the BMW Group with AI assistant technology via a collaboration with Amazon Alexa; on the other […]

China’s automotive industry struggles with profit margins

January 06, 2026

According to the usually well-informed news site CarNewsChina (CNC), the profit margin of China’s auto industry was 4.4% in 2025 (January to November), at some $2,000 per vehicle (€1,700), the second lowest in history. The lowest in history was 2024, with 4.3%. Obviously, Chinese car manufacturers have some work to do if they want to […]

BMW starts ‘Neue Klasse’ production in China

January 06, 2026

BMW has started trial production of its Neue Klasse electric vehicles at its factory in Shenyang. With the ongoing pre-series of the long-wheelbase BMW iX3, the company considers itself prepared for the start of series production in 2026. According to the Chinese news agency Xinhua, the first pre-series units of the long-wheelbase iX3 have been […]

Renault bigger than Stellantis in France

January 06, 2026

In a French car market that decreases by another 5% in 2025 (YOY), Renault Group has sold more cars than Stellantis in the hexagon: it has reached almost 26.4% market share selling Renaults, Dacias, and Alpines, against 25.8% of share for the 14 Stellantis brands. If one counts LCVs into the equation, Stellantis is still […]

Belux registrations: an excellent December limits year decrease to -7.5%

January 05, 2026

According to data from the sector federation Febiac and the federal public service Mobility & Transport, December was a very good month (+23.2%) for new car registrations, limiting the decrease for the whole year compared to 2024 to -7.5%. In 2025, 414,770 new cars were registered in Belgium and Luxembourg, 33,507 fewer than last year, […]

Van Mossel Automotive Group to import Maserati in the Netherlands

December 31, 2025

On Monday, sports car manufacturer Maserati, part of the Stellantis Group, appointed Van Mossel Automotive Group as sales and service partner for the Netherlands. Van Mossel will open two new Maserati showrooms in 2026. Earlier this year, there was already a collaboration between Van Mossel and Maserati about the import and service of the brand […]

EVs in very severe winter conditions lose 50% or more of their range

December 30, 2025

The world’s largest-ever electric vehicle winter test just concluded in China, and the results show how extreme cold punishes driving range. Chinese EVs dominated the rankings, but one American and one Japanese model still cracked the top ten. The test was conducted by Autohome, China’s largest automotive media outlet, which drove roughly 67 new EVs […]

When will the €25,000 ID. Polo reach the streets?

December 30, 2025

The ID. Polo is arriving in 2026 as the first of a new family of entry-level Volkswagen EVs. It was initially expected to start at €25,000, but that may take longer. The German automaker may still make electric mobility more affordable, but it likely won’t be as soon as expected. “With an entry-level price starting […]

The need for speed: EV motors breaking the 30,000 rpm barrier

December 29, 2025

2025 has seen a slew of announcements for high-speed electric vehicle (EV) motors, with several exceeding 30,000 rpm. What is behind this sudden need for speed? A report from IDTechEx discusses the benefits, challenges, and solutions for taking this approach. In an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, a higher maximum rpm has been associated with […]

Is Renault preferring Geely over Nissan?

December 29, 2025

It’s no secret that the Alliance of Renault with its two Japanese partners, Nissan and Mitsubishi, has been under pressure in recent years. At the same time, collaborations with the Chinese car manufacturing group Geely have multiplied. Is Renault steadily preferring Geely over its Japanese partners? Renault started collaborating with Geely in 2021. First in […]

Is the VW ID. Buzz leaving the US?

December 29, 2025

Volkswagen has confirmed that there will be no 2026 model year for the ID. Buzz in the US. However, US plans for the MEB van have not been completely canceled; a revised model is expected to follow in 2027. Back in July, Volkswagen temporarily suspended deliveries of the ID. Buzz to the US. At the […]

Kia appoints new CEO for Europe

December 24, 2025

Korean car manufacturer Kia, part of the Hyundai Group, will get a new leader for its European division in the new year. Soohang Chang, the current head of the Middle East and Africa region, is set to take over as President and CEO of Kia Europe from January 1, 2026, with a focus on rapid […]

VW abandons direct sales model in Europe

December 23, 2025

Volkswagen is discontinuing direct sales through the agency model for private customers across Europe. This means the distribution of electric vehicles will gradually return to the traditional dealership model. Almost exactly a year ago, VW decided that, from January 2026, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for private customers would return to the traditional dealer model in Germany […]

EU car registrations up 2.1% in November, +1.4% year-to-date

December 23, 2025

In November, EU car registrations rose 2.1% according to data from the European Car Manufacturers Association (ACEA). For the year to date (YTD), the rise is 1.4%. With the EFTA countries and the UK included, the increase is 2.4% and 1.9%, respectively. Despite the recent positive momentum, overall volumes remain well below pre-pandemic levels. The […]

Audi to scrap plans for its own US plant?

December 22, 2025

The Volkswagen Group has completed its planning round for the next five years, although with a delay, but has not yet presented any results. This is likely also due to the situation at Audi, where CEO Gernot Döllner is said to have abandoned plans for a standalone US plant, but not for Audis built in […]

Leapmotor confirms European production from 2026 onward

December 22, 2025

Chinese automaker Leapmotor, partner of Stellantis, plans to produce up to four models at Stellantis’ Spanish plant in Figueruelas near Zaragoza. As expected, production will start with the B10, followed by three additional models by 2027. The news was reported by the Spanish portal Forococheseléctricos, citing statements from Ding Yongfei, Leapmotor’s Global Quality Director. “We […]

BMW Belux CEO prudently positive about 2026

December 19, 2025

For the 5th year in a row, BMW is the undisputed market leader in Belgium, a unique feat worldwide. BMW Belux CEO Alexander Wehr was, of course, thrilled with this result at the traditional yearly overview. When it comes to the future of BMW and Mini in our countries (and abroad), BMW’s top manager remains […]

VW ID. Polo reveals its inner secrets before launch in Spring 2026 (update)

December 19, 2025

Ahead of the market launch of the ID. Polo next year, Volkswagen has released further details about its electric compact car. This includes performance data for the four drivetrains and two battery variants. In an interview with the German car magazine, VW boss Thomas Schäfer emphasized that the future is electric, especially for smaller cars. […]

Ford pivots back to ICE vehicles in the U.S.

December 17, 2025

Ford Motor Co. is drastically scaling back its electric vehicle plans and refocusing its U.S. manufacturing footprint on hybrid and gasoline vehicles to reduce losses from an EV market that never developed the way it envisioned. Ford has announced a comprehensive realignment of its electric vehicle business—primarily focused on North America. Production of the F-150 […]

EU and China resume talks on reviewing EV tariffs

December 15, 2025

The EU and China have resumed negotiations on a minimum price plan for electric cars manufactured in China. Most recently, the EU had examined a possible exemption for Volkswagen from EV tariffs, which now appears to have set the process in motion again. Representatives of the European Union and China are once again discussing alternatives […]

Brussels Motor Show has high hopes for 2026 edition

December 12, 2025

According to organizer Febiac, the Brussels Motor Show 2026 is alive and kicking. This 102nd edition will feature a record number of participating exhibitors (64), while two-wheelers are back again, with an additional 28 exhibiting companies. Frank Van Gool, CEO at the sector federation Febiac: “Records are always lovely for statistics, but to me it’s […]

Trump goes for ‘gas guzzlers’ again

December 11, 2025

Last week, President Donald Trump’s administration proposed loosening federal fuel-economy standards, giving automakers a reprieve from stringent emissions rules and prompting some analysts and environmental organizations to say the change could mean the return of the gas-guzzler. Trump and Department of Transportation officials said automakers might now be required to meet an average of 34.5 […]

Citroën unveils the ELO concept car: ‘Small is the new Big’

December 10, 2025

Under the slogan ‘small is the new big’, Citroën launched its ELO concept car, “a laboratory of ideas that embodies the brand’s values of innovation and creativity and brings together ideas for the future,” according to Citroën. “ELO is small but thinks big! Small in size, it surprises with its spacious interior and modularity thanks […]

Milan Nedeljkovic will succeed Oliver Zipse as BMW Group CEO

December 10, 2025

The Supervisory Board of BMW has decided on the successor to CEO Oliver Zipse: At the Annual General Meeting in May 2026, current Production Board Member Milan Nedeljković (56) will take over as Chairman of the Board in Munich. BMW had already made an exception to its internal age rule for Zipse. In 2023, the […]

Strategic partnership between Renault and Ford on EVs in Europe

December 09, 2025

Renault Group and Ford form a strategic partnership for passenger and commercial vehicles, starting with two affordable electric cars in Europe. The companies have signed a partnership agreement to develop two Ford-branded passenger electric vehicles based on Renault Group’s Ampere platform. Additionally, the companies will explore the opportunity to collaborate in the commercial vehicle segment […]

Another six EU countries plead for delaying ICE phase-out

December 09, 2025

Six EU member states have urged the European Commission in a letter to weaken the planned 2035 ban on new registrations of internal combustion engine cars. The signatories are primarily from Central and Eastern European countries. A group of six EU member states is urging the European Commission to permit the sale of hybrid vehicles […]

New Mercedes GLB ‘with EQ Technology’ officially launched

December 08, 2025

The new GLB with EQ technology aims to maintain its reputation as the most practical of Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level models in the electric age. Following the CLA and its Shooting Brake variant, Stuttgart has now unveiled the most versatile model based on the MMA platform. While the drivetrain options hold no surprises, the design certainly does. […]

Fiat Grande Panda and Dacia Bigster winners of VAB’s family car election

December 05, 2025

For the 39th edition of the Family Car election by Flemish mobility club VAB, the participating journalists and VAB members could choose from two pricing categories. In the past, there was a third category for electric cars, but it has since been abolished as more affordable BEVs have entered the market. This year, (partial) electrification […]

Design chief Gerry McGovern ousted at Jaguar Land Rover

December 04, 2025

Jaguar Land Rover’s design chief, Gerry McGovern, has left the automaker amid a shakeup instigated by the new CEO, P.B. Balaji. McGovern was fired and “escorted out of the office,” Autocar India reported, citing sources with knowledge of the situation inside JLR’s Indian parent company, Tata Motors. JLR declined to comment when contacted. McGovern, 69, […]

Mercedes CEO Källenius re-elected as President of ACEA

December 04, 2025

As already assumed earlier, the Board of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has re-elected Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, for a second term as ACEA President in 2026. Källenius is also setting the tone for his second year at the helm of the association: Competitiveness and market-driven decarbonisation high on agenda,” states the headline […]

Nissan Belux deploys plans for 2026

December 03, 2025

A lot is going to happen for Nissan Belux in 2026. The recently launched Micra and Leaf are ready for sale; other BEVs are coming. Secondly, Nissan will again be present at the Brussels Motor Show (BMS) in January. Thirdly, Nissan Belux, part of Nissan eNEST (Benelux plus three Scandinavian countries), will be selling the […]

Already 100,000 electric Renault 5s produced in Douai

December 03, 2025

Renault’s Ampere ElectriCity plant in Douai has already built 100,000 examples of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric, launched in October 2024. The 100,000th vehicle, a Techno with a 52kWh battery (the most common level-trim/battery combination), was assembled last week. “A little over a year after its launch, the production of the 100,000th Renault 5 E-Tech […]

Belux car registrations in November: -11.8%

December 02, 2025

According to data from the sector federation Febiac and the Federal Public Service Mobility & Transport, 28,071 new cars were registered in November, 11.8% fewer than in the same month last year. Looking at the first 11 months of this year, sales went down 9.2% compared to the previous year. We see the same trend […]

Germany pushes for admitting ‘highly efficient’ ICE cars after 2035 phase-out (update)

December 02, 2025

Germany’s federal coalition has agreed on a unified national position regarding the EU’s 2035 zero-emission requirement for new cars. The government wants scope for ‘highly efficient combustion engine models’ alongside electric vehicles as the EU reviews its regulation. A formal proposal from Brussels is expected in December. Germany’s coalition government has agreed on a joint […]

Morris J-Type electric retro van set for 2026 production

December 01, 2025

The British start-up Morris Commercial will manufacture its electric revival of the Morris J-Type, a small van produced in the 1950s, in Wales. The market launch of the retro electric vehicle is now planned for late 2026, after initially being scheduled for 2021. Morris Commercial is now targeting a start of production at its St […]

TU Eindhoven students unveil concept of a user-friendly city EV

November 27, 2025

Students at the Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) have developed a sustainable electric city car called Aria, which users can repair themselves in some cases. The goal of the study is “to inspire the automotive industry and challenge European policymakers”, as the university team states. The Technical University in Eindhoven (southern Netherlands) is renowned for its […]

Is BMW considering a range extender for larger cars?

November 27, 2025

BMW is reportedly considering equipping some electric models with range extenders, primarily for the Chinese market. The larger model series are the main candidates, as they are more likely to have the space for an additional powertrain. News agency Bloomberg broke the news on BMW’s plans, citing sources familiar with the company’s strategy. Apparently, the […]

VW completes its development center in Chinese Hefei

November 26, 2025

The Volkswagen Group has completed the final expansion stage of its Technology and Innovation Center (VCTC) in Hefei. This will enable Volkswagen to independently develop complete vehicle projects and technologies for the Chinese market. The new operational facilities of the Volkswagen Group China Technology Company (VCTC) expand local research and development capabilities by combining software […]

Mercedes CEO Källenius to be reelected as ACEA president?

November 26, 2025

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius is apparently seeking a second term as president of the European Car Manufacturer Association ACEA. The ACEA president is elected annually, and an extension is possible, which Källenius now appears to intend. The rumors were reported by the German business publication Handelsblatt, citing industry sources. Typically, the ACEA president serves a […]

EU car registrations up 5.8% in October, EV share 16.4% and growing

November 26, 2025

According to the data of the European Car Manufacturers Association ACEA, there were 5.8% more cars registered in October compared to the same month in 2024. Year-to-date, there’s a slight progress of 1.4%, mainly due to the positive last four months. The battery-electric car market share reached 16.4% YTD, yet it is still below the […]

GV60 Magma is Genesis’ first performance EV

November 25, 2025

Hyundai’s Luxury Genesis division now has its own performance sub-brand: Magma. Somewhere, sometime in 2026, you’ll be able to buy the first production car from Genesis’ Magma division, the GV60 Magma you see here. Everything started in 2023 with the GV80 Coupé Concept, where we first saw the flaming-Cheeto orange/red that is Magma’s signature color. […]

Peugeot family divided over new Stellantis VP on the Board

November 25, 2025

Before the end of the year, the Peugeot family must decide who will represent them on the Stellantis Board. Currently, Robert Peugeot (75) is the Vice-President of the Board, representing the PSA part of the group. At the same time, Agnelli heir John Elkann is the President of the Stellantis Board, representing the FCA interests. […]

BMW uses info from pilot projects to increase the efficiency of car use

November 24, 2025

Through attractive digital experiences, BMW Group aims to enhance the driving experience and encourage its customers to use their vehicles more efficiently. Recently, three pilots based on relatively small but positive incentives have been completed. The insights from these are promising. “Our initiatives in collaboration with cities include mobility research and piloting solutions, making driving […]

Ford updates Puma Gen-E for 2026: longer range, increased driver assistance

November 20, 2025

Ford has revealed details of the updated Puma Gen-E for 2026. The electric compact crossover is set to gain an increased range of more than 400 km thanks to a battery update, as well as Ford’s driver assistance system, BlueCruise. Although Ford has claimed the Gen-E will “become even better”, its announcement remains short on […]

Mercedes to adapt its product strategy to ‘premium in all segments’

November 20, 2025

According to several sources, primarily German, Mercedes is quietly shifting its model strategy. According to the German newspaper Handelsblatt, the ‘L-word’ (L for Luxury) has now become taboo, and the Stuttgart-based manufacturer is now reshifting its focus to ‘premium in all segments’. About three years ago, Mercedes announced that it would focus more on the […]

Porsche Cayenne Electric officially launched

November 20, 2025

Porsche has unveiled its second electric SUV with the new Cayenne. In the Stuttgart-based company’s revised strategy, the Cayenne Electric is no longer the only way forward, but part of a ‘three-pronged drive strategy’ alongside combustion engines and hybrids. One thing remains clear: if you want to drive the most powerful Cayenne, there’s no getting […]

New Recon is Jeep’s first EV with off-road spirit

November 19, 2025

Jeep is taking battery power off-road with the 2026 Recon, its first trail-rated electric vehicle. The 650-hp Recon was built to handle rugged terrain, with plenty of torque to overcome obstacles in the wilderness. It offers up to 400 km of driving range and accelerates to 100 kph in less than four seconds. Product blitz […]

Renault unveils new 800V Trafic E-Tech Electric van

November 19, 2025

Renault unveiled the production version of the new Trafic E-Tech Electric at Solutrans 2025 in Lyon (18 to 22 November). The all-electric panel van is the brand’s first vehicle based on Ampere’s flexible, scalable SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) architecture. Another first for the brand is the 800V technology, which is being used in a Renault […]

Audi plans SUV with range extender for U.S. market

November 18, 2025

The German car manufacturer Audi, part of the VW Group, is apparently planning a new SUV model exclusively for the US market. The vehicle is also to be built locally, with the VW brand Scout assisting with technology and production. Rumors about Audi developing its own model for the U.S. market have been circulating for […]

Will Renault and Nissan revive the Alliance?

November 18, 2025

Renault Group and Nissan are in talks to revive their faltering alliance following leadership changes at the two automakers and struggles at Nissan, The Financial Times reported. Citing people familiar with the discussions, the FT reported on November 17th that Luca de Meo’s departure last summer had spurred the talks. De Meo was replaced by […]

Josep Maria Recasens appointed SPPM chief at Renault

November 17, 2025

Renault Group announces the appointment of Josep Maria Recasens as Chief Strategy, Product & Program Management Officer (SPPM), effective immediately. “This change is part of a drive to simplify the organisation in order to increase its agility and speed,” says the press release. Reporting to François Provost, CEO of Renault Group, and as a member […]