July 14, 2026
At Volkswagen, the Supervisory Board and the Works Council are taking a stance on Group CEO Oliver Blume’s initiative to stabilize the automaker’s balance sheet through an even stricter cost-cutting program. Resistance from both bodies had been expected. According to media reports, Volkswagen now faces “a months-long battle over jobs and costs.” Volkswagen CEO Oliver […]
July 13, 2026
The Volkswagen Group reports 438,500 all-electric vehicle deliveries for its brands in the first half of the year. This represents a 5.8% decrease compared to the same period last year. BEV sales have declined significantly, particularly in the US and China. However, in the important European market, Volkswagen recorded 8% growth. Alarm bells are ringing […]
July 13, 2026
The first half of the year presented a mixed picture for BMW Group: while markets in China and the Asia-Pacific region saw significant declines in the first six months (more than 20% in China), the BMW Group increased its sales in Europe and the U.S. In Europe, sales rose by around +5.4%. In the US, […]
July 10, 2026
Alpine has revealed the eye-catching mule (development car) of the third-generation Alpine A110, which debuted at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed: ‘Alpine A110 Future’. Named to reflect its role in shaping the third generation of the iconic Alpine A110 sports car, Alpine A110 Future was the centerpiece of the brand’s strongest-ever presence at the […]
July 10, 2026
According to a report by the usually well-informed Manager Magazin, Volkswagen is considering a far more extensive restructuring program than previously reported. The German business magazine claims the company is planning to close its plants in Hanover, Zwickau, and Emden, as well as Audi’s factory in Neckarsulm. The report also states that Volkswagen could cut […]
July 09, 2026
Renault has updated its Master van, and thus also the Master E-Tech Electric. The electric van now features a chemically redesigned 87 kWh battery, new comfort and safety features, and a range of additional variants for different applications. A new chassis-cab version with a 40 kWh battery is also available for urban use. The Master […]
July 08, 2026
Researchers at Penn State University, Pennsylvania, U.S., claim to have developed a process that converts PET plastic from beverage bottles into high-quality synthetic graphite. According to the researchers, the material could serve as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries in the future, simultaneously recycling plastic waste and meeting the demand for battery graphite. A research […]
July 08, 2026
As announced in March at the presentation of its 2030 strategic plan, Dacia is expanding its C-segment range with the Striker. Meanwhile, Dacia’s best-seller, the Sandero, can finally be ordered with the 155 hp hybrid engine known from other, more expensive Dacias. Designed to complement Bigster, Striker is a crossover with the same Dacia DNA, […]
July 08, 2026
Renault apparently plans to expand its Palencia plant in Spain into a production site for three electric SUVs starting in 2028. In addition to the new Renault Rafale and the Scenic, the next-generation electric Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is expected to roll off the production line there. The news was issued by the Spanish trade publication […]
July 07, 2026
Enovates, the Belgian manufacturer of electric-vehicle charging stations established in Lokeren, East-Flanders, had to close its books after several years of financial losses. After several weeks of intense negotiations, former founder Bart Vereecke managed to realize a restart with four of his key managers, who will be co-investing, and with the support of Dutch investor […]
July 07, 2026
Audi has firmed up its plans for the A4 e-tron. The mid-size electric car is set to launch in 2028 and will be one of the Volkswagen Group’s first high-volume models to fully utilize the new SSP platform. Audi’s Board Member for Technical Development, Rouven Mohr, reportedly told GoAuto that there is “no need to […]
July 06, 2026
From January 1, 2027, China will abolish the annual vehicle tax exemption for plug-in hybrids, range-extender vehicles, and several classes of electrified commercial vehicles. BEV passenger cars, however, will remain tax-exempt as they are not subject to China’s displacement-based vehicle tax. As reported by CnEVPost, China’s Ministry of Finance, the State Taxation Administration, and the […]
July 03, 2026
VW, Cariad, and Bosch have ended their assisted and automated driving partnership – the Automated Driving Alliance. However, the partners intend to use the AI-based SAE Level 2 system they developed in their own products – including VW, which will include it in the upcoming ID.Every1. VW subsidiary Cariad has confirmed the end of its […]
July 03, 2026
Mercedes-Benz is struggling to ramp up production of its electric GLC in Bremen. According to a media report, shortages of key components, including batteries and wiring harnesses, have disrupted output. As a result, deliveries of the electric mid-size SUV have remained below the high expectations so far. In May, Mercedes-Benz announced the ramp-up of GLC […]
July 02, 2026
Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, has assumed the presidency of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) as of 1 July 2026. His two-year mandate begins at a pivotal moment for the sector, as Europe’s mobility landscape is undergoing profound change and the industry faces a convergence of regulatory, mobility, and competitiveness challenges. The […]
July 02, 2026
According to data from the federal public service (FOD) Mobility and the sector federation Febiac, 45,449 cars were registered in June, 9.4% more than in June last year. For the first half of the year, registrations are still slightly down (-1.7%) compared to H1 2025. During that first half of the year, individual buyers bought […]
July 01, 2026
Designworks has recently installed a new charging park in front of the BMW Welt (BMW’s headquarters) in Munich. The charging stations, which resemble minimalist trees, feature an LED lighting display to visualize the charging process. BMW operates a large and prominent site in Munich with BMW Welt, which serves as an exhibition, experience, and delivery […]
July 01, 2026
The new X5 is, once again, a crucial car for BMW. That’s why, for the first time, it is now available not only as an all-electric iX5 but also with a hydrogen fuel cell option. Production of the iX5 will start in August at the Spartanburg plant in the USA. The iX5’s specifications look promising; […]
June 30, 2026
Seven EU member states – Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden – have called on the European Union to maintain a clear and ambitious path toward electrification. The countries oppose any further easing of the regulations included in the EU’s auto package due in December, despite calls from Germany and others for […]
June 29, 2026
Unchecked tourism growth, fueled by increased air traffic, is driving an unaffordable housing crisis across Europe, says the NGO Transport & Environment (T&E). Some of the most popular destinations, like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, have seen protests from residents in the high-season summer months, often due to the strain on affordable housing. Southern Europe […]
June 26, 2026
Jaguar is diving headfirst into its electric future with the Type 01, a massive, battery-powered luxury sedan designed to take on the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Motor1.com asked former Jaguar design boss Ian Callum, the father of several iconic Jaguar designs, what he thinks of the newcomer. His judgment is, of course, personal, but […]
June 25, 2026
According to media reports, Ferrari’s electric car Luce was intended to serve as a loyalty entry-level for wealthy customers. Insiders suggested that purchasing this model could secure access to “more desirable vehicles” from the manufacturer. Ferrari has now denied that customers would be required to buy the electric Luce model to access limited special editions. […]
June 25, 2026
Spain’s new ‘Plan Auto+’ subsidy program is nearly ready for launch. Applications can reportedly be submitted starting in July, and retroactively for EVs purchased on or after January 1, 2026. The maximum grant is €4,500 per vehicle, but complex conditions apply. Spain has restructured its electromobility incentives at the beginning of 2026, dividing them into […]
June 24, 2026
European cities are facing an unprecedented threat to urban space because the trend towards large SUVs risks eliminating vast numbers of parking spaces. According to a new report published today by T&E and Clean Cities, all cities are set to lose between 8.5% and 14% of their on-street parking spaces by 2040 if the size […]
June 05, 2026
With the Nuvolari, VW’s premium daughter, Audi, is unveiling its first supercar with a high-performance hybrid powertrain and making a bold statement about the future. Limited to 499 units, offering 1,001 hp and a top speed of over 350 kph, the Nuvolari is Audi’s fastest and most powerful production vehicle ever. “This shows how the […]
June 05, 2026
Nissan and Chery have officially confirmed they are negotiating a potential contract manufacturing agreement for Chery passenger vehicles at Nissan’s Sunderland, UK, plant. Nissan had previously announced plans to reduce its own production at the factory to a single production line. As early as April, an unconfirmed report by the Financial Times claimed that Nissan […]
June 04, 2026
BMW Group is reportedly reconsidering plans to electrify Mini’s Oxford plant amid looming trade barriers and rising costs, casting doubt over a medium-term modernization of the site. In 2023, the BMW Group announced plans to produce two new all-electric Mini models at its Oxford plant from 2026, with a full transition to battery-electric vehicles by […]
June 04, 2026
A study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) shows that plug-in hybrids in Europe emit, on average, five times more CO₂ than official test values suggest. According to the study, the gap between real-world and certified emissions is particularly large for plug-in hybrids compared to other powertrain types, and continues to widen. In […]
June 03, 2026
MG Motor, the passenger car brand of China’s SAIC Group, plans to establish its first factory in the EU in Galicia, north-western Spain. The investment of around 200 million euros is set to become a key milestone in MG’s ‘in Europe, for Europe’ growth strategy. With the project, which was initially announced by the regional […]
June 03, 2026
Following their launch in the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland last year, MG Motor will also introduce its two fully electric IM models with 800-volt architecture in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The electric MG IM5 saloon and MG IM6 crossover SUV are scheduled to arrive in July. Prices have not yet been announced. […]
June 03, 2026
Mercedes-Benz has so far offered the electric GLC exclusively as a 360 kW all-wheel-drive model with a 94 kWh battery. However, media reports suggest the German carmaker will open order books for two additional powertrain variants later this month, both paired with a smaller battery. The GLC with EQ technology made its world debut at […]
June 02, 2026
Renault Group is a shareholder and, temporarily, the only client of the French battery-cell producer Verkor, and on Monday, it severely criticized the company’s growing lack of competitiveness and the 18-month delay in starting production. Renault asks Verkor “to revise its trajectory” and ” to come with credible governance”. “We will stay a partner of […]
June 02, 2026
According to the data of the sector federation, Febiac, and the federal government service Mobility & Transport, 33,625 new cars were registered in May, 2.1% fewer than last year. Febiac stresses that there were two fewer working days this May than last year, which is the main cause of the regression. Overall, looking at the […]
June 01, 2026
BMW has opened the configurator for the rear-wheel-drive version of the first model in its Neue Klasse range. In Germany, customers can now order the iX3 from a starting price of €63,400, which is €7,500 less than the AWD top version iX3 50 xDrive. BMW plans to begin deliveries during the summer. With the new […]
June 01, 2026
Scania launches its first-ever battery-electric CrewCab for fire, airport, and civil rescue operations. The new battery-electric CP31L 4×2 is purpose-built to support demanding emergency operations while enabling zero-tailpipe-emissions transport operations. Equipped with 356 kWh installed battery capacity and a 90% state-of-charge window, the vehicle combines operational capability with electric performance. Designed with free frame sides, […]
June 01, 2026
Renault Group is announcing the renewal of its science-based targets, with a new approval of its near- and long-term targets by the Science Based Targets initiative. These targets are supported by the product momentum of the ‘futuREady’ strategic plan. In 2019, Renault Group was the first carmaker to rely on science-based climate targets. Renault is announcing the renewal of its science-based […]
May 29, 2026
The Chinese car manufacturer Li Auto is coming to Europe to launch its i6 medium SUV in the second quarter of the year. The Mega electric minivan will become available in right-hand drive markets by year-end. By doing so, Li Auto is attempting to counter fierce domestic competition by expanding its overseas footprint, a move […]
May 29, 2026
Volkswagen agreed with Germany’s IG Metall union at the end of 2024 to cut domestic production capacity by more than 700,000 vehicles and has now largely completed the reduction. Meanwhile, Xpeng confirmed talks with Volkswagen about using a plant in Europe. By the end of 2024, tensions between Volkswagen’s management and its workforce had reached […]
May 28, 2026
France has presented its national electrification strategy. As part of the plan, President Emmanuel Macron announced that Stellantis will invest more than one billion euros in producing a new generation of electric vehicles at its Mulhouse plant from 2029 onward. This week, President Macron hosted representatives from industry and politics at the ‘Réunion de l’équipe […]
May 28, 2026
Lancia has unveiled the first images of the New Gamma crossover, the model “that marks a key step in the brand’s evolution”. Designed, engineered, and developed in Italy, the New Lancia Gamma is produced at the Melfi plant, one of the most advanced manufacturing sites within the Stellantis Group. The first vehicles are already undergoing […]
May 28, 2026
Former Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess plans to launch a new mid-range electric tractor next year. To this end, he has founded Diess E-Agrartechnik AG, based in Munich. One of the unique features of the e-tractor is expected to be a swappable battery system enabling 24/7 operation. Herbert Diess is undoubtedly enjoying an active retirement: after […]
May 27, 2026
In April 2026, year-to-date (YTD) new EU car registrations increased by 4.2%, despite ongoing geopolitical factors heightening uncertainty and downside risks, according to data from the European Car Manufacturers Association (ACEA). In April only, the market increased 5.1% (YOY). “The market continued to benefit from strong consumer demand for a range of electrified technologies, supported […]
May 26, 2026
Scania has partnered up with Danish concrete leader Unicon to develop an all-electric concrete mixer truck. More specifically, the development work has gone into powering the concrete drum from the truck’s high-voltage battery to ensure continuous operation, even in challenging scenarios. As electric trucks become more and more mainstream, manufacturers are faced with the challenge […]
May 26, 2026
Ferrari has unveiled its first battery-electric vehicle, the Luce, revealing a potentially polarizing four-door fastback that departs sharply from the supercar maker’s tradition and heritage. The Luce, styled by former Apple design chief Jony Ive’s LoveFrom collective, abandons Ferrari’s signature looks for a simple, futuristic shape with floating aerodynamic elements and hidden taillights. ‘Deliberate decision’ […]
May 25, 2026
Kia Belux is expanding its EV5 lineup with two new versions, both four-wheel-drive. These top versions were developed to meet customer demand for greater performance and versatility. This means a second motor is installed in the rear, increasing the total power output to 195 kW (265 hp) and torque to 385 Nm for the base […]
May 21, 2026
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the all-electric ‘GT 4-Door Coupé ‘with up to 860 kW of output and a peak charging capacity of more than 600 kW. Orders for the high-performance model will open in the coming days, initially with the GT 63 and GT 55 powertrain variants. And for sports car lovers who are missing the […]
May 20, 2026
BMW Motorrad has presented the Vision K18, a vision bike that is designed to offer “a confident outlook on a new expression of performance, luxury and dynamism”. The Vision bike has been unveiled to the public for the first time at the exclusive Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Lake Como. “Conceived as a one-off vision […]
May 20, 2026
Following the Volkswagen ID. Polo and the Cupra Raval, the Volkswagen Group is introducing the Skoda Epiq as the third model in its new family of electric small cars. Prices are set to start at €26,290 in Belgium, but most likely only more expensive models will be available initially, starting with a ‘First Edition’. The […]
May 19, 2026
Germany has launched applications for its new electrified vehicle subsidy program. Backed by a €3 billion budget, the scheme aims to support around 800,000 battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and range extenders by 2029 through income-based grants of up to €6,000. Germany has officially opened applications for its new electric vehicle subsidy scheme after the program […]
May 19, 2026
After a triple-digit growth record in 2025, the Alpine brand continues to grow worldwide in 2026, recording a +54.7% increase in sales (3,246 vehicles) in Q1 2026. In particular, the brand continues to expand sales in Europe (+53.9%) with 3,096 units. This growth is strongly driven by the UK’s excellent performance (+1,595.2%), which confirms its […]
May 19, 2026
Ford plans to introduce five entirely new passenger car models by the end of 2029, all manufactured in Europe for the European market. These include a fully electric compact car, a small electric SUV, and three models available with various powertrain options. Ford has provided further details about its European plans: before the end of […]
May 19, 2026
Volkswagen is bringing the GTI into the electric era while drawing heavily on the badge’s heritage. A red stripe, tartan trim, and GTI mode meet 166 kW, an adaptive chassis, and a front-axle differential lock. The manufacturer will open pre-sales for the ID. Polo GTI in autumn at prices starting just below €39,000 in Germany. […]
May 18, 2026
Revealed at the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the Vision BMW Alpina is a design study that heralds a new chapter for a brand, now entirely under the BMW flag, defined by sophistication and the mastery of both performance and comfort. “Alpina has always represented a very specific idea of performance and refinement, where speed […]
May 13, 2026
Japanese car manufacturer Mazda will delay the launch of its first dedicated electric vehicle by two years to 2029, reduce EV investment by nearly half, and pivot to hybrids and China-made electrified products as changing US and European regulatory policies reshape automaker strategies. But unlike other carmakers that booked billions in charges for switching course, […]
May 13, 2026
Following the Savane 4×4 Concept last year, Renault is unveiling a new variation of the Renault 4 Electric at the 2026 Roland-Garros French Open: Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept. A fresh take on the Plein Air and JP4 versions of the original Renault 4, ‘Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept’ is a modern beach car, an adventure-seeking leisure […]
May 12, 2026
The drastic reform of the car inspection procedure in Flanders, planned by Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder, goes in the opposite direction to the new regulatory plans of the European Union, says GOCA, the sector federation currently responsible for the technical and safety inspection. “We have a growing impression that a more ideological viewpoint […]
May 12, 2026
Honda’s automotive strategy is unraveling worldwide as CEO Toshihiro Mibe tears up his old plan and draws up a new one in the face of the company’s first-ever full-year loss. Honda Motor Co.’s recent retreats on several fronts will be in the spotlight May 14, when Mibe announces a new roadmap focused on hybrid vehicles […]
May 11, 2026
Last year, the car dealer group Van Mossel became the biggest car seller in Belgium. The group overtook importer D’Ieteren, which had been the most important car seller in this country for years. According to data from dealer data analyst Aumacon, requested by De Tijd, Van Mossel recorded 32,500 new-car registrations in 2025, while D’ieteren […]
May 11, 2026
The German Stellantis brand Opel has now officially confirmed the joint development of a new electric SUV with Leapmotor. The new model will use key components from Leapmotor and is set to roll off the production line at the Spanish plant in Zaragoza alongside the Opel Corsa from 2028. From the second half of this […]
May 11, 2026
Last Friday, Stellantis and Leapmotor announced they are exploring expanding their strategic partnership through a series of initiatives to build on the early success of their collaboration. Meanwhile, Stellantis’ German brand, Opel, has now officially confirmed the joint development of a new electric SUV with Leapmotor. We’ll report on that in detail in a separate […]
