VW ID.Polo’s real face revealed in online leak (update)

March 27, 2026

Weeks before the official launch, pictures have leaked on the internet of the new ID.Polo, Volkswagen’s highly anticipated €25,000 EV model. Even the more powerful GTI was unveiled at what appeared to be an internal presentation in Wolfsburg. The interior and the back of the car remain undisclosed. The pictures reveal what the camouflaged versions […]

Skoda to end sales in China in 2026

March 26, 2026

Czech carmaker Skoda, part of the Volkswagen Group, will officially exit China by mid-year, underscoring the challenges foreign brands face amid fierce competition in the world’s largest auto market. Struggling to keep pace with China’s rapid shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), Skoda will withdraw from the market by mid-2026, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing the company. Before […]

Germany bets with new plan on EVs to close climate gap

March 26, 2026

Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has unveiled the Climate Protection Program 2026. The government’s joint plan sets out strategic decisions to achieve climate neutrality, including measures to expand electric mobility. Germany is legally committed to achieving greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. Under the Federal Climate Protection Act, emissions must be cut by at least 65% […]

VW Group plans recall of around 100,000 BEVs

March 25, 2026

The Volkswagen Group plans to recall several electric models based on the MEB platform. According to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA or Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt), this affects 74,579 units globally of the ID. 3, ID. 4, ID. 5, and ID. Buzz, and ID. Buzz Cargo series, as well as 19,452 Cupra Born vehicles. The issue […]

EU car registrations in February up 1.4%, BEV share 18.8% YTD

March 25, 2026

In January-February 2026, year-to-date (YTD), new EU car registrations fell by 1.2% compared to the same period last year, easing the challenging start to the year witnessed in January (-3.9%). In February alone, sales rose by 1.4%. The battery-electric car market share reached 18.8% YTD, highlighting the continued potential for further growth. These are data […]

Renault plans to build electric Scenic and Rafale in Spain from 2028

March 24, 2026

Renault’s plans for electric vehicle production in Spain are taking shape. The French automaker intends to accommodate three new models at its Palencia plant, including two fully electric series and one range-extender model. So far, Renault has been manufacturing its electric vehicles in France. Speculation had already emerged in recent months that Renault was considering […]

The Brussels Motor Show will also be organized in 2027

March 23, 2026

The past Brussels Motor Show (BMS) in January was a big success, according to the organizers. That’s why they wanted to communicate as soon as possible that the next edition will be held in January 2027 and that they will make some adaptations to make it even more successful. The event will take place from […]

BMW i4 gets phased out, Rolls-Royce slows down electrification plans

March 20, 2026

That the new BMW i3 is replacing the ‘old’ i4 comes as no surprise. Shortly after the design premiere of the electric 3 Series BMW, reports are emerging of the i4’s impending end of production; only the exact timing remains unclear. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce is stepping back from its plan to go all-electric by 2030, as […]

Factor One, the Bugatti on two wheels

March 19, 2026

A lot of (mostly premium) car manufacturers did a little sidestep and already have their own bike or a small portfolio of pedal-driven two-wheelers. But when Bugatti launches one, it has to be a little special. Hence, Factor One. Bugatti has partnered with Factor Bikes, a high-performance bicycle manufacturer and engineering-first brand, “in a groundbreaking […]

Bentley sees profits dwindle, and cuts in employment

March 18, 2026

Volkswagen’s high-end luxury brand, Bentley, plans to cut 275 jobs (6% of its workforce). The operational benefit has decreased from €373 million to €216 million (-42.1%). The manufacturer justifies the decision by citing US import tariffs under the Trump administration, declining sales in China, and slow demand for electric vehicles. The last argument is somewhat […]

Volkswagen’s ID. Cross will start at €28,000

March 18, 2026

Volkswagen has announced an entry price of around €28,000 for the ID. Cross, which will launch in the European market starting in autumn 2026. Unlike the ID. Polo, however, it will initially not be available with the most powerful ‘GTI’ performance level. After journalists were allowed to test-drive camouflaged prototypes of the ID. Polo during […]

Is Stellantis seeking more partners in Europe?

March 16, 2026

The global automotive group Stellantis is reportedly reviewing its investments in Europe and engaging in discussions with competitors about potential cooperation and brand stakes. While Stellantis denies rumors of a breakup, it does not refute the alleged search for partners. According to insiders, Stellantis is exploring partnerships with financially strong Chinese companies to support its […]

High demand for BMW iX3, new iX1 is coming in 2027

March 16, 2026

BMW has already switched production of the all-electric BMW iX3 at its Debrecen plant in Hungary to two-shift operation due to high demand. The automaker confirmed this in its announcement of its 2025 business figures. The move comes as no surprise, as the Munich-based manufacturer had repeatedly highlighted the strong order intake for the first […]

VW updates ID.3 and calls it ID.3 Neo

March 13, 2026

Volkswagen is releasing significant facelifts for its existing MEB models. Now, the Wolfsburg-based automaker is also bringing the successor of the ID.3, its first ID. model, out of the shadows, though only slightly. It will have its world premiere in mid-April under the new name, ID.3 Neo,  and with new features. The company remains tight-lipped […]

Ford Explorer gets an update, Belgian Ford dealers join forces

March 12, 2026

Ford Europe has now provided more details about the improved version of its electric SUV model, the Explorer, announced in January. At the same time, order books are opening, and the new (Standard Range) variant with LFP battery is available, at least in Germany, from a list price of €39,990. Meanwhile, three established Belgian Ford […]

BMW Group Belux donates 13 new cars to technical schools

March 12, 2026

BMW Group Belux has once again confirmed its tradition of bringing technical education into contact with the latest technology by donating 13 brand-new cars to technical schools across the country. Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele and Voka (Flemish entrepreneurs’ network) CEO Frank Beckx attended the ceremony. The newest donation brings BMW Belgium’s total to more than […]

Raymond Wittmann is the new head of BMW production

March 12, 2026

The BMW Supervisory Board has appointed current Strategy Chief Raymond Wittman as a new member of the Board of Management. At the Annual General Meeting in May, he will take over the Production division when current Production Board Member Milan Nedeljković assumes the position of Chairman of the Board. It had already been confirmed last […]

Mercedes presents new VLE van

March 11, 2026

With the VLE, Mercedes-Benz Vans is launching the successor to the V-Class and EQV while simultaneously debuting its new electric van platform, VAN.EA. Already in the summer of last year, Mercedes-Benz was preparing the launch with press coverage of a prototype road trip from Stuttgart to Rome to prove its capability for long-term journeys. The […]

Renault’s FutuReady plan: prudent optimism

March 11, 2026

On Tuesday, Renault Group CEO François Provost presented the new plan for the future, ‘FutuReady’, the successor to Renaulution, the brainchild of its flamboyant predecessor, Luca de Meo. As the new CEO put it, the new plan is characterized by pragmatic optimism. In these hard times for the automotive industry, Renault wants to grow to […]

Renaulution plan becomes futuREady

March 10, 2026

Renault Group is moving into higher gear, turning its successful ‘Renaulution’ plan into a system aimed at being both sustainable and global. With the new strategic plan ‘futuREady’, the Group aims to maintain its growth momentum and become the reference European carmaker. ‘futuREady‘ revolves around the product and the customer experience, technological innovation, and operational […]

ACEA pleads for a stronger EU automotive package

March 09, 2026

Against the backdrop of “intensifying global competition, fragile supply chains, and rising protectionism”, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) Light-Duty Vehicle Board met last Thursday to assess the conditions required for Europe to maintain its global automotive leadership. “Europe risks losing its edge, both as an attractive place to invest and as an industrial location, […]

BMW completes winter tests for new i3

March 09, 2026

BMW has completed the final winter testing phase for the upcoming i3 ahead of its design premiere on 18 March. Prototypes of the second model in the Neue Klasse are currently undergoing extensive validation at BMW’s winter testing center in Arjeplog, Sweden. The latest tests no longer focus on functional checks or thermal management, which […]

Continental reported a net loss for 2025

March 05, 2026

German automotive supplier Continental reported on Wednesday that sales declined and that a net loss was registered for the full year of 2025. In addition, the company anticipates a decrease in sales for fiscal 2026. For fiscal 2025, the company posted a net loss of €165 million, or €0.83 per share, compared with a profit […]

EU unveils ‘Industrial Accelerator Act’

March 05, 2026

EU Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné has unveiled the long-awaited ‘Industrial Accelerator Act’. With this industrial strategy, the EU Commission aims to boost domestic production, create jobs, and reduce the EU’s dependence on the USA and China. This will impact numerous sectors, including the automotive industry. Officially, the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) is presented as a […]

The BMW iX4 SUV Coupe is coming

March 04, 2026

The 2027 iX4 is set to join BMW’s electric vehicle lineup soon, bringing a new coupe SUV-like style to the family. Ahead of its debut, the 2027 BMW iX4 was spotted testing, giving us a first look at what to expect. BMW is overhauling its lineup with several new additions this year. After some of […]

Toyota and Stellantis may withdraw from Tesla CO₂ pool

March 04, 2026

Until now, the European CO₂ pool centered on Tesla has been a major conglomerate of automakers, including Ford, Mazda, Honda, Toyota, and Stellantis. However, for 2026, two major manufacturers, Toyota and Stellantis, may withdraw from this pool, two of Tesla’s largest financial contributors to this scheme. At the EU level, manufacturers can join so-called CO₂ […]

Belux car registrations down 7.7% in February, petrol gains share

March 03, 2026

According to data from the sector federation, Febiac, and the federal public service Mobility and Transport, 37,075 new cars were registered in February 2026, 7.7% fewer than in February 2025. For the first two months of 2026, the market shrinks by 13.2%. Once again, it’s the professional market that is entirely responsible for the regression. […]

BMW and CATL partner for the upcoming EU battery passport

March 02, 2026

Chinese battery giant CATL and premium car manufacturer BMW aim to deepen their existing partnership. In a new letter of intent, the focus is specifically on data exchange: Both parties intend to make progress in cross-border data transfer through pilot projects, with an eye on the upcoming battery passport requirements in the EU. BMW and […]

Audi reshuffles sales team in North America and Asia

March 02, 2026

Sales are not going so well for Audi in some important foreign markets, both for combustion engines and electric cars. Ingolstadt is now responding and has announced a series of management changes in key markets, including China and North America. In its announcement, Audi refers to a ‘coordinated management rotation’ designed to ensure a smooth […]

BMW introduces ‘Physical AI’ in its iFactory

March 02, 2026

The BMW Group is advancing the digitalisation and use of artificial intelligence in production. A key element in this effort is ‘Physical AI’, which combines digital artificial intelligence (AI) with real machines and robots. This enables intelligent systems such as humanoid robots to be integrated into real-world production processes. First time in Europe For the […]

T&E: ‘EU fleets law could boost EV sales’

February 25, 2026

According to new T&E research, a new EU law to electrify the vehicle fleets of large companies could deliver 57% of the electric vehicle (EV) sales that carmakers need in 2030. While carmakers claim there is insufficient EV demand to meet their 2030 EU CO2 targets, T&E’s analysis shows that an ambitious company cars law […]

Flemish plans for revising car inspection meet criticism

February 25, 2026

Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder  (N-VA) wants to reorganize and simplify the mandatory car inspection in the region. She wants it to be more consumer-friendly and offer higher-quality service. According to the Minister, the current organisational model of the vehicle inspection system in Flanders no longer meets contemporary citizens’ expectations regarding public authorities and […]

Renault partners with Basquevolt on lithium-metal cells

February 25, 2026

Renault’s Ampere division has signed a development agreement with Basquevolt to accelerate the development and validation of lithium-metal batteries for future electric vehicles. Lithium-metal batteries represent a major technological leap in energy density compared to current lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes. The Renault Group claims that Basquevolt has already demonstrated its technology’s ability to achieve […]

EU car registrations fell 3.9% in January, BEV market share rose to 19.3%

February 24, 2026

According to data from the European Car Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), new EU car registrations fell by 3.9% year on year in January, marking a second consecutive challenging start to the year for the market. “The battery-electric car market share reached 19.3%, highlighting the continued potential for further growth,” states ACEA’s press release. “Hybrid-electric vehicles lead […]

Emmanuel Al Nawakil is the new CEO of Renault Belux

February 24, 2026

On the 1st of March, Emmanuel Al Nawakil starts as the new CEO of Renault Belgium and Luxembourg. He will succeed Martin Domise, who becomes Vice President, Renault Sales & Operations Europe-Maghreb. Emmanuel Al Nawakil was born in 1979 and studied at the E.M. Lyon Business School to become master of Science in Management. He […]

Renault to build BEVs in Spain?

February 23, 2026

The Renault Group is still evaluating plans to manufacture the next generation of compact electric vehicles at its Palencia, Spain, plant. The company has so far produced all its EVs in factories in France, but that will change in the future. This was confirmed by Renault CEO François Provost on Thursday, following the announcement of […]

Seat launches pilot production of Cupra Raval

February 23, 2026

The Spanish Volkswagen daughter Seat says it is in the final stages of preparing for series production of the Cupra Raval at its Martorell plant. The project has now entered the pre-series phase of industrialisation, during which processes and quality standards are validated under near-series conditions ahead of the start of full-scale production. In its announcement, […]

Renault’s good results overshadowed by recalculation of participation in Nissan

February 19, 2026

Today, Renault has published its yearly results. As expected, there’s a big difference between the Group’s results with or without ‘other operating income and expenses’. The former resulted in a positive figure of €715 million; the latter in a deficit of €10,931 million (or -€40.0 per share). Renault had to recalculate its 35% stake in […]

Audi will have a production version of the Concept C

February 19, 2026

When it presented its new coupé concept last year, Audi said it planned to bring the production version of the Concept C to the electric sports car platform of the Porsche Boxster and Cayman. However, after several delays and a change of CEO, these models remain uncertain at Zuffenhausen. Now, Audi clarifies: its own model […]

Mercedes-Benz sees net benefit halved in 2025 and recalls EQA/EQB (update)

February 18, 2026

Although not as precarious as for other car manufacturers, 2025 has been a complicated year for Mercedes-Benz. The German premium car manufacturer has een its net benefit almost halve while turnover decreased by 9%. Meanwhile, battery issues affecting the EQA and EQB have prompted global recalls. Mercedes-Benz has already begun replacing battery packs in North […]

Is VW planning a major additional cost-cutting program? (update)

February 18, 2026

According to several internal sources, the German specialized magazine Manager Magazin concludes that the Volkswagen Group is working on a new cost-cutting program targeting additional savings of up to €60 billion. Of course, economies at such a scale would involve reducing the workforce beyond the already announced 35,000 and, eventually, closing additional plants, following the […]

EU prepares ‘Europe first’ rules for EV subsidies

February 18, 2026

The European Commission is preparing legislation that would require electric vehicles to be assembled in the EU and source at least 70% of their components locally to qualify for state subsidies. The move could pave the way for a formal ‘Buy European’ industrial policy, recently called for by Volkswagen, Stellantis, and other European car manufacturers. […]

German premium brands adjust pricing strategies in China

February 16, 2026

In early 2026, China’s luxury passenger car market reached a critical inflexion point as traditional European premium brands collectively adjusted pricing strategies amid continued sales erosion in the world’s largest auto market, according to the influential local website 36kr. Data from the 2025 calendar year showed that cumulative China sales for BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, and Audi […]

BMW Alpina has a new logo

February 16, 2026

Following its brand activation in early January 2026, BMW Alpina is presenting itself as an exclusive new brand under the BMW Group’s custodianship. “The brand embodies an exceptional balance of supreme ride comfort and high performance,” says the press release. “The new badge design complements the recently revealed wordmark, collectively defining the brand’s contemporary iconography.” […]

BMW recalls more than half a million cars

February 12, 2026

German premium car manufacturer BMW is recalling some 575,000 cars worldwide to replace the starter motor, which can fail to function or, in rare cases, overheat and catch fire. Models of concern are found throughout the BMW portfolio: the 2-Series coupe, 3-, 4-, and 5-Series, the 6-Series Gran Turismo and the 7-Series, the X4, X5, […]

Ford’s Q4 loss worst since 2008; 2026 must be better

February 12, 2026

Failed investments in money-losing electric vehicles and a late-year disruption of aluminum supplies for F-Series pickups drove Ford Motor Co. to an $11.1 billion (€9.3 billion) net loss in the fourth quarter, resulting in the automaker’s worst financial performance since 2008. Fourth-quarter revenue declined 5 % to $45 billion, and adjusted earnings before interest and […]

Mercedes changes strategy and will offer a new A-Class

February 11, 2026

The smallest Mercedes model, the A-Class, was actually supposed to be discontinued under Mercedes’ new entry-segment model strategy, with the electric CLA serving as the gateway to the Mercedes world. Now, Mercedes development board member Jörg Burzer has confirmed a new A-Class, which is planned for 2028. In 2023, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius announced four […]

T&E: ‘Backtracking on 2035 puts Europe at risk’

February 10, 2026

In an extensive reaction to the EU Commission’s watering down of the 2035 environmental targets for mobility and transport, the NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) urgently warns that Europe risks falling even further behind on EVs compared to global competition. “If the EU automotive industry doesn’t transform fast, it will lose its international competition, with […]

The electric Skoda Epiq will come in three variants

February 10, 2026

Skoda has released the first technical details of its fully electric Epiq, which the brand will unveil in the first half of 2026. The compact electric vehicle will be offered by Skoda in three variants, with power outputs ranging from 85 to 155 kW. The new Skoda Epiq will be available with two versions of […]

Toyota appoints current CFO Kenta Kon as new CEO

February 09, 2026

The world’s largest automaker, Toyota, appoints a new CEO: Current CFO Kenta Kon will take over from Koji Sato, who will join the board of directors. The personnel changes will take effect on April 1, 2026. The 57-year-old Kenta Kon has been with the Toyota Group since 1991. He built his career in the finance […]

Stellantis writes off €22.2 billion in EV business

February 09, 2026

Stellantis is recording extensive charges of approximately €22.2 billion, largely related to its electric vehicle business. According to the new strategy outlined by CEO Antonio Filosa, the company aims to become a ‘beacon of freedom of choice’ by offering more internal-combustion and hybrid vehicles. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has been working since his appointment in […]

BMW starts producing i3 in Munich

February 05, 2026

BMW’s ‘mother plant’ in Munich has now started producing the first pre-series vehicles of the upcoming BMW i3. This marks the beginning of the final preparation phase for the start of series production of the electric sedan in the 3 Series format in the second half of 2026. The new production lines at BMW’s Munich […]

Renault’s product boss: ‘We’ve got a two-leg approach’

February 04, 2026

Renault could offer its next-generation electric cars with a new ‘super hybrid’ powertrain that uses a small petrol engine to boost range. Renault’s VP for Product Performance, Bruno Vanel, said the change in approach is a recognition that the company “has to remain flexible in the C- and D-segment” because, while it is working towards […]

Chinese ban on electric door unlocking will have global repercussions

February 04, 2026

From 2027 onward, the Chinese government will prohibit the registration of new cars with fully retractable door handles and electric unlocking systems, while existing models will be subject to a transitional arrangement. The Chinese ban is likely to have global repercussions. A potential ban has been discussed for months; now it has been decided. The […]

Jaguar GT goes winter testing

February 03, 2026

Prototypes of Jaguar’s new all‑electric luxury four‑door GT have begun their latest round of winter testing. Taking on extreme temperatures as low as -40°C in the Arctic Circle. The new four‑door GT is undergoing the most rigorous global validation programme in Jaguar history, with 150 prototypes covering hundreds of thousands of miles across hot desert […]

Belux car registrations down 18.7% in January

February 03, 2026

According to data from Febiac and the Federal Public Service Mobility, registrations of new cars in Belgium and Luxembourg decreased by 18.7% to 32,997, compared with last year. Febiac states that the new Euronorm installed on the 1st of January plays a role here: registrations were partly moved forward to December 2025. Febiac hopes that […]

Mercedes S-Class gets thoroughly updated

February 02, 2026

Mercedes-Benz’s flagship has had a comprehensive update: more than 50% of the car is newly developed, updated, and refined. “The new S-Class delivers the most comprehensive update within one S-Class generation,” boasts Mercedes. The purpose-built Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) is the supercomputer behind the new S-Class, powering every domain and integrating all systems into a […]

Another top manager is leaving Tesla

February 02, 2026

Benjamin Bate, Tesla’s Director of Vehicle Operations and Engineering in Fremont, has left Tesla after more than eight years. Bate is an experienced production manager and is completely changing industries. The US-based EV news portal Electrek discovered that Bate had left Tesla via his LinkedIn account. Over his eight-year tenure at Tesla, Bate held several […]

Renault CEO: ‘We also want to succeed internationally’

January 30, 2026

Renault brand CEO Fabrice Cambolive, who is also the Group’s Chief Growth Officer, is seeking growth outside Europe, particularly in Brazil, India, Morocco, South Korea, and Turkey. Key projects include the launch of the Boreal compact crossover in Brazil, the Filante midsize SUV in South Korea, and the start of local production of the Duster […]

BMW updates iX1, iX2 and (already) iX3

January 29, 2026

The German automaker has announced several model updates for spring 2026. Among other changes, the two all-electric models, iX1 and iX2, will receive new SiC inverters that reduce consumption and enable longer ranges. Additionally, the new iX3 now offers a 22-kW charger. Shortly after the BMW brand Mini revealed minor efficiency-enhancing updates for its electric […]

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