November 10, 2026
The North Sea is rising, and Belgium’s coastal defenses may not be keeping pace. With sea levels accelerating and storms threatening increasingly costly damage, scientists warn that urgent action is needed to protect coastal towns, ports, and critical infrastructure. A new report by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) and the Center for […]
November 09, 2026
Starting November 10, check-in counters and baggage drop-off areas at all Ryanair-served airports will close 60 minutes before departure, instead of the current 40 minutes. This means you’ll need to drop off your luggage 20 minutes earlier. It is unclear whether the measure will cause a lot of additional inconvenience – such as people trying […]
November 08, 2026
Headlights are the most frequently recorded defect in Flemish car inspections, affecting almost 109,000 vehicles. Yet GOCA acknowledges that a car can fail a headlight test and subsequently pass without repairs. How consistent are the measurements, and how serious are the faults? A red inspection certificate for a slightly misaligned headlight, worn windscreen wipers or […]
November 07, 2026
Volvo and Volkswagen excel among relatively young cars, while Honda and Toyota stand out as vehicles age. Tesla, Peugeot, Citroën, and Dacia feature prominently among models with higher inspection-defect rates. Using GOCA Vlaanderen’s detailed figures, Newmobility.news compares the best- and worst-performing cars across different age groups. Flanders’ first GOCA Barometer offers an unprecedented opportunity to […]
November 06, 2026
Gasoline hybrids show the fewest technical defects, while cars remain relatively trouble-free until their tenth birthday. Beyond that, problems rise sharply, especially with increasing mileage. These are some of the most remarkable findings of Flanders’ first GOCA Barometer, based on more than two million vehicle inspections. Flanders’ first comprehensive car inspection barometer reveals some surprising […]
November 05, 2026
Belgium has once again missed the deadline in negotiations with energy giant Engie regarding the potential acquisition of the 7 nuclear power plants located in Belgium. Both parties have agreed to give themselves more time. This is already the second time the deadline has been postponed. The deadline for the negotiations has now been moved […]
November 04, 2026
25 years ago, on November 7, 2001, the Belgian airline Sabena went bankrupt. To prevent Belgium from being left without national air service, Sabena’s regional subsidiary, Delta Air Transport (DAT), was quickly relaunched as SN Brussels Airlines. It officially began operations under the new brand name Brussels Airlines following a merger with Virgin Express in […]
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
For the second time this year, French train manufacturer Alstom has sharply lowered its annual financial forecasts. The problem is not a lack of orders but its execution. Alstom cites implementation issues with the Coradia Max platform as the main cause. Although hundreds of Coradia Max trains have already been ordered, Alstom is currently facing […]
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 02, 2026
Last week’s serious train accident in Urda, Spain, has reignited the debate over train and rail safety. Particular attention is on the European Train Control System (ETCS), a European project aimed at standardizing and improving rail safety. But the rollout is proceeding much more slowly than expected. To address this, some are looking to The […]
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
To alleviate the heavy pressure on exam centers in the Flemish Periphery caused by the large number of candidates from Brussels and Wallonia taking the tests there, starting January 1, residents of Brussels and Wallonia who have taken their theory test in French will no longer be able to take their practical test in Flanders. […]
October 30, 2026
The Flemish vehicle tax is being reformed; passenger cars, dual-use vehicles, or minibusses that are (re)registered on or after January 1, 2027, will automatically be included in the new system, which primarily takes into account the vehicle’s weight and CO2 emissions. Owners of vehicles that were previously registered can voluntarily switch by visiting the website […]
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
A total of 68 people have been killed so far in yesterday’s severe collision between 2 high-speed trains in Spain. The investigation into the causes of the train crash is in full swing, but all signs point to possible human error. The accident is believed to have been caused by an “inexplicable” and “wrong” decision […]
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
Two climate organizations, Project InnerSpace and Future Cleantech Architects (FCA), have assessed geothermal energy’s potential as an energy source in the European Union. The study highlights thirty industrial clusters across twelve European countries, including Belgium. Belgium has both the geological resources and industrial concentration to benefit from geothermal heat, but has developed the technology far […]
October 28, 2026
With diesel prices at an all-time high, electrification of vans, trucks, and buses is making real progress, according to the latest ACEA figures. But not all vehicle segments and countries are moving at the same pace. Belgium is lagging, and the truck market is too. Regardless of fuel type, the commercial vehicle market performed relatively […]
October 28, 2026
A completely renovated command center, representing an investment of just under 1 million euros, is intended to help the Flemish Traffic Center in Antwerp better manage the increasing number of vehicles and accidents on the Flemish highway network. On a network where an average of 64,3 million vehicle-kilometers are traveled per workday, traffic controllers handled […]
October 27, 2026
Polestar has appointed Bart Deswert as the new head of Sales for Belgium and Luxembourg. His aim is to strengthen Polestar’s market position and further the growth of the retail network. Of course, the brand’s growing model portfolio will help him achieve this. Deswert looks back on 30 years of professional experience inside and outside […]
October 27, 2026
From 1 November, electric and hydrogen vans weighing up to 4.25 tons will follow the same traffic rules as ordinary 3.5-ton vans in Belgium. The decree removes speed limits, access bans, and parking restrictions that penalized the extra weight (almost all of it is battery). The royal decree comes into effect next month. It covers […]
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 26, 2026
Volvo Cars will cut 2,500 jobs, mostly in its home country of Sweden, as the group seeks to slash costs amid tough competition from Chinese automakers and as tariffs and weak demand hit U.S. sales. The company, majority-owned by China’s Geely, reported an adjusted operating loss of 3.7 billion Swedish crowns (€333 million) for the […]
October 26, 2026
The Swedish company EasyPark, owned by a British and Norwegian investment fund, among others, now also offers charging and parking services in Belgium. France and Spain will also receive this service before the end of the year. This means that drivers who frequently park their EVs in cities can use a single app for both […]
October 26, 2026
New research by HR specialist Group S finds that men are favored over women for company cars. In Belgium, women drive company cars worth an average of €5,300 less than their male colleagues. The average company car price for men is €49,000, compared with €43,699 for women. The average catalog price difference is 10,8% lower […]
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
A former coal-fired power station in Genk is being transformed into a giant battery-storage hub, with Belgian energy developer Storm installing 106 Tesla Megapack 2XL units on the Langerlo site. Flemish Environment Minister Jo Brouns and Genk Mayor Wim Dries visited the construction site on Thursday, October 22, as installation of the batteries progressed. Once […]
October 23, 2026
The Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB), the country’s leading employers’ organization, warns that the January 1, 2027, deadline for the mandatory mobility budget is no longer feasible. Companies still lack the finalized legal framework needed to prepare for and implement the reform. Federal Minister of Labor David Clarinval (MR) is reportedly now open to […]
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 23, 2026
The Belgian postal company Bpost is accelerating the electrification of its delivery fleet. By the end of October, Bpost will have 4,165 electric delivery vans on the road, accounting for 42% of its delivery transporter fleet and four times the number it had three years ago. The procurement pace corresponds to an increase of about 1,000 […]
October 23, 2026
Vulnerable road users should be extra cautious when switching to daylight saving time. Because of reduced visibility, serious pedestrian accidents increase by 73% when the clock is set back. This is according to an annual statistical analysis by the Vias Institute. The organization is therefore calling on drivers to adjust their behavior and, above all, […]
October 21, 2026
Starting in late March 2027, Brussels Airlines will fly to Cairo 5 times a week. The airline is responding, in part, to the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. In addition, starting at the end of June, a weekly flight to Kilimanjaro will be added, and there will also be increased capacity to popular European […]
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
Research commissioned by Auto5 shows that 63% of drivers choose tires based on price. 33% look for the best deal by comparing options online, although only 24% buy them online. Auto5 warns that focusing solely on the cost of new tires isn’t always the best long-term choice. The Auto5 study also says 65% of drivers are […]
October 20, 2026
The headquarters of the Brussels-based transportation group Ziegler, located along the canal in Neder-Over-Heembeek, is up for sale for 10.9 million euros. Ziegler did not own the building; it leased it through several banks, which decided to sell it. On March 31, the Lille Commercial Court ordered the liquidation of the company’s French operations, affecting […]
October 20, 2026
Starting in 2030, 35 new electric passenger aircraft are expected to be deployed from Deurne. The aircraft were ordered by ASL Group and Flying Group, respectively, two Antwerp-based companies that both specialize in the management and operation of private jets. Electric aviation offers the financially struggling Deurne Airport opportunities, but whether it will be enough […]
October 19, 2026
The Genk-based logistics group H.Essers is further expanding its electric fleet with 20 new e-trucks. This brings H.Essers’ electric truck fleet to 31. Yet its 31 battery-electric trucks still account for just 2.3% of its 1,358-vehicle fleet. The company is also expanding charging infrastructure and energy supply across several sites. The logistics service provider aims to […]
October 19, 2026
American Time Magazine has included the bicycle airbag from Turnhout-based company Aerobag on its list of the best inventions of 2026. The system protects cyclists in a fall by inflating an airbag around the neck and upper body in just 100 milliseconds. The Aerobag has been in development for six years. The system is integrated into […]
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
As days grow shorter and winter approaches, the regional public service Brussels Mobility urges drivers to make children and young people more visible on the road. Starting October 15, the organization will launch several awareness-raising campaigns. For several years, Brussels Mobility has observed that accidents involving pedestrians during the evening rush hour (between 5 p.m. […]
October 16, 2026
With Europe facing a shortage of more than half a million truck drivers, five transport companies in Belgium’s Limburg province are offering young people a free route into the profession. The initiative reflects a growing European effort to remove costly entry barriers as the industry struggles to replace retiring drivers. But attracting a new generation […]
October 16, 2026
During a large-scale crackdown on distracted driving, Belgian police recorded 2,564 violations by drivers using a cell phone or other mobile device. According to the police, distraction while driving is one of the most significant risk factors on the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can cause an accident. On October 8 and 9, […]
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
The Portuguese government has chosen Lufthansa as TAP’s strategic partner. Lufthansa is acquiring a 44.9% minority stake in TAP Air Portugal, winning it from Air France-KLM. The deal is valued at approximately 1.2 billion euros. By choosing Lufthansa, the German group, which already owns Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways, will expand its presence […]
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
The world is installing renewable energy at record speed, but its electricity networks and storage capacity are struggling to keep up. In its new World Energy Transitions Outlook 2026, published on 13 October, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) explains that renewable electricity is expanding faster than the infrastructure and energy systems needed to use […]
October 14, 2026
During riots, shared mobility companies end up footing the bill for damage to their shared bikes, e-scooters, and cars, even though you’d expect insurance companies to cover it. For some shared mobility companies, damage sustained, such as during the recent riots in Brussels, can amount to 40,000 to 60,000 euros. Ultimately, users end up footing […]
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
The European Commission has selected 46 new strategic projects to strengthen the extraction, processing, and recycling of critical raw materials in the European Union, to reduce dependence on countries such as China. Two Belgian projects – one by Umicore in Hoboken and one by Comet Traitements in La Louvière – were also selected, as were […]
October 13, 2026
More than eight in ten Dutch respondents support keeping the Benelux toll-free, according to a new survey by Dutch motoring organization ANWB. With Flanders preparing to introduce a digital road vignette in May 2027, 34% say they would look for alternative routes, while 22% expect to visit Belgium by car less often. Yet the Netherlands […]
October 13, 2026
As announced by the brand on many occasions, Smart kept its promise and revealed the production version of the #2 at the Paris Motor Show. Compared to its predecessor, the range has doubled, but the price has remained the same. Is the new two-seater a remedy for inflation? Adamant fans will not be disappointed. The […]
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
The Antwerp-based. shipping group CMB.TECH has launched the world’s first dry bulk carrier powered by ammonia. The vessel Mineral Europa has set sail on its maiden voyage to Australia. It is a Newcastlemax, an ore and coal carrier with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 210,000 metric tons. “The Mineral Europa heralds the fifth revolution in […]
October 12, 2026
Tens of thousands of people returned to the streets of Brussels on Sunday in one of Belgium’s largest climate demonstrations since the historic school strikes of 2019. Police counted 45,000 participants, while organizers estimated 60,000, roughly twice last year’s turnout. Yet the renewed mobilization comes as climate ambitions increasingly compete with economic pressures, wars, 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 09, 2026
While 2,102 incidents of aggression against NMBS//SNCB staff were recorded in 2024, the figure rose by nearly a quarter the following year to 2,602 incidents. However, the impact on the Belgian railway company’s staff rose even more rapidly: aggression against staff resulted in 95,336 hours of sick leave last year, more than double the previous […]
October 09, 2026
A dispute over a €365,000 invoice prompted the Dutch vehicle regulator RDW to scale back parts of its safety review of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised system, according to internal correspondence obtained by Reuters. The revelations raise fresh questions about the transparency and independence of Europe’s approval process, as Tesla pushes regulators to clear its […]
