May 15, 2024
South Korean carmaker Kia has decided to spruce up its EV6 fully electric cross-over three years after its introduction. That car got the ‘Car of the Year 2022’ title, beating the Renault Mégane E-Tech and its sister brand Hyundai Ioniq 5. New ‘eyes’, a quieter and smoother ride, 19 km more range, and faster charging […]
May 15, 2024
The Stellantis Group and Chinese electric car manufacturer Leapmotor have finalized the establishment of their joint venture and announced that Leapmotor International would commence operations in Europe in September 2024. The market launch in Europe will initially start in France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, and Romania. Both sides have announced that […]
May 14, 2024
Avatr, the joint venture between the Chinese state-owned manufacturer Changan and CATL, with Huawei as a major supplier, has unveiled its third model: the 07, a mid-size extended-range electric SUV. It follows the larger Avatr 11 SUV and Avatr 12 sedan and should rival the Tesla Model Y with a low price tag. With a […]
May 14, 2024
China’s biggest EV maker, BYD, has launched the Sea Lion 07, the first of a new Ocean-array SUV model product line. It is built on an upgraded e-Platform EVO 3.0, offering a ‘higher level of integration, stronger powertrain, and charging performance’. In China, the Sea Lion will cost 189,800 yuan (€24,220) and is targeted—once again—against […]
May 14, 2024
Mercedes-Benz is apparently putting the brakes on investment with a change of course. According to a media report, it is no longer developing its electric platform ‘MB.EA-Large’. From 2028, the Stuttgarters actually wanted to electrify the new generation of their largest saloons and SUVs based on this architecture. The German newspaper Handelsblatt cites four insiders […]
May 13, 2024
The VW ID.1 could arrive as the final VW e-up! successor later this decade. Volkswagen has begun initial planning but faces challenges in bringing the new electric city car to the market. The slowdown in EV sales is not one of them. Meanwhile, after confirming the launch of an all-new Golf EV, Volkswagen has started […]
May 13, 2024
Despite slumping sales for hydrogen cars worldwide, Hyundai is set to introduce an all-new version of its hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), the Nexo, by the second quarter of 2025. This is the first major update since the model’s debut in 2018. Introduced in early 2018, the Nexo has remained on the market without […]
May 13, 2024
With Lancia’s comeback in the Benelux, Stellantis is introducing three premium brands. The new fully electric version (a mild hybrid follows later) can be ordered now in Belgium for € 34,500. According to Milosz Tomanek, the Vice President of premium brands at Stellantis Belux and the MD of Lancia, Lancia is the epitome of Italian […]
May 10, 2024
Chinese automaker NIO has celebrated the 500,000th car, an ES8, rolling off the production lines of its F2 plant at NeoPark in Hefei, the capital of east China’s Anhui Province. With that milestone, it confirms its position as China’s leading premium EV brand in the market for cars above 300,000 yuan (€38,500), the number one […]
May 10, 2024
Ford Europe is reportedly flirting with the idea of adjusting its electrification strategy in the region as BEV sales have been slow to take off. Originally, the European arm of Ford Motor Company said it would only sell battery-electric models by 2030, but that commitment could soon change. Ford Europe has followed the lead of […]
May 09, 2024
Volkswagen has introduced the new T7 generation of its California campervan, based on the latest Multivan. It has grown in size and features several firsts for the model, including dual sliding doors and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Last year, Volkswagen presented a concept version of the new California at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, teasing the […]
May 09, 2024
Four years after its introduction, Land Rover has revised its iconic Defender. In addition to minor cosmetic tweaks and new packs, the drivelines have been reshuffled to comply with Euro 6e emission standards. The Defender’s facelift has been surrounded by rumors, such as the introduction of an all-electric version, which is not happening, and the […]
May 08, 2024
The Nissan Townstar is the first of the Kangoo-Citan-Townstar trio to get a long-wheelbase version with up to 7 seats. The Townstar Evalia is available with either a gasoline engine or a fully electric drivetrain, which remains the same as in the short-wheelbase variant. Both the Renault Kangoo and the Mercedes Citan/T-Class/EQT announced a long […]
May 08, 2024
Dark clouds seem to be accumulating above Fisker’s future. Magna, the company contracted to build the Fisker Ocean in Austria, says in its Q1 2024 financial report that it assumes no more will be built. Fisker has been looking for opportunities to save itself for a while already. Now, the company hired to build its […]
May 07, 2024
This summer, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is taking its electric long-hauler eActros 600 on the manufacturer’s longest test run yet. The battery-electric truck will travel over 13,000 km through more than 20 European countries to gather real-world data and to send a message that electric long-haul transport is possible today. As Mercedes-Benz Trucks gears up for series […]
May 07, 2024
Volvo Cars reported global sales of 65,838 cars, up 27% compared to the same period last year. The sales increase was primarily driven by a strong performance in Europe as well as the company’s fully electric small SUV, the EX30. The company’s electrified models, with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain, grew 53% compared […]
May 06, 2024
BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí is gearing up for production of the ‘Neue Klasse’. Construction of a local high-voltage battery assembly has now begun, along with expansion projects for the body shop, assembly, and logistics areas. A total of €800 million will be invested in expanding the Mexican production site. The ‘Neue Klasse’ will […]
May 06, 2024
Chinese electric car manufacturer Xpeng is now accepting orders for its third model in Europe. The electric SUV G6 is initially available in Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, and it is cheaper than a Tesla Model Y. In Belgium, the Xpeng starts at €42,990 (190 kW, RWD, 435 km WLTP range), the same […]
May 06, 2024
Renault has completed its C-segment E-Tech Hybrid vehicle offerings of the Arkana and Austral with the new Symbioz, a 4.41 m long seven-seater with a sliding bench seat that adjusts for trunk space or leg room and folds to create a flat floor if needed. It’s a modern interpretation of the Renault 16, launched in […]
May 02, 2024
Good news for nostalgics waiting for the ‘electric comeback’ of Opels’s 1970s icon, the Manta. Although Stellantis first said in January 2024 to ‘freeze’ the plans for a launch in 2025, now Opel brand boss Florian Huettl said in an interview with German car magazine Automobilwoche that the project ‘is making progress’. According to Huettl, […]
May 01, 2024
BYD presented its new Ocean M electric car concept at the Beijing Motor Show. The production version of the hatchback will launch on the Chinese market in the third quarter of 2024 at a price between 150,000 and 200,000 yuan (some 19,300 to 25,800 euros). It is not yet known whether BYD will also bring […]
April 30, 2024
Chinese luxury brand Hongqi brings out the big guns at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show with new models and concept cars. The brand is officially launching the EH7 Convertible, a new open-top version of the EH7 electric sedan launched a month ago. The sub-brand of Chinese FAW Group also showcased three concept cars. The E702 […]
April 30, 2024
BMW will invest $2.8 billion in its plants in Shenyang, China, to prepare for the production of electric cars from its ‘Neue Klasse’ (New Class) model family. BMW and the province of Liaoning, where the BMW plants are located, have signed a letter of intent to this effect. More or less a year ago, BMW […]
April 29, 2024
After a brief absence since the launch of the updated Tesla Model 3 Highland, the sporty Performance model is now back and better than ever, thanks to a new motor, improved aerodynamics, and better suspension. And the price is quite reasonable, too. The facelifted Tesla Model 3 range is now complete. After initially launching the […]
April 29, 2024
Japanese independent car manufacturer Mazda has shown its second full-electric vehicle, the EZ-6, at the motor show in Beijing. It was developed with partner Changan and is only intended for the Chinese market. The same goes for Toyota. The world’s number one car manufacturer presented two new BEV models for the Chinese market at Auto […]
April 26, 2024
Automotive supplier Continental has agreed to a 100 million euro fine imposed by prosecutors for its involvement in the notorious dieselgate emissions scandal. The fine was due to a “negligent breach of supervisory duties”, meaning the company undertook too little to inspect responsibility and managers for the supply of engine control units and related software […]
April 25, 2024
BMW presents a slightly revised version of the 4 Series Gran Coupé and its electric sister, the i4, at Auto China in Beijing. The i4 not only has fresh design accents but also an additional drive variant. The new drive system is the i4 xDrive40. Until now, the i4 has only been available as an […]
April 25, 2024
The motor show in Beijing starts today, but Volkswagen already set the tone for the trade fair yesterday at its Group Media Night. What VW CEO Oliver Blume and his board members presented on stage was akin to a declaration of war. In China, the largest global market for cars, it is not only the […]
April 25, 2024
At the Beijing Motor Show, Mini unveiled the Aceman, a compact crossover that skillfully bridges the gap between the smaller hatchback and the larger Countryman. Built in China exclusively as an electric model, the Aceman marks a pivot in Mini’s design ethos. With a starting price of 36,500 euros, it is eligible for the Flemish […]
April 25, 2024
The first images of Range Rover’s fully electric SUV have been revealed, showing a modern take on the iconic SUV. Range Rover’s first electric SUV is being tested ahead of its upcoming debut. Can Range Rover’s new EV compete with competitors like Porsche and other luxury automakers? Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) continues to see strong […]
April 24, 2024
Volvo Cars’ Ghent plant will temporarily lay off its workers for four days next week. The reason is not the lack of interest in electric cars but simply the need to adjust the production lines. The small electric SUV EX30 has to be slotted in. Meanwhile, the compact SUV has been awarded the Red Dot […]
April 24, 2024
Tesla is riding a rollercoaster. Its falling delivery numbers from the first three months of the year have slashed revenue in half, forcing workforce cuts around its global operations. To heal the wound, the company announced that it would produce affordable models at the beginning of next year, despite several previous reports claiming it was […]
April 24, 2024
The German premium car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has revealed its electric version of the iconic G Class off-roader at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in China. It won’t be called the EQG but rather ominous the G580 with EQ technology. The all-new electric G-Class remains true to the model’s character, retaining its angular silhouette, including all […]
April 23, 2024
The Smart Concept #5 is the brand’s most spacious and versatile vehicle to date. It will be presented to the public on 25 April at the opening of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in China. The presentation of the series production model of the third vehicle in the smart product portfolio is planned for the […]
April 23, 2024
Opel has presented its new flagship SUV: the next-generation Grandland. It shares its STLA Medium platform with the Peugeot E-3008, with the choice between fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid drivetrains, but it gets a more traditional shape and fancy lighting. The new Opel Grandland has been expected for some time, as it is […]
April 23, 2024
Chinese car manufacturer Chery wants to build cars in Spain, specifically in the former Nissan plant in Barcelona. It will be Chery’s first production facility in Europe. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sees the partnership between Chery and Ebro-EV Motors as a ‘symbol for the reindustrialization’ of Catalonia and Spain as a whole. This brings […]
April 22, 2024
After posting its worst quarter results in five years, Tesla is lowering its pricing in China, the US, and Europe to fight its way back in the sales charts. This is part of a series of measures to defy the declining market for battery-powered vehicles. Customers can now save around 2,000 euros on most models. […]
April 22, 2024
The Mercedes concept van for sustainable logistics has been updated to enhance the efficiency of its battery pack. It also introduces an integrated solution for last-mile delivery, linking the van to cargo bikes from Onomotion. This aims to reduce waiting times and relieve traffic infrastructure. Mercedes-Benz Vans debuted the Sustaineer in 2022 to showcase sustainability […]
April 19, 2024
The claims over unjustified name use on car models come in waves. The latest in the line is Volkswagen, which faces a court case from a former supplier over its ID badge. Identytec, a logistics hardware and software provider, is appealing to the court. For over 15 years, the company has used the abbreviation of […]
April 19, 2024
The police zone of Ghent has started testing the feasibility of electric drivelines for intervention vehicles. As of today, one anonymous and one striped Volkswagen ID.4 are patrolling the streets of the city, not only to monitor safety but also to gather feedback on operational viability. ‘Politiezone Gent Conceptcar EPV’ reads a sticker on the […]
April 19, 2024
Yesterday, Mazda launched its CX-80 in Europe. This seven-seater is the second of two new models for Europe from the company’s Large Product group, after the CX-60. It is the most spacious car in Mazda’s European portfolio and will be the company’s new flagship on the old continent. “In this latest evolution of Mazda’s unique […]
April 18, 2024
Citroën unveils the first images of the all-new C3 Aircross, which shares the same design identity as the C3 hatchback and ambitions to shake up the market with a very competitive pricing positioning. Both models are based on the same Smart Car platform, allowing powertrain flexibility and cost efficiency, Citroën claims. The new C3 Aircross […]
April 18, 2024
78% of the Belgian users who drive a company car via the leasing company ALD Automotive/Leaseplan are convinced that the Chinese car manufacturers will have a growing share of the Belgian car market in the future. GfK surveyed 2,211 lease car users at the request of car leaser ALD Automotive/Leaseplan. The respondents were questioned about […]
April 17, 2024
The Swedish dealer holding Hedin, which has been active in Belux since 2018, will start to import the Chinese brand XPeng. The first units of the momentarily available P7 sedan and the large G9 SUV should be delivered before the end of summer. The prices in Belgium aren’t known yet, but normally, they will be […]
April 17, 2024
Whereas most electric convertibles on the market today are compact city cars with modest performance, the Maserati GranCabrio turns up the dial to 11 thanks to its three-motor drivetrain with over 800 horsepower on tap. And there’s still space for four people, too. The arrival of the all-electric Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is not a surprise. […]
April 17, 2024
Chinese car brand Denza, a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, recently revealed the first glimpse of a new model. The registration application in China has now provided unveiled images and initial information, such as the model’s name. It is mandatory to be included in the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) vehicle […]
April 16, 2024
Renault seems to be considering a purely electric edition of the Espace. The car would be an MPV again, like the original one, and it would also have a retro look like some of the manufacturer’s new EV products lately. Renault could offer a competitor to the VW ID.Buzz and others with an electric, seven-seater […]
April 16, 2024
Deemed illegal, Alfa Romeo is removing the Milano name from its youngest crossover. After an intervention from the Italian government, which threatened legal action over the use of the original name, the car model will be named Junior. The relationship between Alfa’s parent company and the Italian government is at an all-time low. The next […]
April 16, 2024
Yin Tongyue, chairman of China’s Chery Auto, said the Wuhu-based car manufacturer is planning to sign a deal with a premium European brand through platform cooperation. “Two premium European brands want to use our platform, and a deal will be signed with one of them, which is a more premium brand than us,” Yin said. […]
April 15, 2024
The Pininfarina Battista is already one of the most exclusive EVs on the planet, but the one-off Reversario ups the stakes. This bespoke all-electric hypercar was commissioned by a customer who wanted to add a stablemate to the one he already had. As typical for the hyper exclusive category, it can never be exclusive enough, […]
April 15, 2024
Sales of EV brand Polestar took a big hit during the first quarter of this year. With only 7,200 units delivered, the figures slid by 40% in a year-on-year comparison. Most automakers managed to grow their EV deliveries compared to the same period last year (but reported strong declines compared to the final quarter of […]
April 15, 2024
Last Friday, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and other members of the federal and regional governments met with Audi’s top managers to try to save Audi Brussels. “The Factory of the Future” (award title in 2020) is fighting for its survival. Dark clouds are gathering on the horizon. A few months ago, Brussels was […]
April 12, 2024
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 341,000 of its cars worldwide because of a fire risk. GLE and GLS models built from 2017 to 2023 are concerned. Meanwhile, the Stuttgarters are upgrading their electric flagship EQS. The recall has been announced by the German transport authority Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA). The cause for the possible fire risk is a possibly […]
April 12, 2024
In selected European markets, including Belgium, Tesla is extending its Model Y offering. The new rear-wheel drive version can travel exactly 600 kilometers between charges. It bears the badge Long Range for a good reason. As the American automaker comes to terms with a sales slowdown, it is counteracting the trend with a new version […]
April 12, 2024
As an aside in a press release about the king of Spain visiting the Martorell production facility, Seat has announced that the Cupra Raval will become the first of the VW Group’s small EVs to be produced at the renewed factory. Production will kick off in late 2025 and will be supplied directly by the […]
April 11, 2024
Italian carmaker Alfa Romeo has lifted the veil on the new Milano. The small crossover is the brand’s first-ever EV, and it’s offered in two guises with power ranging from 156 to 240 hp. Both versions share the same 54-kWh battery, offering 410 km of range. That being said, like its numerous brothers from the […]
April 11, 2024
In a tough market, sales of all-electric BMWs have grown significantly. During the first three months of the year, the Bavarian automaker witnessed a global growth of 27.8%, while competitors like Mercedes and Tesla faced substantial drops. BMW’s solid performance was epitomized by the delivery of its one-millionth electric car. It took the automaker roughly […]
April 10, 2024
American automaker Ford is upgrading its electric Mustang Mach-E crossover. All versions are equipped with a new rear e-motor, which produces more torque. The batteries don’t change, but the range is increased on all versions, and fast charging times are cut by almost 20%. The high-performance Mach-E GT is now faster than both the Tesla […]
April 10, 2024
American EV startup Canoo paid $1.7 million for CEO Tony Aquila’s private jet bills, twice its total revenue last year. According to its earnings report released this week, Canoo lost $302 million in 2023 and is urgently looking for new investors. Aquila, who is also the company’s chairman, owns about 14% of Canoo. In 2022, […]
April 10, 2024
Last month, the last units of the Smart ForTwo came off the line at the plant in Hambach, France. There are rumors that Smart is brooding on a successor but has difficulties finding partners to join forces for the project. Smart Europe CEO Dirk Adelmann recently announced that the company is developing a new platform […]
