Brussels Mobility mobilizes schools to ensure children’s safety in traffic

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. […]

Limburg offers free truck training amid Europe’s 500,000-driver shortage

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 […]

France and Germany strike car deal, but Toyota isn’t buying it

October 16, 2026

France and Germany have struck a provisional deal to soften Europe’s 2035 emissions rules in exchange for stronger protection of European car production. Although it still requires approval from other EU countries and the European Parliament, the compromise between the bloc’s two largest economies significantly increases its chances of becoming law. But Toyota, whose European […]

Phone at the wheel: Belgian police catch 2,564 drivers in two days

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, […]

Tesla’s long-awaited Roadster can fly. But can Musk deliver?

October 16, 2026

Nine years after its original unveiling, Tesla has finally shown a radically redesigned Roadster that can drive upside down, accelerate like a rocket, and even perform aerial flips. The Texas demonstration was undeniably spectacular. But behind Elon Musk’s latest technological extravaganza lie some uncomfortable questions about broken promises, road legality, and whether customers will ever […]

‘Flanders drops used-car checks despite 93,000 safety failures’ (update)

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 […]

BMW invests in e-motor production in Steyr

October 15, 2026

BMW plans to establish state-of-the-art production of power electronics and inverter components at its Steyr plant in Austria by 2029. This initiative aims to strengthen the Steyr plant’s technological expertise, increase value creation within the company, and further anchor key electric-mobility know-how in Austria. By the planned start of production in summer 2029, BMW aims […]

Is Chinese Avatr following Hongqi into Europe’s luxury trap?

October 15, 2026

At the Paris Motor Show, Avatr confirmed rumors that it will enter Europe next year, starting in select markets. Within three years, the brand promises six models in the higher end of the market. But it risks becoming a leap of faith, reminiscent of Hongqi’s failed plans. Launching first in Norway and Spain, Avatr will […]

Airbus expects increasing compettion from Chinese Comac

October 15, 2026

Just a few years ago, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus wasn’t particularly concerned about the rise of Chinese aircraft manufacturer Comac. These days, however, Airbus is carefully adjusting its language. “Hardly a week goes by without us discussing competition in China,” said Lars Wagner, Airbus’s Head of Commercial Aircraft, during a recent press conference in Toulouse. […]

Q3 sales update for the Belux car market: BEVs account for two-fifths

October 15, 2026

According to data from the sector federations Febiac and Traxio, the Belux car market continues to shift toward electrification. The professional market has driven this shift so far, but the same trend is now emerging in the individual buyer market. In the first nine months of 2026, BEVs accounted for 39.1% of all newly registered […]

Lufthansa, not Air France-KLM, acquires a stake in TAP

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 […]

The world’s first all-solid-state battery factory is a converted lithium-ion line

October 15, 2026

Chinese battery manufacturer Greater Bay Technology (GBT) has started series production of all-solid-state battery cells at its plant near Guangzhou. The company claims this is a world first, as all benchmark players are still trialing pilot lines. GBT, a battery cell developer backed by automotive group GAC, has officially opened its first factory for solid-state […]

Stellantis in Paris: the rest of the Europeans

October 15, 2026

With the largest stand, featuring no fewer than 60 models, Stellantis is making a strong statement at the Paris Motor Show. And that showed across all brands. Today we’re looking at concepts from Alfa Romeo, DS, Lancia, and Opel. And then there’s also Leapmotor. Stellantis and Leapmotor are deepening their collaboration far beyond distribution. This […]

Belgian Zero rider sets 436-km electric motorcycle range record

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 […]

Xpeng unveils GL6 in Paris to cement European premium ambitions

October 14, 2026

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Xpeng unveils its new flagship, the G9L. The large electric SUV is available to order now, with a starting price of €74.990 in the Belgian market. The G9L has to support Xpeng’s claims to the premium segment. It launches as Xpeng grows in Europe while facing tough competition in […]

IRENA: ‘EVs could help solve renewables’ growing grid dilemma’

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 […]

BMW Group sales regress because of China; BEV sales on the rise

October 14, 2026

In the third quarter of this year, the BMW Group delivered 551,072 cars, down 6.3% from Q3 last year. In contrast, the group sold 110,257 all-electric cars worldwide, up 7.2% year on year. Sales grew significantly in Europe and Germany. However, in the first nine months, the electric-vehicle balance sheet still showed a deficit. In […]

Who pays for Brussels riot damage? Shared mobility users, eventually

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 […]

Tesla brings updates for Model 3 to further improve sales

October 14, 2026

Tesla’s second most popular model after the Model Y SUV, the Model 3 sedan, is getting an update. No major changes like the ‘Highland’ update three years ago, but small improvements with no price increase. The updates could read like a case of ‘staying ahead’, since Tesla seems to be on a roll. It delivered […]

Europe’s EVs shield it from oil shock, saving Benelux $1 billion a year

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 […]

ACC reaches five million battery cells but is it enough?

October 14, 2026

Automotive Cells Company (ACC) has celebrated its five-millionth French-made battery cell, just as shareholder Stellantis prepares to temporarily halt production at two factories because of insufficient battery supplies. So, behind the motor show glamour, mass production still has some caveats. How can a battery supplier meet its contractual commitments and still leave its biggest customer […]

Fiat Multiplina and Multiplay remind of the brand’s versatility and people-friendliness

October 13, 2026

Stellantis’ biggest Italian brand, Fiat, brought a modern Italian piazza to the Paris Motor Show. Open, colorful, and welcoming, the stand shows the brand’s latest models and concepts in a meeting place inspired by everyday Italian life. Since 2021, Fiat has been Stellantis’ leading brand by volume, and in 2026 it has already sold more […]

Alpine explores its options with the A310 Vision concept

October 13, 2026

Alpine, the sporty branch of the Renault Group, has unveiled the A310 Vision at the Paris Motor Show 2026. The electric sports car concept harks back to the original A310, which was launched exactly 55 years ago in 4-cylinder trim, and 50 years ago in the iconic V6 form. While Alpine is still working on […]

Six Benelux projects join Europe’s battle to reduce reliance on China

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 […]

Brussels and Wallonia reform road taxes ahead of Belgian vignette

October 13, 2026

Starting in July 2027, residents of the Brussels Region will be subject to a new vehicle tax. The government led by Minister-President Boris Dilliès (MR) has reached an agreement on this matter. Small city cars, zero-emission vehicles, and classic cars will be exempt from the Brussels vehicle tax. In contrast, the purchase of large and […]

Dutch drivers reject Belgian tolls, but the Netherlands charges too

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 […]

BYD expands five-minute charging to new European flagship Atto 8

October 13, 2026

BYD is bringing its ultra-fast Flash Charging technology to its European model range with the new Atto 8, a seven-seat electric SUV unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Known in China as the Tang L, it takes over the flagship position currently occupied by the Tang, sold in Belgium from €72,000. Offering up to 653 […]

Peugeot revives two iconic models in Paris

October 13, 2026

Peugeot presented two electric concept vehicles at the Paris Motor Show: The E-T16 Concept draws inspiration from the 205 T16 rally car and is said to reference the new E-208 in its interior. The RCZ Vision represents an electric reinterpretation of the RCZ Coupe, featuring a solid-state battery. Like many other European brands in the […]

Double the battery, same two passengers: Smart unveils the #2 

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 […]

Citroën’s iconic 2CV is back: Time 2 meet again? (update)

October 13, 2026

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Citroën is reviving an icon by unveiling the 2CV Concept, “a modern, ingenious and refreshing response to the mobility challenges of tomorrow”, as Citroën puts it. Inspired by the spirit of the original, this concept embodies the core values that have always defined the 2CV: affordability, lightness, practicality, versatility, […]

Renault’s E-Space reveals a new direction for family cars

October 13, 2026

Renault has fully unveiled its electric E-Space Concept at the Paris Motor Show, revealing a futuristic six-seat interior that looks more like a living room than a conventional car. While the French manufacturer still has no plans to produce the MPV itself, it confirms that one of its most striking innovations, the 1.13-meter-wide OpenR Panorama […]

Tesla sacrifices ‘Full Self-Driving’ name in battle for EU approval

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 […]

World first: CMB.TECH’s ammonia-powered bulk carrier makes history

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 […]

Climate protests grow again, but is Europe losing its green momentum?

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 […]

New VW ID. Tiguan replaces and corrects ID.4 hiccups

October 12, 2026

VW has unveiled its new electric ID. Tiguan to replace the ID.4 in early 2027. The more recognizable nameplate has to appeal to a broader range of customers in one of the most crucial vehicle segments. The new model also has to erase bad memories of some of the less-appreciated choices VW made for the […]

Europe puts Chinese hybrids on a leash, but can’t tame competition

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 […]

Stellantis unveils six concept cars at Paris Motor Show

October 12, 2026

Today is the press day at the Paris Motor Show; the show will be open to the public from tomorrow until the 18th. On the eve of the Paris Motor Show, Stellantis welcomed guests and media to “The Night Before”, an exclusive event at the iconic Hangar Y, in Paris. The event unveiled Stellantis’ vision […]

Putin’s electric dream has a Chinese battery problem

October 12, 2026

Russia’s electric-car and plug-in-hybrid market is booming, partly fuelled by petrol shortages following Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. President Vladimir Putin now wants the country to develop cutting-edge battery technologies, as state-owned Rosatom opens its second gigafactory. But Russia’s EV ambitions face an uncomfortable reality: much of its electric-car industry still depends on Chinese […]

Renault 4 gets cheaper LFP battery and €27,600 price tag in Belgium

October 09, 2026

Renault’s strategy to make its electric models more affordable is taking shape. Following similar improvements to the Renault 5 in August, the French carmaker is introducing a new entry-level Renault 4 with a smaller LFP battery, a less powerful electric motor and a Belgian starting price of €27,600. That is €2,300 below the Renault 4’s […]

Aggression against Belgian rail staff leads to twice as much sick leave

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 […]

Dutch regulator scaled back Tesla FSD review after €365,000 billing row

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 […]

Belgium’s EV tax honeymoon ends in 2027: why ordering now matters

October 09, 2026

Belgium’s electric company cars are approaching another fiscal turning point. From January 2027, newly ordered EVs will lose part of their generous tax deductibility for the first time. Leasing company Ayvens estimates that postponing an order for 50 BMW iX1s until next year could cost the company almost €35,000 over five years. But does that […]

Chinese-built Freelander heads for Europe with smaller battery

October 09, 2026

The reborn Freelander brand, jointly developed by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and China’s Chery, has officially confirmed Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands among its European target markets. But the international Freelander 8 will be considerably different from the powerful Chinese version: its battery is almost halved, while output drops from 818 to 617 hp. As […]

Is the EU considering quota tariffs to limit Chinese hybrid imports?

October 08, 2026

After the Chinese government rejects voluntary export limits on hybrid cars to the EU, the European Commission is reportedly considering a quota combined with tariffs to achieve this. Rather than imposing blanket tariffs, Bloomberg sources indicate tariffs could be imposed on cars when their volume exceeds a certain level, creating a trade imbalance. After previously […]

More electric cars, but no further drop in Flanders’ emissions

October 08, 2026

Despite the growing popularity of electric cars, greenhouse gas emissions in Flanders have stopped falling for the third consecutive year. The uncomfortable finding comes just days before thousands of climate protesters are expected to return to the streets of Brussels on Sunday, October 11th, demanding stronger action against global warming. According to the Flemish Energy […]

Toyota reinvents its hydrogen bus, but does Europe still need it?

October 08, 2026

Toyota has launched the second-generation Sora, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell bus for public transport. Built in collaboration with Isuzu, it promises more range thanks to improved efficiency. But will it be able to convince European customers? While zero-emission buses in Europe are mostly battery-electric, hydrogen-powered fuel cell solutions can be seen as a viable alternative […]

Last M7s roll out as Alstom Bruges faces an uncertain future

October 08, 2026

In the coming weeks, the French train manufacturer Alstom will build the last M7 double-decker railcars for the NMBS/SNCB railway company in Bruges. The last of the 751 ordered cars is expected to be ready by the end of the year, but after that, it is a complete unknown – or at best, full of question […]

Tesla’s ‘grey kitten’ problem exposes limits of its vision-only bet

October 08, 2026

Tesla wants its Full Self-Driving technology to conquer Europe, but CEO Elon Musk has highlighted one awkward edge case facing its camera-based approach: detecting small, low-contrast objects in the dark. His example? “Grey kittens on grey tarmac.” Tesla recently extended the operating hours of its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, from 10 p.m. to 11 […]

Porsche changes course with a sweeping turnaround strategy

October 08, 2026

Under the name ‘Sportwagenschmiede ’35’, to be interpreted as ‘sports car craftsmanship in 2035’, Porsche just unveiled a sweeping strategy to cut costs sharply and focus on its most profitable vehicles in the coming years. Porsche has to be smaller and leaner again, ‘value over volume’, producing fewer but more profitable cars. “With our strategy, […]

ANWB: Europe’s EV drivers venture further, charging bills remain lottery

October 08, 2026

European electric car drivers are venturing further afield than ever, with Austria and Italy recording spectacular growth in holiday charging sessions. But while range anxiety is fading, unpredictable charging bills remain a headache. One Dutch driver even received a bill exceeding €400 for a single charging session in Paris. New figures from the Dutch motoring […]

BMW launches the iX4 coupé version of the iX3 and an M60 top version of both

October 08, 2026

BMW continues to expand its ‘Neue Klasse’ family with the new iX4, a sporty electric SUV coupé positioned between the iX3 and the larger iX5. The model will launch in three all-wheel-drive variants, including the 450 kW iX4 M60 xDrive top version, which will also arrive in the iX3. Prices for the iX4 start at […]

From 61,000 to seven: Belgium’s busiest and quietest train stations

October 08, 2026

With an average of more than 60,000 passengers boarding on weekdays, Brussels’ 3 main stations remain the busiest train stations in Belgium. This was revealed by figures from the public railway company NMBS/SNCB, which used a new and more accurate counting method. The contrast with the quietest station could not be greater: in Hourpes in […]

Renault taps Michelin executive for key finance role

October 07, 2026

Renault Group has appointed Carine Damois as its new Chief Financial Officer, bringing in an experienced finance executive from Michelin as CEO François Provost continues to shape his leadership team. She will take up the position on November 14. Damois has been Deputy CFO of Michelin since 2021 and has more than 20 years of […]

Friday strike chaos: 40% of Brussels Airlines flights canceled

October 07, 2026

Brussels Airlines expects major disruptions on Friday due to the union protests against federal government measures. About 4 in 10 scheduled flights to and from Brussels Airport have been canceled due to disruptions expected at the ground-handling provider Alyzia. Service provided by the Flemish public transportation company De Lijn will also be severely disrupted that […]

Belgium to test Swedish-style ‘alcohol gates’ at public venues

October 07, 2026

Belgium wants to introduce Swedish-style ‘alcohol gates’ at public locations as part of a broader crackdown on drink-driving. The system, already used in Sweden, requires drivers to pass a breath test before a barrier opens, preventing those over the limit from entering the public road network. The federal government plans to test the technology at […]

Traxio: ‘Used speed pedelecs sales nearly doubled in three years’

October 07, 2026

Registrations of new speed pedelecs during the summer months were, on average, just under 20% higher than last year. As a result, the total figure for the first nine months – 12,293 units – is a remarkable 13.4% higher than in 2025, and 14% higher than in 2024. “If this rapid growth continues over the […]

Jaguar Type 01: ‘And now for something completely different’

October 07, 2026

Jaguar has officially unveiled its long-awaited Type 01 purely electric car in New York on Tuesday, October 6. The manufacturer is attempting to repeat the past, not with copycat styling from its bin of classics, but with a car so bold it turns heads like the sleek E-Type sports car once did. The Type 01 […]

Renault’s electric E-Space hints at the return of the ‘real’ Espace

October 07, 2026

Renault spent the past decade gradually turning its pioneering Espace people carrier into an SUV. Now it seems to be reconsidering that decision. The new electric E-Space Concept goes back to the one-box proportions, spacious cabin and family-focused philosophy of the 1984 original. The concept will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show […]

EV road trip to Albania: was it really cheaper than gasoline? (part 3)

October 07, 2026

Range wasn’t the problem. Neither was finding chargers. But after 4,157 kilometers from Belgium to Albania and back, with electricity costing anything from nothing to almost €0.90/kWh, one question remained: what did the trip actually cost? And how does that compare with gasoline or diesel? In Parts 1 and 2 of our EV road trip, […]

Antwerp, Rotterdam and Rhine-Ruhr ports deepen alliance

October 06, 2026

At a Port Summit in Meise, the ports of Flanders, the Netherlands, and North Rhine-Westphalia signed an agreement to collaborate more closely and effectively in the future, particularly in circular value chains and automated freight transport. Together, the ports and the surrounding industrial area form the European Union’s largest economic and logistical hub, generating about […]

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