EU’s intended tariff wall against cheap steel evokes mixed reactions

October 08, 2025

The European Commission wants to erect a tariff wall to protect the strategically important steel industry from global overcapacity. Welcomed by the European steel industry, which is in a state of survival, but met with skepticism by European carmakers who fear higher production costs. Specifically, the Commission wants to limit tariff-free imports of steel from […]

Tesla’s stripped-down Model 3 and Y cost $5,000 less in US

October 08, 2025

After launching an upgraded “Premium” version of the Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, Tesla has also introduced a stripped-down “Standard” version of its two core models. They now list at $5,000 less in the US: $36,990 for the Model 3 Standard and $39,990 for the Model Y Standard. Prices for Europe have not […]

Mercedes EV sales are picking up again

October 08, 2025

Mercedes’ electric car sales have fallen year-on-year for six consecutive quarters. The Stuttgart-based company has now reported growth again for the third quarter of 2025, thanks in part to the new CLA. Things are also looking up for vans. Since the first quarter of 2024, Mercedes-Benz has only seen declining electric car sales. That has […]

Renault’s Ampere inaugurates Battery Cell Innovation Laboratory

October 08, 2025

Ampere, Renault’s electric subsidiary, inaugurates its Battery Cell Innovation Laboratory, a center of excellence designed to anticipate technological breakthroughs and strengthen Renault Group’s competitiveness in the electric vehicle sector. Operational since September 30, 2025, in the Lardy Technical Center, this cutting-edge laboratory is fully dedicated to battery cell prototyping and evaluation. It will play a […]

Merz ups pressure on EU Commission regarding ICE ban in 2035

October 07, 2025

The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, declared yesterday that he wants the EU Commission to abolish the EU ban on the sale of ICE cars after 2035. “I don’t wish Germany to be one of the countries supporting this bad interdiction,” he said on the TV channel NTV. The pressure of big German car companies like […]

Belgium finally has its national climate plan

October 07, 2025

After more than a year of delays, the Belgian federal government and the regions of Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region have finalized the approval of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NEKP). At the same time, an agreement has also been reached on the distribution of funds from the European Social Climate Fund. Maron: […]

Used car market has become the new normal in Belgium

October 07, 2025

Belgium’s car market is shifting gears. While sales of new vehicles continue to fall, the second-hand sector is gaining ground, increasingly becoming the backbone of automotive sales. Almost two out of three cars registered in Belgium this year were second-hand. According to the mobility federation Traxio, the summer months saw a decline in second-hand sales, […]

Tesla upgrades Model 3 and Y with more range and signal stalk

October 07, 2025

After months of sliding deliveries and growing unease about Elon Musk’s political antics, Tesla is crawling back. The American carmaker has not only retooled its two best-selling models, the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover, but also recorded a sales recovery during the third quarter of the year. Even in Europe, sales are partly […]

New NMBS/SNCB ticket prices: off-peak hours travelling will be cheaper

October 07, 2025

The announced fare reform at the Belgian public railway company NMBS/SNCB will be launched on October 15. The most significant changes to the ticket offering, the biggest change in 30 years, are fares per kilometer and a discount card. Nothing will change for subscriptions. According to the NMBS/SNCB, the average fare is expected to decrease, […]

Zeekr updates 001 flagship with 900V architecture

October 07, 2025

The Chinese EV brand Zeekr, part of Geely Holding, has announced a new design refresh for its flagship 001 EV model, the second in as many years. This latest upgrade to the 001 features Zeekr’s 900V architecture, enabling better performance and some of the fastest charging speeds we’ve ever seen. The interior also appears quite […]

Belgian ministers of public transport rally behind the Swiss model

October 07, 2025

The Belgian ministers of public transport have long been striving to make Swiss public transport a model for Belgium. Now, progress seems to be being made in implementing some of the ambitions that have made Swiss public transport so successful for many years. Belgium’s four mobility ministers are asking public transport companies to submit a […]

Hip and (very) affordable: the Dacia Hipster Concept (Update)

October 06, 2025

With the Hipster Concept, Renault’s low-cost brand, Dacia, aims to reinvent the future of electric mobility, making it ‘ultra-affordable’ and ‘ultra-essential’. Or, in short, the Dacia way of thinking. And, after some investigative work, we found that the price of a production version could be around €15,000. “Dacia Hipster Concept breaks with automotive conventions and […]

Nissan cancels EV production plans in the U.S.

October 06, 2025

Nissan Motor has announced it is no longer going ahead with plans to produce two new EVs at its Canton plant in Mississippi from late 2028 / early 2029. It will instead examine the production of hybrid SUVs at the plant from 2028. Nissan’s original plans to produce EVs at the plant in 2028 had […]

Dacia revamps compact range, including a hybrid Sandero

October 06, 2025

Dacia, Renault Group’s budget brand, has given its entire compact range a refresher with technology from the larger Duster and Bigster models. Plus, the cheap electric Spring gets a new battery and far more powerful motors, enhancing its usability. While low prices are still a staple at Dacia, the Romanian manufacturer’s model range has become […]

Belgian trade union publishes 11th black book on motorway parking areas

October 06, 2025

The socialist transport workers union BTB-ABVV has once again published a black book on Belgian motorway parking areas. “Unsafe, inadequate, and uncomfortable” is the conclusion of the 11th review, which examined more than 50 parking areas in Belgium and abroad. “It’s high time that policymakers, employers, and clients take responsibility,” says Tom Peeters, deputy federal […]

Belgium’s new road code delayed to 2027

October 06, 2025

Belgium’s long-awaited reform of its road rules will take effect later than planned. The new road code will now come into force on 1 June 2027, or nine months after the previously announced date. According to the Road Safety Institute Vias, the delay stems not from political disagreement over the reform itself, but from coordination […]

Voyah launches Courage SUV EV in the Benelux

October 03, 2025

Voyah Benelux has announced that the new Courage electric SUV is available to order. The company is the importer of Chinese brands, including Voyah, Dongfeng, and Mhero, all of which are issued by the Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Dongfeng is one of the oldest and most significant Chinese car manufacturers, producing approximately 3.5 million vehicles annually. […]

Safer cycling thanks to new helmet technology RLS

October 03, 2025

Much has been written about the possible introduction of compulsory bicycle helmets, but everyone agrees that wearing one protects you better against head injuries in the event of a fall. London-based start-up RLS has recently developed an innovative technology for bicycle helmets that significantly reduces the risk of concussions and traumatic brain injuries in the […]

Low well-being among aviation personnel puts pressure on safety

October 03, 2025

A new study funded by the European Commission and conducted by Ghent University on the working conditions of pilots and cabin crew at airlines in the EU reveals some alarming trends that are not necessarily encouraging for airline passengers. High workloads, fatigue, stress, and feelings of dehumanization are commonplace, and the pressure for efficiency and […]

Dieselgate: agreement VW Group and Winterkorn annulled

October 03, 2025

The German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has annulled a resolution of the VW Group General Assembly dating from 2021 stipulating that former CEO Martin Winterkorn had to pay €11.2 million to the company for its responsibility in the gigantic scandal of fraud diesel software commonly known as ‘Dieselgate’. The agreement also foresaw a €4.1 […]

BMW Group wants top innovation for its plants

October 03, 2025

Last Tuesday, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, officially opened the BMW Group plant in Debrecen. The BMW Group’s newest and most innovative production site marks the beginning of a new era for the company. Meanwhile, BMW Group Plant Leipzig is planning a hydrogen pipeline link, paving the way for […]

Heijmans unveils Europe’s first self-driving electric road roller

October 03, 2025

Dutch construction giant Heijmans has launched what it claims to be Europe’s first autonomous electric road roller. The prototype must help tackle labour shortages and cut emissions on infrastructure projects. Heijmans is one of the Netherlands’ biggest construction firms. As part of tightening tender rules, it has been steadily preparing its heavy-duty equipment for zero-emission operations, primarily […]

Fast-charging stations plagued by criminals hunting copper

October 03, 2025

Germany’s growing network of fast-charging stations for electric cars has become an unlikely target for crime. In a worrying trend, thieves are cutting cables for the copper inside. Operators warn of mounting costs and disruption, as the wave of thefts spreads across several regions. With more than 42,000 fast-charging points across Germany, the country boasts […]

Polestar 3 already gets an extensive update with 800V batteries

October 02, 2025

Just over a year after its launch and more than three years after its initial presentation, the Polestar 3 is receiving an extensive update. For the 2026 model year, the electric SUV has become faster in every aspect, from acceleration to charging, and even in terms of processing power. The Polestar 3’s launch, like its […]

ZF to cut 7,600 jobs in restructuring of core powertrain division

October 02, 2025

German car parts supplier ZF has reached a deal with unions and employee representatives to eliminate an additional 7,600 jobs. The cut is part of a restructuring push at its largest business unit. After Bosch announced similar measures, the strains on the automotive supplier industry are mounting. The job-cutting plan from ZF affects Division E, […]

Isuzu D-Max EV arrives in Europe (Update)

October 02, 2025

After unveiling the prototype of its electric one-ton truck last year, Isuzu has commenced production of the D-Max EV in Thailand, with the first models scheduled to arrive in key European markets just now. The UK and other right-hand-drive markets are expected to follow in 2026. In Belgium, pricing starts at €71,015, excluding VAT. While […]

New Eurostar uniforms nod to European cultural diversity and gender neutrality

October 02, 2025

The approximately 2,600 employees of the Eurostar high-speed train service have been sporting new uniforms since yesterday. This is the first comprehensive uniform revamp for the company in over a decade. The 54-piece collection reflects the European spirit and is inspired by the various European cities served by Eurostar. In addition to cultural references to […]

Belux car sales in September show slight decrease of 0.5%

October 02, 2025

According to data from the federal public service Mobility & Transport and sector federation, Febiac, 31,519 new cars were registered in September. Compared to the same month last year, this represents a 0.5% decrease. Overall, registrations fell back 9.2% during the first three quarters of the year, while 323,868 new cars were registered. Febiac expects […]

Smaller Mercedes eActros 400 gets the long-range 600’s tech

October 02, 2025

The mid-size Mercedes eActros 400 has been updated with technology from the larger eActros 600 long-range heavy e-truck. It gets an integrated e-axle, new LFP batteries, and the latest cockpit experience. It also replaces the eActros 300 as the entry-level electric truck in the range. Daimler Truck calls it the second-generation eActros, which not only […]

Most EV drivers complete journeys without recharging en route

October 02, 2025

A Dutch survey analyzing the habits and pain points of EV drivers has successfully separated some facts from fiction about electric driving. It appears that more than half never need to charge their cars while underway, and that the overwhelming majority charge their cars using solar panels. If you’re looking for the real needs of […]

Vias: Half of accidents involving pedestrians do not occur while crossing streets

October 02, 2025

Almost half of incidents involving pedestrians occur when they are on the sidewalk, a bike path, or in a pedestrian zone, and not when they are hit while crossing the street, as is commonly expected. This is according to a new study by the Traffic Safety Institute Vias. Also noteworthy: 1 in 5 accidents or […]

Why electric buses are at the heart of VinFast’s European strategy

October 02, 2025

“We have always considered Europe to be one of our most defining markets, not only because of its economic potential, but also because its ambitions in Europe align with our own vision of a greener, more sustainable future,” said Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy, Chairman of VinFast. As tangible proof of that commitment, VinFast has […]

Kia unveils EV5 for Korea and Europe, to arrive end of 2025 (Update)

October 01, 2025

Kia’s new EV5 mid-sized SUV, built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, delivers up to 530 km range, fast charging, V2L/V2G power capabilities, and advanced safety. It is scheduled to launch in Korea and Europe in late 2025; pricing has just been communicated and starts at €45,990. Kia’s EV5 is a fully electric mid-sized SUV built on […]

Study reveals Google Maps eclipses traditional navigation

October 01, 2025

For two decades, the car dashboard has been a battleground between the tech industry and traditional manufacturers. New figures suggest that the first have won over the driver, but carmakers are far from ready to concede. A survey of 1,000 Dutch motorists by ‘Ikwilvanmijnautoaf.nl’ found that more than half of them rely primarily on Google […]

Bpost delivers emission-free in Brussels with electric vans and bicycles

October 01, 2025

Starting today, Belgian postal company Bpost will deliver its parcels and mail in the 19 municipalities of Brussels completely emission-free. According to Bpost, this makes the capital the first European metropolis where postal workers make their daily rounds completely emission-free. 565 electric delivery vans and 57 electric bicycles with trailers make 728 rounds every day, […]

NMBS/SNCB urged to sell tickets via TrainPoints

October 01, 2025

At the Belgian public railway company NMBS/SNCB, only 6,5% of tickets are still purchased at ticket offices, compared to 50% a decade ago. This is logical, considering that there are only 91 stations with ticket offices left, which are often only open in the mornings. The Mobility Committee is now asking NMBS/SNCB to launch a […]

Porsche turns electric Cayenne interior into a digital lounge

October 01, 2025

During a workshop for selected media, Porsche has unveiled both the interior and some preliminary technical details of its upcoming all-electric Cayenne. As the picture shows, the SUV relies heavily on digital displays that cover the full length of the dashboard. But there’s also news from under the seats where engineers claim the redesigned battery […]

Curtain falls on Tihange 1 nuclear power plant

September 30, 2025

Four in a row, because after the Doel 3, Tihange 2, and Doel 1 nuclear reactors were permanently shut down earlier, on Monday night, the plug will also be pulled on Tihange 1. The nuclear reactor has been in service for 50 years, although the Belgian government hopes that this is not the end of […]

Renault CEO François Provost: ‘Europe must focus on lower EV prices’

September 30, 2025

The recently appointed new CEO of the Renault Group, François Provost, gave his first international press interview recently at the IAA in München. His central message was clear: EU legislators should focus on reducing the cost of BEVs, rather than forcing manufacturers to sell significantly more of them. The Frenchman was recently named CEO of […]

Volvo launches long-range electric coach with diesel-like range

September 30, 2025

Swedish bus maker Volvo Buses has unveiled a new coach chassis capable of travelling up to 700 kilometers on a single charge. The BZR Electric platform, already used in its intercity buses, has been reconfigured with an expanded battery system that surpasses much of the competition. The new milestone bus is ready for Scandinavian and […]

New social leasing plan in France for EVs

September 30, 2025

France is launching a new round of its social leasing plan for the purchase of electric cars, aimed at lower-income households. The system was also launched last year, but was suspended after about six weeks because the budget was quickly exhausted as the number of validated orders was much higher than expected. For this year, […]

Skoda plugs the past into the future with this 110 R Coupé Concept

September 30, 2025

For a company best known today for pragmatic family cars and SUVs, Skoda has turned unexpectedly nostalgic. Its design team has unveiled a concept that revives one of its most cherished models, the 1970s 110 R Coupé, but with an entirely modern electric spin. The original 110 R, a coupe from behind the Iron Curtain, […]

Mitsubishi’s new Eclipse Cross starts at €47,990

September 30, 2025

Mitsubishi has reintroduced the Eclipse Cross name to European roads, but this time, the badge will adorn the rear of a French-built electric SUV. The Japanese carmaker has unveiled a fully electric Eclipse Cross this month, with first deliveries planned by the end of 2025. Prices will start at €47,990 for the Intense base version. […]

Lufthansa to cut 4,000 administrative jobs mostly in Germany

September 29, 2025

Lufthansa plans to reduce its administrative workforce by approximately 4,000 by 2030. Most of the jobs will be lost in Germany. The jobs will become redundant because processes “will be digitized, automated, and consolidated,” says the German airline group. Brussels Airlines expects a “limited impact”. At the same time, the group also announced “the largest […]

Engie’s Vilvoorde-based BESS starts as one of Europe’s largest battery parks

September 29, 2025

After the construction of a large gas-fired power plant encountered permitting issues, Engie developed the country’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on its historic site in Vilvoorde, on the outskirts of Brussels. The 320 battery modules each contain dozens of battery packs, storing large amounts of electricity. Located north of Brussels, the Vilvoorde site has […]

China to tighten grip on electric car exports including foreign brands

September 29, 2025

China will require exporters of pure electric cars to obtain government licences as of next year. This will lend Beijing full authority over which models leave its borders and which companies are allowed to compete abroad. The decision aims at controlling the ongoing price wars. However, from a diplomatic perspective, it provides Jinping’s administration with […]

Belgian flat rate for home charging decreases but becomes permanent

September 29, 2025

Anyone in Belgium who charges their electric company car at home will receive reimbursement from their employer for the charging costs. Since January, a flat-rate amount has been applied because the actual price is virtually impossible to calculate. This flat rate, which reimburses the cost of charging electric company cars at home, will decrease from […]

Smart’s first plug-in hybrid #5 EHD launches in China (update)

September 29, 2025

Smart has officially launched pre-sales in China for its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the #5 EHD (Electric Hybrid Drive). It marks a significant shift for a brand once committed to being BEV-only. Prices start at 189,900 yuan (some €24,000), and deliveries are expected before year’s end. The Smart #5 EHD had already been listed in […]

Volkswagen halts production at German EV-only plants

September 29, 2025

Shortly after Stellantis announced temporary closures, competitor Volkswagen is also reducing production at several of its German electric car production sites. Sales of fully electric cars remain too weak. While the August statistics showed a spark of hope for electric cars, with an uptick of 30%, absolute sales numbers still fail to match production. Currently, […]

BMW spotlights iX3 as ‘circularity champion’ at Climate Week NYC

September 29, 2025

Last week, BMW was one of the few major carmakers present at Climate Week NYC, attempting to convince the audience of the automotive industry’s efforts toward a sustainable future by spotlighting its Neue Klasse iX3 as a milestone in circularity, efficiency, and lifecycle CO2 reduction. At the same time, on the opposite side of New […]

Green light for GEN train line between Nivelles and Brussels

September 26, 2025

Thanks to an agreement with the Flemish Brabant municipality of Linkebeek, the legal issues surrounding the expansion plans for the Brussels-Nivelles line as part of the Regional Express Network (GEN) have been resolved. Federal Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engages) and Benoît Gilson, CEO of Infrabel, signed an agreement yesterday with the first alderman […]

US takes 3-meter high charging pole idea from European playbook

September 26, 2025

A new type of electric vehicle charger is appearing on the streets of New York, as the metropolis draws inspiration from Europe to enhance its infrastructure. Unlike most of its chargers, these can’t be found at eye level. Instead, the “Voltpost Air” dangles more than three metres above the ground. It’s an unconventional attempt to […]

Ailing Brussels bicycle manufacturer Cowboy saved by Rebirth

September 26, 2025

Good news for owners of trendy Cowboy bicycles: the brand and the bicycles will continue to exist. French bicycle group Rebirth is set to acquire 80% of the Brussels-based bicycle company and will invest 15 million euros to get the manufacturer of connected e-bikes back on track. Cowboy, which lost 20 million euros last year […]

EU finds China’s first-time announced climate targets “disappointing”

September 26, 2025

China announced on Wednesday at the United Nations climate summit that it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent by 2035, a figure the European Union considers insufficient.  It was Chinese President Xi Jinping who presented the climate goals during a video address. It is the first time that China, currently the world’s […]

Bosch Mobility axes 13,000 jobs to tackle structural €2.5 billion cost gap

September 26, 2025

German Bosch, one of the largest automotive suppliers worldwide, announced that it has to axe 13,000 jobs, mainly in Germany, as “structural and personnel adjustment measures are unavoidable” to close a structural cost gap of €2.5 billion globally. Bosch states that “particularly its Mobility locations in Germany” will be affected by these cuts, which are […]

August figures show electric blitz: one in five new EU cars is an EV

September 26, 2025

European drivers are buying electric cars at record levels this year, even as the continent’s overall car market shows signs of stagnation. The latest figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) reveal battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) expanding their foothold across the region. Gasoline and diesel models face a steep decline. In August, registrations of BEVs […]

An electric Renault to keep a mobile mast alive for emergency calls?

September 26, 2025

Today, we all rely heavily on our mobile phones in an emergency. It’s the first thing you reach for to call for help. But what if, in a total blackout, all the cell towers go down as well? Then even a small EV like the Renault R5 E-Tech Electric can be a guardian angel. Austrian […]

Dieselgate: French customers can still claim compensation after 5 years

September 25, 2025

The Dieselgate ‘nightmare’ continues to haunt Volkswagen. Disadvantaged Volkswagen customers in France can still claim compensation five years after being informed that cheating software had been installed in their cars. This was ruled by the Court of Cassation, France’s highest Court. Previously, the limitation period for civil lawsuits related to the Dieselgate scandal was five […]

Scientists warn ocean acidification exceeds safe boundary for ecosystems

September 25, 2025

According to a 2025 report from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research (PIK), ocean acidification has now exceeded a safe boundary for ecosystems. It is the first time it is placed in the ‘danger zone’. This also means that seven out of the nine ‘planetary boundaries’ have now been crossed. This concept of ‘planetary boundaries’ […]

TotalEnergies and RWE to build France’s largest offshore wind farm

September 25, 2025

The French government has designated the French company TotalEnergies and the German RWE to build a large wind farm off the Normandy coast – the largest renewable energy project ever in France. RWE and TotalEnergies had been prequalified and are collaborating on the project’s design, development, and execution. TotalEnergies will act as operator.  The project, […]

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