Author: Shaun Williams

Stellantis has begun reintroducing diesel variants across at least seven passenger car and van models in Europe, reversing an earlier phase-out as the company adapts to slower-than-expected electric vehicle uptake and evolving customer preferences, according to an analysis of dealer websites cited by Reuters. Since late 2025, diesel versions have reappeared for models including the Peugeot 308, Opel Astra and DS 4, as well as light commercial vehicles such as the Opel Combo Van, Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter. In some markets, particularly in the van segment, the group had previously aimed for a fully electric lineup before retreating from…

Tesla has named longtime executive Joe Ward to oversee its global sales operations, according to a report by Bloomberg, as the electric vehicle maker confronts falling demand, particularly in Europe. Ward, previously Vice President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will now be responsible worldwide for sales, service and delivery. A company veteran, he joined Tesla in 2010 as a logistics intern in the United Kingdom and later moved to the Netherlands to lead sales administration before rising through the organisation. The appointment comes after a series of leadership changes. Raj Jegannathan, who had overseen sales operations since mid-2025,…

UK charge point operator Connected Kerb has acquired the “Flat & Flush” on-street charging technology and network developed by Trojan Energy, in a move aimed at expanding electric vehicle charging options for drivers without private parking. Under the agreement, which took effect immediately, Connected Kerb will continue operating Trojan’s approximately 1,500 existing public charge points and integrate the subsurface system into its broader technology portfolio. All 63 Trojan employees will transfer to Connected Kerb as part of the transaction. Trojan’s system differs from conventional charging posts by placing an electricity port beneath the pavement surface. Drivers connect a portable charger…

Blink Charging Co. said it has formed a strategic collaboration with software firm BetterFleet to deliver integrated management tools for electric vehicle fleets, combining charging infrastructure with artificial intelligence-driven planning technology. The partnership targets government agencies, utilities, transit operators and logistics companies deploying large EV fleets across North America. Blink will provide charging hardware, network services and infrastructure support, while BetterFleet contributes software designed to optimize fleet electrification. See also: Blink Charging Introduces Stablecoin Payments at Select U.S. Fast Chargers BetterFleet’s platform uses digital twin technology to create a virtual model of vehicles, charging assets, routes and energy systems. The…

Nissan has announced U.S. pricing for the 2026 Rogue Plug-in Hybrid, the automaker’s first plug-in hybrid model for the American market, with a starting price of $45,990 before destination charges. The compact sport utility vehicle, which arrives at dealerships in February, is offered in two trims: the SL at $45,990 and the Platinum at $49,990. Both versions include standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, while destination and handling fees add $1,495 to the base price. Nissan said the vehicle delivers an estimated 38 miles (61 km) of all-electric driving range on a full charge and up to 420 miles of total range…

Electric vehicle retail startup Ever has raised $31 million in a Series A funding round led by venture firm Eclipse, as it seeks to scale a digital marketplace designed specifically for buying and selling used EVs. The round included participation from Ibex Investors, Lifeline Ventures and JIMCO, the investment arm of Saudi Arabia’s Jameel family. The company describes itself as an “AI-native, full-stack auto retail business” and says it already serves thousands of customers through a hybrid online and physical sales model. Investors argue that conventional attempts to modernize auto retail with standalone artificial intelligence tools fall short of transforming…

Valmet Automotive has signed a preliminary agreement with Jeti Industries to begin serial production of electric buses at its Uusikaupunki plant in Finland, the companies said. A final manufacturing contract is still under negotiation. If concluded, the cooperation “would mark the first time that electric buses for city and regional transport are produced in the Nordic countries in a modern automotive plant based on a contract manufacturing model,” Valmet Automotive said, noting the agreement remains conditional. Jeti Industries, founded in 2012, is developing the N1e series, a fully Finnish-designed electric bus family intended for urban and regional transport. The company…

General Motors has appointed former Lucid Motors executive Claudia Gast as deputy chief financial officer and vice president responsible for strategy, corporate development and technology partnerships, the company said. Gast will join the automaker on March 1 and be based at General Motors’ Mountain View, California offices, GM said on Feb. 9. A company spokesperson said the role is the first at this executive level to combine several functions under a single leader. See also: General Motors Urges Suppliers to Cut China Dependence Amid U.S.-China Trade Tensions Her appointment follows the departure of Zach Kirkman, who previously served as president…

Apple is exploring ways to allow third-party AI chatbot applications to run within its CarPlay system, potentially expanding how drivers interact with in-car infotainment, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter. Apple CarPlay currently mirrors selected iPhone apps onto a vehicle’s infotainment screen, enabling access to navigation, music, messaging and other functions primarily through Siri. Support for AI chatbot apps would extend CarPlay beyond Apple’s own voice assistant, opening the door to conversational AI services inside vehicles. See also: Ford Reiterates Commitment to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Amidst GM’s Decision to Phase Them Out The…

Tesla has begun operating an artificial intelligence training centre in China, marking a step toward localising development of its assisted driving and AI applications in the country, a senior executive said on Friday. The centre will focus on deploying Tesla’s AI capabilities locally for assisted driving and other AI-driven functions, Vice President Grace Tao said, according to Chinese media outlet Cailian. Tao did not disclose the facility’s computing capacity, saying only that it is sufficient to meet Tesla’s current needs in China. See also:Tesla’s FSD Tops Hyundai Internal Benchmarking of Autonomous Driving Systems Earlier on Friday, Tao said Tesla would…

Uber said it has appointed Balaji Krishnamurthy as its new chief financial officer, promoting the current vice president of strategic finance and investor relations as the company sharpens its focus on autonomous vehicle investments. Krishnamurthy will replace Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah, who is leaving Uber after three years in the role. Krishnamurthy has spent more than six years at Uber, largely within its investor relations function, and has been closely associated with the company’s autonomous mobility strategy. He also holds a board seat at autonomous vehicle startup Waabi. See also: Uber Forms AV Labs to Harness Ride Data for Autonomous Vehicle Development…

Battery-electric car registrations in the UK rose marginally in January 2026, but their share of the overall market fell to the lowest level since April 2025, industry data showed, as plug-in hybrids recorded the strongest growth among electrified powertrains. Total new car registrations increased 3.4% year on year to 144,127 units in January, marking the strongest January performance since before the pandemic in 2020, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). See also: Hyundai Kona Electric Becomes First Brand Model Eligible for UK EV Grant Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations rose just 0.1% from a…