Author: Harding Greenwood

Stellantis announced plans on Monday to manufacture dual-clutch transmissions for hybrid vehicles at its Termoli plant in Southern Italy, even as the site remains part of a joint venture’s broader assessment for an electric vehicle battery production hub. The Termoli facility, which currently produces engines, is one of three European locations where the Stellantis-led joint venture, Automotive Cells Company (ACC), has proposed building EV battery gigafactories. While production has already started at a facility in France, plans for similar plants in Italy and Germany were put on hold last year as ACC shifted focus to lower-cost batteries amid slowing EV…

Kia has revealed images of its upcoming electric vehicle, the EV4, ahead of its official debut at the company’s annual Kia EV Day on February 27. The model, which will be available as both a saloon and a hatchback, remains largely consistent with the original concept design, reflecting Kia’s earlier commitment to staying true to its initial vision. The EV4 adopts a distinctive design, featuring angular lines, bold creases, and a sleek profile. It incorporates Kia’s signature “Tiger Face” front-end styling, accompanied by vertical head- and tail-lights, as well as a wide stance to enhance its visual presence. See also:…

Hyundai has officially launched its first flagship electric vehicle (EV), the Ioniq 9, in South Korea, marking a significant step forward in its electrification strategy. The Ioniq 9 is the largest electric SUV in Hyundai’s lineup, boasting what the company calls “best-in-class” interior space and the longest driving range among its electric models. Available in both six- and seven-seat configurations, the Ioniq 9 offers a variety of trim options, starting with the seven-seat “Exclusive” model priced at 67.15 million won (approximately $46,000) and going up to the premium “Calligraphy” six-seater at 79.41 million won ($54,500). See also: Hyundai’s “Dream” Solid-State…

Zeekr has finalized its integration with Lynk & Co, setting the stage for a new automotive group targeting annual sales of one million vehicles. The premium electric vehicle subsidiary of Geely Holding Group announced the completion of strategic transactions with Geely entities, making Lynk & Co an indirect, non-wholly owned subsidiary. See also: Volvo Cars Finalizes Sale of Lynk & Co Stake to Zeekr, Agrees to Distribution Partnership Zeekr now holds a 51% stake in Lynk & Co, while Geely retains the remaining 49%. The integration will see Zeekr focus on mid-size and large battery electric and hybrid vehicles priced…

Lynk & Co, majority-owned by Zeekr, announced limited-time discounts on its hybrid models, the Lynk & Co 07 EM-P and the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P, as competition in China’s auto market intensifies. The Lynk & Co 07 EM-P hybrid sedan is available in three variants, originally priced at RMB 159,800, RMB 169,800, and RMB 179,800. After an RMB 8,000 discount, the starting prices are reduced to RMB 151,800, RMB 161,800, and RMB 171,800, respectively. See also: Volvo Cars Finalizes Sale of Lynk & Co Stake to Zeekr, Agrees to Distribution Partnership For the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P hybrid…

Iveco has provided 40 eDaily electric vans to VIR by JP, a subsidiary of the French logistics company Jacky Perrenot Group, marking a significant step toward sustainable transportation in the commercial vehicle sector. These vehicles are designed to meet the growing challenges of environmental zones in city centres and support green delivery services. However, the vans delivered to VIR by JP are not complete electric vans, but instead chassis that have been customized with bodies suited for the delivery of heavy and bulky goods such as furniture, household appliances, and fitness equipment. See also: Iveco Bus Secures Largest Electric Bus…

The 2025 Ram ProMaster EV is set to become a more accessible option for businesses and private customers with a significant price reduction. While the 2024 model started at $77,995, the 2025 version of the electric van will be priced at $58,490, a 27% decrease year over year. This price cut comes with the addition of new body styles, including a regular-length cargo van and an extended-length version, both featuring the ProMaster’s “High Roof” option, making it a more versatile and affordable choice in the electric vehicle (EV) market. See also: Flexis Unveils Electric Van Models with 450 km Range,…

Zeekr has launched its first models in Egypt, marking its debut in the African market as part of its international expansion strategy, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer announced on Monday. The company introduced the Zeekr 001 shooting brake and the Zeekr X compact SUV at an event in Cairo on February 11. The Zeekr 001 is priced from 2.7 million Egyptian pounds ($53,350), while the Zeekr X starts at 2.1 million Egyptian pounds. See also: Zeekr Marks Milestone with 15,000 Overseas EV Deliveries, Expands Global Reach Zeekr has established its first store in Cairo and plans to expand its…

The 2025 Kia EV9 has been named Best Electric Vehicle of 2025 by Cars.com, cementing its status as one of the top electric vehicles (EVs) in the market. This prestigious recognition, part of Cars.com’s annual Best Of rankings, celebrates standout vehicles across various categories, with the EV9 taking the top spot in the electric vehicle segment. Kia’s all-electric, three-row SUV was praised for its impressive combination of range, fast-charging capabilities, comfort, and advanced technology, making it a compelling option for both families and EV enthusiasts. See also: Kia Teases Three Electric Vehicles, Including EV4 Sedan, PV5 Van, and EV2 Concept…

Mazda plans to invest 5 billion baht ($150 million) in Thailand to manufacture electric compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs), Thailand’s Board of Investment announced on Thursday. The investment is aimed at supporting both domestic sales and exports to Japan and other markets, including Southeast Asian countries, with a target production volume of 100,000 units per year. “This investment is to support domestic sales and exports to Japan and other countries, such as ASEAN (Southeast Asian) countries, targeting a production of 100,000 units per year,” said Mazda President Moro Masahiro, as quoted by the investment board. See also: Mazda to Introduce…

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) recently completed a real-world winter performance test to assess the effects of extreme cold on electric vehicle (EV) range and charging. The test, conducted between Ottawa and Mont Tremblant in sub-zero temperatures, included 14 EV models that represent over two-thirds of Canadian EV sales. The results underscored the challenges that many Canadians face regarding EV performance in winter, with significant reductions in range and slower charging speeds. See also: Kia’s EV5 Set for Exclusive Launch in Canada, No Plans for US or Mexico in North America Key findings from the test revealed that EV range…

German car subscription service FINN has announced the successful closing of a new asset-backed security (ABS) financing program, “ABS II,” valued at up to €1 billion. This funding is intended to facilitate the expansion of FINN’s vehicle fleet within Germany and support its planned growth across Europe. The financing is backed by leading financial institutions, including Citi and Jefferies, with Avellinia Capital also increasing its commitment to FINN’s fleet financing. “For our second ABS financing, we were able to secure the backing of several of the world’s most renowned financial institutions,” said Nikolai Schröder, COO and co-founder of FINN. “This…