Author: Joshua Morris

Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, has confirmed the automotive giant’s strong backing of the European Union’s 2035 ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, despite the hurdles of launching electric vehicles (EVs) and gaining consumer acceptance. Speaking at a media roundtable during the Paris Auto Show, Tavares emphasized that Stellantis is not only prepared for the European transition to EVs but also ready for stricter emissions and fuel economy regulations in the United States. “We want to be on the right side of history,” Tavares stated, adding that Stellantis is not requesting any delays in the transition, as delaying would…

Porsche has issued its first recall for the newly refreshed 2025 Taycan in the United States, citing a glitch in the rear-view camera system. The recall affects 183 Taycan units built between March 27, 2024, and August 19, 2024, and while relatively minor, it poses a potential safety risk. The issue stems from a software bug that causes the rear-view camera to fail to activate in a timely manner when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, particularly if the visual park assist function is triggered by an object in front of the car. This failure to meet Federal Motor Vehicle…

Kia has disclosed the pricing for its upcoming EV5 midsize electric SUV in Australia, positioning it as a competitive alternative to the Tesla Model Y. Originally set for a June release, the EV5 launch was delayed due to issues with software and wheels. These have now been resolved, with the first trims expected to hit the market soon. The Air and Earth variants will arrive shortly, followed by two GT-Line versions slated for a December launch. According to the Kia Australia website, the entry-level FWD Air Standard Range trim will be available with a starting drive-away price of A$56,770, making…

Transdev Nederland Holding has selected Solaris Bus & Coach to supply 96 battery-powered buses, with deliveries set for the last quarter of 2025. This significant order aligns with Transdev’s commitment to advancing zero-emission mobility in the Netherlands. The new fleet will operate in the province of Utrecht, which currently runs 50 bus lines and serves 30 million passengers annually. The Solaris buses, equipped with High Energy batteries known for their capacity and efficiency, will contribute to the company’s goal of transitioning to an entirely zero-emission fleet in Utrecht. Transdev Nederland is already familiar with Solaris vehicles, with its subsidiary Connexxion…

ARK Invest’s Director of Investment Analysis & Institutional Strategies, Tasha Keeney, has forecasted that Tesla may launch its Robotaxi Network by 2025 or 2026, with or without the use of its recently unveiled Cybercab. Keeney, alongside ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood, attended Tesla’s “We, Robot” event on October 10, where they previewed the Cybercab, which is expected to play a key role in the company’s autonomous ride-hailing service. Despite the introduction of the Cybercab, Keeney noted that Tesla’s existing fleet—equipped with Hardware 3 and 4—could enable the automaker to launch the Robotaxi Network through over-the-air software updates, bypassing the need…

ZF has inaugurated its new 800V Test & Validation facility at its research and development hub near Solihull, UK, marking the company’s first such laboratory in the country. This facility will also offer validation testing services to external parties, supporting advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology. The shift from the conventional 400-volt architecture to 800 volts presents significant advantages, particularly in reducing EV charging times. ZF aims to accelerate the adoption of this technology, stating that “up to 10 percent efficiency gains are possible” when combined with Silicon Carbide MOSFETs, which may also lead to smaller battery sizes. The facility,…

Leapmotor, the latest Chinese automaker aiming to make waves in Europe, has unveiled its B10 compact SUV at the Paris Motor Show. Backed by automotive giant Stellantis, Leapmotor is preparing to enter a competitive European market, undeterred by looming EU tariffs. The B10, set to challenge rivals like the Kia EV3, Jeep Avenger, and Hyundai Kona, aims to offer high-tech features at relatively affordable prices. Built on Leapmotor’s advanced LEAP 3.5 platform, the B10 promises a host of modern features, including advanced driver assistance systems, a customizable digital cockpit, and smart connectivity options. Two versions are expected—a fully electric model…

Hyundai Mobis has announced a strategic partnership with German optics company Zeiss to develop an innovative technology that will transform the entire front windshield of vehicles into a display. This collaboration, unveiled on October 13 at Hyundai Mobis’ technology research center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, focuses on creating a “holographic windshield display” (Holographic HUD), promising to redefine the driving experience. The Holographic HUD represents a significant leap in automotive technology, converting the front windshield into a transparent display that provides drivers with a wide range of driving information and infotainment options, including music, videos, and games, without requiring them to…

The Irvine Police Department (IPD) has purchased a Tesla Cybertruck for its fleet, not for traditional patrol duties but to foster positive interactions between officers and the community. The unusual move, likened to police arriving on horseback or with K9 units, is meant to spark conversations and enhance community engagement. However, the U.S. portal Electrek raised the question of whether a vehicle costing around $100,000 is necessary for initiating conversations. Critics are questioning if such a large investment is appropriate, with some doubting that the Cybertruck delivers a welcoming, approachable image for community outreach. “It doesn’t exactly give off the…

Trambuses in Paris, originally commissioned by Île-de-France Mobilités from Van Hool, will now be manufactured by Swiss company Hess. A total of 56 units are expected to be operational in the French capital. According to French media outlet Ville Rail & Transport, the public transport authority sought a new manufacturer after Van Hool declared bankruptcy, prompting VDL to discontinue production of Van Hool city buses. Following this development, Île-de-France Mobilités has reportedly reached an agreement with Hess to fulfill the order. The trambus was officially showcased at Busworld 2023. In March 2024, Van Hool’s crisis manager, Marc Zwaaneveld, expressed concerns…

Lilium, the Munich-based developer of flying taxis, is facing a significant hurdle as the German government is unlikely to provide a long-awaited loan guarantee. According to a report by Der Spiegel, the federal budget committee has not reached an agreement on a potential €50 million loan for the startup, casting uncertainty over further financial support from the German state of Bavaria. The company has been awaiting a decision for months, hoping to secure a state guarantee for a loan of at least €100 million. Lilium had previously warned that it may consider relocating its operations if it did not receive…

Production of Zeekr’s 7X SUV faced a temporary disruption due to a fire at one of the electric vehicle maker’s second-tier suppliers, potentially impacting deliveries of the model, the company stated. The incident, which occurred at the supplier’s facility, caused a delay in parts supply but did not result in any injuries. The fire incident was confirmed by Zeekr’s vice president Zhu Ling on Weibo on October 12. “The plant is not a Zeekr facility, and no one was injured in the fire,” Zhu said. He added that Zeekr had assisted the supplier in resuming normal production, with its factory…