Author: Lucas Martin

BMW Group reported lower battery-electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries during the first half of the year, as declining sales in China weighed on global performance despite stronger demand in Europe. The automaker said its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands delivered 204,295 fully electric vehicles between January and June, down 7.4% from the same period a year earlier. The first half, however, showed contrasting trends. After weaker performance in the first quarter, BMW returned to growth in the April-to-June period, delivering 116,807 battery-electric vehicles, up 5.2% year over year. European Demand Drives Second-Quarter Recovery BMW attributed the second-quarter improvement to the rollout…

Hyundai is developing a more advanced version of its virtual gearshift technology for future N performance electric vehicles, adding simulated engine idle sounds, vibrations and exhaust pops to create a more engaging driving experience. According to German publication Golem, citing an interview conducted by Autocar with Hyundai Head of Development Manfred Harrer, the enhanced system builds on the virtual gearshift introduced in the Ioniq 5 N, which simulates gear changes while adjusting power delivery and sound to mimic the characteristics of a high-performance internal combustion vehicle. More Immersive Driving Experience Harrer said Hyundai is working on adding simulated engine idling,…

Hyundai is strengthening its electric vehicle manufacturing operations in Turkey with the addition of a dedicated battery assembly facility at its plant in İzmit, supporting production of the upcoming Ioniq 3 electric vehicle. The battery plant forms part of a broader €715 million investment programme that will prepare the facility for large-scale EV production and increase local manufacturing capabilities. Battery assembly added to Ioniq 3 production plans Hyundai previously confirmed that the Ioniq 3 would be manufactured at its Turkish facility, with series production scheduled to begin in August. The company has now revealed further details about the associated battery…

European bus manufacturers have called on European Union institutions to introduce targeted “Made in Europe” requirements for public bus procurement, arguing that stronger measures are needed to protect the continent’s industrial base and ensure fair competition. In an open letter dated June 8, 2026, manufacturers Beulas, HESS, Solaris Bus & Coach, and VDL Bus Group urged European Commission leaders, EU member states, and EFTA countries to adopt policies that prioritize European-made vehicles and strengthen local manufacturing capabilities. The appeal comes as European institutions continue negotiations on the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act and broader reforms to the EU’s public procurement framework.…

Cupra has confirmed that its Tindaya concept vehicle will enter series production, with the future flagship crossover expected to reach the market in the coming years. The announcement was made by Seat and Cupra CEO Markus Haupt, who revealed that development work on the production version is already underway. However, the company has yet to decide whether the model will retain the range-extender electric powertrain showcased in the concept or launch as a fully electric vehicle. The Tindaya was first unveiled at the IAA Mobility show in Munich in September 2025 and is expected to sit above the battery-electric Tavascan…

Skoda Auto has started series production of its new all-electric Epiq at the Volkswagen Navarra plant in Pamplona, Spain, marking a significant milestone in the Czech automaker’s electrification strategy and its collaboration within Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core (BGC). The Epiq becomes the first Skoda model ever manufactured in Spain and the second vehicle in the company’s current European lineup to be produced outside the Czech Republic. The move allows Skoda to preserve production capacity at its domestic plants while expanding its electric vehicle portfolio in the fast-growing entry-level EV segment. First Skoda Built on the MEB+ Platform The Epiq…

The electric vehicle industry is advancing through gradual improvements in battery technology rather than relying on a single transformative breakthrough, according to a new briefing released by EV charging solutions provider Versinetic. The company argues that ongoing gains in battery chemistry, manufacturing efficiency and durability are delivering meaningful improvements in performance and cost, while supporting the emergence of multiple battery technologies tailored to different applications. Versinetic said the market is increasingly moving toward a diversified ecosystem of battery solutions rather than converging around one dominant cell design. Incremental Improvements Shape the Market The briefing highlights how steady advances in existing…

The Kia EV4 has become the first model from the South Korean automaker to qualify for the United Kingdom’s maximum £3,750 Electric Car Grant, reducing the vehicle’s entry-level on-the-road price to £30,995. Kia UK said the EV4 was upgraded from the grant scheme’s Band 2 category, which provided a £1,500 discount, after additional sustainability documentation was submitted and the vehicle’s European-produced battery underwent reassessment. The incentive is available to both private buyers and fleet customers. Grant Reduces Entry-Level EV4 Pricing The maximum grant applies to the EV4 Air Standard Range, Air Long Range and the newly introduced Motion grade. With…

Skoda Auto is preparing to launch the Epiq, a new compact electric SUV positioned as one of the most affordable models in the Volkswagen Group’s growing family of small battery-electric vehicles. The Epiq joins the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo and Cupra Raval as the third model based on the group’s new small EV platform strategy. The vehicle is scheduled to reach European markets from September, with production taking place in Spain. Skoda has positioned the Epiq as a compact SUV aimed at customers seeking practicality, flexible interior space and relatively affordable pricing. The automaker initially announced a starting price of…

Stellantis is preparing to focus the majority of its future investments on four core brands—Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat—under a proposed restructuring strategy, according to a report by Reuters citing multiple sources familiar with the matter. The plan, which has not been officially confirmed, is expected to be presented in May by Stellantis Chief Executive Antonio Filosa as part of a broader strategic update. According to the report, Stellantis intends to introduce a “leader-follower” model across its 14-brand portfolio. Under this approach, Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat would receive significantly increased investment to drive the development of new models and…

BMW has unveiled China-specific versions of its Neue Klasse-based electric models, the iX3 and i3, at Auto China, marking the first Neue Klasse vehicles developed in China for the domestic market. The new long-wheelbase variants reflect established preferences among Chinese customers for increased rear passenger space. BMW said both models have been extended to improve comfort, with reports indicating the wheelbase has grown by around 10.8 centimetres to approximately 3.01 metres, increasing overall vehicle length to about 4.89 metres. “These are the first models in the biggest future project in BMW’s history: the Neue Klasse,” said Oliver Zipse during the…

Czech automaker Skoda Auto has unveiled updates for its electric models, the Skoda Elroq and Skoda Enyaq, introducing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in entry-level variants and significantly higher towing capacities in higher-spec models. The Elroq 60 and Enyaq 60 variants will adopt LFP battery cells, offering 61 kWh gross and 58 kWh net capacity. These are paired with a new APP350 motor delivering 350 Nm of torque and 140 kW of output, replacing the previous APP310 unit and improving efficiency. Skoda said the updated models will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds for the Elroq 60…

SEAT and its performance brand Cupra have begun the final preparations for series production of the all-electric Cupra Raval at the Martorell plant near Barcelona, the company said, as the facility transitions toward large-scale electric vehicle manufacturing. The project has entered the pre-series industrialisation phase, during which production processes, logistics and quality standards are validated under conditions close to full-scale manufacturing. The company described the development as the start of the “countdown to series production.” The Raval will be the first electric vehicle built at Martorell, followed shortly by the Volkswagen ID. Polo, a key model in the Volkswagen Group’s…

Chinese automaker BYD is aiming to exceed 50,000 new vehicle registrations in Germany in 2026, more than doubling the 23,306 units recorded in 2025. The target follows a slower-than-expected rollout last year, when the company fell short of an earlier sales objective set for 2025. Speaking to Handelsblatt, BYD Germany chief executive Lars Bialkowski said the company intends to meet and surpass the previously announced target this year. The goal had originally been outlined by BYD’s Europe leadership for 2025 but was delayed as the company built out its local retail and service network. See also: BYD Disputes Stellantis CEO…

Audi is preparing to unwind one of its most ambitious branding experiments of the electric era, after acknowledging that its odd-even model numbering strategy created more confusion than clarity for buyers. The approach, introduced in recent years, was meant to neatly separate powertrains: odd numbers for combustion models and even numbers for electric vehicles. In practice, it led to long-established nameplates being reassigned, most notably turning the A4 sedan and Avant into the A5—previously a badge reserved for coupes and Sportbacks. Dealers were left explaining the logic, while customers struggled to reconcile familiar names with unfamiliar positioning. See also: Audi…

ZF Friedrichshafen AG and BMW Group have signed a long-term, multi-billion-euro supply agreement extending their partnership on ZF’s 8-speed automatic transmission through the late 2030s, reinforcing cooperation as powertrain technologies continue to evolve. The agreement centers on the continued supply and ongoing development of ZF’s 8HP automatic transmission, which will be adapted to meet the requirements of future electrified drive concepts. Both companies said the deal provides long-term planning stability amid rapid shifts toward electrification and stricter emissions standards. See also: ZF to End Select E-Mobility Projects as Slower EV Uptake Weighs on Profitability “Together with BMW, we are sending…

BMW has begun handing over the first units of its new BMW iX3 to customers in Germany, ahead of the model’s official pan-European market launch scheduled for March 7. The battery-electric mid-size SUV, which will be available at BMW dealerships across Europe from that date, has already been delivered to a small group of customers at an event held at BMW World in Munich, the company said. Among the first recipients were German actors Kostja Ullmann and Christoph Maria Herbst, as well as model and long-time BMW brand ambassador Lena Gercke. See also: BMW to Equip 2026 iX3 with New…

Ford Motor has appointed Christian Weingärtner as General Manager of Passenger Vehicles in Europe, effective Feb. 1, creating a new leadership role as the automaker accelerates its restructuring and electric vehicle strategy in the region. In the newly established position, Weingärtner will be responsible for the strategic direction and operational execution of Ford’s passenger vehicle business in Europe. His remit includes overseeing the rollout of a new generation of affordable battery-electric vehicles under Ford’s strategic partnership with Renault, which was announced in December, the company said. See also: Ford and Renault Announce Strategic Partnership for European EVs and Commercial Vans…

Peugeot has unveiled a refreshed version of its 408 fastback crossover at the Brussels Motor Show 2026, introducing a sharper exterior design and a series of incremental technology updates while retaining its existing electrified powertrain options. The most visible changes are found at the front, where the 408 adopts a revised lighting signature featuring split units. The upper section incorporates Peugeot’s three-claw motif, serving as daytime running lights and animated turn indicators, while the main headlights are positioned lower and integrated into gloss black trim to reduce their visual prominence. A redesigned grille gives the model a more pronounced appearance,…

China and the European Union have reached an agreement on price undertakings for Chinese electric vehicle exports to the bloc, a move that could pave the way for replacing additional tariffs imposed following the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation. In a statement released on Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said both sides agreed on the need to provide general guidance on price undertakings for Chinese exporters of passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to the EU. The aim is to address the EU’s concerns in what the ministry described as a pragmatic, targeted and World Trade Organization (WTO)-compliant manner. See also: China and…