Author: Lucas Martin

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…