Author: Nico Romano

Volkswagen Group is reportedly in advanced discussions with Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-Tech over the creation of a joint venture for PowerCo’s battery cell factory under construction in Sagunto, Spain, according to Spanish trade publication La Tribuna de Automoción. The reported talks come as Automobilwoche reported that PowerCo regularly reviews strategic partnership opportunities while maintaining it has no plans to relinquish control of the Valencia gigafactory. Joint Venture Proposal Under Discussion According to the report, the negotiations are being led by Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology Thomas Schmall and have progressed significantly, with Gotion Chief Executive Officer Zhen Li…

Stellantis has agreed to sell its entire stake in the Free2move car-sharing business to investment company Mutares SE & Co. KGaA, with the transaction expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. The divestment forms part of Stellantis’ capital allocation strategy under its FaSTLAne 2030 plan, which prioritizes investment in regions, brands and technologies expected to generate stronger long-term returns. https://evmagz.com/mobileye-to-supply-cloud-enhanced-adas-technology-for-stellantis-vehicles-from-2027/ Free2move to Operate as Independent Mobility Platform Free2move provides short- and long-term free-floating car-sharing services through a mobile application and operates fleets across 14 cities in Europe and the United…

Fersa will showcase its latest bearing and drivetrain technologies at Automechanika Frankfurt and IAA Transportation in September, highlighting products designed for both conventional and electric vehicle platforms. New Products for Passenger and Electric Vehicles The Spanish manufacturer will exhibit at Hall 3.0, Stand C30 during Automechanika Frankfurt from September 8–12, before appearing at Hall 12, Stand E48 during IAA Transportation in Hannover from September 15–20. Among the featured products will be Fersa’s second-generation Fuel Efficient wheel end hub assemblies, developed to meet increasingly stringent efficiency requirements from European vehicle manufacturers. According to the company, the updated hub assemblies incorporate optimized…

Spain has approved the regulatory framework for its new Auto+ incentive program, introducing a centrally managed subsidy scheme for electric vehicle purchases that will remain in effect through the end of 2030. The program replaces the previous MOVES III initiative and is designed to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles while simplifying the grant application process. Only vehicles that qualify for the Spanish Directorate General of Traffic’s (DGT) ZERO-emissions environmental label will be eligible for support. Two Funding Streams Introduced The Auto+ program is divided into two funding pillars based on the type of buyer. The first pillar is aimed…

Volkswagen has opened order books for the new ID. Cross in Germany, with the electric crossover initially available in a single 155 kW front-wheel-drive configuration paired with a 52 kWh battery. Taking into account Volkswagen’s current purchase incentive, prices start at €34,025, while the previously announced entry-level model priced from €27,995 is expected to become available from mid-October. Initial Launch Focuses on Higher-Spec Models The ID. Cross Life has a list price of €36,525, which falls to €34,025 after Volkswagen’s current €2,500 purchase incentive. The better-equipped Style trim is priced at €39,110, or €35,610 after a €3,500 purchase incentive. The…

The Spanish government has approved nearly €105 million in funding to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure and support fleet electrification, reinforcing the country’s transition to zero-emission transportation under its broader España Auto 2030 strategy. The funding package includes more than €97 million for the Moves Corredores de Recarga program, which will finance 341 charging infrastructure projects expected to install 2,674 fast-charging points along Spain’s main transport corridors. Fast-Charging Network Receives Majority of Funding The government said the charging projects will be implemented across 15 autonomous communities on the Iberian Peninsula, with Andalusia receiving the largest number of approved projects at…

Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-Tech has officially launched plans for a major battery materials complex in Valladolid, Spain, committing approximately €950 million to establish a cathode materials production facility alongside a large-scale battery recycling plant. The investment, unveiled in cooperation with Spain’s Ministry of Industry, will be backed by €138 million in grants under the country’s Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) programme. Two-Phase Battery Materials Project Construction of the industrial complex is scheduled to begin in 2027 on a 12-hectare site near Valladolid. The first phase will focus on building a battery recycling facility capable of processing…

Italian public transport operator CTM Cagliari has placed 47 Iveco E-Way electric midi buses into service, completing the city’s largest-ever fleet renewal programme under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The new battery-electric buses are now operating on some of Cagliari’s busiest urban routes as part of the city’s strategy to transition to a fully zero-emission public transport fleet by 2030. Electric Midi Buses Enter Service The newly delivered Iveco E-Way buses measure 10.7 metres in length and 2.33 metres in width, making them well suited for operating through Cagliari’s narrow city streets and densely populated urban areas. The…

Fiat has unveiled a new micromobility strategy centred on a family of compact battery-electric vehicles designed to address both passenger transportation and urban commercial services. Presented during an event in Rome, the strategy brings together the Fiat Topolino, the Fiat Tris commercial vehicle and the newly revealed Multiplina Concept under a single mobility ecosystem aimed at supporting sustainable urban transport. Topolino Continues to Drive Growth The Fiat Topolino remains the cornerstone of the company’s micromobility portfolio. According to Fiat, the battery-electric light vehicle led Europe’s electric light vehicle market in 2025. The company also expects second-quarter 2026 orders to reach…

Foxconn has introduced its Foxtron electric vehicles in the Czech Republic for the first time, using its Czech Tech Day exhibition to highlight the company’s strategy of expanding beyond electronics manufacturing into integrated mobility solutions. Held at Foxconn’s facility in Pardubice, the event also featured artificial intelligence infrastructure, humanoid robotics and digital twin technologies. Foxtron EVs Make Czech Debut The exhibition showcased two Foxtron electric vehicle models. The compact Model B offers a driving range of up to 516 kilometres, while the seven-seat Model D is designed for family and commercial use with a claimed driving range of up to…

Avatr Technology has officially entered the Greek market through a partnership with automotive group Autohellas, marking another step in the electric vehicle manufacturer’s European expansion strategy. The agreement follows Avatr’s broader plan to establish a stronger presence across Europe as it accelerates its international growth. Partnership Strengthens European Expansion Avatr signed a cooperation agreement with Autohellas, one of Greece’s largest automotive companies with operations covering vehicle distribution, retail, long-term leasing and mobility services. The group also has a presence across Greece, the Balkans, Cyprus and Portugal through its automotive businesses. Its Velmar dealership network represents several international vehicle brands, including…

Spain is preparing to launch its new Plan Auto+ electric vehicle subsidy programme, with applications expected to open in July and funding available retroactively for eligible vehicles purchased from 1 January 2026. The programme replaces the previous Moves III scheme and will be administered directly by Spain’s central government rather than regional authorities. According to La Tribuna de Automoción report, the detailed rules and application process are expected to be published in the Spanish Official Gazette in early July. The government has allocated €400 million to the programme. Industry reports suggest that more than half of the available funding could…

Ferrari has appointed former BMW Italy chief Massimiliano Di Silvestre to lead its commercial operations, a move that comes shortly after the launch of the company’s first fully electric vehicle, the Luce. The leadership change follows the decision by long-time Ferrari commercial chief Enrico Galliera to step down and pursue new professional opportunities, according to Reuters report. Leadership Transition Follows EV Debut Galliera, who has overseen Ferrari’s global sales and marketing activities for several years, reportedly delayed his departure to support the launch of the Luce, Ferrari’s first battery-electric vehicle. The model’s unveiling generated significant attention and sparked extensive debate…

WeRide and Uber plan to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the Greater Zurich Region later this year, expanding their autonomous mobility partnership into Switzerland. The companies said the service will be available through the Uber app, subject to regulatory approvals and in collaboration with Switzerland’s Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Zurich will become the fifth city covered under WeRide and Uber’s global partnership, which targets deployments across 15 cities worldwide. Second European Expansion in Two Weeks The Zurich announcement follows plans unveiled earlier this month to introduce robotaxi services in Madrid, marking the second European market announced by the partners…

Ferrari’s first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, may play a strategic role beyond expanding the Italian marque’s electrified lineup. According to a report by Bloomberg, the luxury automaker could integrate the model into its customer allocation system, potentially giving buyers improved access to future limited-production Ferraris. Luce may become a pathway to exclusive Ferraris Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that Ferrari has indicated within parts of its collector and enthusiast community that purchasing the new Luce could help customers secure priority access to future high-demand models. Several Ferrari buyers interviewed anonymously by the publication suggested that the…

Skoda has revealed new details about the extensive testing programme behind its upcoming flagship electric SUV, the Peaq, ahead of the model’s world premiere on June 23. The nearly 4.90-metre-long vehicle is set to become the largest model in Skoda’s all-electric range when it enters the market in mid-2026. According to the Czech automaker, prototypes of the Skoda Peaq have covered more than 1.5 million kilometres during development. Testing took place across three continents and included some of the world’s most demanding environments, from the extreme heat of the Arizona desert to freezing conditions more than 200 kilometres north of…

Kiel Transport Company (KVG) has awarded Daimler Buses a contract to supply 28 battery-electric articulated buses, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027 as the German public transport operator continues its transition toward a fully electric fleet. The agreement, which includes an option for five additional vehicles, follows a Europe-wide procurement process in which Daimler Buses was selected as the most economical bidder. According to the companies, the evaluation considered operating and lifecycle costs, compliance with KVG’s technical requirements, the vehicle’s high-voltage architecture, and sustainability criteria. Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G Selected for Fleet Expansion The order covers four-door Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G…

Skoda Auto has released the first exterior design sketches of the upcoming Peaq, offering an early glimpse of the automaker’s future flagship electric SUV ahead of its global debut later this month. The all-electric model, which will feature three rows of seating, is scheduled to make its world premiere on June 23 in Monnetier-Mornex, France. The Peaq is expected to become a central part of Skoda’s expanding electric vehicle lineup as the Czech automaker broadens its presence in the family-oriented EV segment. Modern Solid Design Language Takes Center Stage The design sketches showcase the latest interpretation of Skoda’s Modern Solid…

Fiat has released the first official images of the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback, two new C-segment models that will form part of the brand’s effort to strengthen its presence in the family mobility market. The two vehicles share a common global platform but target different customer preferences through distinct body styles. Both are scheduled to launch in Europe, the Middle East and Africa during the second half of 2026, with availability also planned for Latin America. Two Approaches to Family Mobility The Grizzly is positioned as a family-oriented sport utility vehicle designed to maximize interior space and practicality through its…

MG Motor, the passenger vehicle brand owned by China’s SAIC Group, has confirmed plans to establish its first manufacturing facility within the European Union, selecting north-western Spain as the location for a new production plant. The project, valued at approximately €200 million, is expected to become a key element of the company’s long-term European expansion strategy as Chinese automakers increasingly seek local production capacity within the region. The factory will be built in the Galician port city of Ferrol and is scheduled to begin operations in 2028. Local Production Strategy The investment comes as Chinese automakers face growing pressure to…