Author: Theo Dupont

Smart said Wolfgang Ufer, currently head of the brand in Germany, will become Head of Smart Europe from March 1, 2026, as part of a planned leadership transition aimed at maintaining continuity in the region. Ufer will succeed Dirk Adelmann, who will take up the role of chief executive of Mercedes-Benz Switzerland on the same date. Smart said the appointment reflects a focus on “continuity and a clear next step in its European development,” noting that Ufer has built extensive market and brand expertise during his tenure in Germany. See also: Smart #5 Receives Euro NCAP Best in Class Award…

France is nearing the conclusion of the second round of its electric vehicle “social leasing” programme, after allocating all 50,000 subsidised vehicles made available under the scheme, the government said. The initiative, aimed at helping low-income households lease electric cars at below-market rates, was first launched in early 2024 and reached its initial cap within six weeks. The government relaunched the programme in the summer of 2025, reopening applications at the end of September. According to the French Ministry of Economy, all vehicles under the second round have now been allocated, although automotive magazine L’Argus reported that a waiting list…

Renault has presented the Filante, a new E-segment crossover equipped with the company’s full hybrid E-Tech 250 powertrain, combining a turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors, according to the automaker. The Filante is built on the CMA platform and will be produced at Renault Korea’s Busan plant. Market introductions are scheduled to begin in South Korea in March 2026, followed by selected markets in Latin America and the Middle East at a later stage, Renault said. See also: Renault’s Twingo E-Tech Electric to Make Public Debut at Brussels Motor Show The hybrid system pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine…

New electric car registrations in Germany rose to a record 545,142 units in 2025, marking a 43.2% increase from the previous year and lifting battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to nearly one-fifth of the country’s passenger car market, according to official data and new analysis from market researcher Dataforce. Figures from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) show BEVs achieved a market share of 19.1% in 2025, up from 13.5% in 2024, despite the overall passenger car market remaining broadly flat at around 2.9 million registrations. Dataforce said the rebound was driven primarily by fleet customers, while demand from private buyers also…

Mazda has expanded its electric vehicle lineup with the CX-6e, a mid-size battery-electric crossover introduced for the European market. The model follows the launch of the Mazda 6e sedan and represents another step in the company’s gradual transition toward full electrification outside North America. The CX-6e made its European debut at the Brussels Motor Show 2026 after first being shown in China last year, where it is known as the EZ-60. The vehicle will be produced in China through Mazda’s joint venture with Changan Automobile and is based on the same underlying platform as the Changan Deepal S07. Mazda has…

Porsche Engineering is testing an artificial-intelligence-supported “soft switching” approach designed to significantly reduce power losses in electric vehicle inverters, a development the company says could lift driving range by a high single-digit percentage in certain operating ranges. According to the German automaker’s engineering arm, simulations show that intelligent control of power transistors could cut switching losses by as much as 95%. In electric vehicles, the inverter is a major source of inefficiency, with losses typically divided into line losses—caused by the residual resistance of transistors—and switching losses that occur as transistors move between on and off states. See also: Porsche…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Zeekr has launched the 7GT electric sedan in Europe, introducing a high-performance model built on an 800-volt architecture as it continues to expand its presence across the region. Unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show 2026, the Zeekr 7GT is priced from €45,990 for the rear-wheel-drive Core version, with higher-spec Long Range and all-wheel-drive variants priced up to €57,490. The model is positioned as a driver-focused grand tourer combining fast charging, long range and high output. See also: Zeekr and Intellias Showcase AI-Based Infotainment Testing at CES 2026 The 7GT is offered with either a 75 kilowatt-hour…

Renault said its Twingo E-Tech Electric will make its first public appearance at the Brussels Motor Show 2026 from Jan. 9 to Jan. 18, 2026, marking the next step in the rollout of the automaker’s compact electric city car. The model, first revealed in November 2025, will be displayed alongside Renault’s wider electric vehicle lineup, including the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, Renault 5 E-Tech Electric and the performance-oriented Renault 5 Turbo 3E. Brussels will be the first opportunity for the public to see the Twingo E-Tech Electric in person, ahead of international press driving events planned for spring 2026. See…

Toyota Motor has introduced the Urban Cruiser, a new battery electric sport utility vehicle positioned in the B-segment, as part of its ongoing expansion of electric vehicle offerings in Europe. The Urban Cruiser becomes the latest addition to Toyota’s battery electric SUV range, joining the revised bZ4X and preceding the planned launch of the all-new Toyota C-HR+, bZ4X Touring and a battery electric Hilux from 2026. Toyota said the strategy is intended to give the brand a presence across the main electric SUV segments in the region. See also: Toyota Announces 2026 Mirai Fuel Cell Sedan With 402-Mile Range and…

Chinese automaker Changan Automobile is expanding its European footprint with the launch of two fully electric SUV models in Italy and Spain, with plug-in hybrid versions due to follow in 2026, company executives said. Chongqing-based Changan, part of a second wave of Chinese carmakers entering Europe after early movers such as BYD and Chery, has already begun selling vehicles in eight European markets, including Germany, Britain and Norway. In Italy, Changan will offer electric versions of its Deepal S05 and S07 sport utility vehicles, priced from 39,990 euros ($46,880) and 44,990 euros respectively, Giuseppe Graziuso, Changan’s adviser for Italy, said…

Nio has expanded the European presence of its Firefly brand, beginning customer deliveries in Denmark and Greece following earlier launches in Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria. The company announced the milestone on 10 December via its social media channels, marking the latest step in its phased rollout across the region. See also: Nio’s Firefly Ships EVs to Europe, Eyes Expansion Into North America In Denmark, the Firefly is priced from 209,900 DKK (about €28,100), while in Greece, the compact EV starts at €31,900. The model is currently offered only with a purchased battery in both countries, as Firefly’s Battery-as-a-Service…

Stellantis’ Citroen brand has presented the ELO, an all-electric concept vehicle designed as a highly modular and compact minivan, which the company describes as an “ideas laboratory.” The ELO, measuring 4.10 meters in length, is intended to reimagine the vehicle as a multi-purpose living space that facilitates travel, relaxation, leisure, and work. The name ELO is an acronym for the concept’s core functions: REST, PLAY, WORK. See also: Citroen e-C5 Aircross Long Range Qualifies for Full £3,750 Electric Car Grant in the UK The design prioritizes interior volume and function over traditional automotive form, offering a surprisingly spacious cabin capable…